Monday, 11 November 2019

Rites of autumn

The garden is looking rather bare now: the runner and French bean plants went away in the garden waste collection last time, and most of the rudbeckias have followed, together with some rose prunings.  When the sun shines, as it has lately (between downpours), there are some fine autumn colours in the countryside near us.  Our little beech tree is turning as well, so we’re doing our modest part in decorating the roadsides.

Sad occasion on Friday: the funeral of our friend Dorothy, who died in October, age 97.  It was pretty well attended - I guess around 50 - and I’m glad to report that the newly extended crem chapel was a much less dismal experience than heretofore.  Dorothy had been in failing health for some years, but need not have died as she did, of complications from an injury she got when she took a tumble while out shopping.  (Inquiry follows, I gather.).  It escaped me on the day that it was the 36th anniversary of my father’s death.

Talking of tumbles, I’m glad to report that my Technicolor bruise is fading at last, though I’m still conscious of having twisted my back when I landed.  A fall does rather shake the confidence of us old geezers, and I’m aware of being extra careful as I slither up to the compost bin with the spud peelings!

We were lucky with the weather for yesterday’s remembrance service: sunshine and only a little breeze, though I was glad I’d opted for insulated trousers, a lined thick pullover and an overcoat.  (A scarf concealed the fact that I’d opted out of collar and tie this time.)  Quite a good public turnout, but there were fewer of my co-hobbyists than ever in the civic procession this time.  The Orpheus choir sang much better this year than in the past: they have a new musical director, and he’s at last knocking them into shape.  Of course, I can never forget on Remembrance Day that we carelessly accepted the funeral slot offered for Dad: 11:00 on 11 November.

We have both seen our lovely new doctor recently, and are full of praise for her.  We called in on Thursday to see if we could bring forward Martyn’s appointments, and although there were none available in the next day or so, she saw us there and then without fuss, took blood samples and did a thorough examination.  My visit today was routine and as pleasant as ever.  How lucky we are!  I notice that it’s taking longer to get appointments, however: almost certainly a measure of her popularity.

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