Art, shopping, and trucking. What more do you want ;-)

 Good morning. Dull and drizzly outside, but not cold. 

My planned shopping trip went like a dream last night, it's three weeks since I last went.  Aldi extended their hours before Christmas, 9pm close, to a 10pm close. I thought they would have reverted back to the 9pm, but they haven't. I went at my usual time of 8.30pm, holding my breath as I approached the car park, hoping there wouldn't be too many parked cars. I punched the air with glee, YES, when I saw only one car, and it was covered in frost so it must have been there for a long time. I had a big grin on my face as I pushed my trolley through the door. I hope the camera got that. I had the shop to myself. 

Someone else did wander in when I was half way round. They chose a hand basket so was soon out again after they had picked up the items they needed. Half an hour later and £53 lighter, and I was back outside and loading it into my car. 

The most expensive items I chose were £3.99 for a jar of Lor Intense Coffee, £3.99 for a bottle of Chardonnay, and £2,85 for a four pack of Red Berry Cider. Treats for me.  Aldi still take cash by the way. 

Close to Aldi is a very convenient 24 hour petrol station. My tank was just under a quarter full so I thought I would add some petrol to it, just in case I might need to go somewhere. Not that that is likely but at least I am ready if the prison door is unlocked. 

A car pulled in just as I was filling up. A uniformed person with a mask on went into the shop, spending a few minutes at the coffee machine. I had intended to spend £20, but to delay going into the shop while there was someone else there, I took it to £30. There were two other people in the car, all in uniform, and a badge on the door indicated that they were Community Police. I thought it best to keep out of their way. 

I am still playing with the black box. I quite like the look of it filled with nail varnish bottles. The trouble is that it is a bit heavy, but no more heavy than when it had a glass front. Maybe I'll go with this idea.

I did a village walk yesterday for the last hour of daylight. We don't get many lorries in the village because there is a weight limit. They aren't allowed to go through unless they have some business within the weight limit. I was just about to turn a corner when I saw the top of a lorry behind some houses. Looks like a Volvo to me, wonder if I can get a photo. I walked up the short access road to watch the driver reverse his trailer into the shed. For a few minutes it took me back in time. I chatted to a man in a yellow vest for a few minutes, it was exciting. 

This morning I was thinking about it. Maybe, to bring a bit of excitement into my life, I could contact a heavy haulage company, and offer my services as a drivers mate. A lot of the big loads have to have a second person in the cab. With all my experience I could be that second person. I could assist the driver, loading and unloading. I could help the driver to park the trailer when manoeuvring in tight places. It would be great to have some trips out. Oh well, it isn't going to happen just yet. Maybe just a dream. 

Time for breakfast. Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip.  ilona