90 last Birthday - years beyond the barrier - and what was once a magic flute - is now a water carrier.
But is it - What about the poor chap who rang the incontinence help line and was put on hold
And
You're old when you think you've still got it,but find that nobody wants it !
I experienced that recently when -
Living near a hospital and trudging to collect my newspaper each morning I pass nursing staff going on duty.Just recently I've been on nodding terms with an attractive lady.
She was walking on the opposite pavement one morning, which emboldened me to call across -" What do I have to get to be nursed by you ? " Laughingly she called back - " Pregnant
My name is Ivor Vale: A 90-year-old retired businessman living in The U.K. I owned and ran, together with my late wife, ‘The Marches’ a very successful health and nutrition shop and restaurant in Hereford U.K for 32 years (1972 – 2004). I like sharing knowledge and helping others on the topic of health, aging, fitness and self-improvement.
Briefly -
Born 1926.Hereford U.K. Home of the white face Hereford Cattle.
Left school 1940. First job - Bakers van boy.
1941 - Bus Company Parcel Boy.
1944 - Wartime army conscription. served in India.Burma.
Sorry about this picture.Don't know what I've done wrong there.
1946 Demobbed from army.Returned to bus company as bus conductor. Then Bus Driver. -
1951 - 1953 Street lighting equipment factory storeman.
1953 - 1961- Promoted to factory Assistant Transport & Distribution Manager -
1961- 1972 Transport & Distribution Manager for a frozen food company.
1972 Own Business.The Marches. Health & Nutrition.Shop & Restaurant.
I was lucky with the timing in that the perception of the general public to health foods was beginning to change from cranky to fashionable.
The initial restaurant seating was 60,and we expanded to 200 within 3 years thanks to next door properties becoming vacant. If ever there was an example of 'Meant to Be' this was it.
People queued up the street most lunch times.Traffic Wardens said The Marches was the second most asked for place by visitors to Hereford after The Cathedral.
2004 we were talking about retiring when my wife died suddenly and unexpectedly from an Aneurysm.
I sold up and retired.
I've kept busy with a rambling club,writing,family gatherings,reading,coffee morning socialising,
I often meet people who were customers and we reminisce.Last week a gentleman said "Do you remember me coming in to your shop and asking if you had anything for hiccups ? You gave me a thump on the back and said is that better ? I said I don't know,it's the wife,she's out in the car, I'll go and ask her"
I need not have put you through all the foregoing when this little ditty sums it up.
When I was young, my slippers were red,
I could kick up my heels right over my head,
When I grew older my slippers were blue,
But still I could dance the whole night through.
Now I am old, my slippers are black.
I walk to the store and puff my way back;
The reason I know my youth is all spent,
My get up and go has got up and went.
But I really don't mind, when I think with a grin
Of all the grand places my get up has been.
Since I have retired from life's competition,
I busy myself with complete repetition.
I get up each morning, dust off my wits,
Pick up my paper, and read the "Obits,"
If my name is missing, I know I'm not dead.
So I eat a good breakfast, and go back to bed."
Unfortunately, due to recent personal misfortune I’d like to earn again. Hence these exploratory posts on Steemit. Nothing to lose in trying.It provides a purpose, something to do, excites me, and if it’s good enough might just bring some pennies. If it does yippee, I’ll write more, if not, try again.
What do you think?
I’ve also just started an amazon store for another of my interest’s movies music and games at https://wanted.shopbuilder.co/
image credit cartoon old man on zimmer http://www.story-lovers.com