The health situation now mainly revolves around the back pain, which is not related to my AD world. My last physio session was on the 23rd of December and it is fair to say, 5 weeks has been too long since my last treatment. The back pain has been increasing notably during the past week and even resulted in me having to spend a night sleeping on the sofa, as I could not get comfortable in bed. I also had an odd twinge that took place on Saturday early morning, just prior to waking up. My next session is Monday evening (as many of you will be reading this) and I am looking forward to it, as I have a busy week ahead.

I continue with the walks every other day and on Saturday, I managed my furthest walk yet, which was about 80% of the total distance to the top of the steep hill. That was a nice stage to reach and it was not hard to complete - a sign of the progress from some months back, when I struggled to get to the very first stage. The plan is to extend the walks in February, so far, so good.

Now that we are entering the last week of the longest month in history, I have been struggling through the month, no doubt like many of you. A long month, with bad weather and little chance to enjoy the outdoors (the walks were completed in between heavy rain showers and the like), short daylight hours, etc. In general, against this backdrop, I have spent a fair amount of time thinking of the ‘bigger picture’. For me, Year 1 of the AD world was getting through Chemo, learning how that impacted me dealing with it and determining the impact of it. Year 2 shifted to a focus of trying to rebuild and do normal things, some of which was easier than others, with the bolted on back issues during the latter months. Now I am into Year 3 of the AD world, I feel that I am in limbo a little. I am confident of what this year may bring and focusing on my health has been a big part of that. It is however, a year that brings something new, every day. It is my first full year of being retired, which in itself, is a strange psychological aspect to contend with (I know some of you are in the midst of the same situation). I am lucky, as I have my books and other history aspects, which give me a key focus. However, the research is in depth and can be hard going at times; not helped by the longggggg winter, where sometimes, I would like to be outside and meeting with people, or riding my scooter. I have no concept of what Year 3 will bring, as I have never been in this position before. It provides and openness of opportunity, but also a form of trepidation, as I cautiously advance through this first month, trying to find my way, as I move further away from Year 1, but also closer to Week 0; challenging thought processes at times.

Alongside those key aspects above, the past week has been very much book shaped! The activity has fallen into 4 main categories, which were:

1. Complete one of the large trade orders, as the buyer increased their order - USA-bound
2. I am pleased to say that some of the LAH Publishing titles will be published in French this coming year. Work on the contract and also supplying the core material to the French publisher, took up time. The current plan is for 3 titles, but we are focusing on the first one, then see what unfolds; very exciting stage to reach for the publishing company I established 12 years ago and one that I have expanded since.
3. The Fritz Witt book cover was finally sorted and I authorised it for print. Unfortunately, the overall process has taken longer than we hoped - not helped by the Xmas break - but I cannot control all aspects. The completed book will not be ready for the upcoming Stoneleigh show, but I may have a single advance copy to display and show those of you who plan to attend.
4. When I had some spare time, I pushed forwards with Volume 7 of the WSS series, with parts of the larger jigsaw beginning to take shape. Already a challenging volume, due to the confusing situation at the war’s end and lack of reliable information for many aspects.
   

Overall, looking forward to the end of January, brighter nights starting to appear, with key foundations being laid for this coming year. I will thank all of you who responded to my query on the continued frequency of this Blog and I will keep it as it is, with the aim to hopefully keep it interesting. Although the initial AD world and very impactful treatment plan seems a long way away now, what is unfolding now is life in that AD world. I step along that trepidatious path, but I do so with confidence and hope for 2025.

I sincerely appreciate the time you took last week, to respond to me and provide your thoughts. I will look forward to catching up with a number of you face to face, at the Stoneleigh show this coming week; a nice opportunity to dust winter off ourselves and talk of our plans for 2025.

With my kind regards

Peter