Thank you for your comments on yesterday's blip. They have helped me to galvanise my thoughts and consider grasping the nettle again. I have found an affordable training course in nearby Milton Keynes and will book myself onto it as soon as I can have those days confirmed as annual leave.
I have learned that my employers regard saying “thank you” as a waste of time and discourage it.
I have sent a note of condolence in a direction where I hope it will reach its target.