First though this morning, it was the final check on the Waitrose order. Due midday tomorrow. After having tried to remember everything we actually need, there is the minefield of checking out to negotiate. Obstacles are thrown at you at every stage. Temptations dangled. You press checkout and a window pops up with offers you might have missed. Then a whole list of what they call ‘your favourites’ - have you forgotten anything? This list is in fact a catalogue of everything you have ever bought, even something as esoteric as, say, marmite and avocado ice cream, that you might have tried in a moment of madness ten years ago. ‘No! you scream, stopping your ears and lashing yourself to the mast, ‘Just let me pay.’ It’s the Hotel California of grocery shopping. You can check out but you can never leave. Exhausted, you finally reach Continue to payment details, whew. Just put the check digit in for the nth time and it’s over.
