In generations past, it was an admitted, frequently-discussed diversion. “People-watching” was a pastime with which we could all identify. Many conversations began with, “You won’t believe what I saw the other day,” or other similar expressions.
Some went to great lengths for such gazes, traveling to places like Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York City and even international destinations. The diversion also is popular on cruise ships, many of which are currently traversing the Gulf of America (??).
Lest it appear that diversions might cost legs, arms and/or other appendages, there are times when we are beneficiaries of “free gawking.”…..
*****
I noticed recently that our neighbor, John Munson, was raking leaves. (He and his wife, Cindy, are world-class neighbors. I’d say this even if he hadn’t been mowing and edging our lawn weekly for several years.)
Whatever he’s doing, John is considered meticulous, if not downright fastidious. He mows from various angles, often going over the same area twice. When he finishes, I marvel at his work, figuring golf’s best greenskeepers would bow in his presence. Seeing his handiwork, serious golfers would feel an urge to putt. (Aside: Word has it that his mowing is several strokes better than his golfing.)
Today, though, I’m revealing an observation of growing frustration that engulfs John each time he attempts to bag leaves. Until now, his fumbled attempts required mulligans….
*****
A couple of years ago, John bought an obelisk-shaped wire frames (think four equal sides, but somewhat smaller at the top than the bottom). Then, envision a late-night TV “come-on” describing how a simple wire frame has revolutionized bagging of yard work residue.
With a “who-needs-instructions” sheet tossed aside, John has wrestled with the frame since its arrival. Each time–as if to achieve maximum balance–he has placed the “big end” down.
Had he watched the TV ad closely–and/or read the instructions–he would have known that the “big end” goes UP, allowing easy bag attachment. (The smaller end has four small grips to assure balance.) But, we aren’t talking tornado survival here, even if the ad may claim such….
*****
The other day, he noticed that I–a few feet away under the tree shade, sipping lemonade–was watching him. Perhaps he saw my mouth drop as he bagged leaves so effortlessly. Anyway, he trudged across the property line, sweating profusely but his face a lighter shade of red. It was confession time. He said he’d seen the TV ad again recently, finally realizing that the “big end” goes on top. Thus, with a simple “flip-flop,” all is well.
He could easily have foregone telling me, but this is not his nature. Somehow, I felt an inner peace, realizing that this neighbor who does virtually everything correctly is human after all.
Had his five-year-old granddaughter, Olivia, been watching, she would have told him about upside down….
*****
His humility induced “instant sheepishness.” A recently-diagnosed sleep apnea patient, I admitted that for several nights, I had bungled placement of my “nose pillow mask.” I didn’t realize that the small nasal “pillows” are designed to fit nostril contours, with a 50/50 chance for improper attachment to the headgear.
Sadly, I erred. Frustrated, I even tried sleeping with my head at the foot of the bed, but this didn’t help. Re-reading the instructions, I was struck by the boldface reminder to attach the nostril “thingie” correctly. My luck fell on the down side of 50/50.
If confession is indeed good for the soul, mine may be a notch higher with this admission….
*****
Referencing the “Gulf of America” designation earlier, it occurred that “people-watching” goes on regularly during my Uncle Mort’s general store domino games. He told me of his foursome’s “jawing” about the verbal sparring between President Trump and Leon Musk. I corrected his saying “Leon” instead of “Elon.”
He answered, “You’re plumb wrong. Elon ain’t no name; it’s a typo. No doubt his name is Leon Musk.”
I stand corrected….
*****
Dr. Newbury, a longtime speaker, may be contacted at 817-447-3872 or newbury@speakerdoc.com. At website www.speakerdoc.com, he reads his columns aloud, sometimes without stumbling.