I’m having one of those days! It’s a day when seemingly magically everything just goes right.  I mean, it started by getting out of bed well before nine o’clock this morning.  And I was well rested.  This improvement though I hadn’t hit the sack until after eleven o’clock last evening when I had remained in the drawing room and persisted to do whatever useless exercises I contrived to do on the internet, everything from searching for luxury sticks (I found one in London, England naturally) to skipping through TikTok (which to my eternal surprise amazes me with its unanticipated and useful information and narratives; that is, apart from the endless selfies made by the magazine models, admiring themselves doing singularly uneventful things), then glancing at Country Life (always a redeeming anodyne) and finally succumbing to whatever sleep is, exhausted from my daily obsessions and preoccupations, distracted enough to contemplate nothing but the strength of the feather pillows and the warmth of the down duvet.

Anyway I greeted the day today with gusto!  Immediately I set off upon my tricycle.  After having lately inflated the tires properly my enthusiasm was incrementally improved, pound for pound as they say. It may have helped too that I wasn’t long capturing the distant sound of the pipes and drums from the Fair Grounds on the other side of the river.  Today is the annual Highland Games.  The rigid sound of the pipes and drums trailed across the water with the most memorable sensation.  I was once the Regimental Sgt Major of a highland cadet corps. Small wonder the pipes and drums were centuries ago so stimulating over the moors for the hard headed clansmen in pursuit of their English blood, the small compliment or inspiration that it is to the decency of mankind.

As I streamed along the river I stopped to get an oversight of the agricultural hall and adjoining fair grounds upon which the demonstration of mass bands and pole vaulting will transpire later today.  Meanwhile the sun shone brilliantly; the air was clear; the temperature ideal for a late summer day.

When I passed Fairview Manor I was prompted to enter and seat myself at the piano in the lounge.  Thus positioned I experimented with playing the piano, attempting to touch upon the resources of my own emissions for what I reckon may constitute minor relief for the aging patients. Sometimes sound is the only communication that qualifies as a palliative.  Though I am bound to remark that the old woman who was initially seated near the piano when I arrived had disappeared when I left.  Perhaps the performance was for my benefit only (even though a nurse kindly applauded me upon my departure). It is nonetheless a reminder that things change, not everything lasts forever. But we’re attempting to keep the flame burning for the moment at least.

And now I must depart to fulfill the balance of my predictable future.  Already I anticipate with glee the chilled coffee that awaits in the ‘fridge and the late afternoon relaxation. Perhaps a sliced green apple too.  Altogether it’s a perfect day!