We were at a funeral on Wednesday. Paul's cousin had been unwell since the age of 12 and at 54 had finally succumbed. On a grey day in Stockport I listened to a very talented celebrant telling of his fairly restricted but, nevertheless, rich life filled with good humour and love. I hadn't met him many times, but was left wishing that I had got to know him. Many of us, myself included, waste time bemoaning our fate. We pay far more heed to the negatives than the positives, and don't celebrate how jolly lucky we've been, with good health and rich experiences. Lesson learnt; blessings duly noted and appreciated.
Retirement is going well, although I've been affected by the recent lack of sunlight (apparently just a couple of hours over the last 9 days!) and need to snap out of it! Having a roof full of solar panels that are producing almost nothing has made me rigid with frustration. "Do you really need that light on??" Scrooge needs to loosen up, I know. Perhaps I should do more yoga...
I've managed 4 classes this week (couldn't go to any last week) and I am definitely getting more core control. Less shaking in pose. I have always been very target driven, so am delighted with this, and will get to as many classes as possible going forward. Sorry if you get sick of the sight of me!
I've been making a bit of progress with driving the motorhome. I drove a few hundred miles in France, where the roads are better and Hilda's steering wheel is on the correct side, and was able to transfer my confidence to tiny roads through Crickhowell last weekend. Pretty proud of myself. My husband doesn't read this, so it's ok to praise him here ... his driving through London in Friday afternoon traffic was just amazing. I had my eyes shut a few times as I was certain we wouldn't fit through some spaces; luckily I was wrong. He has huge confidence in his ability as a driver, something a lot of us lack, and this makes the difference. He thinks he can so he can. I need to get a bit of that. Perhaps I can put it on my Christmas list.
We had a great time in France. The weather was glorious in Millau and the Dordogne, so lots of time walking and cycling around in the sunshine. The scenery was stunning, as we'd hoped, and the towns delightful. Rain was more in evidence for the second week, which was a problem for drying our washing. We'd decided to pack light and see how we got on with doing some necessary laundry in preparation for longer trips. We learnt a lot! Mainly, pack all the underwear we have. Life with no clean or dry underwear has its limitations.
Since our return we've got away for a few weekends. One to Penally, Tenby, was particularly notable for the glorious weather. I learnt a valuable lesson there, too. Don't leave your crocs outside the motorhome as the seagulls or crows (not entirely sure who were the culprits) steal them while you're sleeping, and peck them to death. The site was littered with deceased shoes and dog bowls the next day.
Our next overseas trip is in March, and I'm already the owner of a ream of lists. Love to plan.
Well, suppose I should do something houseworky for the next hour before Lily gets home and renders it pointless. Bless her. I am so fortunate that I get to live with my granddaughter, children bring such joy, along with the mess. Wouldn't change it for the world.
Commentaires