The richness of an ordinary Sunday

Slowly, today unfolded beautifully. I woke early, after a record 12 hour nap! I then went back to bed to wake Ralph, again slowly got up, had a quiet breakfast and showered.  Slowly, I started tidying the clothing mountain in my room (makes the common market butter mountain or milk surplus look miniscule) and found a pair of trousers that needed shortening and another that needed six buttons moved.  I got my needle and thread and did both jobs.  Then I came downstairs and read a bit, wrapped a present, played solitaire and finally Ralph was ready and we left to see old friends for lunch.

Lunch was lovely.  In their garden, beautiful kittens at our feet, red gingham table cloth, french bread, duck salad and chilled white wine.  Great conversation and small moments of surprising honesty and intimacy.  Absolutely delightful.

After lunch we went on to an afternoon/evening birthday party of one of my oldest and closest friends.  How nice.  Great food and good company.  People came and left, we sat, talked,  I offered some advice (asked for this time) and talked to a newish friend.  Very relaxed and very easy.

Now I am home watching football (!) and sort of rooting for Holland.  Preparing to iron some clothes and relax for the rest of the evening. 

It is days like today that make me happy to live in my skin.  I was so chilled today even though it's still warm and humid.  I just realised after my meditation day yesterday how much of my time is spent being dissatisfied with something.  Sometimes it's just a small thing, but it's enough to make me feel less than happy with my day.  Today I seemed to have dropped that need to mess things up.  I never thought about how much weight I have to lose - I felt and looked good today.  I never thought about what was waiting at home to be done - it would wait.  I just enjoyed a day of seeing friends and valued all that that means. 

I am very lucky in having so many good friends.  When I arrived in England in 1970 (almost exactly 40 years ago this week) I knew only one person and that one person, my husband Ralph, was my whole world of partnership, lover and friend for quite some time.  Now,  I feel very blessed to have Ralph still very much in my life, but also to have made so many solid relationships that have lasted so long.  These friends have become my family and it is such a rich and varied family that every day my life is richer and more enhanced.

As I drink my very English cup of tea, I can reflect on a day well spent.