Friday October 31, 2008
A steady stream of deliveries kept us at home this morning. A new shower fitting, plumbing supplies, and a new pressure washer machine. So it was late before we sailed off to Sainsbury’s.
“I think I can manage this trip on my own in future,” I said. ”So you don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”
“Good. I’m going to be busy next week.”
“You’re busy every week.”
“I do try.”
“Don’t think it’s not appreciated. Just remember that old all work and no play rule, though. I don’t want you going all dull on me. And you promised me a trip to Porthcawl. And St Fagan’s. And Tenby…”
Today, it had to be Sainsbury’s or nothing. The sun glinted on the decks and rigging of the boats in the marina, old folks grumbled their way through to the restaurant, and kidlets had the most enormous fun, dressed in Hallowe’en costumes and running about frightening miserable old fogeys in the aisles. It’s impossible not to smile.
I made the mistake of having roast beef for my lunch. Average canteen quality, at best, and not too hot. I’d have done better to stick to my normal instincts and gone for the all-day breakfast brunch. Or a jacket potato. Graham had stinging hot macaroni cheese and chips. I was a little jealous but couldn’t act on it by stealing chips because I need to concentrate when eating drippy food–too much thin gravy–now that my tummy tends to obtrude over the table edge.
We got the job done and returned home mid-afternoon to find a very angry Dolly waiting for us in the hall again. She really does not approve of these lengthy daily absences, and makes us aware of her feelings.
“It’s alright, Dolly,” I said. ”The weekend’s on us now and we’ll do our best to stay home.”
Hey ho. Another day done. And I’ve just now realised that no Hallowe’en kidlets have appeared this evening, demanding treats. I’m going to have to eat all that chocolate myself. Darn it.
