February

 I reached 66 on 24th of the month and retired, I now get state pension and a bus pass!

At work I was surprised with beautiful bouquets on my leaving day, lots of good wishes and fond farewells, even personal appearances from colleagues who usually work from home.  I almost jogged off the premises I was so happy to go!  I have enjoyed my job (sending assistance for home and motor emergencies) but not so much 21 years of late shifts, angry customers and, since Covid, empty offices - a result of the new notion that work from home is best - I don't agree.  I missed the buzz of productivity, the banter and presence of having people physically 'there'.  So happy to retire ,but sorry to go, if you know what I mean.

After the big farewell at work there was my birthday to celebrate.  A beautiful bouquet of pink and white flowers from hubby, balloon (never had a birthday balloon before!), chocolate, pressies, and a fabulous night out at Shiraz, a local Turkish restaurant, delicious food and my first porn star martini cocktail with accompanying shot, ending with cake and giant sparklers.  The best bit was having hubby and both my sons with me to celebrate.

I had vegetarian dishes:  haloumi starter, stuffed peppers main and birthday cake to finish.  Everyone else had falafel or hummus starter  and for mains either mixed meat grill, kebab or lamb shank.  The food was really good.

I have been seeing some truly beautiful sunsets from the allotments and clear starry skies on our meeting nights.

On Wednesday I met a friend at The Light in Redhill, this is a newly built cinema complex with really comfy armchair seats that don't flip back when you stand up! what a novelty, We saw Bridget Jones, Mad about the Boy, in which Leo Woodall plays Roxter the Essex boy(friend) well .

 

 

.  I have been binge watching White Lotus series 1 and 2.  It's addictive and I am now up to date and on the current series 3.  Sky Atlantic.

Source: Brobible.com

The White Lotus - Wikipedia

I have started back at the gym after a break of 3 months due to tendonitis in my left side.  I will go back to swimming in the warmer months as I can't bear being cold and the changing rooms at our pool are chilly.  

Our allotment social group have started a monthly walk.  I joined the February walk through some beautiful woodland around Beare Green/Newdigate area, which is quite local for me (Surrey).  Car shares to a nearby starting point were arranged and after parking up we set off on a very easy 4km round  stroll, ending at the Surrey Oaks pub, Newdigate, for lunch. 

Source: tripadvisor

Originally a wheelwrights cottage and built in the 14th century it is now a CAMRA real ale pub with a great selection of beers and ciders.   It offers beers from the local Surrey Hills Brewery.

The celebrations continued on Thursday late afternoon/evening at the allotments where we have a shelter and wood burning stove.  We all brought food and prosecco, samosas, dips, flat breads, a fabulous home made biscotti cake and a lots of logs on the stove!

Im off to check my allotment today and it's time to plan what to plant this Spring.