I woke today at 0545 and got up to watch the Japanese Grand Prix. It wasn't worth it to be honest although the final outcome was satisfactory.....sort of. As dawn broke it became apparent that the storms of the last few days had abated and the sky was clear. The sun rose and turned the day into perfection albeit slightly cool perfection. The forecast for the beginning of the week is not good and I go away on Wednesday for my hospital check-up and return on Saturday. So I will lose four days from the run-up to my departure for New Zealand. That leaves me less than 10 days to do all that I need to do to the house and garden before I depart.
So I took a decision. I decided to put up the windbreak netting in the garden. Marcel and I had put in the posts when he stayed but it was too windy to do the netting. It's the first time in 34 years I've worked in the garden in full public view on a Sunday. My neighbours who would be upset are away. It's not a question of hypocrisy but of respect. I wouldn't want to do something openly in front of them which would offend them. because they are the most wonderful neighbours that anyone could have. I decided not to cut the grass because that would be noisy. However I need not have worried. The township buzzed to the sound of lawnmowers and flymos (weedwhackers). And not a one was wielded by an incomer. The washing fluttered on the lines. Someone mended their roof. Things they are a changin'.
Well, actually perhaps they are not changing as suddenly as we think People washed their cars in Stornoway when I came to the Island. Over the years many things have gradually changed. Because change happens. I am personally very pleased that the planes run on Sunday. I find it convenient and it was on a Sunday that I was told that Andy was dying and I needed to get to the hospital. I am pleased that the ferries sail on a Sunday now. I will not be pleased if the supermarkets open on a Sunday. I think it will be unnecessary. I don't think they will because unless only one (presumably Tesco) opens it will not make economic sense. But whatever happens those of the community who want to observe the Sabbath may do so. And those who want to do other things on a Sunday are likewise free to do them.
