Windy Weds

It was one of those odd milder windy days that sweep the fens. We really do live on a windswept outcrop. It really rams it home when coming back from other places where wind is the exception rather than the norm.

At the weekly coffee and cake session we were laughing about an old promotional video made by myself and Roger, who has since moved to another organisation in the building. Anyone who wants to check out the handiwork can do so here:

https://youtu.be/WNnes-ax25c

The pun deserves special recognition.

I discovered Superdrug has a travel clinic where they will give you free advice about inoculations. The nurse asked me why I'd redone my yellow fever vaccination last year when the advice now is that the jabs last a lifetime. I explained that information has only started spreading in recent months and that I don't think officials on the South Sudan-Democratic Republic of Congo border are in the loop on the latest scientific advice emanating from the World Health Organisation in Geneva. To which she tutted and shook her head. Which I found a bizarre response.

I visited Elizabeth who is convalescing after an operation but who broke from her insanely difficult dolphin jigsaw to cook me up a treat in her pyjamas. Anyone who can rise from their sick bed and still attend to details such as toasting cashews as an accompaniment, should be admired.

I dashed to our regular volunteer group meeting. I'd spent some of my lunch break rushing around the 3 and O2 phone shops figuring out why a phone donated to us for a refugee family is not working. Confusion reigns about Apple IDs, SIM cards and unlocking. I made a modicum of progress. As ever the meeting provided much to reflect on revolving around a diverse cast of characters with opposing approaches and priorities. Minutiae of Christmas presents for the refugee children and whether this is appropriate or insensitive. Skipping over the key issues of our structure and decision making. An imbalance between small issues and huge needs.

I got in late and shovelled down huge handfuls of strong tasting vintage cheddar crisps. Which gave me reflux all night and isn't to be recommended.