Week Highlights!

Well late Friday afternoon again!!  I thought time was supposed to hang heavy as you get older but it doesn't seem to be the case in our house!! It has been a very pleasant week with planned events and time to invest in our hobbies and interests.

As always I try to go to the gym most days as it really sets me up for the day.  I prefer to go early to when I feel at my best - if I leave it later then tiredness inevitably makes the seem trip less attractive. So how did the week pan out?

Monday was essentially gardening day.  Lots of trimming back, mowing lawn and hedge cutting.  So enjoyable and therapeutic and it was a reasonable day weather wise. I also treated myself to some of the roses as rain was on the cards and they would be ruined so I thought we would have the benefit indoors.







Tuesday I met a friend for a girly lunch at Balthazar in Covent Garden.  We haven't seen each other for a while hence need for a catchup. There's nothing nicer than a long leisurely lunch  with good company and not having to rush back to work!! Retirement does have its compensations!

Wednesday we went to see "Shakespeare in Love" at the Noel Coward Theatre. Splendid production - quite mesmerising and quite emotional.

We found the film excellent and the stage production didn't disappoint - very powerful in a different way. Highly recommend it.

As we were leaving a twenty something said to his friend ...."That was great and it was Shakespeare! Makes you feel cultured when you are not!"

Laughing  at this we then popped next door to Browns for dinner - end to a perfect day!


Thursday read our newspapers on line, did my tweets before getting up! Bliss!  Cooking, cleaning and ironing filled the rest of the day. It has to be done! I also did the finishing touches to an oil painting  of a member of our family.  Will have to let him have a look and see what he thinks!! Now have to look for another subject which is often the hardest bit.......







Today went over to Chiswick to have a brief catchup with my daughter took the grandchildren to school before heading back for lunchtime with my husband. 

I can honestly say i am never bored there are so many things I want to do and I am trying my best to fit as many of them in as I can. We can never stress the importance of planning for your future enough. When you are young you don't pay so much attention to saving for retirement as it seems a long way away.  However as we tell our children if you work hard, be sensible and save as you go along then your future can be assured and you can enjoy the liberation that retirement brings.  Thankfully 50, 60, 70+ somethings don't carry the stigma of age so much and remain vital and curious about life. Providing your health holds out the wonder of new experiences is still within your grasp!!

Easter Optimism!

Hope you enjoying the Easter break!  Such a wonderful time of year with all the spring flowers and shrubs coming into their own.
The blossom on our tree is in all its glory and is so uplifting and provides for an extra impetus to get out there and get on with some gardening!!

When I was working I used to look forward to the public holidays as you knew that just about everyone else was also not at the workplace……and therefore you could fully relax as the chances of "issues"  arising would be seriously diminished!!!

Now I am retired the changes in the days are quite subtle…in many ways everyday is a holiday as you can do whatever you want when you want….you are in control within reason!

Easter does tend to make you indulge more than you would - eggs, sweets and extra food.  Visiting our supermarket before the break was quite enlightening - almost a siege mentality!  The quantities people were buying were incredible, almost as if we have been programmed to equate the holiday with volume.

So if you have been one of those who have "gone the extra mile" maybe time to get back on track.  Good to have these moments but it is long term indulgence which does the damage.  So back to normal portions and a general awareness of the healthy foods and the calories!!

So enjoy Easter Monday and will be coming back with thoughts around us mature ladies getting in shape for the summer !!!


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Easter Saturday we went to see "Good People" with Imelda Staunton at the Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane, London. We didn't know what to expect …billed as a comedy - we would say it did have comedic moments but there were some quite serious aspects which we all found quite thought provoking.  All the cast were excellent.  Imelda Staunton was particularly superb and so believable ……reminds me of the quote from Joan Collins when someone praised her for her performance and she said something to the effect…."Its called acting, darling!"

Really recommend - it only has a short run so need to book quickly!

http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets/GoodPeople/GoodPeople.asp

Jude Law as Henry V

Yesterday we went to see Henry V at the Noel Coward Theatre. This proved to be a most enjoyable experience with a superb performance from Jude Law as Henry and indeed the rest of the cast too.

Not really a fan of Jude Law but was pleasantly surprised. I must confess I was slightly curious to see the man who is so talked about in the gossip columns. He is a pleasant looking man but am still left  a little confused as to his considerable appeal on the romantic front.

On his acting ability however there is no question that he is indeed very accomplished and talented. He provided a convincing Henry demonstrating passion, leadership and valour.  The complexities of war were played out on a quite plain set which was surprisingly versatile in depicting the difference locations.

The play required considerable concentration and my husband and I both felt exhausted at the end but in a good way. It showed we were engaged and involved and we felt the this Shakespearian play had been brought to life.

It would be so valuable for school children to see Shakespeare in this way, the way it was meant to be portrayed - I am sure they would be engaged and develop an appreciation of the subject and see its relevance in today's world.

Would really recommend you see it if you get a chance!