Random Musings II

There isn't a kosher dill pickle to be found anywhere in OZ. In fact, 'gherkins' in general are an afterthought found on the bottom shelf of the grocery store. Prominently placed: pickled brown onions. Lots of them. Even cocktail onions get prime placement.

Self-service checkout just arrived in Perth. It's fun to watch people figure out the machines. Think of the jobs lost. I wonder if Aussies will embrace the self-service concept.

Know that "Op Shop" = thrift store. Imagine looking for a thrift store and seeing this sign:

Drug-Arm Op Shop & Bargain Centre

It's safe to go inside.

My library has a 28-day loan policy. Which explains why I am watching "It's A Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas" in April instead of December. They are good anytime. Actually, they are better suited now because it is getting cooler outside.

What do Aussies have against dry hands? Paper towels or working hand dryers are a rarity. In the department store women's restroom: 12 stalls, 10 sinks, 1 dryer.

Don't play soccer, cricket, lawn bowls or croquet? Here's the club to belong to:

the Pigeon Racing Club. No fewer than 15 chapters of the Pigeon Racing Federation of WA, Inc. in the area. And some of the club houses are none too small.

There are idiots and bored youth here, also. "Tagging" -spray painting your mark on buildings, trains,etc. and "hooning" - drag racing with preferably lots of burning rubber are the scourge of almost every community. Ugh, ugh, ugh.

Garage sales: where people try to sell 35 year-old Tupperware at near-current prices. One lady was selling OPENED and 1/3 empty bottles of liquor for almost the same price as a liquor store special! Claimed it was a big discount from the Duty-Free price she paid. We manage to get back into the car before whooping into laughter.