Conversation with Harry, the 80+ year old owner of the local lumber store, while buying a piece of molding.
Harry: How are you today dah'ling?
Me: Good Harry, and you?
Harry: I'm good. Good. You're in again today, huh? You're always building something, always busy.
Me: I suppose so. It's a hobby.
Harry: When I was your age, I was always busy with things too. Kids have so much energy.
Me: Kids? How old do you think I am Harry?
Harry: I don't know...(stares right into my face)...young. Twenty or so.
Me: (snickering) Add fifteen years.
Harry: No...really?
Me: Yep.
Harry: Well you look beautiful dah'ling. You must take good care of yourself.
Me: Thanks Harry. You don't look so bad yourself.
Harry: (smiles--the first time in five years of buying lumber from the man) Oh, not now, but I had my day.
At which point Harry opens a drawer and pulls out a magazine from 1959. Bookmarked was an advertisement for linoleum flooring, the model/salesmen was a young Harry; five feet three, nebbish, balding, smiling.
Me: Well aren't you the handsome thing, look at you!
Harry: Well...
Me: You look like a movie star.
Harry: Oh now, you're exaggerating.
Me: I certainly am not... I look twenty, and you look like movie star.
Harry: You make a point.
This makes me laugh. One may never take a compliment...
Posted by: Red Ghost at October 7, 2004 12:18 PMWHat movie star did he look like? I'm picturing Burt Young or Jack Warden.
Posted by: monk at October 7, 2004 12:41 PMNow? A much older Burt Young. Then? A jewish Danny Devito.
Posted by: antigeist at October 7, 2004 12:46 PMNeed some wood?
Posted by: PS at October 11, 2004 02:15 PMOh no. I'm not touching that question with a ten foot...I'm keeping mum.
Posted by: antigeist at October 11, 2004 06:16 PM