Friends

13 April 2020

MORE THIS AND THAT....

Some of you may remember that I once had a schoolboy do odd jobs for me. Well he is now a working lad so that was the end of his odd job business. He called round the other day and asked if there was anything I wanted. I said No, mainly because there was nothing that needed doing. 

Later the same day he sent another text asking, on behalf of his mother, if I needed any shopping. I have never met the lady so I was super thrilled by the question. I spent a while pondering on it and thinking how kind folk are. The upshot of the story is that I had run out of my favourite corned beef so I gave him a shout and told him. Next day he arrived with two HUGE tins and told me his mother said I wasn’t to offer any money. The two cans must have come to £4 so now I am alternating between gratitude and a need to repay the kind lady. Should I or shouldn’t I pursue it?

The gardener came today, just as I was rising from a long sleep. He did say he was coming but didn’t mention the time. Actually, I thought 8 am was a bit early even if I as up and running. Charlie the cat was mesmerised when gardener arrived and I was thankful he (the cat) didn’t bark. The rest of the day is (hopefully) mine and I intend to use it well.'

Silence is golden…. an expression often used but not right now and I do NOT like it. I look out of the window and see a permanent stillness. No people, no cars, nothing.  

A neighbour is doing my shopping and I just heard that she’s doing it on line. I thought she was going to the store but I was wrong. Honestly, I could have done that myself since I always order on line! 

Message to self…. BE GRATEFUL AND STOP MOANING.

Finally, a little something to smile at. I put small pieces of stale bread out for the birds because I have run out of birdseed. Mr Crow, a lovely big black bird, has developed the habit of waiting for me to toss out the bread, then picks up a piece, takes it to the bird bath and dunks the bread in the water. I am enthralled and can’t wait to watch him each morning.

Catch you all later … don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. 

23 comments:

  1. Valerie, I am so pleased and happy to hear that you have all this wonderful support around you, assisting in your needs. That's truly awesome!

    This is one of the major positives that I've witnessed during this pandemic--people reaching out to help one another. The kindness and concerned I've seen has been such a beautiful lesson in showing me just how genuinely good human beings are.

    Enjoyed your story about Mr. Crow. I adore crows (and ravens) because they are so amazingly intelligent and fearless. Plus, I think they are so beautiful.

    Have a lovely week, my friend! X

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    1. Hi Ron, I will never get used to the silence that surrounds us.... people not talking is so unreal.

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  2. In times like this people want to feel helpful as it makes them feel better too. I would accept her gift and maybe some day you will be able to pay it forward to another person who needs a lift of the spirits. Birds are so fun to watch!

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    1. You are right, kden. My neighbours are the best I ever had and I hope they know how much I value their friendship.

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  3. So good to see the kindness of people helping you! I think paying it forward somewhere down the line would be a good thing if you can do it. How cute with the crow! I always enjoy watching the birds in our backyard. Lately in the neighborhood have been 2 hawks. They are magnificent to watch as they soar through the sky! Stay safe!

    betty

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    1. Hubby and I were avid Birdwatchers. We would travel miles to catch a new 'sighting'. I rarely see a new bird now.

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  4. The schoolboy and his mother were so thoughtful and kind. Difficult times like these often bring out the very best in people.

    I agree that 8:00 in the morning is too early for a visit from the gardener - but they are always notorious for arriving early.

    Birds are fascinating and far more intelligent than they are given credit for. Crows and ravens are mystical....
    When I lived in Texas my yard was filled with turkey buzzards - which was rather unnerving.

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    1. Luke is no longer a schoolboy, he is working young man and a very nice one, too. He and I used to watch out for new birds in my garden to see who counted the most.

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  5. It's nice to know there are still people who you can rely on and expect nothing. Hope you enjoy sitting in the garden and watching the birds and flowers.

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    1. I did enjoy an afternoon in the sun, but the next day was more like winter!

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  6. At least we can still bird watch...always fun. As to the money for the corned beef, I would just accept without insisting on repaying, don't steal the feeling she gets by helping out. When someone gifts me like that, I always just say thank you and add that if they are ever down to their last dollar I'll be glad to reimburse them.

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    1. All I could do was send a message to the boy's mother by text to his son. I just hope he passed it on.

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  7. It's the small things. Glad to hear you are finding the comfort in something like feeding Mr. Crow. Take care.

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    1. You are right. In times like this every little thing helps pass the time away.

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  8. One way to repay the neighbor who kindly donated the beef could be by a handwritten note or perhaps some flowers (maybe at a future time). Nice to read about the kindness of others and hope it continues when people are again out and about and actually talking to one another again. I can well imagine how much entertainment that crow in providing with his bread dunking ritual, Valerie.

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    1. I agree, except I don't know where she lives. I know the road but not the number of her house. Her son, Luke, has kept his home address very quiet.

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  9. I like Mr. Crow's routine of getting the bread from you and dipping it in water. Quite the gentleman. Good of the young man and his mom to bring you the food; and sometimes instead of repaying a person directly we can do something for a different person.

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