I wanted to make myself an L-plate for my new walking aid. First problem: I couldn’t find a red pen. Then I had to locate some card which would be strong enough to take outdoors. I scissored apart an empty box of Magnum ice-creams-on-a-stick. Finally, I punched two holes in the top of the card, threaded through some string and tied it into place.
Success! I could now go out into the streets wearing a warning sign that I and my trusty steed (four wheels, strong brakes, and a seat) were a hazard to traffic. Within ten minutes I had worked out that my road was a No Go, with uneven tarmac and tree roots heaving this way and that. The next street was better, being paved.
Finally I arrived at the café to meet my friends for a coffee. At the back there was a suitable parking place for Rollo (as I have christened the Rollator) but my friends were on the opposite of the room and I had omitted to pack a stick to help me get from A to B. Helped across the room into a seat, the group of us shared experiences of sticks and other aids for the Aged. The L-plate caused many a smile, and also reminded me to buy some more ice cream.
Work continues. I have two short stories to write for the Christmas season. I have ideas for both, but still have a lot of thinking to do before I get down to the actual business of putting them on the computer. I do now have an agreement on the deal for the mass market paperbacks, and await results with interest. I am promised a contract – at last! – within days for the Elie Quicke that I’ve been writing for months; MURDER WITH ROMANCE is pretty well finished and will be ready to send off very soon.
The next short story is . . .
‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ It’s taken from real life. I expect you will all know of families struggling with anxiety and other problems in the young, such as drinking too much. I really do not know what the answer is to this difficult situation, or how far the carers can – or perhaps should – go. This story was published with a note advising that anyone affected by the problem should seek medical assistance. Read it here.
My poor garden!
So what about my poor, parched garden? We have had some rain though not enough. The lawns are developing patches of green and hopefully will soon be back to their usual state. Annuals have not done so well but my dainty little cyclamens – no more than 3 or 4 inches high – are popping up everywhere, even in the foliage of herbaceous plants and between paving stones. They are delightful.
A special blessing this month on those kind people who open heavy doors for me into shops and cafes. Rollo says he much appreciates the attention, too.
Veronica Heley