A-Level results today: Archie and his cousin Rachel, James’
and Cathy’s daughter, who is going to Leeds to read Chinese (which she speaks proficiently
and reads at least somewhat) and Russian (of which she knows not a syllable).
We’re not worried about Rachel, and not really
worried about Archie. But I’ll be glad when I have the news.
Much of yesterday was devoted to waiting for men to come
and remove an electric chair – bits of it go up and down – which Social
Services had supplied to my husband and which he would have none of. We have
waited a long time for them to come and take it away.
The cat was devoted to it, indeed was asleep on top of it
when the men finally arrived. It was there in the centre of the house, waiting
to be uplifted, and affording a cat a marvelously central position for keeping
an eye on things.
When I finally got to the hospital, my husband was dosing in
bed and there wasn’t much conversation. Or knitting – the heel flap is still a
few rounds away.
I am grateful for your concern (comments, yesterday) which
is shared by our excellent children. Apart from other considerations, I don’t
think I feel as sprightly as I should. I went to see a dr last week who thot there
was nothing more wrong than old age and stress. Some bloods are being examined.
I did get a bit more Uncia done yesterday, and have now reached row
90. I discovered a schematic (of sorts) amongst the charts a few pages on, and
now grasp that the whole thing is a very long, very narrow triangle. I think I
should have perceived rather sooner that 1/12th of a circle wouldn’t be very wide.
The schematic is devoid of measurements (they’re there in
the specifications at the beginning of the pattern) and reminded me of the
empty map in the Hunting of the Snark:
He had brought a large map representing the sea,
Without
the least vestige of land:
And the crew were much pleased when they found it to be
A map
they could all understand.
“What’s the good of Mercator’s North Poles and Equators,
Tropics,
Zones, and Meridian Lines?”
So the Bellman would cry, and the crew would reply
“They
are merely conventional signs!”
That’s probably enough Eng Lit for today. I feel I have
slightly OD’d on Maggie Farrell, and have gone on to Ivy Compton-Burnett, “Elders
and Betters”, an author I have never previously attempted. I’d be glad of guidance.
This one was published in 1944 but sounds as if it’s set in the early years of
the century.
No literary help here, at least not today, but fingers crossed for exam results that make everyone happy. Russian should be quite accessible to Rachel, and if she has had Latin or even German, it will probably be easy. And Cyrillic is no problem, even for students who haven't previously done battle with Chinese characters. (I teach Russian to beginners. It's fun!)
ReplyDeleteYour not feeling quite as well as you'd like seems normal to me and I wonder if some of it is just loneliness and sadness, since after all your life has changed considerably as your husband has become less present in your life in many ways. Not surprising this would take some getting used to. I think you are remarkably strong, but be sure to give yourself permission to do less than you might want to do. Be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteBut it is your lace knitting that is keeping things on an even keel!
ReplyDelete"There was also a Beaver, that paced on the deck,
Or would sit making lace in the bow:
And had often (the Bellman said) saved them from wreck,
Though none of the sailors knew how."
Like KayT, I've been wondering too if your lower energy level is due in part to mild depression. Your life is considerably different than just a year or two ago, and not in entirely positive ways. Finding a new balance in this configuration (with carers present, etc.) is hard work emotionally and mentally. Exhausting, really. Please take good care. I wish you peace and kindness.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the chair, I am not at all surprised that your Husband didn't take to it - it is a close cousin of one that were railroaded into inheriting, and it was a totally uncomfortable beast. I am sure Perdita will soon find a substitute vantage point. She does look lovely in her youthful maturity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely picture of Perdita! She must know she is beautiful, don't you think? She picked the perfect perch to show off.
ReplyDeleteCarol in Long Island
Fingers crossed for Archie and Rachel. I was answering calls from students today, and offering places to study at one of the Edinburgh Universities via clearing... Most people that rang have done a bit less well than they hoped, but one or two had done a bit better and were trying to trade up! Best of luck to them all.
ReplyDeleteNow I will read Maggie Farrell, adding to the list of authors and topics I have learned from your writing. Perdita's fur looks luscious.
ReplyDeleteI agree with others from here and the previous day; professionals are needed for safety and comfort all 'round. (I hurt myself badly doing this, I know.) There probably won't be agreement on that score, but it can't be helped. If you could, you would, but these needs are far beyond most of our capabilities and training.
Please take care of yourself.