Day 16 – 22nd August – material and a comedienne!
AGL still hasn’t managed to make my phone work on international roaming.
Sad, but not essential—at least I’m still connected in all the ways that matter.
Up, breakfasted, and off to Belfast, where we visited a fantastic material shop.
They displayed the fabrics in a way I’d never seen before—creative, tactile, almost like an art gallery for stitchers.
We had a good look around, though I suppose you’d have to really love knitting and sewing to fully appreciate it. (Which I do, so I did.)
On the way back, we stopped by a friend of Jean’s who lives on a farm.
Sheila, 80 years young, is probably the funniest woman I’ve ever met.
I actually asked her if she was a comedienne—she had that perfect timing and cheeky sparkle.
She shared that she’d been cured of MS 30 years ago by two ministers who laid hands on her.
You may or may not believe it—but I certainly do.
Came home via the butchers and green grocers.
Day 17 – 23rd August – post office and old neighbours
First thing, I headed to the post office with a bundle of heavy items:
Winter clothing, my camera, Surface, two presents, and my leather handbag (since I’ve now upgraded to a new one from the Quayside Market—very pleased with that find!).
It was a costly exercise, no doubt about it. 125.00 GBP!
But it’s lightened my load—and, let’s be honest, my bank balance too.
Early afternoon, I popped over to see if one of the neighbours might be home—and Margaret Neil was.
She’s now 96, and to my surprise and delight, she still remembered me.
Back when we lived here, I used to bring her zucchinis (or courgettes, as they call them here), and she’d make me the most delicious zucchini chocolate cake.
It was such a simple exchange, but one that left a lasting impression.
It was lovely to see her again.
She’s very frail now, but still manages to do half an hour of seated bike exercises every day.
Talk about determination.
Had salmon for dinner, glass of Lambrusco and one of Bells and talked for ages before going to bed. 3365 steps.
Day 18 – 24th August – Sunday- Marathon and Church!?
Ok ok. So I did keep Jean company at her Church. And NO. The church did NOT blow up!! They were all very friendly and one lady asked where I’d be going next on my holiday. I told her and when she heard ‘cruise’ she said she was going on one in September. Well what are the chances-she is going on the SAME one!
It was also the day of the east Antrim Marathon so a lot of the streets were blocked off. They actually ran up Tower Road from the start and passed Jean and Crawford’s house.
I think there were around 6,000 people running this half marathon.
When we returned home Crawford had already put the chicken in to roast and it was almost ready.
I’ve packed my big case and dragged it downstairs ready for my early departure tomorrow morning. 2,834 steps.
Lady Boomer 