What a day to look forward to. We were going to be entertaining friends this afternoon – and then Quiz Night. In addition, a last minute invitation for me to see girl friends this morning came too, which I accepted with a bit of a caveat – John had medical appointments and I had prep for lunch to do, so I’d see what I could do.
As it turned out, I never made the morning jolly at all. I was whizzing round sorting out stuff for lunch and was still dripping wet from my shower when the appointed time came to leave the house. I was rushing about with still lots to do, when I suddenly realised that I would have to send my apologies. I was disappointed not to get to see Dawn, Alison and Sally on this occasion, but fingers crossed there will be a next time.
It was a good job I didn’t go out after all, though, as Pete and Fran arrived a bit earlier than expected, just after twelve. Fortunately, we were not caught on the hop and we were thrilled to see them.
We had a great afternoon. Everyone was on top form, laughing and joking together; reminiscing; sharing our families’ stories about house moves and grandchildren; catching up on mutual friends’ activities; and swapping car stories. It was excellent, and we were so grateful that they had made the effort to come and visit us.
After Pete and Fran had left, John wrapped himself up in a blanket and fell fast asleep. Clearly, all those jokes he’d been telling had worn him out.
In between times, we had heard from Michael and Danielle that Thomas was still poorly and, having sought advice from the 111 NHS Helpline, they had whipped him off to hospital to be checked out. It transpires that he has a chest infection and so antibiotics were prescribed. The hospital hung onto him for a little while, until his temperature was a bit more regulated, and then allowed him home.
Michael had to nip back to the hospital, though, to change the prescription. Apparently the pharmacist had read Thomas’ age as 14 rather than 1, and had dispensed large tablets for him to take…..
There was a change of plan this evening. Instead of Quiz Night, we girls had a Chat Night. Linda had texted to say they’d be late joining in; Malcolm texted to say he was still away building a kitchen at his niece’s house. Hmmm….. it was generally agreed that we’d leave it until next week – however, Caroline was on her own at home so should we girls chat anyway? Good idea. And what a lovely hour or so we had. Made a very nice change.
And that’s what I mean about an abundance of riches. Friends by the boatload today. Fabulous. We are blessed.
John, meanwhile, decided he’d go for a bit of a walk, while I was chit-chatting away. “How did you get on?” I asked when he got back. “I’m knackered,” he said. Well, I wasn’t surprised…. he’d had to climb a hill on the way back!
The COVID infection rate is slowing with 27,734 people testing positive today. 91 people have died in the community, however, and 44 in hospitals on 26 & 27 July. Hospitalisations of people with COVID has increased by nearly a quarter in the last seven days. Still on the plus side, though, 88.3% of the adult population has had the first dose of the vaccine and 77.1% are fully vaccinated. This is good news.
Take care everyone. God bless. And, if you are so inclined, positive thoughts and prayers for friends and family who are poorly right now, please – including two people who are currently in hospital fighting infections.
And for anyone who is feeling down, here is a beautiful bouquet of flowers – mine, sent by the Kenilworth Sleaths. Magnificent, aren’t they?
