A FRIVOLOUS PURCHASE

Every time there is a relief postie on the beat, my newspaper is delivered to next door. This is an understandable mistake as both cottages have the same name. If my neighbours are away it means a trip to Bridge of Cally to collect a replacement paper. Today was one such day.

Deciding I could do the 30 minute round trip before lunch, I set off. I also needed to withdraw some cash as tomorrow is the village fair and I plan to clean up big time and do some Christmas shopping. Heave ho, the ATM at the Post Office didn't like my overseas card so, as I was halfway there I decided to travel on to Blairgowrie, quickly grab some cash and then pick up some wool from the woolshop.

The ladies in the wool shop have become accustomed to me now and on seeing me cross the portal, immediately offer their services, I expect wondering what silly question I will ask this time. Today, when advised that moss stitch was the best for my purposes, I had to admit ignorance yet again and request: "Please explain". Which the store assistant did, painstakingly and slowly, as if to the idiot child.

But girls, you know how it is, once you're out shopping only visiting one shop seems a bit of a wasted opportunity. Especially when you're about half an hour's drive from home and by the time you get back it will be too late for lunch and time for afternoon tea instead.

Warning: the next part of this post contains themes unsuitable for vegetarians or anyone who eschews items made from animal products.

Next door to the wool shop is a boutique called Frivols which sells antique clothing and jewellery - perhaps better described as good condition cast-offs their owners don't want any more. I popped in because I'd heard it often had some great bargains, such as brand new Jimmy Choo handbags at half price.

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful mink coat. I'm not quite sure how practical it is for Australia but this was the bargain of the century - a snip at 190 pounds ($350), in fantastic condition and a perfect fit. I asked what it would have sold for when new. "About eight thousand pounds," I was told. Hah!

It didn't take me too long to decide to buy, although I did (a) toss up whether it was worth the risk of having rotten eggs thrown at me by animal activists and (b) ponder whether my suitcase would handle the additional bulk and kilos. "Wear it on the plane!" the shop manager said.

Besides, I figure I can always sell it back to the shop before I leave. Fur coats are all the rage on the catwalks of New York and Paris this year, so with any luck my investment will have appreciated in value. In the meantime, I can approach below freezing temperatures knowing I will be warm and snug.

I just wonder how easy it is to swing a golf club in one of these: