It is an advantage of living in the country to drive about at whim on relaxed dry roads, aimlessly directed either north or south, east or west, uninhibited by the pursuit of others or traffic lights or delays. The mission is more liberal on a sunny workday when one’s retirement is rewarded, as though the capital of the world were open to private indulgence.

Our sally today is fortuitous for the benefit of the weather – a forecast mixture of sun and cloud with passably cool temperatures. We have today also extended the outing by setting an upper valley destination to consume several hours distraction on an otherwise unobstructed day. Speaking for myself the buoyancy of the venture has a good deal to do with the automobile itself, the chrysalis of our exploit. I shamelessly acknowledge the collective rapture of alignment, comfort and a quiet cabin. Already I have submissively conditioned myself to the inestimable allure of 1-pedal driving peculiar to the fully electric vehicle. And on a brilliant day such as today I have every intention of retracting the enormous cover beneath the glass roof (which thankfully is no longer possible to open, a superfluity in my opinion of no deprivation or consequence).

Driving steadily – as we did today – for more than an hour inevitably predicts a state of incremental evaporation or dissolution, a steady recline into the leather seat, a more frequent regard of the countryside, the distant horizon and the blue sky. In all the elevation of disbandment – reminiscent of looking out the window of a train as the world flashes by, inexorable, inalterable, unstoppable. Idle internal reflections ensue, coloured by the changing atmosphere from snow squall, foggy sky and azure solace. One is released of disquiet and accountability, satisfied that one will ultimately succeed to one’s goal. This is a bliss not shared by everyone but it unmistakably characterizes the willing and open conviction of the true automobile driver. No doubt, to the equestrian, an exemplar gelding is as memorable. For my part I am content with sensitivity to mechanical engineering including cruise control and Super Cruise (though I admit to a preference when driving to control the heated steering wheel and the imperceptible electronic acceleration).

We arrived at our denominated destination in ample time for the scheduled rendezvous with the surgeon. After a short detour in the vapid waiting room we were called to the surgeon’s equally colourless office where she began, “Good news!” There was nothing further to be said.  Already we were tweeting to family and friends.

The drive home was similarly reserved – though perhaps with more focus and acute detail, enforced refinement, the inexplicable modification of fortune.  On to the next thing.  Between sudden clouds of snow and precipitous azure sky, we were being mockingly but cheerfully bumped about by alternate unforeseen circumstances. A drive in the country…