Bit more of an active week this week, and as always, will start with any health updates.

Being mindful of the weather forecasts, I managed to dodge the rainy days and get 3 walks in this week. Timings were slightly variable and slower than I would want, with 13:28, 13:27 then 13:30. However, maintaining them is key, so pleased to get back to the 3 completed walks. Due to the discomfort in my groin area, which has been variable for most of this year, but more notable of late, I have secured a GPs appointment for just after Xmas. I think this may be hernia related, as the Consultant is adamant that any pain in that area is not related to the disease; we’ll see what comes from that once Christmas is out of the way.

Sandra had her next physio session as her body continues to adjust to the post-op situation. Sleep is very disjointed and the post-op recovery is taking longer than expected, bu the mobility is certainly greatly improved.

Tuesday seen both of us attend our Granddaughter’s first school nativity play; something we done for our Grandson a couple of years back too. She had a brief speaking part and done really well, as did the rest of the children - bearing in mind that they are aged 4-5 years old. The teachers had done a great job in herding the cats and for us, another nice milestone to be able to be part of. We attended the afternoon session, with her mum and dad doing the morning one - she received an award during that one, was a nice surprise for everyone and a great endorsement of how she has injected her personality into the school during her first term there.

My history related focus took 3 main forms this week. The first was the ongoing work on created the maps for Volume 7. I completed 2 during a disjointed week, but the remaining ones are very ‘busy’, so they require more time to create. The second was another trip to the farm where some group-owned military vehicles are stored. We had some more key tasks to undertake. They were achieved with some ingenuity and superb team work by the those who could be there. The third and final aspect was a trip to the monthly militaria fair at Chatham. This was the last such fair there, due to the local council cancelling it. Many of us who have been attending for years, made the trip to commemorate what that has meant to us. I even managed to acquire some new books and a few other items. More importantly, great to catch up with long-term friends and fellow history enthusiasts. That was the theme for the weekend, as Saturday was the same; spending time with friends I have known for decades, indulging in our shared passion, but having some good craic in the process.

I began the process of checking my new car for suitability to carry the bicycle and scooter. Glad to say they do both fit in, but I have some items to create to enable the scooter to be transported safely and without damage, so will add that task to my list for after Christmas. I got to use it a lot more this week and getting to know it each time. Another small niggle has cropped up, but should be an easy aspect to rectify.

Sandra and I celebrated our 40-year anniversary; not our wedding anniversary, but the date when we first officially started our lives together. We went out for an evening meal on Sunday, which was the anniversary date itself. Insane to think that we have had 4 decades together, but also nice to mark the occasion; one that celebrates the life we created for ourselves and one where I count myself very lucky to have had my best friend next to me for such a long period of time. We took some time to reminisce and talk about those 4 decades. We took a ‘bingo card’ approach of thinking, if had one back in 1985, we would not have had much of what transpired on there! Creating a family - yes, remaining by each other’s side - yes. However, living in a major conflict zone, moving countries, watching a flood unfold, experiencing an earthquake, witnessing a volcano, enduring a pandemic lock down - absolutely not! That is alongside a long list of other events and milestones that neither of us could have foreseen. Here’s to many more years creating life and memories.

Your time to read this and feedback on it is very much appreciated by both of us, and thanks.

Regards

Peter