Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a stove-maker, right? Just your average bloke in Old Harlow, UK. You know, the place with all the history and charm. But today? Today was a whole different kettle of fish.
I woke up, sun shining through my window on Churchgate Street. Thought, “Today’s gonna be a good one.” Ha! Little did I know. I grabbed a cuppa, and off I went to my workshop on The Stow. It’s a cozy little spot, filled with metal and fire. Perfect for a stove-maker like me.
First thing, I get there, and my mate Dave’s already in a mood. He’s banging on about how his missus is making him do the shopping. I mean, come on, mate! It’s just Tesco on the High Street, not the end of the world. But he’s acting like he’s going to war or something. I laughed it off, but inside, I was like, “Get a grip, mate!”
Then, I’m working on this custom stove for Mrs. Thompson. She lives on the corner of Harlow Road and Churchgate. Lovely lady, but she’s got a thing for perfection. I mean, I get it, but she wanted the stove to match her curtains. CURTAINS! Who does that? I’m like, “Love, it’s a stove, not a fashion statement!” But she’s all, “It’s got to be perfect!”
So, I’m sweating bullets, trying to make this thing look like a bloody work of art. And just when I think I’m done, I drop the handle. It goes flying, and I swear it nearly took out a window. I’m standing there, heart racing, thinking, “Great, now I’m gonna have to explain this to Mrs. Thompson.”
But then, out of nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s my mate Sam, asking if I wanna grab a pint later. I’m like, “Yeah, mate, I need it!” So, I finish up the stove, and it actually looks decent. I’m feeling a bit proud, you know?
Then, I head out to deliver it. I’m walking down The Stow, and it’s buzzing. People everywhere, kids running about, and the smell of fish and chips wafting from the chippy. I love that smell. Makes me feel all nostalgic. But then, I see this bloke on the corner of Market Place, trying to sell dodgy watches. I mean, come on! Who’s buying watches in Old Harlow?
I finally get to Mrs. Thompson’s, and she’s all smiles. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she says. I’m like, “Yeah, it’s a stove, not a Picasso.” But I’m chuffed, you know? Makes all the hassle worth it.
After that, I meet up with Sam at The Crown. It’s a proper pub, full of character. We’re having a laugh, and I’m telling him about my day. He’s cracking up, especially about the handle incident. I swear, I nearly snorted my drink.
But then, out of nowhere, this guy walks in. Looks like he’s just come from a fancy dress party. I mean, he’s in a full-on pirate outfit! I’m thinking, “What’s this bloke doing in Old Harlow?” Turns out, it’s some charity event. He’s raising money for something. I don’t even know. But he’s got a parrot on his shoulder! A real one!
So, we’re all laughing, and I’m thinking, “This is the weirdest day ever.” But then, the pirate starts doing tricks with the parrot. It’s flying around the pub, and I’m just there, mouth agape. I mean, who knew Old Harlow could be this entertaining?
By the end of the night, I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. Happy, surprised, a bit angry at the handle incident, but mostly just grateful for the madness of it all. I stumble home, thinking about how life in Old Harlow is never dull.
So, yeah, that was my day. Just another day in the life of a stove-maker in Old Harlow. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!