[islandwoman120]

Originally Posted by DDL Rosie, sorry but I've forgotten - how are you subsiding? Are you drawing a pension or living off savings? Your neighbour sounds delightful. Love the imagery of the two of you sitting and chatting over a cuppa. I receive a small monthly sum of money in the U.S. from my ex-husband. It's not alimony, but a community property settlement (we were married over 25 yrs when we divorced). I like to keep that money in the bank over there for incidentals (birthday and Christmas presents for my children/grandchildren, mainly) and as my own personal savings (because you never know) ... but lately I've been thinking about the fact that I could in all reality transfer some of it over here every month (yes, even with that ungodly exchange rate) and that might help us with regard to getting our own place eventually. The only problem is, once my ex drops dead, that money will stop. So I'd hate to get in the position of having to count on it and then it suddenly dries up.

DDL - I am waiting for the Pension to kick in - about 2 more weeks to wait, I was told last week. It will be the basic state pension, so I will need to work as well - part time will be fine - you all know how frugal I have become! I have been living on savings from all the items I sold in the USA. And the exchange rate makes me want to weep - each time I go to change my dollars I cringe. I don't feel hard done by - over here expectations of material items is less than in the States, and I am not outstandingly poor by any means. I have nice things from years ago - most of them from my time living here 24 years prior, and here they are again: Royal Doulton china, crystal wine glasses, sterling silver flatware. And I still retained a few items of my Grandmother's best linens. I think of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' now and then - only I don't have any handpainted Periwinkles. Hope there are some Hyacinth fans on here, or that was all lost in cyberspace.

So I eat my small, inexpensive meals off of the best! It is quite funny - at least I think so - and I enjoy the irony of the situation.

Rosie

[sallysimmons]

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 I wanted to let you all know that I had a wonderful evening. My neighbour who lives across the street and whom I met just before Christmas, invited me over and we had a meal, lots of tea, and talked as though we had known each other forever, instead of only a few hours. She is 20 years older, very interested in life and a very interesting person - we will get together again in the week. I will help her with learning the internet, and getting the recycling sorted out for her building, and we have plans for drives together (her car) as soon as the weather changes for the better. She has a little long haired dachshund, Charlie, who is awesome - blonde, cute and delightfully naughty. Tomorrow: a Brown Bag meeting at Rook Lane Arts (Barb - you will know where that is) with the Frome Creative Network, which group I joined last week. Off and running! Just a part time job needed. Rosie

That is such good news! Congratulations on your first friend of many

[Mummy in the foothills]

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 DDL - I am waiting for the Pension to kick in - about 2 more weeks to wait, I was told last week. It will be the basic state pension, so I will need to work as well - part time will be fine - you all know how frugal I have become! I have been living on savings from all the items I sold in the USA. And the exchange rate makes me want to weep - each time I go to change my dollars I cringe. I don't feel hard done by - over here expectations of material items is less than in the States, and I am not outstandingly poor by any means. I have nice things from years ago - most of them from my time living here 24 years prior, and here they are again: Royal Doulton china, crystal wine glasses, sterling silver flatware. And I still retained a few items of my Grandmother's best linens. I think of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' now and then - only I don't have any handpainted Periwinkles. Hope there are some Hyacinth fans on here, or that was all lost in cyberspace. So I eat my small, inexpensive meals off of the best! It is quite funny - at least I think so - and I enjoy the irony of the situation. Rosie

Not lost in cyberspace I watched Hyacinth on PBS last night. If you are living very frugally you may find you don't really need to work especially if you will get a full pension, but it would be nice way to meet other people and put a bit away for a holiday.

[ldyinlv]

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills Not lost in cyberspace I watched Hyacinth on PBS last night. If you are living very frugally you may find you don't really need to work especially if you will get a full pension, but it would be nice way to meet other people and put a bit away for a holiday.

Anyone watching Downton Abbey on PBS, really good so far, its a mini series.?

[Mummy in the foothills]

Originally Posted by ldyinlv Anyone watching Downton Abbey on PBS, really good so far, its a mini series.?

Me me, it's on tonight at 9pm, highlight of my foggy weekend

[Derrygal]

Originally Posted by ldyinlv Anyone watching Downton Abbey on PBS, really good so far, its a mini series.?

Yes - it just started here last week. I love it! Part 2 is on tonight, but I think I will tape it and watch it another night (want to watch the Golden Globes - hope "The King's Speech" wins - a wonderful movie). I believe Downton Abbey has 4 episodes - although there is a rumor that a Series II may be in the works.

[ldyinlv]

Originally Posted by Mummy in the foothills Me me, it's on tonight at 9pm, highlight of my foggy weekend

I know, I am looking forward to it... after the Golden Globes, I am such an award show addict. Ricky Gervase is hosting.

[ldyinlv]

Originally Posted by ldyinlv I know, I am looking forward to it... after the Golden Globes, I am such an award show addict. Ricky Gervase is hosting.

the globes are on at five..will be over by the time it comes on.

[ldyinlv]

Originally Posted by Derrygal Yes - it just started here last week. I love it! Part 2 is on tonight, but I think I will tape it and watch it another night (want to watch the Golden Globes - hope "The King's Speech" wins - a wonderful movie). I believe Downton Abbey has 4 episodes - although there is a rumor that a Series II may be in the works.

I am gonna have to miss the final episode then..will be back in UK by then...

[aviva]

Originally Posted by ldyinlv I know, I am looking forward to it... after the Golden Globes, I am such an award show addict. Ricky Gervase is hosting.

Me too! I'm watching the pre-show on NBC. Half-watching actually, half studying. Can't wait for Ricky Gervase to insult everyone.

[aviva]

Originally Posted by ldyinlv I am gonna have to miss the final episode then..will be back in UK by then...

Maybe you can see it on hulu.

[ldyinlv]

Originally Posted by aviva Maybe you can see it on hulu.

oh good idea..

[Celticspirit]

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 I wanted to let you all know that I had a wonderful evening. My neighbour who lives across the street and whom I met just before Christmas, invited me over and we had a meal, lots of tea, and talked as though we had known each other forever, instead of only a few hours. She is 20 years older, very interested in life and a very interesting person - we will get together again in the week. I will help her with learning the internet, and getting the recycling sorted out for her building, and we have plans for drives together (her car) as soon as the weather changes for the better. She has a little long haired dachshund, Charlie, who is awesome - blonde, cute and delightfully naughty. Tomorrow: a Brown Bag meeting at Rook Lane Arts (Barb - you will know where that is) with the Frome Creative Network, which group I joined last week. Off and running! Just a part time job needed. Rosie

How lovely to have made a new friend. Now you will not feel so alone )

[Celticspirit]

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 DDL - I am waiting for the Pension to kick in - about 2 more weeks to wait, I was told last week. It will be the basic state pension, so I will need to work as well - part time will be fine - you all know how frugal I have become! I have been living on savings from all the items I sold in the USA. And the exchange rate makes me want to weep - each time I go to change my dollars I cringe. I don't feel hard done by - over here expectations of material items is less than in the States, and I am not outstandingly poor by any means. I have nice things from years ago - most of them from my time living here 24 years prior, and here they are again: Royal Doulton china, crystal wine glasses, sterling silver flatware. And I still retained a few items of my Grandmother's best linens. I think of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' now and then - only I don't have any handpainted Periwinkles. Hope there are some Hyacinth fans on here, or that was all lost in cyberspace. So I eat my small, inexpensive meals off of the best! It is quite funny - at least I think so - and I enjoy the irony of the situation. Rosie

We still see Hyacinth here in Dallas every Sunday evening.......each episode probably forth 100th time!
How did ship your crystal and china?

[HighTide]

Originally Posted by islandwoman120 DDL - I am waiting for the Pension to kick in - about 2 more weeks to wait, I was told last week. It will be the basic state pension, so I will need to work as well - part time will be fine - you all know how frugal I have become! I have been living on savings from all the items I sold in the USA. And the exchange rate makes me want to weep - each time I go to change my dollars I cringe. I don't feel hard done by - over here expectations of material items is less than in the States, and I am not outstandingly poor by any means. I have nice things from years ago - most of them from my time living here 24 years prior, and here they are again: Royal Doulton china, crystal wine glasses, sterling silver flatware. And I still retained a few items of my Grandmother's best linens. I think of Hyacinth Bucket in 'Keeping Up Appearances' now and then - only I don't have any handpainted Periwinkles. Hope there are some Hyacinth fans on here, or that was all lost in cyberspace. So I eat my small, inexpensive meals off of the best! It is quite funny - at least I think so - and I enjoy the irony of the situation. Rosie

Now there's nothing stopping you from having a quiet " Candlelight Supper".