Day One Hundred and Seventeen - Accidents and Incidents

I sallied forth this morning fearing a rain sword as I ventured beneath a sky of Damoclean darkness. Yeah, the gym junkie in me is not yet extinguished. After two days of not having a proper walk I was desperate to do it today. And I did. It didn't rain, well maybe a spot or two. But I was determined to do it whether I got soaked or not. And I did the full route. Not without incident I might add. As I reached the prow of the hill I could see the blue flashing lights of the emergency services. As I got closer there were police cars blocking the road so that no vehicles could venture forth. There looked to be masses of debris across the road, bits of car and bits of foliage everywhere. There were guys in orange hi viz jackets alongside the police in their yellow high viz jackets and they were clearing up leaves from the bushes that line the street. That makes it sound less than it actually was. I wasn't sure what had happened but I wondered if they'd had to cut down the bushes to get somebody out of the car. I had no intention of being a rubbernecker so I continued on my way and I passed a smashed up BMW that they obviously got off the road somehow. I saw no ambulance but I imagine whoever was in it was probably well on their way to hospital. I hope they're okay. I saw no other vehicle. My guess is that whoever was behind the wheel of the BMW was simply driving too fast and lost control on the wet road. It's a bit of a problem now. Because the roads are significantly clearer, or certainly they were, some of the younger drivers have been going way too fast. I've noticed it on many occasions. I guess they think at that time in the morning with no one else around they can put their foot down. This was a stark reminder that you just can't do that in an urban area. Later today I googled the incident and found that it made the news although there were no more details other than to say a car collided with some bushes. That makes it sound almost comical doesn't it? But it really wasn't.

I had a good old tidy up downstairs today and cleaned the dining room with polish and everything. I always feel better when things are tidy and in their place. Makes my head feel better. I had some more bookwork to do. And I need to catch up a bit on my reading as my pace has slowed down in recent weeks. Actually since my friend's cancer diagnosis. I was going great guns before that.

The weather cleared to not exactly a summer's day but no more rain and the sun creeping through on occasions. But when it does it brings out all the noise - all the power tools. I've had to shut the doors and windows because whatever tool they're using today has the sound frequency that just goes straight through your head. Bit like nails down a blackboard - for those of you old enough to remember blackboards.

Sweet little surprise today. Ring at the doorbell. I thought it was the postman with a book. But it wasn't, it was my friend's daughter and two of the grandchildren. They are apparently staying over tonight. I don't know whether that is consistent with lockdown protocol or not. But it's not my place to say. My friend's daughter was taking the two oldest girls for a walk along the cliffs while my friend stayed with the youngest. It was hilarious. They stood outside and sang We wish you a Merry Christmas! That appealed to my sense of humour. And then both the girls had to show me their T-shirts. And I jokingly said could I have one to wear, I'm sure it will fit me which for some reason always amuses children. But I felt sad when they left. For I wished that I could go to. If it wasn't for this damned lockdown I could. But there you go it's no good fretting. It won't get me anywhere. I'll pop down and see my friend and her daughter next week. Once treatment starts I'm expecting them to be in quarantine again so I need to make the most of an opportunity to see them.

I finally had a reply from my gardener this morning. He is fully booked up. He is not taking on any more clients. I half expected that. But he says he will try and see what he can do if I feel ready to have somebody around the place. I'm relieved he replied because I was worried he just wasn't going to bother with me. And I think he will try and fit me in for a one off. But I think it will be nearer the end of the season when there's all the big stuff to cut down which I can't manage. I've told him the garden is "wild".

The post eventually arrived this afternoon. It's getting very late. And I haven't seen Leon for several weeks now. I'm a little bit worried. I hope it's because he's changed rounds. They often do. these posties, not sure if they get bored with one round or whether it's a policy to swap them around. I just hope he hasn't got sick. I might try and ask one of the current personnel if I can actually get hold of one to talk to. It's not so easy today. I liked Leon. He was efficient and friendly. It's also useful and advantageous to be on good terms with a regular postman because they keep an eye on things for you. If something is wrongly addressed they maybe recognise the name and they can get it to you whereas the post people that don't know you haven't a clue. Not their fault of course but it's nice to have that continuity of service that you get with a regular one. I think it's because I have so many books that I get to know the postie. The guy before Leon, Luke, was another one I got on really well with.

I've no idea what's going on in the rest of the world. I'm not particularly bothered at the moment. It can all go on around me. I'm sure if there's anything serious, major ,vital, for me to understand somebody will bring it to my attention. Have at thee world, I need thee not.