Truce of sorts

Another glorious sunny day after a good night's sleep. I posted today's YouTube Morning Prayer link to the WhatsApp Parish prayer thread at half past seven and dozed for another hour listening to the news. 

A two week cease-fire between America and Iran has been agreed with Pakistan mediating. The Straight of Hormuz will be re-opened to shipping traffic, easing the energy crisis and reducing the market price of oil. Both sides are claiming this as a victory. Peace talks continue in Islamabad.  Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon continues despite Pakistan stating that the ceasefire covers retaliation against Israel. 

Drone and missile strikes against Gulf States by Iran's Houthi allies also continue. The Houthis could also block Bab al Mandab Straight to traffic adding to economic damage already being caused. Saudi Arabian oil supplies destined for Asian markets have already been affected. Has Trump underestimated the impact of his choice to wage war on poorer countries in particular? It's a confusing and unstable situation prone to further escalation. Britain has taken the lead in negotiations about keeping open the Straight of Hormuz. Despite the fearful battering Iran has taken, it still seems to be a strong position. The regime has not yet collapsed and its leadership is even more hard-line and repressive of its own people. Trump's credibility as a war leader is undermined and his political opponents are questioning his mental health, and whether he should be removed from office, unfit to govern.

A phone call from Ruth forewarned me that she wouldn't be there to prepare the altar at St John's for today's celebration of the Eucharist. I left early for church, furnished with Fr Sion's keys, to open up and do what was required. It's been over a year since I last took a service there, but I hadn't forgotten the necessary routine for getting things ready. My head was clear, and I had no problem with double checking my progress as I often need to, as I'm slow to register what I've just done. Maybe it was easier because I had no distractions while being in church on my own. There were five of us for the service. I improvised the homily and bidding prayers, and don't think I forgot anything or made any mistakes. Pleasing progress on the way to recovery, I reckon.

After a cuppa and a chat, I set off to buy veggies on my way home, but began to experience the un-nerving light headedness symptomatic of low blood sugar, so I went straight home instead to minimise the risk of fainting or an accident. As I was really late home, Clare had already cooked using frozen veggies and fish, which was a relief, as I was able to eat a meal straight away and recover quickly.

I snoozed for an hour then walked in Llandaff Fields, bright with afternoon sun and a cheering warm spring breeze at last. Many trees are heavy with blossom, pink or red, with leaves bursting through from beneath the flowers. Bluebells are out on the grass verge of the Spine Road that leads to the stables. On Sycamore trees, leaves are unfolding quickly now, transforming the landscape with their light green colour. My head seems even clearer, due to the bright light. It enhances my appreciation of a lovely day.

I spent the evening after supper watching episodes of another series of Finnish Crimmie 'Arctic Circle'. As in previous series it spotlights the sectarian nature of Laestedinian Lutheran piety suggesting that it has a sinister side that asks to be woven into the story-line. Rather odd really.