Birthday Greetings to a Forumist

[ChrisB]

Many happy returns, David and Rafa!

[David Nicholson]

Should this be 'The Diary of David Nicholson aged 65 and 1 day'.

Well yesterday was most enjoyable but when I woke this morning I didn't feel any different from when I was 64; and just as 'crabby' first thing in a morning someone said.

Yes Lesley, our wonderful!! Mr Broon and HM Government send me first 'bounty' on Monday next (so that's 3 days pension I've lost already!) and, I have to say, that a substantial part of it will be winging it's way to Latvia payable to a certain Mr Ruksans!!

It's a tradition in the Nicholson household that members of the family compile a List of 'wants' in advance of birthdays. Equally it is tradition that no-one ever gets anything on the List. So that tells me why I didn't get a 30 feet x 10feet, state of the art alpine house. Maureen had already bought me a new camera (as an advanced birthday present) last July when she was 60 from her first pension but she did buy me a lovely first edition of Brian Mathew's 'The Iris' which is a book I have long wanted. Her reasoning in buying it was to ensure, that wherever we go, she will not be dragged around every second hand bookshop in case they had a copy. Little does she know about all the other books on the list!

Amongst presents from my kids was an RHS subscription together with an hotel booking near to Wisley for the 16 March. So look out Wisley here we come on the 17 March.

It seems that everyone thinks you loose use of all your faculties when you get to 65 and it's remarkable how many of my birthday cards referred to 'incontinence'  It came as no surprise then when another present from my kids was the largest pair of incontinence pants ever made. They are well aware that one of my favourite Billy Connelly sketches is his incontinence pants sketch. If you haven't seen it then you must.

We'll compare notes in a few weeks time Lesley.

[Maggi Young]

You got some great gifts , David. You may even need the pants at Wisley if the excitement gets too much... better safe than sorry, you know. Even if you will not attend the fancy Day on the 15th, there will be sure to be a million things to tempt you on display....better take a notepad and pencil, too 

[Lesley Cox]

I'm pleased you had a great day David. Something strikes me though. You mentioned Maureen getting her pension when she turned 60. Do all women become eligible at 60 in the UK? WE should be so lucky. But then, women here have full equality in law with men, on just about everything, certainly superannuation. I believe there's still some disparity in pay rates in lower paid areas though.

When your first lot comes in it will most likely be back-dated to the 8th. I won't get mine for a full week after the event but it will be backdated. I think we get it for the fortnight gone, rather than the fortnight to come.

Lucky Mr Ruksans! Wish mine could take the same flight. But remember me when all those Corydalis and crocuses set seed.

[David Nicholson]

Hi Lesley, yes it is 60 for women currently but very shortly it is changing, on a graduated basis, to 65. I'm not sure if there are to be any changes in the retirement age for men but it wouldn't surprise me if there were. Luckily I have a good occupational pension, that allowed me to retire at 60, so although I am not saying that the State pension isn't really needed it will allow us to put a bit of icing on the cake (not nuts Maggi!). I don't know how people can manage on the State pension alone but many have no choice.

By the way, she who must be obeyed will have to vet the order before I send it (she being the accountant of the family!) and it doesn't follow that the bulbs I would like to order are the bulbs I shall actually order. I knows me place.

[Lesley Cox]

Glad yer knows yer place David. Apparently I don't know mine. Someone at the Market on Saturday tried to prize one of my 2 staff members away from his work, to help him move house. My man didn't want to go and I said to the other guy that Sam was working thanks and wasn't able to leave. I was told to shut my mouth, I was just a bl.....y women and should get in my place and stay there! I was utterly outraged and reacted accordingly - and loudly - and told the guy to leave the market immediately or I would have him removed. He went, but still hurling abuse at me. I learned later that the guy suffers from mental illness but I still don't think his behaviour and words were acceptable and I have no regrets about getting bolshie. 

[dominique]

Perhaps am I the last one to wish to Rafa, Davis and Dan a happy birthday, but it is never too late.

[Maggi Young]

The best of birthday wishes to Brian (Madden) and Dirk (Schnabel)  today!

[Armin]

A happy birthday to Dirk and Brian!

[David Nicholson]

A happy birthday to Dirk and Brian!

.... and from me too.

[Anthony Darby]

Just caught this - a belated happy birthday David, Rafa, Dan, Dirk and Brian. Definitely the age of Aquarius!

[Otto Fauser]

To my dear friend and neighbour Tim -I could'nt wish for a nicer neighbour-
a very Happy Birthday.I have just put a cake in the oven ,a lemontart a la
a french recipe, your favourite, which I will bring across tomorrow.I'm sure
Angie and the kids will join in to eat it in one go.
 It should be our Cake Maker inChief and friend Lesley in New Zealand ,or
Hans Joschko in Deutschland with the same or higher qualifications to bake
 a Birthday Cake, but both are too far away .
  Tim ,as your Birthday falls on Valentine's Day ,I'm certain Angie will have
some more surprises in store for you!
      All the Best,
             Otto.

[Lesley Cox]

You jumped the gun Otto. It's still the 13th for a couple of hours. But I too, send Tim my love and very best wishes for a wonderful day, and I hope he is at home with his family instead of across the world somewhere. Enjoy Otto's lemon tart Tim and I shall enjoy thinking about it. Many, many happy birthdays still to come.

Lesley

[Maggi Young]

Otto has the VERY HIGHEST CAKE MAKING Qualifications in this Forum... since he can REALLY MAKE the most wonderful confections...so Tim is in the best of hands for his birthday treat! Lucky Tim!

[David Nicholson]

Lemon tart, my absolute, 100%, favourite of all goodies!