February Month 1

7070 in 2020 

It has started well, with only one small hiccup with blood donating, but even that had a silver lining.

Here goes!

BEING CREATIVE

1.  To document the year

I’ve posted quite a few photos on Instagram, mainly for fun. Some things I haven’t because it didn’t seem quite right. The most popular posts related to food!

2.  Write something

The first writing class was a bit nerve- wracking but I met some lovely people. It seems that you don’t have to read any of your writing to the class if you don’t want to. Currently I don’t want to. We’ll see!

3. Write letters to friends who live away

MaryElizabeth in Los Angeles is about to receive a letter! She was my first because I know that her current lifestyle is such that she’s unlikely to be at one address for any length of time. I had an address so I pounced on it. 3 pages, handwritten, with a fountain pen.

GIVING

5. Monthly donation to a worthy cause

This month to Headway, Cardiff and South East Wales. My nephew Matt’s girlfriend Rhian, works there, and I know funding is tight.

17.  Give blood

So, it turns out that if you’ve not given blood before you’re 66, then you can’t…. So I’m looking for another number 17. The good news is that when I was telling this to the lovely Mark – who was decorating our flat – he decided to give blood. Yay! I know he’s already looked up the dates when he might do this.

MUSIC

18. Learn all the major and minor scales

A flat major and F minor for February. This scored very few likes on Instagram 😂

30. Study a new composer every month

Beethoven is the flavour of the year as it’s 250 years since his birth. I chose him for February and it was brilliant. I learned and listened to so much – a weekend at the Barbican listening to all nine symphonies.

I read a book of poems by Ruth Padel – Beethoven Variations. And I’m not that keen on poetry!

Watched a film about Beethoven’s life and music. But also failed to watch a film on YouTube which was not very good.

Properly listened to the 3rd and 4th piano concertos and went to a Rush Hour concert to listen to the Brodsky Quartet play String Quartet No 132.

I loved it all – the life and music of a genius.

43.  Buy and listen to a CD recommended by Matt at Diverse vinyl

For the first month the postman delivered Lizzo. Mark (decorating) was pleased and so was I. I’d not heard of Lizzo and on first playing I wasn’t sure, but now I’m pleased to add her to my listening.

50.  Meet up with Chris

We have a date!

FRENCH

52 – 57.  Listen to and read Bien Dire bi-monthly

I’ve been doing this on the train to and from London. I’m not sure that it’s yet improving my French but it is early days.

59.  Go to the Edinburgh Festival and see Marcia’s play

Joanna and I have booked accommodation in Edinburgh to do this!

62.  Cook a new recipe every two weeks

The hit of Instagram! 1. Orzo, fennel and dill. 2. Chicken Marbella

67.  Go camping/glamping

Booked! May.

68.  Read ALL bookclub books

February done.