Lockdown from Bridport - Part 2 - Day 4

Todays stars:

'The undertaker' (husband) 

Remembrance Sunday this year had a dank damp start. It was as though the weather had attuned itself to the mood of the moment... dismal. There was to be no official gathering, no parades, no jolly brass band striding with pride down the street, which is usually lined with crowds paying their respects, remembering those who fell so we may live. In previous years the sun had shone, leaves had fallen softly and silently over the sombre groups of people, heads bowed in contemplation as the clock struck 11. So many people gathered shoulder to shoulder, slight coughs, uncomfortable shuffling of tired legs. This year there were all but a handful of representatives to lay wreaths. But incredibly the traffic halted, the lone bugler played the Last Post and as quickly as we had gathered we all dispersed, scurrying into the safety of our own homes.

I was however impressed that 'The Undertaker' despite having a broken toe managed to perform his wreath laying duties, impeccably executing a seamless left turn at the halt.

I cannot deny that I have a ray of sunshine on the horizon, a glimmer of hope, a reason to be excited at the prospect of a new venture which should, if all goes according to plan, commence tomorrow. For I will be signing for business premises and taking possession of a brand new lease. 'Hmmm bad timing' I hear you mutter, but then again, when is timing ever good? 'Time and tide wait for no man' my Grandfather was fond of saying. I am very conscious that regardless of a disease that is destroying our lives as we know them, the sand still flows at the same speed through the hour glass of life. We must pluckily grasp it with both hands and keep calm and carry on. Further details tomorrow!

I phone up a friend of 25 years plus, we missed meeting up with each other thanks to the first lockdown. We've missed each other again on numerous occasions, we kept promising to connect but both agreed that this bloody virus and its effects have somehow made us more insular than before. Now more than ever it is important to keep in touch. It doesn't matter that you've no news, nothing exciting to report, it is vital we all show compassion and support and are not afraid to reach out.

Loneliness and mental health issues multiply insidiously in the background.

We can at least do something about this. Pick up the phone and reach out.