Now is an interesting time, but then I suppose it always is. The sun has come out, the season moved on. Still cool at nights but everything is blossoming. The transition from spring to summer is always exciting. Every day a new thing happens.
Shops, cafes, libraries are open again, and so are cinemas, concert halls and museums. We have to pre-book, socially distance and wear masks, but at least things are open. We can satiate our curiosity once more – at least a little. I went through the list of things I can do again and most of it is ticked.
The search for work has begun again. The pandemic may have slightly changed attitudes. Several employers have realised that people can be trusted to work from home for some of the time, and that it could have benefits. Flexible working may become a reality.
A cynical friend of mine, who currently is enjoying working from home, says it probably will go back to what it was. It really is too early to tell. And of course, a lot of work can only be effectively done face to face. We all know the race to get our hair cut, our teeth fixed, or postponed surgeries or treatments done.
Most people think of work as not only the activity they get paid for. It is the thing that people get identity or status from. How often do you hear people say, “I am an accountant or doctor or shopkeeper”? It is what they do for a living, certainly, but it is not who they are.
I read somewhere that the purpose of our lives is to grow wise, not rich, or even knowledgeable. Somehow what we do for a living must be a part of that. Part of our life journey.
When I look back at some of my past endeavours I see a lot of pent-up hate, despair, pride and sometimes shame. I have learned that work is not just about being paid or having status. It may involve something small like smiling or kind words; giving time to listen, understand or be.
I have simple definition of work drawn from the world of physics. Work is the energy you expend divided by the time you take to do it, so it can be hard or easy. The work I do is mostly unpaid; writing, thinking, reading, gardening, cleaning, cooking, ironing, listening to neighbours and helping them if I can.
It is still work, though.
Mass Observation Day, 12 May 2021
Woke about 5.30 am, with the light. Went for a pee then opened the curtains to let in the day. Back to bed. R4 on at 6.30 am, reminding me to do this; didn’t know about the M.O.D till yesterday. Got up after ‘Thought for the day’ Something about gratitude, joyfulness, and Ede. Did blood pressure readings for the GP, home monitoring diary. Breakfast today last of the stewed rhubarb, toast and marmalade and tea, no milk. Then took my pills; one for bp, a statin, high dose vitamin D capsule as protection against the statin, loratadine for hay fever, oil of primrose and cod liver oil capsules, downed with water.
Checked today’s TV and radio and sniffed outside. Warm and muggy. Maybe rain later. Think a cotton top and jeans should be OK for the hairdresser. So excited!! Hair hasn’t been cut since December. Booked for a re-style in an upmarket salon, new customer discount 25%
Got washed and dressed, then washed up the dishes from yesterday and today. Have got sick of home-cooking and washing up the dishes. Tried clothes on as I dressed, re-discovering items in my wardrobe. Some tighter than others. Went for looser pants. Want to lose some weight before I give any away. Picked a clashing mask with elastic loops, so hair can be washed without it getting wet.
Drove to Framlingham -public transport not an option – about 5 miles away and parked in the Mere car park, still free. The charging meters are bagged up but ready to go, one right in the middle of a disabled parking space. Put mask on.
The salon was empty and cavernous. Greeted by woman who took my temperature and asked how I was feeling, and did I have an appointment? Said yes, at 11.30, only 4 minutes early. Sanitised hands and wrote out contact details – no smartphone. Hairdresser/stylist/designer is a young man with tattoo art on his arm. Asked me how I wanted my hair, how I managed it etc. Did dry head massage, then took me to basin and washed hair, sat me back, got me a coffee and start cutting, carefully and slow.
First conversation with a stranger have had in months. Missed that. Being able to make new connections. He lives locally, likes the beaches, seems sad. Was anxious about his Pfizer jab he was going to have in the evening. Didn’t explore why, maybe should have. Told him I felt lucky to live where I do, with the fields, and outside spaces. That I liked writing and gardening.
End up looking not so different as before. Neat lockdown-proof bob. Have retained a good hair colour for my sixties, ash but not grey. Mirror kind but face well-worn.
On the way back to the car buy savoury roll for lunch and a brownie for later, and fresh bread from the bakery. Head home. Driving back notice how effervescent green the oaks are becoming. After lunch and a rest spell on yoga mat, finish tidying up the lawn edges. Still looks wild but with some definition. Compost bin not full up enough for collection tomorrow.
Watch evening news. Rustle up a meal from the fridge – left over broccoli, red cabbage, new potatoes, and salt beef, and some red wine – unusual for me mid-week. Eat the brownie for pudding, with lemon and ginger tea. Watch documentary on the menopause (Davina McCall). Wonder if I could have been helped in my 40s and 50s with HRT and good advice. Too late now.
Before bed finish diary notes, take blood pressure readings again. Turn in about 11.15 pm tired but happy. Really do like writing. Take a few puffs of asthma inhaler and some painkillers. Oh, and clean my teeth.
New Directions 