Now into the 3rd month of the year and the very longgggggg January is becoming a distant memory and the health continues to move in the right direction. I had a physio session on Monday afternoon and he was happy enough this time, not to have to use any needles; keeping these sessions regular appears to be the correct decision. The main annoyance remains the slight pins and needles sensation in my legs and arms, but it is variable and I am doing what I can to minimise the impact, via exercises and walks. I have noted that my right hand has more tightness in it this week, but I have been spending more time on the keyboard. Regarding the walks, they continue as planned and on the final day of February (Friday), I pushed myself to do a determined longer walk to the top of the hill. That push resulted in a walk complete in a 20 seconds faster time than the previous ones conducted throughout that month. I then done another yesterday (Sunday), which was 28 seconds faster that the first timings set at the start of February. Therefore, not a one-off fluke. The pace is brisk and I have to push myself, but the fact that I can do these, plus push further, is an absolute world away from where I have been; long may it last. Whether I can keep at that pace for March, we’ll see, but a nice indicator; the back muscles felt it a bit, but to me, part of the increased use of everything.
Sandra had a couple of appointments this week, so we were out and about for part of this week, for various reasons. Besides the appointments for us, I had an off-site visit connected to the consultancy, for a key meeting discussing new products and an exciting overall future direction, which was a good day and outcome.
We had our wedding anniversary on Thursday, with us reaching our 37th year legally as a couple. What a journey that has been and to have Sandra beside me, has made everything possible and survivable; I am a lucky individual to have my best friend by my side, daily.
We decided not to go out on Thursday, as we already had a meet up scheduled for Friday, with Emma and Jennie. That was a very enjoyable evening and part of our regular meetups with former holiday company colleagues and friends. Not everyone is able to make it every time, but we agree to keep them, for whoever can attend. Always an easy, relaxing and fun evening and I am appreciative of both of them giving up their personal time to get together. Sandra and I rounded off the week with a trip along the coast to another seaside town near us. Whilst there, we indulged in an impromptu game of crazy golf. I picked one green and one orange golf ball, to ensure all ‘sides’ were represented. Sandie took the green and I took the orange and we proceeded to bash them around the well laid out course. For those residing, or from, Norn Iron, the Youvies beat the Ra’ 69 to 76 - good game and nice to get out this early in the year and soak up the slightly chilly sun, after a very long winter.
Books continue in the same vein, but with some key changes this week. A change to packaging, to ensure each book arrives in perfect condition (Fritz Witt is a hefty item and being sent all over the Globe), which took up the first part of Monday, as I travelled to a supplier and tested various products. A good outcome and from Tuesday, the first of these revised packages were sent on their way. I also acquired boxes that I can send multiple books in, as that aspect is on the increase, with people adding on additional books to their Fritz Witt order.
Volume 7 is at an early stage, and the knowledge that it has a long way to go yet, resulted in Sandra and I discussing the project overall and how we could get it completed as soon as is possible. Key project steps have been put in place, with interim deadlines, which will hopefully get us there quicker, but will see what develops. I am one-third the way through phase 1 (the biographies), with 2 sizeable phases (individual unit histories, then the maps) still to be tackled. The objective? Can we get this mammoth task completed by the end of 2025; we’re about to find out. The interim plan is to complete phase 1 by the end of April, but will see what unfolds (I managed 12 biographies completed in the week that has just ended). It is always an interesting conversation, when talking to people and describing the extent of what is involved in creating each book. The WSS Knights series are the most involved and time consuming books I create and Volume 7 is no less so; it will be interesting to see how 2025 unfolds, in this context.
Your time and interest is appreciated and I thank you for it.
Peter