Am with USAF there 80, all that is written is most certainly true.
Retiring from my military days haha! the main thing that really still come's to mind when my final day was done, it was, just imagine this after all them years of being looked after, your Out! your standing outside the gate, a suitcase in both hands of all your worldly military service belongings inside, you stand there having a think! and you say to yourself "what the fcuk am I going to do now!" lol! you answer I have a family that is depending on me, so holiday first, a good think n discussion with the missus, because do not forget it is all change for her also, and then get back on the ride that is work/life, I have never looked back with regrets.
Though I am a spouse Carer now, proud to do it and its most certainly not a job to look down upon, am also retired from work, as in running my own/our business, I awake every morning looking forward to what's install for me, incl Mrs PY, that day.
As you know I have a major interest in wildlife/birds and the rescuing of Dogs, which is so fulfilling, thus with my weight training/bike work outs my day is quite full, but must not forget watching my/our team Spurs., whether it be live or on tv.
You wrote about anagrams n crossword, one of my fave past times, I do the Express n local Evening News Cryptic crosswords everyday/evening, yes there are more difficult ones, but those two still at times fcuk me up lol! it does keep the brain active.