A day or two without the blog and I can barely remember how to write…..and what have I been doing with myself, that’s the question?
Well, yesterday was Paul and Harriet’s wedding anniversary, so we hot-footed it over to Kenilworth at lunchtime, laden with copper gifts. Apparently, not only was it a copper anniversary but also a woollen one, so Harriet had knitted a fabulous jumper for Paul. Regrettably, I don’t have a photo of that, but I do have a photo of the flowers that Paul bought for Harriet – as Harriet says, the photo doesn’t them justice – but they were just stunning.
While we were at the Kenilworth Sleaths, Freddie packed his bag and we relieved them of his company, whisking him off to our house. And so we had a wonderful Freddie day, with a sleepover to boot. We enjoyed each other’s company, sharing a good film, then making an open fire together and, of course, the inevitable marshmallow roasts. At bedtime, Freddie made friends with one of the cats, Rio, and spent a good half an hour stroking him as he crept under Freddie’s bed. Such lovely moments.
This morning, Freddie was scheduled to go to holiday club and I had been detailed to take him. It was hard for both of us, however, as Freddie didn’t want to go – and so we spent a good while in ‘tussle’ mode. Never a nice place to be, is it?
I nipped round to the Kenilworth Sleaths at lunchtime to return the car seat and have a cuppa with Paul, which was very pleasant indeed. It’s not very often that we get time for each other these days, what with one thing and another, so it was an unexpected pleasure.
This afternoon, I really enjoyed the company of a few friends at an afternoon tea, leaving John to tinker with his car. It’s the first time he’s done that in a while, but I think he got on reasonably well. I am not sure what the state of the chassis is now, but I am expecting that he’ll soon have it sorted – if it isn’t already.
In other, very exciting news – we had a thrilling little video from the Sutton Sleaths today showing Thomas taking his first steps. How fabulous to capture that on camera!! I was whooping in the aisles, as you can imagine!
Meanwhile, I continue to wrestle with the purpose of the blog, realising that increasingly, it’s an ‘every day story of village folk’ with nowt much of anything at all.
However, I have had a good few suggestions from friends and relatives about it, with some cracking thoughts and helpful ideas to put it all into context. One theme in particular emerged – it seems that our ‘daily doings’ helps put others’ lives into context, too. Hadn’t thought of it like that!
It’s possible, of course, that my current mood/questioning mode is simply part of the up and down of life’s rollercoaster and I shall return ‘to normal’ shortly. Borrowing from Susie Dent’s vast vocabulary, I am temporarily dumfungled – that is, exhausted and all used up.
Anyway, onto COVID news, for which you have all been waiting with bated breath, I expect…..23,510 people tested positive for the virus today; the last seven days showing a 7% increase in cases. 146 people died in the community with the virus – an increase of nearly 15% in the last seven days. 47 people died in hospitals on 8 & 9 August.
It’s not all doom and gloom though – the vaccination programme is quietly continuing and nearly 90% of the adult population is vaccinated with the first dose, and 75% full vaccinated with both doses. I think that’s pretty good.
I am keen for the government to really get cracking on all the young people though – especially before they get back to school. As yet, there hasn’t been any movement by the government of appropriate ventilation for schools as far as I can tell, and it’s a bit wishy-washy about masking in schools – is it going to be every man for himself? Not a great idea when it’s our youngsters’ future health at stake, really, is it?
For now, though, keep safe everyone and allow me to offer you this – as if you didn’t know it already…….
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” Eckhart Tolle