Today begins with overcast grey skies. My SuperValu grocery delivery arrives shortly before 11am, and I was surprised not to get the usual call about substitutions for missing items… turns out everything was in stock! Given the weather, I’m feeling lethargic and unmotivated to leave the apartment. Instead I do some actual leisure reading — a welcome break from accounting textbooks and small glowing screens.
The weather unexpectedly improves in the afternoon. My friend CJ and I spontaneously meet up for a quick stroll around the area between South George and Grafton Streets not far from Spranger’s Yard. There are LOTS of people out… it’s as if Dublin has awoken from a long hibernation. Restaurants and bars won’t be opening with outdoor service for another couple of weeks, but there are plenty of places serving takeaway food, coffee and beer. All the benches on the sidewalks are taken, and small groups of young people are sitting wherever they can find a spot — on curbs, steps, and even just on the pavement leaning against the walls of buildings.
We stop for a takeaway beer at a small cafe where CJ knows the owner. Unfortunately, the good weather doesn’t last. The grey clouds return, and after some preliminary sprinkles, it begins to rain in earnest. We try waiting it out under one of the many canopies that have been set up on the streets for those enjoying their not-so-much takeaway food and drinks. We eventually give up and head back homeward, parting ways in front of my building. Even though it was a short outing, it was better than nothing! This evening I’ve been listening to my friend M’s weekly internet show and taking it easy.
Until next time….
