I went down to the village yesterday.

All I wanted was some milk but I brought Penny anyway as she needed a walk. So did I.

So we had our walk and I bought some milk and a couple of other non-essentials [Herself’s fags] and dropped them into the car. I then strolled up the street.

As we approached the coffee shop I heard a loud shriek – “It’s PENNY!”

Sure enough, the coffee shop was open for the first time since mid October, and Penny dutifully led the way in [she hadn’t forgotten so dogs’ memories obviously last longer that six weeks]. All the staff were there to greet her. She got fed a load of chicken and they made a huge fuss over her. They all said the one thing they had missed during the lockdown [apart presumably from their pay?] was the sight of Penny’s eager little face.

Then they noticed me.

All I got was a “Hi Grandad. Coffee?”

So I sat outside and lit my pipe. Penny curled up happily at my feet. I supped my coffee as the North Wind blew around me. It was fucking freezing.

I finished my coffee just as it started to snow. Perfect timing.

I’m happy.

My life is back to normal again.