An indulgent Saturday

Sophie had a hair appointment this morning in Market Harborough, so we set off at about 11am, intending to have a coffee first. My daughter felt a little frail after her office party yesterday, so a cup of strong coffee was much needed! We parked easily and decided to visit an Italian delicatessen/café opposite Duncan's shop on Adam and Eve Street.

We managed to grab a table as the previous occupant was leaving, and I recognised the woman from our village. We had a chat while she waited for her partner to return, our local silver fox who has an eye for the ladies!

I settled at the table while Sophie ordered the coffees and two almond croissants. There was a lovely atmosphere in the café, and it felt like we'd been transported to Italy! The coffee and pastries were delicious, and we vowed to return soon.

Stacks of panettone waiting to be sold!

While Sophie's hair was coloured, I sat and read, which was wonderfully relaxing. She looked fabulous when she was finished, and the colour had beautiful gold tints. We did some shopping and had a good look in Waterstones, where I bought a book on British folklore. 

We decided to have lunch today at Louisa's Place, and we both chose a filling breakfast dish of waffles, bacon, shredded chicken and maple syrup. It sounded good, but we both regretted choosing it as it was a little too sweet! We accompanied the food with a large pot of tea, as we were planning to visit a new wine bar later in the afternoon for a treat.

After lunch, we visited Duncan and his merry men (and woman!) and had a good chat with them, buying some wine and a bottle of Irish whiskey for Keith as a little Christmas gift (and for putting up with me...!). We then ambled around the corner to The Wine Shed, which was looking beautifully festive. There was no room inside, so we decided to sit outside in the small courtyard, and one of the staff lit the patio burner for us. I ordered a glass of Vouvray while Sophie chose a Dark and Stormy cocktail.

It was lovely sitting outside in the crisp, fresh air and chatting. Gradually, more people arrived and were turned away from sitting inside. Some stayed and sat outside, while others wandered off elsewhere. A couple arrived with a lovely black dog who was very friendly; he was like a dog version of Mooney!

As the sun went down and it grew chillier, we buttoned up our coats and decided to have one more before leaving. I chose a white Rioja, while Sophie enjoyed a Vesper, which she had to admit was better than the ones she makes at home!

I asked Sophie to settle the bill for me this afternoon, and again, this will be somewhere we'll return to, as it was so lovely. Next time, perhaps, we'll get to sit inside and have some nibbles.

We trundled home in the gloom, taking the scenic route. On one section of the single-track road, I pulled over to let an approaching car pass, and realised they had done the same for me! Back home, we relaxed, and I gave Keith his whiskey, which he loved. I had also bought Sophie a book on Tarot cards in Waterstones, so we did a spread each and interpreted the cards.

Dinner tonight was a simple pizza accompanied by roasted vegetables. I looked at the television programmes over Christmas and recorded some favourites, old and new!