When the wind blows
Saturday 7th December:
Spectacularly bad sleep. Up several times in the night. Palpitations. Storm Darragh battering the windows. Got up before alarm to check parkrun status. The three nearest events to me were all cancelled. Friends had variously suggested Southwark and Finsbury Park which seemed to still be going ahead. I figured FP was easier to get to and also gave me a reserve option of Highbury should it be cancelled at the last minute. This turned out to be a wise move since the contingent who's said they were going to Southwark decided against it.
Weather was dreadful and I was amazed to find a clutch of plucky volunteers huddling around the cafe as I arrived far too early. Louisa, who was visiting from Scotland, arrived shortly afterwards. Nice to see her, especially as she was the only one of the "chums" who materialised. Also spoke to parkrun legend Chris Orange. He is a nice chap.
The run director warned us that there was a possibility they might have to call off the event mid-race should things get too spicy, but fortunately this didn't happen. There was a pleasing Dunkirk spirit about the occasion, and the added obstacles of fallen twigs and branches littering the route added to the excitement. I was disappointed to get an abysmal time that was about two minutes slower than my last visit there, but it's the taking part that counts, right kids? At least I'm on course for 50 parkruns this year - have only managed that once before.
Had considered shopping for an advent calendar for Daisy but weather was so dismal I headed home for a hot shower. Her Mum sent a message asking me to pick D up from the grandparents at 17.15. That's about 90 mins before her bedtime. Busied myself with wrapping presents and catching up on some amendments to latest CEO report. Asked P if he'd cleaned the bathroom this week. He hadn't. Suggested he make Friday or Saturday the day he does it each week. His response was non-committal.
Darragh was blowing a hooley as I set off to collect Daisy. Her and her cousins were having a wonderful time jumping on the beds etc but I was pleased that she seemed very happy to see me.
She'd already eaten but so I had extra baked potatoes while she rearranged the furniture. She was very excited by the presents under the tree. I said she could open one this evening. She predictably went straight for the biggest one. She predictably predicted that it was a big pink fluffy unicorn and was predictably pleased. She christened it Softie. After custard and berries we went to bed. Read about seven books. She said her mum didn't read to her at bedtime which I find hard to believe. But I love that she loves Jackanory with Daddy.
Today's expenditure:
Egg and avocado on toast + coffee: £10.80
Tube to and from Highgate: £3.80
Total: £24.60
Alcohol consumption: 1x Christmas coffee