We refuse to be deterred by grey skies so today’s plan was to head out to find some sunshine – and if there happen to be a few shops for my mother-in-law, all the better! So bacon rolls devoured, we picked up grandma and headed to one of the many places that call themselves “the gateway to the highlands”: Perth. The rain was fairly persistent for the 40 or so miles to Perth but was kind enough to let up as we perused the city centre for parking. We just *happened* to find a free space right outside a yarn store (which was sorely disappointing unfortunately) and then the wander about the town began.
Perth is a lovely wee city with a nice pedestrian area in the city centre. There are lots of charity shops among other things so Jesse was happy. We have spent WAY more time shopping this trip than makes me happy but there you go. 
The sun was threatening to spill through the clouds most of the day – and managed a wee peep once or twice – but at least we were dry the entire time. Frank found the perfect hiking boots, Jesse found a fabulous suit (in Primark of all places!) and grandma got some bling earrings. Then a lovely lunch in Reid’s Cafe which had a nice gluten free menu and a chili jam that Frank decided was so good it was worth of suitcase space so a jar will be finding its way home. I had homemade soup and sandwich on gf bread which is really all one can ask for. It’s the simple things in life really.
A bit more wandering and it was time to head out but not before checking one more box on Jesse’s “to eat” list: a 99 which is really nothing more than a cone with a Flake stuck in it but it was on the list so we needed to figure that out. Luckily, a local cafe obliged and the required ice cream was procured. I’m sure most people thought we were daft for eating ice cream when it wasn’t blazing sunshine and hot but I don’t think we cared at this point. Then it was time to head back and see that grandma got safely delivered so that she could rest up for the “all family” gathering currently scheduled for tomorrow night.
We also had plans for the evening as it was time for a trip to Cambusbarron for the annual “box of curry” festivities. Mind you, we’ve never had the curry delivered in a box after that first time but it doesn’t matter, the name has stuck. And that’s really all there is to be said on that since much food, drink, and conversation occurred among the group of dear friends until a taxi delivered us home in the wee hours.
Data for today:
Steps: 10,395 (4.7 miles)
Charity shops visited: 5
Orders of chicken pasanda in the box of curry: 4
Explanations of American politics attempted: 0 (we’ve given up)
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