Springlike

Tuesday 16th March, 2021

It is interesting that this morning I had a discussion about people wanting affirmation, publicity and a general desire to expose their thoughts and reactions. "Why do people write such irrelevant nonsense, such inconsequential thoughts, such inanities and often just passing on gossip or news that everyone knows already?" Thus was I challenged. Why do I write this? It is a diary. It is a way to put my thoughts and actions on paper, as it were, so that I can look at them objectively. May be it is self indulgent. Maybe it is pure self centredness. For now it helps so I shall continue.

This morning I went off in my car. First to the library to return many overdue books. Then to the Community Centre to see if they needed help. Then to the garage to check on the date of my MOT. I was horrified to find that the DVLA website said my car was overdue by a year. I knew that to be wrong and fortunately I had the MOT certificate with me. Next due sometime early June. A lot of kerfuffle and I have just sent a letter to the appropriate centre to tell them to note their website is wrong. What would happen if the police stopped me? Shall I sue either the DVLA or the garage for the inaccuracy which might blemish my reputation and cause me huge grief. I could easily go to a solicitor, a no win no fee place, and try my luck! Of course I will not but I feel the world is in such a place that many might. Just read the news and everyone is suing someone for something whether a pinched bottom, an injudicious remark, a trip on a pavement or some breach of rights and dignity. I am told the NHS pays out millions a year on cases.

After the garage I went on to see a friend. We are now allowed to meet in gardens with some others. It was a superb spring day. The sun was warm, the garden filled with daffodils, signs of Spring, with birds in fine voice and with a view to relish over the Fife countryside. We chatted and opened out and I told of my exciting possibility of moving. I drank non alcoholic fizz and then went in to smoked salmon and scrambled egg followed by rich chocolate mousse. Perfect.

Back home I wrote my letter to the DVLA and then posted it as I headed out on my walk with my trusty litter grabber. I had to walk off the calories! It was gorgeous. I came back to hang washing on the line. Also to contemplate a marvellous selection of furniture friends have devised for my new home. I am spoiled.

Then I had a short look at the speech by Ms Sturgeon re lockdown. Hairdressers to open in early April. Travel restrictions to go at the end of April....so long as, always a caveat, things go well! Hedging bets as they say and, of course, elections in early May! Am I cynical? May be. I am also full of the joys of Spring as I look out over the Tay and the sun begins to set. Majestic. It is good to be alive.

I end this with a reflection I came across this morning from Thomas a Kempis in his Imitation of Christ: " All perfection in this life hath some imperfection bound up with it; and no knowledge of ours is without some darkness." Indeed.