I have got myself on this Freecycle mailing list, for reasons which I can no longer remember. They facilitate the passing on of unwanted household goods with the stated aim of keeping stuff ‘out of landfill’.

So if you have an old TV or rabbit hutch or pair of roller skates you no longer want, you can easily give them to someone else. That’s the idea. You can also ask for things too. The rules forbid being too fussy or specific in your ‘Wanted’ postings. After all, you shouldn’t look a gift-horse in the mouth. (What is a gift-horse, by the way?)

One posting today caught my eye:

OFFER: Used pillows
Re-offered due to no pick up.
Description Have at least 4 used pillows available.
Can be used as pillows or for cat/dog bed.
Pick up ASAP. Please state when you can collect.
This evening or tomorrow-sat am would be good. no time wasters.
Thank you

As I read through it, I hatched a plan to ask a few questions about the pillows. Colour, age, filling material – that sort of thing. I was going to arrange a collection time, and then just not show up.

Imagine my sense of frustration and disappointent when I got to the last sentence. That put paid to my little scheme!