I couldn't decide whether to go out today, the weather has been crazy. I look out of the window and see sunshine. Right, that's it, I will go. Ten minutes later black clouds come over and the wind gets up and it doesn't look very appealing at all. So I do a bit of stitching and give it half an hour to see if it has settled. Maybe I'll get something to eat first. A potato in the microwave with grated cheese and mayo. Very nice. I start putting things I might need into the rucksack. Cameras, snacks, a drink, hat, gloves, sunvisor, umbrella, pack-a-mac, phone. Think I am ready now. I had better check if the cats need any food. Where are they. Mayze is in, then she is out, then she wants to come back in again. Oscar and Mickey are on the bed together. That's unusual because they are not the best of friends, but they are getting on a bit better now.
Oscar looks at me with one eye open. He says, oh for goodness sake, stop faffing and just go. So I did. Five miles, in all weathers. I got rained on and blown about. I put my mac on, then the sun came out. Swapping headgear constantly when the weather changed. What a faff. Never mind it had to be done. I'm glad I went because I saw a friend I hadn't seen in several months. We stopped to have a friendly chat. A catch up like you do. We talked about health matters. How it's important to keep fit. She was doing a sponsored walk to raise money for a dog charity. I mentioned that I am soon to be 76 and wasn't looking forward to that. I asked her how old she is, and was surprised when she said 56. She looks a lot younger. I would knock 20 years off that. I said, I could be your mother, we laughed. Such a nice girl, or should I say nice woman. Sorry, no paragraphs. Can't be bothered. Doing this quick. Getting something to eat now. Enjoy your Bank Holiday Monday if you are in the UK.
Glad you got out, and went a goodly distance too. I have to say, when I go for a walk it's just jacket, phone, inhaler and hankies. I have a little bag a few inches square (that goes over my shoulder) that my son bought when travelling the world, and it's just the right size for what I need. Haven't used a brolly for over 55 years - always leaving them on the bus so never bothered after I bought a bright yellow one and left that behind first time out! If it rains, I just get a bit wet.
ReplyDeleteI think my faffing comes from all those years of nights out in the lorry. Making sure I have everything for a week away from home. Wet weather gear needed when out in the rain loading and unloading. T shirts when it got too hot. Taking enough food and drink with me. I probably shouldn't take so much with me now, but I hate rainspots on my face and on my glasses.
DeleteHow lovely to catch up with a friend you had not seen for a while always special. Didn’t walk today it was blowing a gale hopefully be out tomorrow I am 81 don’t do as many kilometres as you but try and walk most days for at least half an hour. Best wishes Marie Horsham Australia
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how the indecision led to a chance meeting between two like minded people. We have spoken before about the benefits of being out in the open. She has a love of the countryside and we are in agreement that's it's the best tonic there could be. Get out as much as you can, Marie. Walk where you might meet people for a quick chat. That's the bonus.
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