I was struck by the beauty of the March sunshine on the flowers and shrubs in the gardens on Ullet Road this morning, as I walked to Bentley Road to my local doctors
.
I had a text from the GP to say it was time for my bloods to be checked again, a regular occurrence for me. I rang the surgery to ask when it would be convenient for me to collect the paperwork, they said today.
I was surprised when I arrived to find that the doors were closed and a line of people were talking to the receptionist through the speaker on the wall.
People were asking questions and being given answers from the receptionist in that fashion, then. When it was my turn I was asked my name my date of birth, why I was there, did I have a cough or a cold ?
I said "no "to to the last question. I was surprised that the doors magically opened and I was allowed to go in. In front of the reception area was a big desk making the distance between me and the woman there ,wider.
She gave me my paperwork and told me that when I go to have my blood taken tomorrow the medical staff there would be in protective clothing.
I could see that the reception staff were very busy answering phones and also taking instructions from the medical staff. I thanked them for their work , for just being there in the front line.
I walked back along the sunny road past my flat ,where my lovely cleaner was in cleaning for me, she made sure that I would be out when she came, she wanted me to be safe as I am in the vulnerable group.
I was curious to see if any cafes were open as I often go there when Carmen is cleaning for me. Costa had a sign up saying cashless sales only, and takeaway only. The staff were on their knees cleaning the floors under the tables. Many of the shops and cafes were either closed, or open and empty. Tesco was opened as was Roy Castle charity shop.
I decided that as the sun was shining , it was time to tidy the garden after winter, so in the spring sunshine, I cleaned out the sheds, brought out my garden chairs , they need replaced, but they will do for now. I lit a fire with last years fire lighters and some wood chopped up by Ben last autumn, it was the frame of my old wardrobe. I had forgotten all about it. It smelled lovely. I washed out seventeen plant pots which I stored away in November, and invited the neighbours to take a few each and fill them with shrubs and or flowers to cheer our communal garden.
We probably won't get our holidays this year and I certainly won't be away for my usual two months to dear Castlenel, so the garden will be important to us all, we hope we can meet out there and that it will be a safe space if we all follow the guidelines.
I have a friend coming for coffee in the garden tomorrow, we will get well wrapped up and light a fire and enjoy the fresh air.
All day I have been sending and receiving messages from family and friends on whatsapp groups and texts I find that very encouraging and reassuring.
I have been invited to make felt flowers with a friend as we face time, she will teach me how to make them, they are for her civil ceremony party.
My choir are planning a picnic and a singalong in Sefton Park, where we can stand apart and still sing together.
And I have been invited for my first Skype glass of wine over the weekend with A&L . I love how creative we are all being, rising to the challenge finding ways to stay in touch, without the touch part. I find that tis he toughest thing for me as I am a touchy feely person; so virtual hugs it will have to be for the for -seeable future,and very welcome too
So far I am finding this time scary ,challenging ,and fun; fun to be able to pick up on projects which have gone by the wayside , start some new ones to keep me stimulated and interested during this time. The Garden and this Blog are two of the new projects.
I am still managing to do a little work, but not at all sure for how much longer.
More tomorrow, be safe and wash your hands X
No comments:
Post a Comment