Palm Sunday

My plan this morning was to at least ‘go to church’ via the internet if nothing else, it being Palm Sunday an’ all. But look what happened…….

….I got meself a handyman today…..

I knew yesterday, of course, that the ol’ man was likely to be home today and he thought it would be early on. I wasn’t so sure, but I was surprised that I was hardly out of bed when he phoned to say ‘come and get me’. I promised to be there between ten-thirty and eleven, as I was still in the middle of changing sheets on the bed, making up the fire to be cosy, and baking my pains aux raisins for breakfast.

I was amazed when I arrived at the hospital that John managed to totter out under his own steam, carrying his own bags. True to form, we had an immediate spat, when I said, “Why didn’t you wait inside for me?’ The intention had been positive i.e. I’d have helped with the bags, but John was miffed. “Huh! As soon as I am out of hospital, you’re criticising….” Oops. Been back-pedalling all day ever since. Bless.

It was lucky, too, when we got home, to find the Marlows on the doorstep. They had been and bought a paper for John, as they very often do, and brought a Palm Cross for me, because they had been to actual church. It was very nice to have a doorstep chat with them before John came indoors, and I was grateful for the symbolic cross.

Once he was in, John saw that the lamp from the computer room was on the table and immediately set on to mend it. Lucky that, cos I hadn’t got a clue. Good to have a handyman in the house, isn’t it?

“What are your plans for the day?” John asked, as we drank our cups of tea. I shrugged. I really had no plans. Just mooch about, read the paper perhaps? We did a bit of mooching and reading the paper, when the phone rang. It was Paul. A socially distanced meeting was proposed. Well, that suits us, thank you very much.

It was lovely. I, of course, spent most of time messing about with Freddie, while John and Paul held a manly chat. Lovely to see them and we were pleased that the weather held out. It got a bit breezy however, and John thought he’d better call it a day before he got too cold, so we said our goodbyes and we’re now praying for the soon-to-be wonderful garden parties in decent weather……

This afternoon, John was spoilt for choice. Watch the cricket or the Grand Prix? Both of which were recorded or recording. In the end, he watched a bit of the cricket and then plumped for the Grand Prix – which he promptly slept through. I am not surprised. He’d had an extremely busy day, one way and another.

The diagnosis from the hospital is COPD, with the instruction to go to Solihull tomorrow for more treatment of the anti-fungal medication. The wobbliness is much improved, but there was a caution on the discharge notes, saying that John is at risk of a fall. He hasn’t done too badly all day, but he did get tangled up with the wires of his laptop this evening and, for a moment there, he was all arms and legs flailing before finally plopping onto the sofa. Phew…..

So, there we are – he’s home, much to my relief. Let the bickering commence!!

And tomorrow? Tomorrow – a little more freedom beckons. We can meet in our garden!! We’re gonna get the gazebo out!! How wonderful is that going to be?? Especially as they reckon that there’s going to be warm weather on its way this week. *Does a little dance*. Come on everyone! You’re all invited!! Well, 4 at a time, anyway….. and from one other household…. ah, well, better than nowt.

The COVID figures continue to look promising, so I am hopeful that we may have some good times ahead.

• 3,862 people tested positive for the virus today
• 19 people died in the community with the virus in the last 24 hours
• 11 people died in hospitals with the virus on 26 & 27 March
• And it’s Day 81 for Lockdown 3; Day 370 since Lockdown 1; Day 375 since our self-imposed Lockdown 1

Take care everyone. God bless.