This Might Just Have Been A Perfect Day!

 

The Long View of the Abbey Gardens

Tin van of toffees!

M&S Easter chocolate rabbits 

 I have done nothing exciting today, but it does seem, in retrospect, to have been a ‘just right’ kind of day! Up early to do my interminable face and hair routine before going out around 8.15, to M & S to look for Easter eggs as Russ was calling in the afternoon, en route home from Jo and Dave’s, with Eloise and Nicholas. Amazed to discover there were no large chocolate eggs as normal, or rather, as what I believe to be normal, which probably means, as it used to be. There were NO ‘normal’ chocolate eggs [as fondly remembered] but after dithering, I decided choc rabbit and choc chicken, were fine. Bought a tin van full of toffees for Russ so he did not feel left out and returned home to a coffee and a short read. Ruth, my personal trainer, was due at 10.00 a.m. and her session proved to be possibly even harder work than normal. She is kind, and apt to say,

A glamourised, optimistically enhanced view of 'training'.

"Well done Averil", as I strain to arch back, tighten buttocks/ muscles, lift pelvic floor, etc, and generally follow instructions. Today, we did exercises on the floor, and it was agony to get down and back up though the business while lying on the floor, was O.K. However, despite background encouragement, it WAS hard work, and I am glad Ruth only comes once a week, though her company and kindness are great, and the exercises Do Me Good!

Fun with Father

After recovering and an early lunch and rest, the Pickardettes soon arrived, delightful as ever, with Russ proving himself an excellent father. SO impressed with his fathering, as would Heather have been. I inevitably think of my sister as I try to do a few things for her grandchildren whose growing up she would have enjoyed so much. Reminds me of how sad I am too, that Heather departed too soon; she was not only my sister, but also, my best friend. In the meantime, they were delighted with their chocolate offerings and chatted with me unselfconsciously as ever. Lovely kids. I gave an early birthday card to Eloise and the enclosed book token delighted her; super to have children who love books. While they were here, two new books arrived for me which quite impressed them, and later, I had a cup of tea, and a beginning read about the lives of nine of Picasso’s mistresses. Waiting in the reading wings is The Alienation Effect, all about the transformation brought about by emigres during twentieth century Britain.

A rather rural view of the Cathedral

Around 4.00 I decided that the continuing sun deserved reacquaintance and I went for a short walk [with TWO walking poles!] through the Abbey Gardens and marvelled at the wonderful planting, the insistent and continuing delight of the birdsong and the sunshine dappling through the trees. There was a constant background chorus of children’s voices, calling and laughing, and frankly, a feeling of unbelievable harmony and wholeness around. Almost intoxicating and certainly restorative.

Back home to a well-deserved Duvel and cheese sticks. Still warm enough, at 5.00 o’clock, to have all terrace doors and the kitchen wall, still open to the elements. Surely, my favourite time of year and a reminder to count my blessings! 

Eleventh century dovecote among the Abbey ruins.
A particular favourite.