Oh, the Blessings of Retirement!

Greg had to go to Jackson today to see a customer and get some papers signed, and I didn't have anything pressing on my schedule except continuing to deep-clean the den. Ummmmm, can you guess what I did? Yes, I just jumped in the car and we spent the day together! I used to dream of the time when I could do that and here it is! We popped in at Cindy's on the way home without calling her. She made the comment that it still surprises her to see us together during the day. Though we didn't stay long, it is always nice to visit with her a few minutes and hug our babies. Anyway, Greg and I had a great time just talking about this, that and the other all the way to Jackson and back! We absolutely love to be together and never seem to run out of things to discuss. And if we do, even quiet time listening to our Ian Tyson CDs is glorious! I just love this man so much. Blessed retirement...I will never take it for granted!

Retirement!

The Whole Gang!

After 19 years of working at Agri-Stor Company (named Chemical Supply Company for the first several years I was employed) I officially retired on November 14th, 2008. When Greg and I and the kids moved to Blackfoot at the end of 1989, we virtually started over with just a little furniture, necessities, and an old vehicle (and oh, did I mention a substantial amount of student loan debt from Greg returning to college at the age of 38?). Just out of school at Utah State University, Greg was offered a job as a loan officer for Idaho AgCredit Association (formerly Production Credit Association or PCA). In order to buy a home and pay off debt, it became necessary for me to work and I was blessed to meet Greg Nickerson who at that time was the manager of Chemical Supply. He was in need of a new secretary. We "hit it off" from the beginning and he hired me the afternoon of my first interview. What a wonderful job! I grew up with the company learning the computer, and then payroll, payables, and receivables when Greg bought the business.

I worked with many wonderful people over those years and formed friendships that I will always treasure. Greg Nickerson was absolutely the best boss anyone could work for. He was a manager supreme and treated me like gold. He expected my best and I always tried to give it to him because I respected him and the way he treated his employees. Other "long-timers" that I enjoyed so much were Todd Bolton, Bill Parkinson, Jeff Cox, Jeff Feld, Jason Ard, Frank Martin, Ryan Young, Bonnie Jackson and Michelle Nickerson. I also enjoyed getting to know Janet Hebdon as I trained her to take my place. Thanks to all of you both named, and unnamed who influenced my life for good and provided a positive work environment for me to enjoy each day. Bonnie, you'll always be another daughter to me! We had a great time working together, didn't we?

I was honored at our annual company party at the Fairview Inn on November 15th, 2008. Greg and his wife, Michelle, gave me the following generous gifts, some of which are pictured here: a gold Disney Mickey Mouse watch (because every retiree should have a gold watch!), a beautiful 3 diamond pendant that takes my breath away whenever I look at it, and a weekend trip to Jackson to stay at the Wort Hotel and enjoy the sleigh ride at the Elk Refuge. Thank you again, Greg and Michelle, for the wonderful party!