It’s hard to believe that seven and a half months have passed since the work alarm was turned off for the last time. We’ve had so much fun & feel so much more relaxed. However we are frequently reminded of the great colleagues we have left behind and the wonderful lifelong friends we have made along the way.

We threw a joint retirement party to say our au revoirs and were so humbled by the numerous gifts we received. So unexpected but so hugely grateful.

Although the flowers and edible gifts are now just a memory, we are still enjoying others. We continue to sample the wine and champagne which we enjoy in a beautiful set of glasses also gifted on that day, perching them on a couple of great coasters reminding us every day how lucky we are to be living our dreams.

Not far from our house is a local, very intimate state of the art cinema, The Sussex Exchange seating only 30 people. Using retirement voucher gifts we have been able to watch several newly released films, comfortably ensconced, in the huge squishy reclining chairs. Usually a glass of beer or wine in our hands 😂😂

Then we have an afternoon tea, wine tasting and vineyard tour waiting for us once the vines start growing now that, hopefully spring is arriving. By the time we visit we may need to purchase a few bottles of the locally produced vino to restock the wine fridge 🍾.

We also received some restaurant vouchers that we have had to put on hold as the restaurant is having a refurb. It is one of our favourite restaurants but the food will taste all the better for having had to wait 🥘.

We have a wonderful, unique hanging glass ornament glistening in the sun, depicting us both in our work uniforms, together with two hand crafted gifts reminding my hubby of his ambulance days. All beautifully made and perfect reminders of a now bygone time.

Then we have our cherry 🍒 tree. Such a fabulous gift. The tree has been planted in our names and we will receive regular emails updating us  on its progress. Our first one in January advised us we will be able to go to meet our tree towards the end of April or beginning of May to see the blossom and hopefully enjoy a walk through the orchard, maybe with the Grandkids and possibly enjoy a picnic. Once the blossom has fallen and the fruit is ripe we will be able to harvest the cherries to our hearts content. Fabulous 🍒🍒

So despite heading towards our first anniversary in the land of retirees, we feel very blessed and are still often reminded of all the wonderful people we have in our lives and continue to enjoy their generous gifts.

💕💕💕