Retirement: a six-month review

Real ale in the making

When Mr Thorley retired at the end of May, we decided we would give it six months and then review - by which I mean have a discussion about what each of us is doing that annoys the other. In the event, I couldn't wait that long before pointing out a few things, but by and large it's not been too bad. This is only my opinion, of course. For all I know, Mr T has spent weeks quietly seething, but has decided not to make a fuss.

Certainly there have been a few sticky moments - let's not dwell on the Vegetable Biryani incident, for example - and many a time the air has been filled with the stench of burning martyr. On the plus side, the allotment could win prizes and the homebrewing is coming on a treat. The house has never been tidier or the freezer better stocked. We've both put on weight, but this is a small price to pay.

We've also had lots of trips out, even though I'm still working. The joy of freelancing is that I can timeshift and if I fancy a Friday afternoon off I can take it, even if that means catching up during what we used to call the weekend.

There are still adjustments to be made. I need to stop harrumphing when he is 'sitting about'; he needs to stop hovering around me when I'm working. On the whole, however, it's all good. I shall let him stay a bit longer.