The Simple Pleasures of Life

[BrumJim]

The smell of newly mown grass, waking up to blue sky, walking on a winter day with the crunch of frozen ground, the smile from a baby. All these things are cheaper than the latest gaming console, the finest clothes or the most exotic holiday resort, but can give a smile just as wide.

So, cycling home from football last night (no goals scored, so no simple pleasures there), and after having been screamed at by some yoth in a car (caught up with them twice at lights - hoping they feel very silly and guilty this morning), I experienced one of those great, free feelings; freshly laid tarmac on the main road just down from my house. Crumbly tarmac peppered with bumps, ridges and potholes had been replaced by deliciously smooth tarmac. The blackness of the top layer just added to the almost mystical experience, like I was floating on air. So much so, that I took a detour to extend the experience just that little bit longer. I sat. I pedalled. I flew.

Am I sad?

 

[Panter]

The smell of newly mown grass, waking up to blue sky, walking on a winter day with the crunch of frozen ground, the smile from a baby. All these things are cheaper than the latest gaming console, the finest clothes or the most exotic holiday resort, but can give a smile just as wide.

So, cycling home from football last night (no goals scored, so no simple pleasures there), and after having been screamed at by some yoth in a car (caught up with them twice at lights - hoping they feel very silly and guilty this morning), I experienced one of those great, free feelings; freshly laid tarmac on the main road just down from my house. Crumbly tarmac peppered with bumps, ridges and potholes had been replaced by deliciously smooth tarmac. The blackness of the top layer just added to the almost mystical experience, like I was floating on air. So much so, that I took a detour to extend the experience just that little bit longer. I sat. I pedalled. I flew.

Am I sad?

No.

You're one of the lucky few who can take such delight in such things

 

[ian turner]

There will be two or three utility companies who will have been waiting for the new surface so they can dig it up for maintenance purposes. There's a stretch of road just round the corner from me that would be a reasonable surface except for the 6'x3' bumps every 12' caused by British gas doing some major pipe relaying

 

[Fiona N]

Not sad at all

What often gets me up on a morning (I work in a home office so no colleagues eyeing the clock if I get in late) is the sound of the sparrows in the honeysuckle outside the bedroom window as they fight for a 'go' on the feeder and fatballs hanging in the branches. They just sound so enthusiastic and alive it really is a pity to lie in bed and 'waste the day' as my Gran would have said. Mind you, I have to be strong-willed in summer when they start up before 4am

And I too love a bit of newly laid black top. Sadly, around here many of the back roads I cycle on have been resurfaced over the last year with that loose aggregate stuff which doesn't have quite the same appeal

 

[Spinney]

Not sad at all

What she said...

Sometimes just the sight of blossoms, a nice sunset, etc. Sometimes even the sound of rain in the garden (if I don't have to be out in it).

 

[dellzeqq]

The smell of newly mown grass, waking up to blue sky, walking on a winter day with the crunch of frozen ground, the smile from a baby. All these things are cheaper than the latest gaming console, the finest clothes or the most exotic holiday resort, but can give a smile just as wide.

So, cycling home from football last night (no goals scored, so no simple pleasures there), and after having been screamed at by some yoth in a car (caught up with them twice at lights - hoping they feel very silly and guilty this morning), I experienced one of those great, free feelings; freshly laid tarmac on the main road just down from my house. Crumbly tarmac peppered with bumps, ridges and potholes had been replaced by deliciously smooth tarmac. The blackness of the top layer just added to the almost mystical experience, like I was floating on air. So much so, that I took a detour to extend the experience just that little bit longer. I sat. I pedalled. I flew.

Am I sad?

not at all. There are roads that just make you want to sing out loud. If you're ever down my way I'll take you down Lonesome Lane (even the name is a wonder!) and watch you smile from ear to ear....

 

[jimboalee]

Where is this tarmac? Outside the new QE?

 

[Shadow]

Far from it...lucky you.

I dream of one day riding on such a surface, certainly none are around these parts. I thought they only existed in far away lands like france, spain and portugal. Maybe I should visit Brum.....

 

[byegad]

Definitely not sad. I often enjoy the views on my rides. Fields, hills, trees, birds. All good for your mental health.

 

[steve52]

oh boy am i with you, and new smooth tarmac is so sensual its allmost a fetish mmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[BrumJim]

Where is this tarmac? Outside the new QE?

It's MY tarmac. Its just by my house, and it's ALL MINE.

You can have the bit on Howard Road between Vicarage Road and Alcester Road. It's almost as nice.

 

[jimboalee]

It's MY tarmac. Its just by my house, and it's ALL MINE.

You can have the bit on Howard Road between Vicarage Road and Alcester Road. It's almost as nice.

No way, its got mini islands on it.

I'd rather do circuits of Chelmsley Wood. All brand new ashpalt.

 

[darth vadar]

Whoa !!!!

Be careful before you talk about enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

A few of the 'intellectuals' on this board might prefer you to consider it in a much deeper philosophical way.

 

[the_mikey]

Summer evening sky.

 

[earth]

There will be two or three utility companies who will have been waiting for the new surface so they can dig it up for maintenance purposes. There's a stretch of road just round the corner from me that would be a reasonable surface except for the 6'x3' bumps every 12' caused by British gas doing some major pipe relaying

Why do they always do their under road work after a new surface has been laid?

If the only options are conspiracy or incompetence then I can't believe people can be this incompetent for decades. Which leaves only conspiracy.

Capitalists undermining the work of councils on purpose?