England
Not a lot of photogenic moments now, but lots of activity on the ringing front. I’ve been fortunate to revisit all of the towers that were important in my initial introduction to English change ringing. Now beyond the initial skill development needed to avoid disaster, I am working hard to learn the skills needed to properly begin the real ‘methods’ of change ringing. With help from my mentors: Peter Wenham, and Geoff and Carole Pullin, I have begun the first tentative steps in learning Bob Doubles, a method usually involving 6 bells, of which 5 change places in a mathematical sequence. I’ve never been good a numbers, so there are lots of challenges in developing skills there, while still remembering to pull appropriately on the rope. Listening and adjusting the precise moment of swinging a bell from 400-1000kg, to get the ‘striking’ just right, requires finesse and control that I need to continue working upon (a LOT!).
Next week, I am back to Canada for the Christmas season. It will be great to have a chance to be with family and friends in Canada again. Winterizing and securing the boat for the duration has provided a different sort of challenge: how to remove all the water from the pipes, when the lowest point is about 60cm below the waterline…
Difficult moments as well, as another moorer in the marina drowned this week in the canal. Speculation involves lots of possible scenarios, but the reality is that care and attention are needed in every activity we involve ourselves in.
The weather here continues to be really quite pleasant, especially when compared to that of western Canada. Vancouver reported snow, while parts of Alberta where my family live had more than 45cm of the fluffy white stuff. Fluffy, yes, but that much snow must certainly provide challenges for moving around. Add nasty cold (<-15 degrees Celcius + wind) and things must be challenging. Why am I going there? Friends and family warm everything!
Best wishes to all for this season: may you never forget the blessings of friends, family and those that care. Take care, all.
