It's been another week with nothing really planned walkwise. So, Sunday's little foray into South Shields will have to do! It was grey and drizzly as I remember. I set off to walk to the town centre via West Way. There were about three police cars at Laygate blocking the square, so I didn't hang about. I walked briskly on to the (relatively) new pet store for a quick look around - nothing I needed. Didn't even buy a tombola ticket for the German Shepherd rescue. I was walking for air and exercise and browsing, not to buy.
I walked past the entrance to the Tedco industrial estate and St Hildas colliery (remains of) to Asda where I checked my bank balance. Oh dear. Well, the end of the month was in sight. I looked at the clothes department rather disconsolately.
What next? Straight back home? As I was out I decided to continue to look at the shops on Waterloo Street. I browsed Next, and River Island and Debenhams and BHS, all were quiet. I guess then, I was not the only one riding out the financial tides until next pay day. I remember when browsing was aspirational - one day I will be able to buy something like this. Not any more. I still love to look at the materials and styles available in clothing stores but buying is firmly put to one side for the time being.
Perhaps I walked home a little more slowly. Perhaps I felt more subdued. But I know I still have options and that's more than a lot of people have. And I can still appreciate the walking and the locations and the trees and...and...life is good.
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