Hi,
Today I had the pleasure of some self-care and a morning without anywhere to rush to. Yay for a nonworking day and a stroll through the park to my beauty appointment.
Local stuff
Well, no rush other than through the traffic, as Nottinghamshire seems to have all of its road upgrades at once 🙂 Not a complaint, given that traditionally, the East Midlands receives less funding on infrastructure and healthcare.
However, the city has removed most of the old Broadmarsh shopping centre, and there’s a gorgeous urban park in there now. Work will start soon to remove the remaining concrete structure, and indeed the old multistorey that looms large over Maid Marion Way.
The latter was our go to location as it was easy for us to get to as a family. The multistorey has been looking very down at heel of late, and indeed sections that ran overhead of the road, have been closed for a while.
Things change, and that’s okay. I do have memories of walking down the -ahem- chemically cleaned concrete stairwell: as a kid, as a teenager, on my own as a young man, as a parent with my family, and in Lynn mode too. I suppose the place is one of those utilitarian buildings that act as a sort of book ends to a journey out.
Leg day
It had been a while since my last visit and I was not liking the fully carpeted sensation of my legs. It’s funny, your clothes feel different on your legs afterwards and there’s something right about that feeling. Affirming maybe.
The delay was down to holidays and other appointments, and I guess that’s just how things go.
Minor issues aside, I had a good chat with S – the beauty therapist – about family, pets, and whatnot. Talking of doggos, the new hound is settling in very well, bless her. In fact, as I write this, she’s curled up on a dog bed, her little paws twitching in her sleep.
Purchases
In a few weeks I’ll have managed another orbit around the sun, so I thought I’d treat myself to some new biker style boots. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a set of wheels, though! 🙂
I could do with some time to try them on, and I’m a bit worried they’re too loose at the top of the boot. Mind you, they can go back if need be.
________
I guess it’s a quiet one and I’m okay with that.
Oh, and some happy news to report; this passing summer is another one, where there’s been no ‘August Angst’. I’m very glad of that! Ah, what a gift to be okay in your own skin.
L x
You know, sometimes the lack of excitement, and when the little things go right, is often all you need.
Glad to hear New Doggo is settling in.
I shall go and look at the non-existent landmark that was Broadmarsh next time I visit Nottingham. It’ll be a bit of a shock. I’m sure I’ve shopped en femme there. TBH, I wonder if these sorts of shopping centres are on their way out generally.
Sue xx
Indeed, Sue. Perhaps it’s preferable to have that ‘good vibes’ equivalent of a long, slow evening meal, than the all-at-once fast food shack. The former seems a gentle rise and relaxed drift back to the usual.
I guess on-line shopping has made a big impact on high streets. However, reading up on a few articles, it seems it’s a multifactored situation.
Ground rent – nay, greed from out of town owners – means smaller businesses just can’t balance costs, wages, prices, and staying in the black. The effect of this means closed up shops or even empty arcades in some towns, as the property owners are content to wait, rather than lower prices.
Looking at our nearest city, it can be a pain to get in and parking is very expensive. Throw in adding the loss of time because you try ‘Park & Ride’, and dare I say, it’s easier to go elsewhere.
That said, there’s two suburban centres that we go to frequently. There’s a variety of local businesses, craft/maker/farmer markets, and it is quick to reach. Maybe it’s not a bad thing to have money going into the local economy, rather than to a big chain.
PS: the new south end of Nottingham has the park and to the east, there’s the new City Library plus bus station. I think the City Council have made a good job of a difficult situation. Sadly, the ‘run’ uphill to Market Square is very empty, with shop upon shop closed.