Friday 1st December 2023
Waking up to more snow on the first day in December felt right somehow. All those tinselly twinkly Christmas decorations finally make sense. It felt peaceful watching the snowflakes float past the window and then I saw a bird. I suddenly wondered how the seed eaters manage to eat when the earth is covered in snow. But they must survive otherwise they'd migrate with the swallows.
I decided to pop into the town centre to get some last minute items so my brother in law offered a ride. I'd forgotten how to walk on icy pavements so when crossing the road into the mall, I got chatting with another old biddie who was grappling with the slippery surface. She was concerned about falling and leaving her dogs alone at home, so I suggested she wears an emergency bracelet saying 'dogs left alone' and some details. My friend in London wears something like this and she thought it a great idea.
I stopped in for a coffee (and treat) and watched the shops get busier. The lady in Costa coffee, behind the till, was outstanding. She had such rapport with all her customers and really seemed to be enjoying her work. I love seeing that. I also heard a South African lady in the card shop say all the British terms of endearment and I had to smile. 'Want your receipt, pet?' 'Need a bag today, love?' I was served by the other lady so I didn't practice my Afrikaans out loud.
The winter sun was brilliant for a walk around the streets so I moved cautiously on the pavements to explore the area on foot. The snow hadn't melted due to the cold temperatures so it made the world look different and cars carried snow loads on their roofs again. After photos and a wander, I popped in a small Cafe that I'd usually seen while driving by and I had a peppermint tea in a China cup. I listened to the chatty customer from Scotland, tell the owner all about his Italian father and I sat smiling to myself at the novelty of it all.
After the sun began to drop, I headed for the bus stop to ride my first Hartlepool bus. The bus stop was in front of a grand old building aptly called the Grand Hotel. Currently being renovated, only the bar area was open so I didn't get the exciting photos of the old windows in the foyer.
The bus trip was quick and a pleasant walk up the snowy path into the warm cosy house. Just like that, Friday is over!
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