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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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[deleted]
21st Aug 2020 01:04:11
0
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 21st Aug 2020 07:54:25
Hi Oldfeller,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

Response from islandPat made on 21st Aug 2020 10:50:35
When and where did you serve. My husband and I were both in the RAF.

Lovely place you live in. We used to live not far from Sherwood Forest.

Retired to Cyprus. I am part of C3A - think U3A in UK. I run the family history.

There is a group for photography in C3A.

Somewhat warm at the moment so doing plenty of reading as well as family history.

Best wishes

Pat
Response from Dinabob4 made on 21st Aug 2020 20:46:20
Hi there, welcome to the site.

I am fairly new and joined in these uncertain times.
How are you finding your retirement?

The weather is very windy at the moment in the South East.
I am happy to chat to people of all ages and backgrounds.
What do you like to talk about? Has you life changed this year due to the virus.

My dad would know more about the RAF than me, but he is sadly no longer with us.
I think we have a bit more summer to come. September can be nice.

Regards,
Dina
Response from Dinabob4 made on 21st Aug 2020 23:11:51
Hi Allan,

Yes the years fly by and this one is turning out to be a loss unfortunately due to the situation.
I miss the same things as you! it sounds like, the eating out with friends etc. and even just visiting people. We will appreciate it when it feels more safe to do so.
Yes let's hope September is nice so I can still get to see some relatives in their gardens (where it is safer than inside).
Your winds sound worse, I think the north is affected more at the moment.
Thank you for being sorry about my dad. We all get to an age where we have losses and have to live with them, sadly.
Things to talk about! Well, what about holidays in the UK? Do you have any favourites or regulars or was you always busy working?

Regards
Dina
Response from Dinabob4 made on 22nd Aug 2020 15:59:47
Hi Allan,
You've been all over the UK, that's nice to hear.
I think I have been to most parts too, yes.
Scotland is lovely. I haven't been in recent years and not as high up as Fort William. I've been to Edinburgh, and the surrounding area. Also Kirkaldy, Fife and Perth etc. Probably the east coast too such as Arbroath.
I agree Cornwall and Devon are lovely places to go and have been a few times. It is quite a long way but worth it.
I have also had many holidays in South Wales and North Wales and most resorts on the south coast of England and the south east. We have a few holidays in Great Yarmouth in younger years and Norfolk as it is not too far to travel to get to a coast.
I have been to France but just to Paris and Eurodisney, mostly. I have been to many other European holidays but I do not think I am keen to fly again and may just stick to the UK when we can do normal things.
I hope you can go on holiday again next year. It may be possible if you go self-catering as that is quite risk-free. Was you hoping to go to France again if it was not for the virus.
I hope you can see friends or family, if you have any near you, in outside places at the moment.
I hope this virus peters out by next year!
Dina.
Response from Dinabob4 made on 23rd Aug 2020 22:17:51
Hi Allan
Hope you have had a good day. Yes it has been a bit cloudy today (Sunday).
In answer to your question to find this site you could just search the internet 'silversurfers.com' and then you can log in.
It takes a bit of getting used to.
Unfortunately I find you sometimes get notified you have had replies and other times you do not so you otherwise just check when you log on here and there.
I use a laptop, I like the larger display, but some prefer to use a smartphone or it is just convenient.
Oh you are close to Llandudno and North Wales. Lucky you.
I have been to most places along that coast including colwyn way, conway (the smallest house!), Rhyl. The isle of Anglesey. Right down to Pwllheli. I remember driving up a very steep hill at the Orme in Llandudno and the person in front of me decided to stop! It was not a great experience.
I remember some chalets we stayed at in Towyn. I think they have been knocked down now. I have been inland too. So many places to mention. You have to look at a map sometimes to refresh your memory.
Sounds like the area of france -Brittany was very relaxing.
It is good to look back on the memories of your good holidays.
Do you have many photos of your memories?
I love looking at my old photos.
Regards
Dina
Response from Dinabob4 made on 24th Aug 2020 17:07:52
Hi Allan,
Good to hear from you. I do not get notifications about all messages so it doesn't matter what time they are sent. I should see them when logged on. I am generally an 'owl' rather than a 'lark'!
Oh you know a little about what's happening at Towyn then. I have a few photos from there. It was somewhere to have a base and then you can drive around and see the sites of many nearby attractions. The orme yes is very high up from what I remember.
We used to go as a big family, some of who we have sadly lost over the years and things change.
I used to always watch the news at the beginning of this pandemic but now I realise it was news overload as it is all doom and gloom.
I know watch it now and then. Of course you like to be up to date with what is happening but you can have too much of it! Do you watch the news?
I like documentaries or anything about real life, particularly things that are uplifting!
Do you get out for a walk sometimes? I find they are good for you if you can.
Have a good evening.
Dina
Response from islandPat made on 25th Aug 2020 11:54:05
Sorry Allan that I didn't get back sooner but things just got busy and it's hot.

I got a posting to Cyprus and so did my husband so this is where we met and married and 2 years later our son was born. He has never forgiven us for leaving here when he was 28 days old. 🙂

My husband never had another overseas tour and he was in the RAF nearly 25 years. He was based on the outskirts of London for sometime but I stayed with the children in Newark Nottinghamshire. We moved later to near Sherwood Forest.

I'm sure there's a U3A near you and a photography group. If you get interested in family history I'd be happy to help with that. I'm also in the book club but it's not run like most where you are told what book to read. We read what we want and then spend a couple of hours each month discussing what we've read over a cup of coffee. It's very pleasant.

I'm the odd one out in the book club, the others are all art based and I'm science :). They never know what I'm going to discuss. I will read a couple of light books followed by a serious history or science book. This coming month it will be a light and humorous who done it followed by A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived - The Stories in Our Genes. That also links to my family history.

I went to Chester a couple of years ago. I was visiting UK, a week in Notts with our children and a week with my sister in Walsall. We met up with a distant paternal cousin in Chester during my research - it was very interesting. We've met up since.

How have you kept yourself entertained since lock down?I've had reading and family history and OH has had his computer and he helps out on a couple of sites on there. The dog has loved it as she doesn't like being left alone, although she is good when left. She was dumped as a pup and walked into our house for help so we think it relates to that.

Off to do shopping, shops aren't far away thankfully - even though we have cool bags we still have to get cold things into the fridge quickly.

Hope to hear from you soon

Pat
Response from carolquinn made on 26th Aug 2020 09:46:43
Hi sounds like you had a colourful life serving in army and driving I'm from London although have lived in North Wales not for from you in flint love delemere forest usually do the dementia walk there as work with dementia but sadly due to covid it's canceled this year I'm only just noticing the wildlife on the dee as been going for walks on coastal path and think if I could capture that bird how lovely it would be as is to see.
AngieG1
17th Apr 2024 02:00:32 (Last activity: 17th Apr 2024 21:01:35)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hello my first time here and was reading your post. I am married but my husband works late my daughter moved out three months ago. I still work alit but have several days and hours alone. I haven’t joined any groups yet and o trying hobbies in the evenings. But I’m still very lonely. I don’t have friends that are like everyday friends. Only social once in a while get together. I miss my daughter. She doesn’t call much I only see her if I call her tell her to come over for her hills or dinner etc. I’m looking for friends to chat with and even go do things with it’s hurtful and depressing when your kids get grown independent and don’t want to come around and even worse with no friends. To talk to. I know everyone says but you have your husband but sometimes women need women friends or male. We need other people to talk to.
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 17th Apr 2024 21:01:35
Good evening and welcome to the site, I hope you will find lots of friends, there are many nice people on here and lots to chat
happydays75
14th Feb 2024 15:58:28 (Last activity: 2nd Apr 2024 19:25:03)
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
Response from ThelmaM9 made on 2nd Apr 2024 19:25:03
Hi there, I'm also recently widowed, very suddenly in January not easy is it? I have good days and bad, the evenings are the worst I find.
Scotsfemale 54
24th Mar 2024 21:45:48 (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 on 27th Mar 2024 20:00:20
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 on 27th Mar 2024 20:51:26
Thank you Patricia : -)
loulou66666
26th Mar 2024 19:52:36 (Last activity: 27th Mar 2024 19:58:04)
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi would love to chat Louise
Response from PatriciaB96 made on 27th Mar 2024 19:58:04
Good evening, I hope you will make lots of new friends here , it's a nice site,
PatriciaB96
27th Mar 2024 19:56:58
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.
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
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