Sunday past was my first Sunday in the new job. It was great doing most of the ‘picking’ before the customers were allowed in, however it turned out to be too quiet in that after 2 and a half hours, we’d run out of orders. Something to do with a new driver and pickers who’d been there 8 weeks were still not fast enough. I confess, I didn’t understand… I was given the option of clocking out and going home, or stock tidying. I opted for tidying up though after an hour, and others doing the same, trying to look busy, I’d had enough so clocked out and did some personal shopping instead. Previously I’d worked half hour over, so losing half hour Sunday wasn’t a big deal. Swings and roundabouts.

Monday and Tuesday, we just hid from the sun and the heat; far too hot for my liking and I’d watered the garden, again, due to drooping plants. Tuesday night we had gentle overnight rain. Not enough yet to bring the temperatures down in the bedrooms but it’s certainly cooler outside and feeling fresh which is a nice change. Wednesday was a day of drizzle and feeling cooler. I could tolerate this for a few days yet, unlike Mickey lol.

Something Gracie said about touch: It’s been years since my son has wanted any kind of physical contact. I think girls are different I just know my son does not want a hug from his Mum. I hug the dog now and again. If he lays on the large footstool, I kneel beside him and hug him which he likes – the dog, now. Since moving away from Wales and my family, nobody hugs me. There is a colleague who seems touchy feely in that whenever I ask him for help, he touches my shoulder or my arm. With everything that’s going on, it does surprise me though I don’t mind it. I’ve no idea how old he is (he’s certainly not young) I’m not good that way, though sometimes I feel like he’s talking to an old dear – me, lol. I’m being silly...

On the food front there have been some fails from the galley. The Deckhand wanted to try a turkey mince chilli, so he made that one night. No. It was bland and tasted like it was Quorn which we don’t care for. About half of it went into the food compost bin. Another night I had a mixed grill which frankly was tasteless. I don’t know if the bacon and sausages had been in the freezer too long, but I didn’t enjoy it. On the other hand, a tofu sweet and sour meal was delicious, and another meal was dry-fried haloumi slices and pineapple rings, which were then stacked into a brioche burger bun along with sliced dill pickles, tomatoes, salad… served with sweet potato chips, epic! Next week we have more vegetarian meals than meat dishes scheduled; it’s too hot for anything heavy.

Another fail was my first attempt in over 2 years at making welsh cakes. These are a little like flat scones I guess and should be cooked on a bakestone or heavy frying pan. The mix was a little slack, but I persevered; wish I hadn’t bothered. The first batch sort of melted in the pan lol; what a mess! I turned up the electric ring, only for the next batch to burn. Man, I hate electric cookers! I eventually got the temperature right and quickly cooked the remaining ones. They’re okay though I won’t make them again unless I have a gas hob.

In my previous supermarket role, I was in 4 days a week but only had 2 polo shirts, and no fleecy, even after 5 weeks working there. I had to buy 2 long sleeved tops to wear under the polo shirts and was washing them almost every day depending on my rota. I’ve worked in this current role for a week, work 3 days a week, and I’ve already received 3 polo shirts, a sleeveless jerkin, and a fleecy jacket, and very nice they are too. I’d worn smart dark trousers to the induction and asked if I could wear my own trousers to which they agreed. So, I’m all kitted out. On the picking front, I like the chilled and frozen picks as they keep me cool whilst I’m rushing about. Wednesday, I bypassed a trolley so I could take the chilled one and the supervisor saw me. Uh oh, I thought and expected to be chastised, however she stated that nobody would mind me taking the chilled picks as most staff don’t like doing them. I told her they’re my favourites and she seemed happy enough. I’d do all chilled or frozen picks if I had my way…

So, cooler temperatures for a few days, a nice bit of rain, and hopefully some better sleep for both of us; the Deckhand is grumpy from being too hot and I suspect pressure due to the impending end of term, and end of his final year. He’s not happy that his graduation ceremony has been cancelled, and often states he wishes we’d stayed in Wales, whilst in the next breath stating there’s no jobs there for his chosen career. He’s already tweaked his CV and will look at supermarket roles soon, so he has some money coming in whilst he looks for work in his chosen field. Me, I’d like to return to Wales though can’t see that happening any time soon.

Enjoy what’s left of the week and take care out there.