Stay alert...

Thursday 15th April, 2021

Another blistering day. Sun at dawn and uninterrupted and only now setting. I have seen no cloud but noted the parched gasping of the earth! Whatever...

I got up early to put out cards and presents for the landlady who is 80 today. She and her family take birthday celebrations very seriously so I had agreed to help make it memorable. A few presents and the cards and special croissants put on the breakfast table. The telephone began ringing at 9.30am so I was able to get off to Mass. Great service and an old friend gave me a red carnations plant in a pot...another addition for the birthday girl. The house is like a florists.

Her daughter came to take her out at 11.30am and I then prepared a surprise lunch with a middle eastern theme. 24 dishes and most of them my favourites apart from okra, dolma and aubergine kuftis. The party returned at 13.30 and we ate until 15.25. I had a siesta immediately and realised I had eaten too much. A short walk this afternoon but it was a labour. I did meet three sets of old acquaintances and picked up two bags of litter but it was only a 25 minute walk.

Now I head across to Dundee for a special tea and cakes, then a film and finally a dinner all within the legal bubble. All I want to do is watch the sun set and go to bed with a book.

I was shocked this afternoon on my walk for twice I crossed the road to grab some litter on the other side and twice I was very nearly hit hard by a bicycle. I listen but do not look when crossing. I think I was mildly comatose after the lunch. What is that lovely piece in the Bible? "Stay awake for you know not the day nor the hour"!

Tomorrow I really must water the plants again. We all need sustenance but not super abundance.