Wick (Thos McKay): Week 25 – 2 December

It’s been a year.  I have just begun my second year of widowhood.  In the grand scheme of things, my concerns are of little import.  I have a home, I can to heat it, I can afford to eat, I can afford to go on holiday and run a car.  So many around the world, and even in this country, do not have these things. 

On the other hand, although I try to keep perspective, one always remembers what one has lost.  After a year, the thing I miss most is the companionship.  Having someone there to look out for me, and I for them.  The simple things like a cup of tea appearing at my elbow while I’m on a Zoom meeting.  Sure, I have friends and regular activities, but it’s not the same.  But I’ve got through the first year, the hardest year.  Another thought that surfaces when I’m about to buy something expensive – “He’d want you to be happy” – and I know this to be true.

Early morning snow

But enough of maudlin sentiment.  I’m fine, really truly. 

To continue with my travels, I arrived back in the UK in mid November and stayed with friends near Heathrow for a few days to reacclimatise.  It was cloudy, cool, and sometimes rainy.  Following this, I drove to Northamptonshire, where I stayed for the rest of the week, hoping to get a few things done like a boiler service and broadband installation.  Neither occurred. The boiler service was cancelled at a half hour’s notice, on the first snowy day of winter.  It was quite a surprise to open the curtains to falling snow!  But it didn’t last, and was melted away by the afternoon.

Edinburgh Castle

Following the sojourn in Northamptonshire, I drove to Edinburgh to visit another friend. It was during the end of ‘Storm Bert’, which brought heavy rain, wind, and flooding to the UK.  There was a strong tailwind; the car and I made a drunkard’s progress.  But there was no chance of weaving around when I hopefully followed the satnav’s recommended detour.  Although a saving of 20 minutes was shown, in the end it seemed to add that and more.  It directed me through the backroads of rural Cheshire, down rutted and potholed single-track roads that were barely more than farm tracks.  The difficulties came when other drivers, coming from the opposite direction, took the same detour.  We pulled over so far that we scraped the hedges, with mere inches between the passing vehicles.  It did not help that some of the vehicles were large mini-vans or huge SUVs.  I made a New Year’s resolution early – Never Take A Satnav Detour Again.

Gloaming on the river, Wick

As you can see, there hasn’t been much progress on the gansey.  I had hoped to have it done by now, but it never felt right to knit while I was visiting, unless my host also knit.  However, it’s nearly finished now, just a few rows to go.  It will be done by next week, when I’ll start swatching for the next.