Friday 8th February, 2013          1800

If ever there has been a time in my life when I wished I had gone out the day before in rain, today was it.

The forecast for today was cold, bright and sunny. What we got was 6 inches of sodding snow. I had no real option but to go to town today for pet food because I think if the buses run tomorrow they will finish early so the drivers can celebrate new years eve with their kin. I had to use the bike stabilisers (legs spread, feet just above the ground) to get to the bus. If you think I am lazy, yes I am, but I didn’t fancy a hike through the snow when I got back with heavy shopping.

Halfway there a man got on with two sacks. One was plainly full of vegetables but the other was alive. As he sat opposite me I couldn’t help but notice two ducks with their necks sticking out of two holes in it. I know I am utterly wrong in my thinking but whilst I am quite happy to buy a dead animal with no feathers or fur and then cook it, I felt incredibly sad watching the ducks and knowing that tomorrow they will be dead, Sunday on the dinner table. I just wanted to buy them and take them home.

On the way I sent a message to Qing to ask if she was in Lu’an. This was at two and she was on the bus. She thought she might get there at six. I would guess it is a two hour trip normally but because of the snow she estimated she would arrive at six. It is now half past and I have yet to get her text to say she was safe.

Shopping in a UK supermarket on Christmas eve is bad but it doesn’t begin to compare with Chinese ones even two days before their big day. They simply barge into you. Thankfully my bulk normally sees them rather than me regretting it but it is still an experience I would happily forego. And all for some chicken legs, mince and veg. I did though take the opportunity to dine downtown on chicken and fries.

Even way up at the commercial centre there was a queue for the bus and I very nearly decided to splash out on a cab but changed my mind at the last minute. There were no seats left but a young lady very kindly got up and offered me hers. Do I really look that old? I have to say the new buses are worth the extra cost, the heating is a real bonus and I am sure the cooling will be too in summer. I was worried that perhaps my bike wouldn’t grip going uphill when I got back - it has only just stopped snowing - but it managed admirably. The only time I nearly came a cropper was when I turned in front of my building!

So now I only need to pop out tomorrow to the little supermarket to stock up on liquids for the closedown and that’s it. I have pet food until Wednesday and enough makings for myself for well over a week.

2200

I thought I’d seen most things but this is a new one. I took Pepsi out to do her business. She is scared witless of the snow on the ground. I despair of that dog.

Saturday 9th            1500

Well that was a close call! The damned supermarket was closed by lunchtime so Pepsi and I had to go in search of the vitals. With limited funds in my wallet (now down to 5y) albeit with probably 500y in my coin jars, I went to the fish place. With a dog on the bike there was no way I could contemplate buying cases of bottled beer but I did get half a dozen reds. I probably have enough pijou to last anyway.

The little restaurant was also “open” although with no customers I think it was purely for cleaning purposes. The Chinese tradition is to clean everything before new year and the whole family was at it. It is a lovely day today, bright and sunny and the snow is melting, so I tarried for a couple. They don’t speak and English at all, but I do know I was just invited to dine with them. Money would not have come into it of course, but although the offer was nice I felt I couldn’t possibly accept simply because here this time is special for families. Yes, two years ago I accepted an invitation but that was on new years day which is completely different. Anyway, I have mince that must be used before it goes off and tonight it will become chilli con carne. With crusty fresh bread.

I am now surrounded by the sounds and smells of thousands of pounds worth of pyrotechnics which so far the animals are tolerating. Talking of animals, Pepsi is once again succumbing to mange and I am failing badly in my efforts to combat it. Very soon I think I will have to take her to the vet and leave her there for a couple of weeks so they can treat her. More bloody expense. Happy year of the snake!