Coffee, sun and letters

Friday 9th April, 2021

I returned from my afternoon walk to hear that the Duke of Edinburgh had died. May he rest in peace. Many die daily and the death of such a public figure makes one realise two things. First death comes to all. Second death happens constantly. It was St Francis of Assissi who made one conscious of trying to make friends with death. It happens, it will happen to each of us, it is therefore sensible to face it and live with it all one's life. Do not be afraid.

I was up early to open the door to the daughter of my landlady. She came to take her Mother to the hair dresser. I took the opportunity to telephone a few friends. Then I wrote two letters and did a little reading before setting off for my daily walk. The wind was less ferocious than usual so the walk was good. I decided to take a long version of my usual perambulation and embraced the sights of the North Sea, the Firth of Tay and across Fife to Perthshire in the distance. The ploughed fields were turning green as the shoots appeared. The woods were beginning to show a variety of greens also as the leaves came out. There were swathes of primroses and a whole variety of plants I am unable to identify yet relished.

There was litter and there were a few walkers. I sat at various points soaking up the sun and making sure I was out of the wind. At the end I came down to the Tay Coastal walk and found the coffee van parked in the lay by with a queue of over forty people. Of course I noted the litter but moved on.

Now back I am reading my letters, having a short siesta and relishing the silence before my landlady returns.

Of course I pray for the dead also. May peace be theirs.