DR-July 17, 2008

Subject: Can't you just be "Nice?"

Issue: Over the weekend I was in a little town on the coast. Like all towns on the coast around here they swell with tourists some are the "summer people" that own property and some are just "passers-thru." I went to a new place - actually old place, new owner that really is trying to make a "go" of it.

In comes a few tourists, they insist on leaving the door wide open, when there is a large sign on the door that begs people to close the door when they enter or exit. And isn't that how it works? If the door is closed and you have to open it to get in, then close it behind you. Nope, a dazed woman strolls across the floor and the air conditioning pours out into the street, someone says, "Please shut the door," she ignores them. Someone goes across the room and closes the door themselves. So this happens a few times with others coming and going.

Next Ms. Clueless that evidently cannot read signs about the door, decides to be short and nasty with the owner of the store. Doesn't like what is on the menu, is not happy that this store doesn't have a bank roll of change for her $100 bill she wants to use to buy a cup of tea.

The owner is a Saint for sure. She takes the abuse, GIVES her the tea and apologizes that the only bank in town is closed at noon on Saturday and she wont have any additional change for the weekend. So a few of us go through our pockets quietly and pay for our loaf of bread or ice cream cone with little bills and change.

What I say in my head: "Maine the way life should be?"