Saturday 7 October 2023
It is raining. A lot. The river at the bottom of the garden is wider and considerably more exciting than usual and the odds are extremely high that our road is flooded and impassable for our cars. We had already realised we wouldn’t be able to go to Edinburgh today as a result, but I still feel massively disappointed. Lindsay is our first guest who we’re not going to be able to really go out anywhere with. I know it’s not our fault but I do feel strangely responsible for the bad weather. Fortunately, while very wet, it is actually quite warm outdoors (less so indoors!).
Yesterday, which was at least partly a work day for the three of us, Lindsay and I went for two walks around work meetings. In the morning, we had an hour walking in blue sky with just a bit of cloud. I think that may have been the only sun she’ll see on this trip. Late afternoon, we walked up a forestry track in a bit of drizzle. Walked loads, plenty of fresh air and we were suitably tired by early evening. I had a good chunk of deep sleep not long after hitting the pillow.
Tomorrow, we are planning an 08:00 – 09:00 silent meditation session at the Tibetan temple. I doubt I have ever sat for an hour in contemplative silence without falling asleep or getting the fidgets. However, I am looking forward to the new experience and hoping it won’t be as cold in the temple as it is in our house. I’d never have thought I’d have a clothing dilemma to sit for an hour.
I wonder how we’ll fill our rainy day today. Baking has been mooted, though largely with a view to eating.
