In the time of the virus: back to life, back to reality

Monday was a success.  I had the operation and was home by lunchtime.  True, I spent most of the rest of the day in a dark room listening to podcasts, but such a relief.  The staff at the hospital were, without exception, very kind and thoughtful and of course skilled.  The covid precautions were impressive, and the whole thing felt very safe.  I can see the improvement in my field of vision.

I’m on my second course of antibiotics for the boil, which at long last seems to be on its way out.  Around my eyes looks red and bruised, but nowhere near as bad as I was expecting.  It was all done from the inside of my eyelids, so there’s not even any external scar or stitches.  For the first few days my eyes felt sore in the afternoons and I needed to rest them, but otherwise no ill effects at all.  Just amazing.

We celebrated the end of our period of self-isolation by visiting one of our favourite gardens (Heale Garden, near Wilton), where the cafe and all-important toilets are also now open.  The visit felt almost ‘normal’ again.  The garden was as lovely as always.  One of the delights is a massive mulberry tree.  I lay on the grass underneath it for a while meditating.  I walked barefoot on the grass.  I watched the butterflies and bees.  I noted plant and colour combinations I liked.

On Thursday I went to town to buy some things I was running out of, and met a friend for coffee.  Unlike the last time we met, we were able to sit at a table outside the cafe, and I noticed they now also have some indoor tables available.  They’re still not using real cups, nor are they accepting refill cups.  Small steps, as the man said.  But progress nonetheless.

My friend has discovered all sorts of things about my dad’s family history.  I’m thrilled beyond words to know so much more.  As dad died when I was only 11 and shortly afterwards mum fell out with most of my paternal family, I never had the chance to find out anything directly from them and she seemed not to know much about them.  I’ll need some time to mull over what she found out.  I’m so very grateful to her.

It was noticeable even before they became compulsory just how many more people were wearing face coverings in shops and around town.   People were also being careful about spacing, and some of the smaller shops are limiting the number of people allowed in at a time.  I was pleased and relieved to see this.

Yesterday we visited youngest son and family again.  We were able to take granddaughter out, and we sat outside in an orchard cafe with our coffees.  She had fallen asleep in the car, I lifted her out she slept and snuggled on my lap for another half hour.   Tomorrow they’re coming to stay with us again for a couple of nights.  The very simple joys of life.

I hope you have some simple joys to keep you afloat, and that I’ll see you again soon.  Now with new improved opening eyelids xx