And now the counting starts ....

. . . but first, some shopping trials ...

Some days, I potter along very productively, getting things done and feeling that I have achieved.  I had high hopes that today was going to be one of those days.  Hmm, perhaps I was being too optimistic ;)  We had planned a shopping trip for a number of items, and all was fine at the first shop - exactly what we wanted, no problem.  Onto the next stop, where I discovered the item I was after wasn't made in the length I required; you didn't get a choice of lengths in the smaller or the biggest sizes.  The item in question is a pair of jeans and I was really pleased to find some that actually have a pretty good fit on me so I went ahead and bought them anyway, using a giftcard I'd been given for my birthday, and I'll just have to take the hems up myself.  OK, we press on.  The haberdashers didn't have any magnetic bag catches, they sold out yesterday *sigh*.  I'll have to go back in next week.  Next shop, and after a lot of deliberation and consultation with the assistant (who was very helpful), I bought what I wanted, some walking socks to replace my very old ones which now have holes in them.  Next up, another birthday gift card (I was spoiled this year) to be spent on some toiletries/cosmetics.  I hadn't got more than 4 steps inside the shop before I was accosted by the assistant who bombarded me with questions as to what I wanted.  Now, if I have to go shopping, and it's not my favourite pastime, I like to do it on my terms.  If I want help, I will ask for it.  Needless to say, I did not buy what I intended to, indeed I walked out without buying anything.

Back home, and I spent some time outside trying to finish off a gardening task that has been hanging around for a while.  It should have been straightforward  but, as so often happens, it was being anything but, and it's still not completed.  It did seem to be one of those days.

I decided, late this afternoon, that I ought to try on the walking socks I bought.  First pair fit beautifully and are really comfy.  Second pair are about 2 inches too long in the foot.  They are a completely different size, maybe mens 9-11, not ladies 4-7.  I am not happy.  Not at all.  Back in the car, back into town, back to the shop.  Grrr!  The assistant agreed that the socks were not the size stated and found me an alternative.  I now have a second pair of socks of the style I wanted, in a size that fits.  Hurrah!  

Today was also election day.  I dutifully toddled off bright and early to cast my vote - votes for women were very hard fought for (and, indeed, died for), so I feel it is important to use mine.  My daughter is being a polling clerk in her local constituency today, and at the 1997 election, I was a counter of ballot papers after the polling stations had closed.  It was a fascinating opportunity, but I was surprised just how nerve-wracking it was.  I think it made me aware, possibly for the first time, that elections are a serious business, regardless of personal politics. I remember feeling a real sense of duty, and when there are party agents prowling around the counting tables, demanding you recount the papers because they think you got it wrong, it can actually be a bit scary. (I didn't count incorrectly, and they knew I hadn't, but they just wanted to unnerve me.)  We will probably stay up for some of the results, and I will be thinking of all the people working through the night to get the results in.  And I shall sympathise with any constituency that faces a re-count!