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A need for items available only further afield yesterday sent us on an expedition to Wilton, where there is a shopping mall.
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A flock of birds pecked about in our country road. We paused to watch as they perched on power lines, then as we rolled slowly beneath, they took to the air.
Their being so tiny and in poor light, it was hard to capture a good image of just how numerous they were. On our drive, I saw another flock.
As far as I can tell they are house martins.
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In as much as we obtained what we needed, the morning’s outing was successful, but shopping has never been a favoured pastime and Wilton was uninspiring.
Shopping malls across the country are dying and this one is no different. The word seedy suggests itself. Tired, un-cared for and selling tat.
It may be my frame of mind, but I sense overwhelming lethargy everywhere and people just going through the motions without any real purpose.
Can’t say I blame them.
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Earlier today I called my insurance company to clarify a 50% increase of their fee for my homeowner’s policy. The agent parroted an excuse about higher costs and so forth and I wanted to protest, knowing full well that most of the extra $1,000 will go to line the pockets of the company directors, but what would be the point of arguing or being annoyed with someone who answers phones?
There are other insurance companies but I haven’t the stamina to deal with the sales people you have to go through. In the end they are all much the same. They’ve got you over a barrel and know it. Insurance companies, like banks – a pet peeve.
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Between property and care insurance, federal, state and school tax, living in my very humble home is becoming unaffordable, yet there is no guarantee I’d find a buyer for the place.
In any case, where would we go with 6 cats in tow?
So, what could we give up?
We don’t smoke, drink or spend money on entertainment or expensive clothes.
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There’s perhaps one area where we could cut back.
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And fewer car trips, perhaps.
But offering a little food to my wild friends and enjoying the countryside are what make life worth living.
Some how, we’ll figure it out.
Despite the rising costs, I hope that you manage to hang on in your small slice of paradise, Carolyn. They tried to increase our home insurance by 50% this year, but they were not reckoning on my wife, who rang them and argued for 20 minutes until they agreed to a 5% increase.
I have to confess to contributing to the demise of shopping malls. Our nearest ones are in Norwich, so a 20 mile drive each way, and huge parking issues in the city centre. That has made buy almost everything online, except for general groceries, meat, and foodstuffs. All of which I can buy in a huge supermarket just 3.5 miles from home, with free parking.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the wonderful picture of the flock of swallows on the wire getting ready to emigrate in September to the other side of the world. As to the increase in the cost of the insurance, I ask to speak to the manager and argue my case, and without exception, I am always given a reduced quote. Perhaps, you are right that a few fewer trips would be beneficial.
Joanna
I abhor the large corporate entities that rely on us to accept their word about increases when it is obvious that they are catering for their shareholders and investors rather than their customers. It is tantamount to theft in my opinion. I would always question increases and change to another supplier to keep costs down.
I share your pet peeve with you Carolyn! Hmm, somehow, we always figure it out … we just have to.