Smashing Single Parenthood

Friday 13 September 2024

The portent of doom, the omen of misfortune; what would Friday 13th bring this September? Who knew that it  would turn out to be such a good day …

Did I mention that I no longer work on Fridays? Believe me, this alone would be enough to ward off the dark clouds of gloom, but as an added bonus, as my alarm rings, sunlight streams into my bedroom; it is a glorious day,

‘But wait’, I hear you cry, ‘why an alarm on your day off?‘

Well, that would be a slightly earlier walk than usual, plus it is my turn to bring the cake. Battling through the ‘school run’ traffic I dash into ‘Miles Bakery’ and bag some carrot muffins before racing to the start of our ramble.

Such a beautiful route this morning. Late summer sunshine, stunning views across the reservoir and acre upon acre of unspoiled woodland and hillsides. To top it off, the carrot muffins are also delicious. Rich moist cake, with such a kick of ginger and spices that even I am glad of the icing, to balance those flavours out!

Back home, I do have tickets a few items off the ‘to do’ list. With all the offspring back at University, I take a deep breath, swig copious amounts of caffeine and embark on the quest of cleaning up the three abandoned bedrooms. I know, fellow parents, this if not a task for the fainthearted! The most disgusting moments, those encounters with long-discarded take-out packages lurking below beds and in the darkest corners of the chaos. The most satisfying, solving the mystery of where my parcel tape, spare phone charger and favourite cardigan have been hiding for the last few months!

Several hour later, weary but triumphant, I stagger into the shower to clean myself up! Because I am off out for the night.

First stop is the Cathedral for a ‘Candlelight Concert’. The inside of the glorious Gothic building is swathed in gentle candlelight; romantic and dreamy. The talented string quintet bring us ‘Funk on Strings’, the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder and James Brown, the perfect match to a glass of red wine and a relaxed post-work Friday concert. As the music ends, we stroll out for food and more wine, spoiled for eatery-choice in the busy Manchester streets, as far as I am concerned, with the best-est of company.

A harbinger of doom this day may well be in folk lore and culture, but happily on this occasion, no dreaded  disasters for me. The only ‘Superstition’ being Stevie Wonder’s funkiest tune played by a string quintet. Far from unlucky, , I’d call that an almost perfect day…