Sunday 31 August 2014

Fun times and farewells.


Yesterday was busy, busy, busy. Adam had the afternoon off so we ventured into the city centre to pick up a few things. I can hand on heart say that yesterday was the most traumatised I have ever been by a city centre visit. I know I'm somewhat antisocial but there were people everywhere and they seemed hellbent on being the most annoying as they could possibly be. Slow walking, texting in the middle of the aisles, kids everywhere - you name it. Anyway, we survived and I managed to pick up a couple of pairs of pumps and a shirt. A small miracle really.

We then went up the house that I lived in when I first moved to Lincoln after graduating uni in 2010. It was a big old Victorian house-share overlooking the common and the original housemates have remained friends ever since. It turns out that the last of us, Nikki, is now moving into her own place so we seized the opportunity to have a final cup of tea and say farewell to the house. I can't say that it was sad as it is so long since I lived there and, to be honest, I couldn't wait to get out (did I mentioned I'm somewhat antisocial?) but there was a sense of emotion at the prospect of a particular era coming to a permanent end. The house itself is so beautiful; huge, old and with all the original features but the landlord Dave doesn't really know if he is coming or going and so it has kind of fallen into disrepair. I spoke with him once and he told me that he didn't really want to be a landlord but he had trouble selling the house so it is a better of two evils for him. I really don't think he'll intervene until the place falls down. Such a shame.

We're all meeting up again at Claire's (the blonde girl leaning back) wedding in a few weeks so that should be fun. Selfishly, I really can't wait to see what it will be like as both her and her partners' families are millionaire farmers. I'm sure it will be beautiful. I also can't wait to see Nikki in a dress. I hope she's better at dress wearing than she is at keeping her eyes open in photos....

After a quick shower break, we then went back into the city for a meal with my work friends. Originally, Adam wanted to go out to celebrate his promotion but when he realised that we'd already been invited out, he seemed happy to tag along. Technically, it was our apprentice Katie's 18th birthday but you know, any excuse. We went to The Slug and Lettuce - the meal was nice but they did that annoying thing where they shove you all on the world's longest table so that you go the whole night without actually realising who is sitting at the other end. It happens on actual work events all the time and is one of my biggest pet peeves. I consoled myself by sampling every type of gin on the menu - bars seem to be really big on gin promotion this summer, not that I'm complaining. I did try one that was meant to have herbaceous notes but let me tell you, it was vile. Comparable to licking the back of a roast chicken; I kid you not. I'm still trying to rid myself of the taste.

Now I'm having a chilled Sunday ready for the dreaded start of September at work. I say a 'chilled' Sunday however I spent the best part of the morning chasing the damn dog around the nature reserve after she figured out a way to slip her lead. I swear she knows what she is doing and she always picks the most awkward times. Have you ever tried catching up with a Husky? Well don't. You'll lose. I'm now having to scrub the grass stains out of my jeans and soak my new white trainers. Such fun.

Happy Sunday all.

2 comments:

Ms. Moon said...

I'm incredibly antisocial as well.
Love the picture! Looks like good and kindred spirits.
Trust me- I will never try to chase down a Husky.

Steve Reed said...

Sounds like a fun day keeping up with friends!

I can appreciate your antisocial tendencies. I have them too. I think anyone who lives in very densely populated areas tends to become a little antisocial out of pure necessity.

Licking the back of a chicken doesn't sound so bad -- but admittedly I wouldn't want my DRINK to taste like that!

Finally -- have you tried a harness for the husky? We put a harness on Olga that goes around her chest and behind her front legs. It's very hard to escape.