Author: davidscruise

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.

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.

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.

Finally, I don’t want to get political, but, I was rather amused by this sketch I received from one of my cruise-travelling companions.

Many thanks for reading. David, 21.05 21/3/21.

Wow! It’s gorgeous outside as I try to look back over the last five days, during which time it had been cold, wet, and windy, as well as misty for much of yesterday.  Suddenly, that mist lifted revealing a fine afternoon.  Last week, which again “flew” by seemed pretty routine, except that very sadly, I learned that three former work colleagues had died since January this year, at least one due to Covid 19. Although all were quite a bit older than I am, I do feel slightly wary!  Feeling that “life was short”, I decided to book a voyage in 2023 to celebrate the centenary of world cruises, and just managed to secure the last available single cabin, mid-ships on Deck 2.  I am assuming the Covid crisis will have passed by that time and that social distancing will be history. 

Back to this week, it seems as if the “road map” out of Lockdown Three is, so far, on schedule and there might be some kind of normality at the end of June.  It will be a pleasant change to return to writing from different parts of the country, and eventually from far-off lands.  Right now, it’s hard to believe such days are just around the corner.

Many thanks for reading, David 00.00hrs Wednesday/Thursday 17th – 18th March 2021

Wednesday 10th March, 09.21hrs

I awoke on Sunday at around 8.20 to find bright sunlight and blue skies “defeating” the black-out blind I had installed in those far-off days of (very occasionally) working night shifts. It is still effective during the long summer days when it is light at 4am! I was not sure how enthusiastic I was for going on a post-lunch walk, however. While not particularly cold, it did feel cool, even ‘though there was not much of a breeze.

I caught the last twenty minutes of Sunday Worship on Radio 4 and was rather impressed by the maturity of the youthful people who contributed to the programme who were inspiring to listen to.

I enjoyed a fine Vietnamese (and very healthy) lunch prepared over the road. And yes, although the sun had shied away behind recently gathered cloud cover, we set off for a similar “adventure” to the previous week, only this time, starting at the industrial estate and making our way home in the opposite direction, following a slightly longer route than the week before. While this route is by no means “pretty”, for the historian, there is much to discover in terms of relics from the early days of industrial development. It was a pity that the sun was not out to enhance the numerous panoramic views along this walk.

Memories of that glorious South America voyage, which this time last year I was still very much enjoying, were rekindled when the oil painting of that voyage’s individual logo, which I had bought at an on-board charity auction at the time, was returned to me, framed and glazed with “museum” glass so that it can be displayed with minimal risk of light damage. This was signed on board by the Captain, and remains visible on the reverse side, protected by perspex.

Locally, I was rather pleased to add a number of railway tickets to my collection from the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, now converted to an off – road cycle and walking route, much of the way being known as the Tissington trail. I have had a fascination with this line, which closed to regular passenger traffic in 1954, since moving to Buxton. Just about all of the former railway from Whaley Bridge to Cromford as well as Ashbourne is accessible by foot, cycle or horseback. Artefacts from these two railways are always of interest and perhaps, cherished in numerous collections.

On Monday, the glazier called to finish off the work in the carport, i.e. new door and windows. This small area has been much improved.

That’s about it for now. Many thanks for reading, David, 10.27hrs 10/3/21.

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.

Monday March 1st 2021, 23.10hrs. (approximately)

72 years 3 hours since, when 12 inches of snow lay on the ground outside Ashton Nursing Home in Sale, now part of Greater Manchester, I, David Nevell, joined the global population of the time, fourteen months after Britain’s railways were nationalised, and when King George VI was Monarch.  I grew up in Sale, then in Cheshire, at age 20, moving with Mum and Dad to leafy Knutsford, not too far away.  At 26, I had my own place in hilly Buxton, 1,000 feet above sea level, except that, where I have lived since 1975 is in fact, around 1,200 feet above sea level.  Only now in lockdown (who would have ever thought that a global pandemic would upset the world’s apple cart) am I, with the help of a neighbour, beginning to explore the attractive terrain visible from where I live. 

Tuesday morning, 07.57 hrs exact.

This time in 1949, I was not yet twelve hours old! The tradition of being named after one’s forebears was intended to be maintained, and thus was the intention to perpetuate the name of my grandfather on my father’s side, i.e. James Percy. However, being born on St. David’s Day, my sister tells me it was she who suggested that I should be called David (Mother always maintained that it was one of the attending nurses who made this suggestion). Not so long afterwards, I would be christened at an Anglican church at Rangeworthy, a village in South Gloucestershire near Bristol. The vicar there, Rev’d Jack Williams (“Uncle” Jack) was one-time vicar of St. John’s, Brooklands, now in Greater Manchester, where my father had become Lay Reader, and therefore had become, with his wife “Auntie” Millicent, life-long friends. Perhaps, with time on my hands due to retirement, and having no voluntary commitments at the moment, I may be able to write an entertaining account of the years between then and now. I have already coined the title of this yet to be written autobiography, I Wish I kept my Big Mouth Shut! That’s enough looking back for the time being.

The end of February seemed to be a jumble of events which I am less able to recall. This time last year, I was happily cruising north along the west coast of South America, but not oblivious to the impending pandemic; the term “coronavirus” was on the lips of many. Buxton’s first case of covid-19 was reported in the ship’s newspaper several thousand miles away. I spent much of this last weekend quietly, enjoying the initial signs of Spring, enhanced by vivid clear blue skies. On Sunday, my neighbour and I set off on a walk to some “pastures new”, past Hoffman’s Quarry, as we had done the week before, but this time ending up in Harpur Hill Industrial Estate, which, as the low sun dipped behind the distant hills, and the chill of dusk set in, was probably the least attractive place one could find one’s self in! Strangely, that was the intended route for the last Sunday afternoon of February.

Although we covered probably, less than four miles, this felt like one of our more arduous of walks.

St. David’s Day dawned much more misty and colourless than the previous day, and was one of quiet but very happy celebration. The sun did show its face in the afternoon, but the incentive to go walking again just wasn’t there!

Many thanks for reading, David, 2nd March 2021, 09.25hrs.

Nevertheless, the colourful signs of Spring do generate optimism and hope that this might be the advent of a glorious long hot summer.

My Lenten readings for today suggested taking a look at the changing natural world outside and ascertaining how these changes would affect me. Gone were the dull grey skies of the beginning of week with bright blue skies eventually giving way to a splendid sunset.

The effect of this fine day was one of optimism and a raising of spirits dulled by the claustrophobic effects of lockdown in a North Derbyshire winter. On Wednesday, I travelled out of Buxton for (I think) the first time this year. Unnecessary journeys are illegal right now; medical appointments are allowed. How I wish that my opticians were in Cornwall, except that hotels remain closed! Nevertheless, driving to Bakewell to have my eyes checked was a pleasure, that is until I was told that, despite no deterioration in the condition of my eyes, there was slight diabetic damage to the retinas (which can be reversed) meaning an immediate end to the occasional apple crumble, cake, that rare taste of ice cream, toasted tea-cakes, and a special treat of malt loaf. Annoyingly, this means I will have to “pass” on the cake Freda has kept safe for me since Christmas!

As ever, the weekend has arrived with the speed of a light-switch.

Lockdown has created alternative opportunities, and for the first time, I am able to take a seat in the main bedroom which until two days ago was covered with stuff which is now safely stored in the loft, from whence this came originally when roof repairs were carried out…some years ago!Returning a room to its original purpose is “uplifting” but, there is still much to be done. However, along with just about everybody else, I do look forward to the eventual end of lockdown, I believe, in the middle of June. I have a haircut booked for 15th April. I can’t wait!

Many thanks for reading, David, 19.05hrs 26th February 2021.

Also, Days 3, 4, 5, and 6 of LENT

Monday 22nd February 2021, 08.23 hrs.

The weekend which seemed to approach ever so quickly last week, has itself, “become history”. And so beginneth a new week, grey and uninspiring outside, but at least, it’s not cold. I remember little of Friday; it was just an ordinary day, and on Saturday, apart from making further progress cataloging my ocean liner memorabilia, I spent much of the day enjoying YouTube footage. In the evening, I settled down to watch the disaster movie San Andreas, the plot of which is fairly obvious, the biggest earthquake ever to hit California. Like many films of this genre, it centred around a family in the middle of domestic (and tragic) upheaval, brought together, predictably by the unexpected onset of shaking streets and collapsing high-rises. A tsunami (unexpected) was the icing on this cake of utter catastrophe. Despite the spectacular imagery of San Andreas, I slept peacefully as if I had merely listened to a Beethoven sonata!

On Sunday, I awoke fresh from a good night’s sleep. Lunch over the road was scheduled for 1.30 that afternoon. Despite the usual excesses of Sunday lunch, Roger and I had little difficulty walking along the old railway which overlooks where I live, and further up from where amazing panoramic views can be marvelled at. Again, one can see much evidence of the extensive industry that prevailed in the 19th and part of the 20th centuries. A network of walking and cycling routes had, around two years ago, been opened as a government initiative to encourage fitness among the population. This represented a huge investment, but was opened with no apparent ceremony.

The heavy rain forecast for the afternoon did not materialise although the lead-coloured clouds like gatherings of industrial smoke gave more than a hint of a potential downpour.

I had watched much of the morning’s Eucharist from Lichfield Cathedral at the actual time it was taking place. This was the widely used Common Worship “version” introduced in 2000. I would find, later in the day, again from Lichfield Cathedral, the traditional Holy Communion from childhood days. Of course, it is that which I prefer!

There’s a full week ahead. This afternoon, our much revered prime minister will be announcing his “road map” out of Lockdown Three. I expect more caution and less optimism than at our exit from the first lockdown in July last year. And, I fear I won’t be able to get a haircut anytime soon!

Many thanks for reading,

David, 09.17, Monday 22nd February 2021.

Thursday evening, 18th February.

Thankfully, the bitter cold of last week has given way to bearable and quite pleasant periods of milder weather, although a persistent wind still reminds one we are in February. The month is “flying” by and yet another weekend approaches.

Day 327 was Shrove Tuesday, and as a small boy, I would enjoy the magnificent pancakes drowned in lemon juice and sugar that Mother, and perhaps also my sisters would create. No warnings of Type 2 diabetes back in the 1950s! On Monday, with the approach of Lent imminent, I trawled YouTube for Compline, a “routine” of prayer which is best immediately before going to bed. My parents would always read a passage from the Bible as part of their nocturnal prayer commitment.

This year, I am not on the high seas as in the previous three years when I have enjoyed summers in the southern hemisphere during January, February and March. Nobody else is either; unnecessary foreign travel is (I understand) against the Law as the Coronavirus continues its unwelcome presence. And for whatever reason, the snowdrops planted in my garden around three years ago, failed completely, the first time I would be at home for the whole winter, since retirement. It wasn’t my not going away that I was disappointed with, it was that inexplicable non appearance of those gorgeous white flowers which hint at the advent of Spring. I shall plant a load more when appropriate.

At long last, it seems that the leak in my carport roof has been fixed. Yes, a very tiny trickle did occur last night during high winds and heavy showers, but despite the downpours of today, the place was completely dry. There just needs to be an invisible coating of silicon on the brickwork and the area, which doubles up as conservatory will be “bone-dry”.

Progress with the cataloging and decluttering remains painfully slow, but I have nearly completed one section of ocean-liner memorabilia.

Apologies for no pictures today. Thanks for reading, David

What a difference a day makes

St. Valentine’s Day seemed to herald the end of many days of bitterly cold weather and snow which refused to go away.  Strong much milder winds and heavy rain carried out a most efficient job of rendering the immediately close pavements (sidewalks) safe to walk along. Although milder yesterday, icy patches remained in abundance and I remained indoors!

Predictably, yesterday’s Sunday worship focused on the theme of (Christian) love.  Little of it “sunk in” but I did feel inspired to take part in the prayers.  This act of worship morphed into a very impressive talk by the writer Will Self whose vivid take on the London Underground was enlightening. But,  I remember little of that, also.  Actually, I miss being in London and feeling a million miles from home.  And also, I do miss riding the Tube.

Our revered prime minister seems to be (for once) acting with great caution leading the nation out of its third lockdown. I fear that along with everybody else, I am going to be in dire need of a haircut by the time we emerge from the current restrictions.

As you can see from the pictures, I enjoyed my first walk in a couple of weeks. A glorious rainbow crowned the end of Trenchard Drive. I continued from there to the post box; National Savings and Investments require yet another signature to process my now “mandatory” dealing on-line. The one I sent previously did not match their records – you couldn’t make it up!

The swirling rain of yesterday and last night did not leak into the carport this time. Hallelujah! With luck, that persistent issue has been resolved.

More “news” later this week.

Thanks for reading, David, Monday afternoon.

Saturday 13th February 2021, 23.01hrs

Another week has come to an end, oh so very quickly. But it was a cold week with temperatures down to -9 degrees Celsius at one point. This afternoon, the car temperature reading was -3 degrees Celsius, but with a wind blowing, it felt colder. I was thankful that the ageing battery on my silver car had not flattened during long periods of inactivity during bitterly cold weather.

The second half of the week was again, unremarkable, although I seem to be making progress with the cataloging and occasional decluttering.

I finished watching “The Durrells” on Netflix. It was an interesting autobiographical account of a well known family, but I didn’t like the exaggerated production.

While it remains cold tonight, milder wet weather is forecast for next week. Hopefully, I can resume walking again, and perhaps have more to write about.

Many thanks for reading,

David, 23.39hrs 13/2/21.