The overall health situation reads as the previous week, with the lower left back pain point being notable, as a result of the previous week’s acupuncture. That had a pulling feeling all week, so was a raised pain level, compared to the previous couple of weeks. I will discuss this with him on Monday evening, when my next session is. I had a light cold arrive mid-week too, which had varying impacts, as with many of you, no doubt! I once again managed 3 walks, with only one being shorter, which was due to the storm weather on Sunday and the difficult walk through the strong winds. I also finally got my prescribed Vitamin D supplement tablets, sorted by the cancer unit; started those Thursday and they are twice daily, like my remaining tablet.

The health situation, overall, influenced a key decision this week, but only after much deliberation. We were informed the previous week that one of my brothers was severely ill and unfortunately he passed away last Sunday morning. There are 5 of us siblings and as you all know, life happens and contact with some of them has been diminishing now for a number of years, for a variety of reasons. I spoke to his wife to pass on our sincere condolences and I discussed the potential of me attending the funeral. However, after many hours of weighing up what is involved, either travelling by plane, or road, both of which require hours of travel, Sandra and I made the joint decision that my health situation is not quite there yet, to undertake a trip like that. I would very much have liked to have been there and said my final farewell, for the many years of memories we created together, mainly as kids and teenage years, but it was not to be.

I am in the midst of improving my health and that is not done yet. Neither Sandra, nor I, want to send that improvement backwards. Overall, a shocking situation to hear about and one that we are still coming to terms with. He is the first of our sibling group to die and it is a strange concept to contemplate. The last such impact of that nature was in 2018, when my Dad died; the last of our parents and that gave each of us the realisation that we then became the ‘oldest generation’; this recent and sad loss brings a whole different dimension to our mortality and the impact on those left behind; my thoughts are with his wife and two children.  

Regarding non-health aspects, On Friday, Sandra and I had a meet up with some of our former holiday company friends, something that was planned many weeks back. Kim & Ryan, Jennie, Emma and Erin were all able to make it. A great catch up and lots of craic, as we say in Norn’ Iron. This group has all made the effort, many times, to ensure we keep contact and meet up regularly. I am appreciative of it and enjoy the time together, with some of those friends having issues freeing up time from their domestic situations. This week’s photo shows that catch up group.  

The car saga has moved on, kind of, with me emailing a detailed overview of where we currently are. Inbetween, I have undertaken some investigations and changes myself, aimed at narrowing down the potential cause, but to no avail. I am awaiting the dealership’s response and anticipate a fight from them.

The book moves into its final steps, with the cover image now with the printers for checking, alongside the last of the final tasks being completed. I am still on course for their deadline, and hopefully we will have everything done, approved and finished in this coming week.

Thank you for your time and interest in these updates.

Regards

Peter