So there have been several firsts this weekend. And more to come. I went out and purchased my first digital camera. One would think that with me being a computer programmer and all, I would be pretty gadget savvy. But no. I was quite late on the whole digital camera revolution, but now that I have joined, I’m loving it! My first picture was of my cat Charlie Parker. 

This is Charles at a moment of quiet introspection. His mind often wanders to things that cats should not preoccupy their little heads about. This whole thing with the Sunnis and the Shites has really gotten him bummed.

 

I’ve never been a cat person. They always seemed a bit snooty and too independent for me. Of course, Charles changed my mind. While most cats scatter whenever someone new enters a house, Charles is there to greet them at the door. He gives them a little sniff and if he likes what he smells, he’s all yours. He’s offering you a cocktail and may even bum a cigarette from you while the two of you discuss current events and the culinary arts. His favorite composer is Debussy and his favorite philosopher is Schopenhauer (Charles has always been a bit of a cynic). Charles reeks of kitty warmth and unconditional love for Pa-Pa. We all need that from time to time.

Another first was the opening of my friends’ new business. It is a packing and shipping business, and while that probably doesn’t excite anyone, I find it admirable that as a married couple, Gaylea and Scott work so hard and successfully to keep their ship righted. I mean, how often do you hear of high school sweethearts who are still married 11 years later? Here’s their picture. I had to add it because I’m having too much fun with this new camera! Can you tell? Gaylea and Scott reek with marital contentment. I find that as a man in his thirties, the phrase “marital contentment” actually sounds quite pleasant to my ears.

 

My final first comes in the form of a man that I have chosen to name Soused Steve the Furniture Salesman. While I don’t have a picture of Steve, I can probably paint one with just a few words. Remember in my previous blog when I kidded about my coworker Mangal reeking of cheap bourbon? Well, Soused Steve reeked and it ain’t no joke. A man of about fifty-five, medium build with snow white hair, Steve carried about him a scent that most resembled the combined smell of Old Milwaukee and a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes. He was a genial old fellow whose words fell in slurs out of his lips when he spoke to me. He had this kind of laid-back, laconic style about him that suggested he was in no hurry to sell anything. I wondered if he had a pint stashed behind the commode in the men’s restroom. In my quest for patio furniture, Steve was quite helpful and entertaining with the slurred words and the hiccups. Where was Soused Steve’s supervisor? Didn’t he know that Steve was soused? Perhaps Soused Steve’s supervisor is Cokehead Craig. And we all know Cokehead Craig is not going to give one rolled up dollar bill to know what Soused Steve is doing. Anyway, how was Steve a first for me? He was the first furniture salesman I’ve ever had that specialized in knowing which chairs were best for alcoholic consumption. Thanks, Steve. This Bud…err..Old Milwaukee’s for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Claire Burns art show is tomorrow. Her very first art show. I should have plenty of pictures because, if you haven’t heard yet, I got a new camera. I will try to post them tomorrow night. You will finally have a face to place with the name. She has added more of her work to her website. Check it out if you get a chance. www.claireburns.com