Thank you for the kind comments on yesterday’s post!   It’s been a rather stressful week; Art and I certainly appreciate your support more than ever.

 Just when I thought the week couldn’t get much weirder, we meet Wally…

Wally, a large man with a booming voice, talks to us through his screen door, a wriggling Schnauzer puppy in his arms.  After our initial greeting, he starts to talk.  I say “starts”, because Wally speaks slowly but distinctly, his sentences punctuated by short pauses.   His loud voice is all the more emphasized by the moments of quiet, making his presentation seem forceful.  “Art”, says Wally, “If I were to vote for you…” pause, “would you buy something from me?”  He looks at Art.  Then, as if to make certain we heard him the first time, Wally repeated himself, “Would you buy this puppy from me? I’ve got three more just like it.  If I promise to vote for you..”

(Holy Cow!  This is me thinking, now.  I am getting my first experience with vote-buying!  Oh, Man!  This provincial gal from Arkansas is staring at Wally wide-eyed and, I’m certain, open-mouthed.    Standing there on the front stoop of a home on a busy street in a big city-to me, any way- I’m thinking this truly takes the cake.  And I’m wondering what other nefarious characters or activities this campaign is going to be confronted with in the next 83 days!  And I’m wondering how Art’s going to handle this one!) 

Art speaks now to Wally, “Are you serious?” (Which leads me to believe I’m not the only one thinking what-have-we-gotten-ourselves-into!)  Wally’s eyes crinkle up, and his raucous laughter can be heard next door.  “Heck, no!” says he.   Whew! 

And so… we leave Wally’s home, minus a yard sign, but not with the addition of a puppy!  : )