Week five of lockdown v2.0 begins today. We have new rules, slightly more relaxed but with the addition of a nightly curfew (from 15th December.) Does that then make this Lockdown v2.1? I think that it probably does!
The Crooked Man had to go out again today and we were up and about quite early (for us). I was on dog-walking duty and was dismayed to find when I got up that my back had chosen today to go into spasm. I took some painkillers and hoped for the best but in the event, Nell and I didn’t get very far today.
It’s a blow. Tomorrow the new Confinement rules come in and we will be free to wander for up to three hours a day. I had hoped that we might get the bikes out and have a change of scenery but now begin to feel that I am not up to it.
The day began quite dull but warm for this time of year and as we walked out it was possible to see the promise of sun later. It’s beginning to look a little more like Winter than Autumn now but many trees retain some leaves as yet and I saw some wildflowers struggling on. It was pleasant. Very still and quiet but with traffic noise from the RN quite strong. It’s not as quiet on the roads as it was in Lockdown v1.0. As we wandered through the village I got to thinking how there is rarely a day when I don’t pause to think how thankful I am to be living here. I love it. Everything about it. That cheered me a little. It’s always good for the spirits to count one’s blessings.
One of my lovely neighbours, J, has made for us, and fitted to the outbuildings, some doors. I think that they look grand and they make such a difference – we look less run down. I fear that we shall now need to tidy up some of the mess that we inherited and perhaps train some Wisteria? If only we didn’t have to park the van right outside, it could look very appealing.
Once we have fitted some locks our other lovely neighbour, also a J, will be able to rest easier when we are away from home. I think that makes the job worth doing. We might also get a reduction on our insurance, albeit a small one.
We may need to fit a cat flap – Dusty is going to miss going in there to hunt.
After I had photographed the doors I went to my neighbour’s garden to capture her chrysanths, which had caught my eye as Nell and I came home from our walk. A few flowers to cheer up my day a little further. I know that they are fading but I honestly enjoy that.
Then I pushed the image around a bit in the editor, because I could, and because I enjoy doing that too and it also cheers me up to be a little more creative from time to time.
The biggest cheer of all today is in looking forward to a Takeaway dinner tomorrow; the Crooked Man will be driving into Montmorillon to pick up our meal from Le Lucullus. A real treat in store. Especially as, since I am not cooking, I can dress up in one of my new pretty silk skirts, which I would not dare do if I were being Chef. I am such a messy cook!