Quite cloudy today and pretty cold. Had decided that I needed a change from my usual walk but the tide times weren't particularly suitable for a walk on my favourite beach. Instead I went to the beach on the outskirts of town where there's a wide path well away from the road and above the beach, popular with walkers and cyclists. I'd remembered to put a scarf on to protect me from breathing in the cold air, also a woolly hat. Enjoyed the walk along, there were several ships on the horizon, no cruise ships here, all cargo ships waiting to go into port. I could have walked on the beach but as the tide wasn't far out I'd have had to scramble over the groynes, couldn't be bothered.
Saw some pied wagtails, they do get about! Also a group of large birds that I couldn't identify, took a pic so I could check later, turns out they were oyster catchers. Apparently they're after any kind of shellfish. A bit like the gangs that have been caught here last week after travelling for two hours to pick undersized shellfish from our beach to sell to a restaurant in Newcastle. This isn't the first time they've been caught. Disgraceful behaviour.
Home for lunch then phoned L again, partly to ask after her brother (still well) and to ask her about some things related to art class. The postie arrived while we were talking, she delivered two parcels that contained items for the next project but the item I've been waiting for had still not arrived. It was supposedly dispatched last Monday, the Royal Mail doesn't take that long and I've received several things that were ordered after that. Getting annoyed now.
Had done some research on rechargeable batteries (after being shamed into it!), there are so many to choose from so I wanted some guidance. Ordered a charger which comes with batteries and also some batteries of the other size that I use a lot of.
After reading the posts about Toad in the Hole I decided to have 'Toad out of the Hole' tonight. Accomplished as I am at making Yorkshire puds I don't bother just for me, I buy the frozen ones. I very rarely eat sausages, can't remember last time I did. Roasted the sausages in the oven with potatoes and carrots, then heated the Yorkshires and served it all with broccoli, broad beans and gravy. Really enjoyed it, a nice change and a hot filling meal on a cold day.
Had a message from my friend J tonight, she said she won't be able to go for a walk this week as her daughter who lives with her has tested positive. Luckily she feels okay, just lost taste and smell. J is one of the most careful people I know, I hope she hasn't caught it. Must admit it concerns me on a personal level too, she's the only person I see on a regular basis and for any length of time, although we are outside the whole time. It's a week since I saw her so I think the chances of me getting it are pretty low but can't help thinking about it.
