Sanders Blog

Sunday, 9th July, 2023

Rain over night but the early morning has opened dry and warm. Went out early to walk on the beach. The sea had deserted the land. Glowering clouds blanketed the skies. The air was warm and motionless. The colours muted, downbeat.

I’ve been struggling to live with myself for a while. I seem to be running to stand still. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I am struggling to adjust to failure, to loss, to impending pain. I feel like I am going through the motions, playing out time to some inevitability. All sounds very self-indulgent and defeatist. Ultimately, it isn’t. In some respects, it takes a lot of courage to articulate one’s fears and disappointments and publicly admit them. It is also the first stage to confronting them. I’m told I shouldn’t be surprised by this because of my drugs but I am.

If there is one thing I know about myself it is that I NEVER give in. At the moment, however, I am carrying a weight around with me and it is colouring my days. Trying to keep busy to stop my thoughts. Night time is the worst. Poor sleep. Constantly waking. Radio on. Concentrate on the news and not on myself. In the early hours of this morning, it was a philosophical exploration of Living in the Moment accompanied by complementary music which only served to move me more. The topic was something I find difficult to do. Everything must be planned and controlled. Outcomes must be predictable. At the moment, I have little control of events.

Currently, I am using gardening to distract me. Actually, I am finding that the names of plants I grew for years in Yorkshire but which I haven’t grown over the last decade down here are eluding me. Hope it’s not a sign of dementia. I’m forgetting birthday dates as well.

At least with plants I have an app which helps me. Google have brought out a new app called Google Lens which allows one to photograph a plant and it instantly matches it to other images in its bank and names them. Goodness knows what I do about birthdays.

Monday, 10th July, 2023

Woken to a lovely, sunny day. There is a feeling about the world that it is bursting with bounty. My garden is throwing out more produce than we can eat. Rather than relax and enjoy the season, Nature – birds and plants – is rushing to fruition. You may know, Dear Reader, the lines from Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot:

They give birth astride of a grave,
the light gleams an instant,
then it’s night once more.

Life is only a brief flash of time, an instant, and then death is the inevitable end. Time is ultimately rather meaningless when one’s whole lifetime is condensed into a brief moment.

It is only early July and yet blackberries are rushing to fruit and ripen. Birds all around are testing their readiness for sweet and succulent food.

On our walk this morning a wonderful Buddleia Bush is in full bloom. Of course, it is known as the Butterfly Bush and, true to its name, this one was covered in Butterflies. Nothing very unusual but quite spectacular in colour as it pursues its short life as a winged insect.

It is strange to think of the time continuum as a human and translate it into the lifespan of a mayfly, a butterfly, a bird or a rabbit. We see ourselves on this earth forever but a day for a mayfly is a life for a man. The speed at which things must resolve themselves if you only live for 24 hours! Life flutters by in the blink of an eye.

The awful thing for man is that, not only do we have the ability to be self reflective but we have the time as well. I suspect this butterfly won’t experience angst, ambition, rejection, failure, disappointment. It won’t agonise over achievement or longevity. Its time continuum is preordained … subject to predators.

Tuesday, 11th July, 2023

Up and out walking at 5.00 am on a warm and pleasant morning. No point just lying in bed when I could be active. Back for Breakfast and then watering all the pots and raised beds in the garden. Now, an hour in the Gym. Lots to get through today. Watched a new episode of Long Lost Family last night and I’ve still got the sadness of it populating my mind as I go about my daily tasks. Going to spend some time on the Ancestry website over the next few days.

M&K were back up in Oldham over the weekend with their three adopted lads for a family wedding. Aren’t wedding photos the very core of historical records?

Rediscovering the past is so important and I am travelling back to Greater Manchester to revisit my History. On the loose around old stomping grounds is a lovely feeling. Surprise visits are on the cards! It was 23C and sunny when we left the South Coast. After an hour we were at Toddington Services in light cloud.

An hour and a half later, we had driven through a cloud burst which obliterated the motorway markings as we arrived at Leicester Forrest.

The journey has taken 4.5 hours. Quite delightful. Quiet, traffic free without problem. A24/M25/M1/M26 – all notorious roads but, today, really nice to drive.

By the time we arrived at our Yorkshire hotel, the world was delightful. We were welcomed with a lovely room, completed my exercise routine in the Gym and relaxed into the comfort of familiarity. Can’t wait to see people over the next few days!

Wednesday, 12th July, 2023

Up and out walking at 5.00 am. Cool and gloomy sky. Walking for about an hour and a half. Back for Breakfast. Won’t eat that again!

With a black suit and tie on, I drove across the Pennines to Oldham. The scene was suitably sombre as we drove. Wore a suit every work day for 40 years. Putting one on today felt nice/weird.

The funeral was an atheistic service which suited me. Met quite a few ex-pupils and teachers who had been friends of Joyce & Harry. Good to see them again although we both agreed that we could never live back here again. The housing stock and the landscape makes it feel like the century before last. Antiquated, unforgiving, impoverished, harsh, there was nothing to recommend it other that the familiarity of the past.

The service for Joyce was lovely. It was sad but reaffirming. I looked around the congregation and wondered who would be at my funeral. Would you, Dear Reader? Don’t worry, I won’t blame you if you swerve it.

I will never give up. At the end of the afternoon, came back from Oldham to complete my exercise routine. It was hard but required. I’m still working to stay alive until someone tells me otherwise.

Thursday, 13th July, 2023

Up at 5.00 am. Out walking. Actually quite warm and pleasant … well for Yorkshire. At least 13C/57F … felt like Winter. Did 5 miles before Breakfast. Definitely won’t be eating that again. The hotel gives the impression of classical splendour but fails on both ancient and modern accounts.

The bed was terrible. I really didn’t sleep at all. For £170.00 per night it was poor. That was the price of a fairly ordinary room. Because we were there at short notice, we had to take what was available. It was poor.

At least the view was good and the weather was dry. You could still hear the M62 droning away in the distance but, other than that, the prospect was lovely.

The drive back was really good. The M1 and M25 were excellent. A sign of the times, we managed to drive home on a tank of petrol with 200 miles to spare. A hybrid engine is so economical that we can do almost 500 miles on one tank of unleaded at motorway speeds.

I was using a newish radar trap warning app which sits on my smartphone on the trickle charger in my car. It gives multiple audible warnings of approaching speed cameras and reminds us of the speed. Tested it out today. It was never wrong.

Friday, 14th July, 2023

I was tired last night after a 5 hr drive and then a shopping trip. Went to bed early and slept right through to 5.30 am. Something of an achievement at the moment. Had to be up early on this overcast but incredibly warm morning. Expected to see rain but it was dry. I had an 8.30 am appointment at the surgery. As usual now, the waiting room was almost empty – just me and two girls.

I signed in on my phone and was told my blood test would be performed by Miss Lovelock. Sounded promising. I sat down and read messages on my phone. I was so engrossed that one of the girls suddenly said, Are you John Sanders? Thought it was a chat-up line but it appears my name had come up twice already on the waiting room screen. Unfortunately, Miss Lovelock turned out to be a 40 something bruiser with butterflies tattooed up her arms. She hurt me with the needle and my arm bled quite badly afterwards.

My blood test was to check my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and testosterone levels. Hopefully, the prostate has shrunk and, with it, the cancer. I’ve always had too much testosterone so I hope that is lower at the moment as well. Apparently, testosterone feeds the cancer so reducing levels will starve it at the same time as the hormone treatment shrinks it. How much medical science one acquires when one’s life is in danger.

One of the lovely things about yesterday was to be reunited with Dr Andrew Jones, Joyce’s son. I last saw him in the 1970s when he was a quiet, polite and timid little lad in my English class. He went to London University to do a Science Degree and then came back to Leeds to do a Doctorate. He moved to Boston, Massachusetts to work as a Medical Scientist, married a Boston girl in the same profession and has never returned – apart from for fleeting visits.

It was really good to see him again after all these years and to meet his wife, Kirsten. They are very keen for us to go over and stay with them in Boston. We could combine it with a trip to Florida. Co-incidentally, my boyhood friend, Jonathan, has lived in Boston since the early 1970s with his wife, Cathy. I have been meaning to visit them for some time. I can feel a trip coming on.

Saturday, 15th July, 2023

Very humid night and incredibly humid morning. I’m feeling OLD! I saw a photo of my face from just 6 years ago and I looked so YOUNG. Whenever I meet people and tell them my age, they always affect surprise. I have no way of knowing if they mean it. I chose to believe them and flattered myself. I’m beginning to think I was wrong. Got up to go to the loo in the night and could hardly get my legs going. It shocks me. I do walk 10 miles every day and carry round the residual tiredness that my legs suffer from that but, compared to my 20s, I recover less quickly. The trouble is that I fear the act of admitting it to myself and to you, Dear Reader, will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Driving back from the savages in the North can be a journey into sophistication. Leaving behind the Land of Fish & Chips, a more delicate and nuanced cuisine prevails. En route this time, we stopped off at Toddington Service Station in Bedfordshire. There was a charity book sale as we walked in and I spotted immediately this book:

It is French and totally in French but the recipes are wonderful. Have you been to Lyon? I stayed in a hotel there en route as we drove to Italy. I need to explore it more if this recipe for Filets of Carp with Frogs Legs and Snails in a butter sauce with garlic and chervil is anything to go by. This is how the world should be fed!

Of course, it would have to be accompanied by these wonderful yellow, French Beans. There is little choice. I have a glut from really only about 15 plants. We are going to be eating them hot with garlic or cold with mayonnaise for weeks. I’m hoping these beans have a rejuvenating element and that I can turn back the ravages of time.

Sunday, 2nd July, 2023

Glorious Summer’s morning after a hot and humid night with a wonderful almost full moon. Back to garden watering this morning. My friend, Kevin, is off to Benidorm for the fourth time this year already and Summer has really arrived there.

He has had quite patchy weather previously but this week, it will be perfect. I envy him that but not the location. If only Lancashire could be like this..

Yesterday, I was proudly showcasing produce from my garden and, this morning, my Memory Box threw up this from 2010 in my Greek kitchen. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

Be quite nice to be reading the Sunday Times on our patio and under our pergola this morning but … it’s not to be. There are other things to look forward to.

Monday, 3rd July, 2023

Lovely morning again. Going for an early walk. Had an absolutely terrible day yesterday – the worst for a long time. Agonisingly tired all day from the moment I got up until I went to bed. Sweating profusely. Skin itching. Very emotional. I had to fight all day to do my exercise and fight back my emotions. Nearly lost!

Today, after my walk, I am driving to the Royal Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton and The Macmillan Centre. This is a dummy run. We have been warned by friends and medics that the journey is a nightmare and parking is even worse. I am given a ‘free parking’ pass but, if the small carpark is full, I will have a real problem.

Well, the drive down was better than expected – about 40 mins with reasonable traffic at 10.30 am. Brighton is an amalgam of the old, 19th century glory and the brand, spanking new which a rich city can afford. The medical centres are no different.

The Cancer Centre is state-of-the-art and leading facility in the country. Having walked past the old and gulped, the new is really impressive and the support is wonderful. Even the coffee bar and restaurant is airport style.

I was greeted warmly and really reassured by the service. I have to go for a CT scan in Brighton towards the end of the month which will tell me how well the hormone treatment is working and tell the radiographers where to target the beam when I go for my next stage of treatment which should be towards the end of August and just after I come back from Athens. Let’s hope that it turns out to be worth it!

Tuesday, 4th July, 2023

A warm night and the early morning has brought light, sporadic rain. We currently need heavy rain and we are grateful for anything.

With the hot, humid weather we have been having for weeks and my consistent watering, everything is growing like mad. I am being threatened by a glut of lettuces, endive and courgette. The first meals are great – fresh, clean produce from the garden – but you can have too much of a good thing. On the plus side, all this lettuce is helping me to lose weight and get back towards normal.

Just got to get on with life while it gets on with me. Not going to be messed about by anyone. At 9.30am, the sun is out now and I’m going out for a long walk. As we drove home from Brighton yesterday, our Gym Machine Service Engineer texted to say he could arrive a day early. Fantastic! He arrived ten minutes after we got home and fixed the problem in 20 mins. Makes me feel totally inadequate. Today we’ve got a plumber coming to fix a small leak under one of the bathrooms’ basins. Should be simple for an expert. At one time, I might have attempted it myself but, these days, I’d rather an expert did it for me.

Today, I am going to spend a second bout of time on something I am quite good at – investing money. I have most of our ‘fixed’ investment accounts coming to maturity this month and it is a really interesting time in the financial markets. A lot of our money will be coming out of ‘fixes’ just under 3% and I can now get fixes at around double that. I’m looking at Investec Bonds at 5.85% for a 3-year fix. This is important if you have money you can do without for 3 years because rates, while not quite at peak yet, are not far off.

I will take this but the problem with it is that we will go well over the unearned income allowance for 2 people of £2,000.00 per year so we will definitely pay a lot of tax on it this year. The one way to mitigate that is to take out ISAs which are tax-free. Everyone went off ISAs because the rates were so low. Now, they are back with a bang and I have selected Virgin Money 3-yr fix at 5.2%.

These are rates only dreamed of for the past decade and to get them fixed for 3 years is a real bonus. The downside is, I can only put £40,000.00 in now and have to wait until April before I can put another £40,000.00 in.

Fixed rates do allow withdrawals but a penalty accompanies that so I will need to put some into a rainy day/easy access account. I can even do that at 4.25% at the moment. Mark my words, these rates will seem fantastic in a couple of years time when all around us they are falling for new money. Happy days!

Wednesday, 5th July, 2023

Torrential rain over night. Wonderful to hear. This morning the world looks fresher and cleaner. The lawns are already greening back up. Warm and dry as we went out early to Worthing. My in-house tailor has been struggling to maintain the integrity of my suit jacket sleeves with its 4-button vent. I suggested from the outset that we farm it out to a private concern but she wanted to do it herself. It is so long winded and difficult that I have won the battle and I found a company last night which will do it for us urgently.

I decided to be there early in order to get it done and I was proved right. The works is down a quaint, 18th century alleyway that would have originally been formed out of fishermen’s cottages some of which are still standing. Lovely people who have been running it for almost 30 years. They are snowed under and were, initially, reluctant to take it on at short notice but a little charm and a bit of cash go a long way and it will be ready for Saturday.

We have lived here for 7 years now and walked down the main street at the end of the alleyway without ever noticing it. There are lots of little concerns down here including a bakery, an ‘alternative’ jewellers and one which might interest my little sister who lives about 5 miles away. She is mad as a hatter and has been Vegan for years. Can’t be many places specialise in services for lunatics but this is one.

We eat Pesto so often that my in-house chef make lots of it at home. If you’ve ever bought a commercial jar of ‘Pesto’ and tried it, you may never eat it again but, trust me, home-made pesto is a totally different and infinitely superior thing. I grow the Basil in the garden and Pauline makes copious amounts of pesto with it. Last year I grew lots of Basil but less this year for a reason.

Pesto is made from Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese and Olive Oil. These ingredients are all blended together and can be stored frozen. That’s exactly what my chef does. We are just finishing 2021 pesto and starting last years.

Today, we did a stock check before harvesting Basil for this year. We still have over 100 portions left. Chef knows the amount of pesto we are allowed in our calorie controlled diet each meal and portions it up for freezing. Today chef will be harvesting, chopping and freezing a field of Parsley and then make the first batch of 2023 Pesto. This evening, Dinner will be Roast salmon with Pesto Crust and Green salad from the garden. Got to finish my Gym session first.

Thursday, 6th July, 2023

A really lovely morning with blue sky and sunshine and high humidity again. The garden is at that perfect state on the pivot between full grown and over blown. As August develops, plants will start to go over, become overgrown and turning to seed and thoughts will turn to Autumn. The Child in the Grave. A theme for life. From Cradle to Grave.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted …

Ecclesiastes

Today is Cosmos Day for me although they have been flowering for weeks and will go on until the frosts. They will be approaching their best in the next couple of weeks.

Hot, sunny weather and a good drink brings most things to fruition – even me – and that’s what these Mixed-Colour Cosmos are showing this morning.

Whatever you think of the advance of New Technology and however it frightens you, it is essential to embrace it. Otherwise, you will be increasingly left behind. You only have to look at the closure of Bank branches, the reduction of Post Offices, the closure of Rail Ticket Offices, the increasing access of Government services on-line, the way Health services from the NHS are to be rationalised through on-line delivery with remote consultations, etc, to know that you just cannot afford to be left behind.

Today, a new social media facility has started to challenge Twitter. I communicate with lots of people on Twitter every day but, recently it has become uncomfortable with the ownership of Elon Musk and now, Facebook/Instagram have launched a new platform called Threads. I have downloaded it this morning and will trial it during the day. See you on Threads! Well, maybe not you!

I drive a Honda CRV Self-Charge Hybrid car. I have been demanding of Honda that they upgrade this model to a Plug-in Hybrid but the biggest drawback of all is the Range that is possible between charges. I want to drive around Europe without having to search for and spend hours waiting for my car to re-charge.

Well, this morning, Toyota have announced the holy grail. They have developed a new battery that will allow me to drive London to Milan – a drive I have done many times – before needing to re-charge and that re-charge will only take 10 mins. I won’t necessarily be buying a Toyota but I will be personally demanding Honda produce the same.

Friday, 7th July, 2023

Gorgeously hot and sunny morning. Not a cloud in the sky. Poor night’s sleep again. Up early. I’m going to the Beautician’s. Not personally, of course, but I am chauffeuring. My next door neighbour texted me this morning to ask permission if he can mow his lawn. I have been regrowing it for him because it had almost totally died. I went to have a look this morning and it is lush, green and long. Just right for its first cut. He is delighted and I am relieved.

The day just got hotter as it developed. We reached 28C/83F at peak and I both gardened and walked in it. Kevin was sea swimming in Benidorm and the temperature was just a little warmer but not much. Julie was only 18C/65F but was delighted her car had passed its MOT. What is an MOT? I’ve never had one. John R is out cycling in 26C/79F and even Wales was dry.

Lovely to pick beans for our Dinner. They are producing quite a yield. Good job I love them. It is 9 years ago today that we sold our Greek home. It was a screamingly hot night – in the 30sC/90sF – at 9.00 pm in the evening in the office of our friend, Elerania Milliotie, the Notary.

Unlike any transaction of a house sale in UK where solicitors exchange monies electronically into Bank Accounts, we were paid for our Greek house in cash – hundreds of thousands of bank notes which we were expected to count out in front of our purchasers who were paying us. I found the whole thing rather embarrassing, almost demeaning but the reason was that our buyers didn’t want the tax authorities to know how much they were paying us and so would have to pay tax on it.

Our only problem was converting cash to a Greek bank account entry without being asked where it had come from. Fortunately, we had spent time cultivating workers in the Bank of Greece and the Piraeus Bank who looked kindly on us and passed the transactions through with a blind eye. We stayed in the house for a week after the sale as we packed up and prepared for the drive home. We felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to buy and own the land, to design and have the house built and live in it for almost 15 years. But we equally felt grateful that we had found a great buyer and we could take our investment home for future use.

It is 7.30 pm. I have just completed my Gym routine. The temperature outside is still 27C/81F and sultry. Air conditioning and a Netflix film tonight. I have walked 10 miles, cut 6 lawns, reseeded a neighbour’s lawn and done a Gym routine. You would expect me to sleep. Testament to the turmoil I am in that I rarely do.

Saturday, 8th July, 2023

Incredibly hot and humid night. The temperature didn’t fall below 20C/68F and it was 23C/74 as we set off for Worthing at 9.00 am. Air conditioning in the bedroom on full. Woke up in the night and was so cold I couldn’t feel my limbs. Not good when you’re going to the loo. Air conditioning on in the car on icy so getting out in town feels like getting off the plane at a Mediterranean airport. My glasses steam up.

Picked up my altered suit. Fantastic quality. Lovely people. So cheap. I will always use them in future. went on to M&S to collect an order and so it was I found myself photographing the Bra displays. Two women went past saying, We’ve heard about men like you. I thought, I bet you haven’t. but I actually said, I’m doing it to show my friends. I don’t think that improved the situation.

Back to do grocery shopping. A lot of our produce is from the garden at the moment. In fact, my heart sinks a bit when I see this in the kitchen. One thing we can’t grow is low calorie frozen yoghurt lollies. I am addicted to them.

We get them in Sainsbury’s. Low calorie, sweet and creamy. What’s not to like? It looks ominously like they are discontinuing this stock.

Sunday, 25th June, 2023

Scorching hot morning after very humid night. Still no sign of rain although we could get a little bit on Thursday. Had to go down to Next to return a suit which was ‘rubbish’! On to a Pickup Shop to collect an order from La Redoute for my Butler and then into Worthing to go to M&S for some white shirts.

The coast road was busy, lined with parked cars. As we went in to M&S, one side of the Pier was very quiet.

As we came out with some shirts, the other side of the pier was quite busy. Always shocks us the ‘holiday’ feel this hot weather generates down here. Someone said to me recently that it was so hot that there was no need to go abroad. I love ‘abroad’. I don’t go for a holiday. It takes me out of my ‘comfort zone’ and forces me to come to terms with Language, Culture, Conventions – in fact, everything that goes to make up a Culture. I am not drawn by the tourist ‘must sees’. I am much more into sitting with a cup of coffee or a glass/bottle of wine and watching the world go by. You can learn so much of the milieu that way.

We’ve spent a week in Thessaloniki, a week in Northern France, we are going to Athens for a week in late August and may slot another week in France before that. This morning, I’ve been researching hotels in Napoli. Always wanted to visit. You know what they say, See Naples and Die. I though we could test the theory. Actually, what it really means is Naples is so beautiful that one needn’t look upon anything else after seeing it. We’ll see.

Monday, 26th June, 2023

Lovely, sunny morning. Another gardening day. The French Beans are beginning to ‘fruit’ quite quickly now which is encouraging. Going to re-seed some patches of my neighbours’ garden this morning while they are out at work. Although it will need heavy watering, this temperature should be perfect for quick germination.

I noticed that Northern England has a Weather Alert for strong winds and big hail today. Warned Julie that her strawberries and other allotment vegetables are in danger. Mind you, short of erecting a huge tent, I’m not sure what she can do about it.

I have been praying for rain for some time. As I don’t believe in divine intervention, you won’t be surprised that my prayers have not been answered. We might get a little bit of light rain over night Thursday-Friday but it means, otherwise, I am having to provide it manually myself. It’s very time consuming.

I have never been a natural lover of discotheques or ‘pop’ music. I never liked Elton John’s records. I had been to a few discos to meet girls in my school days but never felt comfortable. I like talking to people and discos are definitely not the places for that. Hot, sweaty, noisy, having to shout to be heard. It really isn’t me. The first disco I walked into at College in 1969 was held in the Drama Room. The first record being played as I walked in was Elton John although I can’t remember what. I had never heard of him although my girlfriend at the time had. I tried to be impressed but failed. I tried to enjoy disco dancing …. but failed.

I don’t listen to or watch ‘pop’ music these days. I have never been to a ‘Pop Concert’ or Festival in my life but I indulged Pauline last night in watching Elton John as he closed the 2023 Glastonbury. The Elton John of 2023 is a bloated, terribly bewigged, queen who sounds rather more a semi-drunken ‘pub singer’ than the giant of popular music he is revered for. And yet, I found it genuinely emotional. I had a tear in my eye for this tableau of my times. Elton John is almost a symbol of all our aging. From slim, hairy youth to bloated, gold-lammied, hirsute, old age, performing for the ‘last time’.

It is time to admit that I only ever bought one vinyl record in my life. It was ….. Cat Stevens: Mathew & Son. I played it loudly at home (the home built by Sanders & Son) and was very disappointed that my Mother loved it. It was fascinating to see a white haired, white bearded Cat Stevens at Glastonbury.

He is equally a symbol of the change in times. Although born in London, he was of Greek Cypriot origin and his real name was Demetre Georgiou. He had to anglicise that to Cat Stevens for the ‘pop’ market in the 1960s-70s but then converted to Islam and felt able to come out publicly as Yusuf Islam. Now, a white haired old man just 2 years older than me. We are all aging and I don’t like it. All lives end in tragedy. Just don’t let it happen too soon!

Tuesday, 27th June, 2023

There is something nice about doing things for nice people, particularly the people who live around us. They are bright, clever, hardworking, enthusiastic people pushing themselves to achieve for their families. They all do significant, well-paid jobs which demand a high level of commitment. They want their street to look good but are cash-rich and time-poor. I don’t need cash but I have time so I’ve voluntarily taken on some garden maintenance work. I can spend hours outside in the sunshine and expend energy at the same time.

Yesterday morning, I was working on my next door neighbours’ lawn re-seeding some faded patches. I raked out the old grass and bent down to pick it up thrusting a sharpened end of a pruned branch straight into my right eye. Only those who have been close to me will know that I was born blind in my left eye so any threat to the other one is panic stations.

I don’t panic often but I have lived my life trying to protect my ‘good’ eye. They tried to stop me playing Rugby and fighting but, as a lad, they were on a loser. However, any threat to my eyesight has been taken seriously immediately. Can’t believe how lucky I have been. Blood from the wound has seeped into the corner of my eye and the flesh around it is quite deeply gashed but I’ll live to fight another day. Always enjoyed fighting.

My Dresser has found me a reasonable suit for my trip to Lancashire. The only thing is that every suit I’ve ever bought ‘off the peg’ has to be adjusted on the arms. I inherited my Dad’s short arms. That didn’t help with the fighting. Just means I have to hit harder. Anyway, the sleeves will need turning up by a couple of inches.

Of course, then we (She) have the job of parcelling up the other suits and sending them back. This means a trip to a ‘ Returns Shop’ – the Co-Op, in this case, near the station which means a forever wait for commuter trains to pass by. Am I impatient? Yes, for so many things and time is diminishing.

On the way back home we learnt that Kirsty & Phil were filming Location, Location, Location in the village. Look forward to watching that one.

Wednesday, 28th June, 2023

A very humid and still morning after a bad night. I’m just not sleeping well, waking at 1.30 am and 3.30 am. Put the radio on and listened to the BBC World Service – a programme about Nuclear Reactors in Japan – which sent me back to sleep. At least the radio works in blocking out the disturbing stream of thoughts …

Last night I watched Newsnight just before bed. Had to turn it off part way through because it upset me so much. The subject was Food Poverty in UK. The programme featured a group of ‘older’ residents in Gateshead. They all ‘survived’ just on a State Pension. How anybody does that goodness knows but these poor people were cutting back on everything and, particularly, food.

One lady only ate every two days. A man had one meal a day and tried to substitute any other food by filling up on coffee and tea. He had dropped from 17st to 11st in one year. One lonely lady said she could no longer have her grandchildren to stay because she couldn’t afford to feed them and when the wider family invited her out to eat, she starved herself for two days to ensure she could afford to contribute. And here I am, a man trying desperately not to eat to much!

This hormone treatment makes me rather more emotional than usual but this really got to me. It is unbearable to think of such hardship. I had paid £200.00 for a fish delivery and these people were right on the edge of survival. The irony is that it has taken so long for people to rumble the Tories. I remember being so angry to hear a Northerner say, I’m voting Tory because they’ve given us so many more foodbanks than Labour would do – as if that was a sign of beneficence. I shouldn’t have been surprised when Tory MPs and Councillors had publicity shots taken of them celebrating the local foodbank.

I went to bed with a tear in my eye and woke up AGAIN at 3.30 am. My damaged eye seems to have developed a bit of infection in spite of the ministrations of my Home Carer. I have got some eyedrops I picked up in Worthing this morning but I may need a stronger antiseptic.

Of course, we’ve got the best part of another year with this government and inflation will be with us throughout that period. The Bank of England forecast an inflation (CPI) rate of 7.2% by September and 5% by year end. That is beginning to look a little optimistic but, even if it is correct, it means that State Pensions and Public Sector workers’ pensions (Teachers) will increase by the September figure. Ironically, I’m expecting to add the equivalent of our joint State Pensions in investment earnings as well. Money makes money. Poverty kills.

This cost of living crisis is killing the Tories. Sunak looked really out of his depth in PMQs this morning. His back benchers were thin on the ground and quiet in support. So many of them are stepping down at the next election. Their polling adviser has told back benchers that if they don’t have a majority of more than 15,000 then they are ‘toast’.

Thursday, 29th June, 2023

Another poor night. What a tormented, weak specimen I am. Woken to flashes of lightning and distant rumbles of thunder at around 4.30 am. The storm didn’t come closer but when we got up before 7.00 am, it had rained which was something to be thankful for. The morning is dry now because, in Sussex, we voted to have rain delivered just over night so that the days are free for ‘playing out’.

Last night, one of the girls – Sharon – whose lawn I have been trying to revive, came over with a large and expensive bouquet of flowers. It made me feel awful because I can’t cope with things like that. I’m definitely a giver not a taker. Even so, they are absolutely lovely. To make myself feel better, I’m going to give her a bottle of champagne and get her Whatsapp contact so that I can send her a photo of the flowers.

The package next to the flowers I took in for another neighbour, Jill, who is away in Calabria, Italy. I Whatsapp-ed her to tell her the sex-toy had arrived. She seemed quite pleased.

News in the political world just gets better day by day:

1. The Lords vote down significant sections of the Illegal Migration Bill (Screams of horror from the Daily Fail / Daily Express readers).
   
2. The Commons Privileges Committee releases a secondary report naming a list of the lunatics who supported Johnson even though they knew he had lied and attacked the committee members to try and influence the decision. Threats were issued by people like Mad Nad Dorries, supine Rees-Smugg, (Not so) Priti Patel, etc.. No longer will parliament accept their shenanigans.
   
3. The much vaunted Rwanda migrant plan has been ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal. Suella Braverman’s dream is crushed and one of Sunak’s 5 pledges is thwarted. At least they can console themselves that the Home Office economic assessment of £169,000.00 per migrant exported will be saved.

Friday, 30th June, 2023

A cooler, fresher day after the humidity of the past month. Last day of June already. Just preparing to go up to Lancashire for a few days. Having my seamstress alter my new suit. Short arms demand shorter sleeves. The trouble it poses is for the 4 buttons and the lining but my worker will manage it!

Don’t you just hate it when a line of communication suddenly breaks down? Makes you feel cut off! We have 5 Sky-Q boxes around the house and one in the Gym. Every morning Breakfast is accompanied by BBC R4 Today. Intelligent, quality analysis of the political and societal scene. We receive it digitally through the Sky -Q box in the Kitchen. It is a routine. This morning, the software failed on the Q-box. Ultimately, I managed to fix it but wonder how Pauline would have done it on her own. Amazing how an ordinary and routine thing can put one out.

Later in the day, our mobile texting service stopped working. Resetting phones, checking EE site for reported faults, reinstalling text apps – all to no avail. Incredibly frustrating. It really gets to me. If there’s a problem, I have to solve it. I have to say that we virtually never have a problem with EE but then we pay quite a lot for the service but you only miss it when it’s gone like so many things. Anyway, in age, I am learning to take it patiently and a long walk in the rain found the problem solved on my return.

You may have noticed that I am fixated on the weather. I have a very good weather app on my phone, another on my iPad and I use the BBC on my computer. It is not just mine but places I visit regularly, places I used to live in, places that friends live in, etc.. BBC weather used to be provided by the government’s Met. Office for years. Recently, they have dropped the Met and taken on a private concern called MeteoGroup. Many people think that was a mistake and the accuracy has been compromised. Certainly, I find my phone app much more targeted and accurate. Yesterday, the BBC Weather site had every area in the country experiencing 7C for the foreseeable future. It looked as if winter had returned. How would I know the best time to walk? At the same time, we were enjoying a sweaty, humid 23C/71F. Anyway, today order is restored. Looks wet in Wales.

To cap a week of breakdowns, the treadmill I bought just under three years ago developed a fault as I tried to balance and tighten the belt. It was beyond my capabilities to fix so we drove down to Shoreham on Sea where JTX – the company we bought it from – are sited. So pleased that we decided to go for the top of the range model because it has been fantastic, comes with an annual service and 3 yr warranty. It cost just a bit more than two subscriptions to David Lloyd Health Club for a year so it has already paid its way. JTX were fantastic and will have an engineer out to repair it on Tuesday.

Until then, I am relying on good, warm weather for outdoor walking plus my static bike and rowing machine. Really need to do more rowing. I’m not good at it!

Saturday, 1st June, 2023

New month, new start, new hope. You know what I mean. All things will go well and all manner of things will go well. Kevin is flying to Spain for the 4th time this year. Our neighbours, John & Jill are flying back from Calabria where they have had a wonderful week. I’m going to …. Lancashire soon.

Today, I have been out in the garden picking the produce of my labours: Courgettes, Ruby Oak-Leaved Lettuce and Green (Yellow) Beans. The Tomatoes were grown by Sainsburys. We’ll be eating these this weekend. They have only travelled 30 mtrs from soil to plate without any chemical treatments. Whatever they are like, we are bound to think they taste better than shop bought. Julie sent me a photo of her first pick of peas this morning. She seemed to be happy with them

My sister, Ruth, and her husband, Kevan, are celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary today. We wish them a happy day and many more to come.

Down here it’s a hot and sultry morning. We haven’t had anywhere near as much rain as we need. Guess what I’m doing … going out for a walk. I really am pleased with my improving fitness again now. I am achieving 9 miles every day for the past week, month and year so I think I’m fighting through the hormone treatment. As someone said the other day, never give up. I won’t!

I am certainly not giving up on Europe and the pendulum is definitely swinging back. At last, all over the media, people are feeling free to observe the Brexit-effect on trade, imports, jobs, travel, education and the finer things of life. I have always believed that it would be reversed eventually and I really think I will live to celebrate the day. You can celebrate it with me, Dear Reader!

Sunday, 18th June, 2023

A hot and humid night which was punctuated by lots of flashes of lightning and, it appears this morning, a bit of rain. Thank goodness for the air conditioning. The morning has opened with beautiful sunshine but still very humid and sweaty. Orange juice and porridge for Breakfast. Nice to get back to it.

Kevin sent me, with pride, a photo of his newly mowed lawn this morning and it didn’t escape either of us that we would never have predicted back in 1969 that we would end up talking about that sort of ‘grass’. He is going back to Benidorm for a few days soon for another birthday celebration. He tried to get me to go with him before and I have already told him it just doesn’t appeal to me. Today, he sent me this note of optimism.

It is a wonderfully optimistic approach to this morning. The monkey could be around quite a long time. Hard Luck! It produced such a wave of optimism in me that I have pledged to Kevin that, if we both reach the age of 96, I will accompany him to Benidorm and I will …. sing Karaoke with him. I hope I haven’t let myself in for something I will suffer for. I don’t even know if Kevin can sing the aria, Sono andati? – Puccini’s La Boheme. Still he’s got time to learn it.

There’s a possibility we might get some rain for a couple of hours this evening. I do hope so. It will save me the trouble. Anyway, going out for a couple of hours walk in this hot sunshine this morning. Our lettuces are ready to cut so griddled tuna steaks with homegrown salad for our meal in the garden today. Just think of all that life I could have missed, all those happy moments.

Monday, 19th June, 2023

We heard last night that Pauline’s cousin, Joyce, died on Saturday at the age of 87. She had been in Oldham Royal for 7 weeks because she fell and broke her hip. Having been repaired, she was moved, temporarily, to a rehabilitation placement to help her learn to walk again. It was there that she contracted Sepsis and died. How often do you hear that sort of event? I always used to laugh at old people refusing to go into hospital for fear of never coming out but there is obviously a kernel of truth in it. Hospital settings are breeding grounds for infection.

We had a couple of hours of light but consistent rain yesterday and this morning has opened warm, humid and overcast. Came home from a long, hot week in France to find the garden had survived and grown extremely strongly.

The French Beans are flowering and will be ready for picking in under two weeks. The Lettuces are already being cut and the courgettes have infant fruit. In my experience, these two plants will deliver a glut over the next couple of months. We have hardly any rain forecast for the next week or so and I expect my daily routine to involve plenty of watering – I know, you can’t get much more exciting than that!

If, like me, you have no religion, it is all enough to almost convert one to Pantheism! Almost. To see one, tiny seed produce a huge plant with lots of fruit containing hundreds of new seeds is awesome in that word’s real sense.

Very busy day today. Some gardening followed by exercise programme plus watching David Cameron appearing before the Covid Enquiry and Parliament rubber stamping Boris Johnson’s expulsion. Going to be a good day.

Spoke too soon. Cooking outside this afternoon in hot sunshine, the ring circuit running from the house to the Garage blew a major fuse knocking out the Gym lights, the electric door and ….. the second Freezer. This freezer stores all the meat and fish and has hundreds of pounds of food in it. Fortunately, we managed to rig up a temporary fix to get the freezer back on and our electrician will be round tomorrow to sort out the overall problem. Bit of a sod, though, rather spoiling the end of a lovely day. And I’m not drinking so no consolation there!

Tuesday, 20th June, 2023

Well, the BBC (Met. Office) weather forecast was right for once. Just around 5.00 am, thunder started to roll in accompanied by flashes of lightning. As I got up to look outside heavy, noisy rain began to fall. My first thought was that I wouldn’t have to water today. A neighbour down the road took this photo this morning from the beach. Some people are obviously prepared to take a lot more risks for their art.

The rain lasted about an hour and all soaked away very quickly which shows how dry this area has become. After Breakfast, my first instinct was to get out in the garden. It is quite remarkable how well small seedlings and young plants survive under the battering of heavy rain. Everything was already springing back, fighting for life, reaching to the sun. It is a lesson to all of us. We only have one life and have to keep fighting every day to achieve the best we can.

A report in The Times this morning suggests I am doing the right thing with my exercise programme. In fact, I am doing more than they suggest. I was concerned about the pace of walking which I always think is slow but my 100 paces per minute is exactly what they recommend. They say at least 4 days per week and I do 7. They say that, although the 10,000 paces is a figure plucked out of the air, it is not a bad guide. Until my illness, I was doing 20,000 per day and I’m now doing 18,000 every day. My app says I have walked 7,000 miles in the past 24 months.

Just phoned my friend, Brian (ex-Drugs Squad/ex-Murder Squad), in Royton. He hasn’t been well recently. He’s been suffering with a prostate problem but it turns out not to be cancer. He, on the other hand, is having to cope with a catheter and has been for 9 months. I couldn’t cope with that for 9 months and have been coaching him on how to get some movement in his treatment – phoning the secretary of the Urology Department is one thing. Getting his Surgery to do the same is another. I’m going up to see him. It will be lovely to catch up.

Wednesday, 21st June, 2023

Absolutely gorgeous day. The Longest Day and I was up early to take Pauline to the hairdresser’s for an 8.15 am appointment. Who has their hair cut at that time in the morning? Well, now you know. It’s going to be a long day.

I’m depressed. This hormone treatment warns I will put on weight and I have. In spite of all the exercise I’ve been doing and reasonable control of my diet, I must admit I have drunk far too much (calorific) wine. Tried rather to drown out the sadness of life at the moment. Today I tried a pair of trousers on and couldn’t fasten them. I was shocked. I’ve lived in shorts and tee shirt for the last four months which has rather disguised the weight gain. To add insult to injury, I had to go to the Surgery for my second hormone injection. I just hope it doesn’t increase the rate of weight gain.

Since I last visited, the Surgery has instituted a new entry policy. The computer screen sign-in where you give the year and month of your birth along with your surname initial has gone ‘remote’. I must admit that, during the pandemic, I was amazed that people were expected to wear masks, sterilise their hands and then tap a screen that everyone before them had tapped. By definition, the likelihood is that the majority of those tapping the screen are there because they are ill. What better way to transmit their illness to others? One could also just go to the Receptionist and Checkin. Not any more.

Now, you cannot even get through the door to the surgery without scanning the QR Code with your phone and doing all that Checkin stuff on its screen. At least that means no swapping of finger infections. After that, the door remains locked until you speak through the intercom to the receptionist who releases the door. The Receptionist said that this is a national initiative which will be rolled out across England & Wales. You can see the effect it has on the Waiting Room. I had no one to talk to.

One sadness of life at the moment is the loss of an old friend. The tree I grew from a seed collected in Tenerife 8 years ago and which was almost 10 ft tall having been nurtured through 7 winters has died over its 8th. I talked to it, kissed it, told it I loved it, wrapped it in fleece for the cold weather and lovingly fed it but it was not enough and it has died. It makes me very sad. Even so, I will not be opening a bottle of wine this time.

Thursday, 22nd June, 2023

Very warm and humid morning … again. Got Sainsbury‘s shop followed by exercise routine and a busy gardening afternoon. My arm is painful and badly bruised from the latest long needle forced into it to deliver a three month shot of hormones. They were right about the menopause being simulated. I have weight gain, tiredness, increased emotions and I’m now starting to suffer hot flushes. What it is to be a woman!

I am going back to basics with my diet. Calorie counting. Checking everything and setting it against my output. It is incredibly hard to force myself to maintain my exercise routine but I am determined to do it at least until the radiotherapy month. Breakfast is freshly squeezed juice of two, large oranges (100 cals), a large cup of Yorkshire tea and a large cup of freshly ground coffee plus a bowl of porridge(250 cals).

No Lunch other than a banana (100 cals) and then, today, griddled Tuna steak with green salad for Dinner (320 cals.). I need to keep my intake to below 1500 calories per day. The average man burns 1800 calories a day doing absolutely nothing. My usually active day burns an additional 1000 calories. Only by doing that will I get back to normality quickly. My aim is to getting my weight back to acceptable at the same time as completing my radiotherapy sessions. Maybe, then, I can get on with life again.

Two years ago this month our lovely neighbours, Pat & June, left their home to downsize. Pat, who was 81, had been diagnosed with skin cancer and was receiving treatment for it. We went round to see their new home and they seemed very happy there. They both looked very fit and healthy and Pat was particularly positive about the future and travelling to Australia. We heard today that he had died. The cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. All lives end in tragedy!

Friday, 23rd June, 2023

Glorious morning – weatherwise – but not so good politically. On this day in 2016, we learnt that we had left the EU. It was one of the most crass acts of national stupidity one can imagine. I argued so at the time and was told I was scaremongering. We now know that a majority of UK voters would choose to remain and 33% of all Leave voters would favour returning to the EU.

We had been in our new house for 3 months. To cheer ourselves up, we went out to collect our new car and I took a photo of our recently planted front garden hedge.

Just 7 years on, we have collected two more new Hondas and our hedge has grown a little. The tree outside has developed quite a bit as well.

Over the past couple of days, I have been chronicling coming to terms with my recent weight gain. I am expecting to spend a few days in Lancashire in the near future and I will need a good suit. Pauline has been searching and ordering a couple which will get me through. Quite a while – at least two years since I wore a suit and tie. Be nice to get back to it. Amazing how (relatively) cheap suits are these days.

I bought a suit almost exactly like this in the summer of 1972 for £99.00. Today, over 50 years later, this suit will cost me £195.00. Unbelievably cheap if you take inflation into account. That £95.00 in 1972 is the equivalent of £2000.00 today. Even I wouldn’t be prepared to shell that out for a suit.

Of all the newspapers I read everyday, The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian are the ones I concentrate on. I love the cartoons which prove how true the saying is: A picture’s worth a 1000 words. Yesterday’s, above, really does sum up what an entire Times Leader article took many words to point out – the irony of international concern over 5 rich but foolhardy men on a ‘joy ride’ in a tin can compared with the 400 poor but desperate people escaping poverty and looking for a better life.

Today, it is little Rishi Sunak’s inability to make an impact on the failing world of Tory politics and totally unable to acknowledge the obvious paucity of Brexit.

Saturday, 24th June, 2023

It’s amazing how Summer creeps up on us. We are about to enter the last week of June already. I’ve been living in shorts and tee shirts for months. We’ve virtually lived outside for the past two months and the garden is filling out and bearing produce already.

I am watering every day. The hedge is needing to be cut every two weeks. The air-conditioning is on in the bedroom where we just have a top sheet (Even then I sleep on top of it.) and the 1-tog duvet has been banished to storage until October. It’s light for almost 17 hours a day and the sun just won’t stop. We hardly dropped below 21C/70F over night with the most gorgeous clear sky and bright moon. The morning has broken cloudless, sunny and hot. The only worry is, will it still be snowing when I drive up to Lancashire shortly?

My suits were always made-to-measure by a Yorkshire Tailors while I was working. Since then, I’ve not had too much call for them and now, I think, Carl Stuart Tailors, Cloth Hall Street, Huddersfield has gone out of business. Of course, there is a lot less call for suits and any formal wear. I used to spend a fortune on Business Shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt but even they have had to reduce their prices. Working from Home has brought about a revolution in British society and I think it is all for the good. I am a strong proponent of Teaching from Home.

Anyway, my Dresser has ordered me 4 different suits on-line this week. I had to go and pick the first two up this morning … from Next! Can you imagine me buying suits from Next? I’ll be considered trendy soon. At least I’m not old and wrinkly and aloof.

It’s going to be a day in the garden today and we are going to be eating our, courgettes, our lettuces and our herbs. Julie is excitedly eating strawberries from her allotment. Kevin is doing the ironing. Can you believe that? The world is full of surprises!

Sunday, 11th June, 2023

Had the best sleep last night for a while even though it was very warm all night. The temperature didn’t drop below 20C/68F over night and today has almost been impossible with 29C/84F and very high humidity to the point of suffocation. I’ve been struggling to do my exercise. I even asked my friends, Kevin, Julie & JohnR if they would do the last hour for me but they weren’t very keen. In fact one of them just said, “No chance!”, which I thought was a bit brusque.

Suddenly, this afternoon, while out walking, rain started to splash on the pavement. It felt delightful in the furnace of humidity. We rushed home and put the covers back on all the furniture. It is so long since we saw rain that this is delightful.

Another delightful thing to report is: I’ve got a daughter. Of course, Rebecca-Jane, she is not but lovely all the same. I have been helping all the neighbours out with their lawns this Spring and have got to know some people for the first time in the 7 years we’ve lived here. I’m quite shy and retiring – insular even – so I haven’t talked to many until recently. Michelle ( a Proof Reader) across the road has gone out of her way to offer help to ‘the old people’ – well we are 72. Dee (a Lecturer in English) has tried to coax me into talking just as Jill (a former B.A. Air Hostess) has.

But Sharon (Finance & Loans) has recently taken every opportunity to enlist my help. Calling from the bedroom window, stopping me as I walk by, stopping in her car while I am out walking. In the end I gave in and I’ve been helping her with her lawn. Today, we walked past as she was watering and she told us that she was informing everyone I am her Dad. Nearest thing I’ll get to it now.

Monday, 12th June, 2023

Another lovely, hot and sunny day. Had lots of messages from people across the country wishing me a good time in France. What they don’t realise is that they will accompany me as I will carry them around in my head throughout the trip. No doubt, Kevin will want to know where I am and if I’m enjoying it. Jason says he will check-in. JohnR and Julie expect reports. I’m only away until Sunday but we wrinklies must stick together. Just hope M&K manage Wordle in French.

The weather really does seem set to be fantastic. I can’t remember a June trip quite as good as this. To be fair, even wet Wales seems to be good this year.

I’ve been spending the day, cleaning the car, watering the garden and making sure that everything is ready. Going through the Tunnel, means turning up an hour before departure nowadays and we allow 2 hours to get there from home so we set off 3 hours before departure – almost as bad as flying. Still, going in the car means we just throw in anything we need – sorry, we can neatly pack any perfectly washed and ironed clothes that the Laundry Lady sees fit. But I can also take iPads, Kindles, Laptops, multi-sockets, extension leads – in fact, anything which makes life worth living.

Tuesday, 13th June, 2023

Awake at 5.00 am and up at 6.00 am. on a gloriously warm morning. The air conditioning in the bedroom made life worth living last night which was very humid but have still not had any significant rain. Dave Roberts in Norden said they’d had a storm on Sunday but nothing yesterday. The Man.City. celebration featured pouring rain.

Dave Weatherly in Bolton reported heavy rain. Kevin contacted me in the middle of the night to report a violent storm in Yorkshire. I spent hours watering the garden in preparations for going away. There is no rain in our forecast until late next week.

The great thing about driving rather than flying is that we can take what we want. Amongst every electronic gadget imaginable, the back of the car will feature a huge fridge. You can’t go to France without bringing back mountains of fresh produce much of which will need keeing chilled. In fact room for clothes is fairly minimal. After all, who needs clothes?

Of course, when you’re 72 – as all little wrinkly people will tell you – the first thing you need is the toilet. For all, old girls, this is the Mens’ Toilet at the EuroTunnel.

We only got there with a few minutes to spare before boarding. On some occasions, we are queuing for ages. Today, traffic was very light and we were soon driving down to gate. The sun was so hot that getting out and stretching was important. A cup of coffee and driving down to the train. Aboard, I opened the windows to suffocating heat, tried to snooze and dream but was driving off before I knew it. Just over 5 minutes later, we were off and soon parking in our hotel grounds along with strutting cockerels.

Wednesday, 14th June, 2023

Last night was hot, humid and sweaty. Of course, having been up and out early in the morning, I still had to complete my exercise before midnight (ET). I did it but the humidity was exhausting.

The evening was beautiful to look at and walk through. At least it gave me an excuse to stop and rest just to drink in in the views.

A gloriously hot morning that saw us reach an uncomfortable 29C/84F during the morning. I ate Breakfast because it comes in the price of our Suite. I instantly regretted it even though I enjoyed it. Back to our Suite for coffee and to listen to BBC Radio 4 ‘Today’. Out for a long walk in the sun.

The fields of Flax – the basic constituent of Linen – were in full flower this morning and looked beautiful. Heat takes it out of me more as I get older. There are some real disadvantages to being wrinkly! It maybe my cancer treatment as well but, Dear Reader, I am struggling at the moment. Really having to fight hard to complete my fitness routines. I am tired all the time.

Maybe, I am dying and don’t realise it yet but it is really getting to me. I just can’t do what I used to be able to. It is embarrassing. Jason, Dee, John Morris, Christine, Kevin & Julie all contacted this morning as I walked which really made me feel better. I’m glad I have them in my life. It really makes me feel better.

Doing an 8 mile walk this morning after Breakfast. It takes me through huge swathes of prime agricultural land. This morning, I was shocked to find a large tract of land was being developed for a new, Medical Centre. The building site was dominated by this great crane which was essential in the process.

Back to the hotel to watch Prime ministers Questions in which Sunak rather died on his feet and then went out to do some shopping. Pauline bought her third pair of shoes in two days and we sourced cold fish & meat for a snack Dinner with wine in our Suite this evening. It gives me the chance to catch up on correspondence, my Blog and the News.

Thursday, 15th June, 2023

Well, on this beautiful morning, I’ve done wrong again. I’ve eaten Breakfast. I regretted it immediately and I’m not even sure that I enjoyed it at the time. Have I no self-control? I will never eat ever again when I get home.

Over Breakfast this morning, I chatted with my cousin, Sue, who lives in Salles–Lavalette in the Charente Department in southwestern France. I also talked to Martin, a friend from my time on Sifnos and to my brother, Bob in Maidenhead who was instructing me in photography.

In baking sun, we drove down to Wissant (en Franglais – White Sand) for a walk. The Promenade is wonderfully flat and open. As you can see, the beach was packed but we weren’t sunbathing.

I let Pauline look in the local Fish Restaurant window, read the menu and smell the cooking. It was packed at Lunchtime which is a good sign. We booked a table for tomorrow.

On the drive back, I treated my bag carrier to a shopping experience – well a couple of pairs of shoes. It will balance out my wine purchase on the way back. Drove home having walked a hot 10 miles today to watch the hot news of Johnson’s execution. Couldn’t happen to a nicer person. Someone once said, Well, he’s doing his best. Of course, they were absolutely right. He was doing his best for himself and even that wasn’t good enough.

So tired this evening, going to spend it in our Suite, writing my Blog, talking to friends and following the political news. Some wine, might watch a film on Netflix and have an early night. I think I need it. Well, I’m doing my best!

Friday, 16th June, 2023

Another gloriously hot morning. We were so tired after yesterday that we were up late and didn’t get down to Breakfast until 8.30 am when the temperature outside was HOT and we chose to eat in the shade of the pergola.

We were obviously some of the last through Breakfast and it was very quiet. In fact, after 3 days, I can hardly look at food at all and we have unanimously decided to cancel our restaurant Lunch reservation in favour of abstinence.

After a very hot – 26C/79F – 16 km walk in the countryside had coffee and a chat with friends in England. Julie was watching her granddaughter, a student at Oxford University, who was rowing for her college in the Henley Regatta. It was on YouTube.

She was also preparing to listen to The Test Match (Ashes) commentary on the radio. I watched a bit on my Sky app. Julie hasn’t got Sky which must be hard for someone who loves sport. Talked to Kevin who sent me a video of his perfectly striped lawn. He was very proud.

My friend and neighbour, Dee, contacted me to say that our County had declared a hosepipe ban. Fortunately, she hadn’t seen the caveat published by our council leader who assured us it didn’t apply to our area. Phew! We spent a while teasing each other in French which was fun.

We went out for a drive to Peuplingues and parked up for a walk. Isn’t retired life enjoyable! John Morris, a friend from College, has been waiting for 2 years for a hip replacement and left hospital last night. I must admit, I couldn’t have waited that long at his age but we are all different.

We went on to Carrefour to buy things for home. We leave at midday tomorrow. While we were there, we were nearly run over by the robot cleaner. I was pleased to see it. There should be more around. Those little, wrinkly old people who can’t be bothered to clean can rely on a robotic friend. By 12.30 pm today, my friend, Jason, was celebrating that Friday Feeling – something I haven’t known for almost 15 years.

Saturday, 17th June, 2023

Every leaving day is uncomfortable. We are leaving today. Out early for a 2hr walk. Back for a shower and a change of clothes. Down to the Tunnel. It is incredibly empty. We are one of six cars on the train. We spoke to a worker who told us that traffic was all one way. Bookings out were solid but back very light.

We just turned up and went an hour earlier than booked. There were 4 cars before us and 2 behind. We were supposed to travel at 12.50 but we actually crossed at 12.20 arriving at 12.50 (ET) / 11.50 (UKT). We had lovely, light travel home and arrived at 14.00. There were some heavy rain spots on the way home but nothing that amounted to much. I unpacked and then watered the garden. We will be picking French Beans and Courgettes in the next couple of weeks.

The drive back from Nord–Pas de Calais to West Sussex coincided with a significant anniversary for us. I know I acknowledge it every year but I could have missed 43 years of life and that is worth celebrating. On this day in 1980, a man driving out of Oldham to work lost control of his car on a bend and drove straight into our car completely writing it off. Pauline & I both were taken to hospital by ambulance and, initially, it was thought that I was dead. You would have missed me if I was, Dear Reader. Can you imagine: No Blog. How on earth would you get to sleep?

Sunday, 4th June, 2023

And the sun goes on … Up early although I hardly slept at all. I feel like I am a man casting round for a purpose. Rather aimless. Asking what life is for. Some answer that with children; others with Religion. Some focus on achievements.

I have no religion, no children and it is a little bit problematic in one’s 70s to have a lot of achievement targets. That’s why I try to keep striving for health & fitness and have tried to rekindle friendships that I have ignored over a busy working life. Some have worked. Some have failed miserably. Hedonism is really what I have left and I try to satisfy that with travelling. More often than not, it is successful but temporary.

Temporary will have to do at the moment. Going to France next week and intend to spend some time walking in Le Touquet, Boulogne, Ardres, Hardelot, Hesdin, Wissant visiting some old haunts and markets. Hope this lovely weather holds. Apparently there was an air frost in North Yorkshire on Friday night. Can you imagine it? And I’m told it’s going to snow in North Wales this coming week.

I suppose that success for me in the near future will be to stay alive longer than the year. Today, I am going out for a walk in the warm – 25C/77F – sunshine with the aim of giving myself the best chance of survival. I had my haircut this morning so that I will at least look respectable if it all goes the other way. Dignity in Death, Dear Reader!

Just had a wonderful walk. The scenery, the sunshine, the warmth all calculated to make one feel good but, when it’s over … I cannot live for the moment. I am always looking for the future value. Where will it take me? How does it help me in my ultimate goal? I have always been like that and, no matter how loudly I shout at myself, I have never changed. I want; I want; I …..

Monday, 5th June, 2023

Clear blue sky. Strong warm sunshine. What else could it be? I am watering everything constantly and so is everyone else.

I’m watering the raised beds so much that I’ve fused the fence lights and had to get our electrician back to sort them out. The window cleaners pouring water down the sides of the house at the moment and my My Housekeeper is cleaning the Gym this morning so I can dirty it this afternoon. Most things are proceeding normally.

When I was completing my Masters Thesis, I could be found on a screamingly hot, Greek beach reading works of Durkheim and Weber – French and German Sociologists – Ferdinand Tonnes ‘ Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft or Community & Association. I have no idea why but, today on this screamingly warm day, I am re-reading Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations – the 18th century tract upon which most Tory economic thinking is based. Haven’t read it for at least 30 years. It is nice to rechallenge myself. It does me good to make my head and heart hurt a bit.

Even Political Philosophers need new Trainers at times. Certainly, the miles that I’m putting in each week mean that I go through mine in no time. I always buy from Sketchers. The best pair I’ve had in the recent past I bought in America. I looked to replace them this morning. Do you know how much they cost? Two pairs will set me back £180.00!! Still, they should get me through until the Autumn.

My neighbours have told me they are so grateful for my efforts in maintaining the street that they are going to club together to buy me a ride-on-tractor-mower. They want to know which sort I would like. Of course, I won’t let them …. well …

Tuesday, 6th June, 2023

I like to be in control. I like to be in control of the world around me and the events affecting my life. Sounds megalomaniacal and probably is but, at least, I recognise that in myself. I find gardening suits my personality because I am telling Nature how I want it to look, where to grow, in what colour and what form. I like neat edges, straight lines, considered blends of colours. I like to know I am in control of my environment.

In just the same way, I like to be in control of events. The first thing I do after laying the table for Breakfast is to check my phone for messages and the calendar for the day’s planned events. The calendar is on my Android phone and on my Apple iPad. It is on Pauline’s phone and iPad as well. All four iterations of the calendar are continually and instantly synchronised so either of us can add an event at any time and it will appear in all the others.

This morning, I received an email reminding me that I will have to renew my driving licence again on my next birthday – 73 – and then again every 3 years. It is an offence punishable with a huge fine if you forget. So, I set my online calendar up to tell me on 6/4/2024 that my Driving Licence should have been renewed and to warn me one calendar month before that date to renew it. I also told it to renew this arrangement every 3 years in perpetuity. Now that’s optimism for you!

All the more optimistic because of what’s happening to me that I’m not in control of. I am beginning to get increasingly concerned about the radiotherapy that I’m going to be receiving/subjected to around the end of August – month of September.

My prostate has a lot of Adenocarcinoma in it. On one side there are slow-growing tumours which would otherwise only need regular monitoring. On the other side, I have more aggressive and much quicker growing tumours. That’s why I’m being treated with hormone therapy followed by external beam radiation radiotherapy. Although I have a high percentage chance of surviving the next ten years, there are some considerable and potentially life-changing side effects that I’d rather avoid.

I received a letter from my Oncologist this morning. He was a man I immediately bonded with. I discussed my life as a teacher in the North West somewhere he had trained. I love Opera and so, it turned out, does he. We discussed my love of Greece and the house we built there which coincided with his love of the same and the fact that he had actually been to Kamares where our house was built. We were just about to set off for a trip to Thessaloniki and so was he. The letter to my Surgery and copied to me actually refers to all those coincidences which was a nice, personal touch.

Wednesday, 7th June, 2023

Another lovely morning tinged with a strange feeling of sadness and separation that I have been feeling for a day or two. Don’t know what it is. When I feel like that, I turn to music and, on a day like today, Beethoven’s Pastorale is perfect. I can see myself now, 30 years ago, after a hard day at work, driving in a Honda sports car across the Pennines, warm, sunny weather, sunroof open, windows down, sheep grazing silently on the moor and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, also known as the Pastoral Symphony bursting the eardrums and drowning out negative thoughts.

Kevin returned from Spain a couple of days ago and JohnR is flying back from South Korea this morning having left his only son there where he teaches EFL and makes films. Must be quite a wrench for him. When you get to our age and JohnR is two years older than me, you must think that separation will increase the chances of not seeing a loved one again. These are quite big things. Momentous things. I know how he dotes on his son and how much it pains him to not have him near. I suppose it is an emotion that most parents experience but, then, how would I know?

What I do know is that the beach is so much nicer without children. This morning it was delightfully warm but quiet, almost deserted. This is how the world should be.

It was lovely to walk in the sunshine unencumbered. There was no breeze and the tide had turned so the gentle lapping of the water on the beach was so soft that it reminded me of the gently breaking Aegean on the sands of Kamares Beach on Sifnos.

Thursday, 8th June, 2023

Don’t think I slept at all last night and now … a busy morning. We have guests arriving for Lunch in the garden today. I am ‘On Call’ throughout the morning – cleaning, tidying, fetching, carrying – in preparation. Nothing can be left to chance. The Chef is working flat out. She is producing a Greek -themed meal. We are having:

• Beetroot and Garlic Sauce – Σάλτσα παντζαριού και σκόρδου
• Tomato & Feta Salad – Σαλάτα ντομάτα & φέτα
• Courgette Fritters – κολοκυθοκεφτέδες
• Griddled Tuna Steaks – Μπριζόλες τόνου
• Roasted Peppers – Ψητές πιπεριές
• Black Asparagus – Μαύρα σπαράγγια

As usual, we are doing too much. Hope they’re very hungry. Have to ply them with lots of sparkling wine to make them hungry. Failing that, I’ll have to send for this group of Gannets that Julie sent me this morning from her latest photography trip.

I was shocked to hear that they have hardly seen the sun up on the East Coast of Yorkshire and the temperature has hovered around 13C all week. What with snow in North Wales, they should all move to the South Coast where I am and it is always sunny!

I haven’t told you this but I am by nature an anarchist. I believe rules are made to be broken. I am also an Aries boy. Passionate, determined and motivated, headstrong and impatient. I have always practised the principle that the ends largely justify the means.

Actually, these days ….. I am a moderate anarchist if that isn’t a contradiction in terms. I try to make sure that I don’t hurt people (too much) to achieve my goals. But, make no mistake, I am driven to get there and to break the rules to do it. To illustrate, I spent my working life driving like a maniac, never observing the speed limit. In retirement, I have time so I set my Automatic Cruise Control to the Speed Limit + 1mph to ensure I am breaking the rules but not too much. I am unable to do anything else.

Friday, 9th June, 2023

Up at 4.00 am on a hot and sticky night. Amazingly light at that time now. Drinking tea and watching Sky News. Going to be a hot day ahead although the rain that has been trailed for most of the week will not hit us and we could really do with it. We’re going to France next week and I was hoping for natural watering because I won’t be able to do it. Unfortunately, the first rain predicted for us is a week on Thursday for two hours.

According to Meteorologists, a weather cycle known as El Nino has officially formed in the Pacific Ocean – which will likely add more heat to a warming planet.

I was instructed that, after experimenting on our guests yesterday, we need a much bigger parasol to cover the whole table. One hour later, £253.98 poorer and absolutely shattered in 27C/81F of sunshine, I was allowed to rest – well, to water the garden.

Bought these lovely Alliums in Sainsbury’s yesterday. They look so perfect, you would be excused for thinking they were synthetic. They have a life of around 6 days, which is a pity, but I love them. They are ‘onion’ flowers, of course, but developed into the most majestic blooms.

I bet you don’t know who this is. It’s Sam Fender from Newcastle. Well I’m down with the kids but even I’d never heard of him. This morning at 9.30 am, my next door neighbours set off on a train journey of 5.5 hours and 3 changes of train to Newcastle to see him in concert tomorrow night. Can you imagine it? What kids today will do. Mind you, they are in their 50s.

Jason, who is a soft southerner, was shocked to find that he was leaving 27C and would be arriving in a strange land at 14C. I told them to take fur-lined anoraks and snow boots with them and they almost took me seriously.

Saturday, 10th June, 2023

Up at 3.33 am drinking tea. The milkman was delivering to a house up the road. At 3.33 am? Why? The moon is out but is replaced by the sun over the next hour. Feels like the night is over but back to bed for a couple of hours.

Feels like it’s over. The end of it all. How ironic on such a lovely day to be walking away from a lifetime’s obsession. Boris Johnson had always dreamed of being World King and now he has been rejected for what will probably be the last time. It will be a bitter pill to swallow. But we all have two choices: fight on or walk away from failure. He always does the latter. I don’t!

The mainstream Media is full of scare stories about the development of AI – Artificial intelligence – and the dangers of it challenging it’s makers, the human race. The great fears range from an assault on jobs to direct attacks on and control of us. I have to say, I welcome AI as we eventually did the automation of Manufacturing which moved population from the fields to the towns; as we swiftly did the introduction of the steam train and the combustion engine motor car; as we did the internet and email, mobile phones and texting.

It still comes as a bit of a shock when I search a product on-line and a day later I receive an email saying, You were interested in these trainers but didn’t complete your purchase. Have another look and we’ll offer you a 10% reduction. The sophistication of the algorithms is regularly shocking but can be turned to our own benefit. People learn to visit and not buy to entice a reduction.

I use Google search engine, Google Maps and a secondary Google email. I am invested in Google. Google is invested in me and tracks my mobile phone activity. I don’t mind it at all. In fact, I welcome the record. It is interesting to se the spread of our movement both within UK and the wider world.

From London and the South East, Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey to the Midlands, Repton & Burton to the North, Yorkshire & Lancashire and up to Scotland & Edinburgh. Driving down through Europe, through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy visiting Coquelles, Paris, Reims, Metz, Colmar, Mulhouse, Basel, Lucerne, Como, Milan, Parma, Bologna, Ancona and on down the Adriatic to Greece, to Patras, Athens & Thessaloniki. Down the other side of France to Bergerac via Orleans and Limoges.

And then there were trips to the Canaries within touching distance of the Western Sahara and to America and different parts of Florida so close to Cuba as well as a trip to New York. Throughout these travels, Google Maps has tracked and recorded my movements, even downloading images that I’ve taken or are representative of places I’ve visited.

Sunday, 28th May, 2023

May is drawing to a close. Time is running, running, running out … and, yet the Summer really has arrived. The sky is blue; the sun is shining; the temperatures are warm. All the signs are there. The Continental Quilt – I’m told I must call it Duvet now. – has been banished until October/November. All the vents on the windows are open. The air conditioning will be brought into service soon. I am living in shorts and tee shirts and will do for the 6 months.

Outside, the bedding plants, and seedlings are being left to fend for themselves. The weather covers have been removed from the garden furniture at last. No rain forecast for quite a while. The hosepipes and sprayers are back in action.

I just can’t sit still any more. An hour of writing or reading at a stretch is the absolute maximum I can manage these days. I was interested to find that Kevin is the same. He has to be out in the countryside on his bike. I have to be walking, working in the garden or in the Gym. It is holding my cerebral projects back. Today, of course, the weather is far too nice to spend in the Office. I am cleaning and tidying the patio.

Fortunately, a girl at the end of my road has been badgering me to help her with her lawn for weeks. I’ve been resisting but, when she said, You’ve got all the equipment., my resistance fell. I’ve agreed to stripe her lawn. What can I say. No self-respecting gentleman could refuse. While my gardener takes care of our garden, I will be tending to another woman’s.

Monday, 29th May, 2023

Lovely, sunny morning with a bit of sea breeze. JohnR has just sent a photo of his latest Lunch venue. The closest thing I’ll get to a restaurant in South Korea. I’m not planning on visiting any time soon.

Kevin is packed and ready to fly to Benidorm where the weather is rather uncertain. I’ve given him a link to a live WebCam overlooking the beach which looks very regimented – rather like an Italian one – and prepared for large numbers of people. I must admit, I prefer the anarchy of a Greek beach and the peace & quiet of an isolated cove.

Julie’s going to Flamborough lighthouse – I went there once. – with her Camera Club to photograph seals …

… and I’m going to … um … um … clean the patio. Still, only a couple of weeks and we are driving to France so must accept the situation. I hate Bank Holidays now that I’m not working. People on the roads, at the beach, in the shops that are open. They should all be at work!

Tuesday, 30th May, 2023

At 6.30 am, on this beautiful morning, I wished Kevin ‘safe flight’ as he set off for Leeds airport and his Jet2 flight to Alicante. John R wished me Good Morning from Hanok Village, Jeonju City, South Korea which I, admittedly childishly, find quite thrilling. Just getting out of bed at 6.30 am and talking to Jeonju City actually fascinates me. The distance and communication really grips me, means something to me. I love it. Someone even suggested it was sunny in Wales which is stretching it a but we can all fantasise.

I have long enjoyed reading the work of Dr Anthony Seldon, alumni of London School of Economics, currently, biographer of Boris Johnson, educator … Yesterday was Celebration Day and you would have found me in the Office, weeping softly, (Yes, again!) as I read an article by him in the Guardian: A simple truth: when love ones die, they never really go away. In it he argues, just as I have, that those who are gone, live on in the memory. I have long known that as I expand it to anyone who is far away, dead or alive. I don’t take well to desertion or rejection any more than I do to bereavement.

It is a strange thing and others don’t understand it but I have always felt a responsibility for them, their happiness and safety. I have never been able to explain it fully to myself but it is a strong thread running through my life. Maybe, it is my sentimentality. I make no apology for that. Certainly, Anthony Seldon isn’t so soft. He is writing about the death of his wife and subsequent remarriage but he concludes:

Life is not like anything I was led to believe it was when I was young. It does not start at birth, I have realised, and it does not end at death. So today, Celebration Day, is a day not for sadness but for renewal and, indeed, celebration.

It has made my need to visit my friend, Brian, in Royton all the more urgent. He wasn’t well last time and we have only talked once since then. It is my fault and I must address it. I’ve just got to fit it in around medical dates.

Big trip of the day: out to Lidl to buy 2 12 pks of Almond Milk. There’s is so much nicer than anyone elses’s I have tried. It means going past the beach and the sea was looking lovely with a green-blue colour. I just love the warmth.

In the warmth of the afternoon, after a long walk in the sunshine and a couple of hours cleaning up and planting out seedlings around our neighbours’ trees, we sat in the garden and griddled Sea Bream which we ate with a green salad and a broad bean salad. Accompanied by a white Rioja, the meal was fit for a City restaurant. Absolutely delicious.

Wednesday, 31st May, 2023

Didn’t sleep last night. Put the radio on at 3.30 am. The first BBC World Service news item was about evacuation sirens sounding across South Korea’s capital city, Seoul. It was caused by the launch of a rocket by North Korea although it, ultimately, crashed and burned. I immediately thought of JohnR who is visiting his son in Jeonju City. I don’t think he heard the sirens but he was visiting a Laundry. I don’t know if the two events were connected.

From a JohnR’s South Korean Laundry to Rattan Direct. The great fun of the day is trying to get the biggest possible discount on the order of replacement covers for our garden furniture.

We found that two people – me & my Housekeeper – logged on using two separate email addresses each – we could reduce the total cost of £200.00 by £80.00 by using a voucher code. Felt a little bit grubby but my Housekeeper loves the chase. It doesn’t get much more exciting than this!

Most of my friends are reliable and we talk regularly. I try to talk most days and at least 3 or 4 times a week. It makes us feel that we are part of each other’s lives even if at a remote level for a lot of the time. Sharing a life – particularly when you know how limited it could be – is a lovely thing to do. At least I get to see them once or twice a year.

Thursday, 1st June, 2023

If I could hold back time …. but it’s June already. My 72nd June although I don’t remember most of them. At least my computer’s Memory Box does that for me. Anyway, I’ve celebrated the new month by waking at 4.00 am, talking to JohnR about the false crisis in Seoul (He knew nothing about it because he is 100 kms away from it.) and then …. going to Sainsburys. That’s how exciting my life is at the moment.

You know how the start of a supermarket is almost always dominated by fresh produce. Our shopping almost starts and finishes there. I’m not meaning to boast. It is just the way our diet is now structured. The trolley is piled high with salad things and green beans, shallots, mushrooms, peppers, beetroot.

Most meals for Dinner start with a simple combination of a herb – Basil, Tarragon, Dill, Oregano or Parsley, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. The protein is fish, shellfish, chicken and/or pulses. I love Cannellini Beans and Broad Beans.

Today, we are going to break out! My chef is making Chicken Kiev (Kyiv) which is wicked but lovely. It will be cooked and eaten outside in the sunshine. I will have to do so much more exercise to merit such indulgence. I am really struggling to control my weight at the moment and that really upsets me.

Kevin is enjoying lovely weather in Benidorm – quite contrary to earlier forecasts. Who would bother putting their trust in BBC forecasting when it changes so swiftly? Here it is only 20C/68F today but lovely and sunny. I’m having to water every day at the moment. There is no rain in sight and that suggests hosepipe controls in the near future.

I am incredibly loyal … to the point of embarrassment. For the past 40 years, I have bought and driven Honda cars. For the past 40 years, I have used IHG hotel group in UK & Europe. For the past 40 years, I have used the Greek, Electra Hotels group.

All of these organisations reward me with forms of privileged membership. No request is too much for Honda to satisfy free of charge. After all, we have had some 20 new vehicles from them. IHG Hotels have given me a Gold Elite membership which entitles me to quite a few things including free nights stay in hotels. Today, Electra Group have given me Gold card status which entitles me to 12% off all bookings, automatic use of an executive car transport between the hotel and the airport, free upgrades, Late checkouts, ect.. Sometimes Loyalty pays off. Sometimes, of course, it is abused.

Friday, 2nd June, 2023

Strange start to the day. Where is the sun? So used to it now that an overcast sky is a shock. At 8.00 am it is 12C/54F – very similar to yesterday but there is a distinctly chilly breeze. My plants don’t like it. At least we haven’t got Welsh rain!

My friend, Julie, in North Yorkshire has been a bit down for a few days after an operation. To cheer her up, I told her a joke although I think I could have made it worse.

Give it to me! Give it to me! she yelled.
I’m so wet, give it to me now!
She could scream all she wanted, but I was keeping the umbrella.

We were driving down to the Fishmonger for a 3kg joint of sushi-quality, fresh Tuna which will be cut into steaks and griddled. A 3kg piece of Tuna is £85.00 now. It’s one of the few things that hasn’t gone up much recently.

We are entertaining during the week and Tuna will be the centre of the meal. Let’s hope we can eat outside in the garden.

The day has rapidly developed into a hot and sunny one. I’ve spent the morning, like some itinerant Road Sweeper/Gardener, mowing, edging, feeding and watering all the grass verges for my neighbours. The local Estate Agencies sell houses in our street describing them in Millionaires’ Road. None of us complain because it adds to the cachet when we want to sell.

Even so, it gives us something to live up to and I contribute by maintaining the external appearance. After all, I’ve got the time & money to do it so, why not? The only problem is that people walk past and say, How are you doing that? I can’t get ours to look like that. Can you come up to No. 10 to advise me and, like the softie I am, I go and find myself taking over.

I have just invited Julia – a Rebecca Jane substitute – to join us down here on the coast in the sunshine instead of trekking all the way to St Ives where she is spending Half Term.

Saturday, 3rd June, 2023

And yet another sunny day. When will it end? The forecast says it will continue for another fortnight at least. It is 22C/70F and lovely but people we lived with on our Greek island always said they longed for more defined seasons and rain in the Summer.

Well, my friend, Filoktitis, a news agency photographer, took delight in publishing these photos of last night in Kamares as it RAINED. We built our house up above Kamares Port. Rain is not completely unusual by any means but I’ve asked him to send some to the South of England where we desperately need it.

I am constantly watering my own garden and everyone else’s. Yesterday, D&J asked what they could do to repay me. Of course, I told them I would be embarrassed by anything like that. This afternoon, a lovely card came through the door from M&C thanking me for the effort in making things look good and asking if there was anything they could do for us. It is a wonderful to be able to say that I am in need of absolutely nothing.

In the meantime, we are enjoying a bottle of Champagne in the sunshine of our garden after a long, hot walk. Cheers to absent friends!

Kevin sent me a video at 2.00 am (UK) / 3.00 am (Sp) today of a terrible Beatles tribute act somewhere in some bar in Benidorm. He was drinking Pernod & Lemonade. He must really believe he’s back in the 1960s. The only reason I read it was because I was awake too.

Sunday, 21st May, 2023

Spent a glorious day of walking and indulgence yesterday. The temperature – at 27C/81F – was just on the edge of comfortable for a two hour walk. Still, we were rewarded with Club Sandwiches and white wine for Lunch. The afternoon was relaxing and packing before a taxi to the airport for a 22.35 pm flight to LGW.

Makedonia Airport is about a 30 mins drive from our hotel and it is actually quite nice. The facilities, for a regional airport, are excellent. There was even an Executive Lounge for us to use.

The Easyjet flight was on time and not full which made life more enjoyable. We landed back in London Gatwick at Midnight and, with only hand luggage but having to travel from South to North Terminals, we were in the carpark by 1.00 am. What I would do without my Personal Assistant, goodness knows. She records exactly where we park and doesn’t lose it over the time we’re away. When we get off the shuttle service bus, she knows exactly where to find the car with a photographic certainty. Everybody has their uses!

Empty roads meant we were home in less than an hour catching up with news and current affairs over a glass of wine.

In bed by 3.00 am, we were up at 7.00 am and feeling quite energetic. Got to do a Sainsbury‘s shop and a two hour walk and then we can relax. Chatted to Kevin, Julie, Nigel and John R. this morning. Nigel’s Gallery is putting on its final exhibition this week and it is featured in the local newspaper.

Monday, 22nd May, 2023

Over night, M from Florida sent me her Wordle and a photograph of their night out at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium to see Ed Sheeran performance. K & M are with David, a lovely lad who runs a business opportunities business in London and Florida. He stayed with us last time we were in America.

Like all American events, it was obviously a quiet and refined occasion of sublime cultural performance. I also received an email from our Greek hotel thanking us for our patronage, hoping we enjoyed our experience and looking forward to welcoming us again. They also sent me a live video link taken from close to our balcony which is worth looking at

Beautiful morning as we drove down to the garage some mile and a half away. We walked back through the woods on a delightfully leafy path. We will do the reverse walk this evening to collect the car again ……

…. Well, we hit 25C/77F this afternoon which made our walk quite a sweaty one. My cancer treatment is really starting to kick in now and I’m noticing that I am putting on weight which is making me more lethargic and I am tiring much more quickly so I really have to give myself a good talking to as I complete my exercise routine. Today by 4.30 pm, I have only walked 7.5 miles so I will have to complete it in the Gym.

Tuesday, 23rd May, 2023

The morning has opened gloriously and I’ve got gardening on my mind but first a walk. I like to get the bulk of my exercise routine out of the way as soon as possible and, particularly, at the moment because my treatment really is beginning to tax my energy levels. The Consultant did say it would but advised me to confront it and continue to maintain my routine as the best policy. I am trying hard to do that. I’ve got a series of blood tests, Oncology meetings, CT Scans and even my GP Surgery wants to see me.

This is not the life I would want or would choose but that is what I have been dealt. I am hoping a lot of this will be over by the end of September and then I can get on with my normal life. I am going to France for a few days in mid-June and then flying to Athens for a week towards the end of August. What I’m hoping is that I can keep my trip to the North of England to meet up with old friends in October. Could be cancer-free by then with a bit of luck but, if it has to be delayed by a month, I will do it.

Unfortunately, I won’t be at the reunion tomorrow lunchtime in Ripon. Kevin has just contacted me to ask what he should wear to the reunion. I told him, Underpants!

It really has been a delightful day of sunshine. Not quite as hot as yesterday but still 23C/73F. Warm enough to get us out to the Garden Centres. I think I have written before, our area used to be totally covered in market gardens and acres of glass houses which produced the herbs and salad vegetables for the south east.

The economics of that business were far outweighed by the profits to be made on house building so there are few growers left and even they have either become vineyards or garden centres. We still have many available to choose from.

Wednesday, 24th May, 2023

Gorgeous, gorgeous morning reaching 21C/70F very early. Want to be in the sunshine in the garden, planting out but, instead, I am going down to the surgery to discuss cancer. It’s all at their instigation not mine. I’m trying to ignore the whole thing.

I have to have a second Hormone injection coming up which lasts for three months and leads to a month of Radiotherapy. I have to have a CT scan to see what effect the first hormone treatment has had and then meet with my Oncologist. And to top that, my Doctor wants to make sure I’m coping with the procedure. I know I am an old man but, although I shouldn’t complain, it all feels a bit too much.

I wrote yesterday about our areas horticultural past. That’s how this road on our walk got its name. What I love is the white wisteria. Wisteria grows so easily down here that the lilac coloured racemes can be seen in most gardens. On the south coast, this year’s flush is virtually faded but this white variety – Wisteria Alba – is just coming into its own.

If you are one of my Ripon College readers, you might remember Peter Sarginson in the Art Department. He died in 2017 but his work lives on as the poster above attests to.

Thursday, 25th May, 2023

Another glorious day in what is forecast to be a glorious fortnight of wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies without any rain at all. My friend, Kevin, has decided in his wisdom to spend 5 days in Spain where the days will be dominated by rain storms. He always did have suspect judgement!

Yesterday, my gardener planted out lettuce and courgette plants for me because all risk of frost is over down here now. Today the tubs will be planted up with my favourite crimson red Geraniums, bright orange and yellow Calendulas but, before that, we are going back to the garden centre for some more showy plants for the summer.

Yesterday, was also the annual reunion of a disappearing species – the first men (boys) to appear at the previously all-women (girls) Ripon College. It was a lovely time but the irony of time is that, 50 years on, the boys (men) are old and aging fast while the College grounds have been completely rejuvenated and re-purposed and are looking beautiful.

Although not all are pictured here, only about half a dozen of the 20 men were represented yesterday and the numbers had to be filled by younger ones. Kevin told me that these reunions just served to remind him how old he was. It is almost certainly universally true that we carry a younger image of ourselves around in our heads and rubbing up against reality sometimes can be quite a shock. Of course, I still look little different to my 1972 self although I did spot a second grey hair on my Housekeeper’s head yesterday that may soon need attention.

Friday, 26th May, 2023

Glorious day of shopping, walking and law cutting. All the big things of state. Kevin and Julie doing similarly significant things. Kevin packing for a wet week in Spain. Julie visiting the dentist. John R. is really going for it. He is currently landing in South Korea where he is visiting his son. Hard to visualise but still. Good for him! I am spectacularly mowing lawns in glorious sunshine. We ate roast duck with salad outside in the garden which makes life worth living.

Every day of my life, I do about 2.5 hours of physical exercise about the same of reading and a couple of hours of writing. That way, I try to keep my faculties agile and fit. I am well in to my 15th year of my Blog and that takes up about an hour each day. My book is progressing well and that takes another hour. The central character is a man who exudes confidence as he makes his way through world but, in reality relies heavily on others to show him the way.

Just been reading an article about the author, Robert Harris. Born in a council house in my part of the Midlands, so many of his books have been turned into films. If only I could write like him or even spot the stories that would sell.

Growing old is a disgusting experience. Men, particularly, find hair sprouting from their ears and nostrils like some neanderthal. I find myself walking with my mouth open and dribbling to one side. What is wrong with me? I know it’s happening but can’t correct it. Although I’m quite fit, my balance is poor. I can’t really stand on one leg for long like I used to. My memory is ok – good even – but I have a whole string of words I permanently have difficulty with.

Saturday, 27th May, 2023

Another beautiful morning as in so much of the country. You’ll be surprised to learn that I’m going out for an early walk and then potting up bedding plants. This morning, over Breakfast, I’ve been talking to JohnR in South Korea. It’s not the talk but the fact that my breakfast table reaches out and touches Seoul that interests me. Those in international businesses will be quite used to it but, for me, it is still a fascination.

South Korea time is GMT + 9 so I was talking to JohnR at 4.30 pm after a long, traditional Korean lunch. I think my orange juice and porridge looked a bit more appetising at that time in the morning.

Yet another visit to the garden centre this afternoon. Going to need a mortgage at this rate. Just looking for pot fillers that last all summer, give a bright display and don’t cost too much. We already have lots but to complete the set we purchased Verbena, Impatiens – what we used to call a house plant – Busy Lizzie – in our youth but is now a vigorous garden plant and Cosmos which I know I can grow from seed but can’t be bothered.

That is almost the garden fully stocked for the Summer. Lettuces, herbs, French Beans in the raised beds and some vibrant colour in the patio pots all around. Only the watering is a little time consuming but I don’t begrudge it in this weather.

We’re going to do a few French trips in the next weeks and then fly to Athens at the end of August. We might even fit in a few days in Valencia as well around July if I can slot it into my medical schedule so our store of Euros needs building up. Sterling has been strengthening recently. I can get £1.00 = €113.00 on a click & collect basis if spend around £2000.00 and I can’t be bothered waiting in for an Foreign Exchange company to deliver on a better rate so I am just ordering from Tesco Currency.

The first trip is in just over two weeks so I hope they sort the I.T. system out before we drive on to the Tunnel train. In the meantime, I am really having to fight to get through my exercise routine. Fortunately, I’ve got a really gripping drama series to coax me into the gym. I am watching a Political Spy thriller set in the Whitehouse. It is based on a book by someone I’ve never heard of but might look at in future. The Night Agent is available on Netflix at the moment. You ought to try it.

Some people read in bed. Reading wakes me up and makes me want to start writing and talking. Listening to inconsequential news items on the radio slightly helps me but I am not sleeping well at all at the moment. It is a source of concern for me. I use the radio to distract me from my thoughts. Sometimes it works but quite often I get so gripped by the reports that I want to hear it all.

Sunday, 14th May, 2023

A warm and tranquil morning after quite a disturbed sleep. Doesn’t matter what one does to prepare, there is always so much to do in the hours before travel and, I can tell you now that, as we drive away from the house, we will both say, What have we forgotten?

This morning, I have had my haircut, set the lights and automatic switches on Hive, watered the plants, charged my shaver and toothbrush, put the Long Stay Carpark postcode into the Sat.Nav. and done a 2 hour walk.

My neighbour behind our house, who has a dog as big as a horse, is moving to Spain. Her house was listed as ‘Sold’ but it turns out that the sale fell through. She’s still moving to Spain but leaving the house empty and open for the estate agent to dispose of at … £1,000.000.00. I’ve suggested that they rent out their dog for donkey rides on the beach.

Kevin is in the 36 hrs before his next colonoscopy. I know he is nervous. I am trying to calm him down by making fun of him. Do you think of people you are leaving behind when you are going away? I do. How will I help them if they need me? If I die while I’m away, how can I tell them? I know they don’t care but, unfortunately, …. I do!

Of course, we must all do as much as we can to stay fit, healthy and alive. I keep impressing that on the people who are my friends. I am determined to hold a centenarian party for those who manage it. Although this idea has been around for ages, a recent and authoritative study has demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit and vegetables, nuts and pulses, oily fish and seeds reduces the risk of heart disease by 28% and Alzheimer’s by 25% … as long as you remember to stick to it.

Kevin and I are sad, old men. We exchange exercise statistics. He has cycled over 1000 miles and swum a similar amount in the past year. In the last 12 months, I have walked 3,200 miles. We are obsessive. Perhaps men are. I get newspaper reports sent to me daily.

I automatically receive news from M24 every morning and evening including traffic, crime, social events and property prices. It’s fascinating. This 85 year old Rochdale pensioner was featured yesterday. He has set himself the goal of completing one million press-ups before his 90th birthday and 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday. Now that is something I can aspire to!

Monday, 14th May, 2023

Out early for the drive to Gatwick Airport this morning. Only us and some badgers and rabbits on the road.

Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport just after 9.00 am (UK) / 11.00 am (G). Taxi to the hotel takes about 35 mins. Always wanted to go to Macedonia. …. and now I am doing.

Flight was fine – only 3 hrs.15 mins. Our first flights to Greece in the early 1980s were 4.5 hrs. Things have moved on so much! We met a delightful taxi driver who took us to our hotel for €25.00.

The hotel manager, Alexia Kolatskou, proved to be a fan of Roald Dahl who went to my local school of Repton. She was excited to hear of the novelist, Nina Bawden and her husband, Austen Kark, former Head of BBC World Service and their connection with me and with Greece and, particularly, her own hotel chain – Electra.

Had lovely contact from Kevin, Julie, John R., John M, Emma, Margaret and Tommy. Strange how poignant contact from friends feels when you are abroad. Sunday will see the Greek General Elections and there are stalls being set out all around the city for political rallies in the build up to the vote. Down by the harbour, this KKE (Communist Party) stall was being prepared with seating and TV cameras for the weekend.

Tuesday, 15th May, 2023

I’ve only been in Greece 24hrs and I’m already … shopping! As usual, the weather is warm. We are in shorts and tee shirts and Greeks are still dressed for Winter. It is 21C/70F but they think fur-lined hooded Anoraks are still appropriate.

First, I ate bacon & scrambled egg for Breakfast. Big mistake! I may never eat again. Now, I really need to walk it off but the most pressing need is to sort my room mate’s email out. BT Email constantly suspends our service from a foreign broadband connection. They think it has been ‘hacked’ even though I use a VPN. Fortunately, I am now confident in resetting the email accounts and normal service is quickly restored.

Then out into the city. It has echoes of Athens but also of Venice and Bologna. It has lots of old buildings but better maintained than those of Athens. It is calmer and the people are friendlier. We’ve met some lovely people here already.

Anyway, I soon found myself in Department Stores like the Hondas Centre and then down to the Fresh Food Market. That’s what I like to see – all the fresh fish in this port city but wonderful fruit and vegetables (Don’t tell Sainsburys!) and so many herbs and spices.

It’s a 15 minute city designed hundreds of years ago. You can walk anywhere within15 minutes. They didn’t know I need to be stretched and forced to walk further.

We followed that by a walk down the Old Port which has been redeveloped into a Cultural Centre with a Film Museum, Fashion Museum and lots of trendy bars and restaurants.

One of the notable works of art in this trendy city of fashion, culture, politics and protest is the sculpture commemorating many of their Jewish community who were rounded up and murdered in the extermination camps during WW2. The sculpture represents the sorrow of their twisted bones.

Wednesday, 16th May, 2023

Up early because I was contacted by M from Florida. She is 7 hrs behind us so speaking at 10.00 pm the night before when were 5.00 am. It’s not a problem. I was awake anyway. Tea and Sky News and then Muesli for breakfast.

Went out for an early walk before the sun was too hot. We followed the promenade road round the coast. This is a delightful, friendly and cultural city. Art and sculpture are everywhere. I nodded to Aristotle in our square, chatted to Alexander the Great on his horse, waved at Papandreou and laughed at Mitsotaxis all in statue form. We walked 8 miles and the sun got stronger as we went.

Back at the hotel, we went in the Executive Lounge reserved for residents of Suites. It works on the principal of an Airport Lounge. We had no idea it was on offer until we arrived. We can retreat from the crowds, enjoy the facilities we choose and order any food and drink free of charge throughout the day. We ordered smoked salmon sandwiches and a bowl of Greek salad with a bottle of wine. May never eat or drink again.

Thursday, 17th May, 2023

This really is a lovely place. On one side is the ocean and on the other views reach to Mount Olympus. The streets are full of lovely, kind and respectful people, people who are interested in politics, culture and fitness. Early morning walkers, runners, cyclists, canoeists, sailboarders are everywhere. The squares are constantly vibrant with political debate. There marquees set up with sound systems proselytising loudly their political party’s policies and candidates.

This man was one of the quieter ones. Aristotle has been dead for almost 2,500 years but he is still revered and gives his name to the Platia in which our hotel stands.

It is a great place to walk and talk, to sit and watch, to share a bottle of wine and Mezedes – usually, nuts, crisps, olives, tomato & feta – and just enjoy the world. It is such a wonderful place.

Of course, it all had to go down hill at some stage. When my Dresser suggested going for a walk, I had a bad feeling and it was completely justified. Fortunately, it didn’t cost me money today.

Friday, 18th May, 2023

Hot, sultry, rather humid day especially for walking. The sun felt a bit too intense. I am rather a creature of habit in my exercise. I immediately found a walk that suited me along the edge of the water and the harbour. One hour out and another hour back. In fact, I’m slightly quicker on the way back because all my old muscles are warmed up and working well.

The promenade around the bay is pebble-dashed concrete which isn’t the most comfortable but it is wide and flat. Along the route, there is so much artwork which makes me want to stop.

Alexandra the Great is a son of Macedonia and he is celebrated on his horse in a statue by the sea …

…. but there are so many interesting pieces like the Sunshades and the Tree of Light. The city is big on environmentalism and ‘green’ living. The lights on the tree are solar powered like so many things in this country of sunshine.

What a lovely, civilised and vibrant city this is. All week, there has been a Climate Activist Booth on the Square handing out leaflets, playing music and then a Procession in support of Ukraine across the Square this morning. All totally appropriate in a Square dedicated to Aristotle, the ancient philosopher dedicated to politics and ethics.

Saturday, 19th May, 2023

A gorgeous morning. We eat breakfast outside on the balcony overlooking Plateia Aristotelous and the Thermaic Gulf.

Breakfast is a weird thing across the world. To cater for all nationalities is something of a challenge. Next to us is a Greek couple eating dry sesame rusk with thick, black coffee. A Arabic man has chosen cheese and cherry tomatoes with raw fish. Americans are eating waffles with melted chocolate. We are eating cereals followed by bacon & eggs but there is also mountains of smoked salmon, cold ham and salami, chocolate cake and cinnamon & apple tarts and much more.

No better evidence needed that we must seize the day and enjoy every minute came yesterday when my old school’s jungle telegraph line contacted me to say that an old friend and colleague, who had fallen into Dementia and recently died in an Oldham care home, was buried yesterday. A lot of people I haven’t seen for years had attended and I would have liked to see them again.

It was kind of my friend, Little Viv, to let me know of Derek’s funeral and it underlines the importance of friends. Viv’s husband died of a heart attack years ago. Derek’s wife, who also taught Art in my school, died of cancer about 5 years ago and he rapidly went downhill after that. It’s scary!

In Florida, our new pool is coming on. It will be good to get out and use it if I get through this current cancer problem. M sent me an update this morning along with her Wordle contribution.

It will certainly look good when it’s finished. A barbecue area is being constructed at one side. This is my sort of living.

Been chatting to two characters – Damon Albarn (who I’ve never heard of) and Midge Ure (who I’ve sort of heard of) on Twitter. They have been following me on Twitter.

They are big in popular music, I understand, and their industry has been destroyed by the lunacy that is Brexit. Free Movement of people, which so many of us want, has been stymied by the Xenophobia of the Little Englanders. These two like my views on Brexit and want to re-tweet them. Feel free!

Sunday, 7th May, 2023

Glorious day with warm sunshine reaching 18C/65F. Been on a long walk – 7 miles – round the area, policing developments. No street parties to stop. No festivities to stamp out. A few, discrete barbecues and chinking glasses of chilled Sauvignon Blanc from back gardens but nothing too outré.

There was a Vintage Car Rally at the Rugby Club but it was very controlled and there were no union jacks to tear down. So, all was calm. No loud music, brash, ill-mannered Northern behaviour. Normality reigned. What a lovely place we have come to!

As I know I have written before, in September 1969, Mum drove me to this place on College Road in Ripon, North Yorkshire. I had all my worldly goods in a few boxes and was wearing the clothes she thought a country gentleman who was training as a teacher should wear – Sports Jacket, Flannels, Striped Shirt and mustard coloured Cravat. I sold them all within a week of arriving.

I was in Digs in the middle house which was owned by a Scottish family – Mr & Mrs Boyde and their two children, Andrew and Sheila – and I was sharing the top floor with two other students, Nigel and John-2 (so named because I arrived first.) We went upstairs to my rooms and from the small lounge area an almighty racket was emanating. When I opened the door, Nigel was sitting on the floor with a record player blaring out Leonard Cohen’s

Like a bird on the wire; Like a drunk in a  midnight choir,
I have tried in my way to be free …

Mum took one look at Nigel, looked at the delight on my face and fled down the stairs to her car and drove straight home never to return. The Boydes were a lovely family. The father, Geoff Boyde, was stationed at RAF Leeming. The Mum, Sheila, cooked us massive Breakfasts and even more massive Dinners. She knew what growing lads needed and we were never hungry.

We were treated like part of the family. Their son, Andrew must have been about 14 and he went to Ripon Grammar. The daughter, Sheila, was 10. I remember little about her. I had enough sisters as it was.

Move on about 25 years and I was in London attending a conference. I was late for a meeting and rushing through the underground to get a train. I had to push my way through a huge queue of people who were lining up at a ticket machine. As I did so, a couple stepped aside to let me through and I was shocked to see it was Geoff & Sheila Boyde who I last saw in 1971 in Ripon. We only had a brief moment to say Hello and I ran for my train.

I never saw them again but, yesterday, John-2 contacted me and said he had found the daughter, Sheila still living in Ripon and working in Harrogate as a Sports Nutritional Consultant. Today she is 62 and pictured above. But that is not the end of the story. Sheila has been a star of long distance running just like my sister JaneGB.

Pictured above is Sheila winning the Glasgow Half Marathon in 1988. A book on Scottish Athletics says, Sheila Catford is ranked fifth on the Scottish all-time list for the marathon behind Liz McColgan, Kathy Butler, Hayley Haining and Lynn Harding. Wikipedia tells me she was a British long-distance runner, who competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.

A year later she won the Florence Marathon and represented Britain in the 1991 World Marathon Cup which was run as part of the London Marathon. From a ten year old to this makes me feel so old. Those days are in the past but available to be recaptured with the right imagination. Reject it as you will, I embrace the change with realism.

Monday, 8th May, 2023

Lovely warm morning. Went out for an early walk because we have lots of jobs to get through today. I find it really helpful for thinking and planning. Something about the movement encourages the brain to process.

We set off for Thessaloniki next week and the Gatwick Airport Parking has to be booked. The DragonPass Premier+ reservation at the Airport Lounge needs to be confirmed. Then I am forced by my Housekeeper to predict what I will wear so it can be washed, ironed and packed. We can each take onboard a medium suitcase plus hand luggage so we won’t be wasting time waiting for cases to come from the hold.

Our hotel is the sister of the one we use in Athens and it is located on Aristotelous Square around 100 mtrs from the sea and near to the main Department stores, fashion outlets, Tavernas, Restaurants and bars. The hotel has an indoor and an outdoor pool plus Fitness Centre so there will be lots to do. I will just be happy to hear Greek voices, read Greek language on billboards, Shop signs and menus and catch up on some of our favourite Greek television programmes.

Our flight home is late at night so we need a late checkout. Fortunately, I am a holder of an Electra Hotels Rewards card which entitles us to exactly that so I am arranging that as well. There have to be some benefits to long term loyalty.

Kevin, who is currently auditioning as an old, Spanish Hooker, has just contacted me to say that one of our old friends Keith – although a little younger than us – has advanced prostate cancer. It has spread beyond the prostate and he has been receiving chemotherapy without much success.

The news rather brought me up short. Keith, a strong Geordie, and I played football together. He was friendly and kind like so many Northerners. I know how he and his wife must be feeling. The thought that hope is beginning to run out must be absolutely devastating.

Tuesday, 9th May, 2023

Heavy rain over night but lovely warm and dry this morning. It’s how we insist on the meteorological organisation in Sussex. Everywhere looks fresh and so green. New leaves and fresh grass are almost luminous in their vibrancy.

Walking through the park, the rain had refilled the lake and dogs were excitedly splashing in it as they were chasing balls thrown for just that purpose.

The political tide is definitely changing across Britain. The newspapers this morning illustrate that just as clearly as last week’s local elections did. It’s making lots of the Blogs I read much more interesting. Really looks like the Red Wall, Northern voters are finally realising that they were conned by the political glitterati and that Brexit and Levelling-Up were just empty bribes. Why it has taken them so long? You only have to look at the Express and The Daily Fail to understand.

Wednesday, 10th May, 2023

Really strange night dreaming of grass and wrinkly, old witches. Don’t ask. I have no idea why. A bit disturbing though.

Put the radio on at 4.00 am but it was so interesting a news programme on the World Service that I didn’t fall asleep until 6.00 am and had to get up an hour later. It’s strange, though. I’ve got up raring to go, not at all tired. I seem to need so little sleep these days. I was talking to Julie yesterday. Same age as me, she often gets up at 4.00 am and works on her art without suffering. What I don’t understand about it is, after I did so much exercise and had so much fresh air, why I’m not tired.

The day is absolutely beautiful with clear blue sky and strong, warm sun. It’s been very warm – 14C/57F all night. The French Beans planted out yesterday have settled in well and, hopefully, will have really developed by the time we get back from Greece.

It’s time for sun cream before walking now. The sun is quite burning this morning. Before we set off, the robot vacs are set on their tasks upstairs and down. That’s my day’s work done.

Each day, I walk a familiar route and people say hello as if they know me. They only know me as the idiot who walks this way at the same time as them every day. Yesterday, a lady who I’ve said Hello to for quite a while, decided to volunteer, I’m Jane, by the way. Quite shocked me. I don’t know why. I really hadn’t expected it.Anyway, I tried to keep it superficial.

My next door neighbours are lovely but they are busy working people. Dee is a lecturer in English at the local College and he runs a bricklaying company who were employed to build our house. They love Greece and holiday on the island of Skiathos. They want to retire in the next 5 years or so and buy a property there for holidays. Their front door is less than 100 mtrs away from ours but we rarely meet to talk. I do go into their back garden to work on their awful lawn. We have now taken to communicating on Whatsapp.

A long standing joke has been that Jason would sell his wife because she accidentally reversed over my immaculately manicured lawn and teach the dog to drive. I am advising him on lawncare and her on 18th century novels. We are in a private Whatsapp group called Wives&Weeds. We could shout over the fence but this is more comfortable. They are lovely, kind people and have offered to help me if my cancer treatment gets too tiring.

Thursday, 11th May, 2023

Gorgeous sunny and warm morning again. All signs of witches and worries abandoned. Chatted to Julie and Kevin over breakfast and then went out shopping to Sainsburys. We go away in 4 days so the shopping list was tailored to that.

Today, the Bank of England raised the Lending Rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%. It is still ludicrously low even though our younger – pre 60 yrs – friends scream blue murder. For people like me, it couldn’t be better unless it was more. Haven’t had a mortgage since 2009. It was massive – one entire salary – right up until the end. We deliberately hurt ourselves to gain later and we certainly did that. In retirement, when people are meant to draw in their spending, we have felt better off than when we were working. We are spending and saving happily. Haven’t borrowed money for as long as I can remember. We have become lenders of first resort ourselves.

The problem has been, of course, as inflation has increased, our cash reserves are being eaten away with few places to shelter and grow. Each year, I search for the best interest rates both fixed and easy access. They both mature in July and I am looking for 2-yr fixes to beat the inflation cycle. The problem is that we can only earn £2000.00 between us in investment income before paying tax.

I used to have tax-free ISAs but the rate has been so poor that I moved out of them like so many others. Now, I am going to start moving back but we can only feed in £40,000.00 a year. It will take quite a while to shelter everything over the longer term. Hopefully, we will have two more, small increases to push inflation down and savings rates up and I can pounce and fix until 2025. Might even be in positive territory by then.

Friday, 12th May, 2023

Up early and out for a long walk to enjoy the weather. Lots of jobs to get through today so exercise must be ticked off first. Cases are waiting outside the Ironing Room to be packed for Sunday.

I leave all washing, ironing and packing to my Housekeeper. It is quite relaxing to allow her free reign in these matters.

Everywhere is looking lovely. Trees, shrubs, grass, sky make me feel old as they are renewed in vivid colour. Pity bodies can’t renew each year in the same way.

Walked through the park and then on through the wood. The contrast was lovely. Amazing how calming the colours and textures of the natural world can be. Really pleased not to be a town dweller.

I hate being ‘ill’. I hate having to be involved in the medical process. This morning I was phoned by an Oncology nurse who was asking about my welfare. You would think I would see that as a nice thing to do. I don’t. She sounded a lovely girl and was wishing me well with my treatment but my mind is fighting the fact that I am needing treatment at all.

I think I am refusing to accept the aging process. My friend, Kevin, who is so much older than me, is going through a third colonoscopy in months. I should accept this but I am really finding it difficult to do. I’ve noticed that what medics say when they first meet me is, Well, you’re a 72 year old gentleman and … This seems so old fashioned to me. I have pledged to myself to resist these age expectations as long as I possibly can.

It will be good to spend some time away in the sunshine and to forget medics, appointments, treatments, etc..

Saturday, 13th May, 2023

It’s great to get home, isn’t it? Doesn’t matter where you’ve been. ‘Home’ is different. We are going away but we know that home will be lovely when we return. At least, it won’t be Wales!

Our area is bathed in sunshine and painted in green and blossom. We really couldn’t ask for more. And yet, we are flying to Northern Greece – to Thessaloniki – for an interesting short break. Never been there. Will be fun.

The temperature is 21C/70F and the sun is strong. I have cut all the neighbours’ lawns prior to going away and they will look after everything for me over that time. Who knows when we will be back. If we are enjoying it, our open ticket may stay open for weeks. I have to be back for medical appointments but nothing else. We will make it up as we go along.

A suite in the Electra Palace, Thessaloniki will be a lovely retreat from the world. We will walk in the sunshine, swim in the pool, eat in local Tavernas and relax with the Greek language TV. Home from Home!

Will you be watching the ‘bonkers’ Euro Gay-fest tonight? I have never watched Eurovision but the EU demonstration tonight might entice me. Alright, it probably won’t but I’ll look at the highlights. Absolutely astonishing that these oddballs vote to leave Europe and then are desperate to be back in it for the most spurious of reasons and you can’t get more spurious than this rubbish!