I was down in the village yesterday.

I gave Penny a walk around and we stopped outside the [shuttered] coffee shop to pay our silent respects. It’s a while since I have seen such depression in a dog. We left a mental wreath outside [well, Penny did a large pee against the gate which I’m sure is a canine equivalent] and carried on our walk.

Anyhows, with the walk out of the way I had to do some shopping. My first port of call was Doc’s reception desk to collect a script. I should point out that I was dressed for changeable weather with my coat and hat, and out of respect for Doc’s receptionist I had pulled my Snood up to cover my face. The receptionist looked up from her typing. She gave a little shriek and nearly fell off her chair. I quickly pulled down my Snood [thereby no doubt exposing myself to half a ton of Virus, if the “experts” are to be believed] and doffed my hat. “Oh, it’s only you, Grandad” says she which I found a little insulting. She could have left out the “only” bit?

So I had learned my lesson. It seems my headgear and face covering presents a greater threat to humanity than the Virus.

My next port of call was the general shop [or supermarket as they call themselves in a grandiose sort of fashion]. I didn’t bother with the Snood though I left my hat on. I wandered around all the aisles [both of them], got what I wanted and then had a grand chat with the owner, who like myself is a Coffee Shop Refugee. We bemoaned the loss of our meeting place and agreed that the whole setup was a fucking farce.

As we chatted I looked around. There were a few customers, all locals, and not one was wearing a face nappy. It was just like the good old days. We could all smile [or scowl] at one another. Speech wasn’t muffled. It was very refreshing.

And before anyone says anything, this county has one of the lowest Virus rates in the country.

I’ll say nowt…..