Good Morning

I just began to write my morning greeting but this will be all for the time being. My husband comes home from the hospital today and I have to get some things ready for him as I do not know when he will be arriving. The hospital just called me to say they are making preparations. I hope to be back later.

Good Morning

I was just about to give up on a morning photo when the sky did begin to brighten a little. I am not sure if the sun will eventually appear, but I can hope. This is the view towards South.

On the Northern side it looks a little better and even the Jura mountain outline is showing itself.

Otherwise I got a message on my phone from Mr. Swiss this morning early and he really seems to be returning to the normal world. It was not possible for me to visit him in hospital so we have not seen each other for a week. On Monday he will be back home.

The birds were quite active this morning outside and I caught these two tits having a feed. I have noticed that they all seem to be increasing in weight. I wonder if I am feeding them too muchj,

They seem to be everywhere at the moment and during the afternoon the food supply is empty. It is then that they move to the other available food.

Otherwise I was again alone at home yesterday evening. Even No. 1 son deserted me for a concert in the one of the local halls. I did not mind and made myself comfortable with a fried egg on toast and tomatoes. It must be an eternity since I just had to look after myself in the evening.

Afterwards I move onto the TV and BBC showed an hours film of various performances from the Queen pop group. I always liked them and this time it was complete with bits and pieces of information. They were also very good at harmonising when singing.

Bohemian Rhapsody was always my favourite piece from them. Out of all the various groups of the time, they were the most talented as I am concerned.

I also had another visitor this morning. Roschti is always somewhere near, and still arrives for his daily treats at the window.

The sparrows are well organised, and after feeding at the bird house they tidy up on the ground of the seeds that have fallen from the table.

And now time to move on, not that I have a strict timetable. I am now trying to relax more during the day. When something unexpected happens you tend to rethink your life and just take it easy. At the moment my main concern will be Mr. Swiss when he is back home, the rest can wait. Now to survive the day ahead.

Stay safe everyone and enjoy your Sunday, just take it easy (I know, easier said than done). I am now off to make my bed, visit the shower and afterwards I will see,.

Good Morning

Unbelievable, but after almost two weeks of dull days covered in one single large cloud, the sun is winning the battle and forcing the clouds to move along. I saw the sun this morning. At first the cloud was there so I took a few dull photos. I have now removed those photos and took those where the sun arrived. I do not want to be too optimistic as you can never be certain, but at least some blue sky has appeared.

In the meanwhile another day alone at home (sounds like a good film title), but the good news is that Mr. Swiss will be coming home on Monday. His pneumonia has cleared after the antibiotic treatment and he is no longer on the drip at the hospita or extra oxygenl, but now has tablets. Of course everything is long not perfect and it will need time and care to get back on his feet again which is where my contribution will be necessary. Yesterday I got a surprise call from the doctor treating him in the hospital. My son had given me his number, so I had programmed it on my mobile phone and when he called I saw his name on the phone. Actually he was just calling to tell me that he would be released on Monday but gave me the opportunity to ask a few questions. I also spoke to Mr.Swiss afterwards to sort a few things. I had already ordered a few items I will be needing and everything is now ready to go. This morning I organised his wheelchair which we have at home.He had never used it very much and it is not electric, but ideal to use in the apartment. Although he can walk, he is now weak and he and I do not want to risk any accidents. It will be a new way of life for us both. Actually I have no great problems. I have now realised that a golden oldie like myself does not have to have a time table. It makes no difference when and what I do. I just have to aim for a midday meal as I also have my autistic son to care for.

Bird life is getting quite active outside and the robin arrived again yesterday. He is not a regular visitor, but suddenly I see the flash of red feathers. As usual he is a loner and makes sure that he has his own space outside.

He stayed a while and did a few poses for my camera.

This blue tit gave a flght demonstration whilst a sparrow and greenfinch were looking on beetween bites of bird food.

Of course this guy also arrived. the jay now comes and goes most of the time.

And so what shall we do today? It will just be myself and son No. 1 although he will be at a concert this evening in one of the town cafés. It has been a long time since I have been alone at home in the evening. One little advantage is that I can just look after my own meal: perhaps just a fried egg with some trimmings, I do not need more.

Our covid cases in Switzerland are also increasing. In our area they remain OK, but precautions are being taken and it really does not look like that the rules will be relaxed. We do not go out very much and are all vaccinated in my family. We live in part of Switzerland where it is mainly villages and a few market towns. Perhaps that is an advantage as our local population is on the smaller side.

I have no wish to go anywhere at the moment as the weather is quite cold and unfriendly. I am well covered for food and can always order from the local stores online. Since the covid crisis I have also changed my life style and Mr. Swiss always admired how I have everything under control. I always have my son who loves going into town and gets anything I might need that I have fogotten.

I wish you all a good week-end and stay safe.

RDP Friday: Furnace

Looks like the days of this old furnace are now long gone but it still has its place outside for all to see.

I grew up with a furnace of sorts. Our house had no central heating it was all done with coal. We had a fire place and in Winter my mum would clean out the coals from the day before. She would then take newspaper and screw it up together and put it at the bottom of the fire place. Then there would be a layer of wood and afterwards the coal. If it was good quality coal it would burn niceley, but the cheaper sort would tend to spit out of the fire and you had to be careful you did not get any sparks on your clothes. After about a hour the coal would glow and give out its heat. Now and again you had to add pieces of coal to keep it going. Yes they were the days. Now and again we had to have the chimney sweep to clean out the soot, otherwise it would begin to burn in the chimney, get very smokey and smell.

RDP Friday: Furnace

Good Morning

The only thing with a difference this morning was that there were a few sparse flocks of snow in the air. Perhaps you can see where they settled on the bird house but it was a short lived event. Probably just a warning of the shape of things to come.

I am still alone at home, Mr. Swiss being in the hospital, but the latest news is that he might be home on Monday. I have now had contact with the hospital and arrangements are being made. He will be brought home by the invalid transport and it will all be organised for me. I spoke to him on the phone and he seems to be returning to the normal world. He could have had a month’s recuperation in one of their holiday farms, but did not want to. He would rather be at home. We have an organisation called Spitex and they will be visiting and seeing how it goes when he is here. I can do quite a lot actually to help, but being a bit handicapped with mobility it will be a big help. They are coming to see us next week and to discuss what they can do and what I can do. At least I will have some support. The situation is something entirely new after 52 years of being together, but I have time. The therapist who called me said they will check the apartment to see if it will be OK, although this should be no problem. I had to have certain adjustments made for myself, and the shower is fitted with a seat and other helpful installations.

Otherwise not a lot new happening here at the moment.The birds are still flocking for food, and now since snow is in the air even more. At least I will not be having and angry or hungry birds here.

Today there will be a grocery delivery, I have already got the confirmation that everything will be delivered in 1-2 hours, meaning I have no reason to go anywhere for the next few days. And now I am off to deal with the usual chores. I wish you all a good day with no unnecessary stress.