John in NM
Hell, that maybe was no fib. Retired at 50 they probably were only able to do so by the habit of strict economy.

Although my parents weren't retired that early, my mom didn't work and my dad was a self employed contract geologist - so he was home a lot and got paid well for just enough time in the year to average out to about what I got as a full time entry level geologist after college. The difference is his house, truck, and car were all paid for and my sister and I paid for our own college educations.

The health insurance market is the only reason I'm still working at 50, otherwise I could do the same as your parents may have done because I am very frugal when it comes to everything outside of tools and wood.

I never tried an orange julius. Seemed kinda gross to me, I like tart citrus and anything bought at the mall I assumed was going to be sweet.