under another sun

The doorbell at five to nine. Our neighbour David, who owns a building company, had sent over two men with a ladder to take out the miniature succulent jungle living off roof run off and guano in our gutters -- as a kind of thank you for putting up with the building shenanigans in the last two years. After breakfast Lorraine went into the garden. Joy was unwell this morning, and Jim told Lorraine he found her on the floor. She experiences from vergito some times -- all well though.  I started picking up the pieces of my long poem, but the moment I slipped into a flow state, the gods or disruption in the shape of Maureen arrived. Maureen's sister in law had had a stroke, and both her brothers would not be attending tomorrow's funeral of Lorraine's aunty Betty. Lorraine called her back.  We then drove off to see Dawn and Paul, also had sombre news, about people close to them. I had a strange reaction to this. I am feeling full to the brim of difficult news. Lovely to see Dawn...

First day of the new year. Lorraine and I woke up feeling clear and sprightly having drunk very little on new years eve. Lorraine and I then did stretches on mats.  Over breakfast, we swapped texts with Anton,  Brian (whose birthday it is today), and Yvonne among other pals.  I went down to the sea at noon, which was almost exactly high tide. The strength of the wind had raised the sea level meaning there was a risk of flooding. The sky was overcast, while the sea was an expanse of rough grey waves and white foam. Clouds of drenching spray rushed inland. All quite invigorating. I took some photos, though my camera lens got quite wet pointing into the wind. Quite pleased to be home and drinking hot coffee not long after. I called Mum, who seemed in good spirits. Then a luxurious afternoon, raining heavily outside, while Lorraine crocheting a small baby hat, after having completed a baby jacket last night.  I finished reading The Sea by John Banville -- a quite brilli...