This is the latest in an occasional series of blog posts commenting on upcoming retirement.

I believe I have crossed another threshold on the way to full-time retirement. It happened earlier today without warning.

This morning I ran into a former colleague — and current friend — while I was running some errands. She and I worked together for quite a number of years at the Amarillo Globe-News.

Then she left the newspaper. My departure would come not too many years later.

Whenever we would see each other, usually at the place where she now works, we would end up talking about so-and-so at our former place of employment; or we would mention something about such-and-such experience we might have shared. And oh yes, we also would exchange a disparaging word — or two … or three — about individuals for whom we share a mutual loathing.

Today? None of that came up. I didn’t even think of mentioning anything about anyone. I don’t know whether any of that was in her head, either.

We talked instead about grandchildren, retirement, Las Vegas (and the prospect of her possibly striking it rich on her next trip to the desert oasis).

Then we said so long. I was on my back home.

So, there you have it. Another hurdle cleared. I wonder at this moment if my friend feels the same way.