My volunteering today wasn't nearly as painful as I thought. Fern and others, thanks for the little friendly push yesterday! I won't volunteer next week because hubby and I are going away for a week.

I stopped by the store to pick up a few things. On my way to a shop next to the grocery store, I saw my psychiatrist, but he didn't see me. Then when I was heading to the grocery store, he passed me coming out. We smiled at each other. He said a nice enthusiastic "Hello!" and I returned it saying "See ya soon!" I have an appointment with him later today. It's always a joy seeing him!

In the store I went to before the grocery store, I bought some cookies. That place is very expensive being "gourmet", and in my overpriced town. Soon before I left the cashier/clerk, an elderly woman came up beside me and told two of the clerks that, for the second time (two visits), her espresso was cold. In response, they just stared at her, with rather chilly looks on their faces, and said nothing. The lady and I waited a few seconds. Still, no response to the lady’s feedback. I was distressed at the lady’s poor treatment and asked the two clerks why they wouldn’t apologize or thank her for her feedback. For a moment, I wondered if they perhaps didn’t understand her, though the lady’s English was quite clear, and she had their attention. Then, one of the clerks said something like, "It's not our fault, it's the machine." That confirmed to me that at least one clerk clearly understood the whole exchange. I didn't say anything more to clerks, but when the elderly lady, her young companion, and I left the shop, I apologized that she received poor customer service. They seemed to appreciate my statement. When I got home, I sent this story to the manager of the store.

I believe clerks are underpaid. I will vote to have minimum wages increased and tip good service. However, customer service must be at least "good" in the customer service industry.