Day 101 Sunday 5th July 2020.

72nd Anniversary of the National Health Service.

Yesterday was designated “Super Saturday”, another irritating gimmick like the now accepted Father’s Day. So, what was so super about yesterday? Oh yes, all those establishments that could function while adhering to social distancing etc., could now open. I didn’t venture out during the day, it was wet and windy. Thus, I couldn’t tell how Super Saturday actually turned out. Later, I did manage a forty minute walk and observed that the local pub had a goodly number of customers enjoying their first pub visit for over three months. And I was very much looking forward to Sunday lunch the following day.

“Super Saturday”

This morning, I was up and about much earlier than usual. I was going to express my annoyance that I could find no church service being broadcast either on T.V. or Radio. However, my sister did confirm that Radio 4 does relay an act of worship at 08.10 hrs each Sunday. I just couldn’t find it listed, even on the R.4 listings on my T.V. Also, if I am so keen, I was also reminded of the regular radio relays of Choral Evensong.

I tried to get further with the tidying up of my house, but made little progress. Soon, it would be time for my first meal out since being on board the Queen Victoria earlier this year. I was joined by my neighbour who enjoyed his first pint of Guinness, and red meat for the first time since before the lock-down was implemented. The restaurant “did us proud” and the service was astonishingly efficient, and welcoming. I had forgotten the joys of beautifully fluffed mashed potatoes! Although officially there were no starters or sweets, ice cream was available as a dessert, as was a choice of coffees. That “inaugural” lunch was over all too quickly, and excellent as it was, I couldn’t help feeling as if all this was a bit unreal. That, of course, is hardly surprising. Although I have been perfectly comfortable during lockdown, along with absolutely everybody else, the reality of the pandemic remains unnerving and strange. I feel fortunate that at any time I chose, I can drive out to somewhere nice and enjoy wonderful countryside. But I am now missing being able to visit family down south, and being able to jump on trains whenever I feel like it. Strangely, I am not hankering after a lengthy sea voyage right now, but I shall be more than ready for one this time next year.

Here are a few pictures taken in South America.