Positives for today from digital diary entry
- Cycled 26m via Annan Rd to Ruthwell and back via Brow Well with some unscheduled sprints with the bike so much lighter, feeling great after rest day.
- Greeting from and quick pleasant chat with new youngish lady taking orders at The Boathouse and enjoyed nice latte looking out on Nith but with most of Criffel in mist and cloud.
- Called in at the new PO in the new garage shop at the mini roundabout to see if Amazon order had arrived. Not yet, but told that if a delayed Amazon delivery to me was delivered there after my departure they would keep it until I returned. Also for me to send bulky or heavy stuff to myself when touring I could arrange online for local collect. (There is much on sale by Scottish artists and some that would provide vivid reminders of travels).
- After very late b/f had communication that Amazon order awaited collection and walked back to the PO. On route, saw a chap painting an outside door in a manner that I would like my house to be painted. Conversation summary:
Is that your white van with no name on it? I need a painter.
Yes, but I’ll give you my card. Where do do live?
Very close, just round the corner. Where do you live?
Nethermill
That’s out in the countryside about 10 miles away. I cycle through there.
I’m fully booked for many months.
My job is not urgent. I’ve waited 7 years already.
Sounds like my house.
Just as the mechanic’s car family car is the last to be fixed ……
Phil Holland (www.brightnewstart.net) from central Manchester but here for 17y (with wife coming from “a posher part” near Stalybridge) came round later and will take a few days to prepare a quote for outside and all rooms separately. I told him about the travelogue and showed off to him the bookends. He charges £25 an hour, which I am happy with. More importantly, we got on. He told me about a dangerous junction at Shieldhill to watch out for. Quotes now accepted.
Admired dilistuff.com by Dirk and Linda. “This is what I do and this is what I use,” perhaps with reasons, looks like a good way of giving advice without giving the impression that it would be right for everyone.
Prepared for next lap by pouring liquids into new travel-safe 50 ml bottles, trying new braces for keeping up cycling shorts and longs and trying new velcro straps and bungee cord for attaching dry bags to bike frame. New Clipper peppermint teabags make refreshing and calming drink.