boot hunt

Got my Irish ex-colleague's wedding invite in the mail today!! And also the hard copy of the Uni letter - at this point, I have gotten the amended copy. Phew! So that sorts out the HR part..then will be the VISA part. I checked through my timetable for next week. I'll likely be able to go and submit and prob ask for advice on the process on Tue since most classes start at 9am next week and the ISAS only opens at 9am...and lunch breaks are 30min or 45min on Mon and Tue.

Headed to Solihull today as planned. It was a sunny and beautiful day! Journey took me abt 1.5h including waiting for the bus. It's a huge shopping area....zoomed in to look for boots with better-grip soles today. I decided to get one good pair if it's affordable so I can bring back and wear if I go anywhere next time. I doubt my current pair can last me..just hope it lasts me till the winter months are gone.

King's Heath Church - on the way to Solihull

Solihull high street

Roast pig sandwich at Farmers' Market

Chairs for customers at Touchwood Shopping Centre in Solihull

Almost bought a Timberland outdoor one from TKMaxx but it was a bit tight at the front..I have learnt from my cheaper pair of boots that if the shoe is too tight, I'll get poor blood circulation and end up with pain..which is what I'm experiencing now..think might also be caused by friction..either that or is cos of the cold..chilblains? I have it on my right index finger, middle finger and now the little finger too. Anyway tried on 2 other pairs by Pajar brand (made in Canada) but found them too bulky looking..Just went to google..oh wow..their boots are all more than  £150!!

Marked down to £43

Pajar brand boots marked down to £20 (left) and £38 (right)

Then went to a shoe shop that resembled Shoe Zone shop and asked the sales assistant if he can recommend any boots with better grip soles...haha..but couldn't..he said try and error..n the outdoor one that they have don't have my size..this time is not cos my feet big ok! It's only left with size 8!

Anyway didn't get anything..then went to check out a town called Shirley. That's where L's matrimonial home is apparently..only found out from her friend who came by during Christmas/New Year period. Also didn't get anything..then decided to drop in at Sainsbury at Selly Oak when I change bus. Maybe buy some desserts cos L told me she invited our late neighbour's mum and sister over for dinner tonight but she also doesn't know what to prepare..and said i could join. But I told her I've leftovers...anyway the mum and sister stays in Dublin and they're going back tmr after settling everything here (funeral was held yesterday). I mentioned to L that I got my friend's wedding invite from Dublin..so will be gg there..and she happy for me and maybe I'll get to see the neighbours' mum n sister again. I'm sure they'll offer to meet up..but shall see how. I'm not tt a social being..haha! So I bought banoffee cheesecakes, carrot cake, muffins (choc and blueberry cheesecake ones) and mini lemon loaf cake. It was 3 for 2..so much cheaper than buying from patisseries outside..haha..hope they taste good! Was thinking if they don't have it, I'll have it the next few days. Also bought a packet of fresh tortellini for either weekend or next week since it only needs 4 min to cook! HAHA! Food sold in supermarkets here are so convenient for the busy people..wonder why it's not that popular in SG! Maybe cos hawker food can be bought easily and cheaply! On my way back, a police car blocked the main road to my bus stop..so the bus had to detour and I stopped a bus stop after my usual bus stop. Wonder what happened...

Oh yes, last night and the previous night watched <<三菜一汤>> and <<Wok Stars>> on catchup tv..the former featured crab in their latest episode, as what my mum told me!!! How I miss my seafood!

**Added: And so I had my leftover curry for dinner tonight. When L came back, I told her I bought some cakes and muffin for the neighbours..then she told me that they're not coming over for dinner. Phew..heng I didn't wait for them..haha! Anyway, she called them and said I bought cake so asked them over for cup of tea. They were all v appreciative of my thoughtfulness. Stayed on to chat a little but it was quite hard to catch their accent..heh..anyway, the cakes was nothing much to me..just my little way of saying goodbye and take care. I'm a person of few words..I would say I'm more of a do-er. It feels good to bless people...I think they're Christians and the mum said see you in Dublin...so nice! The mum said the carrot cake was beautiful..and the chocolate filled muffin I had was fluffy and not too sweet too! So I know I can trust their baked stuff.