“Charlie, what’s up with the beach towel in the bathroom?” “Geesh, the ones we’re using are the worse for wear, kind of thin and scratchy, so I thought I’d give that one a go instead.” “You’re right, Honey, we do have an Econo Lodge situation. I’ve been too busy to deal with it. But things have quieted down. I’ll get right on it. You know how much I love a shopping assignment.” “That I do, dear. Make sure they’re dark.” “Dark?” “You know, so they won’t show the dirt.” So, off I went to the big city, Bangor, solo. It’s not really the kind of shopping excursion you bring a friend on. Ended up getting …

We just had a heat wave in Mahoosuc Mills. High 90’s in June, for God sake! When I was young, I can’t remember the temperature getting hotter than low 80’s in the height of summer. Thank goodness the A&P is air conditioned! What a difference that makes. You can almost see it on people’s faces when they walk in. They perk up a little. “Hot enough for you?” they ask. Oh, if had a dollar for every time someone said that, I’d been wealthy woman. Now, you’d think being in that air-conditioning would improve everyone’s mood, but for some, it just gives them more energy to complain. See heat like that can make folks cranky. …

Last Tuesday, Archie Johnson come into the A&P, per usual. He’s what we affectionately refer to in Mahoosuc Mills as a “mangy, old fart.” Lives in a rundown trailer on the edge of town: tires piled in the yard, blue tarps, broken cars on cinder blocks, you name it. I know, sounds like a cliché. But cliché’s come from somewhere. Archie is living proof. Archie generally keeps himself to himself. “Lives off the land,” would be a nice way to put it. Comes into town once a week for “supplies.” Though his looks and odor can be a little off putting (Archie would never get a gold star for personal hygiene), he’s harmless enough. So …

We have a new red light district in Mahoosuc Mills. It’s called self-checkout, down to the A&P. If you’ve ever tried it, you know, it’s harder than it looks. We only have a couple of ’em, but some of the bigger stores down to Bangor have like ten self-checkouts and one of two cashiers on. Sure, if you’re a wiz-bang with tech or if you only have a few things to ring out, go for it. But for most people, it takes ’em two or three times longer than normal, and somebody’s usually gotta be there to help them. Like yesterday, I’m coming back from a break, and I spot ol’ Henry Doucette standing beside …

Went to a plant sale in front of town hall on Saturday. It was sponsored by the Mahoosuc Mills Garden Club. They’re the ones that keep our town looking spiffy all summer long, with flowers in big containers along Main Street. They always have some nice plants, and the money goes to a good cause, so it’s a win/win. The Garden Club members are big into gardening, as you can imagine. Some more than others. I’ll let Charlie tell you about it. Goin’ to the Plant Sale So, I’m at the local plant sale Holding something Ida’s found “Charlie, would you wait here While I have a look around?” What’s that buzzing I keep hearing …

Got together with the Women Who Run with the Moose last week. It was our girls night, and Celeste was hosting. She has this nice sun porch overlooking her beautiful garden. Flower’s blooming, birds splashing around in the bird bath. It’s a feast real for the eyes. I says, “Saw Gladys Knight down to into the A&P yesterday.” (This is not your Gladys Knight with the Pips, but Gladys Knight, who used to be our Mahoosuc Mills town clerk.) Dot goes, “Didn’t she retire end of last year?” “Yup, place ain’t the same without her. She ran a tight ship.” “That she did. How’s she doing?” “Well, just between us, she didn’t look that good,” …

Saturday morning, Charlie and me are having breakfast, per usual. We touch base about our plans for the weekend (a baked bean supper that night) and what chores we have on our lists for the day. After, Charlie does the dishes, per usual, and I start in on my weekly house cleaning. Then, off he goes to the dump. I come into the kitchen to get something, and find all the breakfast dishes still sitting there in a sink full of water. I’ll let Charlie take it from here. Water on the Brain Morning dishes, that’s the chore I do before I leave the door The breakfast bowls and silverware Whatever else we got in …

We had a little get together to celebrate my sister Irene’s birthday last week, just the family. If you’re not going to spring clean, the next best thing is to have a party at your house. They say you should have two a year: one in the warm weather and one in cool. That way, you’re motivated to do a couple of good, deep cleanings, and get your yard in order, to boot. The yard is Charlie’s department. He’s got one of them rider mowers that he just loves. Has a little shed with a ramp he keeps it in. I plant the annuals, take care of the potted plants, do a little weeding from …

As I write this, Charlie is in the den, lying on the couch, with his knee propped up, remote in hand, moaning. He’s in pain, but keeps “forgetting” to take his ibuprofen, so I have to remind him every four hours. I’m trying to muster up a little sympathy, but it’s hard, considering the circumstances. Open water fishing season started early this year, so Charlie and the boys, Bud, Smitty, Pat, Tommy and Junior (a.k.a. the Husbands of the Women Who Run With the Moose) went up to the old fishing camp that’s been in Smitty’s family for generations. I can’t tell you where it is, because the boys took a “blood oath” never to …

To retire or not to retire? That is the question, right? Whether it’s better to keep toughing it out or toss in the towel, and see what’s next. Seems like that topic always comes up at get togethers with friends. Or when Charlie and me are having breakfast, or on a road trip. Or in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping, I’m pondering to pros and cons. At parties, we used to talk about work, vacations, what our friend’s kids were up to. Now we kick off with an organ recital. How’d that hip replacement go? Your back still bugging you? How about the colonoscopy prep? We segue from that into …