Another bright, sunny and, a bit chilly, morning. I am watching a Grey Squirrel making the most of some bread crusts that I have just thrown out. I plodded out with bare feet and the dew on the grass was very cold, borderline ice cold.The crusts are from a nice seeded batch loaf and have been enhanced with a small amount of peanut butter. The squirrel has now been joined by a single Carrion Crow. I wonder where it’s partner is. From here I can also see a Robin, or is it a pair of Robins, making regular trips carrying nest-building materials. Looks like they are homemaking in the ivy that covers our back fence.
I am viewing all this through very bleary eyes as yesterday turned into a very long day. Or rather I should say that yesterday evening turned into one of the longest I have experienced. My 14-year-old granddaughter had chosen not to go home, not to face her mum and the expected row over yet another lost or stolen mobile phone.
Rather than go home she chose to roam the streets of Portsmouth. As the evening drew on the rest of the family began to worry as there was no way to contact her. We have all become so dependent on mobile phones, with the almost 24/7 availability that they provide, that when we can’t contact someone the fear factor is very much heightened. Add to this the instant media coverage of the slightest mishap anywhere in the country that seems to make every incident a local one and the imagination can drive stress levels to incredible levels.
So last night we toured the streets trying to find her. The police had been informed and they were also on the look out. They even stopped and interviewed a man carrying a pink, ladies style, bag. Just in case it belonged to my granddaughter. Just because he was walking down a street in one of the last areas that we knew she had visited.
We were also trying to find her by contacting some of her “friends”. They turned out to be less than helpful and it transpires were even lying. Though misguided, they probably thought they were helping my granddaughter. But all they did was add to the concern we already felt. Isn’t it amazing how most teenagers are never without their mobile phones. And yet, when you try to contact them they don’t answer. Either your texts or direct calls. Suddenly they have no signal, the battery just died or it mysteriously was switched to silent so they didn’t know you called.
Anyway, much to everyone’s relief, my granddaughter opted to go home, walking through the front door at around ten.
Needless to say, after the relief, there were the recriminations. And, she still had to confront the row that she had been dodging all day. Unfortunately, as she now realises, she had also thrown fuel onto that particular fire due to the choices she made throughout the day.
So I’m guessing that my bleary eyes are matched by those of her Nan, Mum and Step-Dad. Probably none of us are looking forward to work today. Least of all her Mum who has meetings in Basingstoke today.
As I type this the bread crusts are nearly all gone. A very satisfied looking crow is sitting in a tree and the squirrel is perched high on the back of our garden seat busily nibbling a crust. And the Robin ? Well it’s taken up a sentry position chasing away the various tits that have dared to enter its territory and that are trying to grab some seed from the feeders.
And so begins, another day full of possibilities.
WrAnTz 