New starters, whatever age.

Luckylegs

So glad you started this thread it is something I have been thinking about recently. After being widowed just 15 weeks ago I now find, that at 69, for the first time in my life I am living alone - not as scary as I anticipated. So hurdle one over. I know my life has completely changed and although still grieving I am beginning to think and plan ahead. So I have joined a walking group and enrolled for a photography course starting in September. I will also rejoin a Gym when my summer holiday grandchild minding ends. Baby steps yet but it is a start.

Theodbird I am in awe of you. Would I ever have the courage to make such a move? Enjoy your new home.

I will be watching this thread with interest and hope to pick up some practical tips on moving forward.

Well done theoddbird I've been divorced for 30 years ...not looking for Mr. Right...happy with making and enjoying friends. Enjoy your freedom.?

Dh was in his university bridge team and won lots of competitions (once a pipe rack!) and we used to play with his parents. All I can say is that they were very patient with me!

I'm in awe of people who make fresh starts but I doubt I would gave the wherewithal.

DS1 had a stroke aged 35 while living in Japan and had to move home to us as his wife left him. He has since written an autobiography, volunteers as an adult literacy teacher, helps a disabled man with IT and is on rhe board of a local charity. He lives independently and travels all over the world. I'm in awe of him too.

Yup, that as well!

Eglantine your adventures sound great, some of which I've done! Not the sky or scuba diving or moved house but on the list. Predictive text changed 'list' to 'lust'??

I have been going through a prolonged changed. Was separated 16 years ago and divorced 3 years ago. I went out on dates etc. Have not found Mr Right. Ten years ago I got a good job and eventually was able to save. I saved and saved then opted out of the pension plan and took the lump sum. With my savings and the pension money I bought a narrow boat to live on, Yesterday I turned the key for the last time on a place that had led me to becoming depressed. It has taken six weeks to complete the move to my boat from where I rented for 15 years. So at 66 I have done something life changing.....an adventure or a mistake? That I will find out. Last night I looked out of the hatch at the sun setting over a still river and realized what peace there is in silence...

I used to play bridge 5 nights a week in clubs, but now just play online at www.bridgebase.com/ where you can play with robots and/or humans. It's free unless you want to enter paid for tourneys or hire robots. Try the bridge bingo, which is great fun! They mostly play Standard American or 2/1 in the case of the robots, but there is also an Acol Club there (http://www.acolatbbo.org.uk/) although the standard is pretty poor.

Personally used to thoroughly enjoy playing duplicate bridge years ago, but rusty so looked into lessons at local bridge club and they looked thoroughly intimidating, I don't think I knew what half the words were!! so still plucking up courage.

Very financially stretched now and have no spare money sadly for all those wonderful activities - hopefully that will improve when I retire and can pay off more of my mortgage.

Good luck to you all - enjoy!!

I am slightly scared of bridge (DH was high (top 10)) on the English scoring list at one time and I love the game, but joined a local group only to find on the first evening that the members were really horrible bridge snobs who objected when I made a mistake. Really put me off, but we have taught DS the fundamentals and hope we'll manage to get back into our stride. So hope you really enjoy it - who knows? We may find ourselves meeting up on the competitive circuit! Best of luck.

Quit work, moved house, went travelling, lost weight, pulled a few men, ( one at a time) went sky diving, scuba diving, drove a racing car, zip lined across a rain forest. Went mad really.

I have often wondered why my DH never took up Bridge. He loves cards, is a strategic player, has a phenomenal memory for what has gone and who has played what. One of our godsons has been a talented Bridge player since his early teens. He went on a cruise with his parents and spent practically the whole time playing Bridge with elderly Americans who would seek him out to make up a rubber (is that the term?). So watch out for any polite, English, teenage boys you may come across, Luckylegs!

Bridge is very addictive ! Beware! I love it and play two evening's a week. Hope you enjoy it.