The Big Adventure

Goldiegirl

Major excitement:j

I'm going to Canterbury on Thursday, and there's a Sports Direct in Canterbury:j

I have a feeling I'll be calling in:)

Thanks for the idea, Squirrel!

Goldiegirl

Very nice day out in Canterbury today.

I got my sandals from Sports Direct for £12.99 and they are very comfortable, so thanks to Squirrel for the tip off

I also bought a dust pan and brush. My current pan and brush is 34 years old, and the brush has barely a bristle left, so I think it's an acceptable purchase!

We had lunch in Pizza Express. I thought my Pizza Express days were over, but I had checked the menu, and there were a couple of options available to me which aren't TOO bad sodium-wise. So it felt like a real treat. I had a 30% off the food voucher and I have a 10% cash back by using my Halifax debit card. Even taking into account these discounts, what we spent was similar to what we were spending a few years ago, so I think the cost of eating out has gone up recently. So, it won't be a regular thing, but it was great for a once in a while treat.

The main reason for our outing was to see Barnum at the Marlowe Theatre, starring Brian Conley.

I was really looking forward to this show. I saw Barnum back in the 80's when Michael Crawford was in it, and I saw Brian Conley twice in Jolson about 20 years ago.

I'm pleased to report it was a fantastic show, and I think all the audience were on a high when they left:T

Karmacat

Sounds like a wonderful day out! And it was beautiful weather in the south today

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Glad you got the sandals, happy walking!

Watty1

I remember seeing Barnum many years ago with my parents. Loved it:)
Dithering about going to the Kent Show myself. Will see what the weather is like.

Goldiegirl

Watty1 wrote: »

Dithering about going to the Kent Show myself. Will see what the weather is like.

If it's anything like today, it might even be too hot ! Supposed to be getting hotter tomorrow.


We were out yesterday on a coach trip to Winchester and 'The Lavender Fields' near Alton


As is often the way with coach trips, you get not enough time at one place and too much time at the other.


We had 90 minutes in Winchester. We took a packed lunch and sat in a park to eat it and then went for a walk round. But we didn't have time to go in the Cathedral, as it would have been too much of a rush - I like to take my time over that sort of thing


Then we had two hours at the Lavender Fields, which was more than enough to see, well, a field of lavender, have a cup of tea and a scone with jam and cream (nice, and paid for as part of the coach fare) and visit the shop. I'll admit to buying a bottle of lavender bubble bath, which smells divine.


But all in all, a good day out.


Then this morning, I collected my new car.


I was sad to see my old one go, but the new one looks fantastic, and I feel comfortable driving it.


I paid for it by debit card, the first time I've ever had a five figure debt card transaction. The transaction went through without any hitches, so the bank obviously thinks this is part of my normal spending pattern! :eek:


It's alarming to see a big chunk of money disappear from your account - but it's something we've saved and planned for, and will last us for a long time


This afternoon, I've been doing some admin tasks relating to the old and new car, and now I'm just going to chill out, as it's very hot, and it's been a busy couple of days

Arkers

Hi Goldie, I love Winchester its such a delightful city and the Cathedral is well worth a look. If you are a member of the NT then the mill is also worth seeing. I know you are busy with your retirement but you may wish to pencil in a return when you have the time!:rotfl:


Just dropping in to say I really enjoy it when a stumble upon your other retirement posts your words of wisdom are always thoughtful and well meant.


I know you were not going to spend so much time on the site, but do continue your story with us all.


Arkers

Goldiegirl

Hi there Arkers, good to see you.

I really liked Winchester, from what I saw on my brief visit. It reminds me a little of Canterbury, which is one of my favourite places.

I think I saw where the mill was, when we were driving out of Winchester. I'm a member of of the NT, so it'd certainly be a place to have a look at, as I hope to return at some point.

I can't help myself when people are wondering whether or not to take an early retirement - I just want to let everyone know how brilliant it is!:rotfl:

I have cut back a little on my MSE time...... But I like to see how everyone is getting on, can't keep away really :rotfl:

I've been getting to know my new car, but things are so complicated these days. In the old days you'd have a dial, and a knob to turn it up, our turn it down. Now it's all push button, displays and electronic gizmos! I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it's a bit of a learning curve.

Also, it's highlighted something I've been putting off for a long time. I really need a new mobile phone, then I can pair it with the car and play my music in there, as there's no CD player.

My current mobile is about 6 years old, very basic, and the battery doesn't hold it's charge for more than 2 days.

It'd make sense to get an iPhone as I already have an iPad. But I won't be getting the very latest phone, and I want to keep the monthly payments low.

I've needed to sort this out for at least 18 months, so I really will have to get cracking now.

I think this is the problem when you have a frugal few years and don't make unnecessary purchases - everything needs replacing at the same time.

But once this little spending hump is over, I shouldn't have to make many more major purchases for a while.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

This early retirement lark sounds fun - you and GallyGirl both having new cars :T

I'd love to go to Winchester - will put that on the list

Good luck with the phone sorting.

Tilly x x x

Karmacat

Absolutely agree on the updating thing - even my business partner, who's 70 in 18 months :eek: has got onto skype and whatsapp before me :rotfl: mostly because he has rellies abroad he talks to all the time. And fancy your car having no cd player! That says it all, really

I'm so glad you *do* come back on here, Goldie, you're a great role model for early retirement :j