Christmas Shopping

 

Christmas Shopping

Wendy then reminded us that John Lewis is open until 8.00 p.m., so we decided it would be a good idea to find another parking space in Liverpool 1, and take the opportunity to have a look round the shop. Their Christmas Store is also open, and we were on the hunt for a new Christmas tree! We had seen lots of trees that looked suitable on-line, but we like to see things on display, and make sure they are exactly what we are looking for. 

We had a magical couple of hours in John Lewis, spoiled for choice by all the Christmas trees on display. However, we knew pretty much what we wanted, and soon whittled it down to a six-footer, with a little pre-lighting already place. We didn't want a tree completely decorated with lights, as we want to add our own, but we reckoned it would be a good idea to get one with a basic set already fitted.

They also had the most luxurious tinsel garlands, and a set of lights that looked like a string of beads - very pretty indeed; they also went in to our basket, and then I saw a red squirrel, with such a sweet expression, I couldn't resist taking him home as well. 

Wendy and Bob went off to collect the tree from the collection area, whilst I went back to the mirrors and pictures department, and had a restful sit down! 

What a successful day it had been; seeing a good friend, enjoying Christmas shopping, and all achieved with the minimum of fuss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Then, On to Panormic 34!

 

And Then, On To Panoramic 34!

Having given the venue such a good rating, including praising the wonderful panoramic views, Wendy suggested I describe what can be seen on a good day: To the south, you can see across the Mersey to the Wirral with Birkenhead and shipbuilders Cammell Laird, and the Welsh hills. To the west, it's the Irish Sea, and to the east, the City of Liverpool is laid out before you, with the Liver Building, the Anglican Cathedral, the City FM Radio Station Tower and, of course, the river, in view. Looking out to the north, you can see the docks and Bootle but, as I've just said, a lot depends on the weather. If we are ever in Blackpool, and the weather is fine, from the top of the Blackpool Tower you can see Liverpool, which is 50 miles to the south, as the crow flies. 

On this visit, it all started off a bit overcast and rainy, but happily, as the day progressed, the weather improved. 

Panoramic views from Panoramic 34!

We were made very welcome by the staff, and enjoyed the tea and champagne; I had my usual sip of it for the toast, and then our friend "helped me out!" as he put it, and finished it off for me. 

I had also ordered my usual very simple "Plain white bread and butter and cucumber" sandwiches, that came on a large plate, which meant everyone else could enjoy them too. There were the other, "fancier" offerings that didn't appeal to me, and I was well satisfied with my very simple fare. 

It was reasonably quiet at the venue, so we were seated early, and could really take our take to enjoy the tea and the view. The weather continued to get better, and there were some beautiful moments when the sunshine broke through clouds, lying like a gleaming carpet across the river. and visibility improved, too.

 

 

 A silver ray of sun stretches like a bridge across the Mersey, 

whilst the skies are brightening

It was so lovely to be able to spend time with a dear friend, and we were all very happy to have had the opportunity to meet up again! I know a lot has happened over the past couple of years, and the days, weeks and months - and then years - go by, without actually seeing people we are fond of; it's very important to make an effort and arrange get-togethers whenever possible. 

We drove our friend back to his hotel, promising we won't leave it so long again, before we arrange another meeting!

We Visit Liverpool And Kirkdale

We Visit Liverpool And Kirkdale

We have been on our travels this month! It had been such a long while since I'd been up to Liverpool, and we had a special reason to visit this time: we had booked a table for a champagne tea at Panoramic 34, and invited a dear friend to come and share the afternoon with us.

Panoramic 34 is, of course, where I booked for everyone to join us after Mum's funeral in September 2020; we have good memories of that afternoon, and I am sure Mum was looking down on us and smiling whilst we talked about her, and celebrated her life. 

Before finding parking at the venue, we first drove to Kirkdale, and visited Mum's grave. We always find it easily, because it is next to the headstone with Aunt Marion's name on it. 

All the hardy erica and rockery plants we put in last year had not survived the drought and very hot summer, so it was looking very bare. We visited the florist across the road and decided to get a couple of pots of artificial flowers, which looked lovely - and hopefully will last a little longer. We filled out the cards the florist gave us, and inserted them in the little holder provided, and then did our best to make sure the pots were placed as firmly as we could get them, into the ground. 

 

The little pots mark the place where Mum, Grandma, my Grandfather and Uncle Austen are all resting, and they certainly make a bright splash of colour and show we have been there to care and and pray and think of them.

Wendy said when she is next in Liverpool, she will come to Kirkdale and add a card for Mum, and Grandma; and in due course, when things have settled down a bit more, I must look into arranging a headstone for them. 

Mum always said she would like an open book design, so that the four names can be easily inscribed:

Austin Woods; John Woods; Alice Woods (nee Thompson) and Phyllis Audrey Whitwell (nee Woods).

We shall fulfill that promise for her.