Storm Boelo

Sophie had a flu jab booked for this morning, and after she'd been vaccinated, we drove to Market Harborough. It had just started to rain, and we'd forgotten to take an umbrella with us! We parked as close to the town as we could, dropped off a parcel at the post office and grabbed two seats in the window at Just So Italian. The owner was back and made jokes with Sophie when she ordered our coffees and almond croissants!

It was lovely sitting in the warm café and watching the world go by. We had another coffee and split a chocolate twist before venturing out into the light wind and rain to go to Steffan's, where Sophie had sold one of her necklaces.

From the jewellers, we crossed the road to browse in Waterstones, where Sophie bought two books. As we emerged, we realised that the rain had become heavier, so we walked quickly to Duncan's, where we had a small tasting of two of his wines: a French white of a blend of grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc and an Italian red. We weren't keen on either, so we bought two bottles of Portuguese wine instead! It was lovely to chat with Duncan and Nick, and I popped a bag of Brittany crisps into the bag to munch on later at home. 

After a last visit to The Attic, we walked around the corner to The Wine Shed and asked for a table for a drink and some nibbles. I chose an Argentinian Malbec while Sophie had an Alsace Riesling. We ordered a plate of paté and bread as a light lunch and settled back to relax. The wine bar gradually filled up, but the service was a bit disappointing today. The normally attentive and lovely staff seemed to be preoccupied, and we just couldn't get their attention to order another drink. Sophie wanted a Negroni, but we gave up after twenty minutes of waiting, paid the bill at the bar and left. The drinks menus are never left on the table, which makes it difficult to order!

By now, it was raining hard, and we trundled back to Northamptonshire and headed for Kettering to see my Mum. We stayed and chatted, but she wasn't making a lot of sense today, as usual. It makes for quite an upsetting visit, as it's impossible to have a conversation with her, and the television didn't even work today. I have no idea what she does with it!

Back home, we decided to watch a film called The Substance early (it was a good job we did, as it was over two hours long) and postponed our planned meal for tonight. I don't think any of us fancied it! The film starred Demi Moore as an ageing fitness guru who's fired to make way for someone younger, and discovers a mysterious substance that splits her into two. The alter ego is young and beautiful, but not all goes to plan! It was one of the most gory films I've ever seen and definitely not for the faint-hearted! Sophie watched half of it behind her hands, and I couldn't bring myself to watch one of the violent scenes... Keith wondered what on earth we were watching! It'll certainly be one to remember!