So let me start with the website name. The Third Period is meant to describe my stage of life (final third) with a connection to hockey (the greatest and most exciting team sport). The photo on the front page of the site is the scoreboard and clock from Maple Gardens built in 1931 and the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs (before the Air Canada which became Scotia Place). I started watching the Leafs on my parents black and white TV in their basement. It took 20 minutes for the TV to "warm-up" and TV coverage on Saturday night didn't start until 8:30 pm even though the game started at 8:00. My bedtime was 9:00 so I got to watch about 10 minutes of hockey, the first intermission, and then it was time for bed. Not good. I can't really remember but I am sure this changed over time as I got older.
When Teresa and I had our own family, one of our great traditions was watching Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights on our big screen TV (huge box not a flatscreen) in the basement. Our five children would eat dinner off their Ninja Turtle TV trays on the floor, Teresa and I behind them on the sofa. We did this for many many years until one by one the kids got older and did their own thing on Saturday nights. Fortunately watching sports together as a family has carried on as a family tradition. Leaf games, World Juniors, the Masters, the US Open (golf) on Father's Day, and much more.
So with that as background for the website name, cover photo, and connection to hockey and family what is the purpose of the website. As the front page states, I am retired, I think it is great and I would like to share some of the things that I find enjoyable about retirement. Certainly, our family and the many fun things we do together will be covered. Teresa and my travel (sometimes with the kids), will be included. I hope that it may inspire you to try new destinations or maybe help you plan your own travel as you read through our adventures.
In addition to the family, travel, and golf which I have always been focused on I have decided in my retirement to put more focus on wellness and activism.
Wellness was a focus as part of my effort to stay healthy, both physically and mentally as I age and ensure that I can enjoy life to the fullest to the very end (or as close to the end as I can push it). As part of this focus, Teresa and I have changed our diet and I have dedicated myself to a change in my daily exercise routine to ensure I maximize the many health benefits that come along with that. In addition, I have focused on family, community, reading. You will see that some of these areas overlap but hopefully will all provide some interest for those of you that decide to read along.
Activism was my newest and most different activity. I would say I had not been focused on any cause in particular up until I approached retirement. I would like to say I was very aware of current events in the world but did not delve into or support any particular cause. I could say I was too busy (career, family, etc etc) but that is really just an excuse for lack of interest and desire. There are lots of people who were as or more busy than I was and took the time to support an effort that was important to them. When I first retired I decided to join and volunteer with Amnesty International. It has been fantastic and very rewarding. More recently I have joined the Mining Integrity Solidarity Network. It has also been great to be part of.
Last thing about this blog. Although I firmly believe we all have biases and they are unveiled through our actions, speech, etc I am going to do my best not to create a site that is meant to drive a cause or an extreme point of view. These will be my thoughts, ideas, and in some cases suggestions. But that is all they are. You can take them or leave them. I am not trying to force anything on anyone. If you don't like it for some reason you can comment through the site but if you don't really like it, then don't come back, I won't be offended.
That's it, the third period has started and there is only so much time in the period (unless we go into overtime), so let's enjoy it!
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