Now I know many will be horrified or sniffy at thought of an Ann Summers cane, but as an 'AS' one was first proper cane we purchased, I feel OK about them. we first experimented with a garden cane (the dreaded bamboo!) and I'm not maimed for life and the sky didn't fall in. AS canes are very light, bendy and soft wood. They are very stingy and can be used to make an impression. Over the years my Cariad has mastered the variations and subtleties of its use, and it suits us.

As reported before we've had the end break off a couple of times and it's been taped, but it is definitely showing it's age, so I bought a replacement.

The Conversation:

Shop Assistant (doubtfully, as she puts it in large bag where end sticks out): Shall I put it this way up? So this end only shows?

Me(practically): Well, last time, they wrapped some paper around the other end so that was showing

SA (bit giggly) Ooohhh - You buy these often do you?

Me (laughing) Only when we wear one out!

Both get the giggles and she wraps crook of cane in black tissue and I walk away with cane and handcuffs - another boring looking Cardiff shopper...