Shim Mystery

I was replacing the old TV we use for PlayStation, but before putting the other TV (that moved from the living room when we bought the new big TV) on the table, I noticed the table wobbling to a dangerous degree. Uncharacteristically, I decided to do a little prevention before putting more weight on the table.

I noticed a shim under one leg, so got down to adjust it. Then I noticed another shim under another leg, and then another shim under a third leg.

I removed ALL the shims and the table sits balanced.

Birds

Yesterday Greg and I walked along the Columbia, searching in vain for interesting bird life. It was quiet, and a little colder than expected because of the wind.

Last weekend, on the other hand, we could look out our kitchen window and see the back yard buzzing with bird life. Junco, Hummingbird (Anna's), Jay (Scrub or Western), Downy Woodpecker (female), Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bushtit, House Sparrow....

Today's Starbucks Encounter

Today I walked to the local Starbucks to get a pound of French Roast, our usual. As usual, the place was a little screwy -- they have a new ineffectual manager, and things have been off-kilter there for several weeks now.

I entered through the north door at the same time as this other fellow came in the south door -- that's why I noticed him. And I noticed that he didn't get in line, he walked across to the other side of the store and stood near where the coffee drinks come up.

Things were not going well and it was taking a long time for things to happen, so I had plenty of time to observe things as I waited for my coffee. After a few minutes, this guy -- who hadn't ordered anything -- went up to the barista and said, "say, I'm from just across the way and, well...I didn't bring any money today, so I was wondering... if you're going to throw those out, may I have one?" He pointed to a couple of drinks behind the bar that were, I guess, mistakes destined for the dumper.

The barista, already flustered from being a little behind, hurriedly grabbed one of the drinks and handed it to the guy, but the guy waved it off and said, "no... no... I'd rather have the other one, please."

Ah, I thought... that means he's been standing there this whole time watching for a mistake to come up -- and he's kind of particular. I was greatly amused by this, which is good because it took my mind away from thinking about how sadly screwed up that store is right now -- in fact, while this was transpiring I noticed the store manager scooting out the door, even though his crew was obviously in trouble. Ha!

On my way out the door (without my French Roast, I might add), I was right next to Free Coffee Guy, and I said to him, "that's quite a system you have there!"

He looked a bit startled, but said to me, "Don't tell anybody!"



I laughed and said, "are you kidding? I'm telling EVERYBODY!"

I thought it was funny. And clever, if a little cheap-o. It's not as if he "looked like" he needed free coffee, but what do I care, especially if Starbucks is throwing the stuff out anyway? He was in a suit, tie and nice overcoat. Sideburns and a ULTRA-MEGA-EXTREME-soulpatch screamed "I'm keeping Portland Weird, yes I am!"

I walked out of the store and waited at the corner for the streetlight to change. About forty seconds later he walked out of the store, approached me and said, "for the record, I feel really bad about this now, I'm going to give this drink to a homeless person."

I don't know if he was putting me on -- it didn't really sound like it -- but I told him he didn't need to explain anything to me, that's for sure.

I sure hope he didn't give it to some homeless person... I think it was an eggnog latte.