Friday, September 27, 2013

Solitude and Company

I am sitting here tapping on the keyboard, door open. Across the landing in a darkened room, door also open, sleep Martha and Evie. I had to go out tonight for a few hours so Bert was the one responsible for putting them to bed. He did OK. One out of two isn't bad. When I got home Martha was asleep but Miss Evie was wide awake. One yogurt, a nappy change, brush teeth and a story and she was sleeping too. She'll still be up at six am tomorrow.



On Monday I went to Eelburn, just me and the brown dog. When I was in Vancouver I decided that there would be no more respite for Pearlie. She was becoming thoroughly fed up with it and the thought of going into residential care for two weeks at a time was spoiling her life. From now on we go on respite, she stays at home. That was what my three days in Donegal was about. I thought I'd be lonely but was not. It was so relaxing to have nothing to do. I spent a deal of time just staring into space. How come I never realised how great that is? Just staring into space. Wonderful. Judy and I did lots of walking and clambering over rocks which was fun but sadly I appear to have overused my knees which became apparent this evening.



For this evening there was lots of kneeling and up and downing at the chapel for it was Cousin Joe's anniversary Mass. One year since he died. The service was beautiful with astounding music. While he was ill last September, too ill to receive visitors any more, I passed some time picking blackberries. Tonight when I got back Bert had opened a bottle of blackberry wine made from last year's picking. It was pretty fine. I wish I could have given Joe a share of it.

6 comments:

Andrea from Neath said...

Look at those sleeping darlings! I would just love to spend a few days with my dog at Eelburn. He and I have just returned from a week in Kerry, based in Cromane, we were due to spend 5 further days in Co Cork but had to return home early when I fell and cracked a rib! I love my own company but that experience has put me off my solo travels for now!

Nelly said...

Oh! Sorry to hear about your rib. I really enjoyed those couple of days on my own but not sure if I could manage a week. Get well soon.

Brig said...

Little ones all tuckered out and tucked in, so sweet.
Glad that you got away for a bit. I'm longing for time at a cabin on a mountain lake or at the ocean, with bonfire...

Mage said...

Perhaps Joe was there with you? So have you got someone to come in when you go on respite? Yes, thinking of nothing at all has a lot to say for it's self. I often find myself in that position instead of finishing a drawing or working on a project. I never used to do that.

Nelly said...

Brighid - it is good to get away but sadly there was no bonfire for me.

Mage - Bert held the fort for me. I'm doing it for him at the end of this week.


Anonymous said...

so sorry about Joe, it is still not real. Glad you were able to attend the Mass. London Sister x