Week 20: w/e 12th July 2026

Thanks for tuning in once again and I will cover the health aspects as normal. The week began with the shoulder issue and I managed to get a physio appointment that same afternoon. Whilst waiting for that, I undertook my first walk, which came in at 13:31. I conducted another on Wednesday (13:56 - knew that was going to be a slow one), then on Sunday (13:36). I decided to focus on foot borne activities, until I understood what was going on with the right shoulder. The physio took a look and told me that I had had a muscle spasm which had swollen the muscles around the edge of the whole inner shoulder blade, which had then forced the shoulder blade itself out of place - hence the pain I was feeling! He went to work and managed to reduce, but not eradicate, the swelling, which in turn helped reduce the overall pain and discomfort. He did enquire as to any trauma suffered and the only thing I could come up with was the awkward scooter work on the Friday, or the brief, but intense, bike ride later that afternoon. I would bank on the scooter work, as I had to bend over the back of the scooter, to position the carburetor clamp precisely, in order to tighten it. They are not simple to work on, but that task was key and I was able to fit my hands in there, better than Mark. Based on the lower back strain felt, I think that is what caused the shoulder blade issue. The physio gave me a new set of exercises, which I have been doing every day, sometimes more than once a day. They do seem to have helped a lot and things are almost back to normal, but not fully. I have missed not being on two wheels (bicycle or scooter), but a sensible precaution for the moment. 

On Friday, I chased up the outstanding CT scan appointment, as still nothing had come through by then. The outcome, after 30 minutes on the phone, was a booking for the next day. Sandra went with me for that and it was very quick. It was mid-afternoon, so it kinda dominated the day’s plans. We did go over to Alanna’s for a couple of hours, but were not able to stay as long as usual. It helped being that way, as the appointment was in Dover. Not only did the appointment dominate the physical aspects of the day, it absolutely consumed both of our mental aspects. A necessary aspect of this journey and the stage I am at, as it is critical to determine what is going on and then what comes from it, with regards to any next stages in the battle. However, the awareness of this overall development, hammered home by having the actual scan (the first of the 2 planned scans), left both us deflated and not having much conversation, as were lost in our own thought processes. We are back to an unknown stage in this overall journey, but one where we do not expect any good outcomes. I can feel that something is there, that it could have grown further, and that it is affecting other parts of my body, in that general area. We will find out soon enough, but for Saturday, we just had to work through our thoughts on all of that. 

In the aftermath of having the scan, neither of us felt like cooking. We therefore went to our preferred eating establishment and got a table on their roof area, looking out over the sea. Our expectations however, were rapidly dashed, as they had introduced a brand new menu. That menu had nothing that appeals to the food types we like, and a large number of their usual meals, which are popular with patrons, were gone. I did comment to the manager, but he did not seem to care much. Unfortunately, despite having many, many great meals there, it looks like we will not be frequenting there for the time being. We consoled ourselves with Chinese, which was very enjoyable. 

The past week was one of taking things easier, all around the shoulder issue, so the main focus was on the Münkemer book, with the Malmedy trial phase being covered. Still more to do, but a fascinating aspect to review, 80 years later! That work went on over a number of days, but on Sunday, I switched to some 117 biographies, as I have not done any for a bit and fancied a switch of brain focus. I have also confirmed another batch of files to be extracted from the archives, with one of my key contacts / fellow historians, all connected to the 117 project; our deep hunt continues…………..

Sandra had Thursday off, so we decided to build on Davy’s lead and explore close to home. We drove up Capel Hill and had lunch at the Cliff Top Cafe. First time being there and can recommend it for lighter bites and ice cream, etc. The views are simply stunning, as you can see over the bay and most of the town of Folkestone. The tide was going out too, which gave us a chance to see a different perspective of the coast that is a few hundred yards from our own front door. We then took a short walk along the tarmaced cycle path, which was very pleasant. Stunning weather, picturesque surroundings, unbeatable company and very tranquil. 

I then arranged a repeat meet up with Davy for Friday morning and we retraced the steps along the cliff top, but walked a bit further. Lots of good conversation in between, ranging from scooters to life in Scotland and Northern Ireland (lots of similarities), all the way through to 10,000 years of world history and the evolution of conflict. In total, 3 hours of enjoyable surroundings, whilst having our in depth chats, only interrupted by the appointment phone call. 

Sunday was a day of almost complete relaxation, with my morning walk being the only key exertion activity. Sandra watched the Wimbledon tennis finals, as I worked through the 117 biographies. A very much needed day of clearing our heads, following Saturday’s scan challenges. 

In summary, another week of enjoying the stunning weather here, whilst moving key book projects forwards, alongside beginning the steps in finding out what is currently happening with my AD-world journey. 

Thanks for your time and commitment to these updates. 

Regards

Peter