How the storm did rage
about all through last night,great trees and chimney pots were
destroyed in the onslaught. The noise of the wind in my own ancient
and very tall chimneys was alarming to say the least and I barely
slept at all, on the odd occasion when I dozed off the tearing sound
of a falling tree or the more alarming sound of dislodged roof tiles,
and the whistling of the wind through the old windows jerked me awake
at once.
By morning the wind had
dropped somewhat but soon rain set in once more and it was discovered
that a journey to the shops was necessary - not a very promising
start. Soon however things began to take a turn for the better as the
Christmas meats arrived, and were in fact actually early. Our usual
driver had struggled in to work only to discover that there was no
one there and the power was out, all he could do was go home. Then he
remembered seeing our name on the manifest, he took a torch and
searched until he found our meat boxes which he delivered as usual.
We had half expected
that the meats would not come after the violence of the storm - that
our friendly delivery man should go to so much trouble on our behalf
had me close to tears. He refused any kind of tip or gift,and stoutly
headed back to his van,his journey was impeded by many hugs and much
handshaking........what a hero!
Following a fast
breakfast I set off to do my shopping and met so many friends that it
took me ages to get home. The turkey was smelling delicious, the
whole gammon soaking in a massive pen of cold water and we were
preparing the table between us when there was a knock at the
door,which proved to be a neighbour who's cat practically lives here,
bringing with her flowers, chocolate and a lovely card.
Next another friend
turned up with a bottle of fine old port for Pa! Everyone was being
so kind it was a real boast to my flagging morale. Our dinner was
lovely and we all agreed that it had been a wonderful day, a day when
good deeds came home to us and the kindness even of strangers echoed
the true meaning of the time of Christmas.
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