Still taking stock

Thank you to everyone who sent comments to me today about yesterday’s blog and its purpose. All very helpful and informative – much appreciated.

I was particularly taken with the comments my friend, Rona, made, but which she couldn’t post in reply to the blog for some reason. I’ve copied her comments from the email she sent and put them up in reply to one of John’s comments.

The key thing about her comment is a response to some of my musings regarding our health service – she and her husband have looked at the NHS and compared it to the system in the USA. Well worth reading, if you get the chance.

As you can imagine, I am still taking stock of what I am writing for, so will review where I am over the next week or two. I’m still in a muddle.

In other news, as we lazed in bed this morning, John said, “Are you going to church this morning?” Hmmm…. I was very tempted. There was going to be singing among the congregation. Under our masks, of course, but still, it was tempting. However, I erred on the side of caution and watched the service from the safety of our home. I am sure it’s going to be safe, singing through masks….. isn’t it? Can some epidemiologist just reassure me, please?

And I had to laugh – the Bible extract that we were to take note of today reminded us to ‘Be always humble, gentle and patient’ and to show our love ‘by being tolerant with one another’. I am trying, for goodness’ sake!! It ain’t always easy though, is it? Ego is a terrible thing.

Anyway, we lounged about in bed this morning instead of getting up and leaping into action. I was pleased that John was still resting as he’s not quite better yet.

Once we were out of bed and downstairs, we enjoyed watching some success stories at the Olympics – and were thrilled by the BMX riding. We haven’t watched this event before, but it was very exciting indeed. John continued to watch sport evolving on the TV this afternoon with the Grand Prix – which turned out to be an equally exciting race.

I chose not to watch the Grand Prix, but turned my attention to a bit more spring cleaning. I say this, but when our guests arrive (all being well and illness doesn’t prevent the event) I doubt they’ll notice that there’s anything been done at all. It’s not exactly earth shattering stuff, dusting off the tiddly little ornaments, is it? But I didn’t half enjoy it.

I reminisced over every single piece – the scarab we brought back from Egypt; the ladybird-in-a-heart my Aunty Flo gave me; the head-hunter carving we brought back from the Philippines; the coral from the South China Seas; the Swarovski crystal telephone given from the cast of a play in Centre Stage; the badge I gave John on our wedding day – ‘Love is all you need’………eeh, and I could go on. My heart was full.

Anyway, while I was upstairs, I heard the front door open. I wondered if John had gone for the walk we’d talked about doing, but without me. No. He was outside heaving pieces of wood down by the side of the house. Whaaat? I tapped on the window to him and shouted, “Stop it! You’re not well enough yet to be doing that.” Apparently, he was bored.

He got his own back this evening though, and got through a couple of glasses of wine and three packets of crisps to remind me that he can make his own decisions, thank you. I had the vision of the physiotherapist in my mind doing a bit of finger wagging, but I think John had decided enough was enough, and he was ‘damn well going to enjoy himself’, as my father would say. Good for him.

Other than that, the day has trundled slowly on. I had a great chat to Carol, just after tea, though. It’s a while since we had a natter as they braved the airports/aircraft to spend some time in their flat in Spain over the last four weeks. Nice to have them back and to be able to plan to see them.

I also had a bit of a chat to Michael and to Paul – both conversations related to baby-sitting duties next weekend…… juggle, juggle, juggle.

With regard to COVID news, 24,470 people tested positive for the virus today, and 65 people died in the community. Hospital figures will be available on Monday and we’ll see what the damage is then.

I am reminded of my Dad as I conclude this evening’s blog – shoulders back, chin up, and best foot forward…… c’mon, Anne, you can do it!!

Take care everyone. God bless.