For C E

I went to Waitrose today to do a big shop. Big deal, you may think, but somehow it was for me. Usually I get things delivered if they’re heavy or I go with my husband. But today I went in my own. What an adventure.

I could take my time, go up and down every aisle, peruse every colourful packet and tin to my hearts content, and fill my trolley – in any old higgledy piggledy order – with lots of goodies for tomorrow’s party.

All well and good. Eventually I finished choosing and went to the till to pay. There was a lady in front of me gaffing about. She’s forgotten her phone and Waitrose card and flattered me into letting her use mine. 20percent off fish day apparently. Anyway we got chatting and she finished and paid.

And then I looked at my trolley. It was still full. The counter was empty. For a moment I couldn’t think what should be happening. And then it dawned on me. I should have unloaded the contents of my trolley onto the counter myself! Myself!!

I burst out laughing when I realised what had happened. I usually go shopping with my husband. He likes to do things in a particular order so I usually let him get in with it. He does the unloading. I help with the packing. But he wasn’t here today and I was, momentarily, completely nonplussed!

I explained to all the bystanders- a queue was forming – about my idiotic reaction and quickly set about unloading. All by myself!! Everyone laughed thank goodness. What an idiot. Or spoilt princess as my friend would have it.