The lad at work said he hoped he was as happy in his job when he was my age. I laughed and told him to aim a bit higher than testing pool water before breakfast, but I was quite pleased. I don't think of myself as setting an example, I just like being there and knowing what needs doing. At the depot I used to come home and not want to hear another person's voice for half an hour. These days my wife says I tell her all the little stories twice. Told her this one as well and she said she already knew I was happy. Nice to hear it from someone who hasn't got to live with me, though.

Forty lengths before work, took a bit longer than usual because I kept losing count and doing another two to be sure. Arms felt pleasantly heavy afterwards, the sort where you know you've done something but can still get on with your day. Had my shower and the shoulders started itching before I'd even got dressed, so I finally used the cream my wife put in my bag. Should have listened earlier, she will be delighted to hear it. No trouble during the shift, just the usual stiffness getting off the high chair. Walked round on my rotation and that went. Had a good appetite by tea time, which is hardly breaking news round here.

My wife mentioned Portugal again and I started explaining why a caravan in Anglesey would be easier, then realised she'd never said she wanted the easier holiday. She wants to go somewhere different. Fair enough. I've got used to us choosing the sensible option without much discussion, which mostly means the option I already know. Had a look at what she was showing me instead of the mortgage sheet. Doesn't mean we're booking anything tonight, but we can at least see what it would cost. She'd already found several places and knew which towns she fancied. Evidently this was more than something she'd thought of while the kettle boiled.