Saturday 13 October 2018

Saturday

Trying to rain and very, very windy here today.   Not a day to be out and about really but it was the church coffee morning in the village where I used to live and I always go to that.   Because of the weather there were not many there so I was pleased I had made the effort to go.

I needed to nip into town before going home to post a letter and also to buy some bananas - I can't manage a day without a banana (my staple fruit).
Then, as I was making my pasta and veg lunch my son rang and asked if I wished to go to Darlington with him and his wife (she was going to Hotter shoes to buy some boots).   I went with them - I decided I had not been there for maybe four years.  I found it quite a depressing experience in that so many shops have closed - and more are closing
(House of Fraser at one end of the High Street and Marks and Spencer at the other end).  So cheered myself up by buying a pair of winter boots in the Hotter Sale. 

We came home the country way (we went on the motorway) - Darlington is only twenty five miles away - and came through some pretty villages where the autumn leaves were spectacular and where the air was full of them in the howling gale that was blowing.  Almost bedtime now (10.03) and our usual Sunday lunch out tomorrow so no need to think much about food until Monday.

9 comments:

wherethejourneytakesme said...

My mum is quite upset that Marks and Spencers have not only closed in Darlington but in Stockton too and she buys a lot of her food there (or did). There is little in Stockton for her to go to now other than the bank as Yarm in the other direction from her apartment is only independant small shops. I wonder why the North east has been hit so badly with closures, I believe Debenhams might be for the chop too.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Small businesses have a struggle staying afloat in small towns here, as well (although I wouldn't consider Marks and Spencers a small business). I'll trade you a banana for some berries, something I have almost daily. -Jenn

angryparsnip said...

It is so sad when local shops close and small towns disappear.
You lead a lovely life with your family and friends.

cheers, parsnip and badger

Bea said...

Save for the gusty wind, your drive home sounds lovely.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I can't help but think that the high street chains only have themselves to blame. They were in pole position to exploit the internet when online trading became possible, but they sat on their hands till Amazon and others had cornered a large section of that market before they reluctantly joined in. 76 degrees down here this afternoon - crazy weather!

thelma said...

I only order online from M&S, their service is pretty quick. The wind has howled through the trees here as well, but so warm it is scary.

Librarian said...

A new pair of boots would cheer me up, too - in fact, I will start looking soon, as the pait I have been wearing for about six years now does not keep my feet dry anymore, and repair would cost only a little less than new ones. Right now, though, I can not imagine having to wear boots anytime soon - it was over 25C here yesterday, and we were having ice creams in town as if it were still August!

Rachel Phillips said...

A country of east and west divide weather wise. Beautiful hot, dry day here yesterday in Norfolk and long may it last.

Heather said...

I timed my Saturday walk perfectly and got back just as it began to rain again. It was a good bit of exercise walking uphill against such strong wind. The wind has dropped this morning but it is pouring with rain.
I have a banana each morning with my bowl of cereal - don't like to miss it.
Our little town is beginning to look sad with many empty shops whose premises seem to attract those selling cheap rubbishy stuff, or they become yet another charity shop. We have eight now with as many coffee shops and nearly as many estate agents! Not very conducive to getting locals to stay local to do their shopping or to entice visitors.