Tuesday 22 December
Whilst walking around our local lanes this afternoon, Adora came up with her six word story. “Scarlet splashes, frosted glass, laughter heard.” Pretty macabre on first read and, indeed, when she explained her original thinking. But then we chatted about the possible plots and scenarios that could be born from just those six words. Good fun.
Whilst walking we collected branches of holly, ivy, rosehip and fir. These became arrangements for the door and tables when we got home. My wife is very talented.
I have purposely avoided the news today. I probably overdosed on it over the past week or two. Situations changing by the hour over the last few days. Brexit, the Coronavirus, blockades at the port of Dover, flights cancelled as borders close to planes leaving the UK. The sky remains grey and the temperature mild – a reminder that we also have a global climate emergency too.
I could spend (and have spent) hours watching, listening and reading about all of the above. It’s too much. So, this morning I finished the first jigsaw of the season and checked my work phone for any calls or emails telling me that there is a case of Covid19 with staff or pupils.
Then a dog walk and some fresh air. My cold is on its way out thankfully, so it’s not Coronavirus. Mulled cider and cold and flu tablets kept the worst at bay whilst nature fought it off. Stan has it now though and we hope it will be gone before Christmas Eve. There’s a real sense of deflation about this year’s festivities. No one really has much of a drive to enjoy it all, let alone work hard to make it happen. We will have immediate family round on Christmas Day evening for a drink and a sandwich. But that’s it.
The Bald Birder 