The Retirement Thread

[Dave7]

@Dave7 I lived in Israel for a year in the mid 70's working on kibbutz Degania Alef where the River Jordan flowed from the Sea of Galilee (my swimming pool).
I worked with both Israeli's & Palestinians who lived in Israel & the West Bank and never had any problems whatsoever with either.
When travelling around, certain places were ill advised, or not allowed, to go unless one of the group was armed; pistol or uzi, usually.
I toured & cycled around lots of places: Golan Heights, West Bank, Dead Sea for a swim/float, Negev Desert, Jerusalem, Mt Sinai, Eilat & Sharm.
I saw Gaza but never visited and don't know whether I'd be able to get in.. Or out again! Lol...

Happy days 🤗

WoW.... I did most of those places albeit very briefly by comparison.
As I said, I found the people to be very friendly.
My problems started at Manchester Airport where security people of various levels took me away and emptied my case THREE TIMES !!.
I had a list of all the people I was meeting and, as soon as I arrived at thier office they had to phone the security service to let them know I had arrived (they did that in front of me).
Even taxi drivers told me they had to phone and report.....which they did while I sat there.
The British Ambassador told me I had apparently been mistaken for someone else.
**while floating in the Dead Sea I splashed just a drop in my eye......OW that hurt.
I bought some Dead Sea mud as a present for Sue but she, for some reason, never used it and it ended up in the bin.

 

[Mo1959]

Another couple of miles walked before I think about lunch, although I’m not that hungry yet so may leave it till later.

I don’t think the sun is going to break through today. Still dismal and raw out there.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Another couple of miles walked before I think about lunch, although I’m not that hungry yet so may leave it till later.

I don’t think the sun is going to break through today. Still dismal and raw out there.

Miserable day here - my least favourite time of the year, when it is so damp & claggy.

 

[Dave7]

Breckie was a surprise......daughter did me scrambled egg with toast.
Why am I hungry now ?

 

[Chromatic]

I got my state pension letter in the December before my birthday in the March.
It was very easy to go online, enter the code, bank details ect, answer a few questions and it was all done.
A day later I got a confirmation email, and about 4 weeks later a letter from DWP detailing the amount of pension, and the dates it would be paid.

This was my experience too except I got the letter this July before my birthday in November.

.....and then they'll take more tax of my prison service pension!

I’m expecting this as well, except from my Coal Board pension. I’ve already had communication from HMRC informing me of a change in my tax code.

 

[classic33]

Morning, I feel very tired,
I don't think I have anything planned today so just take it easy.
View attachment 789966

Did you wake up full of energy?

 

[numbnuts]

Did you wake up full of energy?

No I had the usual crappy sleep and felt like 💩 when I woke up.
Just been for a walk and feel fine now, got home in time for lunch.

 

[welsh dragon]

I have returned. Shopping put away and I had a toasted ham sandwich

 

[PeteXXX]

WoW.... I did most of those places albeit very briefly by comparison.
As I said, I found the people to be very friendly.
My problems started at Manchester Airport where security people of various levels took me away and emptied my case THREE TIMES !!.
I had a list of all the people I was meeting and, as soon as I arrived at thier office they had to phone the security service to let them know I had arrived (they did that in front of me).
Even taxi drivers told me they had to phone and report.....which they did while I sat there.
The British Ambassador told me I had apparently been mistaken for someone else.
**while floating in the Dead Sea I splashed just a drop in my eye......OW that hurt.
I bought some Dead Sea mud as a present for Sue but she, for some reason, never used it and it ended up in the bin.

Yes, security is quite tight, and very obvious. It took a while to get used to half of the population walking around with guns. Still, everyone has served their time in the military so they do know what they're doing (I hoped)

When I was in Bethlehem for Christmas the skyline of ancient buildings, minarets etc was interspersed with heavily armed soldiers..

I swam in the Dead Sea and, yes, it does sting if you are stupid enough to try swimming under water.. DAMHIKT 😂

Did you walk up Masada?

 

[PaulSB]

Good afternoon. The sun is doing sunny things! Hurrah. Not much to report here. We have #3 small person, she is sleeping in her pram. Mrs P slept very badly last night and is sleeping upstairs. I'm feeling dozy. I'm going to find some lunch for #3SP and then have a doze in the armchair...........if you could all keep an ear out for the baby and let me know if she stirs. Cheers

 

[Drago]

Ironing done, just enjoying a light luncheon.

 

[PeteXXX]

Crumpets with strawberry jam and cheese for lunch... I do love a crumpet 👍

 

[Dave7]

Yes, security is quite tight, and very obvious. It took a while to get used to half of the population walking around with guns. Still, everyone has served their time in the military so they do know what they're doing (I hoped)

When I was in Bethlehem for Christmas the skyline of ancient buildings, minarets etc was interspersed with heavily armed soldiers..

I swam in the Dead Sea and, yes, it does sting if you are stupid enough to try swimming under water.. DAMHIKT 😂

Did you walk up Masada?

No, i didn't go up Masada although I was mentally familiar with the tragic account.
I was taken to 3 separate places were
Jesus was definitely, absolutely buried .
Did the Sea of Galilee, had a nice meal at Joppa (where Jonah sailed from).
Jerusalem was interesting as I only had a
few hours spare but met a theology
teacher who gave me a whistle stop tour.
Lots of wonderful memories.

 

[Paulus]

Breckie was a surprise......daughter did me scrambled egg with toast.
Why am I hungry now ?

You needed two toast with an egg on each.
Plus,----






Some baked beans.

 

[Paulus]

I going to the butcher shortly.
I am going to cook a beef stroganoff using sirloin steak, celery, shallots, garlic, smoked paprika, creme fraiche, dijon and English mustard.
Served with mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli.