15th August 2024
It was going to be a shitty day, with rain forecast all afternoon.
I went to my favourite DIY store to pick up supplies. The whole place feels like home, the size no longer surprises me, I know where everything is, and all the staff say “hi” to me.
Realistically they say it to everyone, a bit like they always say “ have a nice day” I’ve got used to that as well.
There are places I haven’t ventured, like the ducting section where bright shiny tubes and brackets live on dark deep shelves, the closest I get to those is when I need a filter for the boiler.
The white goods area is also a mystery to me, the washing machines are large, big enough to wash an entire family. They are ugly in design, reminiscent of old sixties automobiles with two tone finishes and large bulky controls that Flash Gordon would be proud of.
The building section is familiar, even though most of the time the computers are vacant, and when someone appears they look like they’ve just woken up.
The fencing section is outside, although covered, it is alway cold, no one stays out there for long.
I like the wood section, it is broken down into three sections, one, two and yes three.
I have my own description based on the quality.
Section 1 is shit, section 2 is less shit, and section three is acceptable.
If I wanted timber to build a giant corkscrew, section 1 is the rack to head for.
If I want timber that is eighty percent knot holes then section 2 is the one.
If I want something that is straight and not sourced from the USA section 3 beckons.
When I head for the checkout, it’s become a race to find a shortest queue, but don’t be fooled, that one person will have something the assistant doesn’t recognise, so then requires assistance from a higher level, it’s no good choosing another register there will be a builder moving the entire stock of plasterboard.
I have to adopt a zen posture, and drift away until the conveyor belt starts to move again.
Another Lifetime to go 