Uncertainty reigns

Tuesday 13th October, 2020

More news of more lockdowns or restrictions in Wales and England. No doubt Scotland will follow suit. It is causing much anxiety with some of my friends. I am trying to discern how to have some sort of life amongst all of this. I refuse to be 'the living dead'.

Well, an old friend, June Badeni, in her 90s died this morning at 8am. She was a good person. She had a strong faith. She was also a skilled writer and had a deep knowledge of poets and poetry writing an impressive biography of John Clare amongst others. May she rest in peace. She was in pain and felt her debilities strongly but now is at peace. There is a certain joy when a person has lived a full and remarkable life and has gone to the grave with many plaudits as well as peace of soul.

I walked this morning so as to be able to think on her and pray for her and calm myself.

Then I felt a certain restlessness so went to see my friend to talk of things serious. We had to meet in a cafe as house visiting is forbidden in some cases. It was a joy. I felt sorry for the one waiter who was besieged by customers. We waited twenty minutes in a queue. We filled forms etc and then sat and the coffees were brought to us. The waiter, or is he a Barrista, looked harassed and shattered.

After that I went to make my apple and lavender jelly. The AGA lady was generous and we talked. I let out my concerns and restless agitations and we had a healing time. The jelly, I think, has set. Tomorrow I will know. Six small jars made.

I also walked along the Tay and in to the City of Dundee. So few people about. So many pubs shut and shops closed. A few take always open but the City feels shut down. The walk was refreshing and I noted the many youths pounding the pavements or cycling...a way to get exercise, no doubt, as gyms may be shut. I also started to count the number of discarded face masks having noticed them lying in the gutter at the start of my perambulation. In an hour's walk I gave up at 97!

I shall now retreat to watching Life on television. Then to bed and book...my real reward for another day under Covid.

#lockdown #dundee #jams