We're Canadian, so we tend to be a bit distant at the best of times.

I wish I had the duct tape franchise in Stratford, though; somebody at the Bank of Montreal used at least half a dozen rolls to mark off safe distances in the queue for the tellers' stations, and a deadline (cross it without invitation and I shoot you) in front of the counter.

At Guardian Drugs on Wellington Street, a nice lady stands at the door to quiz all comers about their state of health and recent movements, which makes sense because the shop is jammed tight with doohickeys and unguents as well as a few actual drugs. Again, lots of duct tape on the floor to keep the customers from breathing on the cashier and the dispensing druggist, but the people stocking and tidying the shelves are at our mercy.

The beer store is open, but not taking empties back until 1 April. Maybe that's when the new sterilizer will be installed (just kidding; I'm sure the date was just pulled out of somebody's nose).