Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Early start, in the churchyard and be present.

1. My mother arrived just before eight, while Alec is gently snoring. When he finally comes down, he is transported by delight to see Granny AND porridge waiting for him at breakfast.

2. Those strange sad moments in the churchyard: jackdaws calling and wheeling, the undertakers' footprints in the snow, the well-trodden graveside words -- we have no choice but to be here now.

3. She says: "The most important thing when you are with a person who has dementia is to be in the moment." This seems like good advice whoever you are with.

Downpour, petrichor and maybug.

1. As if the fall of night has prompted a sudden decision, a downpour begins after days of dry, hot weather. I contort myself around my desk...