ANOTHER SPECIAL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Judy and I got up off our lazy butts mid-week and did a little antique and Wal-Mart shopping! What fun!

Anyway, we got cleaned up and shaved our faces and other personal places, and got publicly presentable. For some reason we took a few photos of each other, using the ol’ outstretched arm technique! I suppose we took them so we can remember what we look like when we are “cleaned up,” and ended the session with a big hug!

“What’s that?” she asked. “Are you happy to see me or are you 'packing' again?”

Well sir, right here is where a man has to be careful. “I’m always glad to see you ‘sweet-angel-baby’s-doll-face,’ (that’s my little cutesy name I’ve had for her for almost 28 years now) but I’m also packin',” I said unconvincingly! “Now, won’t you feel safe and secure at ‘Walley World’?”

So, that’s what led to the “carry shot” on the left.

There is a new flea market inside the old block shell where the old Wal-Mart used to be, so we walked up and down the long aisles. Judy was hoping there was an Avon booth among all the knick-knack places, and I scanned the bric-a-brac for Hot Wheels®, beer and shot glasses. I like those kind of places, basically just for killing time, but really in the hopes I will spot a toy I had as a kid, or something my grandmother had years ago.

All the time, all we could hear were the “special adults” making strange noises over in the snack bar section! I think the folks who take care of these mentally challenged people during the day are “special” themselves, but it is obvious they take them to “flea markets” and similar places because they can feed them cheaply, and without having to worry about the mess they may make.

I wish I felt more comfortable around them, but I have to admit they make me nervous, and plainly it is because I don’t know how to react. I truly wish I did, but I don’t. I missed that training somewhere along the way. You have to understand my short coming, especially when I relate how one of them stood beside me and yelled at another one “You ain’t dying, u-just chokin’ ur sompin’, and the other one suddenly projectile vomited a hotdog and French fries right in front of me. Surely you can understand my anxiousness around them!

So, we left the commotion and scrambling around for bio-cleanup implements, the antique dust, and all the Chinese made junk, and headed for the new Wal-Mart for "upscale" Chinese junk!

I always peruse the Hot Wheels® as we pass the toy section on the way to the food section, and, low and behold, I spotted a couple more Mustang and AC Cobra treasures for my collection! Thank God, the day was not a total loss.

I’ve been collecting Mustangs, Thunderbirds, and AC Cobras for several years. They once held a prominent spot in my bedroom, but Judy insisted they now wait on my attentions down in the dark basement. I suppose that’s okay, the collection has not suffered, but instead has grown since being relegated to obscurity!

My collection spans Hot Wheels®, Matchbox, and the Johnny Lightning series. I only collect Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds, and anything with Carroll Shelby’s name or trademark on it! I don’t know why…so don’t ask…I just love them! I do know that Carroll Shelby has always been a hero of mine!

Back home, I again felt safe and tried not to think too much about our "special" fun day in the neighborhood.