Pride

I went down to Chester today, to see mum in her new respite care home but got there ridiculously early, so decided to pop into town for a wander around the shops before going to the home.
It was only when I got into the city centre that I realised there was a Pride parade taking place today. I had noticed that there were a few flamboyantly dressed people around but, not having lived in Chester for 30 odd years, I just assumed this was normal for a Saturday! I didn’t have too much time to spare, but thought I should at least see some of the parade.
And very spectacular it was, as they arrived under the Eastgate clock - a man juggling fire, a brass band and loads of colourfully dressed marchers. There perhaps wasn’t (to my eyes) as big a crowd lining the streets as they might have hoped for, but those that were present were enthusiastic in their support for the marchers.
Leaving everyone to their revelry, I completed my shopping trip (managed to get a couple of albums I’d been after in HMV) and headed off to see mum. The home seems very pleasant and it was certainly a lot calmer and quieter than the hospital ward she’d been in previously.
I think mum is still a bit confused about everything that has happened over the past few weeks, as she seemed quite withdrawn. I’m hoping that a few weeks of stability in the home will help her settle and regain a bit of her previous independent nature.