@Blue_Bird and all:

H@pPy BiRtHd@Y!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grats on the deli shopping triumph! I also find simple but new interactions intimidating. Sounds like you put together a wonderful meal. I know what you mean about being limited because of the bus, in terms of carrying home things.

Luckily, my neighborhood has a delivery service, carry them right into the kitchen for me!!! I've been shopping there for twenty-two years and the familiarity is very comforting. Takes a lot of the anxiety out of the ordeal.

I'm on a first name basis with the delivery guy, we talk about our dogs, he's a super nice guy. I get big orders infrequently, so i only shop every month, after payday, so the cost of the $10 delivery fee is defrayed.

I've also started tipping the guy $2 since i do such enormous orders, i figure it's more than $10 worth of work. Also, i am just so darn grateful for the delivery service -- so nice to buy a couple hundred dollars of groceries and walk away from the cashier without a thing to carry!!!

Have a beautiful day! Sounds like you have some nice treats planned -- i LOVE pastries! Hope you have a great day, you deserve it Blue_Bird!!!

Warmest Regards,

Jane.