When Waitrose announced their on-line shopping service would now reach our village, I was as elated as my mother was when disposable nappies replaced Terries. I would no longer have to endure the performance of getting The Baby’s rigid legs into the trolley, bribe him through my list, realise it is lunchtime so go to the cafe and sit there for half an hour draining a strong double expresso while he munches through a sugary doughnut.
I was quick to fling a DVD on for the children, close the door and log-on in the comfort of my warm kitchen with just me, the laptop and a sleeping border terrorist. Once I had booked my delivery slot, I began scrolling through the on-line aisles. Admittedly it did take time as I dashed round the house checking how much bleach I had left or whether the children needed more toothpaste. I also missed the gorgeous smell of the Bakery as I scrolled through the bread section mulling over the huge array of sliced, crustless, rolls, baps, wholemeal, organic, seeds, malted and the rest. It was no light task, but I checked out delighted to have spent less than usual.
When my delivery day arrived, I was so excited that I rather peculiarly decided to clean my fridge out in preparation. I rummaged around the fridge, clearing out the old garlic bulbs and onions and the out of date chutneys. I then eagerly scrubbed the shelves, as if the Waitrose delivery team was going to vet my fridge before they agreed to leave my precious food. The van pulled up outside and trying to contain my excitement I yelled to my son, “They’re here,” as I skipped out of the gate to greet them. I was met by a very smart man in a suit. “I’m the Manager,” he said cheerfully. He then explained that they were overwhelmed by the response to the service so he was helping out. I was impressed. As he carried my bags into the kitchen, I excitedly leaped around, forgetting I had my slippers on, flinging open the fridge to show him my sparkling shelves. He began to look a little nervous and left quickly. I began unloading my neatly, orderly packed bags. Despite ordering four packets rather than four chicken legs and enjoying some delicious organic butter which I did not order, it was a great success. I celebrated with a glass of Chablis and a Jaffa Cake.
