Looking To Take Up A Hobby

No it was the OP's comment " we have tried a few things crochet, cooking classes..."I think LA classes, U3A and WI and equivalent do a pretty good job of keeping us senile delinquents off the streets!
But I do wonder if TAB will be back to tell us how she is getting on.

Soutra Was it my suggestion of LA day/evening classes that triggered you to say you would rather be shot than steered toward cookery or crochet classes?

If so, take a look at this list of what is offered near me. Yes, lots of cookery, but plenty of other things too, from Arabic and Archery to Wood Carving and beyond, by way of Belly Dancing, Publishing an E-Book and Wine Appreciation .

Nor I FlicketyB! I suppose some people have fallen into the trap of defining themselves by the job they did. I never did this - any paid work I have done has simply been just one part of my life. I have always dabbled in many different arts and crafts as well adult learning such as U3A and Open University. Also I have always had at least one voluntary 'job' on the go such school governor, charity shop work and Home Start.
I think that I am also quite happy to have lazy days when I just potter about enjoying the absence of deadlines or someone judging what I am doing. If I want to be half hearted about something I can.....no one is going to tut or yell (OH would not dare).
Can always remember my Dear Grandma telling me about a husband of a dear friend who had died within 12 months of retiring. She had muttered something about him having no interests other than work and even as a child that struck me as so very sad.

There was some research recently that said most retired people get fed-up with retirement within 10 months of stopping work. I cannot imagine who these people can be.

That's right. Stubborn!

Anno I've never heard that expression before - thrawn. Rather like it - I take it to mean stubborn and/or contrary. Would that be the correct meaning?

Retirement is wonderful.

I love being retired as much as I loved my job, especially not getting up at 5.30 to be on the road at 6.00!

Best thing I ever did retiring.

If a nice sunny day comes along we can go out to an NT property.

If I feel a bit off I can choose to stay at home.

I can be entertained at the WI and U3A.

I can go to the cinema in the afternoon when it is cheap and rather decadent.

I don 't have to pay on the bus.

No one tells me what to do (except for DH).

The list is endless.

My mother nagged me for years to take up knitting or crochet. Because of that I have always refused to go anywhere near a ball of wool.!

Not sure how IS feel about retireing next year.

If my family suggest something, my instinctive reaction is to reject it. But I am - good old Scottish word - thrawn.

Not looking forward to it myself, BlueBelle...

janerowena

I hate retirement

And there was me about to suggest pole-dancing...

Oooh I do like a good moan though!!
It also occurred to me that TAB's auntie might be a fair age I know mine is in her 80's

Well said Soutra, I've been known to enjoy both crochet and cookery but I wouldn't want family or friends telling me how to live my life.

Some people enjoy not enjoying things, moaning and generally having a glass nearly empty, and never half full. Victor Meldrew syndrome

I'm so glad TAB12, researching family history was one of the most exciting things I have done of late. I hate to use this overused cliche but it can "take you on a journey", literally! Have spent time looking around churchyards and visiting record offices. When my mother was still alive, managed to put her in touch with a long lost cousin which she was thrilled about. I have amassed loads of material, mainly through a previously unknown second cousin who lives in Canada, we have both visited each other in our respective countries. Your aunt may find herself up cul-de-sacs at times and it can be frustrating but she may find it becomes an all enduring passion and there are many websites to assist. I got in touch with extended family initially through Genes Reunited.

I think I would shoot any family members who tried to steer me towards crochet or cookery classes !!

Aka I don't know how I found the time to go to work to be honest,I don't have enough hours in the day now

Why isn't she enjoying her retirement? Perhaps she misses work, colleagues, etc? In which case why not look at volunteering opportunities, there are plenty around.

TAB12 Does her Local Authority run evening or day classes in genealogy? They are very good for getting you started and giving you new ideas about what to look for and where to go to find it.

She could probably do with another hobby as well, to turn to for a change when her mind starts to frazzle. Something to do with the hands without taxing the brain too much, and/or to exercise the body.

lol glam I can hear the clicking from here.....lol sounds good idea and will keep you out of mischief lol....good luck

TAB12, If she is getting interested in family history she would probably benefit from joining the local branch of the Family History Society. They are usually very friendly groups and can help her find out things about her family where a website like Ancestry cannot help.

She may like a family member or friend to accompany her to the first meeting, but it will help her get out to make more friends and acquaintances.

Biker I have to-day bought some knitting needles (first for years) and bought a pattern off e-bay to make doggy sweaters in all fab jazzy colours so I am going to practice on some for Poppy then spend my spare time knitting some for the dogs home they will have the brightest little jumpers going.
Tab12 Always look out for special offers on Genealogy Sites as you can get some very good deals if you look around.