The lockdown goes on and on…
In contrast to recent sunny days with pictures of vibrant flowers the weather has changed to dull, wet and grey. My mood has quickly changed with it. I didn’t feel like getting up today.
I’m not the most house proud of people, preferring outdoor activities whenever possible. As it was raining I did eventually do some hoovering and general tidying of rooms neglected in the last few weeks of sunshine. Not the best way to brighten my mood but I smiled when it came to my bedroom and the state of the unmade bed.
It looked as though Tracy Emmons had been sleeping in it.
They say a person’s bedroom reveals significant details about their personality, habits and emotions. Make of it what you want but I do use my bed as a study, library and cafe at times, I spend a lot of time in it during normal circumstances, something to do with security. That’s where I am now typing this. I’m surprised the cat was not in residence on the duvet.
More depressing news of the loss of life on the TV. I usually listen in at lunchtime and then get on with the rest of the day unencumbered.
Today however I’ve learnt from his wife, Pat, that one of my best friends has died. I met Mel as a cheeky faced 5 year old in our first year of primary school. From that time our lives have interwoven between all the highs and lows. He has featured on these pages many times either visiting ‘up north’ or on our yearly backpacking trips. I will put a little story together at a later date, 
Something strange has just happened – as I was in the very process of uploading this picture of Mel his wife phoned me, uncanny. Fragile times…
I feel particularly indolent. no energy and can feel myself getting very unfit.
There is no neeed to feel guilty about becoming indolent in the present situation. I’m not.
Gettingout on our moderate walks keep the spirits flowing, fitness will come in due course.
Each day is different and I’m sure you keep yourself occupied in many ways.
I think chopping logs today will be fulfilling for me!
Very lucky really with the access we have, though I could do with some steep hills, regards John
Try going up and down your stairs x times a day.
On second thoughts save the carpet and wait till you can climb a proper hill.
Aye, very good advice.
Sorry to hear about Mel who I did meet. I know from our many conversations how close and long standing a friend he was for you.
Yes he enjoyed that walk with you over Beetham Fell.
I remember at Fairy Steps you had to pull while I pushed to get him through the cleft. You can’t say he wasn’t game.
Walked back through Dallam Park.
Hang on in there guys 👍. Things will get better. I have my low days as well, normally when I get another phone call from my ex-wife, or her solicitor! 😂. But some days are good too. Have two things to look forward to – one in the near future, next week say, and one further off. That’s what keeps me going.
Thanks Paul.
Today I’m getting on with more jobs in the garden. The sun is shining. We will all learn a lot from this episode.
I try to watch a bit of breakfast telly most days, half an hour of it though and I’m usually blubbing at something bad or even something good. Pouring down here at the mo…and I have to take the dog out. Not good timing! Sorry about your friend.
I know what you mean, everyone is emotional at present. That made my friend’s death worse even though I was expecting it. He accompanied me on many of the long distance paths fetured on my blog.
At least you have some nice memories of your walks together on your blog. ❤️
Thanks.
Yes I use my blog as a sort of diary.
Sorry to hear about your friend, it’s good that you have memories of your backpacking trips together. You think your bed is messy? – you should see my son’s! 🙂
Thanks.
Did you listen to Sting’s recording of Fragile – it seems to sum up our present dilemmas.
I am so sorry about the death of your friend. And now in this time of Covid-19 we cannot say our goodbyes properly.
I cannot concentrate on anything for long except gardening. I had to force myself to do some baking yesterday to feed the hungry hoards and now it has proved so popular I’ll have to do it all again!
Thanks.
We are living in fragile times.
Thankfully we have our gardens.
Glad your baking was a success. I’ve been making fruit crumbles for the neighbours and friends.
That sounds delicious!
One of my friends, who I can no longer see, is suffering from Alzheimer’s, she loves fruit crumble with custard. I try to arrange a delivery to her as often as possible.
<3