Spring forward...

Saturday 27th March, 2021

Woke to sunshine which was unexpected as I had thought the forecast said rain. Landlady off on a Virtualtrip to Tokyo so had breakfast, finished two letters and was on the way to get the newspaper by 9.30am. Also bought sausages and scotch eggs, as reduced! Then walked to church. They are now officially open and services resumed with strictures on numbers attending, distancing, masks and gel. There were only five of us and the priest. It was just wonderful to be back. It gave me a feeling of hope and gratitude. The luxury of being able to practise one's Faith is priceless. I thought of those Christians being persecuted, those unable to get to Churches, those deprived in all sorts of ways and knelt in awe and sorrow. The priest was thrilled and we came out on cloud nine! I will be unable to attend tomorrow, Palm Sunday, as families and others have booked and I can go on weekdays very easily. I had not realised how much I had simply missed the physicality of it all...the ritual, the building, others, the priest and the Eucharistic sacrament itself. How absence makes the heart realise the value of what we have lost. How we take so much for granted. Presumption is a fault and I suffer it. May I long remember this feeling of coming home.

The newspaper was full of Sturgeon and Salmond again and a new political party, Alba. It was full of lockdown, virus statistics and the opinions and presumptions of many. Sadly I felt it all a little irrelevant.

The wind was fierce and cold. The sun had gone in and the clouds had taken over when I decided to go for my walk at 13.25. I took the grabber and went back to old ways and paths. An horrendous amount of litter at the Bridge Carpark. Three bags worth. Then I walked around my routine way to the Park and half filled another bag. I had put on an extra coat so was warm. I had my hat so my head stayed warm also.

All the way round I was thinking of two things. First my friends are driving to see the flat for which I have put in an offer. I await their photographs and comments as I write. I also mulled over the papers the solicitor had sent me. 24 typed pages and three I have to sign. I have to read it all to be sure I agree with the firm's method of work, charging, responsibilities etc! Legalese is terrifying but I trust the people involved. I have to tell them where the money is coming from for the purchase in case it is laundered or illegally gained. I have not a clue as to the specifics but will fill in as best I can and send an accompanying letter. Then I have to agree to some other things...signing three contracts and filling in a dozen answers! Well, I trust lawyers more than politicians but I do not trust politicians! Ah well, take the plunge and pray as well as read the documentation.

Tomorrow we recall Jesus entering Jerusalem in almost triumph. Tomorrow I hope I will be entering another stage of home ownership and life ownership. Jesus was crucified and I hope my future will not be so dramatic.

As I finish this the sun has come out only to tell us it is setting with a fabulous display of colour. Glorious. I am off to cook supper. I will also change the clocks pushing them an hour forward. What a weird and wonderful thing life is...!