Disused lock

Water pours through the disused lock on the Thames and Severn / Cotswold canal, which is being restored slowly. Restoration of the waterway hasn't got this far. 

Today is my birthday. I had a visit in the morning from old friends Eileen, her daughter Kirsty, and K's boyfriend Cameron. They brought all sorts of unusual goodies for lunch. I have renounced cake, so we had kale chips instead!  Afterwards, we walked around the old cemetery, up to the coal yard and old quarry, which Eileen thought would be a good place in which to take refuge in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Frankly, I think it's a little too close to the cemetery. Even our house wouldn't be safe.

Then we checked out the old Stroud workhouse, which is now flats. I've blipped it before. Eileen got spooked, so we walked home, and then they gave me a lift up the valley to an open day at an aromatherapy candle factory! I bought a candle but not a cupcake, and headed off home via the canal towpath. CleanSteve met me halfway, and we marvelled at all the historic mill buildings and other relics of the  Industrial Revolution on our doorstep. 

Since then I 've mainly been lounging by the fire, listening to my creepy audiobook, and getting on with a jigsaw. Resting,  as opposed to sleeping. Just enough challenge to make it enjoyable. 

It's been a very laid back birthday.