C.A. Powell

Ted's New Friend

Yesterday was one big journey! Carole and I travelled down to Southend in Essex to collect our granddaughter, her partner, and our little great-grandson.

The drive back to the Fens included a welcome stop at one of the service stations. It was certainly a long journey for such a young infant, especially in the hot weather, but the little lad was as good as gold throughout. We had the air conditioning on, although we all seemed to prefer the open windows and the warm breeze as we made our way along the M11.

Ted the Pug was especially excited when they arrived, as he knows our granddaughter and her partner very well indeed. He was rather bemused by the new little family addition, but also extremely curious. I think he is still trying to work out exactly who this tiny new visitor might be!

The Last Day of the Shift

The last workday today, and I am hoping for a kindly breeze to carry me through it. A little moving air makes all the difference when this dry heat keeps returning day after day.

I do enjoy warm weather, but once the temperature climbs into the upper twenties, all the protective clothing begins to feel rather heavy—even the T-shirts. Still, it is what it is, and we do not usually endure this sort of uncomfortable heat for such a long stretch.

Of course, once winter arrives, I shall probably complain that it is too cold.

Well, I am British. What else could anyone expect? 😂

Dust Ourselves Down and Go Again

Back to the drawing board for England’s next attempt at winning a major trophy.

Since 2018, we have reached a World Cup semi-final, a European Championship final, a World Cup quarter-final, another European Championship final, and now another World Cup semi-final.

The trophy may still be just beyond our grasp, but England are building a genuine pedigree in major tournaments. We are getting closer, and the only way forward is to dust ourselves down, learn from the disappointment, and prepare to go again.

We must never give up the endeavour. Euro 2028 awaits—and perhaps, at long last, it will be our time.

Big thanks to Michael Mullan, Anthony Parrott, Dan Coburn, Carole Powell, Dan Tickner, Esly Richardson, Ian Johnstone, Steve Martin, 安藤洋和 for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 😁👍🔥!