Reflections

Wednesday 3rd March, 2021

A cold sullen grey day. My landlady off to Jaipur on a Virtualtrip while I was off to the dentist. Arrived exactly on time but told dentist running late so went for a short walk via the Community Centre. They had, again, a super abundance of donated bread and I was able to take three sour doughs for the freezer and two loaves, already stale, for the birds. Indeed when I got home I chucked some bread out and was swooped upon mainly by gulls. It reminded me of Hitchcock's film 'The Birds'.

The dentist seemed, to me, to be about 12 years old but dealt with me efficiently. At the end of the session I was told I needed a filling and a polish so I am booked back in in about three weeks. Already an email has come through saying the cost will be £28.

I then drove to see a friend...all official. We had a long chat about my thoughts on finding somewhere to live. A friend is looking for me at present. The choice is either England or Scotland, retirement home or a flat on its own. Arguments all ways.

In the background is the unfolding Budget and the inquiry re Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond. Who lied? Both? It is sad as we see public integrity unfold before us. I am no saint but somehow one wants the public politicians to be honest! Foolish and fanciful or a real hope? Some are so we should not think them all bad eggs.

On returning home after sausages and quiche Lorraine I decided to go for a walk with grabber. It is cold but walking quite fast warmed me up. The usual litter to be collected, the chance to look to the unleafed trees which are so remarkable, to see the daffodils getting ready to burst open and to hear the birds in full spate. I am glad I walked but I did not really relish it.

I finished a letter and posted it. I now have three to respond to...I love them all.

For now a siesta and then a quiet evening with rather a good detective story by Gerald Seymour. An evening of comforting indulgence yet I still have before me a realisation as to how privileged I am and how so many across the world have so little. That I must never forget.