Saturday 14th November 2026

It is the weekend.

And an international break from football, so no Championship or PL games on TV or the radio.

But there would be some lower league games through the afternoon and into the evening.

But before then there is the gym, of course.

At least at the weekend there's a one hour later start, so, in theory, an extra hour in bed.

Only my brain and body had me awake, so I lay in bed while Jools fed the cats, then Cleo came up to see me, demanding more strokes and tickles under her chin.

As grand as it would be to lay in bed all day with her, the gym waits for no Jelltex, so I get up and put on my shorts ready for the off.

It was another wonderful clear, but very cold morning. On the way to Whitfield, the frost was extensive, looked pretty, but cold.

So cold we waited until seven before walking to the centre's entrance, to be sure it would be open and there was no waiting in the cold.

We both did our session. Me listening to last Sunday's RadMac as I was in that London, marching up and down. Music does make pedalling easier, so time went by in a most pleasant way.

Back home to top up the feeders, and snap the frost on the lower flower bed, as it was still in deep shadow.

And that was it for the morning.

Well, for me. Jools went into town to make appointment for her hair and other stuff, so I stayed home to have a shower and listen to Huey on the internet radio.

The morning bounces along.

Jools is feeling much better, thanks to those who asked. She has several days antibiotics to take, but the pain is all but gone in her finger, as is the swelling.

After lucnh, when she went back to town to have a haircut, I walked back up to check on the Winter heliotropes, hoping they'd be fully in flower, but probably due to the cold, they were no further on.

Our local Sparrowhawk landed on the fence between us and next door, and sat there long enough to get a shot with the phone, but getting the big camera and lens out, it had flown away by the time it was ready.

Sigh. The birds know.

And it was still chilly!

Back home, and on the sofa to watch the football, AFC Wimbledon v Blackpool, which turned out to be a good game, and full of skill and excitement, which the home team won with a thunderbastard goal just before halftime.

I could have watched the Wales v New Zealand game, but with Wales giving the All Blacks a great game, and I didn't want to cast bad luck on watching the game and NZ win.

Stupid on my part, but Wales did win, and played well by all accounts, beating the All Blacks for the first time since December 1953.

Wales again after supper, though in the kickyball, playing Norway. They too played well, though Norway took advantage of Welsh mistakes to win 3-1.

And amazingly early at ten to eight, we went up to bed.