Mending shoes.....baking bread in blackpropaganda

When I was a boy we would take our shoes to be mended to an old cobbler who had been doing it for years - and I loved the smells which pervaded the shop and the old advertising signs - but at some point he had to give up - both health, and a lack of business. Rubber soles could be fitted at home and heels too if you had a last - we did.
I know there are shoemenders (Timpsons) in some malls and high streets, but these are efficient places where mending is done at once. Also how many people bother to get them mended? It is easier to but another pair and just throw them away.
So, imagine my joy when I found a shoe mender still operating when I had a pair of shoes that only needed re-heeling. His place is bunged with shoes and boots, most of which seemed to have been there for ages - maybe no one came back for them - the old machine for buffing and polishing is still there - the smells are wonderful. Also you have to wait to have the shows finished off - so you join a queue of other people waiting - this is not a time to hurry.

They are shoes are want for dancing - bought in Spain they are light slip ons - and now I should be walking properly with the inserts the heels should not wear down unevenly.

And on dancing - the standard of Strictly this year is quite amazing - you can identify the next couple to go - if the great British public agree with me. How do they get to this standard. I love Pixie Lott a lot,

And will a Brit win the F1 motor racing championship today? The big talking point.
I couldn’t care a F..K. It is the most over hyped, expensive form of activity run by so many dodgy people (almost as bad as international soccer).

Time to enjoy the wonderful autumn sunshine here - and I have just made bread - imagine warm bread with butter and marmalade with coffee - see ya.
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