The Last Four Hours

were spent shopping with my wife. Well, three and a half hours, but still ... we moved quickly in each store, and from store to store. No dawdling, no undue fuss. Just get in, get what you came for, pay, and get out.

Even I'll admit that's not too bad. But I'm still darned glad to be home.

* * * * *
What is it about people in a small restaurant? We got to a new-ish cafe' in the mall downtown, and selected a table near the back, in a quiet corner.

Five minutes later, just as our food was arriving, four older women came in, talking loudly, and sat down next to us for a gab fest.

Within another three minutes, two other pairs of women sat also at nearby tables, while the rest of the establishment remained unused.

I felt like asking, "I'm sorry - were we being too quiet for you?"

Hrmmph.

* * * * *

Oh well, I have one last task. On Monday, I'm planning to call the tour company through which I arranged my upcoming visit to Pearl Harbor, the Arizona memorial, and the USS Missouri. Those attractions are currently closed, and I have exactly zero confidence that they'll be reopened in four weeks when I'm there.

I want my money back, thanks. (Yes, I've been to Pearl once before, but the USS Arizona memorial was closed because they were repainting the dock.) I've been waiting two years for a chance to go back.

Maybe I should send the bill to the Dimocrits in Congress. I know it wouldn't do any good, but it's a tempting thought. 

Naw, they'd probably bill me for the cost of opening the letter. Never mind.

[/curmudgeon off]