Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a cooper in Inverness ain’t for the faint-hearted. So, I wake up, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the weight of the world. I mean, who needs coffee when you’ve got the smell of fresh wood shavings?
First thing, I head down to Church Street. It’s a bit nippy, but the vibe’s good. You know, the kind of morning where you can smell the history in the air. I’m walkin’ past the old Inverness Castle, thinkin’ about how many barrels I could’ve made with all that stone. Seriously, they could use a cooper up there!
Then, bam! I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me, right? I’m sprawled out like a starfish, and this old lady just walks past, givin’ me the side-eye. Like, c’mon, lady! Help a cooper out! But nah, she’s too busy with her shopping bags from the Eastgate Centre. I get it, priorities, right?
So, I finally get up, dust myself off, and head to my workshop on Castle Street. It’s a small place, but it’s mine. I’ve got tools everywhere, and the smell of oak is just... mmm. But today, I’m feelin’ a bit off. Maybe it’s the weather? Or maybe it’s just me. Who knows?
I start workin’ on this barrel for a local distillery. You know, the one that makes that famous whisky? Can’t remember the name, but it’s got a fancy label. Anyway, I’m hammerin’ away, and suddenly, the door swings open. It’s my mate, Dougie. He’s all hyped up, talkin’ about some “big news.”
Turns out, he’s got a date with a lass from the Black Isle. I’m like, “Dougie, mate, you’re gonna need more than a nice shirt for that!” We both laugh, but deep down, I’m a bit jealous. I mean, who wouldn’t want a night out?
After a bit of banter, he leaves, and I’m back to work. But then, the power goes out. Just my luck, right? I’m sittin’ there in the dark, thinkin’ about how I’m gonna finish this barrel. I mean, c’mon, Inverness! You can’t just leave a cooper hangin’ like that!
So, I grab my lantern and head out. I’m wanderin’ around the streets, tryin’ to find a café with some power. I end up on Academy Street, and there’s this wee café called “The Mustard Seed.” It’s cozy, and the smell of coffee is like a warm hug. I order a flat white, and the barista’s super friendly. We chat about the weather, and I’m feelin’ a bit better.
But then, I overhear this couple at the next table. They’re arguing about some football match. I mean, c’mon, it’s just a game! But they’re goin’ at it like it’s the end of the world. I can’t help but chuckle. People are wild, man.
After my coffee, I head back to the workshop. Power’s back on, thank goodness! I finish the barrel, and it’s lookin’ sharp. I’m proud, ya know? But then, I realize I’m late for a meeting with the distillery owner. Panic mode activated!
I sprint down to the river, cross the bridge, and I’m practically gasping for air. I get to the distillery, and the owner’s there, arms crossed, lookin’ like he’s about to blow a gasket. But then, I show him the barrel, and his face lights up. “This is brilliant!” he says. Phew!
So, I’m feelin’ like a rockstar now. I head back to the city center, and it’s all lit up. The River Ness is glimmering, and I can’t help but smile. I stop by a pub on Church Street, grab a pint, and just soak it all in.
Inverness, man. It’s got its quirks, but it’s home. I’m a cooper, and today was a rollercoaster. But hey, that’s life, right? Cheers to that!