Days 309 and 310

Friday 29th January 2021

Does anyone else think that the first month of 2021 has flown by? I have distinct memories of feeling quite optimistic at the beginning of the year. Already, the Covid vaccine was being rolled out, and other good things seemed to be happening; ‘though I hadn’t reckoned on the “Storming of the Capitol on January 6th!

We seemed to be having a “real” winter – more snow than in recent times, although nothing like when I first lived in Buxton. But even as the temperatures dipped below freezing, and I couldn’t get into my red car, the delivered milk hadn’t frozen up. Everywhere was bathed in white shrouds of snow for several days, but warm south-westerlies and accompanying rain had washed away almost all evidence of winter by Wednesday, and the regular central heating setting was no longer required. But, there is all of February to come, and the possible vagaries of March and even April.

I was relieved (albeit a tad apprehensive) to have received my first Covid inoculation on Wednesday, and was not aware of any side effects other than a slightly sore arm where the needle had gone in. I shall be more relieved when I receive the second injection which, at the latest, should be some time in April. But already, the “Beeb”, being the harbinger of doom they always are, with “R.A.D.A solomness”, announce in their news bulletins, possible problems with future vaccine supply, and, with “forced illuminated glee”, the prospect of a fourth vaccine, developed elsewhere, to be manufactured in the UK, somewhere “oop-north”. Thankfully, there seems to be a reduction in the numbers of people becoming infected.

I have resumed the cataloging of my collection after a break of around ten days, each item being allocated a number and as fuller description as I can write, giving any future possessor, some idea of what they have “inherited”. I don’t expect other people to derive the same enjoyment that I have during my life, putting all this together. Even now, I still trawl eBay for items which interest me, rather than as a speculative investment.

The red car burst into life yesterday after having had its almost new battery charged from its state of being completely flat, and, according to the A.A., in need of replacement. I just couldn’t see my supplier taking it back under warranty, having emphasised that I should run the car frequently during the cold weather. This, of course, I am not allowed to do right now – Covid regulations forbid unnecessary travel, and there is a risk of being fined. Driving to the Covid vaccine centre, (coincidentally where my G.P.’s surgery is) was something of a relief. I don’t think that I have been into Buxton since attending Church on 3rd January, prior to this current period of lockdown. At least last year, I did get to see much surrounding countryside, and was allowed to venture out of town. I also got to stay at the newly opened Crescent Hotel, which managed to do business for possibly five weeks, before enforced shut-down. Curiosity caused me to drive past on Wednesday, after my “jab” and I was slightly dismayed at its sense of abandonment. Not one light was visible as I drove by, the only life being people grouped in the doorways. I just hope that minimal heating has been maintained.