This morning I had a few errands to take care of. That’s what happens when you take a stay-cation. The errands catch up to you. First I had to take my car in for an oil change and brakes. We’re taking it on a road-trip to Maine in late August so I wanted to be sure Frank the amazing mechanic checked the car out before the trip. That done I headed back to Long Branch to get my hair cut. These days I get my hair cut at the local outlet mall. If you want outlet mall style, you have to go to the outlet mall. Anyway, after getting my hair cut, I headed back out to the car, only to find that outside it was almost dark as night. I just got in the car as thunder boomed and lightning flashed and the sky opened up. Driving anywhere was out of the question for about twenty minutes. After that the rain slowed down for long enough for me to drive to the No-Frills – not the one beside the outlet mall – the other one. Don’t ask me why I think one No-Frills is a better grocery experience than any other. As I pulled into the parking lot, the rain started again in earnest.

Conversation with the cashier at No-Frills.

The iced tea came up as $1.99. The sign said $.99. That’s why I bought it.

Just a minute. I’ll do a price check.

On the pager: a;dlksjkl fjksahjfk sdfd sdfdsadjk;sv

Phone rings. Discussion. Sir, it’s $1.99. It’s the other brand that’s $.99.

But the sign in front of the product says $.99.

I checked. It’s $1.99.

I’m just saying someone should look at the sign or the way the shelves are stocked. It’s really deceptive.

Sir, look, I don’t work in the dairy section.

Right.

I finally rolled into 27th Street and parked the car in the drive. As soon as I stood on the driveway I heard the unmistakable sound of a pissed-off cat. It’s Jacques. He was outside through the storm.

Let me inside now, stupid human.

Ok, Jacques. I’m opening the door.

Hurry up. And get me some kibble. I want kibble now.