Saturday, May 12

Shopping with Rosie

Rosie and I are standing in the supermarket checkout queue.

“What does that say”, she says pointing to a sign on a pillar next to us.

“It says that if you want to purchase cigarettes and you look under 16 the supermarket reserves the right to ask for proof of age”, I say.

“Well, I don’t suppose I would be mistaken for 15 these days”; 88 year-old Rosie replies and flashes me a mischievous smile.

We both laugh. I ask if she was ever a smoker.

“No, not really, but I once smoked hashish with a Lebanese chap”, she’s looking thoughtful; obviously her mind has taken her on a detour down memory lane.

I try to imagine my own parents ever smoking hashish with Lebanese chaps, and fail miserably.

“How did that make you feel”, I ask Rosie.

“Oh, I don’t know… a little bit funny I suppose.” She’s quiet for a moment, “but no more funny than usual, really”, she winks at me.

It’s time to pay for the shopping.

14 comments:

Annika said...

Lovely :)

Hey, don't forget to vote for The Ark tonight!

Unknown said...

when I was 28 I was asked for ID while attempting to buy cigarettes in a new york petrol station. I didn't know whether to be flattered or annoyed.

all over the map said...

These moments are so endearing. Thanks for sharing. An older person has so much to teach us, yet so many people fail to see this. Sad really. This is the stuff life is made of.
What a gem she is.

Anonymous said...

Nowadays I'd be honored to be carded for ciggies (if I were a smoker) or alcohol, but instead I hear, 'here's your change ma'am'.

Lacithecat said...

Rosie sounds lovely. Oh my and someday we might also be having naughty little memories when physically we can no longer relive them personally. (although it sounds like she may just be able to smoke hashish if she could find a Lebanese man. Smile ...)

And I have always looked frightfully young. But I have finally reached the point where its a good thing. Rarely does any guess my age - and I got carded a few months ago in the states (but does that count?)

1jonboy said...

Very nice blog I hope you can visit my INTERNET SHOPPING MALL
best regards John

Bearette said...

Off topic, but I saw How to Steal a Million recently and really liked it. It was so charming, somehow.

kikare said...

ahaha, hope we can all keep our sense of humour all the way to the end!

deedee said...

I hope I am just like your friend when I am 88!

Tammy Brierly said...

Rosie sounds like a neat woman!

daisies said...

i am so in love with rosie and i only know her through your words .. guess i must be in love with you too ;-)

xox

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how sometimes few words can say so much. Your brief anecdote has given me a world of Rosie. :)

PennyBlue said...

Too funny! I sure like that lady! If you have a minute, sop by my blog...I need some opinions. Tanks WG and Happy Tuesday!

Anonymous said...

such an endearing story. i envy your relationship with such a charmer.