Last Thursday, Wifey and I stopped at the local recycling center to turn in some moving boxes for recycling. I was wearing white slide sandals, white shorts and a blue crew-neck tunic, with my smallest purse and my usual appearance accoutrements (but no jewelry – per Wifey.) And she was wearing jeans , sneakers and a tee shirt.
Once I started struggling to pull out a big stack of moving boxes to heave then in the dumpster, the attendant came over and asked “Excuse me, Ma’am – may I have those big boxes? My mother is moving and can use them.” “You sure can, sir.” “Let me get those, Ma’am.” He took over, removed the entire stack at once, and put them in his car! I mentioned that we’ll have another load on Saturday and asked if he would like them. “Yes, Ma’am – thank you so much.” Wifey didn’t say a word during or after the exchange…and then we headed for the grocery store, where nobody had any reason to address either of us (self-service checkout!)
That weekend, we made another dump run with more boxes. This time I wore white capris, different white slide sandals, black boat-neck blouse, small purse and my permanent accoutrements, plus some light makeup. Once again, the attendant took over, and removed them from of my car – I didn’t have to lift a finger. “Thanks so much, Ma’am. My mother and I appreciate your generosity.” “I’m glad we could help!”
And then Wifey and I headed for the storage bin where we are storing some stuff from the move. I had a business matter to discuss with the newly-hired agent there, so Wifey headed directly to our compartment, rather than waste time just sitting there. The door to the agent’s office was locked, so I knocked. She opened it quickly: “I apologize, Ma’am, just got in from elsewhere on the property.”
We walked in the office, and it was quite chilly. I commented about how good it felt, and then – OMG – it happened: “I keep it at about 64 degrees all the time as I’m going through menopause. I just can’t stand it too warm. But I’m preaching to the choir here – you’ve been through it, so you’ve experienced those awful hot flashes, irregular periods and emergency trips to the bathroom to change your panties, like I just did!” Wow…I guess I’m a woman! “Indeed, dearie – but so many years ago! And it was nasty. Remember, air conditioning wasn’t as common back then. I hope you feel better soon!”
We got into the business at hand. In the details, my given name was requested. “Gosh, my daughter’s first name is the same as yours! And she gave my granddaughter the same name, but with one letter different!” We both agreed it’s a wonderful name…for a girl.
Then, once business was completed, I joined Wifey at our compartment and we finished our work for the day. As we loaded the car, the agent stuck her head out the door: “Thanks, ladies, have a good day!” “You too!”
Then we headed home…and nothing was said about it. Another amazing day – perhaps one for Southern hospitality?
Mandy
Mandy's Miscellany 