Having risen at the usual time, even though it is a Monday Bank Holiday, I sat lamenting my life for a while at the laptop, including lamenting the fact that the spare laptop would not switch on last night, and downed coffee in a vain attempt to waken up.
By 9:30 I decided to venture out into the chilly sunshine and cross the greenery in the park. The need for a small bit of green is within us all, though not if it is growing on the wall. So, off I trotted, passing only a couple of dog walkers, and a young dad proving eh is a 'modern man' by walking the two Labradors along with a pram. The dogs were too much under control, but dad will think he is 'strong.'
I wonder what my nieces would say to him?
Slowly hobbling up the hill I decided to breakfast in the 'Shakespeare Café.' You will note the spellchecker ensures 'café' is always spelt correctly! This was indeed a good idea. Not long after 10 ish I was served by one of the two friendly staff. These places make it easy today, the menu has set breakfasts etc, and all you do is choose one and ask for 'Set 2 please.' This gave me a decent sausage, two eggs, on fried bread, two bacon, two hash browns, a wee bowl of beans, tea and two thick slices of bread, all for £9 plus small tip.
As I ordered it did not sound much, but in time a large plate appeared and I realised just how much there was here. By the time I looked at the two toasts I thought I might not finish it all! But I did!
A very good clean café, with friendly staff, usually lots of customers, today I arrived when it was quiet, and I certainly intend to make use of this place again. Neatly laid out, tidy, well cared for and I suspect a great many regular customers. I recommend this place!
Of course, now I am stuffed I can hardly move.
After this, I carried my increased bulk into Sainsburys, chatting to a Labrador pup guarding the owner at the door, and picking up a bag of wee orange things without a label thus holding up the ever growing queue at the other end. I blethered my way out of their unspoken fuming, and ran for the door.
Altogether it has been a good morning, now to see what can go wrong with the day.
As I left the Kirk yesterday I sauntered along a road I have not walked for years. The long way home took me past things often noticed but never pictured before. The old museum habit of taking shots of anything remotely of historical interest has not died. So, the school sign, declaring it was Essex built in 1929 somewhat boastfully is taken. Not a school anymore, but still used for kids in some way.
At the bottom of the hill stands the 1930s pub 'The Oak.' Now long changed use it stands on the busy corner. This picture shows how much things have changed in just over 100 or so years.
The 1930s building stands slightly to the right of this ancient one. Judging by the motorbikes and the fashions in the picture this may be around 1914 time. The distant houses have gone, industrial use now, but at first sight, apart from the rickets, 60 hour weeks, and low pay, life appears more leisurely.
Only those who know their history would realise this lonely, and probably unused light appears to be part of the original 'Lake & Elliot' factory. Most buildings remain, all in some sort of use, but only one such as I would jump to a conclusion, probably wrong, that this is ancient.
I limped home, getting slower as I moved, wondering if anyone tends these plants that appear to grow wild at the side of the road? Possibly the council tend them, but I have never seen any action here. Still, this is better than another fence, however well painted.
