spouse of scouse

We do get ourselves in a state! Re your membership of Vietnam Solidarity, I wonder if it would have been an impediment if you were applying for US residency? Probably not, I don't think the technology was sophisticated enough.

Coincidentally, I was also involved in activism regarding the Vietnam war, albeit from a different perspective. It was the conscription of Australian men that sent me on a march down Hay Street in Perth - I was 14 and my Mum thought I was staying over a friend's house

spouse of scouse

Today I've paid over 400 pounds in water, gas and electricity bills for the UK house. If I don't get the visa, I wonder if I can get a refund?

spouse of scouse

formula

You will get your visa. Just think of the fun you will have using that £400 up.

Relax and make the most of your last few days in Oz. When are you planning to arrive?

feelbritish

Thanks and here is another tip which I got from a friend this week: make sure you have activities separate to your OH so that you also make up a life for yourself and do it quickly! OH and I have both retired him from full time work and me from being home bound all the time and although only 3 weeks we do need to have separate space although he does not think so! I am working on this and it was also his idea to go back to our old town and house and when you both retire together there are adjustment periods.

feelbritish

Thank you formula, that means a lot to me! I did get most of my help and inspiration from this forum and our friends on here but I am a very organised person and that helped. I am already reading up about the second bout of applications as I hate surprises and am getting bills in both names sorted plus where to keep money accessible!

spouse of scouse

I'm sending the mutt off in a few days, my flight's booked for a few days after that. However, in my cautious way I've booked a fully flexible ticket so I can change the dates. I like your confidence though!

spouse of scouse

I agree about maintaining your own interests and activities, FB. Scouse and I have both taken early retirement and although we both enjoy the 24/7 thing, I do take myself off now and then for lunch with friends, catch ups with my sisters etc. Like your partner, he's not so bothered and is quite happy pottering around the house - he's always thinking up new projects to work on.

I'd like to do some volunteer work once I'm settled in and have already had an approach from an NHS trust to consider applying for membership of their Board. I have to look into that further though as I think I might need to be a citizen first. I'd be quite happy just doing admin work with a local community agency - the only problem would be that if I thought there was a better way to do things, I'd speak up (and probably get the sack!). The curse of a long-time manager - we think we know everything

Perth

I have so many volunteer ideas I am afraid there are not enough hours in the day! But I am excited to be able to dedicate myself to a new community. OH will be so wrapped up in his music I'll be lucky if I see him at all

spouse of scouse

I feel just the same and there's no better way to become a part of a community than rolling our sleeves up and mucking in I wonder if it's too late for Scouse to learn to play piano?

Perth

Daniel can teach concertina or banjo - fancy either one?

spouse of scouse

Which is the quietest?

Your Daniel is very talented!

Perth

Haha, that would have to be the banjo

spouse of scouse

I have the theme of Deliverance running through my head....

Perth