Sunday 4 October 2020

This and that as the day goes on.

First thing this morning - and a bright sunny one looking out of the front windows facing South with the sun shining straight into the sitting room.   Then I come into the Computer Room and the sky is black and there are fresh raindrops on the window.   Oh dear,we are not going to get a rain-free day as I hoped for it seems.

Yesterday was a day for doing absolutely nothing outside so no walk at all with Percy.  I don't know whether he missed it but I certainly did.   I read The Times, I cooked a lunch, I went for a flu jab, I finished re-reading my Book Club Book (it is the meeting on Monday) and I watched a bit of television.   And what a wonderful programme I watched.   I shall watch it again sometime this week on iplayer as it was on BBC Four.   It was Francesco da Mosto - Venetian but a really good English speaker- talking about my favourite city, Venice.   I have travelled a lot but I think I have been to Venice more than anywhere else and if only I could walk I would be there again tomorrow.   It never finishes giving up its treasures to travellers willing to search for them.   Please do watch the programmes if it is your kind of thing.   He is charting Venice from the fifth century when the first Venetians inhabited the lagoon.  It is the first of four programmes so that is the next three Saturday evenings to look forward to.   How lucky we are to have television and all it brings into our homes if only we have the sense to pick and choose what we watch rather than have it on all the time as background noise.

When you think about it, what an asset television is during this period of lockdown and now semi lockdown.   I am thinking now of my age group really but I think it is making all of us search for productive things to do with our time - at least I hope it is.   With my walking problems I suppose I am in permanent semi lockdown these days anyway but I do make a point of speaking to at least four people face to face each day if I can ( that is without telephone calls).   Maybe it is only a short 'chat' like a good morning, nice day to someone I pass on my daily walk with Percy (weather permitting) or yesterday a chat to my gardener who called because I owed him the money for his work on my patio - he stood in the middle of the lawn and I stood in the hall and we chatted for five minutes (and again he commented on how nice my hair looked in its new style and that did my self esteem no harm at all!) - just these short chats break up the day nicely and then a couple of phone calls (my son calls most days) and a couple of decent TV programmes and it is time for bed and the day has been passed pleasantly.

I must say that the nurse who gave me my flu jab yesterday morning was brilliant at the job.   The organisation at the Medical Centre was excellent and I was able to park in a disabled bay close to the door. Each stage through was carefully monitored and I honestly never felt a pin prick when the vaccine went into my arm (and no sore arm this morning either).  I was in, jabbed, out and back in my car within five minutes.   Now all we wait for is (I hope) an effective vaccine for Covid.  President Trump has gone down with it now.   Let's hope he has a swift recovery - politics don't come into it here.  I may not like them but I wouldnt wish Covid on my worst enemy.   Our Prime Minister recovered - although I have doubts about whether he is actually fully recovered yet - so I hope the same for Trump.

Until tomorrow then, unless something else happens to tell you today.

 

18 comments:

thelma said...

Drawing the day together. Television can be good given the right programmes. BBC 4 has enough travel documentaries to keep one occupied. We have a window on the world through the screen, and I player will throw up other stations as well such as Arte.

Jennyff said...

Yes we watched Francesco too, it was fascinating and he is a great presenter with a passion for his city. Now we have cooler dark nights we resort to tv after dinner for an hour or two, We really appreciate receiving UK programmes as most Italian telly is dreadful, except the cycling. The Giro d Italia started yesterday so that’s something to look forward to for the next 3 weeks by which time the olives may be ready.

Anonymous said...

I live on the south coast in the UK, and can’t travel far right now - but If I could, I would consider several hours’ journey to Yorkshire well worth it to have a little face to face chat with you on your patio. Everything you post is a pure delight and inspiration to me.
Julie B

The Feminine Energy said...

Yes, politics has nothing to do with it, does it. Compassion on those who are sick, plain & simple. I'm a Christian... believer in Christ... and I think my God would be disappointed in me if I did anything else but have compassion & pray for those who are ill. ~Andrea xoxo

Sue said...

Television and blogland have really helped to keep things more 'normal'. I have quite enjoyed catching up on films that I have recorded on the Freesat box here in Wales and the Freeview box in the Van.

As you say it is nice to speak to someone face to face each day isn't it, even a chat in the supermarket as your shopping goes through the till is a pleasant exchange for everyone ... unless you are John Gray and have to tell argumentative non-mask wearers that they have 'cheap shoes' ;-)

Heather said...

It is very wet and grey here too, though I think we have been spared the worst of the weather and feel very sorry for those who are flooded. I also feel sorry for those who have no hobbies during lockdown. There is always something to do if you have a hobby or two to break up the days.

Hard up Hester said...

I bought The Silence of the Girls on your recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.

Tom Stephenson said...

We spotted Francesco de Mosto the last time we were in Venice. He was ranting on his mobile phone next to the Grand Canal, otherwise I would have been tempted to thank him for his Venice programs.

donna baker said...

I have a friend that lives in Venice and she posted a video yesterday about the new giant wall abutments they've finally finished to keep out the floods. It worked.

Sue said...

I found Venice a magical place when I visited in my twenties, young and in love. I worry that the magic would not be there for me if I returned now.

Rachel Phillips said...

Yes, his Venice programmes are very good and he has a very sexy voice.

angryparsnip said...

Well... I would love some rain here !

Cro Magnon said...

It's been pouring here recently, so, being bored with much on TV, I had a look at what's available on our very basic Sky box. I found Forces TV that was showing repeats of Goodnight Sweetheart (Nicholas Lyndhurst). A pleasant half an hour was spent.

the veg artist said...

I've always wanted to go to Venice, but not looking likely these days!
(I've been having difficulty leaving comments - my Google account is on a now non-functioning email provider, so that could account for it, but I thought I'd try again!)

Librarian said...

In spite of having been part of an Italian family for 10 years and having spent every summer on Sicily, passing through all of Italy on the way there and back, I have never visited Venice. I am glad you came across this program as something you enjoy and can look forward to for a few Saturdays to come.
It is nice that you do what you can not to lose human contact even under the current conditions, without endangering yourself at the same time. You are doing very well!

Derek Faulkner said...

You make the perfect case about the value of television to people of your age and why it is outrageous that you should now have to start paying for the television licence.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Derek - I don't feel like that at all. I am (and do) quite willing to pay for my television licence - I might feel differently if I couldn't afforf it but as I can I am only too willing to payit. Money well spent in my opinion.

Thanks everyone for yourr interesting observations.

Derek Faulkner said...

Pat, OK.