Once shops/cafes started to open up after the first lockdown I used to carry cash and a debit card, but soon realised that I could relieve the burden on my pockets by just using ApplePay on my phone. I do enjoy the simplicity. Worked well until recently when one of my regular cycling cafes had a power cut - fortunately after I'd had my tea and toast, but before I could pay. I went back a week later, by which time power had been restored, and I settled my debt.
And, more recently, at a newsagent I picked up a copy of the "i" and was told that there was a minimum card payment of £1. Easily settled by the newsagent, who charged my card/phone the £1, and gave me 35p in cash.
Mention above of pocket-slapping reminded me of the old story of the gentleman in the three-piece suit, with cash and half-hunter in his weskit pockets, who would always cross himself before setting out from home. Not, as some may have thought, as a religious ritual, but to verify that all essentials were present and correct - saying to himself as he did so, "Spectacles, testicles, wallet, watch".
