I didn't think the day would ever come when I would have a really exciting time shopping. But that time came this morning.
Our local Independent Grocery Store, Campbells, has just won an award as the 'Best Independent Grocery Retailer of the Year'. One of my carers volunteered to take me this morning to put together a hamper for my dear friends who trail about the countryside - to hospital, out to lunch, to garden centres, just for 'tootles' round the countryside - when the Hawthorn blossom is out, when Autumn cloaks the bushes with bright red berries (and before the birds strip them (having no regard for what weather might be to come - first come, first serve being their motto)). In addition to this T does countless little jobs which need a hammer, a saw or a screwdrive while S makes cups of tea, keeps me up to date with local news, even sweeps up bits of detritus from the carpet.
It is I think about four years since I visited, To say I was 'stunned' this morning is an understatement. Greengrocery, butchery, delicatessen, general goods - all superb. The butchery was so inviting with so many unusual things - a dozen or so different kinds of sausage, a very large 'chop' or a smallish 'joint' depending on how you view it - but actually marketed as a tomahawk (I'm sure you can imagine it now) - superb cuts of rare breed - a freezer and cold store range of 'meals' (bought two - pork tenderloin in a mushroom sauce, chicken in a cheese sauce). I could go on. (2 for £12)
We easily 'filled' two fancy boxes - one with fresh food and one with Christmas fancy foods - and I filled Priscilla's shopping bag with goodies for me over the festive season.
Then it was home again for coffee by ten o'clock (we went before parking became difficult) and I came home as happy as could be. Had I been on a jolly outing? You bet!
**Even found a bottle of 'Dandelion and Burdock' - can't open it so waiting for Tom to arrive for the hamper - his wrist is a lot stronger than mine! Haven't tasted that for at least 70 years!
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36 comments:
That sounds wonderful. I would be in heaven too in that shop!
The shop sounds like a real treasure. I suspect you'll be visiting again. The Dandelion & Burdock if a great find and just in time for the holiday. Spirits will be merry and bright when you and Tom toast with Dandelion & Burdock. Enjoy!
I'm sure your friends will appreciate your generous and thoughtful gift.
The last time I drank Dandelion and Burdock was while sitting on a bench by the River Lune and swinging my legs. X
Sounds like a wonderful place for shopping. Bet your friends will love their hamper
Always visited Campbells when staying in Bellerby. The award is well deserved. Shop full of things you can't find anywhere else and the quality of fresh goods always superb. Pollie.
Never heard of dandelion and burdock. Is it wine? I love shopping for unusual food treats and goodies at Christmas time too. Glad you really enjoyed your outing and hope you get the opportunity again soon. Gigi
That Independent Grocery Store sounds wonderful. There should be one in every town! So pleased you were able to get to it and do some shopping for Christmas. The hampers sound perfect and I'm sure your friends will be delighted with them. I'm not sure I have ever tasted Dandelion and Burdock, but used to love old fashioned Ginger Beer, even making it myself years ago. I remember that there was a forgotten bottle at the back of the larder one year. I took it out into the garden to open it and was so glad that I did. The top came off with a whoosh, ginger beer shot up into the air and came down all over me! I had to change my clothes, and wash my hair. So pleased I hadn't opened it indoors.
So glad to see another post from you .You have a lovely way of describing things,Pat .I'm happy because you were able to go out shopping,-Mary
What a lovely carer to take you. I once visited a small company which made Dandelion and Burdock, something I remember from childhood, but never bought it for myself.
Great to see a post from you! I had to google Dandelion & Burdock and it seems it is a bit like American Root Beer. Jackie
Dandelion and burdock. Tizer. Vimto. With a Mivvi.
ps sounds like you need one of those round rubbery dripper pads for opening jars and bottles.
pps have you had your free NHS tattoos yet? Can explain if that means nothing.
So good to hear you had a lovely time shopping in what sounds to be a wonderful shop! Enjoy the Dandelion & Burdock.
The absolutely best part of this post, aside from your talent in enjoying, is the Dandelion and Burdock! Haven't had that for decades, and it was the only flavor I really liked. Enjoy your D and B!
Reading about your happy outing to Campbells made ME happy! Wish I could teleport myself 'across the Pond' and experience it all. I have never heard of Dandelion and Burdock so must Google it. It sounds like something out of Harry Potter! Thanks for letting the rest of us tag along with you vicariously!
I am glad you got so much pleasure from a grocery store. Good food is always welcome and being able to choose a hamper of stuff for your friends a bonus. Lovely gesture on the part of your carer.
How delightful. You have such a gift for enjoying the moment. I am trying to learn. I always strive to have a half full glass. Keep enjoying and inspiring, Dear Heart. You are wonderful.
Good old fashioned nutcrackers are ideal for opening tight bottle caps.
What a fun shopping trip! That hamper will be a lovely gift for your friends. I'm happy to hear you got some goodies for yourself too!
Sounds like a fun adventure to the grocery store!
Well, you certainly had a merry adventure! I am sure your hamper was a welcome gift. I had to read about Dandelion and Burdock. I have never heard of it.
And now I need to find out about Dandelion and Burdock too!
It is fun to go to a high end shop with fancy foods, make up a hamper for good friends and pick some fun things to take home. I cannot eat as much as I used to but I love to see the things that make me remembering cooking for parties.
What a perfect day!
I'm curious. Once you got the bottle open, did it taste as you remembered it, or was it a disappointment?
Sounds wonderful! Pat you inspire me try to enjoy things more! Kathy near Chicago
I enjoy my shopping trips too. I love driving in my car, visiting two very good supermarkets, and buying plenty of delights. Yesterday I bought things to top canapés; smoked oysters, caviar, and octopus. I can hardly wait to assemble them on Christmas morning.
I usually enjoy shopping for food, provided I can do it at my own time and not when everybody else (screaming kids included) has to do theirs. Even Aldi can be pleasant!
I love putting hampers together for friends and family, and hopefully get it right with products they will enjoy.
Glad you were taken out to do the hampers yourself
My mum always loved it when we took her out.x
Things we take for granted and even sometimes complain about like grocery shopping can be fun. So glad you’re back and had a wonderful day out. How kind you are to those that help you .
That sounds like a great grocer to have nearby!
What wonderful fun shopping. I miss walking about and finding small treasures.
Gud Dugs send woofs
Interesting comments as usual - like the idea of using old fashioned nutcrackers to open my bottle - sadly threw nutcrackers out years ago - so must wait for a strong wrist from someone who calls.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE IN CASE I DONT CALL IN AGAIN BEFORE THEN.
You need one of those automatic jar openers...wonder no one has thought to get you one!
hugs
Donna
Happy Christmas Weaver!!! Jackie
Sounds like a lovely morning. I'm delighted that you found some wonderful treats for yourself as well as what you purchased for others. I purchased a pair of garden gloves, the kind with the grip dots on the palms, I keep this pair in my kitchen drawer and use them for opening jars. They work beautifully. One hand grips the jar and the other grips the lid. They have saved me many times of having to wait on a stronger pair of hands to come visiting :)
Wishing you a lovely Christmas.
Connie :)
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