Out and about. Choosing what to report.

Three fine days on the run, what’s that about? We’ll begin to get used to it. But, in weatherman-speak, another “front” is on the way. So by this evening we might well be back to rain. I”m hoping it arrives more slowly so that I can take our small grandson out for a walk as usual late tomorrow morning. We shall see. 

However, I did manage to cycle to the market in the sunshine this morning, even though the wind was extremely cold. The cheese and biscuit lady, who returned last week, was absent once more. Apparently she has a bad back. No oat biscuits for us this week! I shall have to start baking cakes!  I notice that many people going into shops in Uppermill are still wearing masks, a much higher percentage than in Manchester city centre yesterday. That’s according to the scientific method known as “taking a quick look”.

Watching and listening to reports of the war in Ukraine, I get the feeling that there is much more sentimental reporting of this war than of, for example, the war in Syria or Afghanistan. Far more individuals are being interviewed, giving an account of their horrific experiences so far. We are shown lots of footage of families torn apart as mother and children board a train and father stays behind to fight. There are many photos of appealingly sad children. It’s not that I don’t feel sympathy for their plight , I just wonder why there is so much more coverage of this aspect than there was in previous conflicts. The sneakily cynical word “propaganda” comes to mind!

And here’s a link to a report suggesting that even in places like Poland, which as a neighbour to Ukraine is receiving masses of refugees, some are not as welcome as others. 

It does seem though that many countries are accepting refugees more freely than the UK is doing. Biometric testing seems to be delaying entry into our country. That and possibly a paranoia about Russian spies sneaking in pretending to be Ukrainians. We seem to have become an unfriendly country!

And there is the added problem I have heard reported of small charity organisations trying to send aid to  Ukraine and having their trucks delayed at customs because of Brexit paperwork! I suppose that was predictable.

Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!