Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still tryin’ to wrap my head around it. So, I’m a cooper, right? You know, makin’ barrels and all that jazz. But today? Today was a whole different kettle of fish.
Started off on High Street, just me and my tools. The sun was shinin’, birds chirpin’, and I thought, “Hey, today’s gonna be chill.” But nah, Bloxwich had other plans. First off, I’m walkin’ past the old Bloxwich Park, and I see this kid, right? He’s tryin’ to fly a kite, but it’s all tangled up. I’m like, “C’mon mate, it’s not rocket science!” But then I remember my own childhood, and I just can’t help but smile.
Then, boom! Outta nowhere, this dog comes barrelin’ down the street. I swear it was like a furry missile. It runs straight into me, and I drop my tools. I’m like, “Oi! Watch it, ya little rascal!” The owner just laughs and says, “He’s just excited!” Yeah, well, so am I, but I don’t go knockin’ people over!
After that, I head over to the Bloxwich Market. You know, the one on Elmore Green Road? It’s always buzzing. I’m lookin’ for some wood for my barrels, and I bump into old Mrs. Jenkins. She’s got her usual stall, sellin’ homemade jams. I’m like, “Mrs. J, you got any of that strawberry stuff?” She winks and says, “Only the best for my favorite cooper!” I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of flattery, right?
But then, just as I’m about to grab a jar, I hear this massive crash. I turn around, and some bloke’s knocked over a whole display of fruit. Apples everywhere! It’s like a scene from a comedy show. I can’t help but laugh, but the guy’s turnin’ redder than a ripe tomato. I’m thinkin’, “Mate, you’re in Bloxwich, not a circus!”
So, I finally get my wood and head back to my workshop on Walsall Road. I’m feelin’ pretty good, right? But then I see this group of kids hangin’ out by the old Bloxwich train station. They’re throwin’ stones at the old sign. I’m like, “What’s wrong with you lot? That sign’s been there longer than your nan!” They just laugh and keep throwin’. I mean, come on!
By the time I get back to my workshop, I’m knackered. I sit down, take a breather, and think about the day. It’s been a rollercoaster, for sure. But then, I hear a knock on the door. It’s my mate Dave, and he’s got a pint in hand. “Fancy a drink?” he says. I’m like, “You know it!”
We end up at the local pub, The Royal Oak. It’s packed, as usual. I’m tellin’ Dave about my day, and he’s laughin’ his head off. “Only you, mate, only you!” he says. We down a few pints, and I forget all about the chaos.
But then, just as I’m about to leave, I see that kid from earlier, the one with the kite. He’s sittin’ outside, lookin’ all sad. I walk over and say, “Hey, mate, what’s up?” Turns out, he lost his kite. I’m like, “Let’s go find it!” So, we head back to the park, and after a bit of searchin’, we find it stuck in a tree.
The kid’s face lights up, and I’m feelin’ all warm inside. It’s moments like these that make the madness worth it. Bloxwich might be a bit bonkers, but it’s home. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, laughter and chaos. Just another day in Bloxwich, I guess. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!