Thursday 18th December 2025

We have several appointments before Christmas.

Two of which were Thursday.

But first is the coffee and then the drive to the gym, and then the gymming itself, and the drive back.

As Christmas nears, the gym is a little more empty each day, which is good for us.

I cycle round Los Angeles, which is a bit soulless if I'm honest. The last part is beside a canal which looked very unlike Los Angeles, and more fenland near Upwell if anything.

But the rest is dreadful.

Its just something to look at.

So, back home for a shower and get changed, before we're off to Canterbury University to meet the financial advisor.

I looked at the traffic map, and thought it was worth risking going to Wincheap, then round the ringroad before doubling back up the hill to the university.

Which would have been great were it not for the road closure near Westgate meaning all traffic has to go along Orchard Street, then turn down past Canterbury West station, which, when we got there, the level crossing was closed to allow a train to depart, so the jams were even worse.

But once the train cleared the crossing, the jam cleared and we could turn left up the hill, then to the Innovation Centre where the review was taking place.

A review of our pension and the status of its pot, which we are now drawing on.

In short, it is increasing faster than we are spending it, despite the 47th President.

So, all is good, and we can change the monthly amount that we receive to take into account Scully's medication and testing equipment, which is nearly £300 a month, I kid you not.

We had arranged to meet a friend, Fran, pick her up and go to the Grove Ferry Inn for lunch. I booked a table as I was sure it would be busy.

We picked Fran up in Whistable, and drove back to Thanet Way and along through Sarre before turning down the hill to Grove Ferry, though no longer is an actual ferry, but a bridge. And level crossing.

It was five to midday, so we waited in the rain before we saw another group go in, so we follow, and are shown to a table overlooking the river and level crossing.

There were just two other groups in the large restaurant eating. How they make money like this, I don't know.

Anyway, just one waitress/barmaid on duty, who did a fine job.

We had burgers and fries, which was fine, not the wonder that the chef had promised he would do in the future last time we were there.

And the only decent draught beer was Guinness, which was OK.

By now the rain had returned, and turning the afternoon into an early evening. We took Fran back before leaving to drive home, in driving rain, with spray making it all the more difficult.

We got back at three, put the lights and the kettle on.

And relax.

No need for any supper; we were so full from lunch. Though after feeding the cats, we have a coffee and the last of the limoncello pantone.

Which was nice.

Three nights poor sleep meant an early night at nine. And as it turned out, I slept for eight hours strait.

Which was also nice.