RITUALS AND ROTATIONS

treus, our grandson, celebrated his first birthday this past weekend. It's truly incredible how quickly time has flown, and how much the little lad has grown and developed in just one year.

We marked this special milestone with a joyous gathering of family and friends, combining his birthday celebration with his naming ceremony.

CAR DREAD & 8-BIT DREAMS

ust recently, a heavy cloud has hung over me, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down with a relentless force. As I mentioned before, the looming prospect of a significant car repair bill has felt like a constant threat. Well, this week that anxiety finally materialised.

THE FIVE-YEAR SHIFT

ive years. Five long years. That's how long we've endured a shift pattern designed not for efficiency, not for our well-being, and certainly not for the people we serve, but for one thing: cost-cutting. Remember the promises? The whispers of change? Well, after half a decade of empty air and hollow rumours, a new rota has finally landed on our desks.

And, as with most things in life, it's a mixed bag.

BETRAYAL OF THE VULNERABLE

his week, the government unveiled proposals to overhaul the welfare system, with a particular focus on those with illnesses and disabilities. In my opinion, and that of many others, these measures represent a deeply damaging attack on the most vulnerable members of our society.

WIGGO WIGGO WIGGO

radley Wiggins is arguably one of the most recognisable sportsmen and pro-cyclists in the UK. A multi-medal winning Olympian and the first britton to win the Tour de France.

JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL 2025

orvik Viking Festival, Europe's premier Viking event, has become a cherished annual tradition for us. Having attended for the past three years, Morticia and I were excited to delve deeper into the festivities this year with an extended two-night visit. 

THE END OF LIVE CYCLING...

ne thing everyone knows about me is that I love cycling. I'm on my bike most days, and the Grand Tours are a sacred event. The thrill of the race, the beauty of the course, the sheer grit of the riders – it's pure theatre. The Tour de France, a free-to-air treasure in the UK since the 80s, has always been accessible to everyone. But the curtain is about to fall.

AWKWARDLY SOCIAL

oneliness is a significant and often overlooked challenge in today's society. Many individuals find themselves increasingly isolated, with social interaction primarily occurring through digital devices. While technology offers connectivity, it can't fully replicate the richness of face-to-face human interaction.

However, real-world engagement is essential for our well-being. The disconnect from genuine human contact can leave many feeling ill-equipped to navigate social situations and cope with the demands of interpersonal relationships.

THE GATE-KEEPERS

ocial media has undeniably become a cornerstone of modern life, offering both significant advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, it facilitates connections between loved ones separated by distance and fosters communities around shared interests. However, the platform also harbours its share of negativity. 

Online bullies, known as trolls, inflict emotional distress, while phishers exploit the digital realm to deceive and defraud users. Moreover, the rise of 'gate-keepers' — individuals or entities who  attempt to control, manipulate and suppress.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

appy New Year. 2025 is here, we are a quarter a way through the century. Time is something that rages past and we can't control the speed in which it travels.

So, Yule is almost over for another year and soon "normality" will return.