Emma turned 11 today. To celebrate, we left her at home while we went to IKEA. But, don’t worry, she also had a lovely walk to Stensund late in the day, as well as quite a bit of essential ball throwing. Her advancing age is not slowing down her running. Not one bit.
Speaking of running, I spotted the Running Man again this morning. Before he saw me, his face was looking grim. I am more convinced than ever that he is my Nemesis. He looks very different when he smiles.
Our exchanged pleasantries followed my walk through the woods to the accompaniment of two cuckoos, calling to each other. I’d guess they were calling for a hook-up. One was deeper than the other. There would be a loud, high-pitched “Cuckoo!” followed quickly by another, deeper one. I’ve never heard two cuckoos before. They normally sound so solitary; almost lonely.
Anyway, the reason we went to IKEA was to click and collect a glass cabinet for the lounge room. Mirinda found the last one in Sweden in the right colour. And it is a perfect match for the paint job we had done recently.
Of course, having clicked and collected it, I then had to build it, in between making lunch then dinner. It was a pretty hectic afternoon for me. Mirinda was also actively engaged, planting things and generally tending to the growing garden.
But, back to IKEA. It’s the first time we’ve clicked and collected. The drive was easy enough. A little while ago, KSP told me the story of why the Kings Corner is called the Kings Corner, as we drove past it, so I knew where it was. And IKEA is very conveniently situated shortly off an exit from the E4. In fact, it took us about 45 minutes to get there and the same on the return.
The click and collect system is very slick. After we found it where it was, it was all very clear sailing. You click a virtual button after following a link on your phone which signals the staff that you are ready to take your purchase home. Then, someone wheels out a trolley with your purchase on it. You load it into your car, return the trolley then drive home. All smooth as silk.
As was my lamb shanks with saffron. A big Chez Gaz favourite. Having cooked it for three and a half hours, the meat just fell off the bone and melted in our mouths.
Given the weather, it would have been a crime not to have eaten on the deck. So we did.
