Had to hit an ATM last night. The guy ahead of me not only let me go in front of him, but offered to walk me out to my car ’cause we weren’t in the most savory section of Hackensack. (Actually, I don’t think there *is* a savory section of Hackensack, but that’s another story) Granted, this could have been a set up for a mugging (I might be from the country, but I’m not that silly. Well, not anymore.) However, the escort was unnecessary - Bill was waiting in the parking lot. All 6 foot 4 of him, with the really big Dodge Ram truck. I’m pretty sure the guy’s intentions were pure, but hey, having backup is cool.

Another cute encounter with a random stranger:
I’m in the grocery store grabbing a few things. I hit the spice section looking for one thing - peppercorns. Findig that one little bottle of peppercorns is not easy in the roughly 24 feet of supermarket shelving. So I’m squinting at all the little bottles, and the guy next to me is doing the same thing.

Him: If you see any Rosemary, let me know.
Me: Ok.
Him: What’re you looking for?
Me: Peppercorns

Then at almost the same moment, we both find the item the other was looking for. We exchange bottles, and go our seperate ways. And I had a grin on my face for the next ten minutes. Why? Because this is Northeast New Jersey; land of road rage, home invasions, and grumpy people. But every now and then I find a total stranger who gives me faith that people don’t universally suck, and that is what keeps me going.