Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Grand Ma


I was organizing and archiving some old photos this week when I came across this short video, from November 2019. It's so short it's barely a video at all -- in fact the only reason it's not a still photo is that I couldn't fit that whole piece of text art, by Laure Prouvost, into a single frame. This was at the Notting Hill Gate tube station, and if I'd turned around, I'd have seen on the opposite wall, "Grand Ma loved being carried up the escalator into the naked light."

Poetic, right? Whimsical and yet poignant, given the use of the past tense.

We had another chaotic morning around here yesterday. The fence guys were back to finish the job, and it looks great from our perspective, though I have a real feeling that Mrs. Kravitz will complain whenever she returns from wherever she is. We also had a gigantic moving van parked two houses away (where the baseball players lived -- apparently they've moved), and there was a huge construction lorry noisily threading its way up the street, past the hole in the pavement created by Thames Water.

On the plus side, remember how I said we were going to throw out the shoddily made plant ladder? Well, the fence guys took it with them, along with all the wood debris from the old fence. So it's out of our hair. Of course this was a day after I'd arranged with (and pre-paid) the council to remove it, so now I'm writing to see if I can get a refund.

Oh, and I took my pre-flight Covid test. I had a video call with a technician who watched me unbox the kit, swab my nose, run the test and set the timer, and then I had to send them via e-mail a picture of the results along with my photo ID within half an hour. In return, they e-mailed me back a "fit to fly" certificate, which allegedly will allow me to board my plane to Florida tomorrow.

In the afternoon I finished a page-turner of a book, "People Like Her" by Ellery Lloyd, which I enjoyed a lot. It's a good suspenseful summer read, and it resonated with me because it's about an Instagram "influencer" and the ramifications of putting details about one's private life (in her case, not always truthful) online. I also recently enjoyed "A Children's Bible" by Lydia Millet, an apocalyptic tale about a world threatened by climate change in which a group of children essentially have to fend for themselves. I recommend both of them!

49 comments:

Frances said...

I didn't realise you were off to Florida so soon! Will you be anywhere near Mary? If so give her a big hug from me. Hope to see lots of photos if you have time. Safe journey for tomorrow.

Moving with Mitchell said...

I love the escalator quotes... although I can’t believe you didn’t make two round trips to video the down escalator quote. Ah well. (You’re forgiven.) I hope you’re still home when Mrs. Kravitz returns. Can’t wait to hear what she thinks of the new fence. Thanks for the book recommendations. So glad you have your “fit to fly.”

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Sounds like you are escaping to Florida just before Hurricane Kravitz hits West London. If the fence guys have left a single spot of fencing paint on her award-winning paving, there will be hell to pay. An e-mailed "fit to fly" certificate? Sounds like it could easily be forged though I guess it might have a unique barcode. Far too many people have sought to make money from the pandemic and this is another example.

Pixie said...

Have a wonderful trip.

Bob said...

Grand Ma loved her escalators, eh?

I, too, await Mrs.K's return ....

Ms. Moon said...

"Fit to fly." Now THAT would make a good book title. Let us know when you arrive safely!

Michael said...

That was an interesting way to do a covid test via computer. Technology at its finest! Have a safe flight to FL.

Mary said...

Make sure you bring a printed version of your Covid results so you don't depend on just showing the email results on your phone. Have read others saying it is best to have a hard copy on hand. Safe travels!

The Bug said...

I love that escalator quote - very poignant. I'm glad you're COVID free for your journey!

gz said...

Good advice from Mary.
It's all go in your street!!

Steve Reed said...

Yes, I'm bringing printed copies of everything! :)

Anonymous said...

Have a safe and good journey, Steve. Looking forward to your posts from Florida!

Linda Sue said...

That is a lot of fuss i suppose but traveling is dangerous these days, who knows from where the next big virus pandemic may originate. Could be the person sitting next to you in the sky- A mask is a good idea if you can tolerate, if not, line your nostrils with anti viral ointment like metholatum. Or just go for the full haz mat suit. Stay well, safe journey, have a good Florida time.

Sharon said...

That process for flying is interesting and further complicates something that has become overly complicated already. I will be interested in hearing your observations. I paid extra for my ticket to New York in October just to sit in an exit row. I thought the extra room would be worth it.
I checked out the link for the New Zealand sculpture that you left. The similarities between the two sculptures is amazing.

Edna B said...

These tests are required just to fly from one state to another state here. You have a safe flight. Hugs, Edna B.

John Going Gently said...

My sentiments exactly

Ellen D. said...

Wishing you safe travels! Enjoy your trip!

Angelicastar said...

Hi you three.....my dear Olga included. If my typing is a bit off, just remember I am typing with one finger (l0l). Wishing you a safe trip to Florida. For us who doesn't have moms with us anymore our hearts go out to you. I guarantee she will know you are there although she might not remember when you leave. Big hugs from you to her. Stay safe while traveling.

Beth Reed said...

I added both books to my summer reading list and I am sure that I will enjoy them. Thank you for the recommendations.
Safe travels to Florida. I am glad that your fit to fly and will now just have to endure hours of mask wearing which I am sure that your accustomed to by now. I dont think that I could tolerate that part of flying anymore but you my dear are still young enough to adapt.
Stay Safe and enjoy family and friends and fun! Hugs xxxx

jenny_o said...

Bon Voyage!

ellen abbott said...

sort of a whirlwind around there, just back from your weekend and now leaving again. hope you flight is uneventful and you have a good visit.

Janie Junebug said...

You have a lot going on. Congratulations on being fit to fly.

Love,
Janie

Red said...

a year ago we would have never thought that we would have to go through such a technological process just to fly.

Anonymous said...

The COVID test wasn't a nasal swab then? If this is your last post before you depart, have a terrific time.

Allison said...

Apropos of nothing, we just finished the 7th and final season of Bosch. It was good, but the dialog wasn't as fully formed as the other 6 seasons. Sentences were short, it moved right along. I think they were focused on getting to the final scene and wrapping it all up. It's totally worth watching.

Steve Reed said...

I don't think I'll be up in that part of the state, sadly, but you never know!

Steve Reed said...

Honestly I didn't even see the down escalator quote. I think I just didn't turn around. I only read about it later!

Steve Reed said...

There's no bar code on the certificate. I am not a forgery expert and I'm just doing what they tell me! But yeah, I bet a craftier person could fake it.

Steve Reed said...

Thank you!

Steve Reed said...

Fortunately I think I'll be gone!

Steve Reed said...

A sequel to "Fear of Flying," perhaps?

Steve Reed said...

It's a strange system, but I guess they want to be sure the test is taken properly.

Steve Reed said...

It IS poignant, I agree!

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, it's been nuts around here. It's like everybody's getting everything done while it's warm and the sun is out! (More or less...)

Steve Reed said...

Thanks, Robin!

Steve Reed said...

A mask is required, actually, on the plane and in the airport. (At least at Heathrow -- don't know about Florida!)

Steve Reed said...

The exit row is probably a good idea. I didn't have that kind of foresight!

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, I think getting on a plane to go anywhere you have to have it.

Steve Reed said...

Thank you!

Steve Reed said...

You type very well with one finger! LOL! Thanks for the good wishes.

Steve Reed said...

I figure the mask-wearing will be no worse than a day at work, where I have to wear a mask all day anyhow.

Steve Reed said...

Merci!

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, it was a quick and busy couple of days!

Steve Reed said...

Woo hoo!

Steve Reed said...

It is very strange, added to all the other flying-related stress inducers! (Packing, security, etc.)

Steve Reed said...

Yes, it was a nasal swab -- but not a throat swab.

Steve Reed said...

OK, good to know! I've really enjoyed that series but Dave is not a fan. I'll make him watch it, though. :)

Debi said...

I love your post and I hope that you have a great time Steve.Safe journey and see you here soon!,Best wishes to you and your family,xx

Vivian Swift said...

Welcome back to the US of A! A sighting of Air Force One is very cool, and having an entire row to yourself on a trans-Atlantic flight is as good as going first class. I'm looking forward to your shots of the weird everyday life of Florida.