Struggling

No Parkrun, no swimming....a long lie instead! I needed that. Fortunately, I had started to feel half-human after having a bug that has floored me most of the week. That meant I had the energy to catch up with household stuff that seriously needed done. More domestics with shopping needing done. Somehow I dilly dallied and found that I had a grand total of 3 minutes to get to the station. I'm sure the last 100m was done in 9.69 sec. I just slipped through the train doors before they closed, collapsing in a relieved heap.

Later in the afternoon, I decided that I was well enough fora wee swim so headed off into town to the Aquatics! On the way I picked up a ticket to for 12 Years a Slave and then toddled down Oxford Road. Nearing the pool, the signs weren't good. Far too many kids with low hanging Speedo rucksacks and swimming club hoodies! Sure enough the pool was closed for a gala! Only 2hrs 15 mins to kill before the film. Fortunately, I had my camera and the light was good so I wandered across towards the locks at Deansgate to see if I could capture something different from the norm.

It was getting close to film time and just as well! I was frozen. My ginger beer and salted chocolate was well gone before the trailers started. The film was kinda what I expected. The story itself was a really good one. A subject matter of slavery is never going to be enjoyable, but it was very moving. This film was made to win an Oscar.....and that is a criticism. There seems to be an undefinable formula! Of course, the film was excellent and the lessons it gave are truly important.

It's worth taking a second to reflect on what slavery and freedom are about. Many people in the world get paid less than subsistence wages, having to pay for their own food and accommodation.....This means that it would actually cost more for employers to use slaves as they would have to cover such costs. Next time you pop into Primark....have a wee think.