For this past week, it is one of two halves. The first half was one where tiredness remained an issue, which resulted in me adjusting what I focused on, with low intensity activities being emphasised. Monday was my latest blood test and this was the last of my bi-monthly tests; after this, they move to tri-monthly (December next). I shared some of the recent side effects with them, but they advised me to keep monitoring them, so no change yet. Wednesday was the renewal of my medication and thankfully, no issues to report. Thursday placed an unplanned, but unavoidable, physical burden (see below), with Friday having a similar impact. The weekend was less physical and more restful. Overall, a mixed week, with the physical aspects helping to ‘break’ the tiredness from the start of the week.

You will be aware that I write books in my spare time and my most recent book, was the 20th title I have put into print. This writing is done from home and the printing is part of the careful management of the remaining stock, as I have very little storage space and aim to keep my overheads low, by not renting an expensive storage facility. During Covid and in its aftermath, I managed to complete a number of projects quicker than originally planned and the accumulative affect of having multiple titles in print, is a build up of stock that had to be stored somewhere. Over the past 2 years or so, I was given some help from a friendly warehouse owner nearby, allowing me to store 2 pallets of books with him. However, due to the rapid expansion of his business, and him needing all available space in those warehouses, I had to move my 2 pallets out at very short notice. After some key phone calls, Alanna, Karl and myself spent half of Thursday loading up and moving those 2 pallets worth of stock, diving them between our house and Alanna’s, at least in the short term. A mental and physical challenge, but one that we covered off very well. Karl stayed with me in the afternoon and helped me cut the grass, plus cover off some DIY. During the later afternoon, I received a call regarding a potential new opportunity, connected to my historical interest.

That opportunity was investigated during the second part of Friday and as enjoyable and insightful as it was, it required a lot of walking, inside and out, plus across different terrain. I certainly felt it by the end of the visit and on into Friday evening. Great to be more active for the second half of the week, and being able to adjust my plans at very short notice, but both challenges added to the overall physical demands on the body.

The week ended with a nice little surprise, kinda scooter related. You will know, from reading this, that I own and ride a vintage Vespa. One of the most rare and desirable models is an SS90 (I had been offered an SS50 over a decade ago, but was not in a position to acquire it then) and this year, Hot Wheels released a model of the SS90. That model is proving illusive for many of us, just like its late-1960s actual scooter! As part of my birthday, Alanna obtained a red version for me. I then received a call on Sunday, from Karl, who had just found a blue version in a local stockist. Upon hearing my excitement (the blue versions are rarer to find that the red ones), decided to relinquish his freshly acquired model and drove to my house in order to gift it to me. A small, but very nice, enjoyable addition and end to the week, one that ties into a personal interest that is now more than 40 years in existence, for me.

In summary, a mixed week with various challenges, but one that produced some nice surprises.

Thanks to all of you who take the time to read this each week.

Regards
Peter