There’s a big grey cloud hanging over Rouffiac at the moment and if the météo is right, it isn’t going to move anytime soon. According to Louise next-door, it’s going to rain for the next two weeks but darling Denis thinks otherwise. According to him, one just looks out of the window every morning and then makes a judgement call because the weather can change in an instant around here. He’s right, of course. I drove back from Carcassonne yesterday and the rain was bucketing down but as soon as I turned the last corner for home, the skies cleared. Unfortunately it didn’t last although lovely Lionel and Denis did manage to get most of the margelles, otherwise known as the pool edging, into place before the heavens opened again. I’ve given up worrying about when the bloody thing will be finished and the fences and the landscaping. The ever-optimistic Lionel has a list and assures me all will be completed within the next few weeks. I’ve heard that before.
He’s not the only one to give me a boost of confidence over the past few days. I had an appointment with the doc on Thursday as I had a painful lump in my armpit. I told Denis who promptly declared that it was a ganglion, he knew because he had one in the same place so I shouldn’t get wound up about it. I didn’t think I was that wound up until Dr Lefevre suggested I get the bizarre (his words) bump checked out at the local hospital’s radiology department. I got an appointment the next day, it was a little concerning that I managed to get one so quickly but off I went. Trying to keep a sense of humour about being prodded about, I pointed out to the specialist that the last time someone used one of those ultrasound things was when I was pregnant with Callum so I was pleased it was under my arm this time. “It’s a ganglion” he said much to my relief, apparently if they are painful, they are almost always not serious. “But I would feel better if we did another couple of mammograms just to be sure”. So I was popped into the room next door to be scanned all over again. My positive vibes were starting to wane as the nurse and doctor discussed my underarm whilst I sat half naked pondering all sorts of outcomes but my wonderful specialist confirmed his first diagnosis, phew! On his advice, I’m going to have the troublesome ganglion removed next week just to be on the safe side.
I hadn’t realised how much the whole experience had affected me until later that evening. I had picked up my friend Pip’s son from the train station as she was away and after having deposited him at hers, I drove home with a headful of God-knows-what because as I turned into the driveway I took the wheel arch of my beloved Josephine Jeep off on the gate post. What is with me and wheel arches? I could have cried but honestly a) I was exhausted and b) two angels appeared by my side before the tears could flow. Denis and Lionel. I got hugged and fussed over whilst they attempted to get it back on but failed. A trip to the garage next week I think, maybe they can iron out the other ding I put in my poor car, at least it’s on the same side. Both heroes sent me messages the following morning to check on my mental state, I do love them.
I bought some sunflower seeds earlier in the week, my little bit to support Ukraine. I’ve never had much luck with growing things from seed but put them on my kitchen windowsill anyway in the vain hope they might sprout. And they have! I’m such a proud plant mum and will find a suitable spot in the garden when they are old enough to leave the tub. Of course, they’ll have to wait until the sun comes out but I love their optimism for clearer skies ahead. For us all…..
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” (Helen Keller)
Widow plus woofs 