Grumpy Gertie

Grumpy Gertie intrigues me. She has what may be the best blonde hair in the building. But, her face is in a perpetual frown. She started to smile at a waitress the other night and her face cracked. Took three stitches to fix it. She refers to all of us as "pigs".

Gertie is the one who threatened to pour a carafe of water on whomever tried to sit at "her" table. I have noticed that one man shares a table with her and her lackey from time to time. Sat with him the other day. I now think of him as the "Crossword Puzzle Man". He prefers to work puzzles to keep his mind active rather than to converse. Perfect for Grumpy Gertie.

I watched today as she ran off a couple people. One of the co-managers went over and talked with her for a long time. Right after that I saw a lady in a wheelchair sitting at the table.

Wonder what would happen if I went over and flopped my fat ass down at "her" table? I'd like to know why she thinks there is a better independent living center near here in case I need to make a move. I am really turned off by the prejudice I hear around here. Much more than in Alabama.

Sunday

Well, I done did it. I went up the other night and flopped mfa down at her table. Didn't ask for permission. Just did it. And she did not dump a carafe of ice water on me!

Told her I just wanted to ask her one question. Why did she like the other independent living center better. Turns out she doesn't like any of them. Besides the other one is more expensive. She really wants to be back in South Florida. Once she started talking she did alright.

The man I think of as the "Crossword Puzzle" man usually sits at the table with her. When I asked about the puzzles, he said it was to keep his mind off of his troubles. What troubles I wonder.

They seem to have a comfortable friendship connection.

I have not gone back because it seems that is what she prefers. Yet, at some times I look across the room at her and she seems so-o-o-o lonely.

AsA

Therapy is expensive but bubble wrap is free.

Monday

Some of the prejudices may be age specific. Many older White People were shielded from the happenings of the 60's and 70's. So, while they minimally had to show support for anti-discrimination, they were not able to fully integrate it into their lives. Consequently as they grow older and there is no pressure to accept people who are different, the more they revert to what really is in their hearts.

I find that the young people who are 40 and under are the more likely to have their heart and mind together with their actions. It is easy to say the right things and in public to do the right things, but if these things are not in your heart, then as you grow older and are less mindful of others, then the true spirit from the heart will emerge. This is probably what you are seeing. Don't become alarmed! You, too, will take on similar attributes. For example, you'll grow to either love or hate Viagra and will, when you arrive at old age, react accordingly.

Junior