David995031

I found a first cousin I knew nothing about. Apparently the product of a misbehaving uncle, many years ago!

I don't have the expertise to give advice but what I did was to take the maximum tax free lump sum out of my pension I could (obviously this reduces your monthly payments). My thinking was that I might drop dead within a month in which case my pension fund is gone. At least by taking a lump sum I would have a few quid to blow on something  silly (or sensible) that no-one could take away. Best thing is to get a quote for the maximum monthly income and another quote showing the effect of taking a lump sum.

16 hours ago, Hatter said:

Continuing my alphabetic tour of Hitchin, week 2 brings us to the "Bosphorus" Turkish restaurant in Sun Street.

I have actually eaten in this one - I recommend the "KAPADOKYA": a 500 year-old Ottoman dish consisting of marinated chicken, onions & mixed peppers in pomegranate, lemon juice, honey, apricot & almond. Served with rice & salad.

500 years old? Think I would prefer a new one.

I am in a similar position. We both have two small private pensions and, when added to the state pensions we're not badly off - as you've pointed out we won't be getting any richer but that's OK. People who have to depend on just the state pension qualify for pension credits. From what I understand this is not particularly generous and may leave you with a choice of 'heat or eat' in the winter. I think it is scandalous but there are a lot of things that are scandalous these days.

9 hours ago, Ryewolf said:

Wot, no Asda's, apples, alarms, anoraks....

No. Been all over the county - none of that stuff. Even Ashby del la Zouch has vanished 

This is one of numerous memorial sculptures at the National Memorial Arboretum.

1 hour ago, Panasonicmike said:

#2  Simplicity

Has real impact - a classic case of 'less is more'.

Just now, Ryewolf said:

That's certainly colourful David.

Well it's for others to decide whether or not it is a good photo but no-one can say it isn't bang on topic! 

Sea shells

Sounds good. The alphabetical challenge sounds a bit like TIPF's answer to QI! 

19 minutes ago, Korky said:

I can't help either - I just send my Amazon toons (via bluetooth) to the Cambridge Audio sound box that's wired up to the telly.

Can't be doin' with talking to a machine - I don't have Siri enabled on my MaBook either. Am I a boring old twazzock? Or what?

Korky

You and me both, Korky.

Thanks everyone - and how nice that I am sharing the kudos with Dee!

8 hours ago, Ryewolf said:

Congrats from me David. By the way is that you on the left?

No, it is my brother in law Rye.

OK here goes, an uncertain step into the murky world of Photoshop. This is a watercolour effect applied to a shot I took at Wenlock Abbey, this week

Edwardian housewives' labour saving device. They had it easy in those days.

7 hours ago, Hatter said:

Nell Gwynn

This is Lesley Smith, the curator of Tutbury Castle, who makes appearances as historical characters at the castle.
I posted a photo of her as Boudicca earlier in the year.

 

I'm guessing this isn't Joan of Arc. 

Middle of nowhere

If you go down to the woods today......

3 hours ago, CanonChrissy said:

Ethereal

Is it just me or does this shot of the stairway to heaven smack of insider trading?

4 hours ago, Korky said:

This is how it was meant to go........

Me: And to think, this time next week I'll be on the plane.

You: Oh, I didn't realise you're off on holiday.

Me: I'm not. I'm fitting a new front door.

Mi bestest punch line ruined!

Korky

Perhaps we were all a bit distracted by the thought of you skinny dipping in the park. 

Shrimp at Sunset