The Retirement Thread

[JPBoothy]

You will not get any argument from me on that view!

In the days I worked (sorry for mentioning that word), I was a self employed IT Contractor, I did several assignments in various NHS Trusts (or, whatever they were called at the time), the levels of waste and miss-management was unbelievable.

My youngest daughter was, until recently, a Phlebotomist in the NHS, They had a recruitment drive, and, recruited more Phlebotomists than they needed. She eventually left due to boredom.

Mrs @BoldonLad was a Nurse (SRN), in the NHS, again, experienced unbelievable levels of waste.

On of my nieces is a Junior Doctor, in Hampshire. During the "first wave", when the media had everyone "clapping for the NHS", she was bored stiff, and reading books to fill her time, because all "routine" treatment had been juts about stopped.

The NHS may be an excellent idea, but, we kid ourselves that it is "world beating".

All IMHO, of course.

In the very few times that I have needed them though (A+E, a fall down the stairs and a Hernia Op) I cannot fault the staff at all but unfortunately when anybody has a gripe about the 'NHS' they all get tarred with the same brush despite the comments being aimed at the hierarchy and not those who actually do the work. We know and respect you though

 

[Deleted member 1258]

More likely to get punctures on deflated tyres though. My bikes have 23 and 25 mm tyres on 100 psi minimum. Can't remember the last time I had a puncture.

My bikes are on 25's, I run at 70psi front and 75psi rear, any higher and I'm in danger of rattling my fillings out, and I find the higher pressure slows me down.

 

[BoldonLad]

.....
PS It is quite funny being in my mid-60s and referring to 'old folk'. When I was a child/teenager, I would definitely have considered someone of my age as being old. Now I think of 60-70ish as 'late middle age', 70ish-80ish as being 'oldish', 80ish-90ish as being 'old', and 90ish+ as being 'very old'. Anybody over 100 who can still move about under their own steam and talk sense, is ancient, but doing pretty well - Captain Tom being a classic example!

Speaking as a 73 year old, I think you need to revise your definitions, may I suggest:

60-70ish as 'youngster', 70ish-80ish as being 'middle aged', 80ish-90ish as being 'late middle age', and 90ish+ as being 'elderly'.

If I make it to 80, it will be necessary to revise again

 

[ColinJ]

Like you I’m in the mid sixties . Sometimes when I’m out cycling, I do wonder if some people look and think
” look at that silly old fart he should dress and act his age”.

I had a young woman lean out of the passenger side window to heckle me from an overtaking car...

"Phwoar - nice *rse, mate!"

Closely followed by howls of laughter as the occupants of the car spotted my grey hair and gnarly face...

"Oh Jeez, he's an OLD MAN!"

 

[BoldonLad]

In the very few times that I have needed then though (A+E, a fall down the stairs and a Hernia Op) I cannot fault the staff at all but unfortunately when anybody has a gripe about the 'NHS' they all get tarred with the same brush despite the comments being aimed at the hierarchy and not those who actually do the work. We know and respect you though

Same here, I have had NHS treatment (heart attack), Mrs @BoldonLad has had NHS treatment for Gallstones, Cancer and Mini-Stroke, no complaints. But, we have also both experienced French and Spanish Health system, when on extended holidays, using our EHIC card, equally good treatment. NHS is good, IMHO, that does not mean it cannot be improved.

A bit serious, all this talk for this thread, my apologies, normal service will be resumed....

 

[Dave7]

1- I can't stand mushy peas.
2- Fish in batter doesn't agree my me.
3- The whole lot looks very dry.
But, hey, taste and colours are a very personal thing.

But apart from that you liked it yes ???

 

[gavroche]

But apart from that you liked it yes ???

The table looks nice.

 

[Dave7]

That sounds a bit safer, but a cheque would be safer still!

Old folk have their own ways though...

PS It is quite funny being in my mid-60s and referring to 'old folk'. When I was a child/teenager, I would definitely have considered someone of my age as being old. Now I think of 60-70ish as 'late middle age', 70ish-80ish as being 'oldish', 80ish-90ish as being 'old', and 90ish+ as being 'very old'. Anybody over 100 who can still move about under their own steam and talk sense, is ancient, but doing pretty well - Captain Tom being a classic example!

Colin
Can I say fcuk off on here

 

[ColinJ]

Colin
Can I say fcuk off on here

I'm sure that I will be adjusting the age ranges upwards again in 5 years time when my age begins with a '7'!

 

[JPBoothy]

Same here, I have had NHS treatment (heart attack), Mrs @BoldonLad has had NHS treatment for Gallstones, Cancer and Mini-Stroke, no complaints. But, we have also both experienced French and Spanish Health system, when on extended holidays, using our EHIC card, equally good treatment. NHS is good, IMHO, that does not mean it cannot be improved.

A bit serious, all this talk for this thread, my apologies, normal service will be resumed....

Sorry, I think it was me who started it but I'll blame it on my youth as I am not retired yet

But at least you can have an opinion here without getting your head bitten off

 

[Dave7]

In the very few times that I have needed them though (A+E, a fall down the stairs and a Hernia Op) I cannot fault the staff at all but unfortunately when anybody has a gripe about the 'NHS' they all get tarred with the same brush despite the comments being aimed at the hierarchy and not those who actually do the work. We know and respect you though

Been in hospital more times than I like in recent years but generally have high praise for them. Odd nurse I could fall out with but very few.

 

[BoldonLad]

I'm sure that I will be adjusting the age ranges upwards again in 5 years time when my age begins with a '7'!

So, you are a "youngster"

 

[gavroche]

Same here, I have had NHS treatment (heart attack), Mrs @BoldonLad has had NHS treatment for Gallstones, Cancer and Mini-Stroke, no complaints. But, we have also both experienced French and Spanish Health system, when on extended holidays, using our EHIC card, equally good treatment. NHS is good, IMHO, that does not mean it cannot be improved.

A bit serious, all this talk for this thread, my apologies, normal service will be resumed....

The downfall of the NHS is the waiting time for " minor" operations and regular check ups, otherwise no complaints. The nurses are highly committed,caring and very professional.

 

[12boy]

Interesting posts today....
I've often felt the jobs that are the hardest or most unpleasant pay the least. However, in the 35 years at Social Security, going from a Claims Rep to a District Manager for the state of Wyoming, the job that I enjoyed the most was taking claims and making sure my claimants understood as much as they could about how the programs work. After retiring the first time I came back to the claims job for a 3 year program while getting my pension plus a salary. The money was good but the total freedom from responsibility for others and taking claims was really fun. Please, Brer Fox, don't throw me in the briar patch! I will say the hardest thing about being a state manager wasn't dealing with the staff or the public but upper level executives whose decisions were political, not practical. Screw them and the horses they rode in on.
Had a little snow last night and it was the heavy wet kind that is so good for your back when shovelling. Still, we desperately need the moisture and I hope this soaks in and doesn't blow away per usual.
I always enjoy your chat about the NHS. We really need affordable health care in this country. There are many here who simply don't have access to decent care through no fault of their own and that is wrong.
That's a pic of my deck this morning. Gotta clear a path for the pooch who doesn't like to plant her nethers in the snow.

Enough ranting... be safe and well.

 

[12boy]

You know you are old when you approach a door along with a young lady who smiles at you and holds the door for you.