If you have asked me that question in the last several
weeks, you have probably heard me say something like, “If I were charged with
Retirement, there would not be enough evidence to convict.”
Yes, the Governor has been pretty slow in naming my
replacement. When I told Patty several
weeks ago that it would probably be a month before he would interview the
finalists for the position, she said, “WHAT?
Doesn’t he know you have a porch to paint?!?”
I’ve also joked that the only ones happy about this
situation are the walleyes in Rice
Lake!
I have been working a bit more than half time, covering most
calendars in Sibley County and trying to finish up a difficult case that I had
tried before my formal retirement.
This week, however, the new judge has been named: Timothy Looby, attorney from Waconia. Judge designate Looby has been a practicing
law for a long time – he and I were on opposite sides of cases before I became
a judge! When I called to congratulate
him, I learned he is most excited to begin this next stage in his career and
will do so as soon as he wraps up his practice, in about six weeks. I know that Tim will do an excellent job as a
District Court Judge chambered in Sibley
County.
When Judge Looby settles in as the full time judge in
Gaylord, it will mean that I REALLY will be retired! Up to now, I’ve been going to the same office
I used for the last 25 years – though it is missing the photos and other
personal effects that I had taken home prior to my official retirement
date. In just a few weeks, Tim’s photos
and personal effects will adorn the walls and desk of that office. If I am called on to fill in on occasion in Sibley County,
I’ll use the visiting judge’s office.
When that happens, it will become real. One chapter of my life will close and another
will open. It has been said that the
only constant in our lives is change.
And that the only one who really likes change is a baby with a dirty
diaper.
But we all adapt, every day, to the changes that happen in
our lives. No doubt, I’ll adapt as well.
In fact, I’m looking forward to trying!
And, just maybe, getting that porch painted!