Just another day

I was keen to get up and go out for a walk this morning, but the weather was grey and overcast and uninviting. I am sure it would have been lovely had I gone, but really, I couldn’t ease myself outdoors this morning. Instead, I tidied the kitchen before toddling over to Mum’s to let the podiatrist in.

That all worked well and the visit was short, so I was able to get back home in time for singing at 11.30 on the ‘Couch to Chorus’ sessions I’ve been doing with Opera North. Before I left, however, I spent a few minutes with Mum sharing a photo with her and the Order of Service from her friend, Hazel’s, funeral. She had forgotten that Hazel had died and was upset all over again, but was pleased to have the Order of Service. I offered to read the eulogy for her, but it was two sides of A4 and she said she wouldn’t be able to take it in. I did read the first couple of lines which mentioned her in dispatches though, and she was delighted to have had a mention. ‘The two Hazel’s’….ah…. happy times.

“Mum, I’ll have to go now,” I said, after we’d finished looking at the Order of Service. “I’ve got an appointment at 11.30. I’m singing.” Mum looked at me, wide-eyed, and I could see the old grey matter working. “But you can swim already,” she protested. I laughed. “No, not swimming. I’m singing.” I grinned. “Slimming? You don’t need to slim!” she said, shocked. I laughed some more. “No, I’m singing!” I replied again. She finally got it and burst into laughter. We had a good giggle over it, so I left her happy.

Once home, I logged onto the singing session. Unfortunately, I missed last week’s run through and so I was a week behind – and this was the last session before a ‘grand finale’ next Tuesday. I struggled. Not only was I unable to recall all the tunes, but I found I couldn’t sing either. Flat as a pancake. Screeching the high notes. Burbling. Hmm….. even a glass of water didn’t help. Ah, well, it was nice to listen to the choir mistress sing anyway, so there was some pleasure in that.

This afternoon, I rang John and we had a lovely long chat. At first, there was a lot of puffing and sighing as we struggled to find things to talk about but, after a while, we got the hang of it and got going. Inanities; often mundane topics; and sultry conversation, but it was comforting nonetheless.

There is still no news as to what might be the matter with John, other than the things we already know. No explanation as to why he’s wobbly yet. And, he is, of course, getting a bit fed up now. His room is chilly, so he’s wearing his overcoat all day, and slinging it across the bed all night. I do hope they come up with something soon. I need him home.

After we’d had a chat, I went up to the postbox to drop a couple of letters in, and then decided to carry on with a walk to Katharine’s Wood. The sky was a brilliant blue this afternoon and the sun was shining. It was such a lovely walk, listening to the birds singing and enjoying watching the dogs and children gambolling about the fields with their owners/parents. Bliss.

Must’ve tired myself out though because, when I got back, I made a cuppa and sat on the sofa intending to watch a bit of TV, only to promptly fall asleep. An afternoon nap? I don’t mind if I do.

I had a lovely few minutes on a video call with Michael at tea-time, which absolutely filled my heart. Michael was at the bottom of the stairs, encouraging Thomas, who was doing his best to crawl up the stairs. Danielle and William were at the top encouraging Thomas up. Oh, it was lovely. One of those moments to treasure. Thomas, of course, not content with trying to crawl but insistent on trying to stand and walk his way up. Beautiful.

This evening it was Quiz night and everyone was there, including John from his sick bed in hospital, and Nigel and Hazel, who are up to their eyeballs in packing up the contents of their house, ready for a move. Great, great fun with plenty of repartee and decent questions to trouble our heads over. Even John was on top form. Just what I needed as a pick-me-up.

The COVID situation continues to be steady, and the vaccination programme continuing apace. There is a bit of a kerfuffle over the AstraZeneca vaccine still, and threats from the EU that they might prevent the Pfizer vaccine being exported to us. Honestly, handbags springs to mind.

• 5,758 people tested positive for the virus today
• 141 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
• 45 people died in hospitals on 15 & 16 March
• Lockdown 3: Day 70; Lockdown One: Day 358; Self-imposed Lockdown One: Day 366

It is St Patrick’s Day today and Harriet’s birthday, so I am reminded of the poem I read out at Paul and Harriet’s wedding, which holds sentiments I wish for everyone today and the future:

May the road rise up to meet you. 
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
The rains fall soft upon your fields 
And, until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

 Take care everyone. God bless.