Day 24: Sports Indirect

Off to Sports Direct - a shop whose customers rarely look like they have any Direct contact with Sports.  Inside, Slade's 'Merry Xmas Everybody!' is playing (a seasonal first - like hearing the first cuckoo of Spring...).  Aggressive use of tinsel.  A changing cubicle that looks like it should be equipped with a sharps bin.  But a swimming costume for the princely sum of £7.99.  For which I am prepared to be assaulted by Noddy Holder and spray snow. 

This is the first day that feels properly like winter.  Bone cold.  I wash bedding and take it to the launderette to dry, with the justification that their big tumble drier is by far the quickest option.  In truth, I just want to sit with my back pressed up against the hot glass, reading peacefully while the drum rumbles around behind me.  Like leaning on a massive, purring tiger.  But safer. 

There's a fabric and haberdashery shop next to the launderette.  It's tiny and claustrophobic.  Packed with bolts of cloth, ribbons, zips, buttons and two fierce elderly ladies who tot things up inaccurately with pencil on scraps of paper.  They know their Petersham ribbon from their bias binding.  In the window are a selection of cushion covers - dogs, kittens, and tractors.  Yes.  TRACTORS.  Not embroidered, but printed.  Someone has designed SPECIFIC CUSHION PANELS with tractors on.  Here they are - look at the tractor borders!  Stylised hay bales!  Simply fold, seam and stuff.  Then admire your noble Massey Ferguson before sitting on it.  Agriculture AND comfort!  The ladies at the shop have embellished their version with a deep tartan frill around the edge.  It is truly magnificent.  That's Christmas sorted for my nearest and dearest...