It is Saturday, day 6 has begun, I am on a 225 pulled by a 91 heading up to Edinburgh, and it is a glorious day. I was so tired last night when I got home - yes, it was home, Ollerton, that I fell fast asleep, so yesterday's blog is being done today. My apologies to those who have been eagerly waiting.
So we have had 2 consecutive nights on a train - the Cornish Riveria overnight was a better than the Scottish sleeper, in my experience, (Neil disagrees with me - he delighted in waking up to the Cairngorms passing by the window) although in both cases accommodation not best suited to large people.
Yesterday started out in Penzance, and within an hour of arriving on the sleeper, we were heading back to London on a HST 125. In London crossed to Marylebone, to experience the Chiltern line to Birmingham for the first time - needn't have really bothered, a bit like cattle being transported, in a rather tired 168, which was delayed en route because of trespassers on the line. But what a great joy to be joined by Neil and Mary from Wollation days, for the journey from Solihull into Birmingham. It was so good to see them, and kind of them to join us. My leg was not at it's best, but it did just manage the walk between Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmnigham New Street Stations (about 1/2 mile). Coffee and cake with Neil and Mary, and then Cross Country Voyerger to Derby, followed by 170 to Nottingham, and then 156 to Newark Castle.
In depth reflections on this week, will follow next week, and I am aware that I have not yet posted my final reflection on the France/Belgium trip, along with quotes from Northern Ireland trip. When I get home next week (and after my birthday on Tuesday - hint hint) I will put this right.
But yesterday's reflection, with my leg hurting so much, it was about how difficult it is for those to get around who are disabled, and the attitude of those around them. When I have a stick with me, I generally find people to be very helpful, verging just little on occasions to being patronising (for the right reasons), that is, except, when you are facing the London rush hour heading to Birmingham on the Chiltern line. There is was everyone for themselves.
Neil (not Mary's Neil) has told me to be more conscious of my own needs when it comes to matters of my own ability and comfort, and not just to think of others!
Feeling very positive, and today, Saturday, my leg is feeling quite a bit better.
When I get back to work I intend to meet up with Area Dean, our new Archdeacon, and my Bishop, to think through some of the implications of my reflections and thoughts. At the moment I am feeling good inside, at peace with myself and the world, and ready to live life to the fullest.
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