Lists

This weekend was the second four-day weekend in a row, due to Monday government holidays and my usual Fridays off. It was a lost opportunity to get away somewhere (Donegal? Budapest?) but I stayed rooted because I had a lot to do. Here's my weekend list (there's ALWAYS a weekend list):

Another reason not to wander (aside from associated emissions) is there's always a lot on in Belfast. So, my weekend:

Friday: Paddy in Belvoir Forest first thing then off to Limavady to visit one John Gault, 90, a relative of George Bush and a lifelong collector of rhododendrons.

I went in pursuit of a species of azalea that is hard to find – pontica – and that has a heavenly honeysuckle scent. Unfortunately only one was in bloom. I bought it and could conceivably go back if more come into bloom (he doesn't know which variety a bush is until it blooms). Below is a particularly captivating rhodie.

I didn't buy any rhodies b/c they are too big for my small garden but I enjoyed touring his amazing collection.

I also bought three azalea varieties called Klondyke. Evidence so far suggests a much weaker scent but still pretty. One for Eddis, one for Ann, one for me. Home in time to play golf at 3 with Lorna. We did match play and she won hands down.

Saturday: Morning back to Belvoir with Paddy (I love the birdsong there in the mornings) then a quick visit with Ann to pass on her azalea. Then to a retail park to buy a new golf trolley. Then drug store, post office, grocery, florist. Home by 11 a.m. to watch the coronation. Then into Belfast at 2pm for my last Cathedral Quarter festival event. First I had a lovely Nepalese chickpea wrap from a food truck by the river. Behold the Salmon of Knowledge.

So the "immersive experience" involved each of us holding a silver orb that made different sounds depending on whether you were headed toward or away from the secret location. Here are Christine, Kathy, Hillary and I – the Sisters of the Sphere.

We walked for maybe a half hour before landing in a large vacant lot, where we were joined by lots of other orb-iters who had started in different parts of the city. The designer of the event put all the orbs on stands and they synchronized into lovely music. What does it all mean? Who knows, but we enjoyed the craic and had a pint afterward in a nearby bar.

I went home and planted three azaleas. Then called it a day.

Sunday: Redburn Forest first, then tea and buns with friend Patricia, home to collect magazines, books and flowers before visiting Cindy, who is on the journey you take when you have myeloma. She is through the chemo courses and is now awaiting a stem cell transplant, requiring a lengthy period of total isolation. We had a lovely chat, mostly about golf. Then home, change, 12 holes of golf with my Sunday foursome. Then mowed the lawn, did a lot of weeding, and took Eddis her azalea, ending the day as I started, tea and buns with a friend. My favourite. Home to watch the coronation concert.

Monday: Paddy got a long walk at Billy Neil fields then I read a few magazine articles, hoovered, planted bulbs in the front garden, weeded, then golf at 2pm with Patricia. A lot of golf this weekend (and the weekly competition tomorrow). I'm gearing up for a competition against Rockmount Golf Club on Saturday. I find playing a lot helps to build my confidence which is critical to my game.

I have conflicted feelings about the coronation. A bunch of old men in gowns passing around sceptres and orbs and rings and gloves. It's like dress up for big children--Monty Python with a straight face. Is this what the world needs? On the other hand, I see King Charles as a sympathetic figure. Partly because (according to The Crown) he is wired completely differently from his mum, a source of pain for much of his life. I'm happy that he and Camilla ended up together. It was tragic for everyone that Princess Di was pulled into The Institution. I share his fears for the environment. And I like his more modern approach to it all (women bishops, gospel choir, multiple faiths). However I think the wealth of the Institution is obscene when the bite of austerity Britain is so deep for so many. Crises in housing and health care stand in stark contrast to the ermine robes and golden carriages. Hard to ignore.

5-8 May