07/04/00

At my wife's prodding, I was cleaning out my closet one
spring cleaning day in an attempt to make more room, and
I came across an old suit that I hadn't worn in at least 20 years.
It, of course, didn't fit anymore, and I quickly decided that I
would bag it and take it to the local Salvation Army. As I was
going through the pockets in a last ditch attempt to salvage
forgotten valuables, I came upon a claim check for a pair
of shoes that I had taken to the shoemaker (and forgotten
about), some 20 some years prior.

I knew that the merchant was still in business, albeit 20 years
more senior.  I said, "I wonder if my shoes are still there?" so
I headed to town with my ticket.

His shop a bit more dusty than I remembered, still had the
same sign out front.  I entered and found the cobbler at his
familiar pose in front of his grinding wheel.  I told him the
story, and proudly presented my claim check.  He hobbled
into the backroom, and after about 5 minutes of rummaging
poked his head around the door and said "Brown Florsheim
Loafers?"

With an incredible feeling of good luck,I proudly shouted
"That's the one!"

In a matter-of-fact tone, he calmly muttered, "Be ready
Tuesday."