What’s the Story in Dalamory

It is time for another rant about technology. The trouble is that it is marvellous when everything works the way it should; but hopeless when things go wrong. It could be said that we live in an age of technological challenge. But why is it that the new washing machine has to be fooled into spinning at the speed I want it to? It is o­ne of these almost walking, talking machines. When told that the clothes are synthetic, it will not allow a spin speed of more than 900rpm.

But – we have found a way to fool it into allowing a 1200 or 1400 spin. Imagine the consternation when I discovered that a 1400 spin rendered everything too creased even for steam ironing.

A friend of mine confessed that she watches Monarch of the Glen o­n a Sunday night. I had to admit to the same weakness. What a programme. It plays a great deal o­n the scenery and the format. The actors are barely believable and the storyline is spurious at least. New characters are introduced sporadically to give an aura of something happening, and are then despatched when they have outlived their usefulness.

The trouble is that it is very like real life.
At least it is definitely like real life here o­n Seil; so it will remain compulsive viewing.

Going to the doctor's surgery reminded me of the cauliflower effect in Stornoway in the 1970s. Transport links were less reliable back then, and the word swiftly went round if any shop had a delivery of fresh veg. You had to be quick to avail yourself of the delights of a change from pre-packaged frozen stuff.

The surgery was heaving this morning. It seems that everyone had heard the anti-'flu jabs were available. I was there for routine maintenance (blocked ears needing syringed) – and the atmosphere in the waiting room was a lot jollier than it often is when everyone sits round worrying about their illnesses.

I have been puzzling over the Panorama programme o­n the richest 1% of our population. Apparently, they now have something like 13% of the annual income in the country and own over a quarter of the property/land. There was much discussion by various economists o­n the advantages of a capitalist system, and this was backed up by wealthy entrepreneurs who maintained that their success had a knock-on effect for their workers. o­ne lone voice spoke about our society becoming less caring as it became more aspirational.

What worried me was the way in which the producers ignored the voice of spirituality or the effect all of this has o­n crime. Am I alone in feeling very uncomfortable about all of this? And I mean the power of the programmers as much as the bias itself.

Wisdom comes out of a life of contemplation, and often it is the simple things that are the deepest and most meaningful. Instance this quotation from Julian of Norwich.

I saw that God was everything that is good
and encouraging.
God is our clothing
that wraps, clasps and encloses us
so as never to leave us.
God showed me in my palm
a little thing round as a ball
about the size of a hazelnut.
I looked at it with the eye of my understanding
and asked myself:
“What is this thing?”
and I was answered: “It is everything that is created.”
I wondered how it could survive since it seemed so little
it could suddenly disintegrate into nothing.
The answer came: “It endures and ever will endure,
because God loves it.”
And so everything has being because of God's love.

Tomorrow, we have a guest preacher at church who has chosen o­ne of my favourite stories from the gospel of John. It is the story of Jesus and the Woman at the Well.

The photograph is of a sculpture in the couryard of Chester Cathedral. It became a focus for my study leave project around five years ago. Initially it repelled me, but over time it became a symbol for the way that Jesus always surprises.

I am looking forward to hearing what the preacher has to say.

Him Indoors has a birthday o­n Monday, so in amongst practising public speaking, my task for the day is to hunt out a suitable present.

Easier in Oban than elsewhere surprisingly.

Never have I felt quite so fond of Her Majesty as when I saw her o­n the news last night.

She was captured o­n camera nodding off during a medical discussion.
God save the Queen.

A discussion has been instituted o­nline about the Church of Scotland's proposals to create more flexibility in its use of trained ministers or clergy. Being a church without bishops is supposed to mean that individual congregations have greater freedom in the choice and appointment of a pastor. The b-word is not overtly mentioned in the lobbying document, but I suspect that it is as emotive as ever, even in absentia.

I have yet to consider and respond, but my interest today is stirred by the power of the internet, and the way that we have adapted to the use of such power. No longer is it a case of paying large postal bills or using up vast chunks of time and effort in telephone calls. o­ne click of the button and hundreds can be contacted. I wonder to what extent we recognise the compulsion to react. It took me years to realise that the wastepaper basket was a valid receptacle for a goodly portion of my ordinary mail. Similarly for email.

Changing people's minds and stirring up interest has become a discipline in its own right. An interesting thought o­n the day after the day after That Election.

I have been very quiet o­n the subject of the American Presidential Election. But I have tried to listen and understand.

It hasn't worked. All that has happened is that I am left with a deep sense of unease.