Days 355 to 358 Passion Sunday.

Sunday 21st March 2021, 19.32hrs.

I really should take notes to act as a reminder of events and items of just four days ago I am now unable to recall. Actually, some of it is coming back to me. During the early hours of Thursday morning, I awoke at around 4 am due to age related nocturnal calls of nature. Usually, I go back to sleep and the day ahead is generally one of casual routine. I may delve into my archive for further cataloging, go for a walk, and, as we are still in Lent, read carefully, and try to learn from, at least one chapter from The Bible. Rather late in life, I am beginning to find this compelling, if at times, uncomfortable reading. Lockdown has felt like one period of “continuous Lent”, and being diabetic, giving up chocolate really “doesn’t cut it!”

I never did get back to sleep on Thursday morning, and the rest of that day, I wrestled with the effects of sleep deprivation. Nevertheless, I did most of what I would do normally, preparing food, cleaning up and even trying a walk in the hopes that some cool fresh air may wake me up a little. There must have been a fairly strong and cool breeze as I didn’t feel like venturing much further than the end of the Lane.

Lights emanate from new houses being constructed on the site of the former High Peak College of Further Education, just yards from the end of where I live. 18/3/21

As the Spring equinox approaches, there is a discernible warmth outside which on Friday encouraged going for a walk. I didn’t quite “sleep for England” into Friday morning, but I did feel very much more rejuvenated and inspired to revisit now familiar walking routes along the old Cromford and High Peak Railway. Each time, the elevated view from there, offers something new to see.

This bridge still fascinates me. It supported a railway opened in 1830 with freight traffic coming to an end in the early 1970s, I think 1971.

The same bridge from higher up, clearly once a railway structure.

In the distance, Barker’s Hill along the foot of which Nettleton Lane and Tedder Avenue run.

I was invited for lunch at 1.30 and timed my walk perfectly. This was extremely pleasant, and the plethora of convivial conversation in a relaxed atmosphere complimented my feeling of wellbeing. Feeling energetic in the evening, I was inspired to walk for a couple miles, this time keeping to the roads for reasons of safety. It was a beautiful still night; there air was fresh, crisp and exhilarating. And, I slept well for a second night.

Saturday was fairly routine. For the first time ever, I walked to the Farm Shop, perhaps half a mile away and came back with mince meat, a main ingredient for my version of spaghetti bolognese. (I usually use the car even for a small shopping).

A couple of weeks ago, I started watching the Netflix series “Greenleaf” which charts the changing (and usually turbulent) fortunes of a Mississippi “mega church”. Tne series of five seasons each of around sixteen episodes, has generally been well reviewed. I quite like this but I don’t feel compelled to “binge watch” this to its conclusion. BBC 2 last night (Saturday) offered an absorbing documentary about the industrial photographer Maurice Broomfield and his son Nick.

Today, Passion Sunday, I listened to the Radio 4 Sunday Worship, and attended, virtually, on YouTube, a traditional Holy Communion from Lichfield Cathedral, a couple of hours after it had taken place.

My support bubble companion came over for a respectable (‘though I say it myself) spaghetti bolognese. The still agreeable weather of recent days prompted a further exploration of the local countryside. Driving is still discouraged, but fine countryside is almost on our doorstep. The walk took us along Grin Low Road, down a steep hill and on to a footpath, leading eventually to a local long-established riding school, then, returning home via Fernydale, eventually rejoining Harpur Hill Road opposite St. James’ Church. When we set off, although dry and cool with grey skies, all of a sudden, glorious sunshine and almost clear blue skies with a hint of the warmth to come, added greatly to the pleasures of this leisurely stroll.