I hadn’t meant to write another so soon but I couldn’t help myself.? I went into (local) town to get a couple of things and see if I could spend the last thirty pounds on my Marks & Spencer gift card from my class at the end of the year.? I did, by the way? – all but just over ?4 of it, which will come in handy for a cup of tea another time.

My first thought, as I waited for the bus (Freedom Passes must be used, you know!) was that the streets appeared so empty.? One other person was waiting with me and there was little traffic around.? When the bus arrived, I did a quick sweep of the occupants and found that the woman I had been standing with was the youngest on the vehicle.? We picked up other passengers on the way and they were all my side of fifty.

Once in town, I headed for M&S straight away.? I was eager to see if they had anything I actually wanted.? Not always the case.? As luck would have it, there was a mini-sale and I did manage to buy two tops – one a zip up hoodie – and some socks.? I know – more exciting than one would have thought possible!? Another quick look round to assess the average age of the shopper – I was young!? Many had walking aids.

My next excursion was to the Ladies’ Room.? To arrive at the one in our M&S, you need to go through the caf?.? Grey hair all over the place!? It was like the antithesis of Soylent Green!? I was in no way tempted to stop for a cuppa – not even to spend my last bit of gift card.

The return journey was not so full of the Silver Surfers – it was school chucking out time!? At least there were only a reduced number where I was waiting for the return bus but they made enough noise for a whole establishment.? I may turn into A Lady of Letters and send a stiff note to the head of the worst offending school.

I made it home without further incident, although I will try to go out earlier in the day in future to avoid the school kids.? Small steps.