Foccacia - made by my son.

This week, my car was due its MOT (road worthiness certificate) and previously, the garage had told me that my wiper blades were rubbish; not the words he used but I’m being polite lol. I popped to a large out of town outlet, bought said wipers, and paid an extra £4 to have them fitted. I’ve looked online at videos, and tried to do it myself, but I simply couldn’t get the old wipers off and I was concerned I’d damage the ‘arm.’ My old Suzuki, they were easy, maybe too easy and that’s why the newer model is a tad difficult? I don’t know. The assistant removed the wipers after a struggle, fitted the new ones, and I tested them before I was good to go.

The pet store had about 20 minutes to open so I popped to the supermarket in the area but changed my mind after seeing very few spaces in the large car park; it would be mad in there. I went back to the pet store and sat in the car until they opened. I had planned to only buy the dog some more treats as he was being rationed as mentioned previously, and noted there was only ‘senior’ food, and only 3 bags of it, in the brand he has, so I bought one, just to be safe. They had smaller 2kg bags, but they work out very expensive. So, the dog is now fine for the time being.

MOT day came, and I took a couple of bags to do some shopping whilst they had my car. I booked in the car, noting with relief that they were actually open, and set off for the nearby supermarket, only to discover I didn’t have my handbag. I quickly went back to the garage, retrieved my keys, and went to get my bag from the car; it wasn’t there! I’d obviously had a brain burp – my son calls it something similar and less polite – and left the bag at home. So, home I traipsed, thanking the fact that it’s close to the garage, got my bag and therefor money, and walked to the supermarket. Well, it was like the grave in there, lots of empty shelves though I did spy a ‘trolley’ with packs of flour on it. I haven’t seen bread flour, or any flour, on the shelves for 2 weeks now so I set off to find an assistant. A very nice man opened the cellophane wrappers, and gave me a bag of white, and a bag of wholemeal flour. I also managed to get a few other groceries, including long life almond milk for my son (lactose intolerant). I was happy, until I started walking home – car was in the garage don’t forget – man, flour and milk are heavy!

Later I retrieved my car and jokingly staggered in disbelief when the man told me it had passed. It’s 10 years old now, and I’ve been dreading this MOT though I have done very little mileage these past few years. He commented on the mileage, and I told him they don’t let me out much, which raised a smile. I then popped to a discount store to try and get some chicken. The free range portions were reduced, so naturally they didn’t have any. I bought just a few items, the assistant put them through the till, then as I was about to pay, she got up and walked away and another assistant took her place. Am I the only one who thinks this is rude? I’ve seen, and had staff changeovers in other shops, though never when they were partway through the transaction. I jokingly said: was it something I said, and was met with a stony glare. I explained I was joking, gathered my purchases and receipt, and beat a hasty retreat. I won’t be going back there for a few days. We’re told to be nice to others, and staff, well it works both ways.

Recently my son has been labouring in the kitchen, hence the need for flour, and he’s turned out pitta breads which we stuffed with the last of the chicken portions, and pineapple, peppers and mushrooms, then he made a brown loaf which was pretty good, but his piece de resistance was a focaccia. It was wonderful! I’ve told him he can make that again any time he likes lol.

No update on my start date as I’m still waiting for my security ‘stuff’ to be completed. I was warned it could take a few days. Oh, I heard back from the other interview I had attended; they offered me a 4-week contract to do ‘picking’ which I assume is for online orders. It wasn’t what I applied for, which was a permanent post, and thankfully this call was 24 hours after the other branch had offered me a permanent post, so I politely declined. Thank goodness for good timing! Update: I am who I think I am, thank goodness, and have passed 'security' checks. I should hear soon about the next steps.

Keep safe out there, hoping we don’t all go stir-crazy. On the plus side, we’ve had some glorious weather, with more to follow which should lift our spirits. Take care everyone.