An old apprentice rang about a problem at his new place. We talked it through and he said he had already checked most of what I mentioned. Good. He sounded capable, not looking for somebody to take over. I was pleased for him and, if I'm honest, pleased he had called me at all. Afterwards my wife asked who it was. Told her the whole story, including details she had no use for. She said it sounded as though I had taught him well. Answered that he was always a sensible lad. That is true, but I liked hearing her say it. Kept the phone beside me for a while in case he called back with the result.

The brothers are talking about a fishing trip and I have caught myself planning it as though we were still twenty. Long walk to the bank, all the awkward kit carried in one go. One of them asked where we would sit. Sensible question, apparently an insulting one by the way I first answered. Looked at a nearer spot this evening. Less carrying, room to leave the car, no need to turn the day into a test. I want the three of us there more than I want the particular stretch of water. Still checking whether the access is as easy as it looks. My wife says I can use this same amount of effort to choose a retirement date.

Spent an hour on the kitchen chair working on an old reel, then stood up as though I had been sitting there all winter. Shoulder stiff, fingers cold despite the room being warm. Went out for a walk before tea. Once the arms were swinging properly the left side eased, and I could turn my head without turning my whole body with it. A wee breeze, no rain, no damp cuffs for a change. Came back hungry. My wife said that was the first useful result of the reel repair. Fair enough. It still needs a part, but my hands had warmed up and I could open the stubborn jar without asking her this time.