need a friend

Anika - sending kind thoughts to you. Take care of you too.
Kate

If parking rangers are as feral in the UK as they are here, broomsticks are the way to get our own back.

But, how long before local councils put up 'STRICTLY NO BROOMSTICK' signs? Though clamping them would make for interesting viewing.

Hi Kate2012 I am puzzled about your comment:

'I forget how many ethnic groups we have in Australia, but think they have all brought their bad driving habits with them'

Are you talking about the stereotype of French and Italian chaotic roads in their city centres, or something else?

Annika - sad for you and all the family.
We'll be here when you need us.
Kate I believe London is the most ethnically diverse city in the world but not particularly known for bad driving.
I cannot begin to comment about people taking their bad habits to other countries - i read the story today about the drunken welshmen who broke into the water park and stole a penguin (in Australia). I can only apologise on behalf of the Welsh nation.

Kate thanks for advice. I have had a couple of winter visits in the past and will be bringing Uggs, PJ's, etc as my daughter's house is very cold at night (no heating) although keeping the nose warm is a problem! It's the getting dark at 5 pm that I can't cope with, especially after a long winter of darkness here.
I find the drivers in Oz take more care than the drivers in the UK. Far more penalty points (drink driving/speeding) and new drivers have P plates and then have to take more tests to get a full licence. They also drive further apart than we do - no bumper-hugging. I also like the idea of insurance being included in the road tax - at least then everyone is actually insured, unlike the UK.

Annika
It's ok to cry as well as laugh,as has been mentioned before. My 2 year old gd keeps telling me that 'mummy cries a lot - she's very sad' and she knows it's because Grandad has 'gone away'. She sees us both crying and it doesn't upset her.
I am thinking of you,

Gally, you can't be issued with a road tax disc in the UK without proof of insurance, so in a way it is included.

I see that - but so many drivers here don't even bother with the road tax; somehow in Australia, not sure how, they don't get away with it!!

It rains a lot in NSW - twice as much as London! take your waterproofs gally

Thanks Jess - coming frae Fife, I never leave home wi'oot a rain mac

And that's the driest and sunniest part of Scotland. I speak as one brought up on the Firth of Clyde who went on holiday to granny's in Fife for a bit of sunshine.

A big thankyou my Gransnet friends for all your kind thoughts. It helped me get through the funeral of my friend.
I was pleased to find that the rain had stopped in time for the funeral, even if the sun did not shine.
The service in church was very touching, the sight of our two GC holding on to their dad's hand while walking behind the coffin brought tears to my eyes. Our GD was holding on tight to her Nanas teddy bear in her other hand, bless her. DiL made a lovely speech ( more tears) and the vicar read out a speech (again more tears) my friend had made when she was given the terrible news that she only had a short time left.
I got through the day somehow, it was a day with a surprising amount of laughter as we all remembered fond memories of her. What a wonderful lady she was.
I have also made friends with two of her friends I had never met before so her influence lives on in all of us.

Annika thanks for letting us know how you got on. I'm so glad you had some moments of laughter and a chance to express what a wonderful person she was to each other. You have two new friends to remember her with - that's lovely news

Annika I'm so pleased that it went "well" (you know what I mean). It's nice to say goodbye with a smile as well as tears.

Annika I loved the fact that through your friend you made two others.

Annika (((((hugs)))))

Annika

Annika and still more (((hugs))) from me to you.

I have got to 65 and suddenly realise I have no girl friends who I can ring or meet up with for a chat. I am married with one daughter and two grandsons who I adore but I have started to think a lot about when they are grown and need their own lives to live and if anything happens to my husband first then I will have no one and it is really getting me down. I have been married for 43 years and my husband as been my best friend and so I never felt the need to have girl friends. I am not the sporty type to be joining a gym or very religious to be going to church but when I have been to things like line dancing classes I find most of the people there are already with friends. Its only now when it seems too late that I realise friendship is very precious.

You're welcome on here misunderstood - lots of friendly Gransnetters and always someone ready for a chat

misunderstood Warm welcome to you. We're a friendly [oftimes batty bunch] but good at heart.

And many in a similar boat to you, misunderstood!

misunderstood, I know what you mean.When I became a widow.I realised my social life had depended on my husband.I have one son living near me with young children and they include me in a lot of what they do but I try not to depend on them.That day will come though. My six year old GS says when he is twelve he's coming to live with me to look after me.

I have been out (on my own) trailing around the shops buying things I don't need and have now come back on to my computer and read some of the messages and have to say thankyou. I never thought I would be on a chat site but its nice to be able to talk with like minded people.

Yes, it's lovely! There'll always be some thread you feel you can add your bit to.