[Tom Hannon]

I also was in your situation but I was 62. I had a business for 38 years. Worked 70 hours a week. When you own a business...the business owns you. I was a workaholic and thought retirement was something other people did. After visiting a friend in the TV in May of 2009 (my first vacation in ten years) I feel in love. When I returned to NY, I couldn't get TV out of my mind. The relaxing atmosphere, the great people, the great life. After that visit, I had a hard time focusing on my business. I wanted to be somewhere else.
When the option for an early retirement came to my wife (a teacher) I talked her into taking it. Although she was hesitant, I wanted her to retire for my own selfish reasons. "If she hung it up, would mean I could also. I sold the shop and filed for Social Security. Only weeks after our retirement was official, we visited again to TV and purchased an Iris. People (friends and business associates) said I could never handle retirement. They were wrong and I will never look back.
Hey Skip- Only you will know when its time but if you can afford it- go for it. Your post tells me you think it's time. So do I. Congratulations on your retirement.