Nine Feet Underground

Today would have been the second day of annual leave for December had I not retired, which contributes to the 'unrealness' of retirement so far. You're probably thinking, 'I hope he stops banging on about being retired', and I probably will, once it starts to feel normal and real. Novelty value and all that. For the past couple of weeks I have been busy getting organised for Christmas, not just the event, but also ensuring that E has all the medication and supplies she'll need.  Getting hold of things over the break will be difficult.  For the first time in many years we should be away for the main event, which we're both looking forward to, though it requires additional planning and organisation over and above Christmas at home.  Dead excited though! Next year is shaping up to be quite a year, too, but of course, that hangs in the balance as it always does. Watch this space. Amongst all the recent organisational activities, I did manage to get a weekend awa...

Usual Saturday sequence of shopping, this week with son #2, followed by chores and more chores, brightened by a a chat with a friend I've not spoken to for a while. Stole an hour or so to read the papers before having a phone chat with my mother-in-law, catching up on what's been going on in her world. She'd spoken to son #2, at length, before speaking to me, so I didn't have quite as long a call as usual.  This was especially good today because we going to go and deliver a few items to son #3 in his flat once the call had ended. We are leaving him to do his shopping but there was post to be delivered (only since he left home has he received post!), an extension lead (lack of sockets) and other odds 'n sods amongst which was a cinnamon swirl from the bread/cake stall in the market. Son #2 accompanied me on the trip to the halls, with son #3 emerging just as we pulled up.  I've suddenly realised that son #3 and I had a hug, which we probably shouldn't have do...

Managed to get out of bed early and go for a walk - 36 minutes brisk walking according to the NHS app. When I got home carer was due imminently, so rather than shower I got my work stuff set up and did a bit of an office tidy up. I won't have time to complete it until after work, but at least I have made a start. As I sit down at my desk and laptop to begin work, I look out the window at the blue sky and sunlit back garden, and think 'I am missing out on this.' Worse still the good weather is not set to last beyond today. Oh well. Work has really dominated the day, though a CD was popped through my letter box in the morning that I'm looking forward to hearing later today.  Some old school friends have re-formed their band and released a new EP, 34 years since the last one, they being The Complaints with their suitably titled EP, 'When Shall We Three Meet Again?'.   Listened to the EP and was impressed: Four excellent tracks, great energetic playing and sin...