Two bridges and a slice of cake

Another year older, another year wider, and that’s how it goes! So said a friend the other day, wishing me a happy birthday. Wider? I think it was a typo?

Exiting mince pie season, in need of a longer walk, and with a couple of library books due, I decided to return them to my favourite library located over the river and down in Memorial Park. There are two closer libraries, but being a year wider was on my mind.

I like the walk down to Memorial Park as it includes two bridges over the Bow, one each end of Prince’s Island Park, making for a pleasant circular stroll.

The recent mists had finally lifted, and what a sight they left behind! The mist, snowy drizzle and frost (snizzle? smozzle? frizzle? I think these are meteorological words?) had combined to cover everything in a layer of brilliant white.

It seemed like the world had turned silver and blue, with ice extending from the river banks, some piled up in floes, and the lagoon perfectly frozen for skating.

What a splendid winter walk! I returned the books – no overdue notices – enjoyed a moment watching the skaters, and then bounced home over the wobbly bridge.

Once home, being a year older and wiser, I did the sensible thing and warmed up with a cup of strong black coffee and the last slice of Basque cheesecake. Older and wider takes commitment.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

PS Barely more than a week into the new year, and, news wise, it’s dreadful, hard to ignore, and shouldn’t be ignored. I’m not going to comment any more than that on that – you’ve seen what’s happening, it’s quite clear – and I’ll stick with trying to keep this little corner a pleasant place to be. Stay safe, wherever you are.