OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
#2686
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I'm starting a list of places I've never been but want to visit. So far I have:
Devon
Ireland (all of it)
Scotland (all of it)
Somerset
Bristol
Norfolk
Cambridge
Oxford
Northumberland
Kent coast
Herefordshire
The list keeps growing every time I watch a British TV show! I'd better get home soon or I'll never have time to see it all.
Last edited by sallysimmons; Feb 3rd 2011 at 1:33 am.
#2687
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
somerset gal - Well, back in '63 when my first wife, decided my best friend, could provide an ''Extra need'', I got custody, of my daughter in court, along with the divorce, and put her through High School, and that was our ''closeness' - so I do think we have a special bond - even her handwriting, looks like mine! How strange is that? - But - I would have loved a son! love dontheturner
#2688
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
And I now want to see your neck of the woods - maybe one day we can do a house swap
I'm starting a list of places I've never been but want to visit. So far I have:
Devon
Ireland (all of it)
Scotland (all of it)
Somerset
Bristol
Norfolk
Cambridge
Oxford
Northumberland
Kent coast
Herefordshire
The list keeps growing every time I watch a British TV show! I'd better get home soon or I'll never have time to see it all.
I'm starting a list of places I've never been but want to visit. So far I have:
Devon
Ireland (all of it)
Scotland (all of it)
Somerset
Bristol
Norfolk
Cambridge
Oxford
Northumberland
Kent coast
Herefordshire
The list keeps growing every time I watch a British TV show! I'd better get home soon or I'll never have time to see it all.
#2689
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 202
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
And I now want to see your neck of the woods - maybe one day we can do a house swap
I'm starting a list of places I've never been but want to visit. So far I have:
Devon
Ireland (all of it)
Scotland (all of it)
Somerset
Bristol
Norfolk
Cambridge
Oxford
Northumberland
Kent coast
Herefordshire
The list keeps growing every time I watch a British TV show! I'd better get home soon or I'll never have time to see it all.
I'm starting a list of places I've never been but want to visit. So far I have:
Devon
Ireland (all of it)
Scotland (all of it)
Somerset
Bristol
Norfolk
Cambridge
Oxford
Northumberland
Kent coast
Herefordshire
The list keeps growing every time I watch a British TV show! I'd better get home soon or I'll never have time to see it all.
#2690
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 202
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
somerset gal - Well, back in '63 when my first wife, decided my best friend, could provide an ''Extra need'', I got custody, of my daughter in court, along with the divorce, and put her through High School, and that was our ''closeness' - so I do think we have a special bond - even her handwriting, looks like mine! How strange is that? - But - I would have loved a son! love dontheturner
#2691
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Windsong........Cats are not my favourite but my daughter adopted two cats from the shelter one was a kitten the other was a much older cat. But they are both indoor cats and act more like dogs. When she calls them they come running. When I visit they know I am a stranger and hide from me. But they will run up to her and sit on her lap. I think indoor cats dont have that thing about returning home because home to them is the house. Many people have to think about the expense of taking animals back to the UK with them.
Easterndawn......Glad the train doesnt go further you can sleep and not worry. We are in the middle of that storm a the moment. Its very cold. and I dont know where they are going to put the snow thats fallen we already have massive snow banks. Glad to see that Wee Mac is doing well. I know he will be great company for you. My little Gabby is. She is a black scottie and loves the snow. (Unlike me)
Curleytops......What you do with the household items. Make piles of three. Those you want to keep those you are not sure of and those you want to get rid of. Then re-visit them after a week or so and go through them again. Its amazing what you keep that you suddenly realize you dont need and somethings you were going to toss you decide to keep. Don't leave it to the last I had a neighbour years ago who was a geordie I loved to listen to her talk. My family in the UK live in Lancashire and when I call them I talk with a broad lancashire accent (which I put on) yesterday my niece told me to stop doing it as her husband asked her why she was talking with such a thick Lancashire accent when she got off the phone
Laroc05.....I have no illusions on how things have changed in the UK my family keep my well grounded and let me know exactly what its like. They do moan and groan but unlike others would not leave as they realize its a sign of the times. They hope things will change. I believe its the same wherever you live. I went back to the place we lived for 18 years here in the US. It was once a lovely quiet place with not too much traffic and I loved it but its not the same anymore. Big roads and lost all its charm.
Dontheturner.....After clearing the snow off the deck I could do with a massage from Tim. I think every muscle in my body is aching. I dont want to see another snowflake. Your daughter sounds like a gem. Bet you cant wait to see her again.
Easterndawn......Glad the train doesnt go further you can sleep and not worry. We are in the middle of that storm a the moment. Its very cold. and I dont know where they are going to put the snow thats fallen we already have massive snow banks. Glad to see that Wee Mac is doing well. I know he will be great company for you. My little Gabby is. She is a black scottie and loves the snow. (Unlike me)
Curleytops......What you do with the household items. Make piles of three. Those you want to keep those you are not sure of and those you want to get rid of. Then re-visit them after a week or so and go through them again. Its amazing what you keep that you suddenly realize you dont need and somethings you were going to toss you decide to keep. Don't leave it to the last I had a neighbour years ago who was a geordie I loved to listen to her talk. My family in the UK live in Lancashire and when I call them I talk with a broad lancashire accent (which I put on) yesterday my niece told me to stop doing it as her husband asked her why she was talking with such a thick Lancashire accent when she got off the phone
Laroc05.....I have no illusions on how things have changed in the UK my family keep my well grounded and let me know exactly what its like. They do moan and groan but unlike others would not leave as they realize its a sign of the times. They hope things will change. I believe its the same wherever you live. I went back to the place we lived for 18 years here in the US. It was once a lovely quiet place with not too much traffic and I loved it but its not the same anymore. Big roads and lost all its charm.
Dontheturner.....After clearing the snow off the deck I could do with a massage from Tim. I think every muscle in my body is aching. I dont want to see another snowflake. Your daughter sounds like a gem. Bet you cant wait to see her again.
#2692
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Trotty....Thanks for the household clearout tips, I'll give it a shot. I know how I'll be spending this weekend, dreading it but it's got to be done. Not like I can even have a yard sale at this time of the year but I'm sure all will work out. I've got some incentive to start the packing detail now, the new luggage arrived today. Stay warm and hope you don't get too bombed by that big arctic blast!
#2693
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,610
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
dontheturner....Your life ahead is going to be full of happiness. You are so blessed. My husband has that special relationship with our daughter, to be honest he is far closer to her than he is to our sons. She is alot more thoughtful. I think many daughters start looking at their Fathers in a very different way once they get older. I always loved my Dad but it wasnt till I was in my twenties that I really began to appreciate him. Sadly he died when I was 28. I miss him for what we didnt that extra time, so you are really lucky that you can have that special time with your daughter.
When we dig this house out of the snow and sell it I will certainly try my best to come and pay you a visit. I did see one of those house shows on British tele and the people were looking for a home in the Shropshire area I didnt realize how beatiful it is.
dunroving....Thankyou for posting your reasons for returning to the UK, it really is good to get both sides of this issue. I must admit that first post of yours sounded pretty idyillic, I am not sure if I had been in the same situation as you I would have wanted to return home. But then its that little thing inside us that keeps niggling at us. You have really stuck it out its not as if you didnt give it a chance. Have you ever thought perhaps of moving to a different area of the UK. But what you said really does give food for thought. A few years ago I did think I might give it a try here in the US in a different town but I could never quite find the right place. Thankyou again.
Curlytops....I cannot tell you how many times I have gone through my boxes which I thought I wanted to take with me. Today I went through all my VHS tapes and put to one side those I am going to convert to DVD's, once my OH buys me the DVD converter from Staples. I have given him enough hints. Now I have another large box with all my exercise tapes and old movies I will never watch all ready for the Salvation Army.
Somersetgirl....I was like you when my OH asked me about coming to the US I did it without any thought of what I was getting into no lists nothing. But I was young and lived for the day it was so exciting I never thought about the future and the consequences of my actions. When I see postings on the other forum of people moving to other contries I want to tell them to stop and really think about it. But who knows perhaps with me it was meant to be. I made the choice when I agreed to marry someone from another country. Back then you didnt walk away from marriage you really worked at it and we both did. So now its time for some more excitement but the pro's and con's have weighed heavily on me, the biggest con is leaving my daughter behind. If she asked me not to go I wouldnt. No one can say life has been dull. I do understand what you were saying.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
When we dig this house out of the snow and sell it I will certainly try my best to come and pay you a visit. I did see one of those house shows on British tele and the people were looking for a home in the Shropshire area I didnt realize how beatiful it is.
dunroving....Thankyou for posting your reasons for returning to the UK, it really is good to get both sides of this issue. I must admit that first post of yours sounded pretty idyillic, I am not sure if I had been in the same situation as you I would have wanted to return home. But then its that little thing inside us that keeps niggling at us. You have really stuck it out its not as if you didnt give it a chance. Have you ever thought perhaps of moving to a different area of the UK. But what you said really does give food for thought. A few years ago I did think I might give it a try here in the US in a different town but I could never quite find the right place. Thankyou again.
Curlytops....I cannot tell you how many times I have gone through my boxes which I thought I wanted to take with me. Today I went through all my VHS tapes and put to one side those I am going to convert to DVD's, once my OH buys me the DVD converter from Staples. I have given him enough hints. Now I have another large box with all my exercise tapes and old movies I will never watch all ready for the Salvation Army.
Somersetgirl....I was like you when my OH asked me about coming to the US I did it without any thought of what I was getting into no lists nothing. But I was young and lived for the day it was so exciting I never thought about the future and the consequences of my actions. When I see postings on the other forum of people moving to other contries I want to tell them to stop and really think about it. But who knows perhaps with me it was meant to be. I made the choice when I agreed to marry someone from another country. Back then you didnt walk away from marriage you really worked at it and we both did. So now its time for some more excitement but the pro's and con's have weighed heavily on me, the biggest con is leaving my daughter behind. If she asked me not to go I wouldnt. No one can say life has been dull. I do understand what you were saying.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
#2694
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
dontheturner....Your life ahead is going to be full of happiness. You are so blessed. My husband has that special relationship with our daughter, to be honest he is far closer to her than he is to our sons. She is alot more thoughtful. I think many daughters start looking at their Fathers in a very different way once they get older. I always loved my Dad but it wasnt till I was in my twenties that I really began to appreciate him. Sadly he died when I was 28. I miss him for what we didnt that extra time, so you are really lucky that you can have that special time with your daughter.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
#2695
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hi charleygirl,
Well all I had was 4 large suitcases all within the weight allowed, I think it was 23 kilos/50lbs ----- so besides the $272 I paid for excess weight, the suitcases cost me $50 each to buy, so thats another $200 and of course I dont need the cases any more so there stuck up in the attic now, oh just had a thought Anybody out there that wants to buy 4 nice brand new large quality suitcases they can have them for half price $25 or say £15 each,
Feet getting better, but it will take time, but Im getting rreallygood care with no waiting at all at the NHS,
Take care,
Rodney.
Well all I had was 4 large suitcases all within the weight allowed, I think it was 23 kilos/50lbs ----- so besides the $272 I paid for excess weight, the suitcases cost me $50 each to buy, so thats another $200 and of course I dont need the cases any more so there stuck up in the attic now, oh just had a thought Anybody out there that wants to buy 4 nice brand new large quality suitcases they can have them for half price $25 or say £15 each,
Feet getting better, but it will take time, but Im getting rreallygood care with no waiting at all at the NHS,
Take care,
Rodney.
#2696
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
dontheturner....Your life ahead is going to be full of happiness. You are so blessed. My husband has that special relationship with our daughter, to be honest he is far closer to her than he is to our sons. She is alot more thoughtful. I think many daughters start looking at their Fathers in a very different way once they get older. I always loved my Dad but it wasnt till I was in my twenties that I really began to appreciate him. Sadly he died when I was 28. I miss him for what we didnt that extra time, so you are really lucky that you can have that special time with your daughter.
When we dig this house out of the snow and sell it I will certainly try my best to come and pay you a visit. I did see one of those house shows on British tele and the people were looking for a home in the Shropshire area I didnt realize how beatiful it is.
dunroving....Thankyou for posting your reasons for returning to the UK, it really is good to get both sides of this issue. I must admit that first post of yours sounded pretty idyillic, I am not sure if I had been in the same situation as you I would have wanted to return home. But then its that little thing inside us that keeps niggling at us. You have really stuck it out its not as if you didnt give it a chance. Have you ever thought perhaps of moving to a different area of the UK. But what you said really does give food for thought. A few years ago I did think I might give it a try here in the US in a different town but I could never quite find the right place. Thankyou again.
Curlytops....I cannot tell you how many times I have gone through my boxes which I thought I wanted to take with me. Today I went through all my VHS tapes and put to one side those I am going to convert to DVD's, once my OH buys me the DVD converter from Staples. I have given him enough hints. Now I have another large box with all my exercise tapes and old movies I will never watch all ready for the Salvation Army.
Somersetgirl....I was like you when my OH asked me about coming to the US I did it without any thought of what I was getting into no lists nothing. But I was young and lived for the day it was so exciting I never thought about the future and the consequences of my actions. When I see postings on the other forum of people moving to other contries I want to tell them to stop and really think about it. But who knows perhaps with me it was meant to be. I made the choice when I agreed to marry someone from another country. Back then you didnt walk away from marriage you really worked at it and we both did. So now its time for some more excitement but the pro's and con's have weighed heavily on me, the biggest con is leaving my daughter behind. If she asked me not to go I wouldnt. No one can say life has been dull. I do understand what you were saying.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
When we dig this house out of the snow and sell it I will certainly try my best to come and pay you a visit. I did see one of those house shows on British tele and the people were looking for a home in the Shropshire area I didnt realize how beatiful it is.
dunroving....Thankyou for posting your reasons for returning to the UK, it really is good to get both sides of this issue. I must admit that first post of yours sounded pretty idyillic, I am not sure if I had been in the same situation as you I would have wanted to return home. But then its that little thing inside us that keeps niggling at us. You have really stuck it out its not as if you didnt give it a chance. Have you ever thought perhaps of moving to a different area of the UK. But what you said really does give food for thought. A few years ago I did think I might give it a try here in the US in a different town but I could never quite find the right place. Thankyou again.
Curlytops....I cannot tell you how many times I have gone through my boxes which I thought I wanted to take with me. Today I went through all my VHS tapes and put to one side those I am going to convert to DVD's, once my OH buys me the DVD converter from Staples. I have given him enough hints. Now I have another large box with all my exercise tapes and old movies I will never watch all ready for the Salvation Army.
Somersetgirl....I was like you when my OH asked me about coming to the US I did it without any thought of what I was getting into no lists nothing. But I was young and lived for the day it was so exciting I never thought about the future and the consequences of my actions. When I see postings on the other forum of people moving to other contries I want to tell them to stop and really think about it. But who knows perhaps with me it was meant to be. I made the choice when I agreed to marry someone from another country. Back then you didnt walk away from marriage you really worked at it and we both did. So now its time for some more excitement but the pro's and con's have weighed heavily on me, the biggest con is leaving my daughter behind. If she asked me not to go I wouldnt. No one can say life has been dull. I do understand what you were saying.
There are so many places I have not been to in the UK thats one thing I want to change when I get home I want to travel and see as much as I can.
I am going to miss my daughter terribly and you know if she had cried and asked me not to go, then I wouldn't have done, but she didn't because she knows how I feel. (That's how I missed out on my BA cheap fare )
I just hope I get this job with my present company to allow me to get staff discounted airfares then I won't feel as far away if I can just jump on a plane at a whim or if needed. Easier to find a few hundred dollars than a few thousand dollars........or should that be pounds???
#2699
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Update on Cyclone Yasi in Queensland
Well as much as there has been devastation and destruction to many, many homes and businesses, thank God there has not been one death reported so far though 2 people have been reported as missing, which given the ferocity of the cyclone is pretty amazing.
I think most people listened to the Government warnings and took shelter in evacuation centres, ie shopping centres, basements, etc.
BTW 3 babies were born in the midst of the storm, one in Cairns shopping centre, the mother said she will NOT be calling the baby girl Yasi.
So I would say that Rosie and Celticspirit's family members are more than likely OK.
Well as much as there has been devastation and destruction to many, many homes and businesses, thank God there has not been one death reported so far though 2 people have been reported as missing, which given the ferocity of the cyclone is pretty amazing.
I think most people listened to the Government warnings and took shelter in evacuation centres, ie shopping centres, basements, etc.
BTW 3 babies were born in the midst of the storm, one in Cairns shopping centre, the mother said she will NOT be calling the baby girl Yasi.
So I would say that Rosie and Celticspirit's family members are more than likely OK.
Last edited by Beedubya; Feb 3rd 2011 at 8:00 am.
#2700
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,197
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Curleytop, welcome! Thanks for stopping the lurking and saying hello.
Dunrovin thank you for these interesting and informative posts, your feelings one the eve of leaving US in 1996, your feelings in Scotland now, your disillusion--mainly due to your work circumstances, I gather--very understandable, as work is such a big part of one's life. You've obviously thought long and hard about these issues, so I can't tell you anything you don't know--but would it help to make a list (! those lists! as others have mentioned, we so often don't bother when young, eager for adventure, in love, or whatever!) of what you like about UK/Scotland, in itself--separate from the job. Countryside, pubs (?!), walks, architecture, sense of history--the whole atmosphere; all that stuff, separate from the working day--is it enough to keep you here? Would you miss it if you go back to US? Or not???
Your posts are what this thread should be about--so, see, it's not going to hell in a handbasket!--and of course Trotty helped by asking, as she does, a great question.
Islandwoman Rosie, please don't leave!
Unless it's just that you have become really busy with your new life in Frome....
Your posts, like ED's, DDL's, Rodney's and others who have posted immediately on getting back to UK, are so helpful. They are what this forum is all about...showing the ups and downs, the depression that can hit when things--people, places, weather, whatever--aren't as we'd hoped they would be; then the ability to pull yourself up out of it...your experiences have showed us so much--one of the most important things they've shown is the importance of being in a nice PLACE in UK--they aren't all as nice as each other!--especially if family ties there are not dictating the choice of where to live. Since we have chosen to go back because of issues of place, it's important to pick the place where we can feel content!
DDL/Denise I somehow missed that you got a job, I knew interviews were coming up--congrats! That's fantastic.
Beedubya/Barb I DO hope they come through with the details of that job offer soon! You must be on tenterhooks!
Trottytrue Yes, like you, I fell in love with an American man and went to USA because of him, swept up in the adventure of it all, with nary a backward glance....but somewhere in my mind I thought it would be temporary, as our Italian sojourn was....I just wasn't thinking it through! (Thinking isn't a big part of what goes on when one is young and in love!) Now I would recommend to couples in this situation that they have some sort of agreement...if after a certain (agreed-on) number of years, the spouse who is leaving his/her country is still unbearably homesick, the family will go back to that country.....We didn't have any such thing, plus (a major factor) my husband was the breadwinner, I was home with children and earning a little here and there in my work from home...but the whole family depended on his job situation...and so the years went by! I was often unhappy about it, and yet, I don't know that I'd exactly say I have regrets at how it has all turned out...the "kids" had the benefit of being raised in a nice small USA town and doing all their schooling there in a rather good public school, and they are great kids and all doing well, and happy...unlike many on this forum who live in USA, I did make close friends....so, anyway, I still think an agreement between couples is a good idea. And I hope to get to spend those uninterrupted months in England eventually!
Tina
Dunrovin thank you for these interesting and informative posts, your feelings one the eve of leaving US in 1996, your feelings in Scotland now, your disillusion--mainly due to your work circumstances, I gather--very understandable, as work is such a big part of one's life. You've obviously thought long and hard about these issues, so I can't tell you anything you don't know--but would it help to make a list (! those lists! as others have mentioned, we so often don't bother when young, eager for adventure, in love, or whatever!) of what you like about UK/Scotland, in itself--separate from the job. Countryside, pubs (?!), walks, architecture, sense of history--the whole atmosphere; all that stuff, separate from the working day--is it enough to keep you here? Would you miss it if you go back to US? Or not???
Your posts are what this thread should be about--so, see, it's not going to hell in a handbasket!--and of course Trotty helped by asking, as she does, a great question.
Islandwoman Rosie, please don't leave!
Unless it's just that you have become really busy with your new life in Frome....
Your posts, like ED's, DDL's, Rodney's and others who have posted immediately on getting back to UK, are so helpful. They are what this forum is all about...showing the ups and downs, the depression that can hit when things--people, places, weather, whatever--aren't as we'd hoped they would be; then the ability to pull yourself up out of it...your experiences have showed us so much--one of the most important things they've shown is the importance of being in a nice PLACE in UK--they aren't all as nice as each other!--especially if family ties there are not dictating the choice of where to live. Since we have chosen to go back because of issues of place, it's important to pick the place where we can feel content!
DDL/Denise I somehow missed that you got a job, I knew interviews were coming up--congrats! That's fantastic.
Beedubya/Barb I DO hope they come through with the details of that job offer soon! You must be on tenterhooks!
Trottytrue Yes, like you, I fell in love with an American man and went to USA because of him, swept up in the adventure of it all, with nary a backward glance....but somewhere in my mind I thought it would be temporary, as our Italian sojourn was....I just wasn't thinking it through! (Thinking isn't a big part of what goes on when one is young and in love!) Now I would recommend to couples in this situation that they have some sort of agreement...if after a certain (agreed-on) number of years, the spouse who is leaving his/her country is still unbearably homesick, the family will go back to that country.....We didn't have any such thing, plus (a major factor) my husband was the breadwinner, I was home with children and earning a little here and there in my work from home...but the whole family depended on his job situation...and so the years went by! I was often unhappy about it, and yet, I don't know that I'd exactly say I have regrets at how it has all turned out...the "kids" had the benefit of being raised in a nice small USA town and doing all their schooling there in a rather good public school, and they are great kids and all doing well, and happy...unlike many on this forum who live in USA, I did make close friends....so, anyway, I still think an agreement between couples is a good idea. And I hope to get to spend those uninterrupted months in England eventually!
Tina