OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Dec 30th 2010, 8:00 am
#151
Home Sweet Home
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Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Surrey, England
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hello Charleygirl.
I'm so glad you got that Royale Family business sorted out, of course its not everybodies cuppa tea, I bought the series many years ago, I'm sure there are some new christmas specials I haven't seen.
Did you see the series "At home with the Braithwates", its was on BBC America about 6-7 years ago, it might be up your street.
It stars Amanda Redman of "New Tricks:" Peter Davidson (Tristan) and Linda Bellingham (Helen Herriot) of All Creatures great and small fame, Sylvia Syms and Julia Graham.
Amanda (Alison Braithwate) wins the euro lottery, I was hooked from the first show.
I did well this Christmas, Ireceived the full series of "Father Ted" and the "Vicar of Dibley" plus the first series of Doc Martin, it sure beats clothes that never seem to fit, plus its light enough to take back when the time comes.
I'm so glad you got that Royale Family business sorted out, of course its not everybodies cuppa tea, I bought the series many years ago, I'm sure there are some new christmas specials I haven't seen.
Did you see the series "At home with the Braithwates", its was on BBC America about 6-7 years ago, it might be up your street.
It stars Amanda Redman of "New Tricks:" Peter Davidson (Tristan) and Linda Bellingham (Helen Herriot) of All Creatures great and small fame, Sylvia Syms and Julia Graham.
Amanda (Alison Braithwate) wins the euro lottery, I was hooked from the first show.
I did well this Christmas, Ireceived the full series of "Father Ted" and the "Vicar of Dibley" plus the first series of Doc Martin, it sure beats clothes that never seem to fit, plus its light enough to take back when the time comes.
As you say, The Royle Family is not for everybody, but I like it.
Watched the 2010 and 2009 Christmas specials this week, thank God for Expat Shield and a doorway to heaven (i.e. UK TV). Also for lovers of The Catherine Tate Show I watched "Nan's Christmas Carol" made in 2009, LOTS of swearing but oh I do love Nan.
Dec 30th 2010, 8:02 am
#152
Home Sweet Home
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hello Jackie.
I understand totally, the Health thing, people need to experience it to believe it.
Vegas, what a place, I've been many times, I always enjoy myself, its not just a gambing thing as Im not much of a gambler myself, I like the sights, shows and driving around the outskirts, miles away from the strip.
I'm sure you will miss it.
I understand totally, the Health thing, people need to experience it to believe it.
Vegas, what a place, I've been many times, I always enjoy myself, its not just a gambing thing as Im not much of a gambler myself, I like the sights, shows and driving around the outskirts, miles away from the strip.
I'm sure you will miss it.
Dec 30th 2010, 8:04 am
#153
Home Sweet Home
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Am replying to this although there are probably pages and pages of subsequent posts to catch up on--
--thank you for this, Barb--yes, it was a lovely Christmas (if chaotic because of the numbers of adults and children concerned!).
Other son did land safely, the countryside was an extraordinary sight, covered in snow, and as all readers probably know by now, on Christmas Day and Boxing Day the sun shone (at least in Gloucestershire) so there was the sun sparkling on the snow....most unusual for England, and bitterly cold, but very pretty.
Tina
--thank you for this, Barb--yes, it was a lovely Christmas (if chaotic because of the numbers of adults and children concerned!).
Other son did land safely, the countryside was an extraordinary sight, covered in snow, and as all readers probably know by now, on Christmas Day and Boxing Day the sun shone (at least in Gloucestershire) so there was the sun sparkling on the snow....most unusual for England, and bitterly cold, but very pretty.
Tina
Dec 30th 2010, 8:18 am
#154
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hi Fish, nice to see you back!!
As you say, The Royle Family is not for everybody, but I like it. Watched the 2010 and 2009 Christmas specials this week, thank God for Expat Shield and a doorway to heaven (i.e. UK TV).
Also for lovers of The Catherine Tate Show I watched "Nan's Christmas Carol" made in 2009, LOTS of swearing but oh I do love Nan.
As you say, The Royle Family is not for everybody, but I like it.
Watched the 2010 and 2009 Christmas specials this week, thank God for Expat Shield and a doorway to heaven (i.e. UK TV). Also for lovers of The Catherine Tate Show I watched "Nan's Christmas Carol" made in 2009, LOTS of swearing but oh I do love Nan.
Dec 30th 2010, 11:18 am
#155
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Beedubya....My eldest was 5 when we came to the US. Don't think OH really wanted to stay in the UK but he tried. Back then they had to offer any job he applied for to a British subject and then after 3 had refused he got the opportunity to take the job. Things have changed since then. We moved back to Florida were his Mum and family lived but he didnt like Florida and the heat so we moved to California after 3 years we moved to Rhode Island which I really liked. We lived on the Island for 18years but then he was made redundant and got the job up here in New Hampshire which I really dislike. I suppose it depends were you live. He would be happy to stay in the US but always promised me that if I wanted he would take me back to the UK when he retired. I think he thought I would change my mind as the years went by. But here I sit and wait. Somedays are better than others.
I was never a big traveller I went on holiday with friends to Spain and Italy but was always glad to get home. Loved living in Chester but I really think I was suffering from depression after my third child and various operations and family squables. I have always said that when deciding to move to another country you need to take a deep breath and think about it and not do it on a whim. I already knew I didnt want to move but I was stuck or so I though I didnt want to look like a fool and back out at the last minute so I kept my mouth shut and here we are 30years later. Only myself to blame. As my Mum would say. Weak as water...........
I read today that Cilla Black does not want to live past 75. OMG I thought that does not give me long to enjoy myself before its over. The thought really depressed me.
But my Mum was 93 when she died and my Granny was 90 and they did pretty well. 
I was never a big traveller I went on holiday with friends to Spain and Italy but was always glad to get home. Loved living in Chester but I really think I was suffering from depression after my third child and various operations and family squables. I have always said that when deciding to move to another country you need to take a deep breath and think about it and not do it on a whim. I already knew I didnt want to move but I was stuck or so I though I didnt want to look like a fool and back out at the last minute so I kept my mouth shut and here we are 30years later. Only myself to blame. As my Mum would say. Weak as water...........
I read today that Cilla Black does not want to live past 75. OMG I thought that does not give me long to enjoy myself before its over. The thought really depressed me.
But my Mum was 93 when she died and my Granny was 90 and they did pretty well.
Dec 30th 2010, 1:08 pm
#156
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Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Did you see the series "At home with the Braithwates", its was on BBC America about 6-7 years ago, it might be up your street.
It stars Amanda Redman of "New Tricks:" Peter Davidson (Tristan) and Linda Bellingham (Helen Herriot) of All Creatures great and small fame, Sylvia Syms and Julia Graham.
Amanda (Alison Braithwate) wins the euro lottery, I was hooked from the first show.
It stars Amanda Redman of "New Tricks:" Peter Davidson (Tristan) and Linda Bellingham (Helen Herriot) of All Creatures great and small fame, Sylvia Syms and Julia Graham.
Amanda (Alison Braithwate) wins the euro lottery, I was hooked from the first show.
Dec 30th 2010, 1:13 pm
#157
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Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
WaWa, I know what you mean about wanting to fast forward. I have such a long wait.
OTOH, I like having something to look forward to and plan towards, even though all know what happens to the best laid plans.
I too would like an old terrace or a semi. Georgian or Victorian preferably. But not one that needs doing up. Neither of us is handy like that, so we have to pay people to do things, which gets very expensive. If you want to come over and do mine up when you're done with yours, you'd be very welcome ;-)
OTOH, I like having something to look forward to and plan towards, even though all know what happens to the best laid plans.
I too would like an old terrace or a semi. Georgian or Victorian preferably. But not one that needs doing up. Neither of us is handy like that, so we have to pay people to do things, which gets very expensive. If you want to come over and do mine up when you're done with yours, you'd be very welcome ;-)
Dec 30th 2010, 1:35 pm
#158
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Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Toronto, but not for long, Inshallah
Posts: 248
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Not sure how far away you are from the off or even if you need to work, but there is a job advertised on here for Manchester, admin type thingy.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=698361
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=698361
Dec 30th 2010, 1:44 pm
#159
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Very often, and maybe all of the time I'm not sure, Marks and Sparks do a wonderful deal whereby you can buy a side dish of your choice, be it vegetables or a mixed salad or whatever, then a main course of your choice - just select as required from a varied range of meals including veggie; then a choice of a dessert; and finally a choice of a bottle of wine to top it all off...all for £10, and easily sufficient to serve two people...
The £10 Meal Deals for Two are fantastic! We purchased 5 or 6 of these meals throughout November and December, and just put the bottles of wine aside to use at our pre-Christmas family gathering in Devon.
Dec 30th 2010, 1:56 pm
#160
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Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Toronto, but not for long, Inshallah
Posts: 248
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
WaWa, I know what you mean about wanting to fast forward. I have such a long wait.
OTOH, I like having something to look forward to and plan towards, even though all know what happens to the best laid plans.
I too would like an old terrace or a semi. Georgian or Victorian preferably. But not one that needs doing up. Neither of us is handy like that, so we have to pay people to do things, which gets very expensive. If you want to come over and do mine up when you're done with yours, you'd be very welcome ;-)
OTOH, I like having something to look forward to and plan towards, even though all know what happens to the best laid plans.
I too would like an old terrace or a semi. Georgian or Victorian preferably. But not one that needs doing up. Neither of us is handy like that, so we have to pay people to do things, which gets very expensive. If you want to come over and do mine up when you're done with yours, you'd be very welcome ;-)
Sounds so much better wot? 
Would love to buy a right dive and turn it into a beauty - I hear home renovations in UK are much cheaper than North America. Who knows, it could end up to be a little business, so of course I will be able help with yours - I could give you a special BE discount
of course you have to let me work, no sitting around drinking tea (read wine) and nattering
Dec 30th 2010, 2:12 pm
#161
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
By the way - has anyone noticed that half of the houses on Rightmove seem to be decorated exactly the same way? Big feature walls with trendy wallpaper, lots of matching cushions, white glossy kitchen cabinets with metal handles ... is everyone buying their stuff from the same few places? I blame Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen and 'Changing Rooms.'
I used to love 'Changing Rooms' if only to see the inside of English houses. (Did you know that LLB is a DJ now on Classic FM? 
)Oooo, my weakness: interior design and decoration. One of the few things I just don't think the average person gets right here in the UK.
For my tastes, I love BHS and Bentalls. The stuff at M&S - while sometimes nice - is, as you point out Sally, found in every home.
I'm also shocked by the high cost of really naff furniture (examples I've seen include kitchen and dining tables; beds; bedroom furniture). Sally, I know you've mentioned wanting to bring over some of your nice furniture and in theory I agree. I left some awesome stuff behind in the States. But we didn't want our furniture to dictate what type/size place we end up renting. Suppose if you knew beforehand where you would be living, it would be a different scenario.
One has to be very, very clever over here in order to pull together a really awesome look IMHO. It can be done, but it takes a lot of shopping around (new and vintage) to find just the right stuff. I base my opinion on what I have seen at charity shops, auction houses (Chiswick Auctions), and shops.
On a somewhat related subject (i.e., design), I just came across this woman's blog the other day and am enamored with what she's done to an adorable little caravan in her back garden. Check it out: http://bit.ly/hNiAtn
Dec 30th 2010, 6:38 pm
#162
Home Sweet Home
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Denise that caravan is very sweet but I just don't go for that whole retro type look PERSONALLY but I know it is very "in" over there just as it is becoming fashionable here too.
My niece and her fiancee in London are right into the look and my sister and I grimaced at some of the furniture they have that they consider to be cool and hip, I remember it first time around.........
You should get over to Frome to visit Rosie as there is a whole slew of retro shops in a street called Catherine Hill.
I love home makeover shows and I didn't know LLB was a DJ, well you learn something new every day.
Actually one of my favourite home makeovers shows is American
though Ty the host is a wee bit too loud for my liking!! It is Extreme Home Makeover where they take say a poor family who are really struggling or one who have illnesses and rip down their dilapidated house and build them a mansion basically!!! Many is the box of tissues I have gone through when they come to the reveal at the end!! 
My niece and her fiancee in London are right into the look and my sister and I grimaced at some of the furniture they have that they consider to be cool and hip, I remember it first time around.........
You should get over to Frome to visit Rosie as there is a whole slew of retro shops in a street called Catherine Hill.
I love home makeover shows and I didn't know LLB was a DJ, well you learn something new every day.
Actually one of my favourite home makeovers shows is American
though Ty the host is a wee bit too loud for my liking!! It is Extreme Home Makeover where they take say a poor family who are really struggling or one who have illnesses and rip down their dilapidated house and build them a mansion basically!!! Many is the box of tissues I have gone through when they come to the reveal at the end!!
Dec 30th 2010, 7:00 pm
#163
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Joined: Aug 2010
Location: US
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
My computer got infected so I'm behind about 30 hours.
TT, What village did you live in around Chester?
TT, What village did you live in around Chester?
Dec 30th 2010, 7:05 pm
#164
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Windsong,
I'm paying out those amounts for health insurance and RX to cover the deductibles after medicare pays their amount.
I would be alright if I didn't have to pay for the different insurances.
Cheers.
I'm paying out those amounts for health insurance and RX to cover the deductibles after medicare pays their amount.
I would be alright if I didn't have to pay for the different insurances.
Cheers.
Dec 30th 2010, 7:09 pm
#165
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Don,
When we make out a budget we can have two classes of overhead one fixed (housing, ins., utilities,) the other would be variable or arbitrary such as food, eating out, petrol to name a few.
If we need to we could cut back.
Cheers
When we make out a budget we can have two classes of overhead one fixed (housing, ins., utilities,) the other would be variable or arbitrary such as food, eating out, petrol to name a few.
If we need to we could cut back.
Cheers