A walk in the sun

"Caffeine and Kindness" at Rodbridge

 Ann has always been generous to people who come to us. She always makes the window cleaner or gardener, or any workman we have to use to keep the house going, a cup of coffee and biscuits, yet no one ever invites Ann for a coffee. We have lived in Hundon for 20 years, and so often have neighbours promised, "you must come round for a coffee soon" that it becomes a mantra, yet not one neighbour has ever invited her round for a coffee. Ann now has to sit with me 24 hours a day, and the only break she has had was when Edwin took her to Bury while Andre stayed with me. 

Enjoying sun and cake

My surgery was sold as "keyhole" surgery. After a shower, Ann removed the dressing from my entry wound yesterday. The whole area is bruised and swollen. It feels as though they kicked my ribs in and then jumped on them. Ann says the wound scar is large, and she can't imagine the size of key that would be needed to fit that hole: it's big enough to get a fist in. However, we had a positive day yesterday with my first trip out and walk. Ann drove my car with the dogs aboard to Rodbridge Country Park in Long Melford, a lovely expanse of rolling grass, rabbit holes, mysterious hidden ponds and woods set out alongside the river Stour. After the walk, I sat quietly in the sun while Ann bought coffees and cakes from a mobile van, billing itself as "Kind Heart Coffee" promoting Coffee, Kindness and Community. It goes from place to place, bringing warmth and friendship to areas where people might be stressed or alone such as hospital carparks. I sat in the warm sun after the walk feeling much improved. I must say, that coffee van was warmer and more welcoming than the whole of Hundon.

Mysterious gifts arrive

On Monday we received a mysterious parcel. It contained two huge boxes of classy chocolates, biscuits and teas and other goodies, and some bottles of fine wine. No note was attached, and we spent some time speculating who might have sent such expensive and unusual items. Finally, Ann tracked down the doner: it was Mike. Thank you so much for such wonderful and thoughtful things. I wasted no time sampling the fine chocolate, and the other things will be tasted soon.