Friends - I couldn't do without them and they will never know just how much they mean to me. This morning a conversation with my son made me realise that I needed drugs from the pharmacy - and the lady who usually collects them for me is away until tomorrow. The specialist is completely changing my main epilepsy drug but it has to be done very gradually on certain days, Because of the very poor health of my son's wife he keeps well clear of our little town (there has been a 22% rise in Covid infections in the past week) I had not realised that the next drug change is tomorrow when a 500mg tablet changes down to two 200mg tablets. But another friend has stepped into the breach and is collecting them for me this aternoon. All it took was a phone call - and she offered before I even asked. As I said at the beginning - what would I do without them?
Friends, knowing I can no longer get out pop in for ten minutes for a chat (this has happened four times this week), friends ring if they are going near town to see if I want anything. I don't usually because my carer has also become a dear friend and has eyes in the back of her head as we say here - if she sees I need anything she gets it before I have a chance to ask.
I had a long chat with an old school friend (also 90) the other day - both of us housebound but both in good heart most of the time.
And then of course there's 'you lot' - most of you dear old friends now and new ones joining all the time. Old friends amongst you will know that I like to imagine us all together in my sitting room with a drink (cup or glass) but new ones are always welcome.
And you never know what comes out of our 'chats'; a couple of days ago I sang the praises of my dear friends the rooks who in their thousands fly over my bungalow morning and evening. John (By Stargoose and Hanglands)* mentioned a book he thought I would like about rooks. No sooner said than done - two seconds later and two presses of the Amazon button and the book is 'winging' its way to me and would be here today wereit not for our postal strike.
So a heartfelt thank you to you all - near and far. When you reach 90 by golly you really do realise just how much they mean to you.
*Good to have him back with his wonderful photographs isn't it?
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27 comments:
I'm always so happy to read about your life, from my North Carolina mountains...about 5 hours after you wrote, being just 8:30 in the morning for me. But I apparently am the first to comment even then! Thank you for your welcoming attitude toward us blogger strangers. I agree that it's great to have John publishing again too! Today we have sunshine again so I feel joyful! Stay warm, yourself!
Weave only just wrote this Barbara, her clock is set on another planet.
Yes having a few friends is useful although I have no one near enough to fetch things for me or drop in. All prescriptions seem to be delivered around here as far as I can see and nobody goes out for them anymore.
It IS wonderful to see John's posts again, just as wonderful as it is to read yours. Friends are a wonderful gift. I am happy to be one of 'your lot', Pat, and I hope that your Christmas allows you friends, family, food and don't forget the wise words of the carol: 'God rest ye merry gentlemen'. I think the words could be applied to gentlewomen as well.
Merry Christmas Pat!
Happy knowing your friends are so willing to help - you being such a dear, it would be hard not to assist!
Yes, I missed John's posts a lot and was really happy to see him back blogging. So many of us go back quite a while - friends have become like family even when we haven't had the good fortune to meet in person........YET!
Have a good weekend - has turned chilly here now and looks like a very cold Christmas week ahead. Glad we just had a fresh load of firewood delivered - of course we have heating but nothing beats a roaring fire, especially around the holidays.
Sending Christmas hugs - stay well Pat X
Friends are definitely all important. With your blog, you have built a wonderful circle of people from all over the world. Your local friends and neighbors are also excellent caring people. I'm also impressed with the care your physicians are taking to meet all your health needs. Soon it will be Christmas...enjoy!
Friends do make life so much richer. Retirement and Covid happened simultaneously for me causing the social part of my life to shrink considerably. I'm certainly enjoying being able to mingle in large groups again. I've even been going to the pub with my husband to watch the soccer and I'm not even a fan. I just like being surrounded by people having fun.
I hope I maintain good friendships as I age as you have. What a difference it can make in one's life to have friends popping by for chats.
I love John's photos, also envy them of course but they always brighten up the day. It is lovely to see you also writing long blogs, sometimes I would rather call them essays, like yesterday's memory one.
Reading the above comments makes me feel that I have a lot of friends too! I hope you enjoy the book.
I so enjoyed your blog post this morning, Pat! Friends are indeed the sprinkles on the cupcake of life. :)
Hope the colorful Christmas card I sent to you has managed to land in your letterbox but it may still be on its way due to the postal slowdown there.
Hugs!
Just popping in from South Carolina to say "hello" to you, my friend! As it's after 6pm for you right now, I hope you've had a good day.
I am sure your friends do know how much they mean to you and you mean a lot to them! I am glad you are so well taken care of. Stay warm and cozy!
My husband and I have both gone down with the dreaded Covid, and would be finding it very difficult if it weren’t for dear friends, and son who lives nearby. We are also grateful for the local butcher who also stocks eggs, milk, bread, and fresh fish on Thursdays, and is kind enough to deliver if needed, which we did. Next door is the Deli, which stocks a great range of delicious take away meals. We miss their coffee, but we’ll be back for one as soon as we can!
Although the internet has made keeping in touch with old friends very much easier, I do regret the loss of mailed letters. Did you experience the surge of joy when you recognised the handwriting, then there was the careful slitting of the envelope, the quick scan and then the sitting down to read with care.
I suppose we have the best of both worlds, the immediacy of friends who live close and the access to internet friends. We can be thankful for bot h.
Glad you have help. Here in Florida I have family. I lived in Indy near family…wv when I taught and had friends…South Carolina where I taught…Ohio with family…have moved so many times…here I don’t go much because of Covid…I love your blog…I only read a few…
Oh, you may value your friends for what they give to you in love and kindness, but I value you for your wisdom and humility. I'm a bit younger than you (73), and I'm grateful for your perspective on age and aging. I see you as a guide for the rest of us.
Friends make life so much easier. Filled with love and good care. It's the best.
It is wonderful to have John By Stargoose and Hanglands back in the blogging world, isn't it. He is an inspiration. I'm glad you are getting the bird books. Sounds wonderful.
Take care there.
They do like to wait between changing doses to see what actually works. I'm on lamotrogine which seems to work well. I can't really change because I have to drive and they cut off a driver's license when the change.
Just finished reading Johhn's post. Small world eh!
I took stargoose off my blog list because I thought he was done .. glad that he is back Thanks for the update.
We are all so fortunate to have friends of all sorts..
I am thankful for your writing too.
Must have a look at John's blog....sounds interesting!!
So glad for neighbors keeping your drugs straight. Not good to fool around with doses.
I check in every day even though I rarely respond. I do feel you are part of a loving community — like someone you always wave at on a walk and “look out” for even if you rarely speak.
Ps I’m not anon, it’s me, Elf.
Thank you for welcoming new readers. I am twenty years younger than you and looking for a perspective for the coming years. You are such a wonderful role model for aging, I can only hope to manage as well as you do.
Hilde in Germany
Friends are so precious. I have lost far too many this year.
Hi Elf!
Thank you friends everywhere.
I think your house would burst if we all came to have tea in your sitting room, Weave.
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