gfrancie | up and real

Today has been a good day in many ways. My Mom came over to visit and we went to yarn stores and had an entertaining time. We went to Acorn and we walked in on a very sweet store clerk dealing with a super rude and unpleasant customer. The customer was complaining that her gift card (which had no money left on it) should have thirty dollars left. She hadn't used the card in over a year, and according to the gift card history -it had been used up. (it wasn't like some places that will eat up your card if you don't use it within a specific period of time.) The customer had no receipt and was trying to strong-arm the clerk into giving money that wasn't there. The clerk remained very calm and used a quiet voice and the customer kept getting louder and louder and made me think of a spoiled child. The clerk finally said, "if you would like, the store owner will be in tomorrow and you can speak with her about this." the customer than said, "Oh. I know CAROL. I know it isn't worth talking to her." It seems like the woman knew that this was a lost cause and that her poor behavior wouldn't get her anything. She tried to make the clerk give her 30 dollars. When the clerk wasn't having any of it and said -there is no money on the card. The unpleasant customer grabbed the receipts and yelled, "WELL!!!! *huff huff* I am NEVER SHOPPING HERE AGAIN." She slammed out of the shop. There was a moment of silence and a bit of a giggle from people in the shop. We asked if the clerk was okay after all of that. She handled things so well and in such a civilized manner. Oh the fun of people! We then had a nice time looking at things and ended up getting yarn and buttons and making notes of things we wanted in the future. I think the clerks liked how friendly and non-assy we were. It is never wrong to speak up and possibly haggle a bit, but it is never a good idea to be rude. It was slightly surprising in a way, because the general demeanor/atmosphere of most yarn shops I have been in (and I have been in yarn shops in four different countries) is a rather relaxed and encouraging environment. Even in Italy! (okay so the yarn shop by my house is filled with overly customer-service happy people who overwhelm a person but that shop is the exception)
We had fun with Senor Onion who did his best to charm his Grandma. He is talented in this arena. The woman is so easily suckered by him. But then most women are. His Grandma and Nana would probably give him ponies and puppies if given half a chance. And sacks of sugar.
We also went to Weaving Works -though Senor Onion was a bit impatient. The place is very pretty and he can't touch much and it was the end of the day.
Then I made everyone a nice dinner and had my Mother try an ice cream I had made.
There were many good conversations and blathering.

The less good is the hard reality that my rabbit Esmerelda is dying. She is eight -almost nine years old. Which is significant in rabbit years. I have been emotionally prepared for this event for awhile. (you do when rabbits reach this age) She stopped eating about a day and a half ago and she has been laying about in a fashion that looks comfortable. She isn't moving much, her eyes are half-closed and her breathing is labored. It is the last two particular symptoms that are telling. Even when she has been unwell in the past, her eyes were always alert. And this time her eyes have lost their color. And the way she is breathing is like any other creature at the end of their life. I feel mildly sad, but I feel all right. I am glad my Mom was here to have a look at her. Esme is warm and comfortable and has a quiet place and Greg (my other bunny) is near by.
Esme looks so old like Uncle Wiggly and now I just need to guide her to the end.