Congrats. We're probably in the same age range and to piss away time (and stress...believe it or not) for nothing is stupid. Hell, if I was retired and had a boat-load of money...it would be a cool but a tad stressful hobby but still cool. Unfortunately I'm not rich...
If you like weather, you have to get yourself more involved w/T-Storms during the Spring/Summer rather than hibernate. They are quite fun. There's no 7-10 day outlook (for the most part) ...just potential. Sitting on the back deck (enjoying a cold one) hearing that distant rumble of thunder moving in, checking radar and seeing a bunch of "red" is pretty cool.
No question winter/snow rules but there are other avenues...