And oh the news. Turned on Breakfast TV to hear all the doom and gloom about the virus which was then followed by an item about undertakers ordering additional coffins to cope with demand.
At that point I decided to have a long walk rather than listen to any more depressing news. But before I went there was a frisson of anger brought on by the fact that Europe and politicians are now arguing about the availability and distribution of vaccine.
It seems that these morons (and that seems to be the only reasonable word to describe them - I have such a low opinion of them) don't seem to understand that they are playing politics with people's lives. Surely the emphasis should be on getting vaccine to as many people throughout the world as possible without stupid in-fighting or profiteering that would be more appropriate to four year olds stamping their feet and throwing tantrums.
Accompanying music on the walk was again eclectic including Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, the Kinks, Barclay James Harvest, the Platters, The Who, The Beatles, Peter Sarstedt and many more. One of the first pieces that came up was "The Winter Long" by one of my favourite groups The Strawbs and again the lyrics seemed so apt.
Still waters flow
Sea breezes blow
Wild flowers grow
Abundant at your feet.
Soft falling snow
Warm candle glow
Flushed faces show
The pleasure when we meet.
Hold on to me, I'll hold on to you
The winter long I will always be with you.
Hold on to me, I'll hold on to you
I will be the one who will always see you through.
Another imperious track that came up was Montague Terrace in Blue by Scott Walker. Scott Walker had a sumptuous voice whether he was in the Walker Brothers or solo. After leaving the Walker Brothers he produced four outstanding albums - entitled appropriately Scott, Scott 2, Scott 3 and Scott 4 (might be a slight lack of originality there but at least it does what it says on the tin). The first three of these albums were a mix of his own compositions and songs by other writers including Jacques Brel. Scott 4 consisted of self-penned songs. If you haven't heard any of these albums I recommend that you seek them out. After those albums Scott went rather experimental and strange.
Of course Scott Walker's real name wasn't Walker at all. He was really Scott Engel. Similarly the other two members of the Walker Brothers were not brothers and also didn't have the surname Walker (although two of them adopted that surname eventually).
Up in Cromer in North Norfolk, there are a couple of brothers. They sing 60s pop including the Walker Brothers and they call themselves The Walker Brothers because their surname is actually Walker. They introduce themselves with the words: "We are the Walker Brothers and we are actually brothers and our surname is actually Walker." Oh and just one more thing - they are very good. One of them is a local plumber!
I find on a walk, I listen much more closely to the words of songs than when music is merely a backdrop to doing other things. I believe it's called "keeping in the zone." On a walk it's much easier to concentrate on the music, although yesterday morning it was rather frosty so I had to also concentrate on keeping my footing. Late in the morning the frost went leaving muddy paths and so concentration was again needed.
Today it was a socially distanced walk with cousin Belinda Broad. I started by walking to Wymondham and then we went along the bank of the River Tiffey towards Wicklewood which was featured yesterday on the Escape to the Country TV programme. Took a number of photos on the walk - many of which you can see with this blog.
Saw a number of interesting birds, including what appeared to be a Buzzard. Also saw an Egret. This will be a lovely walk in the Spring when it will be warmer and there will be less mud about.
My aim has been to complete 150 walking miles by the end of January. I was falling behind my aim, but today's walk was more than 10 miles and has brought my total thus far to just over 120. If I can average six miles a day for the remaining days I will reach the target, which I'm determined to do.