....another one opens.
Tomorrow 28th February 2014 John retires from work - after commuting to the City of London for just over 50 years and working in both the marine and aviation insurance world - he's closing down his PC, handing back his season ticket and leaving the daily buzz of the City's financial sector behind him.
 |
| The blue building is 'the office' |
He should have retired at 62 and was fortunate to be able to carry on for another five years. I say fortunate - he really enjoys his work and would have liked to carry on for another year or two on a three-day-a-week basis. But hey ho the powers that be felt that the time was right - a lot of his work now being sent to India!
So - a new chapter in our life is about to begin. Plans are being put into place -
projects to be mulled over
... camper van jollies to be had
...lots of walking
...even more gardening
maybe a holiday or two
new ventures
and time to relax
I retired at 57 so I've had plenty of time to do my own thing, but who'd have thought when I graduated with my Degree last September and didn't know what to do next, that John would be finishing too within a few months.
A leaving 'do' has been arranged at his office tomorrow, when I shall travel up to the City to be a part of this slightly sad but memorable day.
See you soon x
Hello Patricia,
ReplyDeleteOh what jolly times lie ahead of you both. Clearly you have many ideas and what is so good is to have the day opening up in front of you just waiting to be written on. No timetables, no bosses to be obeyed, no clocks to be watched.....unless you choose to do so.
We wish you both many,many happy times ahead.
Hope you new way of life gives you both many treasured moments and you are able to do all those wonderful things that you have illustrated so well! My husband will be doing the same thing in two weeks time, although I will still be working part time. As the time draws nearer it seems quite daunting as it such a major change. Hope the leaving party goes well too. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI remember one cartoon film, Russian, for children where a man said: I will be retired and will start my real life' Those words are very popular here now, the people who retired try to start their new life.I wish your hubby to find his new life: in garden, in hobby, fishing etc. Have a fun in leaving party!
ReplyDeleteWishing lots and lots of happiness in your new life together. My husband and I are retiring from teaching in July, and we're both counting down the days. We're looking forward to some travelling too. We're hoping to take a long trip round France and Spain in the autumn. Enjoy the party!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! New adventures lie ahead for sure. My husband will not be retiring for a good few years but we look forward to sharing the time together. Pray for good health for both of you - enjoy Patricia!
ReplyDeleteLots of wonderful things to look forward to, Patricia! Best wishes to you both:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What an exciting time for your both. I was wondering how old he was because fifty years is a long time, but he must have been young when he started. I was thinking you must be married to a much older man. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Patricia, your lives are going to become even sweeter. No deadlines, no work clothes . . . just time to enjoy each others company and relax and have fun together. Your heading into a new adventure :) Yesterday was Steve's 62th birthday and he also wants to work another 5 years or so.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy for both of you :)
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
How exciting! All the best for your new adventures together, enjoy it all.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your future adventures together.
ReplyDeleteWishing you both many happy years of retirement together, Patricia. It's a shame John couldn't wind down more slowly with the 3 days a week he wanted, but I'm sure he'll soon adapt and you'll have wonderful times with all your varied interests. Enjoy the party. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos of the doors. Gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you will be able to spend more quality time together and plan time away in your camper. I hope we have a good summer so you can also enjoy walks and your garden.
What a wonderful new journey you are about to embark on. I can't wait 'til it's our turn!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have some great doors to walk through together.
ReplyDeleteThere are going to be so many great adventures waiting for you! I'm sorry your husband wasn't quite ready to retire though. Good luck tomorrow when you go to his goodbye party.
ReplyDeleteDear Patricia, what a bittersweet day for you both; I know you will enjoy the goodbye party, and after a little adjusting head forth for lots of jolly adventures. Looking forward to hearing about the 'new' life, which of course, we will have to do sometime in the next few years. xx
ReplyDeleteWishing you both many long and happy years of "retirement", if you are anything like us (GM retired in 2011), you will wonder how he ever had the time to go to work!
ReplyDeleteJoy x x
I hope you have a happy retirement John. It does take a bit of adjustment, especially to not feel guilty if you sit down!
ReplyDeleteMay you both have a long and very happy retirement together doing lots of wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteDear Patricia - I hope that you have had a wonderful send off party for John.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a big change in both of your lives especially when you are used to having the home to yourself during the week.
However, it looks as if lots of exciting plans are afoot for you both - enjoy and make the most of having time to please yourselves when and what you do.
How very exciting for you. I hope you have many fantastic and fabulous times together. Enjoy every new day.
ReplyDelete:)
Just discovered your blog. Such lovely photos - especially the door at the beginning! Happy retirement to your husband and on your new adventures together.
ReplyDeleteWow Patricia!
ReplyDeleteI feel sad and happy all at the same time. It must be like a sweet sorrow for your husband, but he has so much to look forward to. Just think, you and him can fall even more in love and do it all over again... it will be like adventure after adventure! I'd especially love those road trips in the van... being so close to Europe, the world is your oyster!!
I look forward to you blogging about it and I look forward to your photos.
You're an amazing human being... your husband is blessed to be able to go on any adventure with you!
Much love to you and I hope you have an amazing week.
I wish we could meet up next weekend when I'm in London!
Much love,
Tammy
How exciting :) Here's to spending time together and lots new adventures to be had.
ReplyDeleteAnd what lovely doors, both closing and opening! Big changes for you both, but what a great time of the year to begin to pursue those wonderful adventures together. The camper van should have plenty of use now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all that lies ahead!
Betty
I missed this, Patricia! Congratulations to your husband and welcome to the wonderful world of Retirement! Of course we (and you I suspect) while not being what would be termed 'well off' are fairly comfortable, having been careful and saved enough for our later years! So we do enjoy ourselves and I hope you two have a fab time being more relaxed, exploring the things you've always wanted to have time for, and doing more of the stuff you already enjoy!! Lxxx
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you both as you enter this new chapter of your lives. It will be lovely to see where this takes you both x
ReplyDeleteI hope the party went well and you're both enjoying your retirement together. I'd imagine it will take some time for you both to adapt to this new situation but with Spring and Summer ahead there's so much you can do.
ReplyDeleteI recognise that door in the 1st photograph! Hope it all went well and he isn't too sad. It is a big step, but it is the right time of year to do it with summer coming up and I can't wait to read about those adventures in the camper van. xxxxx
ReplyDelete