What a treat of a day. It is so wonderful to wake up to cloudless blue sky and sunshine. After a long chat with Jean on the phone, I drive into Kendal. There are still long stretches of rainwater along the lane, and of course, it being a clear day,
the peace is suddenly shattered by a low flying and sinister looking fighter jet. They practise in the Lakes when the weather is right. Another, and yet another scream past me. But life returns to a busy ordinariness. People are enjoying the sun. Students
loll against the railings of Kendal college on their lunch break. I park outside Hugh's. The 'sold' sign is up. I walk from there into Kendal. It is good to see the river Kent replenished and rushing its way towards the sea. There is white water a-plenty,
and the river sparkles joyously as it tumbles its way under the bridge. I remember the last midday concert I went to was with Hugh. He was poorly but insistent on walking. We had to stop for him to have a rest. But he loved the concert in the Parish Church,
then under socially distanced conditions and in the Parish Church, which is close to the house. I wend my way towards the town hall. I don't often walk in this stretch of town. I pass the Kirkland Hall, which belonged to the Parish Church and where we had
our choir practices. It's now a gym. I pass the Moon restaurant, once a favourite place to eat, but no longer the place it was. The vet's surgery has toy stuffed animals in the window. Rather odd. A bright green snake and a cuddly dog! There are cafes, but
Brew Brothers, a favourite cafe of mine, is closed. Others carry notices saying 'we are hiring'. Times are hard.
The town hall has been refurbished. Not a massive change. New seats, a coat of paint perhaps. This is the first concert
of the season. We are not distanced, but are asked to wear masks. Most do. Though I notice as the concert progresses, many have taken them off. It is a wonderfully vibrant string quartet playing Bartok and then Beethoven. Energy and commitment. I love to see
these youthful, talented young artists. In fact there is so much commitment that the violinist breaks a string and has to go off stage to repair his violin. Violinists are not like tennis players, who carry a few replacement racquets with them!
I spot
Robert, and I haven't seen him since before lockdown. We have a long chat. He is a special friend.
Out in the sunshine I spot another friend I haven't seen for ages, and we too catch up on the street in the sunshine. I pick up a paper and a sandwich
and walk back to Park Street. On my way I pass the leather shop owned by the father of a school friend of Sam's. I am amused but the sign outside that says 'no wet dogs please'!
I had brought my thermos, and so went outside in the yard and ate my sandwich,
and drand my coffee. Then I go in search of Hugh's bin. People purloin it if we are not careful. Finally I carry the boxes which Wendy has put ready for the charity shop to my car and drive off, depositing them on the way. A shop on my way home, and when I
get back it is to a grey sky.
Gwen is poorly again and won't be coming tomorrow. But I also hear from Joe...19 today....who has joined a formula one group,who are aiming to make an electric car! The electronics firm he works for in
the holidays have ageeed to help! He also tells me that he has explored the library and taken out a book of easy Bach pieces to use for sight reading practice!