It’s a glorious autumn day in Canberra. In fact, the weather has been quite marvellous for a while. We could do with some rain, but we aren’t critical yet. It’s the sort of day Linda would have loved. A spell of weather she would have revelled in which gives it a bittersweet feeling in my mouth. It’s still surreal to think she isn’t here to enjoy it.
I’ve been getting along okay, with the occasional wobble of course. Little thoughts can cascade into a melancholy remembrance, and the little pinpricks of grief will cause some discomfort, but I have found some strategies that help me out and put me back on an even keel. Walking, writing, even watching television which I never did much of when Linda wasn’t about, have helped me in such moments.
I am working my way through all that needs to be done when someone we love passes away. I have been to the solicitor on a couple of occasions and can now only wait until the courts approve the granting of probate which is quite likely to be months away. Just a couple of little things to do besides that which aren’t critical but will need to be attended to eventually.
So, what now? I have been slack, that’s for sure. Whilst Linda was ill during the last 4 years, we have let a bit of house maintenance lapse in order to live our lives with maximum enjoyment and worry about the rest later. Nothing vital mind you. Just some painting, a bit of cleaning up around the backyard and my garage is as messy as they get. My Proton Jumbuck sits in the driveway. I have never located the key for it I lost months ago so sooner or later I will have to be proactive in getting rid of it. But there is no rush-not yet.
My immediate concern is two magpies who are shredding my back lawn. Yes-shredding it! Now I like magpies and I like having them in my back yard-usually. But these two are a pair right out of the box. There must be grubs deep in the lawn, something else I may have to tend to because this pair are ripping huge chunks out of the grass in order to get to them. I chase them off-in fact I have been out there four times already this morning, but it appears I can’t offend them, because they soon return. They give me that look with their beady eyes, “Buddy, I thought we were mates”, they seem to be saying before flying off to sit on the telegraph lines, waiting for me to go back inside so they can shred my lawn again.
I’ve always had magpies in my yard and liked it but these two are trying my patience. A little too forward and friendly, taking advantage of me. And they poo everywhere like no magpies I’ve ever seen hanging around. They will move on eventually, but they are becoming a menace. As I write I can hear one of them warbling, ready to attack the greenery when I have my back turned. The little things in life we worry about!
So that’s about it for a moment. A pinprick of light to shine upon your day. I am going okay, moving forward to the green fields beyond, with the help of family and great friends. I will now enjoy the day and shoo away magpies.
Until next time.
Strange Notations From a Laborious Life 