The expression ‘it’s grim up North’ was certainly applicable to today’s weather as we’ve had persistent rain most of the time. Dawn’s been out and about whilst I’ve been busy at home with various chores and work – hardly the rock and roll lifestyle but productive nonetheless. I did manage to escape the office long enough to take a soggy stroll down into Sowerby Bridge and back along the canal but the weather was hardly conducive to lingering which is a shame as the trees are looking glorious right now as they’re shedding their leaves at a rapid rate and some of the colours are gorgeous. Of course, Covid has meant Sowerby’s much quieter than normal so I avoided the temptation of popping into a pub for a ‘swifty’ as it’s not the same when you’re on your own and I’m not tempting fate by mixing with strangers just for the sake of a quick drink – even if the change of scenery’s appreciated. Whilst we’ve dodged the Tier 3 bullet here in West Yorkshire I’m not convinced we’ll remain lucky and I’ve no desire to put myself in harms way. A select group of us had arranged to go out for a meal in Sowerby next week to celebrate a couple of birthdays (mine included) but the tighter rules have meant we’ve had to cancel. With the way things are I’m not sure when if we’ll get the chance again this year.

Back at home I managed to get another tranche of old railway pictures and memorabilia sorted for eBay, including some rare items such as this. I’m gradually emptying cupboards of stuff I’ve been hoarding for years, but there’s plenty more to add to eBay yet which (along with scanning old slides) should keep me occupied during the winter months – new lockdown or not…

Right, on to the picture of the day. Bugger this miserable weather, let’s pretend Covid hasn’t happened so we’re off to somewhere sunny…

I took this picture on Eriyadoo Island in the Maldives on the 16th January 2004. What I wouldn’t do to be socially isolating somewhere like this right now!

I’ve a favour to ask…
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