Friday 26 February 2021

What a difference the sun makes.

 Suddenly I seem to be wakened by sunrise every morning.   My carer was here, as usual, at half past seven and already the sun was creeping towards the window when she drew back the blinds.   Now, a couple of hours later, the central heating is off, the false flames on the electric fire are off and the sitting room is warm.  Two more days and it is March.   Now my only big decision left to make is whether or not to keep my car.   I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that the answer to this question is 'no'.

I am having to face the conclusion that I will not ever again be able to walk with just a stick - even for a short distance.   This means that even if my arms get strong enough to lift Priscilla into my boot (assuming she will go in my small car), I have somehow got to get from the boot round to the driving seat. It is all becoming an impossibility.   It is a big step to take but maybe an inevitable one I fear.

Looking out of the window into my back garden it is a pleasing sight to see how far the sun is creeping in.   In the depths of Winter the sun (when there is any) is so low in the sky that it never reaches over the roof of my bungalow into the back garden although the rockeries are steeply sloped.  Now the sun is rising and three quarters of the garden is in sunshine this morning, lighting up patches of golden crocus and white snowdrops.   Other bulbs, planted by my gardener while I was in hospital, are beginning to poke through and surprise me.   This is helping to lift my spirits - sorely needed 'therapy' at the moment for us all I think.

A friend has just rung and is going to look into how much my little car is worth.   It is surely a good buy for somebody with only 6,200 miles on the clock at four years old and an up to date MOT.   My knowledge of such things is nil, but luckily I have so many good friends who will willingly help me.

No walk today - just didn't feel like it - and it isn't compulsory so I sat and read my Book Group book again - it is our Zoom meeting on Monday morning.   I'm sure I have mentioned it before but in case you missed it - 'Mothering Sunday' by Graham Swift is a brilliant book  - the best I have read in a long time.   I have now read it twice and intend to read it again over the week end.   It is one of those books which throw up new points with each reading and thus alter one's view of the whole thing.   Do give it a try.   Full moon tonight - the Snow Moon.   Clear sky here.  Enjoy.

Until tomorrow.....

26 comments:

Helen said...

I think it wise of you to consider giving up the car ... though I know how difficult it is. There will come the day I will as well.

Thank you so much for the book recommendation, I shall purchase it based on your glowing review.

Cheers,
Helen in Bend Oregon

The Feminine Energy said...

The decision to keep your car is a BIG one... and something that all of us will have to face, sooner or later. My dear Auntie just made a big decision last year, whether to renew her driver's license or not. She hadn't driven in a long time. I remember when my Mom made the decision too, at 82 years old. It's a personal decision and only one you can make. I'm already not driving very much (I think I've driven less than 5 times in the past year) yet I'm "only" 64 years old. I'm sending you warm thoughts as you make your decision. Whatever you decide will be perfect for you. ~Andrea xoxo

Country Cottage said...

Hi Pat, as hard as it is to give up your car I think it's probably a wise choice but only you can make that choice. You can always set up regular taxi pickups and save yourself stress. Perhaps talk it over with your son. You don't have to make a snap decision, give yourself a month or two and with the sunshine and the opportunity for more walks your strength will return. Wishing you all the best. Viv

Anonymous said...

I read the book along with our Book Club, of the ten of us only one thought it was a good read. The comments were:- totally boring, slow and never getting to the point, gratuitous crudity, unnecessary vulgarity, improbable.
One of our group said she didn't get past the first couple of pages after reading "there, bathed by sunshine were his cock and balls, still sticky" and although I read all the book I had to agree with her it was crudity for the sake of it, it added nothing to the story. Much of the rest of the book was the same. Another comment was "Graham Swift's feeble attempt at Shades of Grey."
A second and even a third reading of this - No thanks!

Derek Faulkner said...

On the subject of gardening, did you see the excellent Carol Klein programme Thurs evening, one of the best I've seen for a long time.
The last couple of mornings when I've got up I've had a lovely full moon shining in my study window has it sets in the western sky.

CharlotteP said...

The sun does make all the difference...swaddled in many layers, my sister-in-law, dog and I walked to our favourite viewpoint and sat to drink our coffee. You couldn't have found a cafe with a better view, and at last, the endless mud is beginning to dry up.
It's a very hard decision to give up your car - if you do sell it, you could treat yourself to lots of interesting taxi trips on the proceeds. You'd be able to admire the view while your driver watches the road.

Heather said...

It has been a lovely day here too and a joy to see more flowers appearing and to hear the birds singing.
Giving up your car will be a hard decision to make but probably a wise one. I am sure others will give you lifts when needed and you will be relieved of all the expense that it entails. Perhaps you could treat yourself to something special with the proceeds of selling it.
Many thanks for the book recommendation.

Debby said...

You are making a big decision. I have all faith that the choice you make will be the wisest one. Heather's suggestion is a good one.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Yes Derek I enjoy her programmes too.
Interesting Anonymous. I will see what our group think on Monday and post it on my Monday post.

Lynn Marie said...

Any downside to waiting just a bit longer? Is it possible you may be just enough stronger in a month or two to be able to navigate with just the cane or be able to deal with stowing Priscilla? Of course, sometimes it's less anxiety producing to go ahead and make a decision, have done with it one way or the other, and move on with life.

Bonnie said...

How wonderful that you've had a sunny day! Yes, March will be here very soon bringing us closer to Spring. It is a hard decision to give up your car and driving but one we all must make eventually. Since you have easy access to taxis and also have so many good friends, I'm sure you can work out your transportation just fine. Actually cars can be a bit of trouble with upkeep and insurance and such. I imagine it would be less stressful to not have to worry about all that. Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be best for you.

Chris said...

I got "Mothering Sunday" from the library on your recommendation and found I had already read it! I read it again and thoroughly enjoyed it a second time - he really gets into the characters heads, doesn't he?

Susan said...

It feels more like Spring each day. The snow is melting here and my daffodils emerged again after being covered with snow for several weeks. I am very sure you will make the best decision regarding owning a car. Your ability to plan, organize and manage for yourself is impressive. Your garden sounds very lovely with lots of Spring flowers.

Joanne Noragon said...

Wonderful the sun is shining into your little garden these days. Spring is creeping slowly here, too.

Donna said...

Thanks for the book suggestion. I am also wondering about waiting a little longer on the car decision.

Cro Magnon said...

I've just come indoors from looking at the moon. It's a perfectly clear sky here, and the moonlight is almost like daylight. Lovely.

Cro Magnon said...

p.s. I see your machine says I wrote the above on the 26th at 20:32. In fact I wrote it on the morning of the 27th at 5:32. Some adjustment needed perhaps.

Rachel Phillips said...

At 89 I would suggest that giving up the car is the right decision and a regular taxi man will more than cover your jaunts out and get to know your routes and habits. Go for it and get the garage to sell the car for you. No more servicing, Mots, tax, insurance, tyres, washing, parking, ice, snow, only bliss and relaxation.

Dawn said...

I am sure you will overcome the challenges of mobility, you will find new ways I am sure , spring is slowly moving in and pushing winter out of the back door here too.

Librarian said...

You are such a reasonable person, taking your decisions based on realistic assessments of your situation, plus you have so many great friends ready to help; I am sure you will come to the right conclusion for you.
The image you have put in my mind of a sunlit garden with white snowdrops and yewllow crocus is wonderful! Yes, March is just round the corner, and I am very much looking forward to it.

diana said...

Perhaps you should give yourself some warm summer days to determine just how much strength will return before selling your car. Between lockdowns and your surgery you really have made great progress and may amaze yourself.

Tom Stephenson said...

A difficult decision, Weave. I tend to agree with Rachel, but it must be hard to give up a little freedom, especially now. Yes, I think you could spend the money from your car on taxis, or friends when you can get back to lunches with them.

Margie from Toronto said...

It is to be a grey, wet weekend here so I too will spend much of it reading! I will add your book recommendation to my list. One thing this pandemic has ensured is that I have tried out a lot of new authors based on blogger's suggestions.

As for your car - well - I have never driven nor owned a car - I live in a large city and right next to the subway line so no need. Friends once suggested that I get a car rather than spending money on taxis - had to point out to them that I could ride lots of taxis for a full year with what they spent in a month on a car payment, insurance and gas - that made them think! I am all in favour of making life easy for myself these days - and you seem to have a wonderful taxi service - so I would suggest selling and enjoy being chauffeured about. If you and friends wanted a longer outing you could even book a cab for a full day and share the cost.

Anonymous said...

Have you heard the sad news that Jill of Land of the Big Sky has died? I notice you have her blog on your sidebar.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone for your views.. Sad news about Jill - I am just going over to her site to leave a message.

wherethejourneytakesme2 said...

Big decision Pat - I know you will have thought long and hard about it and will make the right decision. Everyone I have known that has had to make the same decision has adapted quite well with no real regrets other than a bit less freedom to just get in and go. Not having your own car just means a bit more planning to arrange transport.
I was so shocked to hear about Jill she was always my last read of the day before bed and I will miss her.