Well, it’s true retirement can be hard work and yet I’m absolutely loving it. While I haven’t blogged for the last week or so, I thought I might jot down a few notes….
Monday involved taking Grandma shopping for her weekly supply of chocolate biscuits, plus just a few other bits and pieces. She has an appalling diet but she’s made it to 92 years of age, so not all is bad. I also had an informal meeting with the Council (my former employer, ha!) and the new Leisure centre operators while wearing my trustee hat (of the local Citizens Advice). We are moving our offices into the new Leisure centre in what will promise to be a challenging but exciting move.
Tuesday morning had an early start in taking a young man for a job interview and praying with him the right thing would happen. I also saw him in the afternoon for a debrief.
The highlight of Tuesday is, of course, the Art group. The trouble with this is that I spend far too much time talking, chatting, making/drinking coffee rather than anything arty – but I do love this! I love being with people, getting to know new folk and listening to their experiences of life, their journeys. Nevertheless I did the above sketch of my friend Paul. This is the first time I’ve tried to draw someone with a beard, not sure I’ve succeeded.
Wednesday was dominated by the Inspire course which I have been roped into. I always said I’d never do anything like this when I retired, so that didn’t last long! Actually it was fun and I had a real sense of working with individual delegates, something the world of management doesn’t easily lend itself to.
I also had a letter from my Doctor. It was a reply to the formal complaint which I had made concerning the delay in diagnosing prostate issues which has had far-reaching consequences for me. The letter is very helpful, sincere, apologetic and helpful for me.
Thursday was kind of different but also rewarding. I had organised a meeting for some of my Christians Against Poverty chums and a representative from the Job Centre. The meeting almost didn’t happen owing to our guest being delayed and we were almost abandoning it – then she arrived and it was really, really worthwhile.
Hannah’s car was serviced and this always involves having a nice chat and an afternoon cup of tea with Ian, our friendly mechanic.
Towards the end of the afternoon was a Board meeting at the local Citizens Advice service, of which I have become a Trustee. Curiously I ended up taking the minutes! Almost reminds me of some previous work situations in terms of the issues we were discussing although taking notes for the minutes does curtail my contributions a bit.
Perhaps the highlight of the day was welcoming Becky, our eldest daughter who has returned for a long weekend, especially with Hannah returning tomorrow!
Friday morning was spent at home as I had a visitor, someone I am befriending and who is in a difficult situation. After lunch we went to collect Hannah who was returning from a week’s sailing on the Isle of Wight.
It was such a delightful thought, having my little family altogether. A very tender time and one that we had all been looking forward to, first time since Christmas!
Saturday was a delightfully leisurely day. We were at home in the morning and out in the countryside for the afternoon. The weather was nice, people were wearing shorts and tee shirts. Me? I was cold, as normal, and had three layers, plus a fleece and a woolly scarf – I was still cold!
