A LOAF OF BREAD, A BOTTLE OF WINE AND.....

Going to the supermarket is one of the most revolting duties I know. I realize there are people in other countries who would swoon with pleasure but that does not prevent me from kicking and screaming all the way. The rise of the supermarket has, of course, diminished the number of small shops everywhere. Supermarket virtues are three: one-stop shopping, parking, slightly lower prices.

This little basket is evidence of escaping the task for one more day. It's still a great pleasure to grab a basket and go from shop to shop for a chunk of cheese, a loaf of bread, some veggies and that's it, today's dinner is in the bag -- or in the basket as the case may be. It does mean that the purchase of a single cabbage or wedge of cheese is cause for a considerable amount of talk about their qualities and how best to use them. Many people enjoy this, particularly those who live alone, but I am not terribly keen.

This basket contains dinner for tonight. Spaghetti with leek sauce, freshly slivered Parmesan cheese, green salad (our own lettuce!) and fruit salad. And thou if you'd like to come. The flowers? I made a little stop at the garden centre on the way home, didn't I?