Another cold, wet dark evening in the Northeast. Too miserable an evening to go out for pleasures that might otherwise be special.
What to do as the snow falls and makes leaving the house hazardous?
How about a night of slightly educational, slightly soap operery watching of happenings and doings in the lives of English royalty? The TV series, “The Crown.”
Tonight’s episode takes place in the exciting days of early space travel. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins make history as the whole world watched, fascinated and unbelieving as they landed on the moon.
Prince Philip watches too, transfixed to his television screen. Something transformative was clearly going on in his mind, and he was excited, thrilled and anxious. He would, as his royal station decreed, have the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the three heroes in person.
The prince took great care composing the questions he hoped to ask the astronauts in the fifteen minutes he was allotted to be alone with them.
The three men entered to royal pomp and circumstance, and were shown into the Prince’s private chamber.
And here is where the fantasy ends. These men, although they achieved greatness through their heroic willingness to put their lives at risk to achieve this great feat, were simply human beings after all.
They started the interview with the Prince by sneezing, coughing, and otherwise being humans. They were subject to the same problems and dangers that plague every day, ordinary people.
When Philip asked them for special observances while in space, he was disappointed with their answer. Much of their time was spent managing protocols that any pilot must deal with when on a mission. As the prince looked at the questions that he had so carefully composed, he realized that the astronauts were not able to give him the insights about the world and of life’s meaning that he sought. The achievements of the astronauts were not gong to clarify any deep understanding of the universe or its wonders.
Turning next to church leaders, who were likewise questioning their faith and the meaning of life, he established meaningful relationships with them and developed lifelong friends.
So what is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of faith? Long will pondering minds question these issues.
As for me, I will to go into the kitchen and make a lovely, soothing cup of steaming hot chocolate. That is the extent of my brilliant philosophical ideas and conclusions for the day.
THE CROWN
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "THE CROWN" (21)
Hot chocolate sounds the best alternative to me Ronnie..
Have a beautiful Christmas.. and all the best for 2020 and beyond … Have a beautiful Holiday despite the weather..
Here too in the UK we still have flood warnings as it rains and rains.. and have had the lights on in the house all day it is so dark..
Much love 🙂
Compared to chocolate all else is fairly insignificant and not worth more than a moment or two worth of pondering.
…but only if it’s Dark Chocolate. There’s no room in my life for simpy milk chocolate.
The lady of the house is hooked on the crown.
You make it sound so cynical! How about “We enjoy the episodes of “The Crown.”
If I may paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Life is like a hot chocolate. The answer to any question.”
Hot chocolate can make some sad situations feel better. I hope you have no sad stories in your life!
I can pass on this series. I was 10 when the headmistress came weeping into our primary school classroom to tell us that the king had died. However, it is good to know that you are enjoying it.
I am sorry that I brought this painful memory to mind, Derek. To us this series is an educational one. My history teachers were never terribly creative, and their classes involved memorizing dates more than teaching interesting history of our times. The series makes the characters real with people we can relate to.
It wasn’t painful, Ronnie. You may find this post interesting: https://derrickjknight.com/2012/06/01/the-dragons-tears/
Oh, I simply adore the Royals! ❤️
It is a compelling program, very well done, and historically true.
Heavy the head that wears the crown! (prince Phillip)
Harvey
Yes, he must have been feeling that weight at the time.
Your philosophical approach sounds fantastic to me. I don’t even try to figure it out. I just go with the flow.
Bev, How nice it is to meet someone who feels the way you do!!!
I think your philosophical conclusion is the best, Ronnie. 😊
Aha; at last: someone who understands me!
Hahahahaha
Wonderful depiction of the real world. (And very nicely written. )
Sent from my iPhone Jerry
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Thanks, Jerry. I appreciate the kind words.