I was talking to a lady in the queue at the supermarket earlier (yes, ThaT one) - something which seems to happen a lot more now, people just randomly talking to total strangers. I’ve always had a habit of doing this - much to the consternation of others sometimes, but these days it - like smiling at people in the street - seems to be on the increase. We were agreeing that never again in our lifetime will we be given this amount of freedom to simply do nothing, if that is how we decide to spend that time. It feels almost self indulgent to say it, but it is strangely relaxing in many ways - at least once you set aside the reason behind it for even a short while. It does feel strange, and even slightly guilt-inducing to say, but that does feel like a treat, although when off-set by all the cancellations of events that people were looking forward to, still really not worth the trade-off.
On that subject - as we speak, MrEH and I should be arriving down in Ilfracombe ready to travel to Lundy tomorrow with a huge group of friends for Marc’s 50th birthday. He’s been planning this for 7 long years - the entire island (aside from the campsite) was booked as long ahead as it was possible to do so and we had so many plans for the trip - but it was not to be. I feel devastated on his behalf - all that planning, all that time - only to have to cancel , or rather be cancelled, just a few weeks ahead. He’s been stoic as ever about it and we are now re-planning for that trip in 2 years time, but still, a bitter pill. And everywhere people are dealing with similar disappointments - perhaps not on quite such a scale, but still heartbreaking for the individuals concerned. I know that come “sailing time” tomorrow we will very much be conscious of missing Marc, Laura, their kids, Tony, James, Sarah, Bagsy, Andy & Helen, Giz, Kirsten, Andy, Robin, Anne & Mr House - plus all the many other friends who were to be involved in this trip. It IS tough to cope with “fun stuff” being cancelled - and if you are struggling to deal with similar disappointments, don’t underestimate that, but do remember that you really are in the majority with this one.
Today then - productive, Mum & Dad’s shopping. Mum is in the high risk group, Dad is classed as vulnerable, and while they have both agreed that they are not going to entirely isolate themselves for 12 weeks, going in and out of shops regularly is a risk too far, so I’ve happily taken on that role. Constructive - having another session of clearing up and fixing stuff on the balcony. A fence, long collapsing and now dismantled so we can establish how best to repair it, some general tidying, a table that was beginning to fall apart fixed. We now have space to sit out here comfortably. Exercise - combined with a trip to our local Artisan bakery and independent sausage shop it made a 5.5 mile walk early in the day. And for me - a bit of all of the above really. It’s nice to feel that I can be of help to my parents - we’ve never been an “in your pocket” family, and sometimes it does feel as though I ought to do more - but as we have found out before, we’re there for each other when it counts, without question. The balcony is a wonderful little space for me - the picture at the top is the view as I sit here typing on the iPad, it’s a little haven really and since we moved in I’ve always loved spending time out here. Just taking time - to achieve the small jobs that get put off, and to take time to sit as we are now - me typing this with a glass of wine, MrEH with his crossword and a beer.
Robyn.
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