Blog 843  It’s that Time of Year again.

It’s the shortest day, and at long last, I have finished writing and mailing the Christmas cards.

22/12/22 at 6, The Square tea rooms, Buxton.

I have been trying to write this blog now for perhaps a couple of weeks.  Already, it is Thursday, and Christmas Day is just three days away on Sunday.

Thus, I would like to wish all those still reading my Blog,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS and very best wishes for a prosperous and (importantly) peaceful NEW YEAR

Despite not having written since 9th December, my blog stats indicate a handful of views and visitors each day. I am not sure what the difference is between a view and visitor!  While my travels make for the most interesting of these writings, even as we approach Christmas, my festive routines somehow don’t make for overly worthwhile reading.  It’s the unexpected occurrences that may be of slight interest.

One such unwelcome event was learning that my lovely red convertible Peugeot 307cc needs several “grand” spending on it.  Really?  Before taking it to my main dealer way back in late September, emissions resembled a mainline diesel locomotive being fired up from cold.  A rather sheepish and apologetic rep from the garage seemed to encourage keeping the red car running as against “letting it go.”  It is easy to become attached to a vehicle I have enjoyed for over six years, and which has given little trouble and much pleasure.  However, I think that now is the time to replace the red car for a model I have always hankered after, the slightly larger and much better equipped 308.  There is plenty of choice on eBay!

Tomorrow, I forsake the solitude of home for four nights at a one-time favourite hotel, The Clarendon at Blackheath.  The trains are running normally, hence going down a day early to avoid industrial disruption the next day.  Yep, it’s Christmas with family and friends. 

Finally, I dodge the latter part of a U.K. winter as I set sail on an odyssey to Australia where summer draws towards autumn. It will still be hot!  In fact, I am hoping the warm weather is evident in the Mediterranean in the first days of this epic voyage.

20.30 hrs in the Taj Mahal Restaurant, Higher Buxton.

This afternoon, a prominent member of the congregation at St. John’s hosted his “farewell” Christmas get-together at the magnificent Victorian, which he restored to beyond its former glory, I guess, around 11 or 12 years ago.  His plan, which did come to fruition, was to host numerous (what he called) soirées, some as fundraisers for very worthwhile causes.  My invitation came yesterday!  His home lends itself to such events superbly.  This afternoon, guests were invited to bring a bottle, nibbles, or perhaps both!  I hope my contribution of a bottle of Brut champagne was appropriate.  The host, now in the wrong segment of his eighties, has chosen to downsize to a superb apartment in the town, but we are assured of the continuance of these convivial get-togethers, at which, more often than not, wonderful singers and musicians entertain the guests. This afternoon, it was mainly Christmas music…for obvious reasons.

I have been less efficient than usual this Christmas. As in previous years, my intention to have all the cards, etc, written and mailed in the first few days of December, failed to materialise and one or two to whom I usually send Christmas greetings will have not heard from me this year. Huge apologies.

Tonight, I went to my favourite Indian restaurant in Higher Buxton, and despite how very busy the place was, I was served a fabulous chicken dish. Tonight, I shall trundle home, watch some TV or YouTube videos, and tomorrow, prepare to visit friends and family over Christmas.

Thanks for reading and HAPPY CHRISTMAS to you all. David, 21.36, the Taj Mahal, Buxton.