BS: Ake retires.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 04:56 PM

We are encouraged to hear that you are encouraged. Posted with a prayer for yourself and gina. Blessings.   Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 12:14 PM

Don't think I have ever been so touched by the kindness shown from all you lovely people.

Thank you all again. I tell Gina about what you say and your prayers for her.....It brightens up the darkness, I don't know what else to say really, other than that my faith in the goodness here has been rejuvenated. :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 11:02 AM

Like my old friend Dan back there, I have quite a lot of experience with a sick wife. There's nothing clever to say, I wish there was, but please accept my very best regards along with all the others here.
Take good care
Charlie (fB)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Teribus
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 05:48 AM

Like Joe, I too missed this first time around, I wish you a long and happy retirement my thoughts and best wishes for both yourself and your wife.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 05:37 AM

I am in to my second year now.
I hope you are enjoying having time to waste just reading or whatever you like.
I still do.
Best wishes,
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Mar 15 - 01:34 AM

I missed this the first time around. I wish you all the best in your retirement, Ake. I'm concerned about your missus, though. I hope for the best for her, too.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: olddude
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 08:46 PM

I hope your missus gets better it is a rough road when you're best half is ill. I been through it. God bless

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: olddude
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 08:43 PM

You got my prayers I am sorry to hear this

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 07:26 PM

Prayers on their way. Can you update us on her condition?

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,#
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 07:06 PM

Ake, when you get the chance is fine with me :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 06:48 PM

Still winding down pete.....travelling thrice weekly to visit my dear lady....your prayers would be appreciated my friend.

# Thanks buddy.....don't have much time to write these days, but you're always in my mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,#
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 05:20 PM

Ditto.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 20 Mar 15 - 05:14 PM

so ake, how is retirement going, and how's the missus doing ? blessings    pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Musket
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 06:42 AM

I doubt I might hate you. But I really do hate what "Akenaton" says about people. I actually hate nobody but cannot and will not let hatred go unopposed.

As I said. Enjoy your retirement. I enjoy mine even if 50 was too young.

Ian

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Ed T
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 06:23 AM

Mentioned has been the importance of maintaing health, physical and mental.

I bicycle and walk daily for cardio. However, joining a yoga class has been been very beneficial in keeping the joints in good shape.

Many folks find a void in their social life, especially those who socialized at work. I never experienced this yet, so can't share anything on that.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 06:21 AM

Lighten up Ian, or which ever Musket you are, it was a little joke with no malice intended......this thread is without rancour. Feel free to make jokes I enjoyed the one about my customers....but despite what you think, I "hate" no one, not even you guys.

Just think about who shows the symptoms of "hatred", not only to me?

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Musket
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 05:43 AM

In wasn't going to say anything but as you started it.

Enjoy your retirement. I'm sure your customers will too.

I find it disturbing that you spew hatred and then sycophants all come on and treat you as if you were a member of the human race.

Disgusting. They, every last one of them, are normalising hatred by saying nice things. And what do you do? You can't help yourself can you? You have to have someone to blame for your petty outlook on life. Even on a thread which is "all jolly people, no niggers, poofs, gypos or wogs to spoil it. Lets be civil to those who can't be eh?"

By the way, I assume SRS will delete your last post? thought no.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 05:18 AM

Hi Mr Red.....Thank you, but ME a Joe clone :0).....That would really start a revolution!
Guests and Muskets would be writing to the British Army and the National Guard, to raze Mudcat to the ground, and haul max in front of a firing squad!.....:0)......appreciate your thoughts my friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 05:10 AM

Thank you Rapp, Chantey Lass and Sandra......   Do you know, I'm really touched by the kindness of the responses by all you lovely people.
I'm putting all your names down in one of my old invoice books,...addresses would be handy   :0)

Seriously, that you have taken the time to say a few kind words to a couple of "strangers" means a hell of a lot, and I hope you are feeling the same warm glow that we do because of it......love to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Mr Red
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 04:57 AM

A hobby that gets you out walking or somesuch exercise. And maybe a hobby you can do while ministering to your wife, like a website or maybe be a JoeClone here. Something that that can wait, but not for long.
Anything to keep both your mind and body active. And enjoy it.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 04:48 AM

Best of luck - I 'retired' 14 years ago to concentrate on music and to avoid a stress induced breakdown !

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 09:40 PM

When my FIL retired he said, "At retirement we all start equal."

That's true. But just make sure you have the appointment book to schedule all of the medical appointments, volunteer work, and so forth. Believe me, you'll be as busy as when you were working!

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 09:01 PM

Happy retirement, but I am sorry concerns about your wife's health caused you to do it sooner than you would have otherwise.

Like others here, I am busier now than ever! There must be things about which you've said, "I wish I had enough time to . . . ."

I spend a lot of time exercising at the Y. I'm in two book clubs, one of which I moderate, and I read many more books. I have gone to many more music performances and last year joined the board of one of the venues. I see family and friends, though I can't find enough time to see them as often as I'd like. I go to museums. And (sigh) I spend more time than I'd like to at medical appointments to manage chronic conditions that caused me to retire a few years before I wanted to.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 07:51 PM

enjoy your retirement

sandra (who retired Feb 2007)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:57 PM

Gervase......:0)
Pete.....thanks and God bless.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:46 PM

Good luck and have a long and happy retirement. Mine was rudely forced upon me, so I envy you your ability to pick your own weapons as it were. Goodbye to the empresses, duchesses, broad countesses, narrow ladies and small headers.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:35 PM

Best wishes to you and the missus for Xmas and retirement.       Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:29 PM

Thanks Greg, Stu, gurney, good advice I think.

Yes Greg, I'm the only one in this area who still works with the little Scottish slates from Ballachulish and Easdale.

Most roofers now use the large rectangular Spanish an Chinese tiles.
Anyone can lay them quickly, but they don't have the look of old Scotch.
They don't quarry them here anymore, so I use second hand, some from houses over one hundred years old and sometimes they have been on a previous dwelling....you can tell by the nail holes.

Gurney...that's what I don't like, the thought of losing fitness.
I'm up and down ladders all day carrying loads of slate or blocks of freestone shouldn't like to put on too much weight.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Don Firth
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:21 PM

So, Ake, you're going to stop hanging around the house so you can spend more time hanging around the house!??

Sounds good. Congratulations. (More time on the guitar. Sounds very good to me.)

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Gurney
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 05:02 PM

I took the plunge 3 years ago, at 70, from being a jobbing handyman.
Plenty of other things in the past, though.

Biggest thing that I've noticed is that physical fitness has gone, not that I ever took exercise, but ladders and stairs and carrying kept me fit. But computers and CDs and TV and crosswords doesn't.
Much harder to regain than maintain, I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Stu
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 04:38 PM

Most people I know who are retired are far too busy to worry about being bored . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Greg F.
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 04:24 PM

Good Slaters - or for that matter ANY slaters - over here in the colonies are damn near impossible to find.

Don't know about in Blighty, Ake, but here its another dying craft that won't be missed until its completely gone.

All best -

Greg

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 02:47 PM

SHAMELESS PROMOTION (for Richard)...

On January 11th I'm playing at Horsham Folk Club with my mate Chris "Wolfie" Wolferstan - "Will & Wolfie" - not particularly close to you though. You can see other duo and solo gig info at:

Will's "What's On" link

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 02:39 PM

I plan to retire in September, 2 years past my official sell-by date. The Law Society tries VERY hard to make it impossible to do a bit of this and that (within a lawyer's expertise) after retiring - unless you want to pay thousands a year for insurance and fees to the Law Society, but some clients are quite pressing - and I think I can see a pathway.

Will, I would love to see you play some time.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 02:37 PM

Hi Ake

I have been retired now for nearly 20 years - retired early.

I have not continued in my vocation.

This gives me time to do all the things that I wanted to do but whilst working was restricted by time.

I read more, play guitar more and learned other instruments. I taught myself Spanish and Portuguese.

I also learned that I am still useless at DIY and so I don't do any thing other than emergencies etc. I have become more "domesticated" and have become a very good cook.

I relax more and take my time doing things - most important IMHO.

My wife and I now do most things together and we have become much closer.

Our family is growing. We have grand-children and Great-grandchildren. We now have more time to spend with them. Life is full but is slower and comprises different things.

I wish you well in your retirement and I hope that you are able to share in a good happy retirement together with your dear wife.

Good Luck

Merry Christmas

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Ed T
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:36 PM

Have a good retirement journey.

I began my retirement last March. Since that time, I often wonder how I found the time to work and do all the other daily non-work things?

Each day is a new journey, as I mostly do what I feel like doing that morning-except some chores for my younger-than-me wife, who still works. I also keep a long list of things to do, should I ever have a dull moment ( havent had to use it yet). BTW, I have found woodworking rewarding-I find and rescue vintage furnature, returning each item to close to original condition. I don't sell them, just reward interested friends and relatives.

I have been approached and offered contracts, as my career skills and contacts remain current-but I turned them down. Once I retired I vowed only to do interesting tasks that were much different from my past work experience.

We will also spend more winter time each year in the warmer Caribbean, where we have local friends from earlier travel.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:22 PM

Thanks HiLo

I'm goin' tae greet in a minit....:0)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:19 PM

I'll come and make you a nice roof someday M.....now that I've got time on my hands!

Feel a bit sad really...end of an era I suppose...when I think back on all the oldtimers who taught me.
It never used to be about money...always about "doin' things right boy!"

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:14 PM

I wish you well.a joyous and happy Christmas to you and your Mrs.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:10 PM

So there is still the trade I learned about in Jude the Obscure at work in the UK? I wondered when you mentioned a slate knife - something we never hear about here with our young houses and composition roofs.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 01:05 PM

Hi SRS....I thought you were having a wee joke at my expense :0)

I am a stonemason to trade, but mainly now do traditional roof slating and lead work....I spend a lot of time hanging from a rope.

NO! not with a noose on the end......your getting excited again! :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 12:46 PM

Guest #.......On reflection, I think you are just about the nicest kindest guy I have ever met and I bet 99% of the membership feel the same way!

Just wish I could have been half as good my friend.

We are an odd mixture of intelligent people in Mudcat, sweet, sour bitter and bland.....I love it

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 12:43 PM

I understood that, Ake. What was your profession?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 12:36 PM

Thanks Will, and # (I know who you are!)

Maybe I'll play a little more guitar.....but I don't think I could GET any better :0(

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 12:02 PM

I retired over 5 years - and have loved every minute of it. The great secret is to keep mentally and physically active. For me that means, music and more music, gigs, the grandkids, my family tree, vintage watches, photography, lots of wine...

Enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: GUEST,#
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 12:02 PM

Ake, sorry about your missus.

Retirement is a strange term because most the people I know who have are as busy as they were when they were working. You'll still be doing the work you did for so many years, but you'll have more freedom as to which jobs get priority (or even accepted at all). Keep well, buddy.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 11:58 AM

Thanks Jack...I appreciate that

Any thought on retirement?   or are you still grafting?

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: akenaton
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 11:56 AM

From paid work SRS......Sorry, it's NOT Mudcat...don't get excited!! :0)

There are some "sweeties" here.

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 11:34 AM

What are you retiring from?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Ake retires.
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 23 Dec 14 - 11:32 AM

Congratulations! You have earned it!