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Post by johnoakes on Nov 29, 2012 19:23:36 GMT 1
Ah Bob--sorry to sound like a Blairite politician--but I got my numbers wrong--it was 39 years 244' days and 7 off.In my profession you had to go at 60. sad but someone has to do it and as I have said to many friends in the past--anyone can join.LOL I agree that others put in longer shifts and good on them but nearly 40 years and not one penny of state benefit or unemplyment pay or any other drain on the countries' finances makes me feel pretty good about my roaring log fire.LOL I love the Oaksey bit--not heard that one since the bullies on the junior school playground--mind you I hadn't studied Karate then.Don't you ever wish you could go back just for a day to have a smile and a bit of banter with old friends and stick up for them against the pin brained . here's a photo of Chez pous this evening--the ghastly snow is approching I am afraid. Hope my bridge and deck can take it.Its my biggest ever DIY project and its taken all year and loads of leg pulling from les Français. Photo included so you can see its not all beaujolaise and boules.  I think I will reward myself with a day at Chambery for finishing thisn before the snow--expect some photos soon.   As for Suarez--highest scoring forward in the premier league-no comment otherwise the thread may degenerate and that would never do.LOL Always think of you when I pass Lidl. BUT we all love aviation and that binds us all closer than the things we see as division. Love crossing swords with you Bob--keeps the grey cells working--would buy you a pint if I was near enough. My little friend sends you every good wish for Christmas and the new year.  |
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Post by johnoakes on Nov 29, 2012 19:54:17 GMT 1
My 6ft 5in ex bouncer brother in law had a similar experience--can't think why-he doesn't even like football.LOL
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Post by ronturner on Nov 29, 2012 23:15:41 GMT 1
Interesting reading, some of this.
I also like the winter fuel payment and I like the European Union which will see to it that we are all treated the same way, so, unless the WFP is abolished or integrated into our pensions, it will have to be paid to everybody in whatever new form it takes. This principle has recently been tested in the European courts and WE won!
I paid UK taxes for 44 years plus, and still do, so I take the WFP thank you very much, even though at the moment I am sitting in the sunshine of Florida. Right now, the WFP is contributing to keeping my Cessna warm in the hangar whilst the house is closed up. Can anybody think of a better cause?
I like the EU also because under the rules guaranteeing freedom of movement, I am subscribed to the French healthcare and social care system, one of the best in the world, AND ALL THE BILLS GO TO THE UK CHANCELLOR.
Fantastic....and long may it be so
I also like Christmas. The carols and the songs, the once a year visit to church, the decorations, the excitement of the grand children, (and the children), the parties, the meals and the conviviality. Christmas in Orlando is great.
I like the new year, in France La fête de Saint Silvestre, a really big thing with fabulous food and parties.
I hate February which is our worst month in The Vendee, even though, sometimes, it can be shirt sleeve sunny in the daytime, it is mostly dull in both senses of the word.
So, all you miserable beggars who would deny those of us who have contributed to the UK economy all of our lives, some reward for our efforts, I wish you all, and everybody else, a very blessed time at Christmas, good health to you and your families and a return to prosperity in 2013 and beyond.
Ron.
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Post by ronturner on Nov 29, 2012 23:22:43 GMT 1
John, the photo of the hills in the sunset is reminiscent of a view from Grassmere. Remember one January 1st about 1967 when we spent some time there with our girls. It was a great time, almost brought to an abrupt end when I lost the car on some ice on a bend in the road. Miracles do happen..no damaged to anybody or anything.
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Post by johnoakes on Nov 30, 2012 8:54:16 GMT 1
;D Good one Ron--as articulate as ever. We pay into a private health scheme to top up our french healthcare--could you send a private e mail etc to confirm your arrangements --better than to clog up the board.I know how meticulous you are with these things and if I am doing something different I am sure to be wrong.LOL 55 years of experience of your decision making makes me doubt mine.LOL ;D The memory of Grasmere is a good one--our region is rather like the Lakes--but with bigger lakes and taller mountains and sunshine--sadly we have more snow and ski tourism but not down at our level. Glad you're enjoying Florida--take some aviation photos for the forum if you get a break from house painting. Hope you can fly over next year.  |
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Post by CloudWarrior on Nov 30, 2012 9:34:40 GMT 1
Right now, the WFP is contributing to keeping my Cessna warm in the hangar whilst the house is closed up. Can anybody think of a better cause? Yes. How about keeping some poor old pensioner warm, somebody who actually needs it. |
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Post by john1958 on Nov 30, 2012 12:42:23 GMT 1
Ron, I'm looking forward to a visit to Orlando in april 2013, taking my little guy to see the big mouse!!! Have just found out Mac Dill have their open days the weekend we arrive......so asmall drive the day after we arrive is called for....cleared with "her indoors".....Blue Angels in attendance, so should be a good show.
Hopefully plenty of visits to MCO plus exec and Kissimmee......will even buy a new log book for the trip too!!!!
John :-)
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Post by maverick on Nov 30, 2012 12:43:29 GMT 1
What a morally bankrupt and reprehensible attitude, no doubt you are a Conservative voter? Let them eat cake..
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Post by johnoakes on Nov 30, 2012 13:38:38 GMT 1
Sad that a decent discussion with scouse humour thrown in should degenerate to cheap party political point scoring.
I am not a supporter of this government but to consider them worse than the posh public school corrupt gits we had for 13 years show a lack of memory and VERY rose tinted glasses-- we all know the spin about the duck house but just how many corrupt labour politicians were sacked or prosecuted?get real.
As for Ron's house in Florida--he's staying at his daughter's and if you had any idea as how long and hard Ron has worked in his life--never scrounging from any government you would feel shame at your comments.
Perhaps the pensioner you mention could benefit from the money from your next booze trip to prove you have priorities and are not just making cheap points.
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Post by ronturner on Nov 30, 2012 14:06:20 GMT 1
I thought my wind up about keeping the Cessna warm with WPF have the desired result. Of course, that's what it was, a wind up, but it does not alter the essential facts that I am a UK citizen and paid (still pay) all of my taxes, so am entitled to the benefits they afford me.
On the subject of giving to those who need: I do not need lessons from anybody as to how to share my income from anybody. I make my own choices and give plenty, the greatest beneficiary being the UK charity Childline. I also send money each month to a family member who is a bit hard up, but that is my choice. It exceeds the £200 a year WfP many, many times, but the point is, I am entitled to that money and I make my own choice what to do with it.
Yes, I have been a Conservative voter, but not any more. I could never bring myself to vote socialist, so that rules out Labour, I am not a communist so that rules out the Liberals and I could not vote UKIP because I think the EU is best for the UK and me, but I do agree with moderating the degree of interference in local affaires and in limiting the budgets. That only leaves the Conservatives, but I will not vote for them any more after they broke their promise to compensate those of us who lost money after Equitable life went down, and after they have limited by law the amount of my personal pension which I can draw each year, and then tax at 55 percent of the residue when I die. ( This is my money on which I was given 25 percent tax relief when I was earning, so the bar stools will be robbing my wife of 30 percent of already tax paid income.)
And the house in Florida. Sorry to disappoint. It's my daughter's house and I am here for 8 weeks for the holidays and to help her paint and maintain the place. Life is hard here. They are both teachers, she was teacher of the year in Florida last year, and yet they both need to have two jobs to keep their heads above water. So, it's mum and dad to the rescue to do those things they just do not have time to do.
Nevertheless, it's great in the sun and we are having fun with the grandchildren.
Life is good and at the recent Thankgiving holiday in the USA we had a chance to reflect on that.
Bit of a rant, sorry about the wind up. Have fun.
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Post by ronturner on Nov 30, 2012 14:14:06 GMT 1
Hi John,
I see your comments crossed with mine. We must have been writing at the same time. Fun isn't it?
I will send you the info you requested.
Ron
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Post by ronturner on Nov 30, 2012 16:43:38 GMT 1
For the technically minded, no I have not left my pride and joy to sit in the hangar all winter, a neighbour is taking it for a spin every couple of weeks and there is a dehumidifier running as and when necessary.
RT
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Post by Speke-EZY on Nov 30, 2012 17:59:51 GMT 1
I absolutely cannot stand the cold,so this afternoon,with the outside temperature barely above freezing,I put on a CD of the Richard Strauss Violin Concerto,and sat under a quilt with a mug of cocoa to watch the goldfinches feeding,and bands of slowly changing colour in the clouds. Just my way of getting through the winter.
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Post by john1958 on Nov 30, 2012 18:19:11 GMT 1
I sat in the warm, with a nice hot drink........then had to get in the car to drive to work, (where I am now)!!!!!!
If you've worked hard all your life, struggled when you first got married and then had kids......why shouldn't you have some fun now, when you are retired. Yes you pay tax on your pension.......which I totally disagree with with, you paid tax when you earned the money you shouldn't have to pay it a send time......and no, I'm not retired yet....bloody ages to go!!!!
So, all forum members who are retired, enjoy yourselves, if you can get anything out of the government good, please do so!!!
John :-)
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Post by CloudWarrior on Nov 30, 2012 19:47:48 GMT 1
Perhaps the pensioner you mention could benefit from the money from your next booze trip to prove you have priorities and are not just making cheap points. I never mentioned politics, and I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'next booze trip'. As for your scouse sense of humour, it was proven to be lacking, as I was also winding Ron up. Perhaps that was the famous Manc sense of humour. As expected, you both snatched at the bait. Merry Christmas. |
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