Already, it is Saturday, albeit just four minutes past midnight. Another week endeth, and closer is the prospect of my second covid inoculation.
Last week, I was somewhat pleased that my optician in Bakewell had diversified into removing ear wax. A young lady in charge seemed to think that both my ears were blocked up to 80%. “There is no syringing” she explained, describing how unwanted debris in the ear is kind-of vacuumed out, with no contact with the ear by the equipment. “Perfect”, I concluded, and booked an appointment for Thursday this week.
The day before, the firm which cleans my house were now able to resume their work, subject to the current legislation. I was very happy with their first visit since Christmas, leaving the house in their usual freshly cleaned state. On Thursday, I drove to Bakewell for a second time in the last eight days, to have my ears unblocked. The end result is that everything does seem louder, including the tinnitus! I am told that I speak much softer now….perhaps I have had a hearing problem all my life; I have frequently received comments on my loud voice! The whole thing lasted twenty minutes, but although in a different town to home, I had no urge to stay. There is still an eerie ambience, even in the middle of the day, despite a fair amount of traffic and one or two people going about their business.
I returned to Buxton, enjoying a rare opportunity to take my car on a “legitimate” spin in the country. Such unnecessary journeys remain, temporarily, against the Law, and promote expensive disapproval from Derbyshire Police. Fines can be prohibitively heavy for violations of the current Covid restrictions. I enjoyed a peaceful afternoon at home, trying to become accustomed to the effects of having had a vacuum cleaner in my ears!
Friday was a designated “declutter and tidy day” at home. The main bedroom which had become a kind of “dumping ground” has become almost useable with much of the floor clear of (“what might come in useful”) junk. What really is of value is stored neatly in the roof area, which in turn, will also need sorting out. Roger came over for much of the day to help me out. We spent a lunch break enjoying a spaghetti bolognese which somehow, I managed to create quite successfully. (“Spag-bol” is not hard to prepare!)
I slept well last night, after having commenced this blog just after midnight. I continue to observe Lent, reading, each day from the excellent guidance in the Lent Pack, distributed by the Parish of Buxton. Although churches are allowed to function under strict restrictions, I don’t think any are open in Buxton right now for formal worship. However, two in the Parish do open their doors for private worship, and contemplation. But it won’t be long before St. John’s reopens its doors on Palm Sunday. And I’m sure that magnificent organ will thunder once again as Holy Week begins. Still, I shall have to book my place and bring a face mask, rather than just turn up casually, on Palm Sunday.
It’s turning into a decent day. Time for a walk perhaps.
Many thanks for reading, David 12.38, 6/3/21.
David's Cruise 