Elliott's Hardware

Working in a small town hardware store in a growing city as a cashier behind a counter was a job I liked. Once I figured out the register and routine I was set and feeling more comfortable greeting and getting to know the regular customers.
One by one I'd check out customers and share a friendly smile or brief "How's the day?" and "What cha working on?" conversation.
Then one day...........
This unfamilar face comes walking up, places her assortment of odds and ends on the counter. As I start scanning the first item she says,"You are never going to believe this."Grasping my full attention because, at this point I am not sure if she is unhappy with the service, couldn't find the right part, doesn't like the price or what. She starts digging in her purse and pulls out her check book. Plops it on the counter still closed. She looks at me with a serious look and says,"You know those ads you see for designer checks?" "Yeah, I see them and actually wanted to order some myself."I say. She replies, "Don't do it! I found this real cute design, checked the box, sent it out, and a few weeks later I get this!" She opens up her check book hastily, spins it around so it's facing me, I look down and ask "What design were you trying to order?" "Ones with a cute little birdhouse...not an OUTHOUSE!!!", she exclaimed.