I had definitely planned to attend. In fact I had informed THE BOSS that I would be going to a “new” toy store on Saturday. “New” to her only. I had stoped there about 10 or 11 or maybe more years ago. Sean, you can keep quiet here as you will figure where this is going very quickly, I am sure.
Anyhow, she was ok with my plans as long as I did not spend TOO MUCH money. We were having dinner with friends who had no idea what I had meant by “Toy Store” and questioned why I would be tempted to spend too much money at a toy store. Well, I explained that usually I SAVED tons of money whenever I go to a “toy store”. Boss Lady suggested the only reason I save any money is because I never buy out all there is there to be bought. After some rather skeptic appraisal and odd looks from our friends, it was finally explained to them just what I mean by “toy store”. My wife asked about the store, as she had never heard of it.
“It is over in Yorktown,” I explained.
“Do you have directions?”
“I don’t need directions. I have been there a couple of times when I went to Peekskyll to have my truck serviced. “(I had bought a truck in that town in ’97 and had gone there for service for a couple of years) “It is a tiny store with very little floor space, so there is no chance for me to find room between walls and counters to carry out any but the smallest armfuls of toys. Have no fear.” [not worthy]
I was remembering having stopped at the store on two or three occasions and was wondering how much had been added in floorspace that there could possibly be 1000 sq ft specifically set aside for Festoys. There must be a huge addition added, probably out in the back. My story was so eloquent that I was even offered the use of her car for the morning as long As I would not be gone all day.
Saturday morning, I decided to take my truck so I would not have to worry about the time. As I was ready to walk out the door, I was asked once again if I had directions or a map. In my most practiced tone of condecention I explained once again I had been to the store several times. I never get lost. I never make mistooks. Andonandonandon. You all know how it goes.
About 45 minutes later, I found myself driving past where I knew the store to be. At the top of that steep hill that drops down precipitously into Peekskyll, I found a spot to turn around. As I went back over my route, I pulled into every one of those shopping center parking lots to be sure I had not missed the store I was searching for. Nothing! WTH??? I stopped at a couple of the new gas stations that had replaced the old service garage types that used to be along there. Instead of slightly greasy mechanics, there were food counters behind which were people who culd barely speak English. Nobody, not evn other customers in the stores, could tell me where was the ToolNut. I think the general opinion was that the were talking to THE NUT. Since I had been in a rush when I had left home. I had not filled up with gas and decided, after getting back to Yorktown Heights and riding around all of the shopping areas there, I might as well go back to Ridgefield. Along the way, I kept my eyes open for a chicken farm where I could maybe swipe and egg or two to smear on my face before getting back home. [poke]
My story back home was that I had “…saved a whole lot of money by NT buying a thing.” One always must have a backup story for such emergencies. Once I had persuaded THE BOSS LADY of my integrity, I went to the computer and looked up THE TOOL NUT and discovered it way over on the other end of town. The funny thing is, the NEW place is somewhat closer for me that it was in the OLD location. I even know the shortcuts to get there without going over I-84 or even thru any towns. I quick trip from Ridgefield.
“Egg On Face” Tinker
PS Now I know the way, I will find time to get to visit The Tool Nut. That’s a promise. (I just won’t tell The Boss just incase the roads have been moved.)