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Valla46's bio
I am retired after having worked for over 40 years, as secretary, estate agent, civil servant, and care assistant, to name but a few occupations. I am married for the second time, and have two children and one granddaughter. -
Valla46's latest comments
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9th Nov 2022Valla46 commented on:
New here - [DELETED_MEMBER]Sorry it has taken so long for me to reply, but things keep getting in the way - I need to move house, husband is very poorly, problems with family - I don't know, seems more than I can take. Re the country - I just hope Rishi lives up to our expectations, less said about Liz Truss the better. I do agree the Queen was amazing, we will never see anyone who comes near her as a monarch or as someone to aspire to. I don't think she put a foot wrong in all the years she was our ER.ViewDate:
14th Oct 2022Valla46 commented on:
New here - [DELETED_MEMBER]Hi there, I live in Suffolk, but lived in Essex as a teenager - also retired and like to chat. At the moment I am listening to the radio, about the state of the country and the sacking of the Chancellor. What do you think about that? Best wishes, VallaViewDate:
14th Oct 2022Valla46 commented on:
Do you think Camilla should be crowned queen?I was not particularly in favour of Princess Diana's behaviour or personality when she was alive, but having seen and read much more detail about her life I realise how badly she was treated by the Royal family. She was so young and inexperienced, and Charles treated her like an inconvenience, not the loving and beautiful girl that she was. She was incredibly insecure, and had a miserable childhood, both of which needed careful handling. Camilla should have walked away from the whole situation, told Charles that she was completely out of the picture, and let them try and make a go of their marriage. Things would have been so different if she had. Charles is a weak man who, I am sure, would have succumbed to Diana's wiles if Camilla was out of the way, and I think they could have been very happy. Camilla will never have my acceptance to be crowned Queen; Queen Consort is too good for her.ViewDate:
25th Sep 2022Valla46 commented on:
Pen palsHi Natalie I am pleased to get a reply from you. Yes, this is a very pretty place to be, with coast (Felixstowe, Southwold, Aldeburgh, etc.) plus inland towns such as Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham. There are plenty of walks in the forest or by rivers, too. I will set up a chat for us and all you have to do is click on the Chat icon - you should also get an e-mail notification from the SS staff. Then, if you prefer we can e-mail and we can swop e-Mail addresses. I don't want to give out my e-mail address on the open forum. Anyway, hope to hear from you soon in the chat room! Val PS I have just tested positive for covid - must have caught it on our trip away.ViewDate:
23rd Sep 2022Valla46 commented on:
Pen palsHi Natalie I live in East Anglia but have family in the north. If you fancy a regular correspondence we could set up a chat line, or e-mail if you prefer. It seems like we are now heading for the winter and the cold weather, will soon be Christmas! I hope it doesn't get too cold, with the increase in electric and gas, but not much we can do about that. I have visions of all the OAPs spending their days in the library or coffee shop, with one drink to last all day - not funny really. Anyway, let me know if you want to set up in the chat room. ValViewDate:
15th Sep 2022Valla46 commented on:
Just joined so I'm introducing myself.Hi CynthiaB1 I've been retired 8 years now, and do not find it easy. Whereabouts do you live? This makes a lot of difference as to what there is to do. Here in Suffolk people are not that friendly, but there must be other places where it's better My husband is not well, which means we can't do the things we'd like to, and that is the main difficulty. We don't live together, but still enjoy each other's company. Your best bet is to work out what you want to do and go for it - be it cruise, book club, volunteering, or a bit of each! Let me know how you get on. You sound an interesting person. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
14th Sep 2022Valla46 commented on:
Sisters cut offHi Julie I do feel great sympathy for you. I am in a similar position to yourself in that no-one in my family is in touch with me (son, daughter, sister, cousin) except one, my granddaughter, thank heaven. I feel I must be the most horrible person alive sometimes! I am on anti-depressants, and see my MH practitioner regularly. He says I need to "get out" and try and form a social circle, and has given me details of various things locally. I have a weekly phone call from a volunteer from age.uk. and have found her a great support. She's less than half my age and lives about 200 miles away, but we really get on and I love talking t9 her. Voluntary work, as purplehat said, is a good way of meeting people. Do your MH team have any ideas or groups set up? They are not doing their job properly if all they give you are negative responses. I do hope you can find some support, though I know it does need persistence. Being cynical, a few tears usually do the trick, though you may well find that you don't have to try too hard to produce some. Let me know how you get on.ViewDate:
30th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hello - looking for like minded friends to chat withHi Janet Just to remind you to go on to Chat, and I will set up a chatline on there for us Best wishes Valla 46 (Val)ViewDate:
30th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hi - I’m backHi Fluffy111 Look further down and you will see my reply to you dated today. Best wishes ValViewDate:
30th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hi - I’m backHi Janet Sorry I haven’t been in touch lately - things just seem to have got out of hand. I did set up a Chat line for us, but I don’t think you could have found it so I closed it again. I will reopen it, and give you my e-mail address on there, then perhaps we can have another go! I keep seeing your name on other comments on posts, and will also reply on themViewDate:
15th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Bit about meHi Marj Yes, a really good laugh does you the world of good. Wish there was more of it about. I think since covid we have all got more serious, miserable, grumpy and self- obsessed. I hope it soon goes back to how it was before. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
15th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Greetings, looking for a PenPal...Hi Sarah I have just read your profile and comments, and I also love dark chocolate ginger chocolates! I am another lady who loves to write, but not as prolifically as you. I was thinking maybe you would care to go on Chat, so that we can have a private correspondence. Anyway, let me know if you would like that. Of course, you may be doing that with loads of other people. I have one person with whom I chat, and I find that very rewarding, although we mostly talk about everyday things. Look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
15th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Looking for like minded friends to chat with onlineHi Fluffy Valla46 from Suffolk here again. How are things up in Norfolk ? Been very hot here, of course, but cooler today. I am still up for a visit to Norwich if you fancy meeting. Let me know, or we can just chat. I have my daughter visiting today, who I haven’t seen for five years. Wish me luck! Take care. ValViewDate:
14th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Is anyone out there liking cats as petsHi MargaretB34 I am glad you have been converted to cats. When I was first married we had dogs, which are fine but too needy for me. Moving to the country gave me the opportunity to have a couple of kittens, but they had feline equivalent of AIDS and they only lived a year. I was then totally addicted, so had to have more and ended up with four in the end. I had about 25 happy years of owning cats, but have now moved somewhere that does not allow pets of any description. When you are catless after many years of caring for these lovely animals (certainly not owning) it takes ages to get over that empty feeling. When I move the first thing I will do is find a rescue cat! so must find a place that allows me to do that. Wishing you enjoyable times with Max. ValViewDate:
14th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
Looking for like minded friends to chat with onlineHi Mason What’s your problem? You said you were going to chat with me if I wanted you to, then you cancelled everything! Maybe you will do the same to Phoenix. Remember, we (you included) are vulnerable people, and deserve a little respect and careful handling. VallaViewDate:
11th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
New MemberHi John J, Hope you are not too bored out there in Kentucky. I think I’m like you - lead a boring life but I’m not bored (or boring). Do you work, or are you retired? I am retired, and didn’t realise that I actually liked going to work, until it was too late. I imagine life for you is quite different from mine. I am trying to rebuild my social life after covid, and a nice chat on line would be a pleasant change. Anyway, I would be pleased to hear from you if you care to reply. ValerieViewDate:
11th Aug 2022Valla46 commented on:
New Member saying hello - [DELETED_MEMBER]Hi depdivr, Sorry to be so ignorant but is AZ Arizona? Just a little bit different from good old Suffolk, England where I live! My daughter lived in Phoenix for several months, working in a hostel with her husband. They went on their trip single and came back married. That was some time ago. Are you still working in healthcare? I would imagine you must cover some distance if you do. It would be interesting to chat about your life and experiences, if you would like to reply. I am retired and am trying to find new interests after the covid epidemic, which seemed to bring all social activities to a dead end. I think chatting to someone with a completely different lifestyle to mine could give me a new spark of life, so hope you think likewise. Anyway, it would be nice to hear from you. Best wishes ValerieViewDate:
27th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Friendly chatHi Janet I have left you a message in the Chat site, then that will be a bit more private. Sorry this has taken so long. It would be nice to meet up. I love Norwich, hope you have a few shops left, which is more than we have in Ipswich! To get on Chat, just go into Community, and you should see a list saying Latest Posts, Latest Comments, Chat, etc. Anyway, hope to hear from you soon - you have taken some finding. ValViewDate:
19th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hi - I’m backHi Fluffy Sorry, Janet! I have been through all the posts (I thought) and certainly remember replying to your original message, but haven’t seen them anywhere, Added to that, I posted a message on the local community hub and that didn’t appear. I think it would be lovely to meet, if you are agreeable, when things cool down a bit. I am struggling with depression, so it would be a good thing for me to do (as long as things go ok with the travelling), Perhaps we can go on to the Chat site, and sort everything out. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
19th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
New Member saying hello - [DELETED_MEMBER]Hi Ray/Mason I see you are from Indiana, I’m in Suffolk, England. It’s very hot today here, and has been since last Friday. There are all sorts of warnings to help deal with the heat. We are just not used to it here. They are expecting it to reach 40deg.F. Which would be a record. Don’t think you have said a lot about yourself, other than your names. I am Valerie (Val for short) and like reading, cooking, knitting, and used to like walking though the knees restrict that now. Anyway, I am here now, so look forward to your reply. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
19th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
New Member saying hello - [DELETED_MEMBER]Hi Sue, Wow! It’s hot. We are just not used to it. You were very brave taking yourself to the hospital and knowing you were having a heart attack. Sounds like you have fun in your retirement, with the glamping. I assume you are not in the UK, we don’t have bears to worry about here in the UK. I’m also retired, mid70s, and am trying to enjoy life, though things do get on top of me. The pandemic has a lot t9 answer for.! Best wishes, ValViewDate:
16th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Just JoinedHi Wilfrunian Paul, are you on here at all? I don’t seem able to find you - very frustrating!All the best anyway, ValViewDate:
12th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hello from an old young guy!Hi there, I don’t know if you will ever pick this up as I am going through the alphabetical list of posts, but was interested to see that Steinbeck is one of your favourite authors. I have just finished rereading The Grapes of Wrath and have been there with the Joads in California for the last few days. I read East of Eden before that - he is mesmerising. Anyway, I see you are from USA but I am wondering whereabouts. I lived in Washington state for a couple of years when I was in my ‘twenties (I am 75 now) and really liked it. I am female, married for the second time, with 2 adult children and one granddaughter I would be very pleased if you do find this and could reply. Best wishes, ValViewDate:
10th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Any vitamin/supplement suggestions please?Seem to be bumping into you all over the place. I’d forgotten about this one, but you are welcome, and hope they do you some good if you go with them. Don’t know what emmap thinks though. All the best, ValViewDate:
8th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Cruise BuddyHi Jasmin I went on a 5-day taster cruise with Saga, just to Holland and Belgium. It was great and, for older people, the best part is that you have a chauffeur service to and from your embarkation port. Unfortunately the female friend I went with is unable to go this year (we’ve been on loads of holidays together before), so I am a bit lost. We always share a room as this is so much cheaper, and have always got along fine. I was interested to hear the comments from ImJerry, as I didn’t know such a thing existed as a cruise companion matching service. I might give this a go. I am 75, but don’t look it, also female, and also love an adventure. Look forward to hearing from you ValViewDate:
8th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Friendly chatHi Fluffy, I live in Suffolk, so not far from you (probably). There don’t seem to be many people on the site from Suffolk, and if there are they are not posting, so I thought I’d contact you as we seem to have various interests in common. I am in my 70s as well, nonsmoker, and hate to admit I’m a Scorpio. I find astrology very interesting, and had several friends over the years who were Virgos. I have done a lot of searching for my family history, but have got into a bit of a slump with it lately. And I also like historic places and - as a water sign - the sea preferably, but anywhere there’s a river or lake! I don’t imagine we are far from each other - I can easily catch a train to Norwich, or drive if it’s not too far. Anyway, send me a post! Best wishes, ValViewDate:
7th Jul 2022Valla46 commented on:
Just joined so saying hello.Hi TerryStan Bet you enjoyed your time with your son and the new baby. That’s always a lovely time - I only have one grandchild, she’s now 19, and there won’t be any more - and she lives 200 plus miles away. I have photos when she was about 2 weeks old with my son holding her - so sweet. Interesting what you say about Canada - I was married to an American G.I. and we lived in Washington State for 2 years after he was discharged, so we used to go into Canada every now and then, as it was not far (by their standards). I used to like it, though it was old fashioned with their laws about women entering pubs, etc. I fancied emigrating to Calgary! tho never got there. Of the places I’ve been to on holiday I think I liked Cyprus best. Been there about 3 times. I’d love to travel in France, went to Dordogne many years ago and that was beautiful. I do like a guitar player - do you sing as well? Still, assume acoustic as you were in the garden? Well, all for now, better get something to eat. Take care, and hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes VallaViewDate:
26th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hi - I’m backHi Sandra, Golly! It’s difficult to find things. I’ve been all round the houses just browsing, and finally found your reply from yesterday. Don’t ask me how, that’s a mystery I probably won’t be able to repeat. You said you will message me on “chat” - how do you find that? So please forgive me if I don’t reply, as I don’t know where it is! Sorry it’s so late again, I always seem to find an excuse for not going t9 bed when it’s time. Hope your foot is feeling better after the session with the peas, I have tried that one, works well. It’s been windy here today, but still hot and muggy. I finally finished my ironing while watching t.v. this afternoon. Which reminds me, did you see Paul McCartney at Glastonbury last night on t.v.? The neighbours must have thought I was mad, loud music on at gone 1 o’clock. He is amazing, certainly not anywhere near 80. I saw the Beatles twice in the day. George was always my favourite. Well, best get to bed. Mind you, it’s not midnight yet. Speak soon. ValViewDate:
25th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Just joined so saying hello.I’ve just returned to the site after 6 months away from it. The people I used to chat to seem to have disappeared, but hopefully there will be new ones. Sounds like you have had an interesting life in the Army, and no doubt travelled quite a bit. My cousin was in the Army for quite a time and he went to quite a few places. It’s ok, I’m only jealous. I have travelled quite a bit, but still have itchy feet. You never know, I might pluck up courage and take a nice cruise somewhere. I did over 50 years’ work, but mostly very boring. I had children to bring up, so the choice was a bit limited. The best job I had was 5 years as an estate agent - that was great. Anyway, possibly speak t9 you soon.ViewDate:
25th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Any vitamin/supplement suggestions please?I’m older than you but take a multivitamin from Healthspan, I know they do one for over 50s, and these have a good range of really important vitamins in them. I certainly noticed the difference.ViewDate:
25th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Looking for members from EssexDon’t know if you are still around, jenjen, I went to school in Grays when I lived in Essex. Many years later, I am in Suffolk. Hope you see this and reply - or anyone else, of course. VallaViewDate:
25th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Another new member saying hello!Hi there. I had a message from georgesmum as well, so welcome and hope your move to Bicester goes smoothly. Glad gm knows where it is, ‘cos I didn’t. I’m in Suffolk. It must be a huge decision to move back from Canada to Europe after all those years! I lived in Washington state for two years when I first got married over fifty years ago, and that was a big wrench to leave and come back to England. Mind you, that all seems like a dream now. Wonder what would have happened if I’d stayed. I assume you have family or friends in Bicester to make you welcome. Let me know how you get on. VallaViewDate:
25th Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Hi - I’m backHi Sandra Thanks for replying to me. I’ve found the ‘seventies pretty hard, actually - suddenly I’d only got 10 years of active life left, and realistically 20 years in total. That seems to be a thought that has stayed with me, and affects decisions I make about the future. Other than that, I have dodgy knees so find it hard to manage stairs, in particular those without railings, and walking long distances. Plus lots of other little things that get on my nerves and stop me doing stuff. Everything just seems too much faff! So I can sympathise with your foot and ankle problems, and the pain. Whereabouts are you, and what do you like to do? I watch an awful lot of t.v, read, and go shopping. I do have the occasional day out with a couple of friends, for lunch or coffee. Oh, and I like to read. Anyway, hope to hear from you again. Have a good weekend, Best wishes, ValViewDate:
21st Jun 2022Valla46 commented on:
Would you like to see imperial measurements return?I still use imperial weight measurements when shopping and cooking, and find that pounds and ounces are much easier to use than grams. A gram is a ridiculously small amount. I also much prefer my beloved yds., ft. and ins. to Ms.,cms. and mms. I would be thrilled to have them all officially back in use.ViewDate:
4th Jan 2022Valla46 commented on:
Keto - have you tired it?Seems a long time since anyone posted on this, but maybe Michael Mosely’s new book and publicity for this diet will create new interest. My main concern is that I had a boyfriend who was Type 1 diabetic, and he went into ketosis when his diabetes was badly managed. He used to lose huge amounts of weight very quickly, and I was told it meant muscle mass was being lost, not just fat. Can this be healthy? Hopefully someone can give me some more info.ViewDate:
4th Jan 2022Valla46 commented on:
Introducing meHi Daisymaisy, Gosh! Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? I don’t understand this site either. I logged in this time under My Account and have found all sorts of interesting things I haven’t seen before - including your reply to me of the 15th Dec. You are not far from me at Sudbury. Are you actually Welsh? My son is living on the Wirral ( near Liverpool) so he’s very close to Wales. One of my favourite places is the Gower, though of course the south side, but I can’t see me getting there again. No, I haven’t been to London in years. I went once with my daughter to Westminster Abbey to see my grandfather’s name in their book of remembrance: he was in the 1st Westminster’s Regiment and died in the 1st World War. Then I used to change at Liverpool St to go to Euston and Liverpool Lime St. Let. me know if you are going - might be fun. I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year - ours was quiet but enjoyable. Take care, hope to hear from you soon. ValViewDate:
4th Jan 2022Valla46 commented on:
Just JoinedHi Paul, I seem to have logged in in a different way to previously, and realise that I didn’t reply to your very interesting comment over a month ago! I must apologise for this, but I had so much to do and think about that time has just gone. Not that it was that interesting or pleasant to anyone else - family problems and concerns about my husband. Christmas was a low-key but enjoyable time, and I can now get back to my normal routine (or lack of it). It sounds thar you have had a very interesting life and I do envy ypuViewDate:
11th Dec 2021Valla46 commented on:
Your experience of retirementI have been fully retired for eight years, and have not found it easy. I did part-time work as a care assistant for 7 years after my official retirement from the County Council. This was extremely rewarding but hard work, and it got the better of me in the end. At first I seemed to have plenty to do, holidays to take, and friends t9 meet. Now my husband’s health has deteriorated badly, and he can’t walk far, so we only go as far as the local supermarket. I see a few friends for coffee or lunch. I still want to go on cruises (had a taste of that this year), but it will have to wait, and by then I am afraid I will be too old and infirm! I look forward to your thoughts on this, Muzzy.ViewDate:
27th Nov 2021Valla46 commented on:
New area, new friends!Hi daisymaisy, found your first post (I think) under the friendship topic, but this might be it. Anyway, this is all getting too complicated for me - will stop now, and return another day. No, it can’t be your first, as you replied to me on the 10th nov, I think. Help! ValViewDate:
27th Nov 2021Valla46 commented on:
Hope this works - looking for like minded members to chat withHi Trillium, I notice you replied on my birthday! Are you male? Your comment sounds as if you are. I actually lived in USA, Spokane, Wa. for two years when I first got married (the first time), and we returned to England via Vancouver. I didn’t see much of it but was very impressed with what I did see. We also used to go to Vashon Island just off of Seattle with friends to visit their weekend house there. That was great! I’ll be pleased to have a chat. Let me know your age and gender! Best wishes, Val -
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