You can always trust the British weather to do the unexpected. After several days of grey and chilly conditions, we now have sunshine and temperatures of 18-19°C. Not that I am ungrateful. I hate the cold and welcome the improvement.

Sunshine in Baron Street

Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, Sunday is shopping day, and so we set off as usual at 11am. Despite the bright conditions, I followed the old saying “Ne’er cast a clout till May be out”, and dressed warmly except for swapping my winter coat for a lighter one. I’m glad to say that I was a little too warm. I shall remove a few layers (like a snake shedding its old skin) when we go out again later.

Lively Chapel Market

In Chapel Market, the stalls were out in force, making a fine display in the morning sunlight. It’s beginning to be harder to remember the miserable appearance of the market during lockdown. Let’s hope we have reached the end of that difficult time and that there will be no relapse.

Sainsbury’s – not too busy

Sainsbury’s was about as busy as it usually is on Sunday morning, meaning we had very little difficulty surfing the shelves for our purchases. Working out what you intend to buy before you enter the store also helps.

We didn’t have too long to wait at the checkout, either. The checkouts at Sainsbury’s, as in other shops, are enclosed by transparent screens. This is sensible if a tad claustrophobic. What will happen “after Covid”, I wonder? I suspect that screens in shops and other businesses will remain in place for some time, possibly permanently. I have seen suggestions that masks could also continue in use, for example during flu or other epidemics. Learning from experience is a valuable tool in facing future problems.

Our coffee oasis

As usual, I took the cup holder and hurried ahead to Mercer’s for our coffee reward. Today’s coffees completed a loyalty card: free coffee next time!

As I write this, we are at home, the shopping has been put away and we are having a little rest before lunchtime. What shall we do this afternoon? Whatever it is, I shall be sure to let you know!