Written Saturday morning from 09.08 hrs
This week, on Thursday 11th June, I entered my 77th day of self isolation, the same number of nights I was on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria on her South America Voyage. A time for reflection, perhaps. During this period of U.K. lock-down, and hardly leaving “Harpur Hill City Limits”, I have enjoyed the opportunity to explore small portions of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which once skirted past the now abandoned Hoffman’s Quarry, now, thanks to Social Media, world famous for its Blue Lagoon. And also, other places not too far away.
But, restrictions do seem to be lifting. Shops are being allowed to open on Monday 15th June, subject to social distancing and other precautions. My optician in Bakewell had invited to a routine eye examination, and, needless to say, I was in need of spectacles appropriate for my slightly deteriorated eyesight. Having sat on a pair of reading glasses, I felt it wise to have a new pair! I drove to Bakewell for a second time to pick them up (hopefully not as well as a parking ticket!)
I do love that little red convertible Peugeot that I bought, I think in April 2016…Is it really four years ago since that bit of modest indulgence? However, all the time I have had it, the battery has been prone to drain after standing for a couple of days, particularly in the winter. Needless to say, on my return from holiday (all 78 days of it) the red car was as dead as a dodo. Eventually, my neighour over the road charged the battery overnight and the next day I went for a spin in my beloved vehicle. It purred like a sewing machine as if it had not been standing for around five months in Buxton’s winter of very high winds, biblical rain fall and cold. I’m not sure how much snow there was this year.
Even if allowed to travel in January next year, I have no plans to; the big trip begins at the end of July…and I am not convinced that even then, things will be as they were.
Last night, while flicking through the You Tube offerings, I discovered that B.B.C.’s “Question Time” came from Buxton and was broadcast on the eve of Brexit! Darn it…I would have joined the audience if I wasn’t en route for South America. I remember being a little concerned about the Covid 19 situation which had, by that time, closed down China. However, we were travelling in the opposite direction! It was interesting to be reminded that Northern Rail would be no longer run by the present Company from, I think, March 1st. I got the impression that the government were taking credit for the introduction of new trains! There was a mixed quality of debate on both rail and public transport in the North, as well as continued opinion on HS2, followed by the now serious question of what would later be declared a world pandemic. I finished watching Question Time this morning before getting up.
I am beginning, at long last, to make progress with the “decluttering” and tidying up of my home. It’s about time the whole place was redecorated; I have been planning and talking about this for years. I am not sorry that my travels in July have had to be postponed; it gives me plenty of opportunity to “get things done”.
Time for breakfast. Thanks for reading, David. 10.34 hrs. Saturday 13th June 2020.
David's Cruise 