Enjoyable time shopping yesterday at the butcher’s and the fruit & veg and bread stalls at our tiny market.

Carrier bags bulging with fresh fruit & veg, including perfect, plump strawberries which we ate with home-made ice cream :) 23 months ago

I would probably say that I do this already but if I reflect on it I know that I do it with very little thought. I shop locally for convenience; I don’t shop mindfully and I make excessive use of the supermarket. A casual conversation recently caused me to question myself. Just when did I last go in our butcher’s shop? And why do I not visit our tiny weekly market regularly?

Part of my intention in finding flexible, part-time work was that it enables me to create a life around work rather than the other way around, and yet I’m still spending too much time (and too much money) trawling around supermarkets rather than supporting our local small businesses.

I’ve made more effort over the past fortnight – and some shops I’ve used for a while anyway. So here’s where I’ve got to:

• I always buy greetings cards from the tiny, over-stuffed stationers at the bottom of the main street. Rummaging invariably produces some gems.
• I buy almost all my bird food from our equally small (but less cluttered) pet shop at the other end of the main street. Lovely friendly ladies here!
• The tiniest shop of all opened very recently – a patisserie. I admire the couple who have opened up this new business in the current climate and am happy to support them – especially as the tarts and deserts seem rather good! But only for special treats of course ;)
• When I called back into the butcher’s after a long lay-off (months and months I suspect), the butcher greeted me like an old friend. I don’t believe he remembered me – I could never have been described as a regular – but it so was nice! And he’s so accommodating. More expensive, yes, but infinitely better quality.
• I used our local auto shop when I was sprucing up my car. I wish I hadn’t. I’d called in before to ask advice of the shopkeeper. He was unfriendly then and even less friendly when I actually spent money with him. Perhaps he’s just taciturn by nature. But he won’t have my custom again.
• I visited the market yesterday – on a blustery, rain-threatened morning which wasn’t conducive to idling. I bought some plants. Not what I went for but they were strong and vigorous and very reasonably-priced. Tempting bread, fruit and veg were passed over – but next week I shall plan accordingly and buy all three. I need to make it a regular weekly event :) 23 months ago