Day 1 of AMPS+ in AZ. Walking four large pups (one extra large; near Marmaduke size–ok, I had help) went better than expected (refer back to I had help). Actually the client did great once paired up with the right double-leash partner. Still, a 30 minute walk in sunny, warm temps is plenty for everyone so I took advantage of their exhaustion to take care of errands for the day.
First up a trip to the USPS to set up a local PO Box—effective today AMPS+ is in business!
- Observations: mid-morning on a Monday is on the lower end of optimal to need counter service at the USPSf
- Elderly gentleman stands in line for nearly 10 minutes to purchase one stamp for his single envelope. When a single stamp (or a book) could have been purchased in 90 seconds in the lobby…..or at any of three retail stores within five minutes of this particular branch. Ah to have nothing but time…..
- Elderly gentleman #2 jumps at the chance to chew out the branch manager because he feels someone jumped out of order. Causing quite the commotion actually–I cracked a couple grins; mostly because directly below/in front of him were two signs stating: ‘Shortest Wait Times are Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.’.
Next up a trip to the local fabric store for a patch for a dog bed–hey; I’m on a budget and a $4.99 patch that I can affix beats a new bet any day. Local shop didn’t have any; they deal in mostly larger orders. But the service rep pointed me in the right direction.
While in the area I thought I’d stop in the neighborhood Goodwill; a couple things needed that can likely be found in a large retail outlet such as this one. As I was in line checking out one of the locals wandered in and started doing a jig in the middle of the store to the overhead Madonna song. He then walked up to the counter and offered a few words to the service staff then wandered back out into the streets. Apparently he’s not allowed in the store (nor any other store up and down the neighborhood but he darts out as quickly as he hops in so its difficult to run him out). Highly entertaining.
Off to the chain fabric store, home to do a bit of overdue yard work then a nap. Rough morning, nap highly earned. Highlight of the afternoon was piling four large dogs into the car for a trip up to the park. That was something. Oh, again on the ‘but it’s a dry heat…..
regardless of what anyone things; 106(per the car gauge) at 5:30 in the afternoon is warm; arguably hot.