Supermarket Trolley Eventing

The epic journey into town dwindled into visiting both Tesco and Sainsburys within a three hour time period. Matt had received a better offer to shop with a friend from Huddersfield and no longer required my company, especially as his friend is female. Teri arrived on the 8.30am train for a brief encounter with Matt for Christmas shopping somewhere more exiting than Huddersfield, so I left them to it.

Myself was active early in the day and ready for the onslaught of the supermarket at 9am. Having not used the car for so long, the ice had layered itself firmly onto the windscreen. One hour later the defrosting was complete and I journeyed into the edge of town. The roads were fairly traffic free and I parked easily in the Tesco parking. Once inside I was informed that it had been 'Hell' earlier with those, much more committed than I, having risen at dawn to shop unimpeded only to discover that half the city would be joining them.

Maintaining my grace and dignity I shopped diligently thinking of what delights could fill my capacious fridge for the Christmas event of eating together. I made my selections for others believing that I shall be avoiding all likes of pastries and pies, scotch eggs, ice cream, pastas and pizzas instead including salad and exotic fruit to my small trolley. The queues to pay were all occupied and I selected one that was far away from a male that appeared to be infecting everyone with flu, sneezing and coughing over all the produce. Once settled in I planned my next foray over to Sainsburys for items unavailable in this place.

The drive out of Tesco was rather more alarming as the traffic had picked up with manic drivers incensed that they had not come earlier. Wearing fur lined hats and thick coats they emerged from their vehicles like Attila the Hun on some kind of hunting expedition accompanied by ill-clad females slipping on the ice in their heels. Suddenly it was all too late for everyone. All cars were now converging upon Sainsburys from every side and I orchestrated my own attack by parking in Aldi and crossing over by foot into the competitor's store where I retrieved my puff pastry and cocoa and then left winging my way home out of the city limits and back into my beloved countryside now dappled with sunlight on the snow.

The afternoon activities will include the finding and wrapping of presents put away earlier for neatness around the home I fear that they may be lost. There was one year when we discovered unopened gifts backed-up in a wardrobe in February; Christmas gained a second wind that year. More baking to do, as we have run out of mince pies. I do believe that Ivan's 'wife' has arrived as I spotted two pairs of shoes in the kitchen but, to my surprise, they have gone out somewhere in daylight...I shall cook dinner in anticipation of their return.

The Barrel seems a distance away in its majestic heights of Bretton. Falling night temperatures leave the roads icy and remote. I wonder if they have had any custom? I may give them a call later to see if the road is clear and Matt can drive Robin up there for a pint. After all we are their best customers.