Desperate pleasures

We went for our walk yesterday morning, both really sad, shocked, still unable to process the news from the evening before, both Kathy and Andy firmly in our thoughts. And it was only a short walk, only 5 kilometres, but it ended up taking up about three hours. Strava helpfully calculates moving distance, which was an hour and a half. 

We heard the woodpecker again on our way down, although I'm convinced it was woodpeckers, plural, either that or it was throwing its... I was going to say voice then. You know what I mean. Its knock? It isn't a chirp or a cheep, anyway! It reminded me of one of those annoying little toy drums with the balls and strings on. Mr G did his 'rock climbing' again. 

As our youngest says, he's like a child. Don't worry, his other leg was on the ground.

On Church Island we met a friend and ended up having about a half hour chat with her. Then a little further down Cambria Road, we bumped into another friend (and fellow rock enthusiast) and had a fifteen minute chat with her. And then on the pier we bumped into another friend and neighbour and had a ten minute chat with her. All at a social distance. Mr G found four rocks to rehide, I caught a shiny Gastly, I hope none of y'all are eye rolling or judging me and even if you are, I don't care. The little booth was open at the gates of the pier, and I bought Mr G and I an ice cream from there, and we sat and ate it while looking out over the water. Bara Brith ice cream, honest to God, it was amazing. 

We had planned on a longer walk that took less time, but I think we both needed it yesterday, that interaction, human contact. We discussed loneliness, common sense, painted rocks, new walking routes, diet, all manner. Then when we were home, we took advantage of meeting with one of my best friends and her daughter in the back garden. I haven't posted about this before, because it's private and not my story, but her daughter (who is known as my second daughter) was critically ill just before Christmas with encephalitis. She was in ICU, and how she is still here is amazing, and a testament to the staff at YG. Recovery is going to be a long road, I have seen her in passing in the car, but she was desperate to legally be able to come to see me for a cuppa. That was lovely too, and passed another hour or so of our day. 

Facebook helpfully reminded me that I had memories to look back on. I clicked to see what they were to find this photograph.

Me and Kath, two years ago. It was St Paddy's day, there was a match on and we were both absolutely hanging drunk. I remember being stood at the bar with her, and we were both laughing until I nearly peed myself at something. I wish I could remember the whys and wherefores of things like that, but I'll remember the laughter anyway. And I love how I'm the bad influence here. Made me feel really sad, but also privileged to have memories like this to look back on. 

Come half past eight last night I was flagging, my eyes were drooping so I decided to cut my losses and go to bed. I made it to five this morning and it's grey, dismal looking and foggy. I heard my son creeping down the stairs at 6.20 am, and he came into the living room brandishing a box of Covid swab tests. I thought it was going to be like bathing a cat, but with careful supervision, we managed it between us. Even though he called me a bellend for opening the box the wrong way. It says open there, Michelle, you bellend. 

Thankfully we had a negative result, but it's really got me thinking now, all it takes is one positive result from either of the boys and we are all in. Like in-in. The opposite to out, and definitely out-out. My cupboards and freezers are looking a leetle bit barren right now. I might have to hammer the credit card with a big shop, to tide us over until pay day. 

Also had a like on a Facebook comment from one of my favourite actors, so that was nice.

Yes, that is the Vic Mackey. He will always be Vic Mackey to me, no matter what else he does. Apparently his new programme, Coyote, is also brilliant. But to me, The Shield, that is one of those rarities, an absolutely faultless show. I might have a look on the streaming services to see if it's on anywhere, because it's definitely worth a watch again. If not, I might invest in the box set.  

Mr G has just got up.

Me: Ryan's negative.

Mr G: I know. What about his test result?

Lol.

Let's see where we can get some more desperate pleasures or little joys today, then.