In this weekly update there are all kinds of things I could tell you about but the highlight is a visit from my friend Dee, who has come to stay for the weekend.
I knew my friend Dee in the 1980s and we have kept in touch with each other since, even though he has returned to live in California. Luckily for me, Dee has been visiting his family here in the UK and I was able to get him to come and stay for the last few days of his time here, before he heads back to America. Dee is one of those who always see the good in people and always avoids controversy – there’s a lot to be said for those qualities.
It has been so nice to see him again and for us to reminisce on a few things from times gone by. This seems to be an increasingly important thing to do – keeping in touch with friends and family I have known for a long time. Curiously this doesn’t really include anyone from the world of work. Hmmmm.
On Saturday we (that’s Rachel, Hannah, Dee and myself) to somewhere in Surrey to meet with my cousin Sally and her partner James. We had a nice lunch together; that’s where the above photo was taken and all good fun in being set up with a beer and a packet of cigarettes in front of me. I sent this photo to Becky who was most concerned that I was sliding into a shady way of life! Nevertheless it was nice to see Sally and James, nice spending time with each other independent of our mothers.
Grandma
Rachel’s mum is creaking a bit. She’s 93, very independent of course but not really able to take care of herself properly. Currently we are visiting three times a day to administer some eye drops. We think she is enjoying this extra attention, even though it is fairly brief and succinct each time.
Running
I am feeling so pleased and very thankful. Last week I had three runs, each around 9 mins/mile and I felt pretty good afterwards. A while back I would have been so utterly fatigued I would have slept for a week. Not sure what is happening at all. My kidneys have deteriorated a little and yet my fatigue has improved. Well, whatever, it feels good. Also I know it is good for me to do as having such high blood pressure (consequence of kidney problems) will benefit from exercise together with my cardiovascular system and the rest of me generally. My prayer is that I can build up for some long distance running again. I might even join the new gym for a more rounded workout during the winter months.
Time management!
I feel the way I use my time has worsened lately. I’m not very impressed about this. I am thinking I need to return to having to-do lists running with daily and weekly things to do. I wonder if others who have retired early have the need for this, or perhaps I am really in retirement mode too much?
Plenty of to do lists – just ask!