Patrick

Wheres the category - "neither impress me very much, hope to retire to a remote Caribean Island populated by big breasted Swedish women who have a penchant for fat, bald blokes."

Bob

wouldn't say forever, but certainly a few years yet, got to make the visa costs and all that worth while, certainly wouldn't want to retire here, but then again, don't have kids so that could all change. But anything were to happen to the missus, then I wouldn't have anything worth staying around here for, so I'd bugger off.

Taffyles

Retiring here full time is a scary thought. We're aiming to become transatlantic snow-birds- spending 6 months in each country. Although if it wasn't for the children and grandchildren here, we'd have probably gone home already- hubby used to be very defensive about our move out here and wouldn't have a word said against America, but even he's had enough now and wants to go back to UK, but we're here till retirement.

evoal2003

They re from Wales what do you expect?

Celtic_Angel

uh oh...i'm in exactly the same boat my kids have never been to the U.k taking them "back" will be taking them to a foreign country....the longer i leave it the more likely they will hate it......time is ticking!!

Celtic_Angel

Ahem...............

Sarah

Unfortunately that category exists only in your over-active imagination.

rincewind

I have my days with it all. I can wake up one morning and feel really lucky to be here. But then I can wake up the next day and hate it.

It's just a matter of mood. We all have bad days and if we were all in England, it would just be a bad day. But because we are in a different country, it's easy to say "screw this, I wish I were back in England."

I miss a lot of things in England, but the biggest pull for me to go back is my daughter. I miss her everyday and each morning it gets harder. I thought it would get easier over time but it's not working out that way.

My wife says she'd love to move to the UK but she has two young girls in Texas. The thing is, I know what I am going through being away from my daughter, and she would go through the same thing if we left.

So, it's swings and roundabouts right now. Which is the better choice? I can say there isn't one. We've just got to do what we can.

If I was working full time, it would make it a lot easier. Then I would know that I can book flights for my daughter whenever she wants to fly over. At this moment in time, I'm not sure when I can afford to see her again. And that's what sucks.

This week, life is okay. Can't say for sure what next week will bring.

Sarah

If/when she gets custody of her girls, what with them being young, you could maybe take them over to the UK to be nearer your daughter?
This situation must be so difficult, I don't know how you do it. I haven't got any kids but I can imagine that it ain't easy. I'm not working full time either and feel that the spare time only makes me dwell and over analyse everything even more.

rincewind

It's wrapped up in Texas legal BS. There ain't no way they would be permitted to move to the UK.
I ask myself the same question every day

britvic

I feel for you Rincewind, I have two grown up daughters back home, not being in there lifes enough is a killer, they will always be my babys, just to have a few bob to hop on and off a plain means so much, I just feel so trapped sometimes and wonder why I had to full for a Yank. Still I know we will be going home in a few years time for good. Best wishes to you.

ImHere

If you dont mind me asking how old is your daughter Rincewind? It blows big time being seperated from your kids by several thousand miles and no way to see them. We left an 18 year old behind in England to do his thing. He's a big lumbering 6'4" 15 stone of lad but really he's just a baby.

clydegirl

My heart goes out to you.I can't imagine what you're going through.I hope tomorrow morning is a good day .Good thoughts for next week

rincewind

She's 10 years old now. She feels all grown up going to big school. We talk every weekend and she was here for last Christmas but that was a killer. She really broke down and cried when we got to the airport for her flight home. It broke my heart. She's like her Dad, she bottles up emotion and won't let it show. So for her to cry like she did plucked a few heart strings. Makes me well up just thinking about it.

Talking about it now makes me want to jump on a plane and see her. Give her a big surprise to see her Dad.

I remember one trip back to the UK, I went to meet her from school. I was waiting outside her class and the bell rang and she came running out to see me. I was crying and all the moms around me started shedding

We're sort of planning for her to come over during the summer hols, but her mother is so unpredictable. Plus my fund situation is up and down so who knows.

I have a feeling they've moved recently too and I don't know where they are. Been trying to call all week and getting nothing.

rincewind

Tomorrow will be good. I have a project I am working on which is keeping me busy. After that, who knows.