What? A racket

Well today I was off to do something that I haven’t done for forty years! Forty years!! I played (I use the term loosely) badminton.

Last week I bumped into a lady carrying a badminton racket, and today I went along with her to give it a go at her little 'club'.

I used to be able to nip around the court and do the occasional nifty shot, but nowadays I am sadly limited - if it's too far ahead, too far behind, too high, or too near me, it's impossible. In fact, even if the shot was exactly right, I often completely missed it. Quite embarrassing, but the other ladies were very patient, and they all looked delighted when I declared my intention of returning next week...

Archie spent the morning with Rufus and they had a walk round the Meadows, where he had a run around with a wee spaniel. Here he was stepping over the innocent looking Rufus to sit on my knee, but he got stuck and was too scared to move (he's hilariously wary of Rufus).

When we came home, I had a sit down and two custard tarts from the French cafe near the bus stop. I'd brought one back for Christine, but she's not keen on cold custard. No worries, I LOVE it.

Later on, we walked over to meet up with Bailey and her mum. We didn’t meet in the cafe, just as well, because these two make such a racket when they meet up. We have to explain to concerned people passing that they are friends, it's not a dog fight - though it sounds like one.

I couldn’t manage a pastry, funnily enough, but the flat white and catch up with Janet's activities was good. She's bought a really good exercise bike. Talking of exercise bikes, I’ve definitely got out of routine...

By the time we'd walked back again, I couldn’t be bothered going off to a talk at the university entitled 'Annoying music: sound and spaces in everyday life'. It was presented by a professor from Brazil and he's doing academic research into the topic. Right up my street! I wish I had gone...

Lots of photos and updates all day from the Barcelona Biddies (extras). They're back tomorrow morning, and I really really need to give Archie a very soapy wash before then, as I have been rather remiss. Not that he minds at all.