31st August 2026 To David.

 ~o~

 Dear David, 

 If you should read this. Know that we are all so sorry to hear of your loss. The pain of missing a loved one takes time to heal. Whether it be sudden or almost, half expected. You must give yourself time to mourn. Your present torment of confused thoughts and emotions are perfectly natural and normal at this time. They too will slowly subside. Try to push any negative feelings of guilt aside. These too are perfectly natural but corrosive to recovery. Forgive yourself for any perceived responsibility.

 I am here if you need me. Or just want to talk. Otherwise I will give you a week or so. To recover from the initial shock. Before I ring you. If you do not feel like talking yet. Then that is perfectly fine too. You owe none of us your attention. If it is still too difficult for you. No one will blame you. 

 Nobody really knows what they can say to ease your pain. Be gentle with those close to you. As they try to ease your burden. Above all, be kind to yourself. Try to accept whatever help is offered. And if not, then do not reproach yourself for a moment. Only you, know what you really need. 

 In tears, love from Chris.    

 ~o~ 

31.08.2026 Robot flasher?

 ~?~

  Monday 31st 61F/16C [7.45] Overcast with the risk of rain and thundery cloudbursts again. Variably windy from the south. 22C/72F in the room. 17C/63F in the greenhouse.

 Up at 8.00 after earlier clock watching in the dark. 

 I had my morning, online chat. 

 I have a new therapy exercise class starting next Monday at 11am.

 I drove to an electronics outlet where I obtained an orange strobe light and a WGP301 UPS. With a draw of only 100mA on a 7800mAh battery I should get in excess of 27 hours of continuous, stroboscopic, light output. Mounting it all on the robot mower without cosmetic damage will be fun! I shopped for groceries on the way home.

 In the afternoon the lady of the manor popped by for a chat. She stayed for a couple of hours. 

 Dinner was a huge mound of salad. 

 My sister rang with the sad news of a member of the family passing. 

 See next post.  

 

  ~?~

 

 

 

30.08.2026 Constructive procrastination.

 ~?~

  Sunday 30th 60F/16C[8.00] Rain and increasingly heavy overcast. I have had to turn on the lights. Windy from the S-SW. 22C/71F in the room. 17C/63F in the greenhouse.  

 Up at 7.20 after drifting. 

 13.15 It has been absolutely tipping down for quite some time. 

 There was more of the same later. 

 I am summoning the will to take the recycling bin along the drive. I can do this. And done. Leaving me  completely breathless. What a hero!

 I have been looking for a bright strobe light to protect the mower from marauding cars. Or any other unexpected vehicle.

 A local electronics outlet has these: Which will probably fit on top of the mower but needs a 12V power supply. A battery pack [rechargeable power bank]  could be charged indoors and placed on the mower only when needed. There are other 12V strobe lights which are thinner and have a band of LEDS. Of similar modest price but again needing external power. They are designed for adding to heavy vehicles and tractors for emergencies. Or simply to ensure they are seen.

 Dinner was 10 minute [and then chilled for 5 minutes] boiled eggs on wholemeal bread rolls. Nearly perfect. Next time I'm boiling three eggs! 

 

  ~?~