ANOTHER ORBIT COMPLETED

 

I hope 2025 was a pretty decent year for you, if not downright amazing. Writing-wise, I published ebook editions of my first four books, which was an interesting and sometimes disconcerting trip to the past, as well as the fourth Case & Kat book, Hard Code, my 21st novel.

My 53-year-long habit of physical training continues, but no running or training with my karate mates due to a rather non-functional hip. I've been trying to heal without surgery, but I haven't managed it yet.

My wife Yvonne has been battling injuries too, but completed many events this year, including the London Marathon as a charity runner for Rays Of Sunshine, which grants wishes to seriously ill children.

Yvonne got the place thanks to the generosity of Rik Vercoe of Phoenix Running, who offers the charity place as a prize in an annual draw, and makes a substantial donation to the charity. 

A big shout out to our Phoenix Running friends, especially in Surrey and Phoenix Running South Wales!

Yesterday, the day before, and the day before that, Yvonne cranked out consecutive half marathons, albeit slow ones, beginning to regain her previous form.

(Not many people in their 70s can manage a 24-hour ultra marathon, or run 16 half marathons in 12 days (part of 20 in 19 days) as she did in 2024.)

I'm a long way into the current novel. Sometimes, I'm writing while Yvonne is running. This photo is from Aberfan, a place name with poignant and tragic overtones to any British person of my generation:

I've finally got round to learning Welsh, too, thanks to the SaySomethingIn app. (Dwi 'di bod yn joio dysgu hi.) The app is a kind of modern counterpart to a Michel Thomas course, and I've been a fan of those for a long time. I was teaching software engineering at an RAF airbase, back in the day, when one of the guys told me about his success with the Michel Thomas method. Very useful.

What's in store for next year? Let's all find out together...

May your 2026 be peaceful, joyful, constructive and instructive, and marvellous all round.