Not exceeding

What a day!

I had my first guitar lesson, this morning, with the marvellously named Paolo Fuschi, which I enjoyed enormously. It was so useful having someone giving me feedback as I played, and I really hadn't anticipated just how much I'd enjoy playing along with someone else.

Then, having caught up with work, I had a lunchtime coffee with Hannah at a new coffee shop just 'round the back of The Filaments, whence the MInx collected me so that we could catch the train from Salford Central to Hebden Bridge. This is a train journey that I particularly enjoy, specifically the section that runs through the Calder Valley.

We checked into our hotel, and then had a drink at the pub next door, which featured the old sign that you can see in today's photo. I was quite bemused that the fine is "not exceeding". Surely "not less than" is more effective?

We followed our drinks with a meal at a wonderful Turkish Restaurant called The Olive Tree (would recommend), after which we went along to the Trades Club to see Lonelady play. It was there that I was completely surprised by someone who arrived late to the gig.

The Minx and I were standing near the door at the back, when a small group of three or four people came in and set off to make their way towards the front. As they passed us, one of them tossed their cost onto a seat against the wall just behind me.

This might not seem astounding, but this is something I could never do. I might check my coat into a cloakroom, or just carry it around with me, but I would never just throw it on a chair and assume it would be there at the end of the event. I would like to say that I admire such a cavalier attitude but I still haven't got past it making me feel queasy!