Well - that was a very busy 48 hours. I was up North for a family funeral, (Auntie Josie who was 98 when she died), and since I've had Stanley's promised big bottle of Lea and Perrins on the shelf for ages, it gets better with age - decided to finally deliver it.
The idea was travel up Monday - attend Funeral Tuesday morning then stay overnight, and go to Barlick on Wednesday. 'All plans collapse on first contact with the enemy' of course still applies, and on arrival at the Oldham Travelodge it was clear that I didn't want to stay. Car park shared with a busy pub, entrance was dark and menacing (to me anyway), no Blue Badge spaces visible, or security cameras, or lights, and a person in a hoody sitting on the ground outside the door, smoking vigorously and speaking loudly in an unknown language.
I asked if the booking could be transferred to another lodge - any lodge! -within the area, but was told that was impossible. Finally agreed to stay one night and they would refund the second night. Let's hope that works out. I asked about Blue Badge, and the receptionist said he would get the tradesman who had his van parked there (near the door for fear of theft) would move for me to take it up. That went surprisingly well - the guy with the van was very understanding.
Phoned my son - 'don't worry dad - everything's insured' was his less than reassuring reply. Survived the night and confirmed the refund arrangement with the day shift - my new best friend Tanveer. Still expecting problems there.
Attended the funeral, which was very emotional for me. I may say more later. The 'refreshments' was a full carvery meal, which was very good, and I exchanged memories with a lot of people I haven't seen for about fifty years - amazing how people still recognised me.
Afterwards traveled to Burnley to go to the Premier Inn I used when I last visited Barlick - was it really five years ago? Amazingly - I found it from memory at the first attempt. - however they said they were full. Whoops! I decided then to go to East Hill Street straight away, and go home straight afterwards.
I arrived in Barnoldswick about 3.30 pm, and parked as usual in the Coop. Satnav isn't too good when the destination is a street, that you can't actually drive down . I thought the Guru might still be having his siesta, so went for a little walk round the town. I walked into the square, and a shopkeeper who was winding up a blind said 'how do' - that wouldn't happen in Cambridge!.
I said 'it's quiet '- he said that's because Tuesday is half day, and almost implied I should have known.
I then walked into the square, and there was literally not another person in sight - a very weird experience and bit spooky if I'm honest.
Not everywhere was closed though, and I went into
Victoria's Tea Room for a snack. Just a Cheese and Onion sandwich with garnish. Never had a salad with fruit in it before, but it comes under the heading of 'don't knock it till you've tried it' . There was chopped strawberry, a grape, a quarter of a slice of orange and a scattering of pomegranate plus the usual tomato cucumber and leaves.
If Carlsberg did sandwiches. . . .
Strolled back to the Coop, and picked up the 'care package ' - up the steps in the middle of the wall in the car park - along Cooperative Street - turn right, then left and in the green gate with a latch that has obviously been designed and built by a fitter. Let Jack get to know me again.
We then put the world to rights for a while - very enjoyable. I wouldn't let him open the box till I'd gone. Mainly because I'd mischievously packed it out with half a dozen recent copies of The Spectator' and wished to be elsewhere when he saw them. No Thomas Picketty in there. The selfy is the first I've ever done - and could well be the last. I was going to caption it 'Finalists for the North West scrawny neck competition' but thought better of it .
I then drove home - missed the turn for the M66 so carried on to the M6 which is far from my favourite road), and amazingly did the whole journey without stopping, which I wouldn't have thought very desirable or even possible.
Conclusion - A good experience (not the funeral). Must do it again, but be better organised. Satnav is more trouble than it's worth except for the last few miles, and except for East Hill Street. I weighed myself this morning - it's Private Eye day so I record it - what do you know I've lost a pound.
