LAZY SUNDAY. AGAIN.
Recovering from heatstroke.
On Friday I had to do one simple errand. I use that word to mean when I have to go out to do or get something as opposed to when I choose to go out with no particular purpose in mind - which is rare actually. So on Friday I went out a little earlier than neccesary intending a diversion on the way there …but….well the heat was incendiary,the air was hot. The local train was creeping along the track then we waited outside the station for at least 20 minutes if not more because of congestion,all the platforms were full with trains backed up. Well,I just missed my connection for the diversion I intended so got on another bus - that broke down in the heat on a country lane! No disaster though,the bus driver stayed with us passengers and got us put on the next bus along and there was tree shade to stand in. So having reached the other destination I did my business there then waited for a bus back,and waited,and waited…at last it came,it's not ideal to stand 20 minutes in glaring heat but too hot to walk far looking for a cooler stop. At last I did my real main errand which was to collect a new batch of spectacles,so I have plenty of pairs for when I lose a pair (as I did on my recent travel) or an arm breaks off. But on this hot journey I found this little book by one of my favourite authors,the late Sophie Kinsella,this one written under I believe her real name Madeleine Wickham. Under this name her stories deal with more serious themes but still with plenty of comedic insight into human nature. I have read two chapters of this short book and it's very akin to the two novels of Julian Fellowes that I recently read,well one I listened to on Audible. The similarity is in the accurate identifying of tiny mannerisms betraying your place in Society. It's easy to say you don't care but thats not the point. It's not about whether you are trying to smash a class barrier and enter another set be that upwards,downwards or sideways. It's that other people recognize in your mannerisms where you belong and you them. It's trivial but it's interesting and when it's dissected by a Fellowes or this lady it can be both funny and poignant. Anyone who thinks the class system in Britain is dead and we now live in a meritocracy isn't paying attention and anyone who thinks the USA is egalitarian with no Class structure is REALLY not paying attention! Well,I'm just starting to feel “normal” again whatever that may be in connection with me,even with the room shaded the air is hot. I've got a cool air fan but I use it sparingly as I'll be paying the bill for it eh? Tomorrow Monday I'm making nettle soup. A big batch of it. I bet it's tasty cold,like that Spanish soup I've heard of Gazpacho. Ive emptied my freezer so it's time for a defrost and a big cook up.
