Everyday Ordinary Man Approaching Full Retirement at 59.

Davesnave

Katiehound wrote: »

This is certainly the weather when I rather wish dogs could exercise themselves

I feel the same about sheep sometimes. It's not that they don't get enough exercise, of course, but rather that they may go where they shouldn't and get their heads stuck, pick up large lumps of hawthorn and brambles or end up upside down in a ditch.

But when I do what doesn't come naturally and trudge around out there in the rain and wind, trying to count them, it's actually not so bad. I see something like a new primrose flowering, or a bullfinch and think, " Hey, it'll soon be proper spring."

joansgirl

bournefree wrote: »

Dear Excelpaul,

Given what you have been through over the past few months and have shared here, it's perfectly natural that you have been feeling down. Grief is like that, isn't it, it comes and goes, catches up with you, then gradually begins to fade. It doesn't disappear, but it does add to the depth and richness of our characters and lives.

On another note, I've just had my 59th birthday, which was lovely, and have had the final figures for my voluntary severance at the end of July. I've decided to use some of the severance payout to pay for the 6 months before I reach 60, then take my Teachers' Pension unreduced from then. I will have done 36 years of teaching, so not quite the 40 I had in mind, but I now know that the time is right to move on. There have been so many stories recently of people dying before they are 60, it does remind you that life is all too short.

Take care Paul!

Yes, if you can do it, do it! I just had a cousin die at 53....just do it!

joansgirl

Oh, and Paul, it took me years to get back to "normal" (or what passes for it) after my husband died, grief won't be rushed, it will take it's own sweet time!

I didn't really deal with anything emotionally until I found someone I felt I could talk to and just the talking helped, although it had been buried for so long it was upsetting and unsettling when it was all raked up again.

However I'm doing much better now, time is a great healer.

Think long and hard before making any major decisions is my advice.

Best of luck, hope to hear from you soon!

System

Dear all. Feeling a little better these past few days. Just returned walking the dogs !!!128054; in the forest. Off swimming this afternoon. Now swimming 3 times a week which is proving beneficial. I do some toning exercises daily, walk the dogs in addition to the swimming so physically ok! Off to Gibraltar for a short break in about 4 weeks and Paphos to look forward to in late a June.
Have been asked to invigilator exams again in March, May and June which will provide useful supplement to pension. Also looking at other types of temporary part-time work.
Had a great meal out with History department n Friday too.
Hope you are all well.

shabbychic12

Hi thanks for stopping by me and having a read of my ramblings and l have now added you to my subscribed list. I'm on 7 more paydays and that's all that's keeping me focused lol

System

Hope everyone is well. Would be good to hear some news and views.

pollypenny

Most views are aired on DT, Paul, with more light-hearted views, sometimes silly, in the Arms.

Unless they are anything to do with over 50s saving or other specific board, of course.

Katiehound

Hello folks.
Hope everyone is well and starting to enjoy the slightly lighter and mornings: they are becoming a lot more noticeable even if the temperatures are still somewhat challenging.;)

I am off to warmer climes on Weds- looking forward to cruising in the Caribbean (not keen on that long haul flight- but there we are!) So good things on the horizon: sun, sea, different destinations, some craft classes, pleasant companions, dancing (hopefully!) every evening and lots of yummy food.

Sorry dogs- off to kennels for you! Actually they are yipping and yelping before I have even finished parking and their goody bags of grated carrots, crunchy apples and pots of yoghurt will be going with them!

Will look forward to reading about various exploits next month. :cool:

bournefree

Hello Paul and followers,
Well, I have 5 more months to go before my last day. It is strange thinking that things will come to an end, but suicides and fatal heart attacks amongst colleagues do focus the mind. Not looking forward to the next few months as difficult times are ahead at work, but have already planned a holiday in sunnier climes for the last two weeks of July!

crv1963

Hello Paul and fellow thread readers.


Bad news- I'm still working. Good news- only 8 paydays left before I go!


I too am enjoying the mornings getting a little lighter and dusk arriving a little later, taking pleasure from the snow when it comes as I don't mind driving in it and lots of people avoid driving when it's down!


Planning a holiday in April- don't know where yet, just going to go to the travel agents and ask where we can fly in the following couple of days. Practise run for when we are retired!