Saturday 11 May 2019

Think Positive

If you go over to Diary of a nobody's post today you will see that she suggests that if we get down in the dumps about our situation we sit for a moment and count our blessings.   Not a bad idea I thought - so here is what I came up with.

1.   I find walking very difficult because of arthritis in my ankles and knees.   But I now live on a road where there are always folk passing (often folk with dogs that Tess and I know) - there is often a wave, or if the weather is nice a ten minute chat.

2.  I have always loved gardening and miss the fact that I am not really steady enough to do much now.   But I have a lovely gardener who mows my lawn, builds fences for me, and generally keeps my garden nice.  As I write this I am overlooking it and getting pleasure from it.

3.  My hearing is very poor and I wear hearing aids.   But thank goodness for the N H S and their weekly clinic only seven miles away.   If I start 'whistling' I haven't far to go to get adjusted.

4.   I miss my dear farmer every single hour of the day and night even now he has been gone more than two years.    But how lucky I am to have so many dear friends, many of whom are in the same situation, and how well we have adjusted to lunching together, having coffee together  and just meeting up for quality time together.

In other words almost every complaint has a plus side if we look for it.

Yesterday was a lovely day here - the first day this week when there hasn't been any rain at all.   Today is a tad warmer and at the moment the sun is out.   But there has already been a shower.   H, who lives higher up the road, has just called for Tess in her car and together they have gone off to The Himalayan Gardens which are about ten miles away.   H has only been twice to take her out, but they are already firm friends (interesting walksand several 'treats' later).   Two hours later and they have returned after a lovely long walk.   Tess has, apparently, behaved perfectly and has been 'a pleasure to take out.'   She is now stretched out in her bed having a lovely long sleep before tea.

For my lunch shortly I intend to have a fillet of smoked haddock which I shall poach in milk and then eat with a knob of butter on top and a couple of slices of bread and butter.*   And I shall enjoy it.  *As I predicted, it was delicious.   I washed all receptacles immediately and put on the dishwasher.   I am now hoping that there is no fishy smell lingering (the downside of having smoked fish).
Enjoy your lunch whatever you intend having.

20 comments:

Linda Metcalf said...

My husband will have been gone a year on the 16th. He is never out of my thoughts. Everywhere I go and everything I see reminds me of him. Thank heavens for my vast family and many friends who have been there for me, otherwise it would have been unbearable.

Tom Stephenson said...

I love your positive attitude Weave. I wish I could be the same sometimes, even though my glass is usually half full.

JayCee said...

Your *buts* are so much more positive than my slightly tongue in cheek ones. They really are cheerful and I sense that you do feel quite contented. I always enjoy reading about your meal menus. They always make me feel hungry!

Rachel Phillips said...

I try to think positive at all times. I sometimes fail as I suspect you do too.

Heather said...

I have much to be thankful for and in spite of not walking as well as I would like, there is nothing much else wrong with me. I do remember to count my blessings which include good general health, wonderful children and new neighbours becoming good friends.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Too right Rachel!
Jaycee - Right most of the timebut there is a bit hole that can never be filled.

thelma said...

Well you are an inspiration to us all. I am going 'private' on my blog for a while, but will still potter around reading others and commenting. Being positive is a good thing, though not always achievable.

the veg artist said...

I have been home for 20+ years with a disability that causes me a great deal of pain, means that I hardly see anyone, and have great difficulty in talking and eating! There is a huge silver lining to this very painful cloud - the amount of time I am able to devote to painting. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.
And, of course, we live in the age of the internet, so ordering of books, clothes etc can be easily achieved; and contact with people out there in blogland - my fingers can do my talking for me!!

Sue said...

There is always a positive side to life but sometimes it's just hard to find it!

justjill said...

Thanks for that. I have had a few days of being really down. I am off to do my list right now.

Bea said...

Struggling at present with how to tackle a health issue. Staying positive helps in that it lightens the mood & can unclutter the thoughts. Your lunch sounds very tasty. Butter makes nearly everything taste better.

Librarian said...

Some call it counting one's blessings, others call it the Glad Game - no matter what we call it, it is a very useful way of putting things in perspective and feeling at least a little better about one's own situation.
Two years already since your beloved Farmer died, it seems a lot more recent. My husband will be dead 10 years this year, something I found hard to believe sometimes. On the other hand, looking back at all that has happened in the world in general and in my life in particular during that time, it is certainly enough to fill twice as many years.

Bonnie said...

Thank you for your encouraging post! Sometimes we all need just such a reminder.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thelma I tried to get on to your blog earlier and couldn't - shall miss your char about your village - do hope you are back before long.

Veg artist - sorry to hear life is so difficult for you - do hope blogging helps a bit.

Gail, northern California said...

Loneliness is very hard to overcome, especially evenings. My husband has been gone almost 6 years. I doubt that I will ever get over losing him. He was my life.

Joanne Noragon said...

Looking on the bright side...

Cro Magnon said...

Joanne has just said it above; always look on the bright side of life. Even watching that famous video clip has the right effect.

Gwil W said...


Every cloud has a silver lining. Well, almost ;-) I went to see the new film Stam and Ollie thinking it would be funny and came out almost depressed thanking whatever gods there be for my lot.

the veg artist said...

Weave, I think you have misunderstood me. Yes, I live with a painful condition, but the up-side is in having time - to paint, to read, to study. And in many other respects I'm very fortunate, so I certainly wouldn't say that my life is difficult, just different, and I've adapted.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone for the comments.