Today was a good example of what being retired is all about.
Despite a gloomy forecast, the weather was good when I got up so I decided to go to the allotment. Over-wintering onions needed planting and there is a lot of weeding needing to be done.
I went up on the bike and the sun was bright. It crossed my mind on the way that formerly this would have been a working da, y which seemed to add to the pleasure of being out in the fresh air.
A couple of hours later and I was home again with fresh sweetcorn and cooking apples for cooking later.
A qiick change then into Manchester by train and a walk down to Cross Street Chapel for my first Gaskell Society meeting. Around 30 people were present, a handfulof whom I recognised from my stints at Plymouth Grove. There was a friendly feel, even though most people had someone specific to meet up with.
I listened to a talk on 19th Century philanthropy in Manchester. given by a retired History Professor, Michael Rose. Inevitably the talk was stronger on historical fact than literary allusion, but the speaker had done his best to bring in Gaskell references as much as possible. It taught me things I didn't know before, such as about the foundation of The Manchester Statistical Society in 1833 which under-pinned most of the Social charities which came later.
After this hour of education, a quick trip to the shops felt luxurious. The shops were quiet following the lunchtime rush and relatively my time was open-ended. One thing I have learnt since retiring is that it is possible to spend quite a lot of money because I now have more time to spend it in!
So with an unplanned skirt and top purchased, I returned home to do lots of domestic things- cook, read the paper, talk to a few people on social media. What is there not to like about this new lifestyle!
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