Irish Peregrinations

Here's a wonky image of our baby, being loaded onto a lorry; for its journey to Ireland.

It's nearly the end of November (2019), and Moonstone is now moored in a lovely little marina on the River Shannon. Viz: http://taramarina.ie/.

That location and the current sociopolitical situation are not unconnected ... the prospect of living in a United Kingdom which returns Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, is a prospect just too depressing to contemplate. The societal consequences released by the referendum - initiated by 'call me Dave' Cameron; purely for reasons of internal Tory Party stresses - may have irrevocably changed the way people of this country treat each other ... it's not a pretty sight! That is, of course, a generality but; nonetheless undeniable, for all that. (The voice in my head sounds almost like Donald Trump ... "So sad!"

Lyn and I are hoping (against hope) for an election result which denies Boris Johnson his heart's desire but, realistically, we are preparing for disappointment ... whilst working for our local Labour Party candidate! However; the overwhelming forces of the mainstream media, established financial superstructures, and various international vested-interests, ranged against radical change to deliver social justice, are probably too great to withstand. I am old enough to remember what happened to Clement Attlee's government, in 1951. It appears that, now; as then; the turkeys will vote for Christmas. "So sad!"

Those of you who receive e-mails from me, will be aware that each one is signed-off with a quote from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt 's second Inaugural address (1937): "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." That statement is, for me, the epitome of social justice; and a tenet to which I shall cling, until I depart this world. Enough!

Ceasing, herewith, all polemic; I will try to devote my time on this medium to commentary on the Watery Peregrinations, which Lyn and I are undertaking. We have made arrangements to be on the boat over Christmas. The marina will be to all intents, bereft of humanity, saving only ourselves! We are hoping for a day or two (or 3 or 4?) of clement weather, so that we might have our inaugural cruise on the River Shannon. Just a scant ten (or so) miles away, is Carrick-on-Sahnnon. Surely even inclement weather will allow us to get as far as that?

Carrick-on-Shannon is a pretty, small town; on both sides of the river; in the counties of Roscommon and Leitrim. Though of no great size, it has all the amenities necessary for a comfortable life and, at just 14 kilometres remove (by road) from Tara Marina, is a not too onerous bicycle ride.

 ... and here is Moonstone, doing 55mph. on the M62, heading for Holyhead, and the Dublin ferry.

That's enough for now. If we don't chat beforehand ... all felicitations for the Festive Season.