Too many books.

“There are too many books!” yelled an old man wielding a hearing aid and a cane. He shook his head. “There are too many books. I wish I had time and legs to explore all of these books.”

Then he hobbled over to me. “Concierge.” He pronounced it CON-sir-gay. “Does that mean information?” I told him yes, it does.

-Lima Bean

Young one.

"Thank you for being so helpful, young one," he said to me.

I wasn't sure if he was being sincere or condescending.

-Lima Bean

French is a beautiful language.

"Concierge -- that's a lovely title to give you," she said. Yes, I agree. French is a beautiful language.

-Lima Bean

Memorial Day.

I'm not even a half an hour in to my shift and already I've had about a dozen calls asking "Are you open today?" This is going to be a long day. Thankfully, I get holiday pay.

-Lima Bean

Compliment.

"You're looking wonderful, my dear," he said. Why, thank you.

-Lima Bean

Orange.

A man shopping at the bookstore today was wearing all orange. He had on a bright orange hat, bright orange corduroy jacket and pants, orange sock and orange shoes. It doesn’t stop there: His hair and beard were dyed neon green, yellow, pink and orange in a way that was reminiscent of a tub of sherbet ice cream.

I wonder.

-Lima Bean

Black eye vs. Boredom

"You look bored," the old man said. I admitted that I was.

"I’m 74, and I have a saying: I’d rather be punched than bored. And it’s been a long time since I’ve been punched."

Hmm. Black eye or boredom?

Question of the Day: "Could you tell me how to get downstairs, Madam?"

-Lima Bean