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Just joined so I'm introducing myself.

I will be 67 next month and retired from the many different jobs in my working life. I guess that I didn’t ever find my calling. I went to university at age 59 but when it was over it was too late to launch a new career. I wanted to lecture but students don’t want to listen to old fogies, so sadly I put aside that idea and settled into life as an eccentric dog owner.

I live in a beautiful Lancashire valley surrounded by hills that demand they be walked/climbed, how could I refuse?

I would like to do a bit of cycle touring but a recent diagnosis of spondylosis and some hip pain means that I may not be doing a world tour anytime soon!

I’m keen to make some friends as I have been on my own for a very long time now, my daughters don’t bother much with me and I don’t have a partner.I didn’t expect to be so isolated at this time in my life, isn’t it strange the way family and friends seem to forget us when we get past 60?

I will pop in regularly and hope to strike up some friendships.


Created By on 09/03/2015

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Ruball
10th Sep 2015 19:03:22
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi Celtwitch. I have just joined too. I have also been on my own for a long time. I retired to Ireland (very beautiful area) nearly 5 years from Sussex and didn't know a soul (it seemed a good idea at the time). All my family is in England and, having just lost a dearly loved pet, I am feeling a bit alone and at a loss. I have a son who doesn't bother much with me now he is married, you know the old saying about sons and wives. I am 66, so your age, and I was a secretary before retirement. Its just nice to have someone else to talk to. Yes, family and friends do seem to forget us if we aren't near them any more. I go walking, not long walks as I have osteoporosis and arthritis in one hip, and have a big garden, so I keep pretty fit. Would be nice to have a chat with you.
Response from celtwitch Original Poster made on 11th Sep 2015 08:55:28
Hello Ruball, nice to hear from you, which part of Ireland are you in? We used to go over to Clare for the potholing when I was younger, I still remember Gus O’Connors bar at Doolin point and the Honeymoon Bar in Lisdoonvarna. A very beautiful part of the world, to be sure, to be sure!
I didn’t expect to be quite so isolated at this, relatively, late stage of my life, I always thought that as the family grew in numbers, in terms of grandchildren, that I would be surrounded by loving family.
Sadly, it has not happened and I have been thrown away like an unwanted garment. It hurts at times and then there are other times when I accept my fate with grace and equanimity, there is no point in fighting against something you have no control over, is there?
My dog, Poppy, is my life now, I love her with all my heart, I guess that she gets all the love that I would have given to my daughters and their children. There is a cat too, his name is Buster, he is a huge ginger and white Tom who rules the roost around here, he comes on walks with us and other dog walkers can’t believe their eyes when they see a cat out on the hills!
I do a lot of reading and also spend a great deal of time on my computer, perhaps too much, I don’t know, but it keeps me up to date with all the dreadful things that are happening in the world today and allows me to connect with people on Silversurfers. What did we do before computers?
Well, that’s enough prattling from me for now, I hope to hear from you again soon.
Best regards

Laura
Response from Ruball made on 11th Sep 2015 09:31:47
Hi Laura

Thanks for responding. I live in Donegal, a very rural area, but the people are so nice. I have just lost the love of my life, my little Bagpuss, who was the sweetest, most loving, funny cat that ever there was. It was very traumatic and she was only 4 and I haven't got over it yet. My son got married last year and they have no children yet, but his wife seems to blow hot and cold with me. I think she has turned him against me, but I don't know why. At the wedding the only member of her family that spoke to me was her father. Maybe friends are more valuable than family when you get older. It is such a shame when you have given so much to bring them up. I agree, it does hurt. I also have 3 hens called Evelyn, Hetty and Rosie after my mum and her sisters. The sisters have passed on now and mum is in a home for people with dementia, she is 96. I don't get to see her very often as my brother has 2 spare rooms full of junk, so no room for me to stay, and a cousin made it plain that she didn't really want me there when I went over for her husband's funeral in July, which I thought was a bit ungrateful as I had made the effort to go, not to mention the expense! I also do a lot of reading, I like a good murder!! I also crochet, make wine, paint and do DIY. I like cooking and trying new things. I love the countryside. I think I probably spend too much time on my computer too, but I do surveys and also a bit of mystery shopping, which gets me out and about and contributes slightly to my pension!! I haven't quite got to grips with this site yet, haven't discovered how to look at profiles or to write my own introductory comment!! Look forward to hearing from you again. Jo
Response from celtwitch Original Poster made on 12th Sep 2015 11:32:02
Hello Jo, I'm so sorry to hear about your poor cat, it's always so traumatic when we lose a much loved pet, they become part of who we are, and then they are snatched from us. I think that I would be utterly devastated if I were to lose my 'gang of 2' Poppy and Buster, I can't even imagine life without them, they are so faithful and a 'constant' in my life, they would never leave me, unlike my children.
I have a brother, he's 7 years my junior, and for reasons that I could never understand he has always hated me. He would always ignore me at family gatherings, and he would tell the most outrageous lies about me to cousins, Aunts, Uncles etc, and when challenged he would just smirk and walk away. I decided one day back in 1985 to have nothing more to do with him and to waste no more emotional energy in trying to understand his hatred of me; our paths have not crossed since that day and I don't expect, or want, to see him ever again.
My mother died in 2011, she was a little short of her 92nd birthday, however, I didn't know of her death until 2013 because my brother didn't tell me, I found out by doing a bit of detective work. Unfortunately, my mother also hated me, she didn't want me when she saw that I wasn't a boy, she didn't like girls for some strange reason and always treated me like an unwelcome guest in her house. I could never do right by her, she would pick up on the slightest mistake and turn it into a major infraction. She ignored my achievements and magnified my childish failures, how do you cope with a mum like that?
The final indignity was her decision to leave her house and everything else to my brother, I wasn't even mentioned in the will; it was as though I had never existed.
I have been so very unlucky where family is concerned, I wish that I could understand why.
The rain has come down like the proverbial stair-rods this morning, but now the sun is coming out so I will sign off for now and take my little pooch for another walk.
Take care,

Laura
Response from Ruball made on 12th Sep 2015 12:06:59
Oh you poor thing, you have really drawn the short straw with your family. At least my brother is still talking to me, albeit not often! He is 18 months younger than me. We only get on together in short bursts! You would be devastated if you were to lose your pets, they love you unconditionally and you love them unconditionally. I still have Essie, my 10 year old cat, but she isn't as loving and cuddly as Bagpuss was, totally different character. She came here from England with me. I have a couple of friends here who are arranging trips out for me so that I don't get depressed. I was stuck with not being able to go out for days out with Bagpuss as she had asthma and needed an inhaler 3 times a day. Saying that I would still give anything to have her back.

I try and keep busy here with the garden, the odd job, and I am involved with the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary. I man the visitor centre on Sundays. I used to muck out for them, but they have a couple of men to do that now and so I have promotion. I crochet donkey key rings to sell there and I do paintings to sell. You could look them up on their website. Do you have any hobbies?

My mother's house has been sold to keep her in the home, it costs £900 a week!!! But they do look after her well. I don't think we are talking long term as she is 96 now.

You take care. We have a very strong wind today, though it isn't raining at the moment.
Jo
Scotsfemale 54
4 days ago (Last activity: 27th Mar 2024 20:51:26)
1
Thanks for voting!
Hiya, Im female 62 and live in Scotland, I know exactly how you feel. I live on my own dont have any friends and kids do their own thing.
Response from PatriciaB96 made 1 days ago
Good evening, welcome to the site , there are lots of people here and from..all walks of life , many topics you can chat about
Response from Scotsfemale 54 made 1 days ago
Thank you Patricia : -)
loulou66666
2 days ago (Last activity: 27th Mar 2024 19:58:04)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi would love to chat Louise
Response from PatriciaB96 made 1 days ago
Good evening, I hope you will make lots of new friends here , it's a nice site,
PatriciaB96
1 days ago
0
Thanks for voting!
Good evening and welcome to the site, I hope you will make lots of new friends here
Milt1952
9th Mar 2024 20:13:34 (Last activity: 13th Mar 2024 09:15:58)
3
Thanks for voting!
I’m a 71 year old African American male and I live in Naperville, a western suburb of Chicago. I retired a few years ago and I’ve been an empty nester for over 5 years. I miss regular online interaction. I’m looking for online penpals to share email a few times a week. Making new friends is a way to ward off loneliness, and it brings a sense of joy and curiosity. Having new friends makes for a feeling of belonging which gives people satisfaction. I like living life vicariously through the daily life and experiences of others.
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 13th Mar 2024 09:15:58
Good morning and welcome to the site , I hope you will make lots of new friends here , there are many nice people here , lots to.chat about , good luck .
BBB1
22nd Feb 2024 03:20:00
0
Thanks for voting!
So sorry. Hope you feel better soon!
BBB1
22nd Feb 2024 03:19:05
0
Thanks for voting!
wonderful! best to you.
happydays75
14th Feb 2024 15:58:28 (Last activity: 19th Feb 2024 16:04:50)
0
Thanks for voting!
recently widowed age 75
Response from 2LateSmart made on 19th Feb 2024 16:04:50
Sorry for your loss. It takes time to get through it…not over it, just through it. It is said that it takes about 1/3 the number of years together for the healing process to start. So don't think that there's something wrong with you if the process takes a while it's not moribund mourning.... it's actually quite normal.
Bless you
Andree Rachele
17th Feb 2024 21:44:57 (Last activity: 19th Feb 2024 16:00:48)
2
Thanks for voting!
We'll hello ..same as me xx
Response from 2LateSmart made on 19th Feb 2024 16:00:48
I see from your posting - and so many other posts - that many people come from the UK. I, on the other hand, come from one of the colonies… America. I welcome and appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you and exchange ideas about what's going on in your world and mine. Thank you.
Chris375
17th Feb 2024 23:51:14 (Last activity: 19th Feb 2024 15:59:54)
1
Thanks for voting!
Hi, Christine from Bristol here for the first time.
Response from 2LateSmart made on 19th Feb 2024 15:59:54
I see from your posting - and so many other posts - that many people come from the UK. I, on the other hand, come from one of the colonies… America. I welcome and appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you and exchange ideas about what's going on in your world and mine. Thank you.
2LateSmart
19th Feb 2024 15:56:01
0
Thanks for voting!
I think it's been said that the Jews have a way of describing what you mentioned...a parent can raise five children but five children can not take care of one parent. Must be frustrating for you especially since it seems that you strive to do more things and better yourself. Don't waste anymore time dwelling on the past and how children have let you down when you needed them. That happens. It says more about them than it says about you. If they can turn their back on you after all the years that you've given them what will it take for them to turn their backs on their partners.
Don't give up.
StuartEngland
17th Feb 2024 09:20:17
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi, I'm Stuart, from Cheshire. I know exactly what you mean. I went back to college in my late 40s so I take my hat off to you. I'd be happy to chat and see if we could spark off a friendship? Not quite sure how it all works though. Would we just message here?
Fugazi64
29th Jan 2024 09:53:13 (Last activity: 16th Feb 2024 14:06:59)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello,

I have been a member here now for the best part of three minutes so thought it was about time I left a message. Pity that I can't think of anything interesting to say, but i guess that good manners dictate that I should introduce myself. I am not sure how we deal with real names here so will leave that for now, but I am a single man living in Gateshead who will turn 60 in two days time. I am happy with my lot, but also maybe considering a little bit of a reboot.

Looking forward to meeting you all.
Response from Iss made on 2nd Feb 2024 15:21:51
Hello Fugazi64 Just to say I hope you have a lovely 60th birthday. I come from Scotland and thought I would come on and see who I could chat too as the weather here is horrible . Iss
Response from Fugazi64 made on 3rd Feb 2024 11:02:50 > @Iss
Hello Iss,

Lovely to hear from you. I had a good day on my birthday (just quiet drinks with my brother and sister) and a few days off work either side, which was nice.

In Gateshead the weather is drizzly.....always!!!.....I quite like it really.

Take care and keep in touch. it would be nice to know more about you.

Bob
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 16th Feb 2024 14:06:59
Good afternoon and welcome to the site , I hope you make lots of new friends here , many nice people and lots to chat about , enjoy your day
LissaJ
18th Jan 2024 21:13:06 (Last activity: 2nd Feb 2024 15:33:14)
0
Thanks for voting!
I just joined yesterday, I can understand how you are feeling, I'm a young 71, just lost my husband 2 months ago, I don't have any family close to me, so it is very lonely, and i have learned over the years that its not strange, that's just what they have turned out to be, but yes I agree, they do seem to forget us
Response from Iss made on 2nd Feb 2024 15:33:14
Hi LissaJ Just to say so very sorry to hear about you losing your husband 2 months ago so sad . I hope you find some friends on here to chat too soon if you like you can chat with me anytime so don’t hesitate to do that please . I am a retired lady from Scotland. Hope to hear from you soon. Iss
PatriciaB96
2nd Feb 2024 13:58:15
0
Thanks for voting!
Good afternoon, and welcome to the site , there are plenty of people here who are friendly, lots of different topics to chat about , I hope you will enjoy your time here , enjoy your day
Dukey
17th Jan 2024 02:05:22 (Last activity: 25th Jan 2024 12:36:22)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello…I am new so bear with me.
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 25th Jan 2024 12:36:22
Good afternoon, it's a nice site , many nice people are here , I hope you will enjoy your time here
sandgrounderinretirement
19th Jan 2024 12:06:39 (Last activity: 21st Jan 2024 15:31:02)
0
Thanks for voting!
Just joined today, and I'm in my early 70's, having been retired for a long while. Currently living in Northamptonshire, wher I have been now for two decades. I'm a member of the National Trust and English Heritage, as I enjoy visiting their properties every chance I get Lookng to find like minded people.
Response from Beauty made on 21st Jan 2024 15:31:02
Hi SG etc Hope you make friends on here....friendly site. All the best
PatriciaB96
21st Jan 2024 13:13:04
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi , try your local citizen advice bureau, or your local council
redrover3
20th Jan 2024 13:10:00
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi I’m Alan I’ve just joined SS as I retired in January just what can I claim now I’ve go my bus pass
Can you claim on council tax ?
LissaJ
17th Jan 2024 19:45:44 (Last activity: 19th Jan 2024 20:46:46)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello, I'm new too nice to meet you
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 18th Jan 2024 09:21:04
Good morning, nice to you a new member too
Response from LissaJ made on 18th Jan 2024 21:18:54 > @PatriciaB96
Thank you, its a little mid boggling to maneuver this site, any tips?
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 19th Jan 2024 20:46:46 > @LissaJ
Hi , no tips , sorry , just a little patience, your get used to it
Dukey
17th Jan 2024 02:06:00 (Last activity: 18th Jan 2024 21:17:22)
-1
Thanks for voting!
Hello…I am new so bear with me.

Dukey
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 18th Jan 2024 09:22:10
Good morning a nice to meet a new member on here
Response from LissaJ made on 18th Jan 2024 21:17:22
Hi Dukey, I am also new here, joined yesterday (Wednesday)
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