WOLF: Words from a considered viewpoint

= FEB 12th 2026
THURS
My Spider sense must have been fine tuned (thanks; I am wondering to (*) :unsure: ) - as I wake from my slumber during a good power-nap sleep and instinctively check to my right to see a lack of illumination from my clock radio. A double check with the lamp confirms a power failure.

Something about being the shadow hours that kick me into auto-pilot and I make my way to thr electricity box.
Fortunately it was just a trip problem and I'm able to resolve the issue.
- A return to my bed for an hours sleep before it's time to prep for work.

A better day in the workplace sees a much more positive outcome to any matters arising.
I feel I need to treat, to reward myself, - and I have an enjoyable early (doors/) evening with my favourite liquid refreshment

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= FEB 13th 2026
FRI
Friday the 13th and the day witch bring superstitions abound.
The date that goes back centuries in western culture, with it's roots in Christianity and European customs,
The origins of Friday the 13th and it's unluckiness have a connect with the church (at least within UK/Europe)

The connection between unlucky number 13 and Christianity is deeply entrenched.
- There were 13 guests at the Last Supper — Jesus and his 12 apostles.
The number of participants in the Last Supper is believed to have given rise to the idea of the number 13 being bad luck, at least in the Christian faith.
This superstition has extended to the idea that having 13 people seated together at a meal at all is considered to be bad luck, even “courting death”.

- The connection of days to bad luck is also noted within the Bible that Jesus was crucified on a Friday
(With the events in the garden of Eden when Eve and Adam ate the apple, along with Friday being the day that Cain killed Abel.)

In Norse mythology. the trickster god Loki, was revered as a harbinger of unease and misfortune.
- As the tale goes, a great feast was held in Valhalla, the grand hall of the Norse gods. 12 gods were invited to the feast, but Loki crashed it, becoming the 13th guest.
During his attendance, he orchestrated the murder of Baldr, Norse god of light and joy, leading to sorrow and tragedy.

The connection continues.
- Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and witchcraft, also has an association with Friday the 13th. Freyja, which literally translates to “lady,” is associated with death, beauty, magic and warfare.
- She leads the Valkyries, the all-female flying warrior battalion known to have the power to bring death to warriors they did not favor.

This Pagan connection continues with the fear of witches (magical healers) that meet under the full moon, the “witches’ sabbath” and the number in a Coven being blamed by a puritan faith that spread their gospel of denouncement and fearsome terror in the orations, associating it with tragedy.


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= FEB 14th 2026
SAT
Another Annual day of expected non-arrival of Postal, (EVEN THIS ONE !! )

1771114021235.png ..... Electronic or any other kind of Communication that affects the stimulation of the Aorta.

I take the opportunity to do a bit of shopping for my Mothers Birthday which is coming up soon.
- As I explain to one of the shopping assistants, having her birthday near to the date whern the Cherub visits, gives an array of gifts available for selection and choice - however, it does make it someone frustrating that the price of such rises unproportionally

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= FEB 15th 2026
SUN
A trip to Mums for a pre-birthday visit.
Collecting my sister en route, I make my way to her abode.
The complex in which she resides is a tad quiet though I note that there is a quietness to the apartments communial area, though a sight of partying - the morning after the night before.

We make our way to the apartment and she's 'just got up'
She tells me that the residents had organised a St.Valentines night of fun, laughter and; of course karaoke,
- Whilst there is no bar area within the complex, the sight of empty bottles that once held wine, party plates and bunting showed that a good time was enjoyed by (nearly(?)) all.

Being a former 'Redcoat' (Hi-de-hi, Ho-de-ho) she tells me that 'had a good night'

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Mum tells me she appreciates the gifts - which will be held until the day, though I know that for those of a certain age, taking the time to pen a personal message within the card is equally if not more appreciated.

I look to include within the wording a theme of remembrance of yester-days, the acknowledgement of today, with (even in twiight years) the hope of tomorrow's which see fortune Smile.

The three of us converse for a few hours, and despite her protests; for which I hope is a matter of pride and not criticism of my cooking - I make a small meal and a tipple of refreshment, and we leave with her in good spirits.

I return home for a wind down, bath and set myself for slumber.
 
= FEB 18th 2026
WED
Results come back from the Medical Tests revealing a promising start to the feedback.
Beginning with Normal to Acceptable, it's a good start - Further tests to be revealed.

A section 'Teams' meeting in the afternoon sees an opportunity to express an opine upon the situations and state of the workplace.
The arranged start and limited time is one feels set up to use the meeting to tick a box and go through the motions.

Once again, I plan to let the meeting roll and be restrained in my comments - however, once again, I cannot help myself.
Even from a remote location (and upon my little yellow hand raised being overlooked) I make sure that my voice is heard/

The cynic in me (or is it the astute reader of proposed plans - and experience of 40+ years) clocks onto a few matters which atune themselves to subtle changes that will affect working practices and work expectancy without reward.

Whilst time is against me, I ensure that I make my points within the time period, and reserve the right to return to them - explaining that I will follow them up by email;s,
It's another case of standing up for those who will or cannot speak their mind,
  • At least my conscience will be/is clear and integrity even if it means one stands a lone - a Ranger
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= FEB 19th 2026
THURS
A split shift to cover Grandchildren duty.
My ex-wife takes them for the morning and I collect them midday before the evening collect allows me to return for a further two hours of working.

Mentally challenging at work and physically taxing with the running around, feeding, entertaining and then storytime bedtime reading .....

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- before returning for a two hours working which sees me endure a long day seems to tax the energy levels and an immediate collapse in my bed for slumber.
 
= FEB 20th 2026
FRI
I wake to a text of information tells me - More news on the Medical front, - 'further' tests reveal an appointment is required with my G.P. --- Ooh Err
(Guess I'll try getting an appointment - though it'll be next week as all spots are full for the day and the surgery doesm't do appoimtments on a Saturday)

Work is steady but with the weekend within touching distance, I clock watch the time for my Friday 'Early Doors' treat of Iron replenishment.

The near 'Cheers' welcome is a pleasing aspect of the visit and it is a night that is full of nostalgic memories

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I make my selection of Pop/Prog and Rock tracks which seem to go down well amomgst the clientelle there within and as well as taking me back, takes away my work base (overly) work based thoughts. - which is nice.
 
= FEB 21st 2026
SAT
The events of the week seem to have taken a toll on myself as a heavy few periods of sleep see me experience a couple of night visual delights, and a extra late lie-in.
It's a late start that sees 'not a lot done' though allows a catch-up on my social media and Community interactive postings.
One of the emails tells me there's another remote meeting in the offing , though it's on a day which is difficult for me to commit to.
It'll mean I will have to look at adopting a well-used methodology which I use upon non-attendance at such liaison :-
  1. Get the Agenda.
  2. Reseach the topics/subject matter.
  3. Consider the points, with their potential consequences therof.
  4. Compose my response to the items to be raised - and
  5. Remit such.
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It's a tactic which has worled well for me in the past (both in work and home life) - so perhaps unwise to change a successful formula.
 
= FEB 22nd 2026
SUN
Yesterday's relaxatrion sees me face a day of Housekeeping = :(
Energy levels recovered sufficiently to see one 'get stuck in'.

It sees a flinging open of the widows for the cool/cold breeze to freshen up the lie-in rooms (brisk is a somwhat understatement)
The hoover hums, the washing machine urns, the black bags get fuller - with the 'Bin men' coming tomorrow .....

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..... It's somewhat a timely deed.

With the 'home' work done - .....

Sunday evening sees the usual bath and wine (🍸) time followed be relaxation period of posting before the nightime journey bedtime.
A catch up also for posting
 
= FEB 23rd 2026
MON
Back to work Monday sees a familiar pattern of 'here we go again' as arrival to the on-line work is somewhat delayed following 'an IT upgrade over the weekend.
Then it's followed up by slow, steady progress before a lst period of dashing about in order to see Service level agreements and their targets achieved.

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" C'est la vie "
 
= FEB 24th 2026
TUES
The usual pick up goes well and once again 'the little darlings are in good form.
Rain from the heavens see a pick up by car rather than the usual pedestrian one and from which in in-car singing and (happy) shouting abount their day.

- In truth, it's an enjoyable annoyance and we have some typical Grand dad/ Grand child slapstick pranks, boyish banter and to be treasured memories are created - lest we forget - how time flies so quickly with the passing of the years.

And , of course part of the job descript is ...

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= FEB 25th
WED
A predictable day of boredom at work given the task I was given.
(Half done this, Part done that...) still, the job gets done, and I'm able to keep my Teams/date meeting with Regional Trade Union Committee as to the organisation of events regarding workers memorial day 2026.

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  • Whilst there are a couple of issues to resolve, it's a positive get together, the basics of plans are drawn up, we await confirmation from the local governing authoruty of accessibility though hopeful that with the back broken it'll just leave a small degree of fine tuning to do.
 
= FEB 26th 2026
THURS
A message received in the early hours -
News from my Mother's apartment complex of her being taken into Hospital with exceptionally high temperature and inabiliaty to breathe properly.
- At 92 years, it is indeed a worry, though I am graterful to our (U.K.) NHS system issues to which saw immediate action and emergency care given.

Inbetween the working tasks, time is spent waiting for the arrival of admin. staff at my mothers complex to ascertain which hospital she has been taken to,
- I complete the task and speak with the Sister on the ward.
-- Advising those needed; and with my daughter's wife - herself incapacitated - able to see her in the afternoon, I ascertain her condition to be stable enough to collect, and mind the grandchildren before relief allows me the physicality of visiting her face-to-face.

As expected, I find her ill from the contracted influenza virus, however, being well-cared for, and in good spirits.
I write up a shopping list and look to return the following day
...................................
  • However
 
= FEB 27th 2026
FRI
Despite a positive departure and cheer farewell, I am called in the midnight hours with a sombre message.
Things have taken a significant turn for the worst, and I am advised to make a return to the hospital.

My younger daughter and via wife, take us to the hospital whereupon we find her indistressed state and struggling.
The Doctors review is a negative one - amd with a DNR tag in place we are told time is very much limited
- A call to my sister (without transport, 40 miles away at 02:00) is required!

It's a real 'hard's days night' as there are two periods of 'the lowest ebb'
I contact work and advise them I won't be in today.` - My supervisor is sympathentic

My Sister arrives from afar, and after appraising her verbally, she joins me in watchful alert.

The day/evening is spent in being there, sitting and watching at the bedside and judging the volume of visitors.
The signs are Grim.

There is a degree of quietness, before a surprising re-awakening to the world as Mum stirs into (as/if) wakes from a good nights sleep - and stuns the ward.
It is such that sees and amendment to the Doctors cause of action.
  • They are now prepared to treat alongside care.
(Albeit, we are told -again - Temporary)
 
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= FEB 28th 2026
SAT
With only a few Cat/Power Naps, the morning, day and evening hours are spent with more vigillance.
I'm able to collect my other daughter from her self-imposed solitary lifestyle - I know this will be of comfort to Mum and provide a little bit of sunshine to her more clinical surroundings.

With a treatment plan now in place, it becomes more of case of organisation
Nephews, Neices, Cousins along with Neighbours and friends are advised of any visits to be welcomed - but short.

First up were Grandchildren (on my sisters side) - of Adult age they were able to undestand and appreciate the situation/
Then, Grandchidren (from my side) - the big ones (15+13) have an understanding of sorts, (with the little ones being 'out of the equation)
  • This takes care of the weekend
The other family members - a number of whom are now retired from work, have the opportunity to pick up slots when those working are unable to do so.

I spend the interim time liaising with the Medical team at the Hospital and following up with those Medical centres which should, though not actually
send all medications.
The weekend makes the task difficult though I am able to obtain a prescrption for her eye drops, feet cream and Nicotine patch/pills.

A full day of work style organising and keeping a continual check on Mum makes it another long one and I leave as the midnight hours near, and return home,
 
= MAR 1st 2026
SUN
A good night sleep with a reduction in the hours of oxygen intake sees a more stable condition for Mum.
There are three lots of visitors ' booked in' for the day so after an AM check, I leave in good hands and take a trip to Mums flat.

Security-wise, all is well, I check the fridge, sort the washing, do a quick tidy up,empty the bins etc. and sort out the bedding for her return.

Two more checks durng the day/evening see me complete my day resting up - both mentally and physically.
I'm look for an early(ish) night before the challenges of the week ahead.
  • (To be continued .... )
 
= MAR 2nd 2026
MON
Another full day at the hospital.
I touch base with work to 'advise them accordingly. - I'll need a couple of days of absence.
- They will accomodate my request

A steady progress sees the Physio called; for to begin some recuperative exercises set.
With typical diregard to instructions, she feels she can run in her frame before walking through the process; (she'll be sorry and sore in the morning, no doubt)
There's a planned routine - though wether she'lladhere to it, ... is another matter.

The oxygen mask spending less time on her face pleases her - allowing her to enjoy the vanilla ice-cream; which she has developed a firm liking for,

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Another late night finish, but in the end it's a positive day.
 
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