CHRISTMAS WREATH

Left the house around 1pm to catch the Number 1 bus to Swalwell.  It came on time.  Popped into Lidl then walked to Neils along by the River Derwent.  It was a bright sunny afternoon but very cold.  See Extra for a shot I took en route.

Luna was her usual exuberant self.  We played with her ball and her tug toy and we snuggled up on the sofa.  Neil wasn't so busy with work so we had a nice catch up. 

My blip shows the Christmas wreath that Rachael made at the weekend when she went to a wreath making event.  Isn't it lovely.

I left Neils just after 4pm to catch the 69 bus which was due at 4.19pm.  It never showed up. This was surprising as its a service run by Gateshead Taxis and its always been a very reliable service.  I kept waiting at the stop just in case it was running late but it was a no show.  The next 69 wasn't due until 5.28pm.  

Other folk at the bus stop started phoning for taxis but they were told from various firms it would be an hours wait at least.  Then they phoned friends and relatives for a lift... and I was the only one left at the stop.  I hung on till around 5.40pm but the bus that was due at 5.28pm never showed up either.  By this time I was chilled to the bone.  I walked back  to Neils to warm up and decide what to do.

Neil suggested waiting for Rachael to get home from work and she would give me a lift home.  She got home around 6pm but the traffic was bad so we hung on a bit until it had eased.  I finally arrived back home at 6.50pm.  Its taken me all evening to feel warm again.

Im pleased to say theres been some positive news re bus strike.  Go North East have increased their pay offer.  Union is going to ballot their members.  Union will recommend that members accept the offer.  Fingers crossed that they do and they can get the bus service up and running again. 

Settled down at 8pm to watch the football on my PC.  Newcastle were in Champions League action against Paris St Germain. Newcastle still have a lot of players injured but the team that played this evening were excellent.  Newcastle got the ball in the net on the 24th minute.  And from then on until the 97th minute of the match they defended well and PSG couldn't score no matter how hard they tried.  But then.... on the 98th minute PSG were awarded a penalty.  A penalty that should never have been given. And they scored. So the game ended in a draw.   Such bad luck for Newcastle to have victory snatched away at the last minute.  Theres still a chance for Newcastle to progress to the next stage of the Champions League  but  they will  have to win their next match - and hope that PSG loses theirs.

Steps today - 8,130