It’s not the day for sitting out on a terrace watching the world go by. It’s a bit cold actually!
So let’s drink our Vermut inside while I tell you what’s going on for me. I hope to hear your news too – in your own virtual vermut post or here in the comments.
Let’s start with the weather – it is what I call a Cornish day. Grey sky, rain threatening but never getting on with it. Perfect for our run this morning although the chilly wind made the outbound trip hard going. When I started running I had to overcome my belief that running is for tall lanky people. But just a little each day and suddenly I can do 20 minutes without falling in a panting heap at the end. There is something very satisfying about the sound of your feet as they hit the ground and the way your body finds its own rhythm.
Fear of more kidney stones means I always carry water which is a nuisance as it sloshes around in the bottle. Also any part of my body which can wobble – does, and that feels uncomfortable at first. But like many things which are hard to start – after you get going, the going gets better. There were some lovely flowers down by the river as well as the swallows swooping low over the little allotments.
Then I had a short introductory session of Trapeze. Again, not something you expect of me but this getting older thing is beginning to worry me so I am trying to do more new things. I did a headstand and then some swinging by my arms on a trapeze. Finally kicking my legs up and hooking them around the bar and, before I could think too much about it, I let go with my hands and ended up head down to the floor. All the recent abdominal exercises must be helping as you need those to get yourself back up again!
Of course I was helped and held by Pep so it wasn’t so hard. Sorry no photos as I couldn’t spare him to take one at the vital moments so you will have to believe me.
My Vermut is finished now – perhaps another little one?
The reason the weather is concerning me is that tomorrow is Sant Jordi and the streets will be full of stalls selling books and roses. It could easily be a disaster if it rains all day. It is a sort of Catalan St Valentine and so much nicer. Roses and books – perfect presents of love.
Which reminds me – I have almost finished reading The Cathedral by the Sea in Catalan and I am now actively enjoying it. It feels like a huge achievement to have got through it and I can see how much more I know now than I did at the beginning. Also as the action happens in the streets in Barcelona Old Town it is interesting to imagine the events – the building of the church, the merchants working in Canvis Nous, the Jewish quarter in the Call where terrible things happened, the big houses in Montcada where the rich people lived.
But what else can I tell you?
After the run we came home to the usual loud music in the living room which sometimes drives me to find quiet corners of retreat. Common tunes are Love is a Gamble, I am a Bitch, I Want You to Take Over Control and Tonight I will Fuck You. When I am in better humour I just relax and dance to the beat! I think of my mother and how she kept up interest in our music. But wasn’t it easier with Del Shannon, The Beach Boys and David Bowie?
After lunch a troupe of young men arrived to play music out in the back. I was looking forward to seeing them sidle spottily though the lounge looking embarrassed and reminding me of Kevin in the TV series. But the Resident Adolescent scuppered that plan by greeting them at the front door and sending them round to the back entrance. You have to be tactically very skilled to win a battle in this war!
Well, time has flown by and I must start my Catalan homework.
Hope to see you next week if we both can make it!
