Marvin the entertainer

Marvin comes to El Camino Gardens every two weeks to entertain the residents. He plays classic old-timey songs and the ladies in the crowd seem to really enjoy his visits.

Mom said, "He doesn't have any music."

Marvin overheard and responded, "She's right, I just have the lyrics on my music stand. The rest is all in my head."

One of the staff members was nearby and muttered, "And that says a lot."

Overheard at the Palo Alto public library

Mark and Carolyn's kitchen remodel is well underway so I went to the local library to cut 2-inch squares for an upcoming sewing project. A new library is being constructed so a temporary library has been set up in a nearby community auditorium.

A young mother came in with her four children, all under the age of 5. She began looking at books in the children's section but the children went straight to the computer and began shouting for a movie. "Children, come look at the books, you can be on the computer or watch a movie when we're home." She was ignored, the shouting continued and she went to the computer to give instructions about how to use the mouse and find a book they could watch and listen to. The mother left again, the children unsupervised, another dispute arose, the shouting began.

An older lady working at a nearby table began to glare and finally said something to the mother. "Children, this library has no children's room, you must be more quiet. If there's one more complaint, we'll have to leave." She wandered off, the children were quieter . . . for a while. Another complaint from the old lady. "Children, off the computer RIGHT NOW. That old lady is complaining again. Let's find some books to check out and leave." Three of the children listened, left the computer station with their mom, however the toddler remained, trying on the headphones, playing with the mouse, tugging on cords.

CRASH! The entire computer station tumbled to the floor. The old lady and I looked up, the mother came over, the old lady headed for the librarian's desk. "Baby, baby, are you all right? Are you hurt? Are you sure you're ok?" The librarian arrived. "I can't believe this computer is not bolted down. It's very unsafe, my child could have gotten hurt." The librarian asked if the child had pulled on the equipment. "Well, perhaps, but children do that sort of thing. This library is not safe at all." They went to another section of the library although you could still pinpoint their location based on the noise.

The old lady caught my eye and beckoned me over to her table. "I can't believe that! She was not paying attention at all to what her children were doing. I tell you, I don't want to be alive when those children become adults, especially if they become elected officials."

Overheard: SLC to SMF

Lisa and Ray were among the last passengers to board the plane in Salt Lake City.

Lisa: I can't get this suitcase inside this compartment.

Flight Attendant: Ma'am, that suitcase won't fit in there.

Lisa: There are too many backpacks in these upper compartments. They should be under the seats.

FA: Ma'am, that suitcase is too big, it won't fit in that space. (Bam! Bam!) Ma'am! Don't try to force the door shut.

Lisa: There are too many backpacks in all these compartments. If somebody could take their backpack out, I could find a space.

FA: We're not going to go down the aisle removing backpacks. You'll have to check your bag. We're trying to get ready for takeoff.

Lisa: Well, there are still too many backpacks in these upper compartments.

The FA took the suitcase. Ray and Lisa sat down across the aisle from me and back one row. I had a window seat! with no one in the center seat! and a Little Old Lady in the aisle seat. The flight attendant returned and spoke to Lisa.

FA: Ma'am, is that your assigned seat?

Lisa: No, my seat is about 10 rows up, but I want to sit here.

The FA turned to the young man standing behind him and asked if he'd mind switching seats, but the young man really wanted a window seat so he could sleep better. The FA told Lisa she'd have to move. Lisa pointed across the aisle and barked, "Can't he sit over there?"

Indeed it was an available window seat, the young was satisfied. At last the plane was ready to go. By snack time the LOL was sound asleep. The FA gave me a package of peanuts and took my drink order. I pulled out a package of giner cookies that I'd saved from the first leg of today's flights. Thirty minutes later, the LOL flagged down the FA, "Where's mine?"

FA: I think you were sleeping, but I'd be happy to get you something now.

LOL: I want cookies!

The FA attendant gave her a blank look, but finally said he'd go check to see if they had any.

FA: I'm sorry, we don't have cookies, we only have peanuts.

LOL (with a quick glance at my cookies): It would be beter if you had cookies.

FA: Yes, ma'am

Later, as the plane neared the jetway, the LOL jumped out of her seat and rushed up the aisle gaining about 10 rows before she was slowed down. "Excuse me, Excuse me, can I get by" got her another 3 rows before others stopped accomodating her and clogged the aisle.

Meanwhile at the back of the plane, Lisa is now on her cell phone, "Yeah! The plane left a little late, I don't know why, but we had a tail wind so we . . . " I never heard a peep from Ray.