Wednesday 12th August 2020, writing started at 17.50 hrs.
This is my kind of summer. It feels as hot as anywhere I have ever set foot in world-wide, but I certainly cannot imagine that it’s as hot as around the low 40s centigrade that I enjoyed in both Samoa and Tonga just last year. This uncharacteristic heatwave follows an overnight thunderstorm the magnitude of which I don’t recall ever. The night sky seemed to be brightly lit more than it was dark. Distant lightning seemed to plunge Harpur Hill into a kind of strobe effect, although bits of video, although quite impressive, seem to contradict my recollection of last night’s thunderstorm. More heavenly pyrotechnics are promised for tonight; right now, it is “New York hot and sticky”.
Monday 10th August 2020 (Started to write Wednesday 12th at 2022hrs.
Monday must have been fairly routine; two days later, I cannot remember much, except that, despite it’s being very humid, I did complete a decent hike along the Harpur Hill section of the long since abandoned Cromford and High Peak Railway trackbed. Fortunately, I do not tire of this now routine ‘trek’ and still imagine back-in-the-day, a busy industry with trains being marshalled for the transport of minerals extracted from adjacent quarries. Had all remained “up-and-running”, firstly, I would not have been allowed anywhere near, and because, at that time it was nothing unusual, I probably would have been far from interested, except of course, had I been able to watch from the back of my house.
On the way home, I took rest at an outside table at the Parks Inn, before the final ten minutes’ walk home.
Tuesday August 11th.
By now, it had become too humid to contemplate walking. I did chill out on a sun lounger on my rear patio, headphones in my ears, and the dulcet tones of Simon and Garfunkel serenading me to my temporary place with the fairies! Prior to that, lunch consisted of a pre-made (by me) spaghetti bolognese (of sorts). As I watched T.V. later, with dusk turning to night-time, it was difficult to stay awake. I abandoned any outstanding washing up and other chores and headed for bed.
Probably like thousands of others, I was awakened by one of the most spectacular thunderstorms I can remember. Although the curtains were drawn, and the blind pulled down, it was obvious with the almost continuous lightning, there was one almighty great light show suggesting the wrath of the Almighty. The rain roared down as if turbo-charged from above. Disappointingly, the double glazing did a good job muffling the cracks of thunder, although one or two bangs did feel too close for comfort. But, most of the storm was quite far off. God’s “son-et-lumiere” seems to have started earlier tonight but so far, any lightning is much less frequent. It doesn’t feel like WW3 is in progress tonight. I have tried to post a video I took last night through the patio doors. It may, or may not play!
Roger came over today to fix some of my collectables to walls, so that I don’t stub my toe on them! The “man-cave” is coming on nicely! We adjourned to the Parks for lunch. The cuisine is always excellent, but so are also the numerous flower planters outside with the most exuberant bright colours. Wonderful inspiration for next year, even if I am away for all of August and September.
Wednesday 12th August at 21.31 hrs.
Today, August 12th, the U.K. crashed into its worst ever recession, needless to say, much more severe than any other country. “Over 20%”, reported both ITV and BBC with suitable solemn sensationalism. And three people are reported killed in a ghastly train derailment at Stonehaven near Aberdeen. Already the “experts” are pontificating about the possible causes. Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon did say “the right thing” on TV, and, to be fair, they can’t be expected to do any other. The pictures show the four car HST scattered, one coach down an embankment, another crushed under a third vehicle, and an upright power car. Also, (as seen on the 10 o’clock News), what appears to be, a Mk 3 vehicle on its roof. This is the first fatal rail accident in thirteen years; I do hope that this fact is made prominent in any ensuing reporting. Nevertheless, this remains a dreadful and unexpected occurrence.
As I said earlier, bits of lightning flicker across the sky, but nothing like last night when I just had to get out of bed and watch.
Many thanks for reading,
David 21.59 hrs.
David's Cruise 