Yeah, the covered calls idea is a good one - provides some downside protection in the form of income.

Well, discipline has always been a struggle for me. I doubt that I will be able to stay away that long, but I think we will have a slow grind down market between the spring and the fall, and in that kind of market, I really am best off staying away. Some stocks will do well, but I discovered long ago that I am not a stock picker. My shotgun style works great when there is a strong sector or market, but in down markets, stock selection is critical - not my forte.