I know we’re lucky and I shouldn’t really moan but I’m going to anyway.

Far from being lonely my better half and I would love a day or two without having visitors - we’ve lived in the same house for more than forty years and know all our neighbours for at least half a mile in each direction.  There hasn’t been a single day in the last six months when we haven’t had at least one person come round.

To top it all the restaurant just four doors away was knocked down a few years back and they built a Jehovah’s Witness’ Kingdom Hall in its place - I’m sure they use all the local residents for practice calls!

Add to all that horsey people just ‘popping’ round, Girl Guiders coming for advice or to camp by the river, farriers, vets and even the local vicar - the local farmer who brings hay but likes to stay for a drink and a chat, relatives who have a sixth sense and know when I’ve lit the pizza oven.  

This retirement thing is vastly over rated!