dramatic arrival

6.4.2020

Baby Y, a little boy, has now arrived safely but there was no escape from the drama.  Pip and Al did not get off to hospital in time and the baby had to be delivered at home.  Once again this was followed by an ambulance trip for emergency surgery. It all sounds very much like what happened two years ago when P was born. P was very impressed by the fact they had three ambulances outside their house.

This time it was complicated because the hospital had to manage covid19. There is tight security about who was allowed in hospital so only Al could visit Pip and baby.  Bo has been staying down there and helping, mostly looking after p who is now recovering from chicken pox. Al got his roof back on, but Bo says the electric points are still hanging loose and the kitchen units have no doors, so she has been taking P for lots of walks in between rainstorms.

We have had storms and rain here too.  Cold, winter weather has arrived, and I have started to light fires again for hot water and warmth.  Almost all the goats we want to get pregnant are now mated and the kids fully weaned.  This has meant lots of spare milk. so I have been busy most days making cheese and soap.  I am also preparing the tomatoes for freezing and making soup for lunch instead of salads.  I am missing our regular Indian take away on Fridays with our friend Bernie. In fact, I am missing all my friends and relatives.  We have regular phone contact, but it is not as good as actually being with people.

It is very disappointing not to be able to drive down to Ocean Grove to see the new baby.  I am missing all the grandkids, especially the babies who change so quickly. It is P’s second birthday today and I am reduced to singing happy birthday over the phone.  It was my birthday on Saturday, so I cooked us a special lunch and did not clear up until the next day.  Edd brought me some chocolates and Simon called in with a bottle of wine which we all drank sitting apart at suitable spacing.  I don’t suppose he really should have come but I was glad he did.