The guide on my side.

Isn’t it funny how everything seems to breakdown at once?

So far this week my kettle has blown up, my outside lights refuse to turn off, and this morning my back wheel got a puncture five miles from home.

I’ve deliberated for ages on the subject of kettles, should I replace it with another designer one I like the style of or a far cheaper one that probably would do the job just as well, but aesthetically would annoy me every time I switch it on?

I can hear Ken’s voice in my head telling me don’t waste money on the budget brand only to replace it sooner rather than later, especially as it is probably the most used appliance in the kitchen, and is always on display.

He always gave sensible advice, I’ve ordered an identical replacement.

As for the outside lights, the electrician is an old friend who worked with Ken.

Once again I am having to change like for like, but because technology has moved on and the original components are no longer available it turns out to be a bigger job than I first anticipated.

I make a three o’clock brew and we chat about the old days, it’s nice to talk to someone who still remembers Ken as a skilled tradesman and project manager. He tells me that he went home after work and told his wife about the Robin that had followed him everywhere whilst he changed the light sensor on the corner of the house.

He definitely thought it was Ken checking up on him to be sure he was doing a good job!

Absolutely on cue the Robin appears as if to earwig into our conversation. We look at each other in astonishment, this bold little bird has an uncanny ability to make us smile.

As for my bike, I hit a pothole, but thankfully I’m with a friend.

She rings her partner who goes out of his way to rescue this damsel in distress. I realise my tyre is perished, probably having done too many miles without a proper service. Seeing his pickup arrive is like the cavalry arriving.

I’m incredibly grateful, but it seems they are both genuinely happy to help.

‘Ken would have picked me up in his transit van if things were the other way round’ I am reminded.

He definitely would have.

He is still feels very much in my life.

I’m not sure if I have already mentioned my gardening project. AI Technology has given me the inspiration to transform my rather boring, poor lawn area at the front of the house into something more.

It’s about three weeks since I started, lifting turf around the perimeter, digging the bare iron hard earth beneath, adding a builder’s load of topsoil, before eventually planting out with herbaceous plants that like dry and shade.

This time around I have tried to be systematic and picked the plants that suit my conditions rather than picking the prettiest plants in bloom like I usually do.

It’s early days but the bones of a garden are very much evident. I am rather proud of myself, the tough stuff and sore muscles was worth it.

This project has definitely helped my mood. Fresh air, sunshine and rain, getting my hands dirty. It’s also very social, neighbours have stopped to chat and ask what I am doing, and seeing the results of my labour has been very rewarding.

Again ‘Rob’ has followed me everywhere, getting increasingly close seeking out worms every time I put my spade in the ground. I even find myself talking to him.

Gardening therapy is something that I definitely recommend.

There’s still more to do but this afternoon I sat with a good friend outside in the sun, and we agreed that the garden looks bigger and like it was always meant to be.

It’s a lovely balmy evening, there’s a golden light and promise of rising temperatures as the week goes on. I’m feeling more settled in a while.