Sunday 08 November
We have been out on some nice local walks this weekend. Enjoying the mild temperatures and accompanying sunshine. It does make a real difference when the weather is good. But as we are deep into the Autumn, it’s not so much of an issue if the weather is good or not. Just getting out is what is important, and this is one of the many positive aspects of having a dog.
There are so many ladybird beetles about right now. I never associated them with this time of year. During the summer I only saw the 7-Spot variety but just this weekend I have seen a few others.
The lockdown is getting many people out and about which is a good thing but we are competing for space on the public footpaths. I know that sounds a little melodramatic and extreme, it probably is. But when things pile up and seem like they are weighing me down, I like to escape from the trappings of society as best I can. A walk on my own or with my family was what I needed this weekend. I got it but was conscious that strangers were out in numbers. How selfish?
It feels like there is so much to think about at the moment. Really big stuff too. I always like to say to myself and others “Don’t sweat the small stuff”, the trouble is none of it feels small. I stress that it doesn’t feel small. It may be to others, or the different things in isolation. But together, right now, I feel my emotional backpack is full, heavy, crammed full. Coronavirus, my Mum, my Dad, work, Autumn, short days, long nights, no daily walks, fewer birds, reduced travel, places closed, lockdown restrictions, no football, kids not being able to get out/college as they should, deaths, politics. Fuck. Stop, just stop!
And all of a sudden it’s Sunday evening again. What is the next week going to bring? I will find my way to manage it all, I know that. It’s just difficult at the moment. But we have had a sunny weekend together as a family. And I am surrounded by love.
The Bald Birder 