Successful speedy shopping trip

Last night, earplugs in, drifting off into a wine-induced sleep, then - Oh no - what's that I hear? Twanging guitars started up. Just three or four chords, over and over again. It would fade away completely, then come back again. I couldn't figure out where it came from, but it didn't sound like the music the student neighbours favoured, but who would know - they've had electronic and classical full blast.

After half an hour of this relentless monotony, I was about to decant to the other bedroom to get away from it, only to find out that the iPad (which was being charged by the side of the bed) had inexplicably started up, and it was the music to Boggle, a word game! Very very strange! That was easily fixed. Wish it always was...

Today I happened to examine the soles of my favourite shoes, the ones that I keep getting wet socks in, and discovered that they were practically worn through in several places. The tops are as good as new. But these moulded soles are impossible to replace. Which means you have to throw out perfectly good shoes, and buy new ones. Brilliant shoe marketing. But ridiculous for the planet.

So there was nothing for it but a shopping trip. I got the next version of the same shoes I've had for decades. So that shopping took about 5 minutes. Brilliant.

Walked along Rose Street and saw this artist - he's always here on Saturdays. We've got quite a few of his prints and I see he does mugs now. Bought another print because he posed for me. He does look a bit formidable in this shot (in fact in every shot I took), but he's quite charming really. He's told us of an up and coming exhibition, as we'd really like one of his paintings. He does quirky Edinburgh scenes.

To celebrate successful and speedy shopping, we popped into the Dome for lunch and to see the Christmas (is it all right to mention that word now?) decorations. They really are spectacular. They get better every year. They even had fake snow blowing at the door. AND they had quiet jazz music playing. Quite acceptable.

The menu is pretty basic (mince and tatties, fish and chips), and hasn't changed in years, but the surroundings are very special, and they're the nicest toilets in the country!

I was happy with my speedy purchases, then came home to watch the rugby. The bus was sitting there as I turned the corner. The hazard lights were flashing... maybe something was wrong, and I could catch it. I began to walk quickly. Still flashing. I began to sprint run jog. The right indicator light came on, and as I reached the back of the bus, at full tilt, it pulled away. *sigh* *gasp* *splutter*

One more sleep!