Retirement revisited...

Having received the DWP bumf, I've launched numerous enquiries as to my social security status in other countries.  Only to read that, if one has worked abroad for a UK company, the correct answer to 'Have you worked abroad?' is 'No'.  So, the application is in.  Having received my P60 yesterday, it is clear that the state pension won't pay the tax on my occupational pension, and the former too will be taxed.  Oh well.  It could be an interesting project to fill my copious free time.

Two days of wannabeak interviews this week, two more to come.  At least the driving was easier this week, since the schools are out.  I think next year will be my last in this rôle, and interesting as it is, it is quite tiring if you're doing it right, so I shall not be heartbroken at stepping down.

Martyn has cleaned out the pond, thus roughly doubling its capacity.  Neville the Newt spent the night in a dusused washing-up bowl on the bench table on the terrace, suitably sheltered, and has now been reintroduced to a refilled pond.

Susan and primroses

Elsewhere in the garden, we no longer have a pyracantha (firethorn) at the front 'gate', so that removes one litigation risk: the thorns are vicious, as can be seen from the scars on my right forearm.  I've identified the box I'll transplant to replace it, and just need to summon up the energy.

It's good to see the trees coming into leaf.  The remaining tree at the top of the garden (we had two taken out last back end) is leafing up, and the consequently less hemmed-in flowering cherry looks as if it may break into blossom pretty soon, as does the Bramley.  The 'Susan' magnolia is flowering, and the Judas tree is coming into leaf.  Good to see that we still have some primroses at the top of the garden.  They are blooming fit to bust in other parts of the garden, and have even self-sown into the footpath outside.

On my drive down to Fortnums just now, it was good to see the verges full of primroses, celandines and wind anemones, and to see the trees coming into leaf.  My favourite time of year.