When the stores were closed for months, my shopping urge found a new outlet. Shopping addiction always finds a way out. Suddenly there was the Makro. A store I might only go to if there was a big dinner to plan, but during the corona period that same Makro suddenly became my best friend. It was an outing. A party. Then my boyfriend would look for a ‘big piece of primal meat’ for the barbecue and I would be dreaming in the aisle with the ceramic plates. The cutlery. The discounted Easter items. Suddenly I also wanted to switch to gold-colored cutlery. I *had* to get new cheese knives. A new tablecloth with those artistic splashes. Coasters. New wrapping paper for when we had something to wrap again. I can honestly say that I bought at the Makro this winter ‘for the sake of buying’ and simply to have something to do. There, I said it.

But now I have made a purchase that I absolutely do not feel ashamed of. A rattan garden mirror. The thing is so gigantic that in my mind it could have cost eighty euros and it was only €29.95. HA. Immediately took it home, happily trotting back and now it hangs shining in our backyard. Do with it what you want, but know that it is there. Joe!