I moved to Mill Valley 40 years ago, but I didn’t know the city. Why? Well, for the first 37 years, I worked outside of Marin and was rarely around during the weekdays. I never took a moment to notice or even consider what life was like during the week in Mill Valley.

I retired three years ago. Being home during the week introduced me to a different city, one in which I was not familiar. I felt lost. That needed to change.

My first challenge was dealing with weekday traffic. My heart would pound as I waited for traffic, stuck at a near standstill. Who knew? When schools are open, Mill Valley traffic changes. Short drives around the area become long drives. Harried drivers crowd the streets, making almost every street treacherous. This insanity occurs twice daily during drop-off and pickup. I quickly learned the schools’ bell schedules and obsessively avoid the areas around the schools when the kids are coming or going.

Babies are everywhere in Mill Valley. I imagine in my previous work-life schedule I didn’t see them all. Or perhaps there are just more of them? Either way, babies can be seen in carriages pushed by either moms, dads or nannies. The problem is they are pushed in the streets. Sidewalks are not always an option because they’re often blocked and/or difficult to push a carriage on. I missed all the baby action when I worked. Arriving home well past baby bedtimes made certain carriage pushing was not on my radar. So, if you want to see some Mill Valley babies, get out during the day — just be careful driving!

There are five shopping markets within a 5- to 10-minute drive from my house. Each one has its subtle or not-so-subtle differences. Often, I find myself going food shopping for only a few items. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a quick trip. Fruit and vegetables are best in one store, but for the best meat, fish or bread, one must go elsewhere. To some, that might appear eccentric, to me, it means you’re an inspired shopper with time. Tip: Whatever market you’re in, stay clear of the deli during the crazy lunch rush.

Retired people shop when others are at work. There are advantages. There are no lines. Shelves are stocked with food. You must, however, learn to be cautious. Slow down as you go down aisles. Older adults take their time enjoying what might be their only outing for the day. Shopping becomes an activity as opposed to a chore.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention dining in Mill Valley. About 25% of us in Mill Valley are 65 and older. We eat less. We eat earlier. So, happy hours have become the norm. Happy hour dining reminds me of the “early bird” dinners my parents dragged me to in Florida. It was a meal we treated with scorn. Now, with a slight name change, it becomes a night out on the town.

Retirement has turned out to more exciting than I ever imagined. I learn more about Mill Valley every day!

Norman Shore is a Mill Valley resident. IJ readers are invited to share their stories of love, dating, parenting, marriage, friendship and other experiences for our How It Is column, which runs Tuesdays in the Lifestyles section. All stories must not have been published in part or in its entirety previously. Send your stories of no more than 600 words to lifestyles@marinij.com. Please write How It Is in the subject line. The IJ reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please include your full name, address and a daytime phone number.