Hanging on

This morning we went on an interesting hedgerow forage with other volunteers from the Hampshire Hedge Project, led by a woman who forages for wild food and turns it into jams and chutneys and cordials, and sells it under the name of Naked Jam Ltd. The rainy conditions were not ideal for collecting but we came home with some elderflowers to make into cordial. For future reference, we  also know where there are two very productive walnut  trees and a wild plum tree.  
This evening we went to the theatre to hear the  historian Professor  David Olusoga talking about hidden histories, in particular the huge contribution to British successes eg the industrial revolution and winning wars, made by people from other countries. He is a very knowledgeable and eloquent speaker. After his lecture he took some questions, and then signed books which  were on sale. I found it a really thought provoking and educational evening. 
On our way to the theatre we walked past these Corydalis plants  clinging to a fairly inhospitable wall. I felt  they mirrored my mother, still clinging to life, despite now not  eating or drinking. Today, while I was with her, my sister C spoke to her on the phone. Doris seemed to be listening and made a few sounds. I read her some poetry and I left her with the radio tuned to Classic FM.