I read an article the other day about small talk's importance as a social lubricant, a way to test the waters before having deeper, more meaningful conversations. The most common opening topic is (can you guess?), weather. It's a common experience, it's not personal, and it's not political (well, unless you start talking about climate change!). It's a non-aggressive way to connect with a stranger or not very well known acquaintance, a tentative outreach to converse. It's easy to say something about the sunny day when standing in line waiting - striking up a conversation with strangers is my go-to action!
Yesterday was mostly cloudy, with, wait for it, snow again… this time just flurries with not much accumulation but the wind was wicked, skittering the snow across the now icy roads, causing drifts… the snow covered fields blended into the low grey sky… we did get a few stretches of sun later in the afternoon.
Today was sunny but cold. We ventured out to Winchester so Carm could fix Leo's printer. I had a visit with Trudie while all the technology was being worked out. Then we traipsed over to liquidation, which was just around the corner. I lucked into a pair of puffy winter mittens :-) Carm bought a winter jacket. By the time we were on our way home, most of the roads had cleared somewhat.
Sunday a bunch of us gathered at a local restaurant to celebrate Trudie's birthday. It was a commotion as we rearranged much of the seating to better suit our party. The tables groaned with food - mostly fish and chips! A giant cake was the crowning finale. Afterwards a few people joined us back here for a continuation of the fun.
We are still praying strongly for Ruth who is struggling in the hospital. I sent a silly little story for her husband to read to her with the hope that she will hear it…
"There once were two little grey birds with dignified maroon tails named Cato and Bailey. They were loved by Ruth and John who treated them like the feathered children that they were. Everyone was happy and joyful but some bad luck landed Ruth in the hospital so they came to stay with Laura and Carm for a while.
It was a cold but sunny January morning when they arrived at their temporary home. Ruth set up their new rooms, getting everything just right. Water bowls were filled, pellets went into another bowl. Their toys and perches were familiar to them so it felt a bit like being at home. But there were strange dogs and another bird that was just like them but a bit bigger, but they quickly learned that they were part of a bigger family now and that they were safe.
Mornings were their favourite time. When the covers were whisked off their cages, a chorus of 'good mornings' and 'supper' filled the air. While they waited for their breakfast, they took this time to cuddle up with each other. Soon though, Carm came and shared his banana with all of the birds. Grace, their bigger cousin like to eat some, Bailey liked to eat some, but Cato only wanted banana when Bailey fed it to her!
They would watch with amusement as Laura cleaned up their messy cages and got everything sparkling again, but really what they were waiting for was breakfast! While digging into their bowls to unearth the favourites they'd toss what they didn't want to the side to be eaten later when all the good stuff was gone. Cato liked her egg while Bailey just chowed down on cooked grains. If there was meat in their dishes it would quickly be gobbled.
Once they were full, they'd retire to their favourite perches, grinding their beaks with contentment."
I'll get my creative neurons working again tomorrow for installment number 2. I don't know how much she can hear or understand at this point but perhaps this will amuse her for a moment… I wonder how music could help her brain regain consciousness?
I've been going hard on the treadmill the last few days. Yesterday I watched a movie (The Magic of Belle Isle) which was entertaining, but gosh! I wondered if it would ever end! I was getting exhausted! At the 115 minute mark I ended my walk - almost 10km. Today was more of a struggle so I stopped at 60 minutes. Today I tried to watch Ted Lasso, but it's too dark - not in topic but in visuals. I watch on my phone and the window is behind it, so not ideal viewing.
Awesome!
"gathering of friends"
"connecting with internet friends"
"bright blue sky"
"trees frosted with fluffy snow"
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