In my last blog, I lamented that the weatherman had promised no Indian summer for September. In mere days, he was (thankfully) proved wrong and my “Sunday best” was far too warm for the unexpectedly sunny Sunday two days ago. However, the weatherman’s pessimism persisted with insisting that all would change from Thursday, perhaps even tomorrow. I hope he’s wrong again!
Yesterday turned out to be one of those “well-filled” days. The morning was mostly taken up manning the Church sound system at a memorial service for a well known Buxton resident. I was presented with a CD by the undertaker with three tracks to be played at the beginning, during the middle, and at the end of the service. The music chosen was appropriate for the occasion.
My sister, Mary, found a home for the T.V. I mentioned in my previous blog which had been replaced by a 2021 model. Said “telly” had been loaded into my car on Sunday afternoon, ready for being transporting to its new home, eventually in Leeds for use as a computer screen. I am delighted that this perfectly good equipment is being put to continued use, rather than abandoned for possible recycling. The first part of its journey was to Lancaster. I have been up here in recent times, but would visit quite frequently during my brief period as a company representative for a well known air-cushion lawn mower firm, over fifty years ago. Ye Gods! Where has half a century gone?! For the first time since 1970, I had a coffee at the one-time space age Forton Motorway Services, futuristic for 1968 when it opened, but looking rather dated today. However, it remains quite nice inside with the usual present day “franchise” outlets and eateries….still stupidly expensive! I used to like motorway driving. It was simple: slow lane, fast lane, and overtaking lane. Things are different now. Incomprehensible junctions and road schemes, hardshoulders replaced by a fourth lane, traffic flirting all over the place. I do not like the concept of SMART MOTORWAYS, which seems to assume no cars ever break down. Without so much as a “slight shunt,” I made it to the former space ship inspired Lancaster (Forton) Services.
Here, I enjoyed a coffee and cheese and ham toastie before setting the sat-nav for the remainder of my journey. Road works created around an hour’s delay, but coming home was much more straightforward and more like “old times.” There was no congestion at any of the numerous road works.
I enjoyed my nostalgic journey “oop north” and may well drive up again, with a now redundant sound system which for years could be heard next door. Listening through headphones is every bit as good.
Many thanks for reading, David, 12.23hrs 7/9/21.
David's Cruise 