The DailyEcho: 182 days of being careful

Things sometimes go bump in the night and you’re not sure what’s going on. Last night was one such night. Well, except that we knew exactly what was going on – the edge of the bed was too close, the floor was inviting, so John tumbled out of bed with a bump. The air was quite blue as I surfaced from my slumber, quite startled and quite concerned. “I’m alright,” he said, between expletives.

The thing is, the ol’ man is conscious that sometimes, in the middle of the night, he whacks me with a fist cos he thinks he’s defending my honour and in his dream I am the enemy, or he kicks me thinking he’s scoring a goal. So his conscious self tries to keep his distance. Only last night, the distance was a bit much and the floor met him coming up, as he went down.

No harm done though, much to our relief. Apart from pride, of course. But I like to think it’s because he’s looking after me.

Of course, night-time shenanigans means that we’re always knackered the next morning. And this morning was no different. We both woke up a bit bleary-eyed, wondering whether to get up and start our day. We did, of course, and John brought me cup of tea in bed which was lovely.

We had originally thought we’d go to the beach today but I was a little anxious, on account of it being a Sunday and the weather being absolutely gorgeous and …… there’d be a lot of people.

Catherine had told us that she rather liked The Old Vicarage Garden at East Ruscot, a good hour and ten minutes away. At first, I had thought we might not venture that far but, having been to Cromer already, I was game. “John, instead of the beach, where it’s likely to be very busy today, how about we visit the gardens today and do the beach tomorrow, when it might be quieter?” I said. “Good idea,” came the response.

The gardens opened at noon, which suited us well as we are now very slow-starters in the mornings. We aimed to set off at twelve-ish and be there 1.30-ish. Whereupon we surprised ourselves and pretty much made it to time, despite having to stop off at the garage to sort the tyre pressures out.

The gardens were a revelation. I love all that stuff, but generally speaking, John’s not that bothered normally. However, even he was interested. Stunning, for what is, after all, a private garden. I loved it. Felt totally inadequate regarding my own efforts but, as John said, “You just have to research it to know what plants to put in where.” Yes. If it were only that simple. The trouble is, I get muddled up and daunted……

We spent all afternoon there, marvelling at the owners’ lifelong work before imbibing a cuppa and indulging in yet another cream tea. I also indulged in a purchase and bought myself a rosemary plant, my own having snuffed it a few years ago.

We probably overstayed our time there because we both fell into the car tatered. But we were still on for a bit more sight-seeing before setting off back to our holiday home. We decided to take a look at the church and the lighthouse in Happisburgh, that we had spied from the The Old Vicarage Gardens.

Oh, the serendipity of visiting Happisburgh. It certainly was was a ‘happy stance’. Brilliant beach and pretty little hamlet. Exquisite Norman church and a lighthouse to boot. Oh, and ice cream. Can’t say fairer than that. And I had a paddle.

And then it was “Home, James, and don’t spare the horses!!”. We had a very good run back, with the sun lowering itself slowly in the sky, glittering through the trees and occasionally glaring at me wildly and directly in the eyes, then steadying itself into the most amazing orange orb just hovering on the skyline, before dying the sky pink.

Needless to say, we arrived home late and dined late. John keenly watched the Grand Prix he’d recorded as I cooked our meal. And what started as a likelihood of cars processing around an excellent circuit, it turned out to be very exciting with no less than two re-starts.

We’d no sooner got over that excitement than we plunged into viewing the cricket. We joined it just as Australia were in the ascendency and bound to win. The game, however, had a thrilling finish and England bowled the Aussies out to win the game. Good bowling? Yes? Poor batting? Maybe. Enjoyable though.

A great day. So, do we really want to know the COVID-19 figures? Hmmmm……I’ll say it very quietly…. shhh…. 3,330 people infected; 5 deaths in the community and 2 deaths in hospitals…. shhh….

Take care everyone. God bless.

2 thoughts on “The DailyEcho: 182 days of being careful”

  1. Another lovely day!
    Having watched sport all day yesterday, John decided to give the cricket a rest about 7.30 as England were obviously going to lose! After the film he checked what the final score turned out to be! Got that one wrong didn’t he ? 🤣
    Have a good day xxx

    1. It certainly looked like a done deal when we switched on. Exciting finish!! Poor John….

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