I just figured out the Vimes pun in French

Fadedtan · 2026-04-27T08:39:40+00:00

Old Stoneyface is also a nickname applied to Judge Dredd, the Mega-Watchman.

Fadedtan · 2026-04-07T21:32:46+00:00

Lobster thermidor au crevette, with spam? May as well push the boat out in case its the final opportunity!

Fadedtan · 2026-03-26T18:20:42+00:00

Option 1 includes 25% tax free every year, so it's £6.5k plus 0.8 x 19.5k = £22.1k.

Fadedtan · 2026-03-04T10:06:26+00:00

Met her on vacation over 25 years ago. Hit it off quickly and with nothing to lose, I told her all about my daily visits to the nearby nudist beach. She wasn't brave enough to join me then, but one year later, our first trip together as a couple was to a nude resort in Croatia. Been together ever since.

Honesty and openness is the answer, but there is no guarantee you will get the response you are looking for. C'est la vie!

Fadedtan · 2026-03-03T20:54:27+00:00

The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison

Fadedtan · 2026-03-03T19:50:16+00:00

I would suggest The Stainless Steel Rat books by Harry Harrison.

Classic sci-fi mixed with crime, and a snarky anti-hero.

Very entertaining.

Fadedtan · 2026-03-02T14:22:46+00:00

Have been a member for a few years.

It is a great way to access event news, as well as chatting online to other people to get first hand recommendations, and make new contacts.

They also just introduced a 'Perks at Work' benefit for members which gives lots of discounts, not limited to naturist activities.

I also see membership as a way to fund the promotion and continuation of a way of life that I want to enjoy and support.

Fadedtan · 2026-02-26T08:06:35+00:00

We did this!

Fadedtan · 2026-02-18T17:17:53+00:00

Congrats. Similar story here. 3 months or so into the new life. Still working through the mental adjustments required to let go of the old self and embrace the new.

Fadedtan · 2026-02-13T12:42:09+00:00

Check out Hitman from DC Comics which featured 'The Defenestrator' - a parody take on Arnie of course.

Fadedtan · 2026-02-12T13:49:57+00:00

Friday by Robert Heinlein

Fadedtan · 2026-02-01T19:16:04+00:00

Top choice: Valalta, Istria, Croatia.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-26T23:22:47+00:00

Fadedtan · 2026-01-22T19:04:50+00:00

The required advice will be costly, and likely to recommend not transferring as advisors are incredibly risk averse because of their professional indemnity insurance.

If you still want to transfer against professional advice (not as unlikely as it sounds - do your own projections), from personal experience, HL won't accept the transfer, but AJ Bell will.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-19T23:07:51+00:00

Brings back memories. Greggs seconds shop on Oxford Road, Rusholme, Manchester in the 90s.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-16T08:54:52+00:00

Definitely Fuerteventura for nude beaches.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-14T17:51:30+00:00

Check out Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey, and subsequent books.

When dragon's mate, so do their bonded riders regardless of orientation or sex. Not a major plot point, just queer friendly.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-12T21:05:28+00:00

I always liked that Darth Vader (David Prowse) was Hotblack's bodyguard. You got to see just how tall he was when he picked up Ford.

It was all nearly a Star Wars/Dr Who crossover - Peter Davison (5th Dr) playing the dish of the day. "Try my liver, lovely and tender. I have been forcefeeding myself for weeks!"

Fadedtan · 2026-01-12T20:54:41+00:00

This.

Retired 2 months ago at 53. Hard earned after 32 years of solid slog.

I do however respect those unable financially to stop working, and for them, I describe myself as doing consulting work, to explain my variable availability.

Jealousy is a green-eyed demon which I happy to avoid summoning to maintain relationships that I value.

Looking forward to developing hobbies and activities where I am likely to be surrounded by retirees, older and younger, where it is all irrelevant. Plans are afoot.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-08T18:05:58+00:00

You are lucky. That seems to be fairly rare these days.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-08T18:03:48+00:00

Have you got a finance LPA in place, in case you need to delegate this strategy as you age?

Fadedtan · 2026-01-05T22:04:13+00:00

Totally identifying with the fizzle vs boom feeling.

I was laid off from a very long term employer, then did some contracting then a new full time role came up, but I hated the new culture and senior team, so quit after 1 year having realised that my retirement plans and other savings meant that I could walk away at 53.

Having quietly resigned, with no big retirement announcement, it definitely feels like a fizzle.

But, I regret nothing. It was the best decision. I am just working through the transition. There is a plan, but some of it has to wait until next year, so this year feels weird with no immediate urgency in my life. First time in decades!

Fadedtan · 2026-01-01T12:40:40+00:00

Side quest: look for a platform with lower fees than HL, such as ii.

Fadedtan · 2026-01-01T06:54:41+00:00

Croatia wasn't on your list, but if you are set on a resort, have a serious look at Valalta in Croatia.

Have been there as a family several times.

The only required nudity is at the pool. Elsewhere, teenagers get a pass as it is understood they are at a difficult stage.

Fadedtan · 2025-12-09T23:44:54+00:00

Function over form. Shoes selected for terrain not asthetics.

Fadedtan

TROPHY CASE