Rather than go rushing about today, we took it easy. We spent the day close to our holiday home and mostly ate, drank, lounged, and watched TV.
We had bought punnets of strawberries and raspberries from a local roadside seller yesterday, so we feasted on those for our breakfast. Nectar in a bowl.
To be fair, breakfast, I say, but it was nearer lunchtime before we got up. Such a luxury to be able to stay in bed if you want to. Not to feel pressured into doing anything. To leave behind chores and the growing grass in the back garden. It feels like it’s doing us good just to ‘let go’.
It was soon time for the qualifying round of the Grand Prix however, and John’s thoughts turned to settling down on the sofa to watch it. John prepared drinks, and himself, ready for the thrill of qualifying. I decided I would rather go out into the countryside. The sunshine was beckoning and Catherine had pointed me in the direction of a circular walk. “Do you mind if I go for a walk, John?” I asked. “Not at all,” he said, ”I thought you might,” He’d clearly looked at weather too and knew I’d been hoping for a country walk. “I’ll stay and watch qualifying,” I smiled. “I thought you might.” I said.
I got ready for my walk and off I set. It was such a glorious afternoon and the path was easy, taking me first to the village pond – without geese, who’d been shipped off somewhere because they’d become a nuisance, but with ducks and swans. Then on to the ruined church, covered in ivy, and the graveyard overgrown with weeds and brambles. A listed building, allowed to fall into total disrepair, such a shame, but the grounds echoing the times gone by as I read the inscriptions on the gravestones.
I strode on, along the path past woods, fields full of crops yet to be gathered and fields shorn of their bounty. I watched the birds and animals in their own habitats before finding an oak log upon which to sit and savour the world. Food for the soul. Not bad this life, I thought. I had the time to sit and stare.
As I neared the village again, I popped into the local shop and bought a couple of scones. To go with the Jersey cream and blackberry jam we’d bought yesterday, you see. John was thrilled to be eating another cream tea. That’s the third one this week! We’ll be rolling home.
After such a busy day, we naturally ensconced ourselves in the sofa for a bit of TV watching this evening. But honestly, what rubbish Saturday night viewing is. I thought I might watch Britain’s Got Talent but after ten minutes I switched it off. John had already decided there was nothing on he’d like to watch so was laid out on the other sofa listening to his audio book. At least, that’s what he said he was doing but there was a bit of snoring going on….
Our evening was enlivened, however, with looking at pictures on our phones – first, views of their ‘garden-in-progress’ from Graham and Gail; then scenes of love and laughter from the family barbecue at Michael’s. An early birthday party before lockdown for William. We enjoyed dipping into a bit of life on the other side of the world and back in the Midlands. It’s not all doom and gloom after all.
It may not be all doom and gloom for now, but for some, there’s a shocking reality as they contract the COVID virus and, perchance, die from it. 9 deaths in the community by the new counting system today; 6 in hospital on Thursday and one yesterday; and over 3,500 people infected. The experts say it’s going to get worse. Which makes me miserable as we will be all looking over our shoulders all the time. Oh, dear, Lord preserve us.
Whatever we have to do, let’s do it with strength and hope. Take care everyone. God bless.
😘😘
So glad you’re enjoying your holiday, making the most of ‘now’, feeding your soul 😘
Thank you!! Not sure a week is long enough but making the most of it!!
Please don’t take me off the mailing list. I love reading your mindful reflections
Thanks Meg
I really am so pleased that you’re both having a lovely, relaxed break. You, most certainly, deserve it. Take care.XX
Thank you Alan.
So glad you have had a great holiday. Xxx
Thank you Jaime
Please keep me on the mailing list – if you are happy to write I am more than happy to read xxxx
Thank you!