The search for a barber

Today was barber shop day. Every three weeks Bob goes over to Vesper to Joe's Barber Shop to get his hair cut. He used to go to Pittsville to John's Barber Shop but he retired several years ago. Bob was so happy to find another ole-time barber to cut his hair.

I usually ride over with him and have a cup of coffee at Bills Quick Stop while he gets his hair cut. Joe would rather talk and visit than to cut hair, so I know that it is going to be quite a spell before Bob shows up at Bill's. All of the senior citizens (guys) hang out at Bill's. They easily fill up two tables, there are three tables, so I sit there and usually in a short time they have "borrowed" the extra chairs at my table.

I can't help but hear what they are talking about, so I sit and listen to them, this morning they were discussing a 5 percent tax, but the fellow that was talking didn't know exactly what the tax was for, so they bantered and discussed that for a few minutes, and wandered on to other subjects.

I watched the people that came in for a variety of things, from paying for their gas to deli sandwiches, pop, chips; you name it. There seemed to be a continual stream of people. I went up and talked to the gal working the counter, and we had a good visit about garage sales. We both love 'um.

After almost and hour and a half Bob came strolling in. He looked very somber. When I asked him what was the matter, he told me that he had just gotten his last hair cut from Joe! He said Joe was retiring the first of May and would be spending his time fishing. Now Bob is all in a dither as to where he will find another ole-time barber. Prospects don't look too bright. I told him if he continued to lose his hair, he wouldn't have to worry about finding a barber. That went over like a lead balloon. (Just trying to be helpful).

A couple of fellows sat down with us. One was Walt, and the other was Bill the owner. In nothing flat they had gotten into a discussion about the DNR annual hunting and fishing meeting that is always held in Pittsville. The meeting is supposedly for everyone to bring their gripes and complaints to the DNR for discussion. So I just sat and listened, since what I know about hunting and fishing isn't much to write home about. Some of the subjects that came up in their conversation were turkey, deer, and bear season. As I sat and listened, I gleaned quite a few things that I didn't know. One being that if you wanted to apply for a bear license, you start by paying three dollars each year, and it is a given that you won't get a "kill" license until at least the ninth year. From what I gathered for the previous years you could go along as what I would call a "walk along" but you can't shoot one 'til you actually get that kill license.

Needless to say it was too confusing for me, so I again sat and became a people watcher as they sat and discussed hunting, loading shells, politics and etc.

He got several leads on different barber shops, so now he will go shopping around.