KELLOGG'S VARIETY PACKS

I invented a game when I was on holiday. I forgot to mention it, but I just had a go here so I thought I'd write about it. I don't know what to call it, but it involves Kellogg's Variety Packs and a tea bag.

When we were children, the only time we saw a Kellogg's Variety Pack was on holiday. It consists of eight fun-size cereal boxes, each just enough for one portion of different types of Kellogg's cereal: Rice Krispies, Honey Nut Loops, Corn Flakes, Ricicles, that kind of thing.

We loved the variety packs back in the day. From Swanage to Swansea, from Ryde to Rydal we holidayed across England, chomping through packets of cereal while Mum made up a flask of tea for the day and Dad tutted behind the newspaper. Those were the days.

As I recall though, there was almost always a fight for the Coco Pops. I'd love to say I let my little sister win from time-to-time but alas, that would not be the truth. The Coco Pops were definitely the highlight of the Variety Pack. Rice Krispies? Nah... Frosties? Corn Flakes with sugar! Special K? Special cardboard! It was all about the Coco Pops. I think once, on a caravan holiday, my Mum even had to hide the little yellow packet on top of one of the cupboards.

I still get that same buzz whenever I see a Kellogg's Variety Pack. I note with a raised eyebrow in the supermarket, that it now seems to include two packets of Coco Pops - which proves I guess, that we weren't the only ones.

So the other week in the Peak District, I bought a variety pack at the Buxton branch of Sainsbury's and was faced with the tricky prospect of how to decide which cereal to have every morning - and which one (the eighth box) would be left at the end of the week. Here's what to do:

1. Line up all the boxes along the kitchen counter
2. Take an ordinary tea bag - I use a traditional round one but any shape will do
3. Step back four steps from the counter and turn so that you're facing with your back to the cereal
4. Throw the tea bag over your shoulder
5. Pick whichever cereal to which the tea bag has landed nearest

Simple, right? No fuss. Although I have to say, I did spend a little while one morning trying to fish out a tea bag from behind the kitchen cupboards.

I think I'd make a great dad.


I suddenly feel rather sad about that.