I am aware that I have little of relevant interest to write about these days as the season of Christmas continues to be rammed down our lock-downed throats. I am thankful that avoiding crowds and still having most of my shopping done on my behalf, spares me from that annual irritation of being subject to endless Slade and other festive “lift muzak”.
The current “threat” is the distinct possibility that the UK is almost certain to have left the EU “without a deal”. There are rumblings of future tax increases and measures to deal with the billions of pounds which made themselves available during the pandemic, which, of course, will have to be recouped. I was rather looking forward to an annual increase in pension income.
However, there’s one bit of good news which we are led to believe will negate my pessimistic outlook on the future. No end of firms are coming up with a vaccine which may reverse my gloomy predictions.
I made a rare visit into Town on Thursday, to pay a couple of checks in at the Post Office at Higher Buxton. I had waited (unintentionally) until dusk to drive in, somewhere around 3.30pm. The queue at the Post Office was minimal and correctly distanced; I felt perfectly safe. I then decided to take a look at the town centre, and once again, although there were people around, Spring Gardens looked more like a deserted film set with fading light and minimal signs of life. One or two places were open, and it is possible to acquire a take-away coffee at Cafe Nero’s. Maybe something to eat as well.
Of, course, while in town, I just had to take a look at The Crescent. They had contacted me to say they would not be open during lockdown and thus, my booking there was cancelled. Nevertheless, the floodlights continued to illuminate the magnificently restored structure. Will I have my 75th birthday at the Assembly Rooms there? It has been suggested!
Friday turned out to be cool, windy and very wet. Neither Roger or I relished the prospect of wading through north Derbyshire wilderness on such a lousy day. Instead, he invited me to join him for a late lunch. This gave me time to continue sorting out shipping memorabilia for cataloging.
On Sunday, Radio 4’s Sunday Worship came live from Holy Trinity Platt Fields in Manchester. Uncomfortable memories of wall-to-wall born-again Christians were re-kindled. Nevertheless, the musicians and singers were exemplary, the readings and talk very well delivered. Perhaps, just maybe, I am slightly envious of such people with their unshakable faith, theological knowledge and understanding. Actually, I must go back there and see if it is as ghastly as I remember it. I was quite surprised when I attended a lively church in Vancouver, last year, got talking to somebody there, and ended up having lunch with him at the Hotel Vancouver, formerly a Canadian Pacific establishment. I was going to go back there next year but the pandemic caused such continued ambitious travel plans to be curtailed. I am hoping to try again in 2023. My blogs will be much more interesting from that and other far flung parts of the world, than my regular observations of lockdown here at home.
I finished watching Series 4 of The Crown, this weekend, thoroughly enjoying the fine acting and production. However, I am not sure I would use the film as source of authentic research. I suspect that if Queen Victoria was alive today, she would “not be amused!”
Many thanks for reading, David 22.30hrs Sunday 22nd November 2020.
David's Cruise 