Bolton Christmas Markets
1st December was a fine sunny day so I was encouraged to return to riding the bike around the outdoor circuit at the local athletic track. Really enjoyed myself for an hour taking it easy but building up speed and strength gradually. I now feel I have mastered the gear changes , in my teens there were no gears on bikes and many had a fixed gear now there are thirty six gears on some bikes, thank you, but I will stick with six. I must admit I do find I am more agile, climbing stairs is much easier and my occasion dash for the bus I don't collapse on the platform, so I will ride the bike around the track this a winter but only on fine days.
The lead up to Christmas is now in full swing, Coffee and Mince Pie mornings , Carol Services,Pantomimes and other festive events. The Christmas Markets have become very popular, throughout the UK. Manchester has had one for many years and now Bolton has encouraged European Stall holders to bring their festive cheer over the Channel to our Town Hall Square. We have regular Farmers Markets on the Square but recently they have down sized as many are not able to spend money on quality fresh food because they are on Benefits and just can’t afford it. I ordered my turkey and all the trimmings from a local butcher, a dying breed in Bolton, Supermarket fresh meat just doesn’t seem to have the same taste and I don’t like frozen turkeys. We use to see butchers shops all over the town, almost on every street corner there would be a local owned Greengrocers, Bakers, Grocers, Newsagents and a Butcher. Now we have to many Super Markets in the town, I did welcome them at first when the family where at home and I needed a big shop every week, but now I can manage shopping almost daily, usually at the local Coop. I accept that the pace of life today is faster, but I feel some have lost the art of living,it’s a consumer society with most children having few boundaries and little direction and all they seem interested in is celebrities and their life styles.
Its only when one stops and really weighs up what is happening to this country and the long term consequences especially to our young ones of no jobs and little hope of a future its a sad development. I won't even mention the Bankers or I will fill the page. This revelation comes with age, experience and of course individual circumstances. I have been very fortunate in my life a wonderful family we had our problems but nothing major, my choice of career was brilliant, loved every minute of every day. And now have reached the age where I can relax enjoy the years ahead with good health, financial security ( but no guarantee on that issue) a comfortable home, my children and grandchildren and good friends.... I fear this will not be the case for many in the future.
Enjoyed a couple of Christmas Dinners and Lunches with friends. I like to dress up, paint my nails wear my heels and feel special on such occasions but its often casual dress and no ties prefered.
Gosh this past few weeks we have had some storms, wind and rain that in some areas of the country have been very destructive. We are fortunate to be living in a valley that possibly protects us from most excessive weather conditions, many in the UK are repeatedly flooded, suffer coastal erosion and property damage.. The only problem I have now is my conservatory roof requires attention ,it is a panelled dome that needs the seals replacing, the consequence of stormy weather is they slide downwards, opening me up to the elements. I will have them sealed but the roof may have to be removed, so until then I have a system that works, a wooden mallet a block of wood and gentle persuasion.
I think I am organised now for Christmas. All Christmas cards have been posted or delivered. I have visited most of the people I want to see sadly the list is getting smaller each year. Some gifts are wrapped and my tree is up and I think I have enough food for all eventualities. Staying home this year for Andrew who is working Christmas Eve. I would love to have all my family together at Christmas but its not possible so I alternate around them as best I can.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you and your familes for 2012
Enjoy the holidays and I’ll get back to you in the New Year.
