Have you been thinking about what to buy in the sales? I have, but I don't know whether I'll do more than think about it. I hate the crowds, begrudge the time, and don't want an even bigger credit card bill this month.

Still, there are things I need. For example, some of the letters have rubbed off my current keyboard. I know exactly where the o and i are, and the r and t, so why do I keep typing the wrong one? Would it make any difference if I was using a fresh, new keyboard with all the letters proudly displayed?

Each year, as Christmas draws near I realise I need new items like slippers, make-up, underwear. But I might get them as Christmas presents, so I'll make do and wait and see. My children's early years with me as a single parent after their father left made me a master of make-do and improvisation. Anyway it could be some time after the holiday season before I get around to spending money on those things. Often the sales are over and I end up having to pay more in the end.

This morning hubby accompanied me into the shower cubicle to show me where the hose was wearing out beneath the shower head. We need to replace that bit at least, and it might be good to get a new head as well since none of it has been replaced while we've been here and likely for a good few years before that. So we'll go to B&Q on Wednesday, which is the day our wrinkly discount card works at that establishment, because what's the betting that the items we need to buy won't be included in the sale?

If I do get to the sales, it'll probably be with a friend who just might persuade me to spend something somewhere, before we struggle off with all her purchases to find lunchtime sustenance and while away an hour or so in the pub.