This is probably one of the reasons I don’t really hunt much… squatters…

Successfully avoided going to any stores on both Friday and Saturday. But ultimately had to go out today and pick up some important things — like wire staples… to tack up Christmas lights for the wife & kids:

And also a few minor things: oil for the VStar, another inexpensive toolbox for some garage stuff, and because I was out anyway: kerosene lamps, lighter fluid, and flints (no, not the kind of flints that will use — it sadly hasn’t arrived yet).

Fortunately, some things are easy to find.

Others, not so much.

The most significant things I was reminded of today while seeking out some simple things is that

• Based on the items I was looking for and the responses I received from four clerks at two stores — I must be an anachronism. Are lighter fluid, flints, kerosene lamps and parts that effing antiquated? Just antiquated enough to require stifled laughter toward the customer?
• Companies don’t hire the best, brightest, nor even the most sociable people to have public contact at most stores. It’s almost as if they want customers to go elsewhere.