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15956. prolph - 7/29/2005 12:31:43 AM lurking and therfore posting 15957. Ms. No - 7/29/2005 4:51:19 PM Hi Patsy! 15958. PelleNilsson - 7/29/2005 5:18:27 PM Today was my last working day. As of Monday I'm officially retired.
By an odd coincidence I was struck by laryngitis on Wednesday, so all I could do at today's farewell lunch was to exude benevolence, bonhomie and the occasional croak as the (sometimes false) flattery and sentimental stories filled the air. 15959. alistairConnor - 7/29/2005 5:47:47 PM Oh congratulations! if that's the word... are you happy about it?
What would Dr Freud say about that laryngitis? Is there some dramatic, score-settling speech that was forestalled? 15960. Ms. No - 7/29/2005 5:57:29 PM Oh, absolutely congratulations!
I imagine Pelle can find plenty of things to keep himself occupied when no longer constrained by the schedule of a regular job.
Dare I hope this means more travelogues for the rest of us?? 15961. PelleNilsson - 7/30/2005 5:57:12 PM I have been scarce around here lately. Thanks to all for the birthday congratulations!
Yes, the other congratulations are definitely in order. As you know I am basically a telecom geek. But in recent years the technical component of our assignments has dwindled in favour of organization and management issues, due diligence undertakings and the like, areas I am familiar with but not enthusiastic about. In the overall scheme this is probably a good thing, though. It indicates that the so called developing countries are catching up in the technical field. But it caused me to examine the state of my pension schemes and when I found that I could retire without any loss of net income the choice was easy.
Yes, alistair, it has a Freudian connotation. I was at home on Wednesday and in the afternoon I started thinking about that damned speech. I have nothing against giving speeches but I knew it would be difficult to find the right tone for this one. Then Christina called to tell me she would be late home and in "answering" the phone I found I couldn't even bring out a whisper. Freud! I thought, but the real explanation is more mundane. The receptionist at the hotel in Uppsala was quite hoarse and she and I had a prolonged tęte-a-tęte as we poured over a city map. Of course we cannot exclude that the subconscious in its mysterious ways lowered the gates of my immune defense system. Anyhow, I'm recovering. A few minutes ago I uttered a complete sentence, albeit in a Lee Marvin-like groveling voice. 15962. SnowOwl - 7/30/2005 8:16:26 PM Very belated birthday greetings, Pelle, and congratulations on retirement.
We have a new arrival in the family. Our new granddaughter, Isla Sinead, was born on the 5th of July. She's gorgeous.
15963. wonkers2 - 7/30/2005 10:27:46 PM Congratulation, SnowOwl. I envy you. I have three children of childbearing age but no grandchildren (and no marriages yet). 15964. jexster - 7/31/2005 6:39:25 PM Yo Wonk...If you ever decide to go French on us, I've a good friend, member of the SF Realtor's Assn...
"Sell this in place after 18 months? Won't you take a bath?"
"Like I said. I've been here 18 months" 15965. SnowOwl - 7/31/2005 11:17:16 PM Thanks, Wonk. We've got 5 adult children, all of childbearing age but only two marriages, and unfortunately for us, the grandkids are all overseas (two Swedes and now an Australian).
Grandkids are the best fun ever! I'm sorry we can't spend more time with ours, but at least the Australian is close enough so we'll see her at least a couple of times a year.
We had the Swedes down here for three weeks earlier in the year and my husband was devastated when they left. He said that it was cruel to bring the kids down and then take them away again! 15966. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 1:36:35 AM Oh congratulations on the new arrival, Snow Owl!
And to Pelle on retiring! That's so great.
And HELLO PATSY! So glad you are lurking AND posting!
15967. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 1:39:20 AM We said goodbye to the last of our company an hour or so ago. We had a fantastic weekend, and enjoyed Judith and Keoni so much. Wonderful food and visiting all weekend, topped off with Keoni's great biscuits and a friend's breakfast casserole that was really super.
15968. jexster - 8/1/2005 2:32:36 AM 2 Swedes...my condolences 15969. Magoseph - 8/1/2005 1:15:39 PM Two granddaughters now—I’m happy for you, Snow.
Glad that you had a nice time, Arky. The Keonis are good company.
Where is Mac?
15970. thoughtful - 8/1/2005 4:43:24 PM Congrats, Pelle!!
I'm delighted for you and most jealous.
I know my time is coming soon...just don't know when. Hubby retired 5 years ago and hasn't stopped smiling yet!
I'm sure you'll enjoy your retirment as much as he. I mean how can you not? Life is good. 15971. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 6:43:47 PM Thanks Mags. They certainly are.
15972. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 6:44:44 PM I could retire in three years. If the district I'm in is here three years from now. If not, I won't. I may do something else, but I won't move to another district and continue to teach. 15973. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 6:46:37 PM I guess I should complete my sentences: If the district I'm in is here three years from now I will continue teaching past the three years. If not, I won't. 15974. judithathome - 8/1/2005 9:44:36 PM The Arkys are superb hosts, too! We had such a great time and I'm so glad I got to meet Maizie...she is THE most adorable dog and we bonded very well...she brought me a little dead salamander and laid it at my feet and then snuggled her head against my foot. Of course, something that generous called for reciprocal action and since I'm not too good at hunting, she settled for a two hour snuggle on my lap. Absolutely the most adorable little puppy I've ever had the pleasure to meet.
The weather was great over the weekend and it was so clear...Keoni and I were gawking at the stars like rubes in the big city seeing our furst skyscrapers. They looked close enough to touch and I was reminded of Carl Sagan's "billions and billions". It's hard to imagine they are out there every night in our skies, too, but since we live in a big city, we can't see them. The skies over Arky are stupendous with stars. 15975. arkymalarky - 8/1/2005 11:12:28 PM Thanks, Judith!
Boy, the weather did cooperate, and it did make the sky extra clear. This morning at around 11 I called the temperature number and it was already 96F.
I'm glad I didn't kennel Mazie. She loved Judith, and she did well with all the company and activity Saturday night and Sunday morning. She's still recovering from all her partying, sacked out on her mat.
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