I retired early, I've 4 years to go to my state pension, which may or maynot be reduced.

Because I worked for a local authority for the last 30odd years I was 'contracted out' of paying a full state stamp.Not a problem until some snotty little rich boy politician changed the rules and said that to get afull state pension I (or we as local govt. employees) could pay a top up.

The closer to retirement the higher the 'contribution', so much so that I'd have been taking just over half my wage home, so...

....I cut and ran on my only just sufficient council pension and will wait and see what happens when I get to 66.

apart from that I have a slight head ache this morning, could be something to do too much beer last night...

Because I've retired on a private pension and have no intention of getting another job just to pay more tax I'm not entitled to ANY state hand outs.

If I go to the DHSS site and enter details I get told in no uncertain terms I'm not allowed ANYTHING!!

And that's after a working life paying taxes and claiming nothing.

I could go on...

We inherited a bottle of brandy from1980something, Mrs HG did a search...

....the years either side were worth £100+..

...ours, well needless to say we drank it to drown the sorrow.

well that's me down to my last bottle of Pastis, not any pastis, this is the best pastis, Henri Bardouin.

Without a trip or two across the channel we haven't been able to stock up

A search on tinternet says it should be available at a waitrose near us...

...any bets?

Before and after a pink rinse...

It seems strange that after 40 odd years of being told to remove my crash helmet in shops etc so that the cameras can see my face I now get told to 'COVER UP' my face!!!

Just confirms the worlds gone crazy.

Lipstick?

Im with you there Gwyn, I miss seen the kids face to face, and maybe the odd pub visit, but as for the rest..

...I just want to travel further than the end of the road!

+1

It appears shops im England will be allowed to stay open 24/7 until Christmas, so they can fleece us of any money we might have...

....but pubs have to stay shut where we are...

It Happens Rob, I just ordered a pair of pedals for my old bike only to find a spare set at the back of the hut!

Talking of bikes, the pedal type, we had a nice ride into Leeds along the canal this morning. Once we reached Granary Wharf it was bacon buttie and coffe time before riding back.

24ish miles in total and a lovely sunny morning.

Ah, Doddy, they locked the doors when he went on stage so you couldn't escape!

Saw him in Bradford a year or so before his demise, cracking show...

...and locked doors!