NORTHERN PLANNER

I’m working on a coffee project, so maybe all that wittering about proper coffee and slow tea may be worthwhile after all. To help, I’m having as many meetings in coffee shops as I can.

Yesterday morning I was in Durham and found myself frantically rummaging for enough copper to pay for my £2.50 skinny late. Now I’m not against someone not taking debit cards, in fact, if they turn it into some sort of benefit – maybe personal or a return to simple then fine. I do mind them waiting to apprise me of the fact until I’m offering my switch card over my freshly made drink. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make the difference.

It was Starbucks in the afternoon, for an agreeable catch up with JamesB who’s helping on some digital stuff. Not only did he show why other people should be making the most of his newly available freelance skills, he bought me my first mince pie of the festive season. It’s always a bit dodgy working with friends. It’s nice that you trust them, but you don’t want to fall out and ruin things. James is both reliable and clever, so that’s all right. He’s also the only person who’s worse than I am for getting lost, so it’s worth having him around to make me look good.