A Front Just Blew In From Russia

I believe London is shut down this morning. No trains, no tube. At least that's what Ailz tells me. And she got it directly from Terry Wogan.
 
Up here, of course, in the hardy north, we don't let a little thing like this discourage us.

But, On The Other Hand

About ten years ago- perhaps a little more-  I accepted an invitation to speak about pagan spirituality in the crypt of Rochester cathedral.  I was going to be one in a series of speakers from different faith traditions. The list was published.  And the good, evangelical church people of Rochester were shocked- shocked- and rose up and roared- and the name of Satan got  bandied about- and the booking was cancelled. The man who had invited me- Canon John Armson- came to within a hair's breadth of losing his job.

So I may be kidding myself if I think I can just ease myself back into the church as into a pair of old slippers. I have a past. I was notorious. And so was Ailz. The newspaper cuttings are out there. Lots of them.

And it's not as though I'm willing to disown my past. Because I'm not. 

Ten years ago I relished getting into a ding-dong theological fight.  Now I'm not so sure.  I'm tired. The brain is slower. I can't see the point of arguing with silly people.

Self Portrait In The Snow

I went up the road to post a packet and buy kibble for the in-laws dog. Passing by the junk shop I snapped this...