[wraymond]

Happy to say reports of my possible demise are slightly exaggerated!

I’m touched by the concern for my well-being and my sincere thanks to all for the interest. I’m alive and, if not kicking, very well. Round about the middle of December I became, er, indisposed and could only select reverse gear (metaphorically). Didn’t even open the pc until today.

Fortunately all is well now and back to normal. Today is my first visit here since the last one and I tried to answer other kind pm enquiries but mysteriously failed (?). Had to check my pulse then.

Fortunately it was nothing to do with the current malady, all the family are so far able to run faster than ever and even with my short legs I’m too fast (or good) for it.

I am however getting persistent phone calls from the surgery, earnestly concerned about why I haven’t yet appointed for my preferential jab.
The last call was today, and I hope it was in fact the last one. I suggested to the tender teenager who called me he might want to get a quick sight of my notes. There he will see that I have never ever been vaccinated/immunised/inoculated, nor even injected with anything, in my life and I intend to follow the rest of it in that vein. I was gentle, if firm.

On another note, not a private man. Have lead a busy bustling business life in commerce with literally hundreds of viciously competitive colleagues and patrons, several charitable/social organisations, a short but intense and dissolute Rock ‘n Roll foray, boy did I enjoy that to the full, and 20 years in my own business in niche craft/retail including teaching. Just modest. Obvs.

Now just got to understand why I can’t pm.