Woeful Wednesday

After yesterday's list of achievements and general positive vibe, today the balance tipped back to the not so good. For every peak over here there seems to be a trough - but the same is equally true in reverse, so the balance usually works itself out pretty quickly, and even if it doesn't, we only have to step outside our front door and look at our beautiful view, cast an eye over our amazing land and listen to the peace and tranquillity to instantly feel privileged and immensely lucky (and proud) to be living here.

For me, the day started pretty much as usual - exercise, shower, and breakfast while checking emails. When Stuart surfaced, though, I could immediately tell that all was not well. He could barely utter a syllable or look at me, and shuffled around looking dishevelled.

After a couple of weeks of feeling a bit 'iffy' since starting on his Italian brand thyroid tablets, today was the day that it all came to a head and he literally felt too exhausted to move.

We did - somehow - manage to pay a quick visit to our local post office together mid-morning to pay our bills. When we arrived, there was already a queue of 4 or 5 people waiting. We joined the queue, but all of us then had to wait while the post office lady finished her cigarette break. Break over, she returned to her post and served the other people who were waiting in front of us. While standing in the queue outside the post office (the post office itself is so small that there is only really enough room for 3 people to wait inside), I couldn't imagine a much more pleasant place to wait in line - listening to the sound of the river gurgling by the side of the road, with a view of the tree-covered hills either side - a beautiful spot to have to wait around in if ever there was one!

When we finally reached the front of the queue, I paid all of our bills successfully, but when Stuart asked the post office lady about the special stamps we need for my invoices, she told us we'd need to get them from a tabbacheria. We thanked her, and left. On our way back home, Stuart pulled in to try his luck asking for the special stamps in the small tabaccheria-come-bar-come-bread-shop on the corner, but the man in there shook his head and said we would need to get them from a tabaccheria in Pescia.

So we returned to the house with half of our tasks completed, and although we didn't manage to acquire any special invoicing stamps, we did at least find out where we need to go to get them, so will add that to the list of the things we need to do next time we go into town.

After that, the day was decidedly uneventful and even more subdued. Stuart silently took himself off to bed for a couple of hours, and I sat in front of my computer trying hard to concentrate on working. The afternoon's weather seemed to echo the feeling inside the house - grey skies, a strong breeze and a smattering of rain.

Eventually, Stuart hauled himself out of bed and shuffled downstairs, and after another hour or so spent motionless on the sofa, he decided he would come and check the post with me.

And then this happened:

Robinsons squash and a lovely message from Holly. It felt like a ray of sunshine and a hug all rolled into one on an otherwise moody day.

Stuffed between the railings of the gate was a package. That was odd - neither of us could recall having ordered anything, and we weren't expecting any parcels from anyone. As we walked back down the drive, Stuart started opening the parcel and pulled out the contents one by one. It was a WONDERFUL, thoughtful surprise gift of Robinsons squash (the only food/drink item I miss from the UK) and a hand-written note from our lovely, lovely friend Holly. Holly you ARE an absolute angel!!

So the day ended on an up. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.