Sunday, 16th March, 2025
Cold night under a full moon. Gorgeous morning of clear skies and strong sunshine. After orange juice and coffee, Chef is at it again. This morning bread is being started. Yeast is warming in the kitchen with that lovely, yeasty perfume before the process really begins. By the time I get back from my walk, a bowl of dough will have trebled or more and be escaping over the rim. When you think about it bread making and the effect of yeast are incredible processes. How did anyone ever discover it?
Life is quite parochial at the moment. Largely that is my own fault. I deliberately focussed on a weight and fitness program and didn’t make travel arrangements until May but there are times when it feels very confining. It is working but the discipline required can be frustrating at times.
Sixteen years ago, I was still 57 – just – and less than three weeks away from Retirement. A dash away to Greek Springtime was in prospect and long time of playing out ahead. For years we had spent Easter in Greece. It is a delightful, relaxing time of unpredictable weather and of the most beautiful wild flowers carpeting the land.
To make the most of school holidays, it meant a Friday night flight from Manchester arriving in Athens in the early hours of the morning. Down to Piraeus harbour and then a tired wait for a ferry to Sifnos at 8.00 am Saturday morning. Docking about 1.00 pm the port was bathed in rain, hail, strong sunshine, take your pick. I remember we took clothes for all seasons just in case. Whatever, the first view was of a carpet of flowers up the hillsides. It was instant joy and relaxation.
Of course, for the final ten years we had reopening, reawakening, refreshing house duties. A house shut up for 6 months needs airing with windows open to the Spring warmth. All the services had to be reconnected – satelllite tv, broadband, etc. A restarted fridge/freezer needed restocking and all those other jobs home owners do all year round. With only two weeks there for Easter, it was demanding but had to be done ready for the drive there in July and six weeks of Summer time to follow.
Music today is S’ Agapo (Σε Αγαπώ – I Love You.) from across the years. Played in buses and tavernas mingling with strong tobacco, heady wine and hot nights, the song brings back so many memories. Good memories. Memories with no regrets. S’ Agapo.
Monday, 17th March, 2025
Happy Monday! Lovely, sunny day. It’s a cleaning day. Clean Monday. The Window Cleaner is here. I’m valeting the car and tidying up the patio. My Housekeeper is steam-cleaning the floors. What an exciting day.
Friends in the North were ecstatic last night as Newcastle won the League Cup Final at Wembley. The League Cup used to be a second class achievement but Geordies went mad. It was a good game and I was pleased for them but it didn’t mean much to me.
Peter Holgate, an old College friend is a season ticket holder and was there early in his black & white shirt although he said the escalators were not working and he struggled to climb hundreds of steps. He sent me before and after photos which gave a flavour of his day.
The last time Newcastle won a trophy was in 1969. The trouble is that I remember it well. This is getting serious. I am 74 in less than 3 weeks and I don’t like it. Caroline was only 7 years old. She and her husband are keen Newcastle supporters and sent me a photo of there joy yesterday evening. I must admit, I enjoy sport but can’t get that excited.
Anyway, on with the day. I have to go out and replenish my ‘Liquids’ stock. One of the main constituents of my dieting day is drinking. It has to be low calorie and a palate-refreshing flavour. I tried Shloer 0% but can’t get used to its horribly sweet taste.
I drink Tea, Coffee (with skimmed milk), and unsweetened Oat Milk. I also have found that Fever~Tree flavoured Tonics are excellent, low calorie supports so this is my day of exercise and diet.
I’ve written before that I never dream and, if I do, I never remember it. The radio comes on every morning at 5.45 am. Usually, I am awake waiting for it. This morning, it woke me with a jolt from … a dream. I was dreaming of being in a large room of long tables covered in starched, white cloths. They were Buffet Tables piled high with food. As I went to get some, it disappeared. This was a continuing process. Each time I went to a table the food – Great legs of roast ham just disappeared into the mists … I must be hungry.
St Patrick’s Day today. Three years ago, I was on Fifth Avenue, off Times Square, New York. I didn’t even know it was Paddy’s Day when I booked. The area went madly Green. It was disappointingly damp but it didn’t dampen Irish spirits. It was an enjoyable experience although not one I would rush to repeat. New York didn’t do it for me at all.
My friend, Kevin, is in Spain. He goes for the sunshine because he suffers from SAD syndrome. Well, he’s picked the wrong week this week. It’s raining. Here he is looking a bit forlorn with his latest girlfriend. Apparently the Spanish coast has had a month’s rain in a day. It’s enough to make anyone SAD. At least he’s got a girlfriend to console him.
It’s no longer warm and sunny here. The lovely start to the day has given way to a grey afternoon with a cold and sharp breeze that cut through me on my walk. I’m going into a centrally heated Gym to watch Series 6 of the brilliant Homeland and complete my exercise routine. My Housekeeper is ironing to keep her out of trouble.
I’m sticking with Greek for my music today. It is making me feel quite sad and empty for a time gone, a time to be revisited and regained. It’s got to happen. I will make it happen. My music today is Απόψε σε θέλω (Apópse se thélo – Tonight I want you.) – Haris Alexiou. It is the sound of plaintive Greece, of dark, late nights punctuated by pinpoints of bright, electric light far off in the black landscape. Life is far away across the landscape, out of reach. It is a feeling of disconnection and loneliness.
Απόψε θέλω να πιω / Tonight I want to drink
Τίποτα μετά να μη θυμάμαι / I don’t remember anything after that …
You see what dieting is doing to me, Dear Reader?
Tuesday, 18th March, 2025
Didn’t sleep well last night. Had felt sad all evening. Woke early before the radio came on. Light outside at 4.30 am. Glorious day by 6.00 am with strong sunshine. My Carer is in need of care herself. I am a total sceptic about Alternative Medicine but she has been having some headaches which the doctor suggests may be caused by nerve endings in the brain. She can take a strong, interventionist drug which is only palliative itself. She has chosen to try acupuncture instead. Rather her than me.
The Littlehampton Natural Health Centre is a hotchpotch of alternative therapies, I could even have my pelvic floor attended to. Anyway, if it helps, a initial session of Acupuncture for £55.00 has been booked but they are so busy it won’t be until the middle of April.
Walking by the sea is my alternative therapy. The colours, smells and sounds really lift the spirits. Today, after visiting the acupuncturist, I drove to the beach just a couple of minutes away. The warmth of the sun, the mediterranean blue of the sky and the gentle lapping of the distant waves make one feel better immediately. I wanted to dash into the water. I resisted the impulse. That reverie was unfortunately broken by the arrival of a classful of Primary kids in High-vis jackets and screeching teachers. Retreat was the best policy.
Had to spend an hour at Honda this morning where the central locking unit was replaced. Lovely people. I am pleased with my loyalty to the brand. It has paid off hugely over the years. In over 40 years of buying Hondas, I think this is only second time we have had an issue with a car. The last one was in 1985 when we developed an airconditioning problem. I think that’s quite impressive.
I am naturally a loyal person – like a pet dog, I suppose. I often think I am too loyal. I was amused to see this article in The Times this morning. My wife always says that I don’t cope very well with her being ill. I do try but she’s probably right. I was OK at playing Doctors & Nurses but not Nurses & Patients. Well, you don’t get the same services do you, Dear Reader?
I prescribe music. It is a profound medicine. Music today is Chopin – Etude Op. 10 No. 3 (Tristesse) It is a study in melancholic sadness. Sometimes a piece is wholly appropriate. Whatever, it is beautiful enough to move one.
Wednesday, 19th March, 2025
A busy day. Out all day. Started off dull but soon went into full sun mode. Gorgeous. I’m Tesla spotting. It has become the symbol of right wing extremism, populism at its worst. It’s owner, Elon Musk has been up front in Trumpian politics and is renowned for leading the Nazi salute brigade. He is encouraging and normalising government by untruth and furthering the American MAGA movement which feeds on lies and conspiracies.
Social Media and, particularly Musk-owned Twitter-X, is alive with anti-Tesla ridicule. Across Europe and Democratic America there are numerous incidences of burnt out Tesla cars, protest movements against Tesla sales and anti-MAGA demonstrations. Just ask the Canadians who are running a national boycott of American goods on the shelves.
Right back in 2012, I was starting out on an ISA investment journey. Putting the maximum I had disciplined myself to save for two full Santander ISAs. My campaign has continued unabated throughout Retirement. It looks as if I’ve found a home for the next investment pot which will open on my birthday, April 6th. In 2012, I was getting a 2yr fix at 4.0%. A year later, I was getting just 2.8%.
Currently, I can get 4.21%. If inflation can be pegged back to Bank of England 2% base, there is still a gain to be made and tax-free. A sign of the times, Santander has announced this morning that it is closing 25% of all its High Street outlets to provide essentially on-line services. About time.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yes, I will
You’ve got a friend
Listening to driving music this morning. James Taylor You’ve Got a Friend, a Carole King song from the Mud Slide Slim album. It’s difficult ideas but easy singing. I have so many mixed associations with this song not least a long, long drive to Greece, through the depth of the French countryside, the heights of the Swiss Alps, the motorway frenzy of the Italian Autostrada and the intense heat of the Greek Pelopponese.
Home by mid-afternoon and it is a beautifully sunny 17C/63F. I have walked 7 miles so far but I feel tired and shaky. My sugar level is low and my muscles feel depleted. This is the second day running it has occurred and I’m not sure why. Still, I’ve got a Gym session to do this afternoon before Supper so I’d better get on with it.
Thursday, 20th March, 2025
Today is the Spring Equinox or equal day and night. It is going to be a warm day here in 2025 but the warmest Spring Equinox on record in UK was March 2oth, 1972. I was still aged 20 (just) and writing my college thesis. In fact I was particularly creative at that time.
My thesis was on the works of a Cumbrian poet, Norman Nicholson, who I did a poetry reading with at Leeds University along with local Ripon poet and my English Lecturer, David MacAndrew. David was a lovely man and kind friend. He has been dead for 6 years now. How time flies. How those years since Spring 1972 have flown. For my own records as much as any of my College readers, I record these photos of David.
It’s going to be an outdoor day enjoying the sunshine. First a walk and then a couple of hours giving the street lawns their first cut of the season. Got to make the most of the life we have.
This morning it was announced that Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner had died aged 76. He had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with early stage but aggressive prostate cancer. So far, I have survived to fulfil further ambitions. I am going to do exactly that.
When I see this rich man with all the access to medical testing and treatment at his command looking so fit, tanned and healthy and know he is now dead at an age just two years after mine, I know I can’t hold back. Taking risks and doing what I have long dreamed of doing just has to happen.
Of course, what could the music be today other than Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Spring. If you can get the Musak editions out of your mind from 1990s telephone answering machines, it is glorious. It reminds me of the moorlands on the Pennines.
I’ve done three hours of mowing, edging and sweeping. It started off warm but at 3.00 pm it is hot. We have just reached the magic 22C/70F and it is beautiful. I am absolutely shattered but I’ve still got 40 minutes to do in the Gym. Everything about my body is screaming, NO! but, as usual, my head is insistently replying, YES!!!
Friday, 22nd March, 2025
A different day – less sunny and cooler although improving. Down at the beach en route to the Fish Shop, things were quiet and calm.
Good day for making a crossing in a small boat. The sea is flat and calm. There is no breeze and it is relatively warm. Good alternative to flying in to Heathrow this morning.
I have written before of my unerring need to go back, to revisit, to reconnect with people and places. I usually set a plan and eventually tick off elements of that plan over time. Having spent 25 years on Sifnos, it is on my list for revisit.
This morning some memories of people and places on the island were posted and took me right back to the late 1970s – early 1980s. There are people I know from then in these photographs. Some are dead but some are still alive. The places may have changed but they still exist in new form. That is the challenge. These photographs feature the first man I met on arrival, our architect of our house and one of our favourite tavernas for Lunch. Happy Days to revisit.
Music today involves two lovely voices – Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion -recorded at an open air concert in Central Park: La Preghiera (The Prayer) Fortunately, I don’t rely on prayers.
Going out for a walk followed by some more grass mowing and finishing off with a Gym session. Activity is central to life at the moment. It is working although I am strangely starting to suffer energy depletion at the moment.
With all this effort, I am starting to look at new suits to fit a new me. I can’t decide how formal/informal to go. These are my current favourites and they are cheap at just over £200.00. I might have to order one of each if someone doesn’t help me. Reader views always welcome.
Saturday, 23rd March, 2025
Had a terribly fitful night. Woke desperately tired and then fell back to sleep. Up half an hour late this morning. A pleasant, mild and bright morning. It’s going to be a gardening day. I’ve got artificial lawns to sweep, cold frames to clean out and seeds to sow. We were given Christmas presents of bulb packs which have been developing away in their containers. The Grape Hyacinths are the first to put on a Spring display.
Out in our street, the cut out flower beds in the lawns have to be planted up in a few qweeks time. It costs me quite a bit of cash. I don’t ask neighbours to contribute. It is my offering to the community like the lawn mowing service. Being one of the few retirees around here, I have the time and they don’t. I try to plant out colourful but hardy and long lasting plants which survive throughout the Summer. Particularly this year, they will have to cope because I will be away for most of it.
They have to be bright and stand-out as people drive in. They have to have a ‘corporate’, unified feel of a community. They can’t look dull, grubby, unkempt or uncared for. They will flower from June to October. I will buy young plants from the Garden Centres but sow all these seeds as well because I will need about 200 plants in all. Seed sowing will start today.
I’m also sowing my one of my favourite vegetables which I eat about three times a week – French (Green) Beans. They are easy to grow from seed and prolific in fruiting over a long season.
Out walking, there are lovely signs of Spring. Daffodils and Hyacinths in full bloom, Robins in trees screaming at us to get out of there patch and these, gorgeous magnolia blooms which really symbolise the season.
Just finished my Gym routine at 4.30 pm after a morning of gardening. I am out on my feet. I don’t understand it. For the third day running, I feel shaky and my muscles are cracking. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t really think I am pushing myself too hard but I am definitely in deficit somewhere. Today, I’ve eaten a bowl of home made museli and a banana. I don’t feel hungry but my body is saying it needs something. You’ve definitely got problems when your body needs something.
A propos of absolutely nothing, this afternoon I’m listening to Elton John & Kiki Dee singing Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. I suppose I have a broken body.