Monday, March 09, 2009
The Monday Crew
Today has been the usual bustling Monday that we always hope for.
It is always a pleasure to be in Pilgrims with the Monday crew.
The sun was shining and from within the car the world looked very special - but we knew not to be deceived for the wind was very chilly.
As we drew near to Dorking we began to surmise on how many envelopes there might be for us - envelopes with money in for the sales of the week. We begin to suggest figures. Then we also start to surmise on how late Monika might be!
Bless her - we get on well with her - but she has taken advantage of our reliability!
We open up the shop, put the boards outside to encourage passers by and turn all the lights on and have a quick look for changes.
Last week we were pleased to see a new area formed in the old cafe.
This week we were sad to see an area being dismantled.
Val is not well. She has had breast cancer which has spread and has diabetes and other problems. She has been in hospital for a while, for seemingly unconnected problems - but there are reports that her mind is now weak and she forgets so much. Her nephew has made the decision for her that it is time to pull out of the shop and he had started to take out her cabinets and things for sale.
Julie arrived - with all her little bags. She made herself comfortable and we all counted out our money. Bill has hit a bleak time just now - I am doing OK.
Eventually Monika arrived.
She hadn't been in long when she announced that she should go out again to get something to eat because she had not had time for breakfast. She got back and sat at the back with her oat biscuits and her paper and her mobile phone.
I was arranging things close by.
Bill was busy with the customers.
Bill has been busy all day, helping customers and the women of the Monday crew.
Julie loves him! And he certainly made a good job of sorting some things out in her area for her.
He put an extra light up for me in my area.
He didn't leave the shop all day. I went out to the post office.
I called in at the hospice shop on the way back and bought a bag. My old large shoulder bag could have been mended - but it was not very smart really. I found a real leather bag which feels lovely. It was more expensive that I would normally pay for a second hand bag at £7.50.
"Oh, it's a Tula bag" said an impressed Monika, who knows about such things.
I have just looked them up on a web site and find Tula bags costing anything from £40 to £90.
The customers were interesting and sales continued through the day - a little something for me again.
I like to have good bargains, but really many people coming in have money to spend.
Julie leaves by half past two. She never wants to drive in the dark - so in the winter she needs to get off early.
She is a real character and full of gentle philosophy.
We talk all the time she is there - and laugh.
Here is a picture of her.
Next week I must make time to take some pictures of Monika.
We were home by half past five - and how lovely it it now that March is here to be home long before it gets dark.
Tomorrow will be a day for describing things for EBay. There is also an appointment at the hospital again - I shall see the urostomy nurse.
Now for a cup of tea.
It is always a pleasure to be in Pilgrims with the Monday crew.
The sun was shining and from within the car the world looked very special - but we knew not to be deceived for the wind was very chilly.
As we drew near to Dorking we began to surmise on how many envelopes there might be for us - envelopes with money in for the sales of the week. We begin to suggest figures. Then we also start to surmise on how late Monika might be!
Bless her - we get on well with her - but she has taken advantage of our reliability!
We open up the shop, put the boards outside to encourage passers by and turn all the lights on and have a quick look for changes.
Last week we were pleased to see a new area formed in the old cafe.
This week we were sad to see an area being dismantled.
Val is not well. She has had breast cancer which has spread and has diabetes and other problems. She has been in hospital for a while, for seemingly unconnected problems - but there are reports that her mind is now weak and she forgets so much. Her nephew has made the decision for her that it is time to pull out of the shop and he had started to take out her cabinets and things for sale.
Julie arrived - with all her little bags. She made herself comfortable and we all counted out our money. Bill has hit a bleak time just now - I am doing OK.
Eventually Monika arrived.
She hadn't been in long when she announced that she should go out again to get something to eat because she had not had time for breakfast. She got back and sat at the back with her oat biscuits and her paper and her mobile phone.
I was arranging things close by.
Bill was busy with the customers.
Bill has been busy all day, helping customers and the women of the Monday crew.
Julie loves him! And he certainly made a good job of sorting some things out in her area for her.
He put an extra light up for me in my area.
He didn't leave the shop all day. I went out to the post office.
I called in at the hospice shop on the way back and bought a bag. My old large shoulder bag could have been mended - but it was not very smart really. I found a real leather bag which feels lovely. It was more expensive that I would normally pay for a second hand bag at £7.50.
"Oh, it's a Tula bag" said an impressed Monika, who knows about such things.
I have just looked them up on a web site and find Tula bags costing anything from £40 to £90.
The customers were interesting and sales continued through the day - a little something for me again.
I like to have good bargains, but really many people coming in have money to spend.
Julie leaves by half past two. She never wants to drive in the dark - so in the winter she needs to get off early.
She is a real character and full of gentle philosophy.
We talk all the time she is there - and laugh.
Here is a picture of her.
Next week I must make time to take some pictures of Monika.
We were home by half past five - and how lovely it it now that March is here to be home long before it gets dark.
Tomorrow will be a day for describing things for EBay. There is also an appointment at the hospital again - I shall see the urostomy nurse.
Now for a cup of tea.
