The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #105438   Message #2170024
Posted By: Mickey191
12-Oct-07 - 10:46 PM
Thread Name: BS: A Very Particular Panhandler
Subject: BS: A Very Particular Panhandler
The weirdest/funniest thing happened! I pulled up to a clutch of stores in Wingdale,NY intent on some Chinese food. A man was waving me in to my spot - was not necessary as all the spaces were empty. I thought it strange-but there were people around so I got out. He was tall & thin & had a grey beard &was not unkempt. Rather nice looking-about 57/58.

As I was locking the door he said something-which I did not hear. I put my hand to my ear & said:"Say Again Please." He asked: "Do you have a shrimp Roll?" Then I figured he cannot have asked me if I have a shrimp roll. No-he could not have. It's just too silly. So I say: "I beg you pardon-please say that again." "Do you have a shrimp roll? says he. I said: "No I don't. Is there something I can do for you?" "No-No-BYE." He walks off. I inquire of the young counter girl if she knows the man. "Yes" says she. "He asks everyone for a shrimp roll. Sometimes he comes in and buys one. Sometimes he just asks-BUT he never asks when people are leaving-just when they enter."

So in effect he's putting his order in. It was so weird & funny-then I got the serious implications involved.

1-He just loves Shrimp rolls.
2-He's broke.
3-He's hungry.
4-He's an olde time practicing Catholic and it is       Friday.

I ordered an extra one for the wayfaring stranger- but he was gone when I came out. I sure would love to know his story.