When I asked himself to drop me off in town he seemed surprised that I would want to go to Manchester so late in the day.
I told him that I was not tied to be back for school run as Nicola's husband was having the day off...so no tinlids to pick up.
I told him I would be home when I was home.....and not to wait up
...yes, that is a fair approximation of the face he made.
He told me to be careful, that the markets were a haven for pickpockets. I told him that there wasn't much to pick in my pockets...and thought to myself 'does he think I have got to 66 without being able to take care of myself?'
I waited at the bus stop, mentally planning my afternoon...and then I thought 'plans, schmans...why make plans? Just go with the flow'.
So that is what I did.
On the way to Manchester I listened to lovely music on my music player and this made the journey seem shorter.
Before long we were going under the Bridge at Great Ducie Street. I walked along the back of the Cathedral and towards St Annes Square.
At the corner, where M&S is, there was a young man playing a guitar and singing a Celine Dion song...it all adds to the atmosphere, the ambience. I could smell the spiced wine and roasted pig....but I wasn't hungry.
When I am out taking pictures the thought of food goes right out of my head....I am intent on looking for pictures that will remind me of my day, and somehow carry the feelings of the time...so that when I look back at them I can be transported.
Does that sound a bit daft or lame...it isn't meant to.
I also look for pictures which will give me pleasure in the editing and manipulation too.
Near the war memorial on St Anne's Square were three young people playing stringed instruments...they were playing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik......the notes were hanging in the air like crystal.....I love this kind of music. Ok, I know it counts as popular classics, but it is popular because it touches many people, so how can that be bad?
I ambled past the stalls selling all manner of things.
I noticed when I got close to St Annes Church there were a couple of young men in the doorway with buttonholes in their lapels....and the verger was out on the pavement. Just as I drew level a wedding taxi stopped and the Brides attendants got out...I couldn't really call them bridesmaids, because they all looked to be older ladies.
Very soon a white car pulled up and a very nervous looking bride got out.
She had a lovely day for her wedding...mentally, I wished her well.
I was making my way over to Albert Square. hoping that it would not be as crowded as it had been last Saturday. It was far too crowded to have a decent look at anything.
I was sort of side tracked down Brazennose Street. Looking at the wooden ducks, the foreign foods, chorizo, salami, garlic, olives.
The stalls all had stuff which was tempting, but you cannot be tempted if you have nothing to spend.
There was a bakery stall with lovely flaky, buttery Eccles cakes, crusty olive bread, dark rich iced slabs of Christmas cake.
I was at the end of the street and on Oxford Street.
I looked across the road. There was John Rylands Library. I have wanted to visit this building for so long. I told myself I was in Manchester for pictures...and almost, almost didn't cross the road. I was absolutely blown away by this place. I could have spent all afternoon in there. Looking at the architecture inside, the books, the exhibits.
The ladies loos are something to behold, but alas photography is banned...but as I was there on my own...I was tempted to take a few surreptitious pics.
I loved the Totem which is at the foot of the stairs. The ceiling bosses were beautifully carved and grabbed my interest, and the windows too. What a gem this place is.
I left but promised to return when I have more time to look around.
Outside the sky was a sharp winter blue and it contrasted spectacularly with a glass fronted building. I had to get a picture of the building. It had the Rylands Library reflected in the glass...it would have been perfect for the photo comp.
I felt like I had walked miles. I made my way back over to Market Street,the Arndale, thinking I would go and have something to eat...but in the end I decided I would make my way to the bus and get home.
On the way I looked at the pictures I had taken. Making mental notes of what I was going to do with them, and which were going to be uploaded to Flickr.
I was home by five....himself was pleased.
He said he didn't like the thought of me meandering round Manchester in the dark.
I had had a brilliant day....It was Me time enjoyed to the full.
Now I wish I had bought myself a CAT mug.
I hope my ramblings haven't bored you to bits.
I told him that I was not tied to be back for school run as Nicola's husband was having the day off...so no tinlids to pick up.
I told him I would be home when I was home.....and not to wait up
...yes, that is a fair approximation of the face he made.He told me to be careful, that the markets were a haven for pickpockets. I told him that there wasn't much to pick in my pockets...and thought to myself 'does he think I have got to 66 without being able to take care of myself?'
I waited at the bus stop, mentally planning my afternoon...and then I thought 'plans, schmans...why make plans? Just go with the flow'.
So that is what I did.
On the way to Manchester I listened to lovely music on my music player and this made the journey seem shorter.
Before long we were going under the Bridge at Great Ducie Street. I walked along the back of the Cathedral and towards St Annes Square.
At the corner, where M&S is, there was a young man playing a guitar and singing a Celine Dion song...it all adds to the atmosphere, the ambience. I could smell the spiced wine and roasted pig....but I wasn't hungry.
When I am out taking pictures the thought of food goes right out of my head....I am intent on looking for pictures that will remind me of my day, and somehow carry the feelings of the time...so that when I look back at them I can be transported.
Does that sound a bit daft or lame...it isn't meant to.
I also look for pictures which will give me pleasure in the editing and manipulation too.
Near the war memorial on St Anne's Square were three young people playing stringed instruments...they were playing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik......the notes were hanging in the air like crystal.....I love this kind of music. Ok, I know it counts as popular classics, but it is popular because it touches many people, so how can that be bad?
I ambled past the stalls selling all manner of things.
I noticed when I got close to St Annes Church there were a couple of young men in the doorway with buttonholes in their lapels....and the verger was out on the pavement. Just as I drew level a wedding taxi stopped and the Brides attendants got out...I couldn't really call them bridesmaids, because they all looked to be older ladies.
Very soon a white car pulled up and a very nervous looking bride got out.
She had a lovely day for her wedding...mentally, I wished her well.
I was making my way over to Albert Square. hoping that it would not be as crowded as it had been last Saturday. It was far too crowded to have a decent look at anything.
I was sort of side tracked down Brazennose Street. Looking at the wooden ducks, the foreign foods, chorizo, salami, garlic, olives.
The stalls all had stuff which was tempting, but you cannot be tempted if you have nothing to spend.
There was a bakery stall with lovely flaky, buttery Eccles cakes, crusty olive bread, dark rich iced slabs of Christmas cake.
I was at the end of the street and on Oxford Street.
I looked across the road. There was John Rylands Library. I have wanted to visit this building for so long. I told myself I was in Manchester for pictures...and almost, almost didn't cross the road. I was absolutely blown away by this place. I could have spent all afternoon in there. Looking at the architecture inside, the books, the exhibits.
The ladies loos are something to behold, but alas photography is banned...but as I was there on my own...I was tempted to take a few surreptitious pics.
I loved the Totem which is at the foot of the stairs. The ceiling bosses were beautifully carved and grabbed my interest, and the windows too. What a gem this place is.
I left but promised to return when I have more time to look around.
Outside the sky was a sharp winter blue and it contrasted spectacularly with a glass fronted building. I had to get a picture of the building. It had the Rylands Library reflected in the glass...it would have been perfect for the photo comp.
I felt like I had walked miles. I made my way back over to Market Street,the Arndale, thinking I would go and have something to eat...but in the end I decided I would make my way to the bus and get home.
On the way I looked at the pictures I had taken. Making mental notes of what I was going to do with them, and which were going to be uploaded to Flickr.
I was home by five....himself was pleased.
He said he didn't like the thought of me meandering round Manchester in the dark.
I had had a brilliant day....It was Me time enjoyed to the full.
Now I wish I had bought myself a CAT mug.
I hope my ramblings haven't bored you to bits.
