My first 3 months of retirement

 

Me, serving coffee in The WayIt was exactly 3 months ago when I walked out of work for the last time, a day I’ll always remember for the best of reasons.  With this in mind, it is right to reflect on my first 3 months of retirement.

We had decided not to be radical (although for me being more radical is very tempting); no Harley Davidsons, no world cruises, not even selling the house and buying a huge camper van or a narrowboat.  Instead a 3 month honeymoon period of finding my feet in this new phase of life.  Now the 3 months are up, I’m getting involved in a few things, all part of the cunning plan of getting the right balance.  More to come on that.

For now here’s a few observations, notes on things we have done.

  • Happiness. First of all, the last 3 months have been much happier than I expected.  The happiness equates to the first 3 months of being married, it really is so good!
  • Socilising. We have socialised much more than normal.  We like doing this as we have some great friends.  One of my goals is to be a better friend.
  • Money. We have kept our spending on track, no significant changes to the normal budget forecast.  We have actually saved a little money through simple things – switching over to a metered water supply is saving us over £200 a year, telling my car insurance provider that I’m retired has reduced the cost by £70 a year.  We are currently living off cash savings, final arrangements of moving pension money around is outstanding and not to be rushed (some due diligence taking place right now).  I’m a little nervous about the implications of Brexit on the economy, although I think we’ll be okay in the long run.
  • Caring.  We have spent a lot of time with Rachel’s Mum in generally caring for her and helping with her garden and house maintenance.
  • Serving others.  I have become a volunteer with the local Christians Against Poverty group, joined an art group, even got onto the hosting rota in our church’s coffee shop.  I have been invited to attend a board meeting of a local charity and there are one or two other possibilities in the melting pot.
  • Health.  My health is something which has preoccupied me a bit.  Hopefully I am getting closer to my prostate operation and happily the cancer scare was no more than a temporary diversion.  My kidneys have settled down now and I have the best reason to stay fit and healthy.  Never have I valued my good health as much as I do now.
  • Fitness.  Cycling remains off-limits for now.  In meantime I have started running more.  A combination of increased motivation, a better catheter and my running mojo returning.  I am really feeling the benefits of running more, something I always wanted to do.
  • Blogging.  Needless to say I haven’t blogged as much as I could have done.  On a positive note, I love it when folk get in touch through the contact page and this has happened a few times.

Overall I remain so thankful for my opportunity to retire early.  I am incredibly optimistic about the future and it’s only just begun!!!!!

Here’s a few random photos:

Making bread with the Clavey's
Making bread with the Clavey’s
Windermere, September 2018
Windermere, September 2018
Lake District, September 2018
Lake District, September 2018
Newborough Beach, Anglesey September 2018
Newborough Beach, Anglesey September 2018
Picking elderberries
Picking elderberries
Meeting up with Philip at the National Portrait Gallery
Meeting up with Philip at the National Portrait Gallery
200 year old windows brought back to life
200 year old windows brought back to life
The Way coffee house
The Way coffee house

 

 

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