For The Love Of Books

Last week we spent a couple of hours in a book shop while the brakes on our car were being fixed.

We were in Truro and it was bitterly cold - neither of us likes traipsing around shops, but we do enjoy books and since probably giving hundreds away, it was rather comforting to step into this little haven.

After going off in separate directions for a while (Sime always heads to the music section, while I go straight to the travel books), we eventually found each other again and discovered an empty sofa.

We then spent a blissful hour with Sime reading to me.

We were occasionally aware of other people around us, some looked at us as if we were scum (we are used to this). Our appearance obviously gives people a certain impression of us... Sime's beard, my old fraying French army coat and our general scruffiness. Others seemed quite enchanted and kept looking over at us smiling.

It made us wonder if people are not used to seeing adults read to each other, but it's something we just do, probably everyday... I will dig out a book after we've eaten, something interesting to read out loud and usually have a little gem in my bag, so even when we've eaten out or are just in the car - I can read to us and Sime reads at night, often lovely stories which lull me to sleep and if we have time in a morning, there will be more interesting and educational snippets to share with each other.

Whenever we go away, there are two important things to always think about - firstly, where to find vegan food and secondly, the whereabouts of the nearest book shop... 

Just before Christmas, we revisited a fantastic place which met both desires!!!

Scarthin Books in Cromford, Derbyshire.

It was over 20 years since we last visited and we were so happy that it hadn't changed!

We feasted on vegan homity pie...

And shared a delicious carrot cake...

Reading and learning is such a wonderful experience to share and we often wonder if other folks are as enthusiastic as us...

Tell us about it!

Kay (and Sime)

xx