Reflective

Things are beginning to get back to normal. My son-in-law was back to work and some of the activities enjoyed by the younger two were picked up again.

The youngest grandson had a music lesson this morning so Granny joined in with the singing and various actions - trying not to feel too silly, but actually enjoying it! All the children were between one and two and it was fun to watch their different reactions to the sounds and noises that they were hearing, and also to watch how much the respective mums participated.

My middle grandson had a swimming lesson this afternoon after his morning at pre-school and the rest of us went to watch him. I went inside the pool area to be able to watch him more closely, which is what he wanted, but I had to wear flimsy bright blue cover ups over my shoes in order to do so. At this juncture I had not had my camera in action at all and so thought I was going to have to do an emergency blip. Therefore, when I took the bright blue shoe apparel off, I put them in my pocket just in case they were needed to be the blip of the day!

Fortunately, after a little snack at home, the middle grandson (aged 3) decided he would join me for a walk down to the River Thames while the wee one slept and the oldest had some quiet time. So we both wrapped up warmly as it was very cold outside and off he scooted, waiting at every road junction as he has been taught. The sun was on its way down and as we approached the river I noticed the bridge and the adjacent buildings were superbly reflected in the water, particularly one of the buildings - an office block I think - which was illuminated with a warm glow courtesy of the dying rays of the sun. The building on the right is, I think, the Thames Water Board HQ, and the canal boats tethered below the buildings just added to the colours of the reflections. As long as the focus was fine, then this would be my blip and the blue cover-ups could be safely binned! ...they were!

We continued our walk and fed the ducks, greedy gulls and a few geese. Afterwards my grandson played for a bit in the excellent local playpark and then we - or rather he - scooted home while I brought up the rear. We both had very rosy cheeks by the time we arrived home in time for tea and it had been a great walk, and for me, a good peaceful time to reflect on the events of the preceding week.

The family is managing fine now, just taking things slowly but getting back to normal so it is time for me to leave them to their own devices. I am booked on the train north tomorrow morning and will be back home in Scotland by the evening. I will probably be met with wintry snow showers according to the forecast, but it is still January after all.