David's Cruise

Day 62 Wednesday 27th May 2020, blog started at 09.52 hrs

We are enjoying fine weather right now, and I foresee a hose pipe ban in the coming months on top of our existing lock-down woes.

On Sunday morning, I tuned into BBC 1 for their weekly church service which, on this occasion, came from Bangor Cathedral in North Wales. Thankfully, the hymns were all pre-20th century classics, recorded at a previous Songs of Praise, also from Bangor Cathedral, and spliced into the programme at the appropriate moments.

The fine weather continues. And the easing of the lock-down restrictions attracted an unprecedented number of visitors to those remote places where I like to walk which overlook where I live. Apart from my “mandatory” twenty-minute stroll around the houses, I did not leave the house; I felt as if I had walked enough last week.

I am becoming accustomed to the daily routine required by the lock-down restrictions and recommendations. The lack of noise and the opportunity to discern the sounds of nature are welcome. And it’s good that vapour trails are few and far between. But it’s amazing how any sounds carry in the early evening, as I take my nocturnal stroll. There were still people up by the quarry last night; I decided to stay within the sanctuary of the village.

It’s another fine day today, and I hope to avail myself of this glorious spring sunshine.

Thanks for reading, David 10.40hrs. Time for breakfast!

Wednesday 20th May – Saturday 23rd May ’20

08.21 hrs

I decided to put my “magic shoes” to the test this week. All too frequently, I receive an illustrated catalogue from a company called Easylife. Years ago, having received a “flyer” in the Buxton Advertiser, and sent off for a,”useful item,” I have since received, with annoying frequency, a thick illustrated catalogue of “goodies.” Usually, this publicity material goes “straight to recycling.” Now, with time on my hands, I perused a recent catalogue of innovative items. One caught my eye, a pair of shoe inserts which when fixed into the shoe, would massage the feet stimulating a bodily reaction that would cause (welcome) weight loss. Two such pairs came in at around £54 including shipping and a £10 discount. An accompanying leaflet depicted a once overweight lorry driver holding up a pair of now far too big trousers, he himself now being pencil thin, having achieved this weight loss in a matter of weeks. The pamphlet promised results from day 1. Now, I am not particularly gullible, but, my curiosity was aroused. I made my order over the ‘phone, and said shoe inserts were with me almost by return. The leaflet which came with the package advised “will not work for people who are morbidly obese.” Also, “do not use for more than two hours, in the morning and the afternoon.” The inserts, invented by a respected German doctor/scientist, did have limitations not mentioned in the original publicity. With a high degree of scepticism I tried out these £54 shoe inserts. They weren’t as uncomfortable as I feared. Much to my surprise, on Wednesday morning, my weight had dropped by around three pounds to 15 stone 5 lbs. Wow! I have not wasted my money! On Thursday, with great anticipation, I stood on the bathroom scales….I had gained two and a half pounds!

I decided to go for a series of fairly long walks, between two and just over four miles. The weather had been most agreeable and warm for this time of year. For the first time since self isolating because of the global pandemic, I took my car out for the short drive to Hurdlow, just seven miles away. Roger, my neighbour over the road, also drove to Hurdlow….social distancing and all that… For the first time this year, we met up for a walk, maintaining the now mandatory 2 metres social distancing. While still pleasantly warm, a persistent strong wind which had been blowing all day, still continued, but seemed to come from ever changing directions. We encountered a small number of walkers and cyclists on the trail from Hurdlow to Parsley Hay. Much to my astonishment, the public toilets at Parsley Hay were open, as was a counter serving hot drinks and refreshments. I felt a little sorry for the person handling the refreshments; there was no queue of people wanting what was on offer. Although it was in the summer of last year that I had enjoyed this favourite walk (again along a former railway line), it felt as if much less time had passed. Everything seemed so familiar.

At home, the decluttering continues at a snail’s pace, but there is some progress. And on Thursday, I joined a handful of neighbours in the weekly applause for the NHS and Carers, as well as all those involved with the consequences of this dreadful pandemic. As stated in a recent blog, numerous restrictions have been lifted, providing social distancing is “observed strictly.” Covid 19 must feel as if all its Christmases have come at once! Like numerous others, I feel the current situation could be merely “the overture.”

Last night, after a healthy dinner of poached plaice and several vegetables, I relaxed in front of the T.V. watching mainly items recorded previously. As the hour became late, I found myself watching YouTube videos, on my phone, of vintage live performances by my one-time favourite band, The Strawbs. Seemingly, they still have a devout following and I did see them not so long ago at Buxton Opera House, more than forty years since the first time I saw them at a packed Free Trade Hall in Manchester…with then girlfriend Jane. If I was a critic, I may comment that the strange, thought provoking and creative lyrics are lost in the performance/production. But the music itself remains astonishing and powerful.

All of a sudden, it was past midnight and I felt hungry again. Any discomfort was negated by a jam sandwich, and this morning, my weight had remained the same!

Many thanks for reading, and, as they say these days, Stay Safe. David 10.28 hrs.

Sunday 17th to Tuesday 19th May 2020

I think that the U.K. has entered its 9th week of lock-down. If reports are to be believed, Derbyshire’s beauty spots (and there are many) were packed with trippers at the weekend, as if normality had resumed. It was still cool on Sunday, and I was not tempted to do anything other than enjoy being at home.

In an attempt at home prayer, I tuned into a televised service on BBC 1 at 10.45. Once again, the worship seemed to be live, interspersed with hymns recorded at a previous episode of “Songs of Praise.” The congregation, as usual, were encouraged to sing like choking goldfish; I am told this helps those hard of hearing to lip read the hymns. If that’s the case, then the subtitles are redundant! Karaoke hymns have been all the rage in some less formal churches, or even those trying (and in some cases, succeeding) to swell congregations. I tried not to let my irritation distract me, a tustle I lost miserably. I am missing the real thing….at least I thought I was.

In the week, I enjoyed a lengthy natter with our vicar with whom I look forward to numerous lunches when the restaurants are up and running again. Yesterday, Monday, I was the recipient of an appeal from the current churchwarden, along with 49 others to whom this e-mail was sent. What she (the churchwarden) had to say was very reasonable, but I fear the heated debate to come…in fact, I think it has already started. I have responded modestly to this appeal.

Today, Tuesday, I took advantage of the fine weather and, once again, went exploring the area around the track bed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which is visible from my house. I saw parts of it from a different angle having continued from the end of Haslin Road along a footpath which led eventually to a chalky track, to the former railway itself. There were several people out, enjoying the same scenery which is lovely to gaze upon. Among them, a neighbour whom I got to know when taking my first tentative walks following my heart surgery. As soon as I arrived home, and I was tucking into my version of spaghetti bolognese, another church member and good friend ‘phoned to see how I was. This was most welcome, and we enjoyed a good natter.

It’s a nice night. Perhaps another little stroll might be good.

Thanks for reading, David, 20.06hrs 19/5/20.

Monday 11th May to Saturday 16th May 2020

I missed Boris Johnson’s address to the nation last Sunday. News bulletins later in the evening detailed what had been contained in the “epistle of our prime minister.” By Monday morning, I was little the wiser. On one hand, those not vulnerable were granted leave to exercise as much as they wished to, as far away as they wanted but not straying out of England. Schools would open from June 1st, and garden centres could resume business from Wednesday this week. There are provisos however. Social distancing has to be maintained. And Roger, my neighour in his early seventies, as I myself am, confirmed that there were no restrictions lifted as far as us “coffin dodgers” are concerned. Daily casualties of Covid 19 are tantamount to two major air crashes….every day. Yet, we are assured things will be far better sometime soon. I feel any real improvement may well be when far more people can be tested, and medication, once tested satisfactorily, is available to everyone. There is a “road-map” for our coming out of lock-down and a very slight hope that I will be able to get my hair cut at the beginning of July….if social distancing can be revised.

My week has been much of a muchness, but I have enjoyed the solitude and the freedom to relax quietly at home. The sun shone for most of the week, but a biting north wind didn’t encourage going out for lengthy periods. And not quite so many turned out on our Lane last Thursday to applaud the N.H.S. and Key Workers.

I have had fun discovering ancestral artefacts I didn’t know were in my possession. Among the thirty or so items, are four school reports of Grannie’s father, Walter Curtis, dated 1868. This portfolio contains numerous glimpses of Victorian life. Who would have thought that seemingly mundane documents and ephemera relating to my Grannie’s parents and beyond, in London, would survive in North Derbyshire!

I seem to have got hooked on watching YouTube videos. I am not a big fan of modern technology, but I am hugely impressed with the phenomenal amount of material on YouTube.

This weekend came seemingly more suddenly than usual. It’s still cold and windy outside, but next week, a return of warm weather is assured. Thank you for reading. Best wishes, David 00 28 hrs. 17th May ’20.

Yesterday, Saturday, felt unusually quiet after the V.E.Day street celebrations on Friday. Flags and bunting still adorned the houses on our Lane, but there was little other sound, save for some distant conversation, when I opened my front door.

It was still pleasantly warm, and really, I should have seized the opportunity for a walk, for today, the 5th Sunday of Easter, cold air from the Arctic is expected with temperatures plummeting by over ten degrees Celsius. There was some distant lightening last night as menacing dark grey storm clouds assembled overhead. It rained a little, but I wasn’t aware of any heavy showers that the storm clouds threatened. I watched much of the excellent film “Finest Hour” charting Winston Churchill’s handling of the beginning of WW2.

Today is somewhat special on two counts. My late brother Tommie, during a period of insomnia, composed his only piece of music, “Easter 5.” For much of his life, he had been a chorister at Ryde Parish Church. As far as I know, he had never written music before. In the light of day, the manuscript needed some, what I might call “proof reading” after which the work was performed and recorded (privately) by the choir of St. Magnus the Martyr in London. “Easter 5” recieved 1st Prize at the Isle of Wight music festival, and my brother was able to hear the results of his nocturnal creativity before he passed away. This, for me, makes the 5th Sunday of Easter rather special. May 10th also marks the anniversary of my heart bypass operation at Wythenshawe Hospital. The heart attack at the end of April 2017 was one of those “you never know what’s around the corner” occasions. Three years later, I still regard each day as a miracle, and endeavour, but rarely succeed, to make the most of what the day has to offer.

Later, our revered prime minister will speak to the Nation outlining any modifications in the present lock-down situation. It is speculated that garden centres will be allowed to re-open on Wednesday, providing social distancing can be maintained. This doesn’t bode well for barbers, where distancing of any kind is just not possible.

My plans for today are to finish clearing up after flooding the kitchen on Friday, continue with cataloging items of family history which I was unaware of in my house, and maybe go for a walk. Also, I shall try to find an act of worship being broadcast, in lieu of attending church.

Thanks for reading, David. Easter 5, 09.48 hrs.

My sixth week in lock-down continued much in the manner of the previous five. The Country itself is in its seventh week. The weather has been predominantly dry and bright though, until today, not particularly warm. I had walked well over three miles on Monday, for thirty minutes on Tuesday, just around the estate, and a little further on Wednesday, walking for fifty-five minutes.

Last night, at 8 pm, I joined once again, a good turnout on our Lane for the now weekly “clap for the N.H.S. and carers.” What pleases me is that slowly, I am getting to know many people on our road for almost the first time. And today, the Lane had many houses “dressed” in red white and blue bunting, flags and balloons in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which this year became a Bank Holiday, instead of the following Monday.

Sunday sees the third anniversary of my open heart surgery, a procedure that I am certain saved my life, even if it seemed to take forever to “get over it.” I have said this before, but I owe it to the N.H.S. to support any show of appreciation.

Today was special. Roger, over the road had not only put up bunting, and erected a flag which had flown from a Land Rover he had driven across part of North Africa on a “mercy mission.” This was part of a substantial convoy of similar vehicles. He set up a sound system which serenaded our end of the lane with appropriate wartime songs and melodies. I just had a handful of Union Flags which I collected during several Cunard voyages. I knew they would come in useful one day! As suggested, I set up a “picnic for one” on a flat part of the rockery in my front garden. One or two neighbours stopped by for a brief natter. I spoke with most people who live on our Lane, and have joined the Nettleton Lane WhatsApp group.

While on our road, nattering to various neighbours, I forgot that I had left a tap running in the kitchen. Water water everywhere! I borrowed Roger’s mop and bucket; the floor has been dry for some time, but I have had to empty various drawers and cupboards which had flooded. All very annoying at the time; all should be back to normal tomorrow.

Given the necessary continuance of social distancing, I don’t think anything more could have been done to further mark V.E. Day. The BBC showed numerous nostalgic programmes which were very well put together and extremely informative. This enforced “slowing down” is not entirely a bad thing, unless, of course, one is out of work as a result.

Our revered prime minister is addressing his people on Sunday. Might he allow hairdressers to re-establish their businesses? I am in dire need of a haircut!

With all good wishes, David. 23.43 hrs 8/5/20

The U.K. has just entered its seventh week of lock-down. For me, I have been home for just over five weeks and am thankful for the amount of space I can wander around without violating any of the “lock-down legislation” in force at the moment. As I suspect, like many other people, I have received sketches, videos and interesting comments sent via Social Media to my mobile phone. Many of these are very moving and thought provoking; others extremely funny, and of course, there are the few that I just can’t get my head around!

For most of these five weeks, although cold for much of the time, the weather has been bright and sunny. There have been occasional warm days also, but very few when the heavens have opened.

Last week, my inclination to walk was depleted and I relaxed at home, with a sense of guilt at not having continued with my exercise regime. On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, I tuned into the available religious broadcasts on offer on the TV. Morning Worship came from Bangor Cathedral with hymns cut-in from previous episodes of Songs of Praise. In the afternoon, I came across, on Radio 3, a pre-recorded edition of Choral Evensong. High Church it may be, but the Responses, which I regard as very relevant worship, are set to the most ridiculous arrangements that divert one away from fervent prayer in the same way that trap or catch points derail a train!

Most (it seems) people have discovered the joys of Zoom, another ghastly invention where people can communicate via their cell phones or lap-tops. I have allowed myself to fall way behind in all this. I always did. But I do acknowledge (begrudgingly) the miracles of modern technology, and do enjoy the opportunity to practice my skills, writing these almost daily blogs.

And I think I have just figured that the reason I can no longer upload photographs on my blog. This is because I am using WordPress every day on a free plan. Actually, I have thought this for a long time. But, I haven’t a clue how to upgrade!

So, Mr. WordPress, text me some guidance so that I can upgrade and include illustrations with my writings.

Cheers, David. 11.39 hrs Tuesday 5th May.

I came across my grandfather’s birth certificate a few days ago, while searching for something completely different! It reminded me that whom I once knew as grandpa, had he, by some miracle, still been alive, he would have been 150 years old on October 15th. Even so, it’s still a remarkable anniversary. Grannie, a reprint of whose birth certificate I have also inherited was born 17 years later in September 1887. Her 150th, therefore, won’t be until 2037. Just to think, HS2 should be up and running by then! I would like to think that the present lockdown might be lifted well before October and that we may be able to celebrate at the former family home….which remains in the family!

There doesn’t seem to be a great deal to write about at the moment. Most fortunately, life is “much of a muchness.” But, I didn’t have much inclination for walking last week. I did venture out of the house a few times.

But already, it’s the fourth Sunday of Easter. I have made some progress with decluttering my house and I am thankful that I now have until July 2021 before I go away again.

Morning Worship this morning came from Bangor Cathedral. Worship via the T.V. or over the internet just doesn’t work for me; I can’t concentrate. Although I feel happy writing an almost daily blog, I just can’t get to grips with modern technology which seems to evolve and change far too quickly for me to keep up. For example, WordPress, which I use for my writings have changed their technology. There is a new procedure for uploading photographs. And it did work when I first arrived back from South America, but annoyingly, no longer. Social distancing means I cannot have somebody help me out over this. So yes, I may be fairly content at the moment, but this situation is even getting me down a little bit.

But, I do have a stunning journey to plan and look forward to next year. And before that, this year’s summer.

With all good wishes, David, 23.21 hrs 3/5/20.

This is the fifth full week since arriving home from Southampton on 27th March. Until last Tuesday, April had become the driest since records began. The skies were “continental blue” and eventually, we, in Buxton, managed to lose that cold wind which would keep the temperatures down to begin with.

I am very fortunate in that I am not finding the lockdown too irksome. Although people seem to be moving around rather more now than in recent times, it is still very quiet, and I am sure Mother Earth is still enjoying its break from the ravages of human activity from which it suffers from a partially uncaring society. There were strange occurrences e.g. the short lived period when crude oil had a negative value, as one person quipped, “a roll of toilet paper was more expensive than a barrel of crude oil!”

Each Wednesday, my weekly shopping is delivered, along with the laundry. Last week (while it was dry and bright) I walked on each day except Wednesday, when I just didn’t feel like venturing out. On Thursday, at 8 pm, many of us on the Lane applauded the Carers and N.H.S. personnel for two minutes. Tonight, I thought I was going to be alone. I stood outside my front door, and at 8 o’clock, I was alone. From the Avenue below, a round of applause, and instantly those on the Lane appeared and joined in the now weekly tribute, either clapping, banging saucepans cheering and sounding various “horns.” Atop a former quarry which overlooks our estate, four or five people, one waiving a blue N.H.S. flag, I presume joined in the weekly tribute. The noise soon died down after two or three minutes. Shortly afterwards, I could hear a joyous gathering in the distance. For some reason, this seemed to remind me how alone I had become. I then locked my front door, determined to go for a short walk, but I felt cold and a little “out of it.” I retreated back home and to my front room.

I do have very good reason to express my thanks to the N.H.S. I shall be forever grateful for that life saving open heart procedure three years ago. It wasn’t at all pleasant, but the stamina, skill and expertise of the doctors surgeons and nurses were beyond any words of adequate praise and admiration I could think of. Those of you who either know me, or have been following my blog over the years will already know all of this.

My admiration continues for Captain, now Honorary Colonel, Tom Moore who on the approach to his 100th birthday, which was today, set out, originally, to raise £1,000 for N.H.S. Charities. This was to be a quiet exercise, pacing his garden 100 times and generating sponsorship over the internet. On his birthday, today, vintage planes flew over his house, 140,000 birthday cards were displayed at a local school hall, he was “promoted to Hon. Colonel, a G.W.R train, as well as a freight locomotive was named after him, and the total raised so far reached in excess of £32,000,000! He received personal greetings from both the Queen and the prime minister. All this inspired a lady, also 100 years old, to walk a section of her garden one hundred times as well. What a lady! She raised a still impressive £17,000.

Having watched “Question Time” and other media comments on the current virus situation, I don’t feel any the wiser. But I am enjoying the Lent-like tranquillity. (Occasionally, I would give up watching T.V. during Lent, the house taking on a very tranquil ambience during this time).

Time again…to “hit the hay.” I shall write again, probably next week. Thanks for reading, David, 00.29 May 1st…Already!

Friday (Day 29) The easterly breeze is much less evident leaving the day very pleasantly warm. While I did very little during the day, I did go out for a two mile walk as the sun disappeared behind the quarry faces and distant hills (Axe Edge). I expected it be quiet, but there cars passing frequently as my route, that evening, was confined generally to the main road. I could hear laughter and conversation emanating from people’s gardens I walked past. I get the feeling it was barbecue night! I returned to the Lane where I found myself star gazing with a neighbour, even ‘though it was not completely dark yet. I aim to walk for at least twenty minutes each day.

Saturday (Day 30) Again, wonderful weather, and this time, I set out with the intention of enjoying a walk a neighbour on the next road down had suggested some time ago. I would still include the walk to the end of Trenchard Drive and another cul- de- sac as well as the route put to me by this other neighbour. According to the App on my phone, I had walked 4.5 miles by the time I was back home. It was a strange route, taking in part of the former railway which once connected the still existing Buxton to Hindlow branch with the complex of quarry infrastructure and the long since dispensed with freight only line to Whaley Bridge. All was fine until I came across a gate proclaiming “Private, no public access,” or words to that effect. Had I disobeyed the order, the track bed would have become difficult and it would not have been possible to access where I was trying to get to. I turned around and rejoined where I had walked to on a previous occasion. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a thoroughly good exploration of my not so immediate surroundings.

Sunday, 26th April, 2020 (Day 31 since arriving home from South America). Another bright day, although the weather forecast is now less optimistic. It’s past 11.00hrs and looking through some old ocean liner menus and other interesting stuff, while getting up, has distracted me from my intended 11 am worship. Rather like being away from routine for a number of weeks, those seven days seem to lose their structure, and one day is more or less the same as the next. Last night, I ate far too late, although I made sure the meal was not overly heavy.

Today turned out to be less bright and somewhat cooler than of late. I did achieve a small walk, around thirty minutes, at around teatime. On YouTube, I discovered a Roman Catholic Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. I found it hard to concentrate, and although the service attracted nothing but glowing comments, including some evangelical remarks, I did find the worship a little bit too “over my head.” It rained a little late in the afternoon.

Sunday has, this minute, morphed in Monday, my great grandfather’s presentation clock having just struck midnight. My father gave me the black slate clock perhaps thirty years ago. Nobody seemed to want it and was in much need of gentle restoration. Although belonging to me, it held pride of place at my parent’s home in Knutsford until they both had departed this life. Until then, having been mended and beautifully restored, it worked beautifully, chiming on the hour and half hour. When, eventually, I took this heirloom to Buxton and installed it in it’s new pride of place in my sitting room, it refused to start. Eventually, a clock repairer from Sheffield dismantled it, put it back together again, and my great grandfather’s clock has kept pretty good time ever since.

This week, I plan to focus on the huge task of (further) decluttering and tidying up. I would like to think that I should have completed “clearing up” and have my lounge and bedrooms refurbished before I “leave the country” in August next year.

It’s now the early hours of Day 32. I think that this is the beginning of the 6th week of lockdown; it’s my fifth since coming back from abroad. I am beginning to miss a few things I would, until recently, take for granted, e.g., I am now hankering after wandering across London, and riding the Underground.

It’s goodnight from me, and thanks for reading. David. 00.21 hrs 27th April 2020.