Stopped

Took a drive round our side of the Lake, just to get off the Land and walk a bit. At Estrela, saw a pair of these crested larks, who seemed quite happy to hop around in front of us, never flying off - we wondered if maybe hunting isn't allowed on the peninsula; our local birds are so wary of humans, it's incredibly difficult to get a photo of them.

When the sky started darkening, thunder rumbling, and then lightning forking down, decided to give up and try to get home before the storm - didn't quite make it and got pretty wet opening and closing our gate. 

Trying to organise a meal with the Amigos, but waiting on various test results - if any are positive, no meal. But thinking I better get on with preparations regardless, or I won't be ready if it can happen.

Gratefuls:
- my kids keeping in touch; feel quite sad that our holiday together was cancelled, and not much hope of seeing them for Christmas or any time soon - I know many of us are in the same situation...
- all the rain falling outside, we still need it badly
- a warm fire inside and roast chestnuts

The Body, ch 7 - The Heart and Blood, p131
"Stopped."
Last word of British surgeon and anatomist Joseph Henry Green (1791-1863) while feeling his own pulse.