In 1788 France was on its knees, unpopular monarchy and most of the population starving. As a ‘sop’ every parish had to produce its list of grievances, I have a replica of an original in my MA dissertation. They did not work, revolution followed and the King and Queen lost their heads (so did the revolutionary leaders, metaphorically). Here is my list.

Woman opposite, paranoiac about pigeons – she cluttered her balcony up with shiny paper and CD’s, ugly and did not work. Now she has had a net fixed, the pigeons have broken it and fall through, she rushes out, shouting and brandishing brooms.

In the flat the other side of the corridor is a man, only 70, who was a journalist, plays Scrabble well, but has no conversation. His room reeks of cheap perfume as does he. He keeps on shaking hands with me, and ‘preens’ himself in the lift mirror.

People who do not turn off their phones in quizzes and memory sessions, and blatantly answer them. Hot weather, windows open and TV at full power.

A woman, admittedly with psychological problems, who comes in at a run, feverishly washing her hands, always late, and imperiously demands attention. She eats like shovelling coal, forkful after forkful, seemingly never to swallow. I can’t help watching in horrid fascination, surely she must choke?

All admin staff to be guillotined unless they do their work, smile sometimes and ever address us by name.

The snooty lady, acts like the Countess of Downton. Our roof garden is super, raised beds, surrounds in mock marble, perfect for those on Zimmer frames. She says they are dirty, they are not, she wants them dusted! She also objects to the lights in the main room, already in stygian gloom.

Then the restaurant. For ten months I have been the only person who starts a conversation; they say they like listening to me, but never volunteer anything. Going to cancel lunch for summer months, had enough, also service and food quality and choice deteriorating.

So, what do I do? Given up on Anthropology, too vast, anyway have all the material I need here. So have started on Philosophy. Bit late in the day I hear you say? Not at all, even more vital to cope. There are five centenarians here, one 109, My mother lived to nearly 100, Whole idea gives me the heebie-jeebies. At my age I am ‘condemned’ to some sort of sheltered accommodation, my decision was taken after much thought and while of ‘sound mind’ (???)

My philosophy is: tolerance, acceptance, keep my wicked amusement at others behaviour. I would love to: go to the seaside, eat in good restaurants, sit at a pavement cafe with a Kir, see more of my family (rather a sour note at the moment). Too many impediments, mobility, finance, no fun alone. Garden centre this afternoon, hunting a big standard rose, to put opposite where I am sitting now. And write, whenever and wherever possible. How would you face loneliness? 

The Gardener

A Moodscope member