ही, माय नेम इस जिल। इ ऍम सो हैप्पी तो बे अबले तो टाइप इन हिन्दी! इ लव थे इंडियन पीपुल। इ'वे बब्य्सत फॉर अन इंडियन कपल, एंड हद अ कपल ऑफ़ इंडियन फ्रिएंड्स। इ फंड थेम वैरी ग्रासिओउस। माय ओने फ्रेंड, बशोबी, तौघ्त में हाउ तो मके चाय, एंड एवेरी टाइम इ मके आईटी, इ थिंक ऑफ़ हेर।
I just wrote in Hindi. I wrote that I have an affection for Indian people, and have always enjoyed my friendships with them. They are very gracious. One friend, Bashobi, taught me how to make chai, and every time I make it, I think of her. As a teenager, I babysat for an Indian couple, and enjoyed being in their home. I loved their two little girls, Shumona and Sujata. Shumona is now involved in making movies, though not an actress. I don't know what Sujata is up to. I'll have to find Shumona again and ask her. Their mom, Sarla, was so sweet, and often asked me about my mother. She was concerned for her after her divorce from my father. I found that very touching, and I think my mom appreciated her concern too.

Today is catch-up day, time to see what needs washed, bought, etc, after goofing off for the weekend. Since I went to the store on Saturday, my cupboards are full, so that's off my list.

Going to the grocery store on Saturdays is always an adventure. It's always crowded, so just getting through the aisles is a challenge. I often park my cart at one end and weave in and out of people to grab what I need. Here are the types of people I find in the grocery store:

1. The older man. Polite and helpful, slow and careful in choosing items. But I find that sweet, especially if they are helping their wife.

2. The middle-aged man. They think they own the aisle, and often leave their carts in the middle, or worse, cock-eyed, affectively blocking passage through. In an effort to get through, and also to teach, I just move the cart to the side. Some of them are polite, but most are driven to accomplish their task.

3. The middle-aged woman who is married and/or has kids. This is my category, and my favorite to shop along-side. They park their carts considerately, tight to one side, and keep an eye out for someone who needs to get something off the shelf that the cart is blocking. They say things like, "Sorry about that." and "Excuse me" the most. For example, if they must walk between a shopper and the shelf they're looking over, they'll say, " 'Scuse me." in a soft voice. Some men, from 30+ do this too. (Younger men rarely do.)

4. The single woman. I hate to say this, but this is my least favorite of the types. Some
are nice, often the college students. But the confident career gals, ummm... Most are dressed very stylish, and seem not to notice others. One glared at me the other day when I backed into the cart she tried to squeeze behind me. She didn't give me a "Sorry!" back when I said sorry. Get over yourself, lady. I'm sorry if this offends, but it is what it is.

5. The older woman. Usually polite, but slow in choosing. With all the constant change in the placement of items, this is understandable. (I find that I'm getting slower every year. ) It often seems that the trip to the store is the highlight of their week. (OK, sometimes it is for me too.) I enjoy chatting with some of these gals. And they always smile at my children , even if they're being a little bratty.

6. The teens and kids. Some are nice, but most are "all about them." This is self-explanatory. I remember being a brat in the store. I use the store's babysitting service every chance I get. Once I ran into a friend who was without her child. After I asked after her, she told me, "Oh, she's in the orpanage." This friend always has a joke, usually dry, so I got a good laugh. Her city accent just adds to her comments.

In other news, the Amish Friendship Bread-making has fallen to the wayside. We went through 3 cycles, then got neglectful. Oh well, at least I was able to pass starter to about 6 people, thus spreading the joy.