Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Cheers: So the 817 pounds is actually what it costs for the same things in the U.S.?

What do you have for the U.S. equivalent of TV Licence? Is it cable TV cost?

May I ask why you have to pay all that for health insurance? Keep in mind, I have no idea what one does for health insurance upon retirement in the U.S. I am assuming you get it for low cost from a former employer or resort to Medicare.

You have more or less substituted health care costs for pub visits lol!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I agree about the newer houses. When my girlfriend in Scotland sent me a photo of the little estate where her daughter lives, it didn't even resemble Scotland, in my opinion. I like the older homes, too - they have character.

How well are the newer homes built?

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I agree with you, the more modern estate houses are a bit ugly, in my mind. I would be happy with an old terrace or semi, but one that has not been 'done up'. I would like to do that myself, so I would be looking for one that needed updating. Not sure how much we are going to be able to afford once there, but will be looking for the worst house on the best street, warts and all. We are leaning towards the Manchester area, but keep changing our minds since we will inevitably end up where the work is, so trying to keep open minds. I wish I could fast-forward my life, the suspense and anticipation is killing me. :rofl:

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.

All of the stuff in M & S Food Departments (usually located at basement level down the escalators) is of extremely good quality for freshness, variety and presentation and, not least of all, the sheer quality of the food dishes on offer, and perhaps matched by the foodstuffs at Waitrose supermarkets where you can get similar deals, but most UK supermarkets now offer these sort of deals but M & S is about the best.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi Windsong - No need for me to worry whether the tenants have gone or not! My Daughter just emailed, to ask for the Burglar Alarm code - as the battery in the Zapper has gone! - So it must be empty! ( I cannot for the life of me, remember how to operate it). But for tesco bus, all you need is your Tesco Clubcard, as they build discounts.- and we have both a UK one, and the Thailand one - so can go together. Don't know, if other towns have a free Tesco Bus though.- Would be worth checking, so we could go to other towns, and use them! How about that? don

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

That's great news! Sounds as if it will be ready and waiting for you when you get there, Don :)

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Denise loved reading your post, be us all one day! I know what you mean about Christmas, this was the weirdest for me.......my children were really not interested too much, with no little ones it gets to be a non event. Big hugs though on missing your grandchildren. :wub:
Windsong so you have a while but you have a plan and believe me time flies!
Trotty i am so ready for a coffee next week!!!!! If you trust me to drive....
Thanks for the price comparisions Taffy and Cheers.
Pam hope you have a safe trip.
Barb not long now.........:D

Rodney how much was your excess...( just in case he pops in) and Fish time for you to come back now.!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

No problem, Have done before. but will do now.
Tim is outside swan gate in 2007.
I don'tknow which order the pics are in, But the Blue fronted shop is Greggs! and the chairs one, is my birthday party here in our courtyard.


don

Oh Dear, why the Party shot has done that - I have no idea. don

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

No. Not enough to live on. We have house insurance, Car insurance, Council tax, Car Tax, electricitiy, Gas, and gas maintenance insurance, drain and Sewer maintenance insurance, Internet broadband ( Cable) Telephone, Water Meter,,Window Cleaner, ( Tim could do downstairs, but not up). Petrol, so not quite enough, tried it, and was losing our savings, so that is why we came here. But I want to go home!!! and very little saved, ( got to get furniture & old car if possible) as the exchange rate is losing my pension, week by week,,, Thailand has a very strong economy - not like the West. dontheturner

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Don, it looks LOVELY! No wonder you want to go home :)

I love the setting for your party, too. I bet that was one heck of a party!!!

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi Charley, yes time does fly. In ways I don't want to wish it would fly by but, on the other hand, I do :)

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I worry, too, Don. Although when I return in three years time I will have a monthly income of about $2210 U.S. that only equates to about 1430 pounds at today's exchange rate and I have to pay rent out of that. I do plan to work for a few years but there's a difference between wanting to work and HAVING to work. I am concerned as well.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hello Again, After typing that about Tesco Buses. I googled it - and ended up looking ay the guardian articles about Tesco - do have look at Tesco Towns, springing up all over the UK, lots of Adverse Comments, some true, but many a bit tongue in cheek , I fear. yes many towns have free Tesco buses, even Birmingham! They also biuld houses. didn't know that. Worth checking out.

The party, also had a dance band, and lady singer! who arrived with truck loads of loud gear. Don

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hello Friends.

I'm finally back after being away for 10 days, I could have got on a computer but I was with one of my sisters and family and wanted to enjoy every moment, I can see I have a bit of catching up to do, reading and replying to posts aimed at me directly, so here goes.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

DeniseJ

I for one would be more likely to stay here in the USA if we had a healthcare system, exactly like the system in the UK, set up exactly the same, One system for all, a country where nobody would be left out.

I truly fear going bankrupt before I retire, I really feel for Americans stuck here with this system, at least I have options, Of course many people are brainwashed that a system like the NHS would be much worse then what they have right now, tell that to ten million people over the next ten years who will go medically bankrupt.

American has some strange system, they take care of the young and the old to degree but us in the middle seem to pay for it all, add to that all the corruption in the medical system, there are plenty of scammers abusing the system, fraud is rampant, its very sad.

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. :frown: But my Mum was 93 when she died and my Granny was 90 and they did pretty well. :)

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

With all respect DeniseJ.

Not everyone that came here came of their own accord, I was one, I was enjoying my life in the UK, My Dad wanted a better life for us all, he had worked hard all his life and wasn't getting far, coming here for him was the right thing to do and it paid off for him, he enjoyed his life here.

My family came here with the understanding that we would all give it a chance, a year two at the most, but as time went by that idea changed, I arrived here at age 19 but the immigration process started when I was 17, I was a teenager and didn't have much say in the matter, I will leave it at that unless you want more details, I don't mind explaining.

I can understand you getting annoyed with some people trashing (rubbishing) a country that has taken them in treated them well, I agree with your position on that, its hardly the countries fault if a person didn't fit in, some people should just be grateful and put the blame where it lies.

Just to set the record straight you should know I don't hate it here, most people have treated me very well, I think no place is perfect that includes the UK and USA, it's all give and take.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I agree Fish, I have had many great years in the uS, its been my home since I was 18, now at almost 53 I want to go back to spend time with my parents. I cant trash the US, I am just one of the unlucky ones that had a health issue that has become my final straw. I had planned to go back to the UK anyway, that just made it happen sooner, and under different circumstances. I am going to miss alot of things here..I realized this evening when friends took me out to dinner, at a restaurant that over looks the entire las Vegas valley , that I will never see a sight like that anywhere else, and here its in my back yard here...but there are more important things in life, and its time to go...
Jackie..:)

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.

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.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

[QUOTE=trottytrue;9050247

DDL....Must admit I showed my age when I actually thought you were talking about Noddy and Big Ears:confused:

dgjamison. In a perfect world and I had loads of money I would spend 3months in the US probably in Newport R.I. area and the rest of the time in the UK. There are some beautiful areas in R.I. When we moved to California from Floriday we drove the whole way with 3 little children it was the best time. We went through some absolutely beautiful areas. One that stuck in my mind all these years was Kerryville in Texas.[/QUOTE]

I must admit I thought of Noddy the children's character first too, but there's no wonder as Id just purchased a Noddy DVD for my nieces for Christmas, Yes its available here in America and I only paid $5 at a local store, it was a bargain, good quality and non violent, I watched it with them on Christmas day.

I loved the Slade's Merry Christmas song from the mid 70s, one of their best in my opinion.

If I had loads of money I too would have various homes in the states and the UK, a home in the Derbyshire/Notts Countryside, a vacation home by the Broads, a condo in Jackson Hole and maybe a condo here on the Oregon coast, and Id be self insured too.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hello Gab.

I can see where you are coming from, I'm the same way, TV goes off, its just common courtesy.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Thanks for your concern Sally, all is well, I went back to the Rockies where I lived for 18 years, I really enjoyed it, deep snow and very cold but nothing stopped us.

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

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Re tea: This is probably now out of date, the thread moves so fast, but I just want to say that I LOVE Harney's teas.

I left the UK at 22 to live in Italy, then came to the US, and as I was never a tea drinker growing up in the UK (instant coffee in university rooms with friends was the thing) I wasn't attached to PG Tips or a particular English type of tea. I just knew that tea must be made with BOILING water (a continual struggle in US restaurants!) and knew I liked Earl Grey.

Through the US company Harneys (with which I have absolutely no connection, this is NOT an advertisement!!) I discovered a whole wonderful world of tea--amazing Assams, fabulous Chinese teas with names like GOlden Monkey,a ll kinds of complex flavours...as DDL says, they do good teabags, and also good leaf tea--which isn't messy if you buy the reusable mesh tealeaf holder thingy they sell--lasts for literally years.

Now back in UK (til I go to France on Jan 2!!) am enjoying Twinings Earl Grey and English Breakfast...
now I have become a tea addict, I'm glad to know there are some good tea rooms in France, and good tea is available to buy for home use too.

Tina

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

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Nice pics, loved the snuggle blankets in the pub!!!! :thumbsup:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

You can register on their website then you get a pre-alert when the £10 meal deal is on, that's what I used to do.

For a single person you could get 3 dinners out of it, except for the bottle of wine....hic. :thumbup:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Mine was a bit of a non-event too Charleygirl now the grand-kids are young teenagers, they got an iPod touch as did their cousin, all 3 girls sat on the sofa with their headphones on texting each other!! :eek:

I may as well have not been there really......

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Yes TT, I suppose we can all look back and say "How did I end up here and feeling like this?"

Yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Don't know what's up with Cilla, I saw her on the Paul O'Grady Christmas Special on Tuesday kicking her heels up and having a right old good time!! Maybe she was missing Bobby? :(

My mother is 82 and raring to go, hope I have inherited her genes, she only gave up line dancing a few years ago LOL!! :eek:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Hi Fish, nice to see you back!! :thumbsup:

As you say, The Royle Family is not for everybody, but I like it. :lol: Watched the 2010 and 2009 Christmas specials this week, thank God for Expat Shield and a doorway to heaven (i.e. UK TV). :lol:

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. :thumbsup:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

My mother went to Las Vegas about 3 years ago with some girlfriends, she still raves about it and the size of the food portions LOL!! :D

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I have seen the photos from my family in England and YES she did look particularly lovely this year, though I laughed at the little ones all bundled up like Michelin men. :lol:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Thanks Barb. Love Catherine Tate too especially Nan, Love the Neville and Burger van sketch, Mikhail Gorbachev peed on their onions, always makes me laugh

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

WOW! What a thing for Cilla Black to say! Gees, she could be in the best of health at 75, too! My dad was 90 when he died and up until about a year before he died, he was walking 5 miles a day across the hills in Somerset! I hope I live that long - and I hope I can afford to live that long, too.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

I remember seeing that on BBC America. I loved it because it was all in Yorkshire - and of course, when they got rich they moved from Leeds to Harrogate, a place pretty much everyone in Leeds aspires to :rofl:

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 ;-)

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Thanks Bee for the link! I am still a few years off, unfortunately, but I am constantly looking and there always seem to be jobs being advertised. Whether I will get one easily at my age, who knows. Its my main concern to be honest. Worked in the airline business for years, now in hotels as a PA at corporate level, so will look for something similar there, I expect. Daunting prospect, but then again, I like a little challenge :rofl:

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

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.

Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
 

Yes Sal I agree, its nice to have a 'project' and to plot and plan but we have virtually put our lives on hold while we work towards our departure, and I feel as if I have been in this holding pattern for way too long! However, in a few days time I might be able to say we plan to leave 'next year' :lol: 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 :D of course you have to let me work, no sitting around drinking tea (read wine) and nattering :rofl: