Monday 27th July 2026.

Rarely do I write blogs from home these days, unless there is something worthy of note to “record.”  A new prime minister is no longer a rare event!

It is ten days since I arrived back from my three week commute across the Pond for “America’s 250th Birthday.”   Although pretty warm in North America (we did call at Halifax, Canada for a couple of days), there were no heatwaves on the North Atlantic.  It was hard to imagine Buxton basking in 35°C while mid-ocean, it was less than half that at times.   Nevertheless, I came back from that holiday rejuvenated, re-energised and ready to hit the ground running.  Oh yeah?  The only thing that did any running last week was my nose!  By Tuesday (after I had bought tickets for a couple of Buxton Festival operas), I had come down with a filthy and debilitating cold.  I just about made it to The Merry Widow and La Traviata both of which had attracted 5 star reviews.  Assuming 5 stars is the highest available accolade, that is some achievement.  And I would have to say that the magnificent soprano in La Traviata (who sadly expires at the end) had a powerful and wonderful voice which didn’t need amplification to shatter chandeliers.  I’m not aware, however, of any glass disintigrating in the Opera House, but my cold suddenly cleared up! 

So today, I contemplate a rare first experience for me on 12th August.  I have yet to be there at a total eclipse of the sun.  This I plan to do hopefully from a strategically placed Queen Mary 2 in Reykjavic.  I have odered my eclipse glasses.  So, next Monday, I shall be on my way to Southampton for a second time this year.  Photographic opportunities will be aplenty as we call at Zebrugge and a couple of places in Norway, Olden, Skjolden, and various spectacular fjords, before heading to the Land of Fire and Ice. My late seventies remain exciting times.  But the curtain comes down towards the end of August, hopefully not La Traviata style!

Many thanks for reading, David, 10.47 hrs in his bedroom.