Many new retirees find themselves wondering how to fill their days. Here are some simple and rewarding hobbies for retirees:

Handcrafts
Hobbies like wood carving, weaving, and knitting harken back to simpler times when families had to make much of what they used by hand. These hobbies produce useful results, exercise our brains in important ways, and keep fingers limber.

Writing
Taking a writing class or joining a writing group is an opportunity to develop your skills and creativity as well as make social connections. Write memoirs, poetry, even letters, and be sure to keep a copy of what you’ve written.

Teach a Class
Experience the satisfaction of sharing your skills and passion with other people. Talk to activity coordinators at local libraries, senior centers, and community colleges about what you can offer them.

Sports
Many fitness and senior centers offer special programs for adults 50 and over. From swimming to table tennis, you’ll find that opportunities abound for fitness and fun.

Music
Playing music is fun and keeps your mind and body active. Consider taking up that instrument you've always wanted to play!

The Hearsay Gastro Lounge is a great place to see to meet up with friends for lunch, happy hour, dinner or late night. Located downtown in the historic W.L. Foley Building, you’ll like coming into the Hearsay to see how beautiful the place is, with its high ceilings, chandeliers and casual décor. Come for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and enjoy terrific deals on beers on tap and by the bottle, wine and cocktails. Wednesdays are also a good time to come for Ladies’ Night! The bar also has a good selection of bourbons and whiskeys. The lunch and dinner menus features tasty apps, soups, salads, sandwiches and small plates, with something for everyone. And the kitchen is always open late until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!

Hearsay Gastro Lounge
218 Travis Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-8079
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hearsay-gastro-lounge-houston

The next time you're craving the flavors of the deep south, consider whipping up this classic dish full of hearty flavors.

Red Beans & Rice – makes 6 servings

Ingredients
1 pound dried red beans (small red or kidney)
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced and quartered
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large smoked ham hock
2 – 3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, such as Tony Chachere's
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooked white rice, for serving

Click here for prep instructions at the Kitchn.