Next week I reach another of life’s milestones when I become eligible to claim my old age pension. I’m not sure whether to be depressed by this thought or slightly smug that I have survived long enough to qualify! I am grateful that I currently enjoy relatively good health and try to maintain this by cycling frantically in the roof gym at least three times a week, daily dog walks and sensible eating. I’ve actually managed to lose 8 kgs this year and my hips and knees have thanked me for it.
We had a wonderful family Christmas, finally reuniting with Sarah after three long years. Kat was also on leave from the RAF so it was just like old times being together and having fun and laughter. We had a magnificent Christmas tree in the garden room and the girls did a great job of decorating it (I only had to rearrange two baubles this year!). I insisted it should stay in situ until after the girls had gone home. Unfortunately by the time we took it down the tree resin had leaked all over the floor and I spent hours trying to remove the sticky mess from the carpet.
January is now very quiet. Too early to do much in the garden. I need a new project.
Congrats on the milestone - remember it's only a number, so smug is the proper reaction. ;-) How nice to be all together again, that is certainly something to toast as well.
ReplyDeleteOur time together passed all too quickly.
DeleteWish I could say I was just starting my penssion have been having it for 24 years and counting.
ReplyDeleteI hope I get 24 years' worth!
ReplyDeleteYour family Christmas sounds perfect and your tree looks especially beautiful. The resin and needles seem to be the only downside of having a real tree. That said, the real tree is a must for me as well. Cheers to retirement and collecting your pension. Wishing you many happy and healthy years ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan. Next time I shall make sure I protect the carpet.
DeleteEnjoying life's pleasures whether they are mundane or special gives us a reason to look forward to each new day and be thankful for all our blessings. Have a great day.💖
ReplyDeleteI was definitely thankful to have my girls home for Christmas.
DeleteI’m so glad you celebrated Christmas with both daughters! Also, congratulations on your weight loss! It’s not easy, so we’ll done! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI just have to make sure the pounds don't creep back on now.
DeleteGood to hear you had such a lovely Christmas together. I celebrated the receipt of my pension, I needed the money. I thought little about the age at the time although I do now feel old but I still welcome the money each month.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have already spent my first payment several times over.
DeleteIt is good that you got those "technical problems" sorted out Sue. How wonderful it must have been to spend Christmas with your two lovely daughters. Shame about the resinous tree. One expects needles but not ruddy resin!
ReplyDeleteI've changed my browser so hopefully I can be up and running again.
DeleteGreat to see you posting again, Sue. You have been missed (by me at least). Congratulations on your new status. I wish it wasn't called the "old age" pension as I'm sure you don't feel old. I have been collecting it for 15 years and I still don't feel old!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris, nice to have been missed!
DeleteOur tree didn't lose any resin, nor did any needles drop... I wonder why!
ReplyDeleteNo tree? Artificial?
DeleteIt's good to see you back. Glad you had your girls home for Christmas. Rick looks adorable as always.
ReplyDeleteRick was over the moon to have his girls home too.
DeleteGood to see you back, and hear that you had a wonderful family Christmas together.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting your pension. Feeling old is a state of mind - just don't look in the mirror too often!
I don't look too bad in a dim light!
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