For the second time this year we ventured into the City this afternoon with the kids. Though we did spend most of the time in the parks again, we also toured the shops in Above Bar - mainly because we didn't want to buy anyhting.
It's quite a walk from the Central Library, but the kids seemed to enjoy the change, and it was very interesting for us to see them in such an unfamiliar environment. All but Alice, who has just confessed before bedtime that she hated being among so many people.
I can understand that - I think working in town and wandering the treets with no pressure from the office a couple of times a week has subtley changed my attitude to it.
Shopping in Southampton would still be an absolute nightmare with a young family, which is why we never do it. eastleigh has everything we need away from the local shop that Tx goes to in the week, and a fortnightly visit to Tesco or Sainsbury's does the rest. You can't park anywhere, there are too many poeple crowding everywhere and the shops are mostly the same and full of shit. How on earth 'we' claim to be in the Top Ten best towns in the UK for shopping is beyond me.
It's because we have a family. Apparently couples with young kids aren't called 'shoppers'? That's why you can't get a pushchair into any of the lifts at WestQuay.
For Stan it was an eyeopener - we think its probably his first time in.
Like most experiences for thim though, like me, its pretty much water off a duck's back.
Stoic, I think is the word.

Tonight, I am listening to:-
Tom Waits - SWORDFISHTROMBONES
and
Harold Budd - PERHAPS

The latter is a new 'live' album available for download only (what??? why???) from Samadhisound - David Sylvian's label. I paid for it(shock horror!) with the singular intention of sending it on as a gift to Ris, making up for the two albums he has 'sent copies of' to me over the last six months.
It is typically beautiful, but not particularly inspiring.
One of his more 'familiar' pieces I think.

The former of course is just plain barking mad! It's good to be rediscovering the inspirational genius of effective and original songwriting.

You know there ain't no Devil
It's just God when he's drunk