Saturday 14th February 2026

Saturday.

And it am the weekend, though as we say, every day is the weekend these days.

And being a weekend, there is always phys to start the day.

Jools had managed to book swimming, so I would go to the gym studio, if that's what they're called, alone.

And as we left home, turned down Station Road, it was almost light. And of course that would improve week on week now.

Not only lighter, but clear skies, skies that would remain clear all day. But it was cold. Just two degrees, and with a very keen breeze, meaning the walk from the car to the entrance was done at a quick hobble.

I went upstairs, while Jools went to the changing rooms and pool.

I set up and do my forty minutes, not out of breath at all at the end, so on Sunday it would an increase in level, up to 14.

While Jools finished her session, I went down and back to the car to drive to Tesco to do the weekly shop.

Tesco, even at eight, is fairly empty, and almost a pleasurable experience. I get all what we need, pay, load up the car and am back outside the sports centre for twenty past eight, just ready for Jools to come out and meet me at the kerb.

Back home, while the A2 was quiet, the start of half term meant the A20 into Dover was pretty slow, but no trouble for us.

Back home we unload the car, top up the feeders, put away the shopping, and make brews, so that by nine we sat down and let out a deep breath.

The big news is that we were meeting Sean and Ange for lunch, so a shower, shave and put on some smart clothes, all ready to leave at midday, to drive to the Duke of Yorks, ten down Jubilee Way to the Promenade, where we found a free parking space.

We were having high tea: that is finger sandwiches, pastries, followed by sones with jam and cream, and tea.

Once we had arrived, we were shown to the petal-strewn table (it was Valentine's Day), and were presented with a free glass of prosecco.

We ate and talked for two hours, but the parking was running out, so we agree to leave, with hugs and handshakes.

Outside it was gloriously sunny, but bitterly cold in the wind, especially those us us dressed in a cotton suit and tie.

Ahem.

Back home in time to get changed into our civvies, then on the sofa with Scully to listen to the football. Norwich beating WBA again, but this time in the cup.

I didn't move then as on with the TV as Scotland v England in he rugby, and England expected to win by ten points.

So, of course, they played very poorly, had the same player yellow carded. Twice. And there was no coming back from that.

Scotland played very well, and deserved to win, the crowd singing repeated choruses of "Flower of Scotland".