LIGHTS IN THE SKY 2013

[Tizer]

We had a man ringing our door bell and banging on the door at 10.15 last night. I cautiously opened it in case it was a neighbour in distress but he held up a white carrier bag and gabbled something that neither of us could understand. Mrs Tiz thought he might have said the word `matches' so perhaps he was trying to sell something. He might have been Polish or similar origin. Could have been trying to con people (unsuccessfully) into giving him money supposedly for Children in Need. All he got from me was `No' and the door shut.

[Marilyn]

I don't blame you, Tiz
Honestly, even here in our seaside community, you can't be too careful. Especially as you get a bit older.
We don't expect knocks at the door after dark. We have a security screen, but still take care.

[Stanley]

A good safety chain on the door! I agree with you both.
I noted last night the Xmas Lights are on..... Be afraid, be very afraid.....
A phrase that grabbed me on TV last night, 'Festive Offers'. I went to Youtube.....





A wonderland.......

[Tizer]

I was wrong wasn't I. Nov 17th was the start of Amazon's Black Friday promotion, the actual day is next Saturday the 24th.

You're not the only one - Vodaphone sent us a promo letter that said it was Black Friday!

[Stanley]

[Stanley]

All is quiet in the town. The festive lights shine brightly....... The lull before the storm! 34 days to go.....

[Stanley]

Depressing how many times the word 'festive' is used in the paper this morning in both editorial and advertisements.

[Tizer]

Have a look at the graph showing retail sales discounts in October for the last 4 years...
`Black Friday is 'bonkers' for retailers, say critics' LINK

[Stanley]

I saw an independent trader who refuses to discount before New Year saying exactly the same thing yesterday. They are all chasing 'market share' to placate their shareholders. I can remember the day when retailers aimed for a modest profit and a high level of service but that's hopelessly old-fashioned today.
Noticeable that the Co-op car park is busier these last few days, the annual orgy is getting under way. I refuse to join in!

[Stanley]

Every Aisle end in the Cathedral of Choice has an additional shelving space making it difficult to walk round with a basket. Evidently shelf space is being maximised!

[Tizer]

Yesterday, being in a `new town', we visited a store we've never been to before called Chaplin's. It has branches in several west country towns. About half the store had been turned over to Xmas stuff! We had to wade through it all to get to anything `normal' but then found it's good for tools and hardware. My impression is that B&Q has given up with these and wants to sell only kitchens and `lifestyle' stuff.

[Stanley]

Very true Tiz. One of the consequences of the 'throw-away' society and our general preoccupation with new technology has been the death of the old-fashioned ironmonger's shop. They were wonderful places for a bloke like me!

[Stanley]

First reports on the 'success' of Black Friday suggest that whilst the overall spend, particularly online, was healthy, the deep discounting is damaging overall profitability. I note a rise in the amount of junk my email programme is eliminating.

[Stanley]

Noticeable over the weekend from the traffic in the Pioneer car park and the town that the tempo of Xmas shopping is gearing up with just three weeks to go to Der Tag!

[Stanley]

See THIS report for a double whammy of debt, both credit cards and unsecured overdrafts. Both have increased this year and the fear is that many families are only surviving by increasing indebtedness by overdraft and credit card.
I've just heard a report of some research into toys. It says that the 'average British Child' (Whatever he or she is!) owns more than 200 toys. The same research concluded that children with fewer toys were more creative. I can buy that. I am baffled, where did we go wrong?

[Tizer]

Here's a worrying headline for men...
`Fake pants seized in Christmas crackdown on counterfeits' LINK

[Stanley]

Counterfeiting of branded goods is almost a fact of life these days and I doubt if it will ever be stopped as long as the brands command such a high premium. That's not to say I approve of it, simply that as in so many frauds, if it's too good to be true the buyer should beware!
The wintry weather stokes the 'festive season'. Expect increasing sales of sprouts and mince pies!



Later.... Have they no shame?

[Stanley]

Festive snow, lights and food piled high. Now the retailers wait with bated breath to see if sales will pick up.

[Stanley]

The tempo is picking up now with only 11 days to go until Der Tag!

[plaques]

Sainsburys Colne this lunch time.

Who would be daft enough to take a picture in a supermarket. Don't answer that!

PC140145.JPG

[Stanley]

Industrialised gluttony......

[Tizer]

Plaques, how did you get it all into your car?

[plaques]

Two trips, You will notice there are no people in this picture. Have to be very careful doing this sort of thing. Some reasons include:-
Those who don't like their mug shots plastered on the internet.
People claiming benefits for not being able to get out of the house.
People who should be at work.
Seen with their lady/man friends or combination of both.
Running two households on the sly.
Plus a lot more which being an innocent soul I know nothing about.

[Tripps]

I'm trying to decide which of these two Christmas cards better conveys the true spirit of Christmas. Is it the galloping horses in the snow, (is that Dennis or Sparky?), or the robin perched on a Ghurka kukri resting in the snow with a tasteful sprig of holly? I can't make my mind up.

Xmas2017.jpg

[Wendyf]

It's definitely Dennis... how did he get there? Robin & holly together though, what more could you want on a Xmas card?