Back of the pond

Usually when I pass this local pond there are several fishermen trying their luck. However on this dark damp morning the banks were deserted. The dried reeds define the far side of the pond.
I was running errands, one of which was to the post office. When I arrived there was a notice on the door to say they had no second class stamps and were waiting for a delivery! Even so, there was a queue of ten people and only one person serving! I gave up and came home. Don't they make plans for increased trade at Christmas?