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Saturday 9 November 2013

Emerging from the Slough of Despond

The two images above are the best I could find from my limited collection, to illustrate this post.

First of all (in case anyone had noticed), apologies for my lengthy absence from blogging.

This was due in the main to a very severe attack of eczema on my face and neck which was hard to live with but is now on the wane, despite having migrated to my arms.

Additionally I have been wrestling with my household demons again.  This time the water tank in the loft which has been overflowing for a week.

Too long and boring a story to relate here, but time-consuming and anxiety making.

These days I find that things which were fairly minor upsets in days of yore, tend to take over my life and control my moods.  Petty I know, but true.

Last evening I went to my first choir practice for a month (from 6.30 until 8.45pm) Hard work since it is for 3 services in the next 48 hours, but very very enjoyable after a long 'drought'.

Today is our 'Close' fireworks party and looking gloomily at the pouring rain I decided to watch some of the TV Lord Mayor's Show.

Only dipping in and out of it as I go about my household chores I was lucky enough to catch sight of one of the most treasured memories of my childhood - a giant steam-roller (Society of Paviors) trundling through the streets of the city.

Oh the nostalgia!

I well remember dozens of small children including my brothers and I, trailing after the massive, wonderful smelly monsters as they miraculously tarred and rolled the roads.  The steam hissing the noise of the giant rolling along and the gorgeous heady small of hot tar.

On rare occasions, some lucky small person would be plucked from the pavement and lifted aloft for a ride on the monster.  (I know, health and Safety would have a fit), and the rest of us green with envy would rush alongside yelling "me, me".

Tomorrow after our own trunkated service at St M's, we will process in our choir robes down to the market square and as usual take part in the Civic Remembrance Service.  This year joining forces with Aylesbury Vale Choir so the resultant sound should be well worth hearing.

Our practice with them went swimmingly as did the one with the Head of Music from a local school who will be holding his annual Remembrance Service on Monday evening in the church.

Busy once again.  Praise be!

12 comments:

  1. I'm glad the clouds are parting for you, Ray, and that your eczema is better, if not gone completely. Enjoy the singing again and I loved your memories of the giant steamroller. Health and Safety - what's that?

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    1. Yes it is a good feeling to be back in the middle of things again
      though the singing in the market square was a chilly and leg-aching effort.
      At least tomorrow's service is in St. Mary's and we can sit at times.

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  2. Loved hearing your voice again Ray, nostalgia can be a wonderful thing x.

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    1. Funny thing nostalgia. I seem to have a very selective memory and it's only when something jogs it that I feel again the sheer joy of (I nearly said 60, ) seventy years ago.

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  3. Wish I had picked up this blog before to read that you will be at the civic remembrance service in Aylesbury for my son will be laying a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy at that service.

    Trust you weren't too cold, although sunny there is a cold wind.

    Pleased you are feeling better enough to chat with us all again.

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    1. Unfortunately PixieMum, the choir stands (in the shady cold corner), where we can see virtually nothing which is perhaps as well, or we might fail to watch the conductor.
      It is always very well attended and there were a lot of cameras about so I imagine you will see a good picture of your son pretty soon
      It was cold but has been far worse in previous years..

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  4. Glad things are better than they were!

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  5. Thanks Suem, they are better. Still a way to go but hopefully moving in the right direction.

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  6. Welcome back Ray.....good to see your back on form!

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  7. Well done for getting back into the thick of your life. I hope your skin trouble clears up totally. Blessings from Freda at Dalamory. www.freda.org.uk

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  8. Thanks Freda. Life is beginning to resume it's usual rhythm. The skin is taking its time but getting there.

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