Saturday

Morning, everyone.  Here I am, comfortably settled in the Premier Inn, in a typical room - not lavish of course, but perfectly comfortable, especially the bed.   I've had a great night's sleep and it's a cold and frosty morning, indicating a lovely winter day to come.

Yesterday, I kept my appointment with the surgery nurse who gave me my flu jab and checked my blood pressure.  It's up, darn it, so I have to fill in a sheet through the coming week, measuring my bp and recording it.  And then I have to 'see my GP' about it all - as if the dental issues weren't enough.  At least the GP will be free.
A sign of old age - bits of me are crumbling or dropping off!!

Reminded by pottery tutor, Alex, on Thursday evening, I went into the Adult Education Centre and booked me and Beth on the course next term.  That makes both of us very happy; Beth has taken to it as quickly as I did and it's so pleasant to be sitting side-by-side, working with the same materials, sharing tools and ideas and generally being good friends.  I'm so lucky.

I left home early afternoon and it was a very easy journey up to Bury St Edmunds, rather busy around Braintree but after that very straightforward and light-ish traffic.  Once in Bury, finding the hotel was dead easy, an absolute doddle.  Even I would have found it hard to go wrong.  Really!  There were plenty of slots in the car park and, all in all, it was very stress free.

I dumped my stuff, unpacked and then went out for a stroll around to get my bearings (and managed to lose them fairly quickly but you can't really get lost round there).  I located the place where I will meet up with Sue on Sunday morning (it looks lovely) and then strolled around the shops as it got darker and darker, enjoying the Christmas decorations and some quirky little shops to which I will return later on today.

Ah, yes - today.  There's far too much to do in just one day.  I'd like to visit the Cathedral and St Mary's as well, but can't really do both.  I want to explore the Saturday market.  I want to visit the museum.  And then there's the gardens and ruins and so on.  I really should have booked three nights

I see another visit coming on.  Maybe I will investigate staying at the Angel next time.  Apart from looking lovely, it is very historical and Dickensian and worth consideration.  Dad tells me that he and Mum enjoyed their stay there.
And it has parking!

Anyway, I wandered around until it was completely dark, enjoying the Christmas decorations and the Christmas trees that are dotted around here and there, literally smelling the coffee as I walked past the many coffee shops and eating places and feeling very content!

I've booked the meal deal for both days.  Eating out isn't much fun when you're on your own (not feeling sorry for myself here, it's just how it is) and it's more convenient and, perhaps, safer to eat in the hotel. 
It's pub fare, not haut cuisine, but I was perfectly satisfied with  a chicken tikka burger (yes, really, and it was lovely) with chips and coleslaw followed by coconut sorbet and that last was absolutely gorgeous!

Right now I'm sitting up in bed, coffee at the side, feeling relaxed and happy.  Today I think I will 'do' the museum, the Saturday market and St Edmundsbury Cathedral and, rather than reserving (i.e. nicking) some of what will be a very substantial breakfast, I will treat myself to a lunch out somewhere.  After all, there's enough choice to kill a cat!
And I still have tomorrow to look forward to as well.

Here's a few photos I took.  Not many, because although it was sunny, the light was fading.  I'll try to take more today and the camera is currently charging in readiness.

 A wonderfully clear, blue, winter's sky.

 I love a good window and there are plenty here!

There are so many really old buildings, one is spoilt for choice.






















It's time to stop!  My room has a proper bathroom, not just a shower, so I shall enjoy a good wallow before breakfast.  Have a great day, everyone, and stay warm.  xx