It’s voting day over here, so I was expecting to feel momentous. Turns out it’s just like any other September day in Scotland (the haar, autumnal, beautiful), apart from a few feral-looking people wandering around wearing Saltires. From my perch in a Morningside cafe opposite a polling station, it’s pleasing to watch a comely Yes campaigner and his equal and opposite No man chatting amiably side by side. That’s the spirit lads.

Whilst we’re on it, isn’t it a fine thing that we still vote in person? In an age where technology is pervasive, we are still required to present ourselves bodily in order to have a say. Unless of course you are casting a postal ballot, but let us not split hairs. I will begrudge the day when voting becomes something you can do across a screen – impersonal, cursory. The short stroll to the polling station allows thought, consolidation of views, a chance to reflect. The pleasant staff, the make-shift chipboard booth, a little pencil on a string. Symbols of democracy.

Meanwhile, to more pressing business. It’s Thursday and that means Lane Sale. Well, ideally, except that upon my expectant arrival I discovered that it has since been moved to fortnightly, this being a fallow week. Darn it! Not to worry – onwards to the fertile grounds of nearby St Columba’s hospice charity shop. A Leith institution, this is the best 2nd hand shop in town. I don’t know how they manage to gather up so much vintage stuff. It’s coming down with linens, enamel, trinkets, kitchenalia, material. I spent a good while browsing, doing circuits to spot the things I missed the first time round. Here’s the haul.

1. 50s curtain material. £5

2. Set of vintage Sheffield wood-handle cutlery. £3.

3. Skyline meat fork. 50p. To go with vast collection….

4. Linen pillowcase. 50p.

5. 3 polka dot mini glasses. £1.

6. Retro chunky wine carafe. £2.

7. Enamelware. £1. (To be honest, I need another one of these like i need a hole in the head, but i just can’t pass it up.)

8. Blue and white meat platter. £9.

9. Dinky little aluminium gravy boat. £1.

10. Michael Pollan hardback. 50p. I’m currently reading his latest, ‘Cooked”, and thoroughly loving it.

Ah, its good to be back in the fray.