33 years ago today...

Day 61

I was hoping that today would be brighter, with some sunshine, but it has remained grey and overcast again. Sophie and I went over to Rushden Lakes at midday, to go for a walk and to pop to Boots. The car park was half empty as the majority of the shops were closed. Only Boots, M&S, Holland and Barrett, and the cafes were open.

We popped into Boots first to pick up some shopping that my Mum needed. We then walked around the lake that adjoins the shopping centre, along with lots of other people who were out getting some fresh air.

The path was dry, thank goodness, although there were trails leading off it that were muddier. It was a pleasant walk, but certainly not arduous! There are other lakes in the area, and Stanwick Lakes is just up the road and has more walks, so next time we may go there.

The cafes nearby were doing a roaring trade in takeaway hot drinks and sandwiches, and we sat and enjoyed a hot chocolate. All the benches had notices on them saying that we couldn't sit down, but everyone was ignoring them!

Why?

From Monday you will be able to meet one other person for a coffee or picnic, but it looked like a lot of people were already meeting up!

After we'd enjoyed our hot chocolate, we walked up to the far end of the retail park to see what was happening there. Some of the restaurants were open for takeaway or collection, but the cinema and other leisure centres (including 360 Play) were firmly closed. We crossed to the other side of the park and walked past all the empty shops. All had signs saying they were temporarily closed - they should be able to open on April 12.

Both of us fancied a small bite to eat so we ventured into M&S who had opened their food hall and also the clothes part of the store. I'm sure Next, River Island and Primark weren't happy about that! We picked out a salad for me and gyoza for Sophie and ate in the car where it was a bit warmer!

Before going home we called into Beckworth as I was on the lookout for some pansies or violas. However, there wasn't a huge choice so we bought some frozen pastries for breakfast tomorrow, a bottle of white wine, and headed home. It was cold walking about and our house was lovely and warm when we arrived home!

Sophie and I sat in the conservatory with a Vodka Martini (a la James Bond, shaken not stirred) and played a couple of games of Scrabble. Keith had already prepared tonight's dinner of Coq au Vin so that was simmering away nicely in the oven!

Today, Keith and I have been together for 33 years! To celebrate he'd bought a bottle of Champagne so we opened that and toasted our 33-year union! Where have the years gone?

Dinner, as always, was delicious. I added some dumplings to the casserole and they were lovely and crispy on the outside and fluffy within. The film choice tonight was our latest Bond movie, "The World is Not Enough." We just have one more Pierce Brosnan film to see, before Daniel Craig takes over!