We just got in from one of those lovely little afternoons of coffee and chat. On saturday, Sharon asked me at the wheelchair football if I wanted to meet today in the park. Naturally I accepted her invitation. That place has now very much become my first port of call for my social life: If I want to meet my friends somewhere, the cafe in the park is the first place I suggest. Today I spent a veery pleasant couple of hours there, alone at first, but then joined by Sharon, and then Lyn.

It was good to see her, and I think she was as appreciative of the brew as I was. We seem to share political views, so it was good to get her perspective on this and that. She seems to be as pessimistic (read: objective) as most reasonably well-informed people these days. We agreed that the outlook for the world right now seems rather bleak. Nevertheless, it was quite a cheerful chat, full of laughter and friendship.

When it was over, Lyn and I, both in our powerchairs, went to do a bit of shopping and then rolled back through the park. The city seemed at peace. I am so lucky to live the life I do, full of so many good friends and wonderful people. Afternoons like this make me feel warm and secure. Politics might be screwy right now, but it’s nothing that a good chat over a cup of coffee can’t put right.