I've been quiet of late for good reason, but primarily because we've been cut off since Friday evening. No power, no phone, no internet and a fair bit of bad weather and snow. However, all that has been rectified and we are now connected and warm again.
Let me begin with Friday when I got the bad news from France that a former colleague and good friend had died of cancer. I couldn't believe it as I never knew she was ill, and she was the same age as me. So, in memory of my lovely friend Marie-Line, who I met at a course in Paris in 1986, I'm posting this photo taken at a Burns' Supper at my place in France back in 1988. Marie Line is the lovely smiling girl between the two boys. On her left, Pal the Norwegian and on her right, Peter the Yorkshireman, with whom we go hillwalking with in Scotland, now that we're all back here. In front, the only Frenchman of the group, Jean-Pierre, otherwise known as Mr Stiffy Tocky, as this was what he called our famous Sticky Toffee Pudding, with his inimitable French accent! On the left of the image, the Scottish lassies, Carol, Lynne, Bev and Lesley. This photo takes me back, and I've spent a lot of time over the weekend thinking of Marie-Line.
We then went to visit dad on Monday morning, took our LFT test before doing so, to find that John tested positive ... twice! He did have symptoms, but we put it down to him having just had his booster jab. So, we're grounded. I'm negative, but we've both now done a PCR test and hoping for a negative result x 2. So no visit to dad, but the home assures me that they were all kept warm during the very long power outage.
And this morning, St. Andrew's Day, I opened up my phone to find that my neighbour's daughter's boyfriend, whom we know well as he is a Braemar loon, was killed in a car accident yesterday. I am absolutely gutted. The fragility of life has never been so evident to me as it is right now. I can't get these things out of my head.
Oh dearest Issi, my heart aches for you and I want to wrap you up in a huge hug. I am so sorry for all your troubles and losses. No wonder you are reeling. Sending you so so much love as you process all this. Xxxxx
Oh now, life dure dealt you dome bad cards! Sorry for all the misery you have been through, it sure takes it's toll on the soul. Hoping that the future will look brighter and that you will both be well soon again. Sending positive thoughts and blessings your way. 💐
Oh Issi... I feel your sadness as I read your narrative.. So much to happen in such a short time...& awful weather. Easy for me to say, to think of the happy times & wonderful memories but, you must grieve first.. My love & prayers & warm hugs to you & yours .xx
Oh my what a difficult time you’re having........hope you both will be ok!
We have to enjoy today because we don’t know what tomorrow brings!
Stay safe.
Oh Issi, so sorry to read about all these episodes rolled in together on top of the awful weather. We were thinking about you a lot - just 24 powerless hours here which was bad enough. Some friends just a couple of miles out the road are still powerless. The snow has melted here which is good. Now to try and fix our battered patio fence.
💛🥰😘
Oh Issi what a terrible time you are having!! So much sad news for you all at once. Sending you lots of loving hugs! Life can be so cruel sometimes. You have lots of wonderful memories to treasure and I hope they help you. Big hug xx
Dear Issi, you must feel like crying when to see this lovely photo of such happy times. A beautiful friend struck down so young & then the sad news of the young man…..you must be reeling!
I hope you & John test clear, the last thing you want now is to be struck down with coronovirus. Thank goodness you can rest easy knowing dad is safe & warm. I guessed you would be without power….
The best place to be is at home when you’re grieving & vulnerable. Big hugs. Xx
OMG -- you've had to go through way to much in far too short a time. A reminder to live life to the fullest, but no less difficult to experience such tragic losses. Wishing you both well and free of virus! All the best.
You have had an avalanche of hard news and hard times. Hard to deal with at the best of times, and even worse when everyone is so worn down by the pandemic. I hope you see some light in the next few days. Hug the people you love whenever you can.
Sounds like you were hit by a real weather bomb.. ❄
We have to enjoy today because we don’t know what tomorrow brings!
Stay safe.
💛🥰😘
I hope you & John test clear, the last thing you want now is to be struck down with coronovirus. Thank goodness you can rest easy knowing dad is safe & warm. I guessed you would be without power….
The best place to be is at home when you’re grieving & vulnerable. Big hugs. Xx