4.11.2026 54km and another down jacket.

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  Wednesday 4th 39F/4C [6.20] Dark. Thick mist! Wall to wall sunshine is promised. Peaking at 10C/50F.  Light northerly breeze going N-Easterly.

Up at 5.45 after lying awake for hours. Or was I dreaming I was awake? Repetitive dreams/worries about hedge clipping. 

 22C/72F in the room. I imagine the heat pump is working harder with lower outside temperatures. Which means more expensive electricity bills. We shall see. 

 Though cool, the weather points to a ride today. 

 8.30 The mist is clearing to sunshine. 

 14.10 Back from a 54km ride. It was lucky I took both bike batteries. The 1st battery died at around 30km. It showed 68% charge before leaving. 

 I bought a 99% goose down jacket for 69kr or about £7.70. In a charity shop of course. I have owned about 25 down jackets over the years. I gave most of them back to charity shops. Which is where all, but two, originated. I kept two jackets. One as the warmest for real emergencies. The other as the smartest for casual, winter wear. 

 

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3.11.2026 A visitor prompted [late] Spring Cleaning.

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  Tuesday 3rd 47F/8C [8.20]  Overcast but some sunshine is promised. Breezy from the NE. Peaking around 10C/50F. 

 Up at 7.15 after a fairly quiet night with dreams. 22C/72F in the room.

 I am expecting my English friend to visit today. So a bit of spring cleaning is required. 

 10.00 I worked for three hours to make the place presentable. He left about 12.00.

 I collected yesterday's recycling bin and then had a late chat with my minder. 

 14.50  First sign of the sun today. I have to go shopping sometime.

 And did. Just as it was getting dark. The supermarket was packed with shoppers on their way home. I managed to stuff two full, carrier bags with groceries.

 Dinner was [non-organic] pork chops. Generous quantities for a less exorbitant price. I spoilt myself and had two. My first chance to use my inexpensive, digital, meat thermometer. Google said over 63C/145F. Then rest for 3 minutes. I didn't need a rest. I'd had a nap. 

 The chops were perfect. I added Danish baked beans and frozen chips to the sumptuous menu. And brown sauce on the chips. No expense spared at Chez Hovel.

  

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2.11.2026 200W!

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  Monday 2nd 44F/7C [9.15] Bright sunshine. It's supposed to be cloudy all day with showers. Peaking around 9C/48F. With light winds increasing. 23C/74F in the room.

 Up at 8.20 after a very disturbed night. I have a painful tummy ache! 

 Exercise class in town later. 

 12.15 Back from the exercise therapy class. I hit 200Watts on the exercise bike. That was during "climbing" intervals. The rest of the time was concentrated on balance exercises. Quite a workout! 

 After a sunny morning. It has become overcast with light showers. The stomach ache ceased as I reached the class.

 Dinner was two large, toasted wholemeal rolls with cheese. 

 

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