‘Sun’ Day

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been under the weather. We had sniffles last week which didn’t amount to too much, but this week I think I have been run down, as me mother would say. I have had a mouth full of bloomin’ ulcers which, no matter what remedy I have tried, just will not go away. I have felt a touch miserable and wanting to hug my bed.

John has also wanted to hug his bed, but mostly because he is chronically sick and the effort of doing anything takes it out of him. One day a bit of work and then three days recuperation needed.

So, this morning, we did bed-hugging again. To be fair, John got up well before me – about 11 o’clock – because he has the project of planting the hedging that was delivered on Friday. John wanted to dig holes. But, phew! What a mammoth job it is/will be. I mean, the ground is hard, for a start; the holes to be dug need to be quite wide and quite deep; and it was hot today!

Amazingly, John did not give up one bit. He worked for a while, then sat and had a drink – a loop he repeated over and over again. In some respects, although it is tiring, I can see that it’s doing the ol’ man some good (apart from the aches and pains) as the blood courses through his veins. Fingers crossed that he is not feeling too crippled when he gets up tomorrow morning.

I finally got ‘misery me’ out of bed at lunchtime today, having made the decision that church didn’t beckon for me this morning, despite it being Trinity Sunday and Café Church (sadly, without the pastries and coffee until restrictions ease some more). Still struggling with my mouth ulcers and fatigue, I took a couple of paracetamol containing caffeine. I had a bite to eat and then, still feeling a bit ‘meh’, I laid myself out on the sun lounger and soaked up the sun for an hour. What an absolutely glorious day.

I think something did the trick because, after my rest, I found myself interested in the pond. I fished out a bit of the choking weed and was excited to see that I’d also fished out a couple of small newts – which I put back again, obviously. I then found myself marginally interested in a spot of weeding, so I knew I felt better.

Better enough, in fact, to toddle round to the shops. I bought a selection of plants that they had on sale in the Co-op and did the grocery shopping. Now, that’s a first for along time. Normally we ask them to deliver, but I was perky enough to choose for myself.

Not only that, but I put the shopping away and cleared the decks in the kitchen. We have no idea how it happens, but rooms run away with us. They have minds of their own and mess is generated even if we are not in there, I swear.

All in all, another quiet day, but a productive one. I think John is pleased with what he has done so far – albeit he has yet to put any of the shrubs in their ‘oles, but good progress is being made.

After John had done for the afternoon, he went up for a soak in the bathtub. “Good idea,” I said, “make sure you use some Epsom Salts for those aching limbs.” I don’t know whether he did or not. Bathing done, he came downstairs and I cut his hair. As we were chatting during the haircut, he said, “Having a bath is all very well, but it’s a devil to get out of.” Ah….. yes, I agreed, we’re not as young as we were, are we? He told me that he wasn’t sure he was actually going to be able to get out of the bath – I think it was a struggle to do so – but he made it. What do you reckon? Is it time for grab handles? Well, I wouldn’t object…..

The day having glided away it was evening meal time and……. oh, look! It’s Roland Garros!! “Do you want to watch anything on TV, John?” I wondered, my finger hovering over the Eurosport channel. He grinned. A rather long-suffering grin, really. “No, you go ahead and watch the tennis.” Well, thank you. Brilliant – rounded off the day nicely.

The numbers of people who have tested positive for COVID in the last 24 hours is 3,240 and 6 have died in the community. Scientists are still concerned however, and are still reminding us to take every precaution when we are out and about. Masks, hand washing and keeping our distance are still key, as is ventilation in our homes. I think I may have mentioned this before. Now sounding like an old record that’s stuck….

In the meantime, the weather is good for a day or two, so let’s make the most of it. Might do a spot more sunbathing tomorrow…..

Take care everyone. God bless.