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Rusty, Elle, I didn't have a problem with 'weakens = qualifies'. One definition, in Chambers, of 'qualify' says 'to abate, reduce the strength of' - and that seems to fit with 'weaken'.

Hi, Rusty!
It has been lovely out!
I am enjoying being able to "walk "again!
Now re 3d...yes, I am seeing what you mean about the preposition "but" maybe implying a weakness......but as you say, not a good clue!
Your son came to visit you early in the day?
The steak and vegetable dinner sounds very appetising!
How did he do with the fishing yesterday?
You haven't forgotten that the Athletics World Championships start this evening?
The introductory session is now on BBC2, but it transfers to BBC1 at 7 pm.
I am looking forward to the week ahead!

Malone, thank you for your contribution.
I didn't see your message until after I had posted!
I never thought of "qualifying" as "mitigating" but I guess that it what it might mean?

Hello, Malone, I did not look at Chambers, so thank you for that.
I think that is what I was trying to say, but not making a good fist of it!

Good evening, Elle!
I do not think it was a good clue, but Malone's/Chambers explanation puts it over much better than my attempt.
My son usually finishes early on Fridays.
The steak dinner was very good indeed.
He said the fishing was poor, very dirty water after the rain.
I watched the Tour of Poland today.
Some smashing scenery and enthusiastic fans!

Thanks, Rusty.
Elle, 'qualify' = 'mitigate' is also specifically mentioned in Chambers, so that would be fine too (in addition to 'qualify = weaken', as in the clue).

Hi, Rusty!
Oh, you've already eaten the steak dinner?
Your son timed his visit well!
The 6 o'clock showing of the World Championships on BBC2 included the presentation of the upgraded re-allocated medals to those athletes who had been "cheated" out of their rightful awards by subsequently exposed drug takers!
It was good to see them finally get their rightful medals on a podium, even if for some athletes it came many years later.
( Gabby Logan said that Iwan Thomas was given his updated medal in a bag, in a car park! Disgraceful!)
Laura Muir takes part in a heat for the 1500m at 7.35 pm.

Hello, Elle!
I had enough of Gabby Logan and co and am watching the athletics on EuroSport.
I prefer their coverage.
Laura Muir ran a sensible race.

Hi, Rusty!
If you are watching EuroSport, you will have missed seeing Jess Ennis -Hill then?
She has been in the studio with Gabby, Michael Jackson and Denise Lewis.
She looks very well and is eight months pregnant!
It was good to see and listen to her.
I actually missed Laura's heat!
The phone rang and I was called away!
Right.......I have had a break...now back to the Athletics......

Update, Rusty!
Oops, typo!
That should, of course, have read Michael Johnson!
It was good to see Mo Farah win his last 10,000m race!
The crowd erupted!
Great too having Steve and Brendan back working in tandem!
It has not been the same since Bren retired!
This stadium, of course, is the one where we all were three weeks ago...watching the Parathletics.
The atmosphere there was great ...but, in fact, we can see and hear better at home on the TV!