Welcome to Gransnet

Welcome to all newbies. I`ve been here since 2011, just after GN was formed, persuaded here by a very good friend. Scribbles, I look forward to this Lincolnshire meet up in the not too distant future, I hope.

Welcome Scribbles . There is plenty of non-grandparent stuff on here. Enjoy!

This is my first time on GN and found it when I was trawling through the internet looking for ways to make some friends. After my husband died 2 years ago, I didn't want to remain in the house where I lived then, it was too large and in a remote village. My son, I lost my daughter when she was 20 years old to a road accident, lives in the north west and as I lived in the south not far from London, he suggested that I sell up and move near to him and his family. This I did and have lived in my two bedroom bungalow since November 2016.
Obviously,I had to leave all my friends that I had made when I was working. I worked until I was 69 and so I have only been retired for just over a year.
I have two granddaughters, aged 6 and 11who I see regularly as they live very close to me, which is great.
I have joined a knitting group and have met some very nice people but they all seem to have known each other since school days. Hope to hear from some like minded people soon

Welcome Bear123

Hi I'm a lurker to. Just returned after a long while and forgotten how friendly and entertaining Gransnet is. Definitely going to make the effort to join in again.

Hi, Sometimes I feel like I need a bit of a lift. Happily married for 3 years now to a lovely man. I retired nearly 4 years ago and love it especially taking advantage of holidays, days out whenever we like and caring for gc two days a week. Only one thing interrupts my happiness. 13 years ago I discovered my then husband of 25 years had been leading a double life living with another woman 60 miles away for at least 5 years. He pretended to work away. Needless to say I was devastated and divorce followed very quickly. All in all a very painful experience which I think I'm recovering from until the inevitable weddings and christenings. The latest being my little gd christening this week. The ex is there together with his affair partner wife and he avoids my space as if I have a contagious disease. I now also do the same. His wife makes a polite effort and I will smile but inwardly I feel awkward and think how can she act with sweet innocence. So there you go, my story. I can no longer talk to my family regarding my feelings as they think I am long over their dad, which in most ways I am. He was a selfish deceitful man who I am lucky to be rid of. Should I still be feeling such sadness after all this time? Words of wisdom please.

Welcome to the latest newbies and returnees .
What an awkward situation Anniepops. Family gatherings are also difficult for me, as my ex's wife has a problem with me, obviously feels insecure but she is welcome to him. So pleased that you have found happiness in the end. Enjoy GN!

They are reminders of the hurt you experienced at the time I guess, all the best

I know. I suppose it's that old cliche of the end of a dream. You set out with the belief that these important family events will be shared happily with both parents. I always remember how hurt I was getting no mention as the mother of the bride at daughters weddings. But there again my ex gave a speech at daughter number one's wedding which was all about daughter number two. Reckon I'm just at a low ebb today and need to give myself a shake. So much to be grateful for.

I think the sadness you feel shows that you are a kind, loving, principled person, Annie. Its very hard to realise that someone you trusted lacks these qualities, but that is his loss, in the long run. Chin up. X

Lurker alert! I'm a 70 year old carer for an 84 year old in poor health. I don't get out much, so the internet is my lifeline to sanity. I volunteer in a charity shop one morning a week and attend a craft group one afternoon, so I am not entirely without outside human contact. We have lived in Spain for 30 years, family visit regularly, but we haven't been back since 2001; all our UK friends are dead!

Hello CherryHatrick, I love your clever name! You are obviously happy in Spain, I envy you.

Thank you for the welcome, shysal, yes, we have been happy in Spain, and although the very hot Summers are draining, I don't know if I could cope with the grey weather in the UK any more; DH certainly couldn't as he feels the cold even when the temperatures are in the low 30s. Since he had a stroke, the slightest air movement on his skin registers as "cold" and he asks for a blanket or the heating to be put on.

Welcome newbies .. sorry, l have missed this thread over the past few days. So much co.mon ground here. I hope GN proves to be a source of fun, support and education in how to age disgracefully for you, as it has for me xx

My name is Sasha, Just 66. Worked since leaving school. Have two daughters one living in London and my youngest (40!!!) lives here in South Wales with her partner and my two gorgeous grandsons.
I was sadly widowed at 34, my husband who was in Royal Navy had an aneurysm whilst working and didn't recover. The Navy looked after us extremely well but of course I had no option but to keeping working. Retired at 62 and love my life just doing what I want to - well mostly as still occasionally help look after my grandsons.
Owning two dogs, a Labrador and a Cockapoo (spaniel poodle cross) help keep me fit.
I discovered Gransnet after looking through Mumsnet.

Welcome, Sasha . I am sure you will find many like-minded members on GN with similar experiences to your own. I hope you will enjoy all that is on offer.

Welcome Sasha!!

Welcome to all, don't forget to pop into The Argy Bargy, no not a political discussion, it's our cafe/bar run by a few drunken friendly Grans.??

Yes, Sasha we need some new blood, otherwise I think we will have to close down. It's non contentious, non political and just a little bit silly. You will be most welcome.

Farrsan most welcome, quite a motley bunch here but good hearts and good attitude, look forward to hearing more about you

Hi, I have just joined today and soon to be a new grandma as my daughter's baby is due on Nov 2nd. I already need lots of advice, especially as she lives in San Francisco so any help at being a 'distant' grandparent would be very useful to me.

I joined today, woohoo!! Looking forward to getting involved. I'm in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Moved here from London two years ago. I have a dog and would love to hear from anyone involved in a dog walking group? I'm learning Spanish too and would be interested in like mind members.

Welcome to you, Elsa Craig. Lots of different things to discuss and lots of very funny posts. Enjoy your walks today!

Hi I'm new! Been trying to write a post for a while and finally managed it today! I've been retired from infant teaching for 2 years now and it's taken me a while to adjust to be honest. This is mainly due to our location. We are isolated in a beautiful house that my husband put his heart and soul into converting, but I do miss the company. All I see are sheep! I have 5 grandchildren,2 of which live very close. Nice to speak to you all.

Welcome to the latest newcomers . You all sound as if you will fit in well on here. Hope you will enjoy all that GN has to offer.