Good things about today.
2)Found a parking space for my car JUST outside work. A rare thing indeed.
1)Dont have to find and remember to wear my poppy as have done last 2 weeks.
3)Was not late for work.
But what of yesterday and the cat?
We were invited to a lunch with lovely, close(ish) friends that I had looked forward to for many weeks. New pair of leggings, new shoes as my 30 year old (yes- actually 30 years) Russell and Bromley courts had given out and toe come away from the sole irrevocably.
So.. all psyched, company of nice people right kit and sunny day only it all went wrong ….in my head at least.
Why?
It started with us being shown in to elegant drawing room, roaring log fire and I could see through to kitchen where table charmingly laid with best crockery and linen napkins. Only there was large cat was sitting upright on the place mat at the end of table. Undisturbed, un scolded, un remarked upon. Extraordinary! Soon one of tge guests would be sitting there…
Urgghhh. I love animals, especially cats but with its rear end firmly on a place setting? I was reminded of when the River Sprite cuddled our long suffering cat on her lap once in an upended position so it was belly up. “Mummy a little white worm has just wriggled out of his bottom” She announced. And so it had. Off to the vet for a beefed up course of wormer etc.
I tried to put that away and accepted an invitation to sit down on their beautifully covered, antique, french sofa. Only soon as I did, a horrid little dog jumped up beside me and leapt into my lap.
Double Urrghh! My new leggings! and dogs allowed on the furniture. I jumped up immediately and stood by the fire, “Naughty doggy!” they said, “get down off the furniture!” But when the next person sat down, they were joined by the odious dog too. Thing is it wasn’t even their (the host’s) dog. Belonged to a lodger.
All these things very minor but I felt inexplicably rattled. Then slowly slid down into the slough of Despond.
Wasn’t even drinking! Made best conversation I could, albeit woodenly, but by time we were shown to our seats and I had to sit where the cat’s bum had lately been positioned, I felt miserable.
What on earth is the matter? Went through the motions of being a good, animated and empathetic guest for the remainder of the lunch, and think/hope I pulled it off but felt I was mechanical in all responses.
What on earth? Must have been ambushed by the darkening nights. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it..
The River Files 