Today is in a sense the anniversary of the day when C and I flew to Athens to stay with Helen for a week – clocks-forward Sunday, perhaps ten years ago.. I worried about whether the taxi we had booked to get to the airport would remember to set its watch forward. My husband at that stage was about at the point of decline where I am now. My other three children rallied round and took care of him all week – Alexander driving him door-do-door from here to James’ and Cathy’s house in London, selected because they had a layout that could accommodate him downstairs. And eventually drive him back again. We had a grand week, and I think my husband enjoyed himself too. 

 

I’ve just heard from Helen, writing from the runway at Gatwick, to say that Daniella can’t come this week but she (Helen) has succeeded in securing the services of Michaela who has pinch-hitted before. This must be because of chicken pox, which was threatening when Daniela was here yesterday. Hamish (above) and his brother Quinn have also got it. Nasty disease.

 

There is little to report otherwise. I’ve knit a bit. It was difficult to get up an hour earlier and to get to Mass on time, but we did it. I am sure I have lost ground lately, as if that surgeon’s verdict that I am too risky to operate on has somehow knocked some stuffing out of me.

 

Wordle: really depressing news here I had all the information I needed – two greens, three browns – after line two. But I moved too fast (or it was too early in the morning) and typed the (obviously) wrong answer into line three. I then rearranged the letters and got it right and thus scored four. There were lots of fours today. Ketki had the only three. Daughter-Rachel needed five.