WOLF: Words from a considered viewpoint

= JAN 24th 2026
SAT
Getting my head around things and in order to allow things to settle down I decide to organise things into order pile, though not delve into the specifics of reading and writing.
Once compleed I set off for (what I feel is a bit of well-deserved) rest n'relaxaion.
I make my way to the local community bar, and it's oasis of calm.

Whilst not 'a regular' to the location it seems that the barmaid remembered me,- my drink of choice, along with my name! - (which I have given some weeks before, when re-newing my annual prescription I guess(?))

Having collected my pint 1769289620319.png
- I made my way over to one of the 'tall tables', (as is my seat of choice) though it was chair-less, and to my suprise someone who I had only just met - whilst at the bar was already bringing across to me such a chair. --- Which was nice

As I sat; as I do, with pen/paper to hand, I was approached bt another soul whom I did not know, who made passing be friendly conversation about my writings,
I responded by outling the purpose of my notings. - he seemed interested by such ...- then,...

A young (er) lady -(well to me anyhow joined me and engagaed in another conversation asking about my witings and background to which I explaned.
Suprisingly, she called me by name and I found out she was the actually the manager of the club - AND - the partner of the 'man at the bar'.
At the end of our conversation, she passed pleasentries and bade me farewell wiith inviatataion to return.

It was an experience which reminds me of a certain other well-known establishment: -

 
= JAN 25th 2026
SUN
Just when I think I'm starting to making structure in the middle of chaos.
A 'ping' at 06:02 alerts me to my phone, and the discovery that my eldest daughter 'thinks she's broke her foot' (!?!)
Awaiting a call-back regarding an appointment, I prepare myself for the inevitable.

Almost to the hour - and another 'ping' - the pain such that a trip to A&E is required and with it a rewquirement to leave the comfort of a warm bed to care for the need/s of one's Grandchildren. - Though when the beacons of distress are lit Grandad will answer the call.
  • Following the day's events I'm on focused footing and already in the process of dressing and preparing.
I'm soon at my daughters and taking my place as sentinel guardian - breakfast, dressing and entertaining - though I am grateful that it is 'pon a weekend, and the complication of work requirement put off for another day.

--- Marvel's own Guardians (primarily in the form of little Groot) is an enjoyable distraction for the little ones ...

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The news comes through and it's a Lisfranc fracture. I google it and it seems quite a serious one for a young(ish) mum with 4 (plus hubby) to look affter/organise.
Daughter number 2 and the ex-mrs relieve Dad with sausage butty to tide him over, and a ride home from the hospital for the wounded is assurred.
- After X-Rays/CT scans she comes home in a boot, - with a review from the senior consultant to follow tomorrow, the next few days will be key, - though the nature of the injury will see a structured programme and provision required.
  • I'm sure if we all pitch in 'we can work it out' - and confident in adversity we will overcome.
 
= JAN 26th 2026
MON
And so the week begins, and it's an early strart for to arrive at my daughters' home.


With my Son-in-law already off to work, the 'big two' prepaping themselves for school leaving the little ones, well - that's what I'm here for,
Upping, washing, breakfasting before getting them into unform dress takes me back (when I was so much younger!)
Things go to plan and in good order and after my I drop them off in Nursery in timely manner.

A quick check on the invalid and ;) - so to work for a long day shift

The distraction of focus sees me the allowance of respite though does see one fatigued and so with zeal I go to my bed for few hours of solid slumber
 
= JAN 27th 2026
TUES
The day sees another early start as I begin the day for to complete my 'work' tasks, which again sees unexpected email requests and short timeline deadlines.
My reputation as a problem solver seems to go before me, though as the evasion and deceit drifting through the wording of the text along with the intimation within its' tone, I wonder if the enquiry and issue is that which has been sent to me with due cause.
  • As one whose best work often comes from their familiaraity and at times interaction of working in the shadows - witch seems to be my forte.*
1769810688604.png --- This I feel may well be the case.

And again - the captures my focus sets me up for my PM pick-up.
I collect the G/children and after a period of runaround and calm down timefollowing a snack and visual enjoyment of Spiderman and his amazing friends, Bluey and Nightgarden, its Bedtime.

- Once they have nodded off, I return home and ...more hours of solid slumber
 
= JAN 28th 2026
WED
A respite from child-minding today.
Continuing the work from yesterday, exploration into the details of the issue is; as I expected, somewhat astray from the straightforwardness of headline.
The text of detail indicates, rather than states several inconsistences and I delve deeper.
It's a degree disappointing to realise that the usage of text-speak and instant messaging has overtaken the basics of reading and the increase in noting the amount of presumptions made with limited attention to detail/s.

There is; I feel, an art in dotting ''i''s and crossing ''t''s along with the wise words relating to the four corners of the contract

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Throughout my life, I have looked to adhere to the principles of fairness and reasonableness along with honesty and integrity.
When those who 'should know better" seem to take the intellect of others of face valuem it provokes a reaction.
Looks like another case of more work to be done - in order to 'resolve the issue'

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= JAN 29th 2026
THURS
A rather odd message is received from my SLT (Senior Leadership Team) "are you free for a urgent call?"
(Rather coincidentally I feel after recent events and email received) - I reply yes, to which there's no response
When I do get a reply it is a hour later

A teams message request sees me join a 4-person Teams call, and a rather cryptic set-up of the reasoning for the meeting.
I've seen this movie before and my Spider-sense tingling, I request for further outline of this meeting.
I explain that protocol needs to be followed and did not want to place anyone in jeopardy so required clarity and certainty before contimuing.

The response veered sideways, and upon a clearly set-back SLT they requested I drop out of the conversation whilst they considered such - followed by a the meeting being curtailed - what's that all about??
It is, I feel a further evidence of the lack of competence from supervisory management and why attention to detail/getting ducks in a row is so important

Later in the day an email is circulated regading a change of process requiring a general 'engagement' meeting of all staff - and set for 'tomorrow' - I am indeed curious.
As Marvin would say ...

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= JAN 30th 2026
FRI
The day of the meeting.
It transpires the (30 minute) engagement meeting is more of a directive announcement.
Whilst the 200+ staff seemed to go along with the (dressed up as positive, pro-active direction presentation soon to be implemented - only one, Lone, Wolf had questions.
  • An unfinished Action Plan
  • An undefined Timeline of progress
  • An SLT led (and inclusive) Committee
  • A promoted Management/Staff Engagement process, yet to be arranged
  • An unaccountable monitoring process
It is to me another example and/of disappointment of sheep following a misguided shepherd, though that's never been my way.
- Vague answers to specific questions further my resolve.
- The promise of engagement is just a whisper in the wind
- The meat on the bone of a stable structure is thinly lean

Where is the drive of youth these days? - Ah well. - The Old hippe of protest and Protect in me still rocks on!

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= JAN 31st 2026
SAT
There is News on the Medical front.
Not so good is the notification that Surgery is required, though the better news is that the date is set for Wef (4th) .
It's a mix of feelings, on one side is the promtness of service delivery, and on the other, is perhaps the reason for the urgency(?)

Despite the protestations of "Being a big girl" and "Can deal with it", I sense a degree of trepidation in my daughter voice.
She's always been one to seek out and adopt the best of solutions to any issues of adversity. though with age and (parental) responsibilty she seems to have a tad more maturity upon her decision making than she did in her adventurous youth - although I think that goes for all of us :unsure:

There is the op. itself, then there is the follow up afterwards of care and recuperation.

Whether it is a boot or in legged plaster, there will still be a lack of mobility along with degree of discomfort to manage.
- Seems like the continuation of the process though with a bit of fine tuning, and adaptation of routine/s will be required.

And in her words - we'll get by ...

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WOLF ANGEL said:
= JAN 31st 2026
SAT
There is News on the Medical front.
Not so good is the notification that Surgery is required, though the better news is that the date is set for Wef (4th) .
It's a mix of feelings, on one side is the promtness of service delivery, and on the other, is perhaps the reason for the urgency(?)

Despite the protestations of "Being a big girl" and "Can deal with it", I sense a degree of trepidation in my daughter voice.
She's always been one to seek out and adopt the best of solutions to any issues of adversity. though with age and (parental) responsibilty she seems to have a tad more maturity upon her decision making than she did in her adventurous youth - although I think that goes for all of us :unsure:

There is the op. itself, then there is the follow up afterwards of care and recuperation.

Whether it is a boot or in legged plaster, there will still be a lack of mobility along with degree of discomfort to manage.
- Seems like the continuation of the process though with a bit of fine tuning, and adaptation of routine/s will be required.

And in her words - we'll get by ...

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You’re your daughter’s strongest support. Just having you there makes her feel so much more at ease.
 
= FEB 1st 2026
SUN
As one of a particular faith, 'tis the day on witch the wheel turns.
  • It is the date of Gaelic tradition marking the beginning of Spring, - the midpoint between Winter solstice and Srping equinox.
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  • Significance: - It celebrates the first signs of spring, including lengthening days, the blooming of snowdrops, and the beginning of the lambing season.
  • Origins: - Rooted in Irish tradition, the name is thought to mean "in the belly" (i mbolg), referring to pregnant ewes.
  • Celtic Traditions: - Historically, it is a time for visiting holy wells and seeking blessings for hearth and livestock.
  • Celebration: - Often called Candlemas, it is one of the eight sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, associated with Brigid, the goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft.
  • Activities: - Common, modern practices include lighting candles to symbolize the sun, cleaning, spring cleaning, and making Brigid's crosses from reeds or straw.
Imbolc - Wikipedia

It is a day of reflection; - and given 'the week that was'. perhaps a timely moment in which one can take a pause and re-energise.
Everyone needs a re-set periodically in order to 'refresh the batteries' and away from the nationsl/international/wordlwide hustle and bustle times of celebration; that causes anxiety and/or stress to many - so these times I find, give genuine respite when I seem to need them most.

Sunday nightis bath night (whether I need one or not ;) ) - a nice glass of vino and early night methinks
 
= FEB 2nd 2026
MON
Back to work Monday and it's daughter number 2's turn to cover thechildcare duties for daughter number 1.
I check in with her and all is well.

She tells me that January's cause - MacMillan v Cancer now completed, she's beginning her next one.

February will see her complete her challenge v Alzheimer's -
She'll be doing Sponsored Steps, - guess that'll mean more walking to work than getting a lift, or enjoying the wonderful world of public transport.
And, Buses aint what they used to be

 
= FEB 3rd 2026
TUES
Work completed it's off to pick up and care for the Grandchildren,- and indeed daughter (Pre-Op,).

Todays 'Grandad homework' is LEGO costruction.

- To be honest, the upgrades to LEGO bits being such it's a tad too easy to complete, with instructions to guide the participant, the result may be visually better ti th eye, but - for me takes away the creative imagination of youth's designs.
Whilst there is the temptation to 'mix and match' lego sets to creative a mish-mash hybrid design of uniqueness, I cede to todays way of construction enginnering

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  • .... rather than stimulate creative education.
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= FEB 4th 2026
WED
Day of the Op. An early 07:00 appointment time sees an equally departure for the Hospital, seeing the little un's to school , then onto work and a return for pick-up makes the day another long one.

What's App messages give an update throughout the day with progress reports.
There is the inevitable waiting around before the pre-examination, review Op. itself and then recuperation before the pictures appear .....

As pix of the outcome, of the foot is not as gruesome as one would think (being as the foot is 'back in the boot')

Boredom sets in, and soon also shown, are those of hospital meal and sncks come next (though no uch luck for hubby - as he has to find his own refreshment while being on-hand to offer comfort - before she posts her impatience: -


Time passes on an it turns out to be a late release back home (and post Grandchildren bedtime) - so equally tired she's straight to bed, and I return home for mine
 
= FEB 5th 2026
THURS
With hubby taking the day off, work is a bit of a relief to focus on.

A couple more meetings in which a piece of information slips outs.
A off-the cuff aside, my 'spider sense' tingles into life and my question upon it stimulates a response which exhibits that of a deer in the headlights.
Clearly caught out, I ask for the details on a SPOC who I can follow this up, and albeit reluctantly a name is given.

There is a smiling reaction from some of the others on the Team call; as they catch on to this (and perhaps thankful it wasn't them who slipped up)
(I pen a draft email accordingly)
-----------------------------------.
A check on my daughter finds her back to form as her return home sees her set up her make-shift office in the kitchen and back working - such is her resilliance,
Instructions from the hospital are to rest up for the time being with a review set for 2 weeks before a further decision is to be made, be it 'Still Boot', Flexible Boot, Plaster or -worse case scenario - follow/tidy up Op. - (That'll go down like a lead balloon)

- And knowing she'll be checked on by her Mum, she'll not be overstreching in any way that she shouldn't be.
And if need be, I'm only a call and short distance away
 
= FEB 6th 2026
FRI
An Anniversary of sadness for the City, and for all that reside within - for both Red and Blue football fans remembered those Flowers on Manchester who never mafe ot back from Munich 68 years on.
As well as the United players, MU staff, Air crew and Jounalists (including former Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift) met their fate that day.


I attend the memorial service; as I have done in the past, which seems somewhat more sombre as each year passes, and though it is always one that is organised with respect for all who perished that day, there seems to be more melancholy that seeps into the event as the years go past.
  • Maybe it is me getting old-er.
Manchester United Football Club - pay their respects

.................Captains .............................................................................................................. And ................. Managers

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= FEB 7th 2026
SAT
Despite a further week of balancing work, home/life and childcare duties, Energy levels refreshed, attention is drawn to the housework.
(I'm sure Weekends weren't made for Washing, hoovering, dusting and the like!)

Having done what I could before fatigue sets in and remembering my age and medical condition, when the white spots start to flash, I accept the time is right to 'take a break'.
The evening film is Alistair Maclean's 'When Eight Bells Toll' with a young-er
(Sir) Anthony Hopkins portraying Phlilp Calvert ..........- ........... Much like (Sir) Michael Caine's Harry Palmer - an anti- hero whose action strike a chord.

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I do tend to enjoy the 1960's (Cold war/Spy ) thrillers be it the story-lines over the graphic (along with sexual) violence that is a lot of which being a tad gratuitous, or that it takes me back to a time of a yester-year that is so much different than what it is today, :unsure:
.
 
I can't understand why there is no cross-fertilization on this thread - has it been forbidden ; not req'd - or conducted in the wrong language??
 
smiley said:
I can't understand why there is no cross-fertilization on this thread - has it been forbidden ; not req'd - or conducted in the wrong language??
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I don't understand what you mean by this ?
(Cross-fertilization? - forbidden? - not req'd? - wrong language?)

It's 'My' diary of events that have/are occuring in my life - which is what a diary/diary page is, isn't it?
Seems to me, If you don't like it - don't read it
 
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= FEB 8th 2026
SUN
News from overseas tells me there is trouble in a paradise far away, though it's not all downbeat as an opportunity also presents itself.
Education is required for to aid and assist and one duly obliges.

I guess the passing of years and depth of experience attained, gives me an insight into and of a number of different aspects of life.
I relate and present accordingly
- It is of some comfort that appreciation still exists out there.

Bath night completed and a quick posting or two, on the interweb and a busy week again awaits and so I'm off for for my Golden Slumbers

 
= FEB 9th 2026
MON
Work duty sees a later start to the day so I have time to focus on a busy week ahead - with two meetings and a heavy report required, I prepare ...

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I gather my information and plan out my strategy.
Taking up the tasks designated for the day I'm able to complete due preparation for the meetings.
I collate, set out and organise the material I need, and I satisfy myself I'm ready to complete both meetings with both competence and confidence.

I return well-satisfied with the work completred - and enjoy a good night's slumber
 
= FEB 10th 2026
TUES
After a good sleep and a steady start to the work day ....
A No-show for the first meeting.
- Management 'failed to remember' to cancel the meeting. - The cynic in me smells a rat.
It's a good job one has done due dilligence and the avoidence of a meeting will only see a (what I like to think is) a well-crafted email and ..
  • I await a reply.
At least - Day of (1/2) Childcare pick-ups goes well and puts me in a better mood.
The pair are collected in due time, taken back to disturb Mum's home-working before being whisked away to their snack and viewing pleasure; which keeps them occupied for the next couple of hours

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  • before, 'Night Garden, storytime and slumber.
 
= FEB 11th 2026
WED
Work goes as expected with the usual IT and workload expectancy - but more to the point
  • A second No-show,
This time it's my Staff Association - the cynic in me now becomes the conspiracy theorist.
Whilst I can understand the avoidance by Management, it's more than a tad disappointing when there is another time/example when there is a failure of protocol being followed and disregard for those with concern outside the higher level of organisational status.
Still, there is always a.n.other way - and as one who follows a paticular credo of faith, I am mindful that the dish I serve will be that which is cold.

Day (2/2) Childcare pick-ups, is once again a personal pick-up and todays treat is
  • Spidey and his amazing friends (*)
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