Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a shoemaker in Wick is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already thinkin’ about the pile of shoes waitin’ for me at the shop on High Street. I swear, if I see one more pair of scuffed-up trainers, I might just lose it.
First thing, I step outside, and it’s like the weather can’t decide. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s drizzling. Typical Wick, eh? I’m dodging puddles like I’m in some kinda obstacle course. I get to the shop, and there’s this old bloke, Mr. McGregor, waitin’ for me. He’s got this ancient pair of boots that look like they’ve been through a war. I mean, c’mon, mate, how do you even wear these things?
So, I’m fixin’ his boots, and he starts ramblin’ on about the good ol’ days. “Back in my day, sonny, shoes were made to last!” Yeah, well, so were dinosaurs, but look where they are now! I just nod and smile, tryin’ not to roll my eyes.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in, all outta breath. “Mister! Mister! My dog’s stuck in a tree!” I’m like, “What? A dog? In a tree?” I mean, I’ve seen some weird stuff in Wick, but this takes the cake. So, I grab my jacket and follow him. We dash down to the park on River Street, and sure enough, there’s this little pup, yappin’ away like it’s the end of the world, stuck on a branch.
I’m thinkin’, “What’s next? A cat in a blender?” But I can’t just leave the poor thing. So, I climb up, and let me tell ya, I’m not exactly a tree-climber. I’m more of a “stay on the ground” kinda guy. But I get up there, grab the dog, and it’s all waggin’ its tail like it just won the lottery. The kid’s over the moon, and I’m feelin’ like a hero.
After that little adventure, I head back to the shop, and guess what? The door’s wide open, and my tools are gone! I’m fumin’. Who steals from a shoemaker? I mean, c’mon, it’s not like I’m sittin’ on a goldmine here. I run out, lookin’ around like a madman. I spot this shady character down by the harbor, fiddlin’ with my stuff.
I march over, all fired up. “Oi! That’s mine!” He looks at me like I’m crazy. “What? These old things?” I’m like, “Yeah, those old things! You think I’m gonna let you walk off with my livelihood?” We have a bit of a standoff, and I’m ready to throw down. But then, he just drops my tools and bolts. I’m left standin’ there, heart racin’, thinkin’ about how close I was to a full-on brawl over a hammer and some nails.
Finally, I get back to work, and it’s like the universe is tryin’ to make it up to me. A lady walks in, all smiles, and hands me a pair of fancy shoes. “Can you make these look new again?” I’m like, “Sure thing, love!” I get to work, and it’s like therapy. The smell of leather, the sound of my tools – it’s all good.
By the end of the day, I’m knackered but happy. I step outside, and the sun’s settin’ over the North Sea, casting this golden glow over Wick. It’s beautiful, really. I think about all the craziness, and I can’t help but laugh. Only in Wick, right?
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, but that’s life as a shoemaker in this quirky little town. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!