8.2.2026 Sunday - hot and busy

after letting the soil settle for several weeks, the planting has started

mint drops by for dinner and a chat

a bike ride to and from pikabol followed by a quick swim, and plenty of hydration

and in the meantime, sam has crafted her planter bed

 

7.2.2026 Saturday - leaning into it

I cycle to play pickleball at the club, and after the game I can feel the strain on my ankles. The good news is that they recover and the aches are gone the next day. The other improvement is my ability to walk comfortably. I will text the doctor and tell him this good news on Tuesday which is one week after the steroid injections

The true test is running, and when I am able to jog slowly for 20 minutes say, then I will consider my recovery complete

6.2.2026 Friday - dinner and a lunch catch up

I didn't think that we would have much to discuss, but he is open and gives a good story about people and places. I buy him lunch and we promise to keep in touch via publication, and mutual friends such as Dicko. 

Later that evening, on the way to a nice dinner hosted by Jotun Paints - SY and I talk about how some of us can easily point out one of our built projects, while many senior folks cannot do this because they have not built anything significant though they are in their 40's

I must remind Sean about this, or at least ask him if this is already on his mind

5.2.2026 Thursday - lunch at the ritz

Sam and Sara were thrift shopping in the OXFAM on the right, while I sketched this view, I like how the road descends as it sweeps around the corner. It is the Aberdeen Library

We have lunch - the first in a long time, everyone is busy travelling or dealing with family matters. I always feel 'heard ' at these lunches and it is very satisfying. Another satisfying thing is returning to the squash courts, the footwork is a little clumsy but I am able to take two games from the doctor (we only played 2 games - I am leaning into sports activity as advised by the physio)
 

4.2.2026 Wednesday - re-activate

This morning, I hear of a disagreement about design copyright infringement, a local architect and acquaintance has used images of a landscape architect's work without acknowledging her. The client got wind of it and mentioned to me during a site walk. I listened without offering an opinion. I discuss with Freddie, we think the architect is wrong, it is not about how the LA has reacted - yes, perhaps there is no need to broadcast her grievances on social media or in the project group chat (that is how the client heard about it) - it is still unprofessional to make use of another person's work without prior permission or acknowledgement.

 

3.2.2026 Tuesday - more needles

The doctor is convincing and confident about the issues troubling me, and he proposes a series of steroid injections straight into the ankles. Before that, he tests (mock-ups) by injecting anaesthetics into the inflamed spots - one is in between two tendons. He tells me that I am on the mend, and I can 'lean' into working my ankles harder - which is good to hear. 

I feel better immediately. 

2.2.2026 Monday - lunch with George

A working/ non-working day, a spare day before the doctor's appointment so I decide to do a bit of work. With George, who suggested BALA - an Indian place in Bangsar - very nice, ate too much. We talked about what we can do after he passes his professional exams; set up a sole prop, continue as a director in our firm - have freedom and support at the same time. He can team up with Sean, although I feel that that they are too alike in character - so their team up can be like SML and us. A loose collaboration for projects - although GL might have other contacts if the project is in KL.

We can provide them with a basic wage until their firm is on steady feet, and they can still work with us on our larger projects and earn a fee share like Freddie. 

He tells me that he has not thought about it yet, and we ask him if JianMing has thought about it.

After eating, we talk about K2 - and arrive at some firm ideas, we agree that I will start the planning while he does the massing.

After lunch, Sam provides me with exercise by taking me to Ikea to shop for easy chairs for Marc's visit. She assembles them while I finish the planning for Kensington with GL. Later, she orders some small pizza which we eat on the floor like students, and enjoy a lovely evening after that - we work well together.