Yesterday I bumped into a friend on my way back from town. We got talking and he asked me what a typical week looks like. I am not too sure I have a “typical” week these days but for now, this is how my week is shaping up.
Monday
Started with a visit (a pleasant walk) to a charity I’m involved with as a trustee. I have become involved in a particular matter there and I hope I can help move things along in an appropriate way. There was some typing as a result and I did that in the afternoon sitting outside on the patio.
While I was walking I phoned someone I know who is involved with a church in Kenya which we have supported in the past. I needed to know the latest situation as this might connect with a possible development brewing here.
While in town, I collected a new watch that I’d ordered online. I also had a haircut and then walked home.
Somewhat spontaneously later in the afternoon we decided to drive down to Portsmouth and see Hannah as she finished her days’ work. We took her for a nice meal and strolled along Southsea promenade. Driving back was not exactly straightforward with the M25 being closed, so it was almost 1:00am before we got home!
Tuesday
First thing was composing a diplomatic email to do with the charity mentioned on Monday.
After breakfast, the Art Group as normal through the morning. I was too late to prepare the teas and coffees but thankfully Tony and Sue were already there and ahead of me.
During Art I produced the above sketch of my friend Paul. While it was mid way through, I collared a friend passing through to ask him if he could recognise who it was. After some thought it got it right! In Art we generally have a ‘thought for the day’ but owing to staff holidays this didn’t happen. Instead I was “interviewed” and I shared how I became a Christian.
Once Art had finished, I popped into the training session for the next Christians Against Poverty (CAP) group which was taking place and said something of my experience so far. This was followed by lunch with Rachel and a chat with Sarah, who is the Debt Centre manager for CAP.
Came home and did some jobs around the house, cooked our evening meal before we both went flop!
Wednesday
Today. As usual I take my mother-in-law shopping in her village. I will probably have a cup of tea with her and do her washing up. She also has her gardener come on a Wednesday morning, so I’ll say hello to her.
Afterwards I’m popping into see my friend Paul (see above sketch) who lives in the same village. Once back home I need to:
- type minutes of a charity meeting last week
- sort out some paperwork for a Student Finance return
- prepare for tomorrow – exciting stuff
- speak to my mother and hopefully both daughters by phone
- do a blog post, with deferred publishing time
- potter in the garden as the weather is nice
Thursday
European elections today! Will probably cast my vote first thing.
A day earmarked for the prison art project I am now involved with. I think we are meeting with a community group in the morning and then spending the afternoon in the prison, hopefully meeting up with the art teacher there.
I have never worked in that prison, other than going there for the odd meeting now and again or to see a prisoner about something. I always remember the background hum of the buildings there, as if you’re on a ship. Nobody ever seemed to notice it, I guess you get used to it if you live or work there all the time. Going there will, I think, seem very strange.
Friday
My car is being serviced today; our friend who carries out the amazing mechanical wizardry will collect the car sometime in the morning.
Both Rachel and myself are counting assistants once again with the election, namely the European elections. Never has there been so much interest in these elections than before the current Brexit nonsense and complete international embarrassment which we have become. We need to be at the Council offices for about 8:30am and will hopefully conclude by about lunchtime.
Our counting duties are solely for verifying the number of votes. Sorting out who has won will take place on Sunday and we decided not to do that then.
Late in the afternoon I’m meeting a property maintenance person at my mother-in-law’s house. Then home and hopefully we can have fish and chips on the Downs, probably sitting in the car, listening to the news (probably all about the elections?), admiring the view and putting the world to right.
So that’s how my week is shaping up. I do love being retired!