1.5 is the magic number, the “answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything”. And I bet you thought it was 42 – just because that number was calculated by an enormous supercomputer named Deep Thought over a period of 7.5 million years…

Well, it’s 1.5. Because it’s 1.5m euro we will need to run An Saol’s three year pilot project  And because it’s 1.5m that drivers should stay clear of bicycles when they overtake. The latter made the news today, because two TDs (or members of parliament) proposed a new law today that included a penalty for drivers who don’t keep sufficient distance from cyclists when they overtake.

The former will make headlines soon when it’ll open its doors to provide services that have never been available in the country up to now!

Pádraig had a good day today with physio, massage, and music therapy sessions (all organised by his family and friends) – except for a mishap when someone could not stop complaining and making jokes about this new law for drivers to stay clear of cyclists, until about the fifth time of asking that person to stop, making it clear that talking about this issue and, worse, in this tone was not even remotely funny in our house. Afterwards I felt like having a big full glass of something really strong, I just couldn’t believe it. I guess anything is possible, even the unthinkable.

Anyhow, I’ll be focusing on the positive, the good things. And the good people. Like the ones whose mother would have been 92 today and who have been supporting Pádraig and us like no other, never making a big fuss about it. Tonight, I’ll be thinking of this lady who would’ve been so proud of the family she raised if she was still around today to celebrate her birthday – though I’m sure she’s still with us. Good spirits stay on with us. Forever.