On Monday morning we failed to master Google Hangout,
so the KHT could paticipate in her college class.
However we weren't the only family having technological issues
so we avoided being placed in detention...
A phone call and update in software later and the issues were resolved
so the KHT was good to go in the afternoon,
and was delighted to meet up with her Tutor and fellow students
from the comfort of the settee in her own lounge.
During the earlier phone conversation
I got the opportunity to ask a question I had wanted to ask
ever since I had seen her list of tutors
"Did you used to play the tuba?"
"Yes!"
Cue memories of a particular church social
when we were treated to a musical item on the aforementioned beast
which had been embelished with a set of mains-powered fairy lights,
whilst gaily announcing to anyone within earshot,
"Too much saliva and I shall electrocute myself!"
That was in the days before we were quite so mindful of Health and Safety
and before battery powered lights were commonplace...
"Did you have the nickname 'Hat'?"
"Yes!"
"I wondered if it was you when I saw the tutor list,
but I wasn't sure if I had remembered your name correctly."
I confessed that I was the person that gave him the nickname,
reflecting the wide varity of headgear he had a penchant for wearing - from standard to wacky.
He once confided that that the name fitted him so well,
that it followed him, beyond the immediate ringing and church circles.
I did wonder how long the name stayed with him,
but it felt prudent not to enquire...
A beautiful flower
The sun shone,forget the to-do-list,
you can't garden in the rain!
Make hay whilst the sun shines, and all that!
We are all going to have such immaculate gardens...
Outside in the garden the tulips emboldened by the sun
shyly opened.
I never was a great fan of tulips,
but I am warming to them.
There is something special about the moment,
when, after a period of anticipation, they open
and you can peep deep inside,
where no eye has ever seen before.
A marvel made by God
for our joy and delight.
If we take the time to notice...
Meanwhile, the tadpoles were hatching by the hundred.
I think we had thirteen mounds of frogs spawn this year
in our modest pond.
Liberated from their jellied coccoon
they clearly weren't practicing social distancing.
Massed together, like day trippers on a sunny day.
Wait 'til the Government hears about this...
A beautiful act
The phone rang
"Would we like any shopping?"
I probably should have requested bread, yogurts, pears, corgettes
and a whole host of other things,
but when the question was asked, my mind went blank
As I hadn't anticpated food purchasing opportunites I had neglected to make a list.
All I could think of was green bananas and vanilla essence!
These were duly delivered by the disinfected-gloved wearing angel,
practicing social distancing.
Monday evening and there was a death reported
People die every day,
but the first ever death in the town from Covid-19.
Sadly, it is unlikely to be the last.
After the folly of the weekend, with resorts rammed and a queue up Snowdon
The government has announced that all non-essential shops should close
and only essential visits should be made.
Shortly before bedtime I took the KHT out on a quick walk to the Pokestop.
We will have to stay home much more,
trips will be limited to essential shopping for food and meds and exercise - once a day.
However, those who have serious conditions have to stay home
and not even go into their gardens for three months!
We pray protection for all on the frontline,
whether offering medical care, manning tills or just keeping the country going
while we all stay home
and slow down the internet with our searches for news and distractions.
In the midst of all the darkness and fear,
there are still memories of beauty
moments of beauty,
acts of beauty.
Stores may be closed,
but God has not shut up shop.
Will revival come from this crisis?
We're looking to your promise of old
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