Monday 7^th June, 2021 1830

On Saturday I needed to get some medicines. It had been two months since the last time and stocks were either low or exhausted. As usual this term, I didn't want to do anything but sit at my desk and watch downloads. However, seeing as Jody had left her medical card on my desk for me to pay with, that gave me impetus. That was going to save me about 500¥.

As I was going to make a roast dinner I needed to go to the local supermarket and being the lazy sod that I am, I thought I would give the new pharmacy in there a shot. I always take the little sheet of paper you get in the medicine boxes, the one that warns of side effects and such, to pharmacies here because patently otherwise I'd be in there hours trying to make myself understood.

The girl didn't understand the paper and kept telling me “mayo”. Hacked off and by now laden with potatoes and other vegetables, I grumpily went all the way to the usual chemist. I bought that much they gave me a gift of a pink umbrella (shut that door!) which of course I gave to Jody, who was made up with it.

Last night I Googled “OTC” because that had been plastered everywhere in the first chemist. To me, OTC stood for “over the counter” but my research revealed the reason they couldn't help me. It's a traditional Chinese medicine place! Now you may consider me an idiot for not realising that in the first place but TCM chemists always have jars of dried seahorses, scorpions and creepy-crawlies they grind up to make their potions alongside normal-looking packets. This one didn't. Ah well, Jody got an umbrella at least!

As a reward I had an Amish Sunday and today did the BHG run. I wish I could simply go to a Greggs and buy them because making sausage rolls is a chore. At least I have enough for two weeks' lunches once again. Well I will in about ten minutes when they are baked.

Finally summer is here, the past couple of days it has been in the very high twenties, which believe it or not, after five years here suffering the majority of the year in the cold, is a touch unpleasant. The humidity is very low (hence the dry skin) so no sweating but for now it is unusual weather for us. Flies and mosquitoes will be making an unwelcome appearance before long.