Just when we thought things could get no worse, we get up to discover that the back window of one of our cars has been smashed to pieces. We didn’t hear a thing during the night so we have no idea of what time this latest upset occurred. The fact that the car was way up the drive behind closed gates leads us to believe that something was thrown at the window with force, maybe from a distance. Nothing has been taken and, in fact, this car is only our run-around, not one of our two better ones. Thankfully, they are in our garage.
Ray at once arranges for a replacement window to be fitted today – yet more expense that we can ill afford, not to mention the inconvenience. I feel so sorry for Ray as he has to drive miles out of the city to have the job done. He feels very disheartened and who could blame him? I shall have to try extra hard to lift his spirits over the weekend. The plans we had made for today will have to be put on the back burner for the time being but at least Ray’s brother Ronnie arrives tomorrow and hopefully that will help us all. On balance, a shattered window counts for nothing but it is just one further blow to a family who thought they had endured it all this year.
At least the weather is holding up and it is still glorious for mid-October. It is still possible to hang out a line of washing and know that by the end of the day it will have dried, and the garden is still looking pretty good. Small consolation.
I feel like doing nothing at all today but must rouse myself. I cannot let myself sink into despair at this stage. There are things that should be done this weekend as, once the trial begins, none of us will have the time, energy or inclination to do everyday tasks. By no means is the house in the pristine order that it once was, nor have I kept on top of the ironing etc. I have, however, done some baking for the freezer, in the event that our guests might want to eat. I certainly can’t see myself cooking meals after we have been in court all day, but I am sure we won’t starve!
On Sunday, Ray and I have a little respite as we drive to Leeds airport to collect his brother Ronnie, who is flying in from Dublin. We are really looking forward to seeing him again. There are a few minor hiccups en route to the airport as we try to find the easiest way, but we arrive in good time, just as the plane is arriving. We are waiting to greet Ronnie as he emerges from the terminal and his giant presence gives me some comfort. I am sure Ray feels this way too and we are all quite emotional.