alternate realities

Today we were at checking out at the hardware store, and the clerk asked me three times whether I was paying with credit or debit. Each time I answered "cash", and she'd still ask me again. Then when I handed her the money I told her I had the change, but needed to get it out. As I'm digging out the last penny, I realized she was counting change. I told her at least twice I had the change. The second time I was about to get more than a little irate, when I saw the hearing aid. For whatever reason, she wasn't hearing me. She turned, I handed her the change, and she got a little huffy as she slammed the change she had just counted out into the drawer, shaking her head. I imagine she thought I was being very rude and inconsiderate, never realizing I was answering all her questions AND talking to her the whole time. And as aggravated as I was, it also made me think about how many times I've made assumptions and become irritated by a situation, never realizing I was the one at fault.

On a side note, all the seed for my spring garden stuff (spinach, lettuce, english peas and a few cabbages) is out and the area cleaned out and fenced off from the chickens. Mind you, I used my old wiring and garden gates so it could all be done today. It's pieced together and looks a little redneckish, but I'm okay with that. It's done. There's a lady in our church who does a lot of vibrant, folksy artwork. I couldn't help but think if she were at our house she'd spray paint each section a different primary color and make it all look festive. I'm afraid if I tried that it would look clownish. Maybe in a year or two I'll be purchase better netting or fencing, but for now my rusty pieces are doing the job.