Monday, February 27, 2023

Easter dinosaurs.

 

By six thirty the beach has perhaps a dozen people on it. A couple of arthritic labradors, a Chow and a hyper active furry mutt are all greeted by Sophie. She is slowly but surely coming to terms with the fact that there's a world of dogs out there and seems to be rather enjoying this belated discovery.


Paperchase, the retailer that had 3 for 2 specials on Valentines Day cards, has now closed. It was a surprise that the company kept going for as long as it did. The market for cards of any description seems to have been in a long decline. Over the weekend the store has been stripped clean and a large 'To Let' sign fixed to the wall. What worries me is that this is the eighth store in the centre of town  to close since we arrived here six months ago. Natural retail rotation or a sign of something painful heading our way in the economy ?


No economic uncertainty at the food hall. The stock of Easter goodies that went up yesterday is flying off the shelves. In the good old days there were Easter eggs. Now there are Easter cats, Easter rockets and Easter dogs.... and on the bottom shelf , next to Easter chickens , are Easter dinosaurs. One of the Easter dogs is a dead ringer for Sophie. We meet the Principal of the University who is out doing her weekly shop. 


Lights on in one of the fancy houses overlooking the sea by the golf course. Closer inspection shows the lights to be large chandeliers. Must be owned by folks from Glasgow. A window on the ground floor is open. Considering the strength and the direction of the wind I can only assume the decorators are in and they're trying to get rid of paint fumes.


Inexplicably the workmen have chosen today to restart work on the band stand. Three of them are having their breakfast 'piece ' while sitting on the roof. Progress on the renovation of the band stand proceeds with a slowness bordering on indifference. Perhaps it will be finished in time for the summer ?


The window next to the good coffee cafe has had a flower change. The white roses that lasted for the better part of 3 weeks have been replaced by some yellow carnations. I have a feeling the temperature inside the room might be at a level that  keeps flowers fresh for longer.



11 comments:

Lisa in France said...

Now I am intrigued. Are people from Glasgow known for having large chandeliers?

Jake of Florida said...

Have yellow and now blue, purple, and pink peeps not made their way across the pond for Easter too?

WFT Nobby said...

Can't beat a 'fine piece' for breakfast. I too was unaware that chandeliers are a Glasgow thing.
Nobby and I search in view for fox terrier shaped chocolates in the Easter display.
Cheers, Gail.

paphosmuseum said...

Lisa and Gail, it's the sit of th8ng we east coasters say about the nouveau riche from Glasgow. Nae class!

Travel said...

Dinosaurs, I find an odd choice for easter. One of many. Nice walk around town.

Maudie said...

I find it intriguing that Sophie now enjoys canine acquaintances.

Angus said...

Maudie - Having spent six years with a brother and a then three and a half years with three or four village dogs the existence of a universe of fresh acquaintances ( and I'd have to say I've never been in any town with as many dogs as St Andrews ) sis to her nothing short of miraculous. She rushes onto the beach and then greets these fellow travellers with amazement bordering on awe. We've only had one problem with a snappy Sheltie. Goes to show you're never too old to learn.

Diaday said...

Lovely walk to start the week. Buy a chocolate dog and nibble on it for dessert some evening!

Stephanie said...

Another lovely window arrangement.

Coppa's girl said...

Glad to hear that Sophie is now greeting fellow canines with enthusiasm. Indy much prefers to greet dog owners first - she's not daft - she knows who has the treats!
It's not just Glasgow and chandeliers that are used as a derogatory term - it's quite common in England, and also applies to nouveau riche and no class. Unless, of course, you own a stately home and a few thousand acres, then they are quite acceptable, and to be viewed with both awe and in some cases, envy.
Those delightful flower arrangements are totally at odds with the chaotic papers piled up on the table behind, which don't seem to have moved since the first photo you took!

Angus said...

Coppa girl - I think, but am not sure, that there may be more papers on the table than there used to be. They now seem to be two layers deep. Perhaps we're into second term paper time ?