ADVENT

Sunday 20th December, 2020

Another Topsy Turvey day in the political world over Covid and Brexit. Friends disappointed as they are emigrating to Italy and plans have to be altered. Also a friend's daughter is due to give birth and she was hoping to be there to help the new Mother and her first Grand Child. The changing of plans. Then I heard of an old friend, 94, who had died this morning from her heart simply being worn out. She was one of the most generous of people. A northern lass and very much of the blunt school she had married an Irish 'navvy' against the wishes of her family. Together they built up a huge construction company both nationally and internationally well known. She never put on airs and graces and remained true to her roots and her early friends ' up north' as she noted. After her husband died twenty or more years ago she ran the company and brought on her children to do the same. Her daughter died of cancer about fifteen years ago and that changed her and took a chunk of her joy and energy away. She had a strong faith but was angry and disappointed with her God over the death. She certainly told God her thoughts. I pray they are reunited. A truly wonderful woman.

A slight early morning drizzle disappeared so I was on the road by 13.00 with my trusty litter grabber/picker. An hour's walk gained my a mere three Tesco bags of rubbish. Also on my stroll I had one marvellous conversation and heard a few other remarks. And again some dogs looked defensive, some aggressive. Cans, plastic bottles, six masks and the rest including some large plastic shopping bags. Four cigarette packets.

I popped in to the local shop and bought a bargain duck wrap. I did not just chuck the packaging!!

Once back I settled to go on the virtual trip of Red Square Moscow. Although St Basil's Cathedral was as fabulous as I imagined the rest was rather uninspired. The huge Kremlin Wall, the fortress of Lenin's Tomb and a large famous shopping Mall of the Moscow revivalist school of the 1890s. We went inside but apart from a plethora of Christmas trees it did not strike me as very spectacular. Perhaps my world virtual trips are making me a little blasé.

To anchor myself I hoovered the ground and first floor. I am getting too old for such exertions! I am feeling my muscles too much...they ache. But now to read.

I streamed Mass this morning and the fourth Advent Candle was lit. The priest reminded us of a preparation through hope, faith and love as well as expectation. I felt the need for Inspiration and the second reading told me to rely on Grace. Well, I see no other alternatives so all I now do is learn to cooperate. When death comes I hope for a rebirth also. Life is not ended just changed. The history of Red Square was very much of change from Mongols to Czars to Soviets to Communists to Russians. In our lives it is daily change from birth to death. No problem!