Going out in England ... there's always the possibility of meeting some delightful folk, finding delicious food in the supermarket, and picking up something slightly divine in the charity shops... veryvery cheaply.
I have been losing weight, getting strong, and spending huge amounts, like 6 pounds, on new shirts. I had almost no shirts when I arrived here. This is me last night, in a colour, in a style, I couldn't imagine wearing ... before yesterday.
I feel like a child, delighting in new things ... new places, new people.
Today, for example, I was in one of the 3 charity shops I frequent, and Pam started talking to me. I had never met Pam before but she had just found the 2 books that she buys whenever she sees them ... to gift to friends. She convinced me that I should buy one of them. And as 1 pound 50 was entirely doable, I did. We talked a while. I bought the book. She bought the other one.
The charity shops ... I keep meeting lovely women in them, who make me smile, and who chat to this stranger in a strange land.
I discovered Majestic Wine Warehouse and talked with Sian ... who told me I could do a wine course with them, or simply have a free tasting. I'll go back, I'm so excited. She recommended the Italian restaurant next door and I wandered in, after grocery shopping for the week. Yes, they did espresso con panna.
Fego's was as good as she said. And I filled in time there, waiting for the last bus back to my village, one of just 3 on a Saturday ... reading a book found while out wandering.
It's been a lovely day. We're wind-storming here in Surrey. And there was a bit of rain as I walked home but I loved the way the rain released the scent of the woods on either side of the road.
It's like that. Excuse the selfie but yes ... everything is changing in my world. I thought I'd share.