2 Bank Holidays, 2 Birthdays and a Funeral

8.5.20: For once, today is a public holiday in UK as it's the 75th anniversary of VE Day

celebrating the liberation of Europe (yes, sorry Brexiteers, 'of' not 'from'). All very low key even though there was some  bunting and flags out, tv nostalgia, the Queen giving a spirit of Dunkirk speech and folk sitting out in their gardens having tea or a drink in the sunshine. We contented ourselves with our regular walk. One highlight was that some of the local travellers were down by the river with 4 of their horses in the water and another one being shod on the roadside. Don't know what happened but just before getting home, there was a stabbing pain in my ankle which didn't last but left it twinging.

9.5.20: Only went about 150m when my foot twinged again so did an about turn and went home.

10.5.20: Managed a walk for an hour but only around the town as we didn't want to risk being out in the countryside. What a change: it was cold and very windy with a drop in temperature of 10 deg! Boris told us that we should be getting back to work if possible, staying alert and unlimited, non team, distance, exercise. Still lots of incoherence and mismanagement stories.

11.5.20:  Should have had an M and S delivery of some summer stuff but we missed it and spent 3 days believing the email that said "we'll endeavour to deliver next working day." Found out from the regular postie that you have to request the re-delivery on line, an extremely tiresome and time consuming exercise but hey ho, parcel should arrive in 2 days time. So much for paying £5 for next day delivery. 
Weather: What a change: it was cold and very windy with a drop in temperature of 10 deg between Saturday and Monday

12.5.20:

A lovely sunny spring day for us to say our final goodbye to Mum up at the undertaker's chapel of rest. Situated at 232m with views over 4 verdant counties. With Mum's parish priest presiding and 6 (Jill, her 4, and me) of us there, it was a relaxed, intimate affair with the Ave Maria (as stipulated!), garden flowers and a photo of Mum (plus a collage of Chris, Rosie and Sam who couldn't be there) on the coffin then roses placed on it to represent family and friends. I said a few words

 

Although we are only few in number to say "goodbye" to Mum, there are many more here with us in spirit.

Chris and Rosie in Wales, Sam and Beth in Australia, her grandchildren's partners, 7 grandchildren and her many friends and relations add their love and prayers to ours.Our thanks to Colin and his team for taking care of Mum and for making this lovely chapel of rest available for our farewells.

Mum will be at peace to know that Father David is here to guide her on her way to rest in God's everlasting light. Thank you, Father.

Rest in peace, Mum knowing that you were loved by us all.
 

In true Mum style, she rested in state in the chapel before going to the local crematorium first thing tomorrow. Came home and drank a toast to Mum in Baileys, her favourite tipple. 
Weather: 12°, sunny

18.5.20: Nothing of any note since the last post apart from a real improvement in the  weather but today we had a new occupation. it was time to take away Mum's goods and chattels from the care home. Didn't take too long especially as Mel and Paul came to take a couple of bits and pieces of furniture to be stored at Alison's. Jill and I dealt with the rest by quarantining it in her shed once sorted. 
Weather: 19°, Sunny

19.5.20: Temperatures rose to 25 degrees over the last few days but then dropped with Tramontane strength winds. Oh, and yes, the M and S delivery came, the day before it should have, had I not paid for rapid delivery. So, the shorts soon made an appearance in the outside world.

26.5.20: So, same ol', same ol' even though the 25th was a Spring Bank Holiday Monday. 
Weather: Temperature range from 20 - 27 deg, sunny and so it continued through the week.

27.5.20: Passed by Alison's to wish her a happy birthday. We allowed ourselves a glass of flavoured beer and a scone with cream and jam. 

 Weather: Still warm and sunny

29.5.20: Warm and sunny weather continues; just as well as Alison had organised to celebrate Dan's big birthday on the drive. We took our own gin and tonic, glasses, plates and cutlery. There were some pastries and of course cake.

31.5.20: It's been a bit of a struggle coping with the heat only having winter clothes, so decided to order some more shorts and sleeveless tee shirts for next day delivery and . . .  the order arrived when it was supposed to. Result!