8/10/09

Thank you sir

During the school year the kids and I walked by a certain flower store every morning. The same man is outside every morning. Some days he is overly friendly and some days he acts as if he might not even know us.
Well yesterday I see him and he stops right in the middle of the street asks me how I am. So, I return the ball and ask him. I'm pretty certain that he said he just got out of the hospital for alcohol. So I ask, "ĂȘtes-vous mieux?"/are you better, and he says, "oui".
Which is why I found it odd to see him at the local cafe having a beer today. I didn't want to act like I didn't see him, so I give the regular "bonjour" and headed to the store with the two kids hand.
I don't like the store.
I like to shop online.
The store is complicated for so many reasons.
First on my list PEOPLE.
I find that I talk to myself in the store. Bad thoughts. As Kim puts it, "I lose my religion".
Today, this fine Monday in Paris, I did not lose my religion, I was finally speechless.
Let me start by saying the kids are SUPER blond right now. That causes so many people to want to touch their heads. Had we not just fought and won the lice battle at my house, this would not be a big deal. I am telling you I see those hands coming and my body stiffens: A potential contamination.
Today we went to a new level.
I'm guessing that the beer I saw my friend having was not his first beer of the day. Because while I'm searching for cheese, behind me I hear what I believe to be, "here's one for you and one for your brother." Yep, I was right. I turn around just in time to see him handing Jaylee not one, but two packages of cookies and money.
Thank you, just what I needed, each of them with their package of cookies asking for it to be opened ASAP, as in NOW!
I am not an idiot, I am not saying no to a drunk man in the store.
"Merci".
So, we carry on. But, he's not finished.
At the check out line, I turn to see that he has now purchased each of them two chocolate bars a piece.
Thank, thank you very much. My children are the proud owners (each) of 700g of sugar at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Outside of the store those had to be opened ASAP too.
The park was fun.
Thank you sir, now I need a drink.

5 comments:

Jeremy said...

I'm going to need a picture of this guy posted by close of business tomorrow.

Sari said...

You remind me of me. I freak out when others give my children sweets, but I am learning (as cliche as it sounds) "if you can't beat them join them." So, have a beer or some of the kids' chocolate.

Peggy Rice said...

Okay Jeremy, the kids and I will do our best to meet the deadline:)
Sarah, that's why I love you.

Grita said...

I know for a fact that Renee let Campbell have brownies for breakfast just the other day. So I see nothing wrong with it. I too would like to see a picture of this guy.

Peggy Rice said...

Sorry guys I looked for him this morning, but no go. I'm guessing that all the beer he bought (and had delivered) is keeping him busy. I am carrying a camera ready to shoot!