Bomber's Moon...

Last week we took a break from electioneering to see Bomber's Moon at Trafalgar House Studios.What a superb performance from the 2 characters in this play (James Bolam and Steve John Shepherd). The plot is described in the link below which doesn't pay justice to the emotions you feel from being involved in the story.  I say involved because the nature of Studio 2 in Trafalgar House Studios is so intimate that you can't help but be drawn into identifying with the circumstances facing the actors.  

For those of you who haven't been to this theatre it really is a unique experience. There are only 100 seats arranged on 3 sides around what is the size of a small living room.

We were on the front row centre and during this performance both actors were only a matter of 2 feet way from us and we could observe the rawness of emotions and made you appreciate the brilliant acting.

There was a standing ovation at the end and many of us wiped away a few tears.  We left exhausted ..and happy at having witnessed something special.

http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/londontheatre/news/ltg15/bombersmoon14655.htm

Only a fortnight to go!!

What am I talking about well the election of course.  You may have the feeling that it has been going on forever!  You certainly can't have escaped the wall to wall coverage!

My husband and I have also been adding to the coverage with delivering hundreds and hundreds of leaflets.  This morning we completed delivery of postal votes and I think we are just about done with our commitment to the Conservatives before polling day. Strangely enough we have quite enjoyed the challenge of covering such a wide area and keeping fit at the same time.  This morning my trusty fitbit recorded 7700 steps!!

My friend was a little concerned that she hadn't seen an entry on my blog and wondered if I was OK she is now quite assured that my lack of input is down to my political obsession!!

Won't know what to do with myself after the 7th May......Celebrate I hope!! :)

Good luck to our amazing MP Anne Main!!

Pension Pot!!

Well my fellow seniors....this week we come of age ....we are deemed responsible enough to look after our money!!

I for one welcome this wholeheartedly and am so tired and really annoyed at these holier than thou people who surface on TV saying these geriatrics are all going to go mad and spend, spend, spend!

Who do they think they are?  Don't they realise that if people have saved they are the least likely to behave in this way! Also we are quite astute...we realise the tax implications if we take more out and that it may bring you into another tax band....we are not stupid!

We also have the teenagers who are encouraged by TV stations to vent their spleen and attack seniors for having it all whilst they are "suffering".  They don't realise we have been there but with far less than they have now.  There is so much of a sense of entitlement now amongst the young - not prepared to wait for anything or save.  Any money that comes their way is spent on holidays and enjoyment.  Okay this doesn't apply to all but there's a fair proportion who do think this way.

I can remember in my twenties when we had no choice but to contribute to pensions and at the time we all moaned because we could have done with the money...but you know what? we managed.

Along the journey of life we accrue pensions from a variety of employers.  One of the most lucrative I now receive is my teachers pension. I worked for 7 years as a lecturer and this pension provides far more than the private pension I began when I started my business.

So we arrive an at eclectic mix but it isn't such a bad thing as I am a true believer in not putting all your eggs in one basket. Given what happened to Equitable Life seems sensible!

The one bit of advice I would give to young people is we all feel that retirement is so far away why should we bother? Well believe you me it suddenly happens and you wonder how did we get here? One glass of beer a week or large glass of wine in a pension fund can make all the difference in later years to your enjoyment in retirement.

In no particular order........

Got out of the swing of posting so busy with election...it seems to dominate everything.  So here are a few random items to start me going again......

I bought this Poinsettia beginning of December and here we are 5th April!!  Seems happy - long may it last!

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So much talk about cost of living and price of food - even more so with election coming up!  I know i have posted on this before but it is possible to eat well and cheaply!  Here is an example ...our visit to the market last week....

9 long red peppers

2 lbs sprouts

2.5 lbs carrots

2 large cucumbers

3 bunches spring onions

1.5 lbs tomatoes

2 x 2.5lb cauliflowers

All for £8.50

Could have bought large bag of onions for £1 and also large bag of potatoes for a £1.

Lidl and Aldi also stock modestly priced fruit and veg....so why do people still talk as if these items are still out of reach?  If you cook and spend wisely you can live well.

I am tired of hearing about people who seemingly have no option but to live on takeaways - surely it is more expensive to live like this than to prepare food for yourself?  Is it that some can't cook or won't cook, or lazy? 

We have an obesity crisis which the NHS is finding very difficult to manage.  I read this article the other day and realised how hopeless it can be. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3022157/Takeaway-boom-fuelling-obesity-Number-45-places-poorest-areas-eateries-20-years-ago.html

Conclusion ..... people need to eat properly and take care of themselves but take personal responsibility.  We can't force alternative way of living but we do need to educate and provide basic nutritional advice at school and teach how to cook the basics.

Last night I watched a programme on Channel 4 called Embarrassing Fat Bodies where a team of doctors helped the seriously obese tackle their problems.  It was quite enlightening.  The 3 individuals featured had similar feelings ...mainly "being out of control". It was very sad to watch and questions kept being raised as to why do people do this to themselves.  The advice given was excellent and you would hope that these three would now be on a path to a better quality of life but it won't be easy.  This is a mega mega problem and no easy answers.

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We are now delivering loads and loads of leaflets for the Conservative Party.  I have been out this morning for a couple of hours and apart from being genuinely interesting in promoting the Party have also been able to put in my daily exercise.  You do get into a rhythm and because you have a sense of purpose.....completing task and getting home for lunch makes for a brisk walk!!

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Sad day today 4 years ago my mother passed away having endured motor neurone disease. It amazing how the years fly by doesn't seem like 4 years but she is not forgotten.  I am sure you like me have experienced loss but somehow they feel they are still with you and are often mentioned.

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                    Enjoy your chocolate!!  Happy Easter to my readers!!!