Sweeping Changes

I raised my binos the better to see a group of colossal hares charging around in front of me this morning, when right across my vision flew a barn owl, wing movements slow and graceful, eyes pinned to the ground. The timing was as perfect as its little white, heart-shaped face. I can see so much more now that the tall trees and bushes have been reduced, and there's plenty to catch my attention. I'm thinking of erecting a hammock in my study window from where I can lie and watch nature doing its thing outside.

Earlier I set off for Waitrose, and just short of arriving realised I didn't have my wallet with me. I toyed with the idea of throwing myself on the mercy of the staff - Rowena, the manager, knows me well - and telling them I'd pay next time, but I guessed they'd have none of it. So back I went, and was gasping for a coffee when I finally returned. But what a difference in the cafe! Waitrose have stopped giving out free teas and coffees to all MyWaitrose card holders because of the system's abuse, and the clientele there this morning showed just how much of this has gone on. To put it delicately, people who wouldn't dream of shopping in Waitrose acquired their cards - anyone could have one - and popped in for their free coffee every day without buying anything. Honestly John Lewis, could you not see that one coming? Scanning MyWaitrose cards to see the holder's shopping record would have told you who was bona fide and who not. So now long-standing customers only get free coffees if we buy a bun, and the scroungers have vanished. Mind you, when I discovered this morning that my John Lewis Partnership card is backed by the notoriously corrupt HSBC, I felt like scarpering with them.