For the first time since January 3rd, St.John’s Church opened its doors for a celebration of Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week. I have been “very careful” throughout this inescapable global pandemic and was generally fairly comfortable when the churches were opened between various lockdowns last year. Apart from the modern English of present day Common Worship which I will never get along with, but which is used universally, despite regulations governing the size of the church choir, the service was meaningful, dignified and inspiring. I had looked forward to returning to church since the resumption of regular worship was announced a few weeks ago. Today, it looked as if all socially distanced seats were occupied.
Suddenly, perhaps after around fifteen minutes, I became anxious as the thought crossed my mind that the Covid virus could possibly be among the fifty or so congregation. All of a sudden, I did not want to be there, especially having kept the lowest of profiles for over a year. I have watched in horror as T.V. images of crowds gathering at various places were broadcast. I won’t even go on a socially distanced rail-tour or cruise at the moment. But, I will return to church next week and hope that I can regain the confidence which I did not realise I had lost.
Roger, my “support bubble buddy”, joined me for lunch this afternoon. Strong cold winds dampened any enthusiasm for an afternoon walk into the local countryside. And tonight, as the wind howls like a hurricane, I suspect my carport will have sprung a leak and I will need to make an appointment with the roof man to further seal where the rain is coming in.
I was rather pleased that British Summer Time heralded the acceleration of last night, and that the morning came rather more quickly as the clocks were advanced an hour. I had gone to bed a little earlier to compensate.
Looking to January next year, I am due to travel to Australia via the Suez Canal. I assume it won’t still be blocked!
Many thanks for reading, David, Palm Sunday 2021, 21.32hrs.
David's Cruise 