Squelching around Harrogate

I was determined to have a day out today, as it is exactly one year since my operation, I tell everyone I had my gearbox out, ha ha. So to celebrate my recovery I drove to Wetherby in North Yorkshire, where I stopped for a fish and chip lunch. Might seem odd to choose a chippy but this is a treat for me, I only have fish and chips about three times a year, I don't do fried food.

Then on to Harrogate. It was bright when I set off but oh dear, the rain started, and never stopped all day. I parked at Sainsbury's on the outskirts and used my bus pass to get into town. I have driven through Harrogate plenty of times in the past, but never been to look round. I love all the flowers, they put a lot of effort into keeping the place neat and tidy. This is the world famous Betty's Tea Rooms, a big corner building, obviously very popular as people were queuing to get in. They have a shop as well, gazing longingly at the pastries and cakes made my mouth water, the prices made my eyes water :-(

This Victorian shopping arcade is lovely. It's on two floors, with shops selling fine china and ornaments, pictures, and expensive furniture.

I was a bit disappointed that some of the beautiful buildings have been spoilt with modern signage, this is a Chinese Restaurant.

With my feet thoroughly soaked by now I headed home, thank goodness I had put spare shoes and socks in the car. As I was passing Tesco I called in to do a big shop so I could use my £6 off voucher. I needed to make it to £40 so I carefully recorded all the prices as I added the items to the trolley. There were several reduced price items from the chiller, the veg, and the bread counters, and when I had almost finished, I went back to these counters to see if they had added anything else. I was lucky, they had, but they had also reduced even further some of the items I had already chosen. I hope no one was looking when I did a quick swap. The best prices were, smoked salmon slices from £2.49 to 62p, washed lettuce from £1 to 25p, spinach from £1.50 to 38p. A good end to the day.