Family stuff. Trains. Statues and ice rinks.

 Today we got up early to travel to Southport for a funeral. Family reunions tend to be such events these days but it was nicely done.

In the mid afternoon we saw our son onto a train to Liverpool, from whee he caught a train back to London. By the time I finish this blogpost he might just about be back home in Buckinghamshire. The rest of us drove back home to Saddleworth.

Yesterday I commented on the 7.00 am Manchester to London train being cancelled. My son, who works for Transport for London, tried to persuade me that it was all a matter of security. I was not convinced. Now this article tells me that the decision has been reversed. There you go. 

Now, here’s a photo of a statue of Luciano Pavarotti unveiled to much fanfare last year in a square in the centre of Pesaro, a coastal city in the Marche region.

And here is a photo of the same statue trapped in a Christmas celebrations ice rink! There has been a bit of an outcry. 

Andrea Biancini, the mayor of Pesaro, has apologised, admitting that the local council had “made a mistake”.

“There was no intention of disrespect,” he said. “I was assured that Pavarotti wouldn’t be touched or incorporated into the ice rink floor.”

But with the festive feature due to open in the city’s Piazzale Lazzarini this weekend, he said it was not possible for it to be dismantled, and that trying to move the statue would be costly and could cause damage. But maybe Pavarotti would enjoy being involved in the Christmas fun.

Today has been a wet day. My step count is much reduced from its usual high level. Too much time spent sitting in a car, and sitting  talking to members of the family.

Normal service should be resumded to orrow. 

Lofe goes on, stay safe and well, everyone!