The treacle from yesterday continued into this morning until, about ten o’clock, I gave myself another talking to and got out of bed and set my face to the day. I set about in a determined way, and thought I’d have a tidy-up before thinking about doing something a bit different for the afternoon.
My main aim was to have a good clear-out of the kitchen, which seemed to have spawned pots and pans, letters, plates, cups and a whole pile of Christmas cards I’d brought home from Mum’s to throw away. She is always reluctant to throw away those lovely cards she’s received, and even the envelopes. Almost every card she has had in the last ten years, has been slotted back into its envelope to ‘keep’. I have thought about why she does this, and can only conclude that cards, back in the day, were very, very precious, and this has lived on into our throwaway society. A mystery to us, a generation that buys and throws so much away.
I recognise the instinct, having been brought up not to throw away anything that has been a gift. I can hear her say, when I was growing up, “No, Anne, you can’t throw that away. So-and-so gave it to you. You must keep it. Think of the thought that’s gone into choosing that. And when s/he comes round they’ll wonder where it is if it’s not here.” And so I am a bit stuck, too, with ‘stuff’ that has sentimental value – even ‘stuff’ I don’t like.
Anyway, I went through all of her cards and couldn’t find any that we should keep, (there weren’t any from my Dad, for example) so they have all been put in the re-cycling.
The morning was pleasingly interrupted by a phone call from Dawn. And, boy, did that cheer me up. She empathised with the treacle, and so we were able to share the horrible feeling, and then move onto things more cheerful, ending in an agreement to meet up in the garden tomorrow afternoon.
John was up at a reasonable time, and looks slightly better and, I think, feels a bit better, but still out of breath. He was well enough today, anyway, to be interested in selling the trailer and putting an advert up onto e-bay and then, later on this afternoon, tinker about with the project car in the garage. He is also on a mission to grow trees. He collected a whole pile of acorns fallen from the oak tree opposite, and has nestled them nicely into pots. I shall look forward to seeing them grow. I love an oak sapling or two.
After lunch, I suggested that we might take a trip out to Hatton Country World. John agreed to come with me for a change of scenery. I was thinking that it might not be awfully busy and therefore not so risky, and I am still keen to buy the candles that I have searched for, first at Melbicks, then at Rosebourne’s, only to draw a blank.
I was still focussed on sorting the kitchen before we were due to set off, when I had a phone call from Michael. They were on their way home from Devon and thought they’d call in as they’d be passing. Well, in that case, we are not going to Hatton. Goodness me, we’d far rather see the family than totter about in shops.
Not long afterwards, they arrived. Another day of great excitement on my behalf. My heart leapt as they drew up on the drive. What a treat, three grandsons in two days. Just got to catch up with the granddaughters now.
Had a lovely afternoon together. William was a little chatterbox and great company, as was Thomas. Thomas may only be four months old but he gurgles and gurgles away at us like no-body’s business. It is so cute. Michael and Danielle looked really well and refreshed from their holiday, so I was pleased about that. Apparently, the resort had got busy over the weekend so it was probably just as well we didn’t go down in the end.
As always, the visit was over too soon but it was a much-needed salve to our sore souls. And, unlike yesterday, I wasn’t so down after they left as we were getting ready to SKYPE Dave and Chris in the evening, so it was action stations to get our meal ready and finish clearing up in the kitchen. I didn’t have time to get back to the treacle.
Our evening had a bit of a stuttering start with the internet playing up so our connection to Dave and Chris was intermittent and there were several ‘frozen’ moments. However, John to the rescue and he soon sorted it out, which meant that we chatted for two hours straight – unstoppable.
While we were chatting, John had a message on his phone and, unexpectedly found he’d already sold the trailer. Crikey! That was quick! It was only posted on e-bay at seven o’clock and by ten o’clock it had gone. Not sure how he feels about selling it, but I think it may be a relief to get it off the drive. His next project is to sell the trailer-tent…….
All in all, a better day for both John and me, so things are on the up. Fingers crossed that they stay that way for a while anyway. Can’t be doing with these down days.
The incidence of COVID infections continues to rise, however, with 18,804 people confirmed as having contracted the virus today and 80 people having died in the community. 56 people died in hospitals on 17 & 18 October, and the figures for hospital admissions and those on ventilators is pretty much as it was the other day.
Stay safe everyone and look after yourselves.