To try to try...

Monday 26th April, 2021

No sun today but no rain either...just a spit or two. The earth longs for the water but it is semi expected tomorrow. Nature really does seem beyond our control yet we seem to be disturbing its patterns. The Amazon burns, the mountains of mourners burn, the forests of Australia burned...

After breakfast I drove to Dundee. It is the first day of a real easing of lockdown. There were definitely more cars in the car park, more people on the streets and there were people in cafes and shops. I simply went to the bank to arrange a money transfer. Fortunately I knew the Manager. I had to wait a while as " we are really busy today, a sharp rise in footfall". The usual questions: was I under duress? Was I transferring monies to someone I met online? Was the recipient authentic? What was the money for and on and on. Then with the press of a button it had gone! Cyber space!

Back to base and the writing of a few letters, posted later. After a ploughman' for lunch I walked to Tayport. I had promised to report to the Charity Shop there where I volunteered and which opened today for the first time in months. A goodly walk and three bags of litter. The Harbour cafe was open, the shops and barbers and hairdressers and the Village community centre cafe also. I talked to those working in the Charity shop where there were many punters rushing for the bargains collected over the last few months. Sadly many volunteers have decided to step down and I may be doing so as well for I head to England. I owe the shop and the volunteers much: welcoming, generous with time and effort and of very good heart.

I caught a bus back and again noted more people on it than usual. Back home I decided to mow the lawn. The garden waste dustbin had been emptied this morning so I could re fill it. I did. Also I felt if the rain comes it will be good to have the dry grass already cut rather than wait for it to dry out again.

Now to a siesta and a book. Next to the book I have picked up an old service sheet and have found this as part of a blessing:

" Be true to those who trust you,

Be strong, for there is much to suffer,

Be brave, for there is much to dare,

Be a friend to all - the foe, the friendless.

Be giving and forget the gift.

Be humble, for thou knowest thy weakness.

And then, look up and laugh and love and live." And I say Amen to that...now let us ever try to try to try.