Steve has finally done it!!

What a week! Wrangling with officials who don't know how to do their jobs properly, dealing with people who lie and don't follow through with their promises and clearing out more and more. Where did we get it all from - or more importantly why did we keep it? Steve and I think that we are not hoarders - well if we're not I would hate to see a hoarder! The stuff we have in corners, cupboards and drawers. I keep thinking we have finished - only to find more!

The banks are worse than useless. I completed the necessary forms to obtain gross interest on the savings as I am not a tax payer any longer (hoorah). Although I had completed the forms in my name only and only I signed them - they awarded this privilege to Steve instead - and he is still a tax payer. This of course is a criminal offence for him. I can't bear to recount the conversations I have had with Halifax bank - they are too tedious and stress inducing. The Nationwide haven't even bothered to process theirs yet - so on the ball are they. Then the caravan insurance company could not get our details correct despite amendments. That called for a straight talking conversation with the manager - but it got resolved.

But the highlight of the week - yesterday in fact - St. George's Day - STEVE RETIRED!!! For all those reading this I do not have to tell you how he felt. He finished work at lunch time, his boss put on a powerpoint display to mark his contribution and then they spent all afternoon in the pub. Well, Steve did, his colleagues came along in shifts to see him off. They were very generous and gave him £120 in M+S vouchers as a leaving present - we are off to the Meadows in Camberley on Saturday to spend that. Bob, Steve's manager created some wonderful slides to represent Steve and I have attached some.

So this morning was the first morning of his official retirement and he loved waking up naturally and without an alarm clock. He also delighted in tearing up his redundant train pass. He has lots to do now - the things that need a strong man.
The best is yet to come darling - it all starts now....