Post 339: Rest day while our valley hides away from the wind.
Giving yourself a break for a day, or more, is a very sensible thing to do, and the weather seems to agree.
Yesterday, the sound of the pheasants all around the cottages was a sign that there was no reason to worry about the weather. Dry and sunny was the order of the day, and the woodpeckers made their mark too, as did a very early — or late — tawny owl hooting after midday. But there’s nothing like that today.
We had the delightful sound of the song thrush high up in the tree, singing his 12 or 15 melodies at full volume yesterday. It’s a small bird but a distinctive song from an invisible source. I didn’t have my binoculars with me, but even if I had, I’d be lucky to find it at the top of a nearby tree. But oh, what a lovely song.
Today they are but memories of a great day walking no more than half a mile from here. Perhaps I’ll walk up there again, if I have time. Ha ha.
All I have is time…
It’s interesting how things have changed lately, with thoughts of trying to spend as much time together — now and looking forward.
It was the hope that these cottages would fit the bill for the two of us to get this last week in March off — mainly due to my Darling’s time off work, scheduled and usable as the last annual leave for 2025/26 in the NHS system. So we chose it, paid for it, and now we’re enjoying it.
I’ll admit that the TV was a nuisance on the first evening because it had no Netflix or catch-up on the terrestrial channels we love so much — or rather, we love the flexibility so much. But here we are now, over halfway through the week, and able to choose and arrange ourselves to match up with what’s available on the TV. It’s a challenge, but we have risen to it. It’s just like old times.
Last night we watched Clunes approaching young’uns in the portrayal of the fallen Welsh presenter Huw, who (I think) needs a couple of years of hormone therapy for his sins.
But yesterday was not all about the survival of two lazy TV remote users getting used to terrestrial TV planning — it was about my Darling having a lie-in till the afternoon, trying to get rid of a new cold, and with her little red nose and snivels leading the way, she was undoubtedly unwell.
I was happy to watch the windy day escalate into a stay-indoors sort of day while she recuperated.
The rain didn’t come until it was dark, so the far trees bending — that I could see from my vantage point out of the small lounge windows — while I sat in the rise-and-fall maroon leather chair. I didn’t need any updates to show how things were going outside.
It was not good, all day.
I chose to leave the TV off and allow the peace and tranquillity my Darling needed to be paramount in her recovery, while I started a new book on my phone’s Kindle. Another book from T. G. Reid. Another ruthless death up in the wilds of the Western Isles, with the wind whistling along our cottage roof as a background effect as I read about the rubbish weather on the page too.
While I read and time trotted on in a pleasant way, I was made to think about my current health and how the holiday let has treated me. So here goes…
While I’m not Superman and have limits in all I do, I’m astounded that I am getting in and out of that bed easily. Now, I have picked up a middle right-back muscle pull from somewhere — it’s not, I don’t think, caused by the bed, more that I have strained it while over-stretching while pulling a long sock on (or off).
As for my strength, I’m feeling great. Driving (including the flexibility of my neck) — brilliant, best for a while. It’s a struggle to get seated in the driver’s seat, but once there I’m ready and able. That’s to do with my long legs and knobbly knees not a problem with my fitness.
The walking — I’ve felt strong and well balanced. I’m able to walk for a mile or more without issue, but I’d like to walk more. The walk up to the church was a challenge, but I met it with ease. It must mean I’m ok.
Eating and digestion is steady, and I’m happy with the situation. 8/10.
On the whole, I’ve taken my pills, was confident in the shower, able to be myself without any need for more assistance.
All up, I’m in great shape.
The above report about me and my health is partly for me to be happy about what I’m reading (what I write etc.), and partly to say to all you out there who have had to put up with many of my struggles over the last year — to have a rest too.
The looming oncologist’s meeting next Thursday should be ok, but the bloods might mean something else to the experts.
I want another three months of AS, but that is in the balance.
But for now, I will lay in this Opera bed and rest a while.
Good night.
