Other folk's shopping

Normally other people's messages look more exciting, but this bloke's basket is a bit boring.

This word - messages, meaning shopping, is used in Ireland and New Zealand as well as in Scotland. But I think it's used in Scotland less and less these days - my colleagues laugh when I use it.

Today was beautiful - clear blue skies, (is Spring around the corner?) and I unexpectadley met a great friend, that I don't often see, in the pub, at the end of the day. Although it just made me realsie how rarely I see him..and how much I enjoy his company.....and how I wish I saw him much more often.