Demo

Demo

I may as well say straightaway this was the demo that never was for me. The demo was a big rally to demonstrate against article 50 and saying it should be revoked. This would mean staying in the EU. My family are very fired up on this subject. Annette, who so far has taken little interest in politics was very keen we should go. I have to admit I had my doubts about my walking stamina. Both my daughters were also planning to go and hearing that Debajit, Alison’s partner also planned to attend made me feel I should also go. There was to be an “old crocks” special short section which helped decide me.

However the best laid schemes gang aft agley as Burns puts it. After breaking my wrist I was put into plaster a few days before the march. With one good hand needed for my stick this left me in difficulty for things like getting on and off buses. Incidentally I have long learned that I need to ensure the bus is stationary before leaving my seat. So reluctantly I had to cancel my attendance. I was able to obtain a limited refund on my train ticket.

I easily persuaded Annette that she should go as I had food and drink I could manage with one hand. By phone I heard that Annette had reached London and met up with the girls ie. our daughters. I still think of them as girls although they are , of course, now middle aged women. I was very reassured to hear the rendezvous had been made as I had a lot of faith that Frances and Alison would look after their mother. Debajit had flu and wasn’t present.

My lunch was toast and soup. The soup was pre-prepared and in a bowl so all I had to do was to heat in a microwave. This is about the only cooking I can manage with two hands let alone one. I was spending my day in front of my computer. With all the facilities of the internet it is ideal for someone like me. My ( slightly ) guilty secret is that I’ve discovered Youtube. I’m just amazed at the material. So far all the music for which I’ve searched  I’ve found- what on earth happens to copyright issues? I’m very interested in spaceflight and there is a wealth of information available. There is a lot of rubbish and fakery but I’m not finding it difficult to sidestep that.

On the whole I’m impervious to “click bait” sites with an enticing summary. I’m able to follow my interests in modern history, technology, science etc. I do have some interest in business matters at least as far as I’m affected. Recently I have begun following some companies such as Tesla and Space X; I suppose much as people follow football clubs. These companies are led by Elon Musk who I find a most interesting man who combines a strong technology background with business nous. He is willing to put his personal fortune( gained from his role with PayPal ) behind adventurous businesses. To an extent following his companies is easy  because internet bloggers and vloggers are as interested as I am so news tends to arrive very quickly.

I’m afraid I’m also a tellyaddict so early evening I transitioned from computer screen to TV screen. The BBC has had a dismal record of featuring anti Brexit in the news but on this day it was the lead item talking of a million demonstrators. Certainly the video shots showed Trafalgar Square packed. I sent a text message to Annette and the girls and wondered how they were getting on. I had an early evening phone call from Annette to say  was catching a later train than planned ( and the corollary that I must fend for myself foodwise). Toast was easy, soup again and a cup of tea was not a big problem.

Annette got back about 9pm. I know it was only a day, and a day that passed easily but it was nice to see her and sit hearing about the day over a cup of tea. It had been a crowded experience and she says she clung to the girls. I was quietly pleased and proud.