Step-by-step

Once again, we have taken it steady today. Neither of us got up early and, in fact, John was up again before me, bringing me another cup of tea in bed. I drank my tea and got up, but John stayed in bed to rest. I cooked a decent breakfast and took it upstairs to the ol’ man, before I ensconced myself in the computer room to join in with some singing.

I am taking part in a ‘Couch to Chorus’ singing lesson from Opera North. I was originally undecided as to whether to join in with the soprano or the alto part, but opted for the soprano. However, I am now beginning to think that the soprano is a bit high. Fortunately, no-one can hear me as we are all on mute, apart from the choir mistress. Well, I say no-one can hear me….. but John could certainly hear me warbling away in the next bedroom.

John got up and played some poker. I think it’s very hit and miss as to whether he earns any points in the game, so there’s no real rhyme nor reason to it yet. I left him to play and shot over to Paul and Harriet’s about 2 o’clock to drop a spot of washing off that I’d done for them.

John was also busy today with sorting out the scrapping of the Mazda. We had lent the car to Andrew some months ago and it had served him well. However, a couple of weeks ago it started to stutter, and failed to offer any engine power to pull away. We suspected that it was the diesel particulate filter, which we had had replaced once before with a reconditioned one. Andrew took it into a garage and they confirmed that that was the issue. It was a very old car, and a repair was so expensive that it was out of the question. With regret and a lot of sadness, we took the decision to scrap the car. RIP our lovely, faithful old Mazda……

When I got back from Paul and Harriet’s, I suggested that we go for a walk. John was game, so we set off to take a walk over at Temple Balsall in the woods behind the church – a walk that Louise had suggested. Despite the rather murky weather, it was a good walk and John did incredibly well. It was an amazing sight though – there were thousands of snowdrops. The ground was literally covered in them. So very pretty – although they were hanging their heads due to the weather and not quite as joyous as they might have been. I was thrilled to see them though – I am a sucker for snowdrops.

When we got back, we made ourselves a large mug of hot chocolate each and settled down in the lounge. John was soon feeling sleepy after his exertions, so nodded off for an afternoon nap. I watched daytime TV……

Before I got stuck in cooking the evening meal, I toddled outside into the evening dusk to plant some lily of the valley that I’d taken delivery of the other day. It was late, but I was determined to do it today. I am so looking forward to seeing them come up in a couple of months. Like snowdrops, lily of the valley are another flower that I am a bit of a sucker for.

After we’d eaten our evening meal, it was time for Quiz Night. John wasn’t sure he was going to join in as he felt very tired. He did join in, in the end, however, and had some good contributions to make. I also felt tired and found that I knew nothing this evening. However, it was lovely to see everyone and to hear all their news and to be part of it, but I think we both felt a bit ‘outside-looking-in’ this evening. A large glass or two of sherry for me, and the same of whisky for John, numbed the feelings of inadequacy though, and we are sure that we’ll feel better and have kicked our brains into gear by next week. We know we know stuff – it’s just that we might not know the stuff we need for the questions being asked……..

It may not amount to much, what we’ve done today, but step-by-step I am hoping that John will soon start to feel better and, with some better weather on the way, enjoy life again. I think positive vibes and prayers are still in order if you are so inclined…….

It is now nearly a year since we made the decision to absent ourselves from normal contact with others – we are now on Day 352 – but it’s amazing how we are adapting to this new life, with lots of Zoom sessions to keep us involved with friends, relatives and activities. Thank the Lord for technology, eh?

Today is Day 56 of Lockdown 3 and Day 344 since the beginning of the formal Lockdown 1. It’s a long time, but here comes the light – well, we hope, anyway.

• 6,385 people tested positive for the virus today
• 315 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
• 105 people died in hospitals with the virus on 1 & 2 March

Take care everyone. God bless.