Journal Entries
Where we are now
Posted Dec 10, 2020
Almost Christmas. Decorations up, cards in hand & mince pie making scheduled. I find it odd that of the cards we have received so far, almost no-one have added any news. Perhaps the year has been so bleak, they don't want to write about it, or just nothing of note to mention.
We usually have a quiet Christmas, so not as different for us as for some families. But like many, we will be one less, as my Mum died in June (not COVID) age 97. I've been feeling quite emotional lately - probably a mix of stress, grief & the dull weather.
Still thankful that we are well occupied with no financial worries. Just exasperated & ashamed at the antics of our government. Expecting that we might get our vaccine around Spring. Hopefully will even manage our re-booked holiday to Italy!
One day at a time...
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Latest reply: Dec 10, 2020
Times they are a-changing
Posted Apr 7, 2020
Having given notice that I would stop work when my clinic moved location, the matter was taken out of my hands by COVID-19. All my clinics cancelled anyway & presumably no move either. So I've been laid off (as only bank staff) & might be asked to go back to clear the backlog.
In the meantime, all other group activities ceased too so it's a bit like Summer holidays - even weather wise at the moment. So fortunate to be in a pleasant location with plenty to do. Today I cleaned all my Winter boots & put them away. Also did some gardening at the front which meant I could say hello to everyone who walked by.
Living one day at a time & wondering what sort of changes will come.
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Latest reply: Apr 7, 2020
Dilemma
Posted Feb 9, 2020
Last year, after 40 years, I left my 3 day a week hospital job as fed up with the long commute & various changes in the workplace. Claimed my first pension pot & continued with my one day at local hospital as well as taking up some new leisure activities.
I hadn't planned to retire just yet, although I am eligible this May to do so, as I do still enjoy my work.
Now my dept head is intending to move my clinic (2 days a week, colleague does the other day) to an outpost further away (largely to make space for a more lucrative clinic). I really don't want to move - longer car journey or even longer by public transport & can only see problems rather than benefits to the move. It's supposed to be a 1 yr trial but I know how these things go, I can't see that we'd ever move back.
I now have to decide - do I retire before the move, do I try the new location & resign soon if I don't like it, or accept the move, make the best of & carry on until I do feel like retiring.
Am planning to do a dummy run by car to see how I feel about the journey & have lots of questions to ask. It's such a shame as I was looking forward to ending my career in the current location.
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Latest reply: Feb 9, 2020
Time to fritter away...
Posted Oct 9, 2019
Having given up 2 of my 3 working days, it's utterly delightful to have more free time. I've started 2 new classes (ballet & Italian) which means I have something to do most mornings. Afternoons (apart from spreading out the chores that I used to cram into odd afternoons/ weekends) I can indulge in hobbies etc.
At the weekend I was sewing sequins on a fairy outfit for panto & this afternoon I've been working on a rat sound effect for a forthcoming ghost walk.
I wonder how long it will be before I retire completely....
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Latest reply: Oct 9, 2019
What's that noise?
Posted Apr 20, 2019
Doing the ironing yesterday afternoon, kept hearing an occasional squeak - thought it was the board shifting. No, still happening when I took the laundry upstairs. Oh no, I thought, a baby bird has got stuck indoors somewhere... we stood & listened to try & locate the source.... got a torch to shine in dark corners, under shelves.... finally realised it was the smoke detector telling us the battery needed changing 
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Latest reply: Apr 20, 2019
Teasswill
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