SHOPPING AROUND

Sarah and her parents live in Shiptown. They often spend their freetime together. One of their favourite activities is to go shopping in their town. The family has a big, beautiful house with a garden. One day, it was Monday, Dad said, "Let's sort out some furniture."

So they got into their green car and off they drove to a furniture store. Mum loved the wooden wardrobes, desks, chair and beds. But Sarah suggested, "Let's buy a new sofa!" Dad wasn't happy about it. He liked his own idea, "Let's buy a new carpet! Our sofa is so nice, I got it from my Granny."

Finally, they decided to buy a green carpet. Sarah was happy.

The same day the family passed a drapery and Mum asked, "Can we go into this shop?" I'd like to see those nice things inside."

It was a very lovely place. Everybody looked around. Sarah loved touching the curtains, different kinds of laces, beautiful textiles. Mum bought a big table cloth and some napkins. Sarah was happy to carry them home.

Next day it was a Tuesday. As they spent quite a lot of money the day before, Dad had to go to the bank. He didn't need to queue for a long time. Everybody used the bank machine. He didn't, he gave the cheque to the lady. He got the money and put it into his wallet.

On his way home he thought to himself, "Let's make a surprise for Mum and Sarah!" So he dropped into the bakery he was pasing by. His friend was the boss. He offered a wide range of rolls, hot cross buns, French bread, gingerbread men, muffins, and jam filled doughnuts. They smelled gorgeous and it was hard work for Dad which ones to choose and to take home. In the end he asked for some doughnuts with icing on the top and six pieces of rolls with cheese.

Next day was Wednesday. The family had no fruits and vegetables at home. Mum needed some meat, too. So she asked Sarah to bring her some carrots, cabbage, peas, potatoes, oranges and some mince lamb.

They walked down the street with a big basket in Dad's hand. The lady at the greengrocery's was smiling. She showed Sarah all her fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, oranges, beans, bananas, lettuce, pepper, cauliflower, onion, apples, pears, peaches, and appricots. Sarah asked for everything she had on her shopping list and said good-bye.

After that, they still needed some meat. The butcher was as nice as the lady at the green grocer's. He showed them all the fresh meat he had that day: lamb, sausages, ham, bacon, beef, seafood, pork and fish. He was really proud of it.

Sarah asked for some lamb and was glad to think of the shepard's pie that her Mum was going to make for dinner.

On Thursday Mum took Sarah to the stationary. She saw a lot of coloured papers, rulers, rubbers, nice pens and pencils, postcards, schoolbags and envelopes and many other things she needed for school. "Mum, let's buy everything I need!" she said. So they put their items into the basket and paid for them.

Meanwhile, Dad went to see the tailor. He had a nice two-piece suit in his shop window. The tailor was very good at sewing trousers, dresses, robes, shirts and hats. Dad asked, "Could you make a nice dress for my little daughter?" "Yes, of course", the tailor answered. "Come back tomorrow. I will have finished it by then."

Friday came. Dad visited the tailor and bought the brand new dress. On his way home he thought to himself, "My little daughter Sarah would be very happy with a pair of lovely shoes."

As he was just passing the cobbler he had that idea. He entered the shop and asked, "Have you got a pair of little shoes for my daughter Sarah?"

"Yes, I've got just one," answered the cobbler and gave them to Dad.

When he arrived home, Sarah was the happiest girl in the world in her new pair of shoes.

The weather turned chilly. The first signs of autumn appeared. Leaves began to fall. It was time for Sarah to start her first form. Her Mum and Dad made her a big surprise. They went to the railway station and bought Sarah her first bus pass. They also bought three tickets to a city called Journeytown. All of them were really glad to spend that day together.

Sarah loves taking a journey by train. She enjoys it even more than going by car or coach. And now, she is looking forward to her first day of school.