One week ago last Thursday (29 September) I retired after 19 years and 4 months working for Christchurch City Council. I hadn’t quite reached the magic age of 65 by that date, but near enough that I was ready to call it a day 🙂 (Besides which, I had a date with my younger sister for the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Show in early October, and didn’t really feel like having to go back to work for only a couple of weeks after that.)
Two of my work colleagues arranged a fantastic farewell afternoon tea, where I was presented with some delightful gifts: a lovely scrapbook full of photos of fun times at the Council; not one, but TWO certificates to commemorate the occasion; gift cards for two local coffee shops (to ensure I make a trip or two into town for a catch-up); a beautiful scarf; a couple of soft toys which have special significance (and tales to tell …); and a wonderful, wonderful basket full of fabrics. Here’s a montage of some of the scrapbook and other photos:
It was a fun afternoon: lots of good food, good friends, and good stories 🙂
The following day was spent preparing for my holiday in Brisbane (including persuading Henry Lee that he really did want to go to the cattery ‘holiday camp with Auntie Lisa’ while I was away…), before I flew out of a damp, foggy Christchurch early on the Saturday morning, to arrive to brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine in Brisbane a few hours later: fabulous! 🙂
It’s been a year since I last saw my sister, although we Skype reasonably regularly. In the last couple of years she’s also taken up quilting, and I was delighted when she presented me with yet another retirement (and early birthday) gift: the most gorgeous, colourful African quilt – have a look at this:
Isn’t it stunning??!! We’re the last two of seven children in the family, and were both born in Zimbabwe (the rest were born in England), so this is a very special reminder of our life in Africa. I shall take great pleasure in snuggling under it at every opportunity 🙂
In my next post I’ll tell you about our three days at the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Show this week: inspiring, educational, and very fulfilling for my stash and quilting resources! 🙂
Me 'n' Henry Lee 
Continue to celebrate with joy. You did it! Be Blessed, enjoy, and be safe, Mtetar
Sounds as if retirement IS going well😀 I look forward to more updates!
It sure is! 🙂 Feeling more relaxed every day 😉
It’s good to be able to retire with a smile. 🙂
And it’s still there, LOL!
Happy to hear that you received such wonderful gifts for your retirement party. You have more time to indulge in quilting. Enjoy. I am so green with envy. LOL
Happy Retirement!! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip – I’m sure Henry Lee was quite upset with you when you got back 😉
That African quilt is just gorgeous…those colors!!!
Thank you! I’m actually here for another 2 weeks still – it’s a great way to start my retirement! 🙂