Post Office vans (from Wikipedia)
The last week before Christmas had been carefully planned … some socialising, last-minute visits to the shops and a final bout of gift wrapping. I was feeling smug at how well my Amazon-free Christmas had gone.
Then a sneeze, a tickly throat and a slight temperature. Perhaps it would go away. No chance! I took to my bed and warned the family that I may not make it for Christmas. Family, friends and neighbours rallied with offers of help. But … I was reluctant to pass on this horrible bug so kept my distance.
Did Amazon care? Certainly not. Seeing the light on (bear in mind it being the winter solstice it was dark shortly after 3.00 pm), delivery men rang the bell. I took in parcels for neighbours who were out, signed for them and went back upstairs to lie down, only to be woken again for more deliveries. I don’t want to be a grump and I have lovely neighbours who I am glad to help, but this year I was asked to take in parcels for people I don’t even know.
Friends in offices tell me that the same thing happens there … signing for Amazon goods and taking responsibility for their correct delivery. Do people realise that, if a parcel goes astray, the signatory is responsible?
Oh well, Amazon got its revenge on me and I didn’t like it!
Luckily, rescue was at hand and I was whisked off to family and lots of TLC. What happened to the rest of Amazon’s deliveries, I wonder?
End of rant, apologies and all best wishes for 2015!
AOB
Listened to (on Audible)
The Children’s Act by Ian McEwan read by Lindsey Duncan. Interesting discussion of medical ethics relating to young people under 18 and the consequences of judicial decisions, but not sure that the parallel love story works. Very much enjoyed it, though.
The Pavilion of Women by Pearl S Buck read by Adam Venner, originally published in 1946. This is mainly the story of Madam Woo, a traditional Chinese aristocrat. Madam Wood decides, at the age of 40, to leave her husband’s bed and to find him a concubine. She is a beautiful, intelligent woman, but her decision has consequences she had not imagined. Wonderful descriptions of Chinese life and fascinating analysis of the ending of traditional culture. I read this in my teens and loved it then, but don’t think I understood a word! Can really recommend this.
The Miniaturist by Jesse Burton read by the author. The story of an arranged marriage in 17th century Holland. The bride is confused by her husband’s lack of interest in her and the exquisite bridal gift of an exact miniature copy of their house. She fills the small house with miniatures of the objects and people in her life made by a mysterious, elusive woman. A real page turner and I suspect it will have a sequel.
anewlookthrougholdeyes.wordpress.com 
I was initially tempted by The Miniaturist but now not so sure.
Hope you’re fully over your lurgy.
I’m not sure either! Lots of lovely detail and very atmospheric but in the end I didn’t find it was one for me. Easy accompaniment for a debilitating lurgy though. I’m better now, thanks, and on to the Forsyte Saga.
I’ve been pondering The Miniaturist, too, but it seems an odd choice for someone in the first year of her own marriage, I have to say! I also feel your pain over being the one who’s always in to take everyone else’s deliveries! I refuse any where I don’t actually know the neighbour, though.
The Miniaturist is partly fantasy and partly historical fiction. I don’t think there is much psychology involved and I can see no parallels with a modern marriage! It’s a diverting read and that is about it as far as I am concerned. As for Amazon, I had no idea their delivery men are self employed and struggle to earn the minimum wage. Boo!
The Amazon Logistics people are; I usually have mine come through Royal Mail, though.
That’s interesting. Thanks.