There's not much better than a good dog!

I just read about a fellow blogger's long-time canine companion who died (here) and it made me want to share some pictures of my dogs.  I've always said I can't help all the mistreated dogs in the world but I can take care of mine.  They probably say the same kind of things to all their dog buddies about me.

"Thank you" is never enough.

Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas embraces Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr. during a Veterans Day commemoration in Dallas.

Garage sale goodies

I stopped at a garage sale this morning and the first thing the owner of the house asked me was, "What are you looking for?"

I said, "Whatcha got?"

"What are you looking for?"

Kinda weird, I guess, but oh well..."What about tools?"

"Are you affiliated with any law enforcement at all?"

What kind of question is that and how stupid would a cop have to be to answer yes?  "No."

"Then come back here."

He led me to the garage which was sitting well back of the house and sure enough he had some tools and all kinds of electronics and some stuff it looks like he stole from a bar somewhere.

I made a great deal on a ladder and some tools for $20 but I wanted the other ladder for $10 but he wouldn't do it.  We talked for awhile and when I loaded up my stuff he asked me to do him a favor and drive across the highway (he didn't have a car) and get him some cigarettes.  I told him I would do it and pay for the cigs and bring him back $10 and take the other ladder.  He thought about it and said to bring back 2 cans of dog food from there as well.

Deal.

When I got back he threw in some more tools and a brand new hammock as well. So, I got all of this - 2 nice ladders, a nice cordless drill with accessories, all kinds of tools including a nice new hammer (on the second rung of the ladder), and a hammock - all for $30, a pack of smokes and some dog food. Not a bad day.

You tell me.

As you know I am the proud owner of my own business, Sonlight Window Cleaning.  It is alot of work cleaning windows but it is also alot of work starting a business.  As many of you know ( I say "many" like there is more than 3 people who read this blog) starting a business from scratch is slow but gratifying and requires good marketing and networking.  My friends and family have been great in their support and I am extremely grateful.

Sometimes when I don't have a scheduled job I get out and beat the streets for more business.  I leave fliers on houses or I go from business to business talking to owners or managers.  I don't care much about what kind of business somebody owns, most of the time the glass needs to be cleaned.  I even visited the local Taco Bell that I have been boycotting for several years after the manager and I had a dispute.  The new manager there was very friendly and helpful. 

Here's the part I don't understand and it is twofold.  When I enter a business I understand that the owners, managers and employees are busy running their own business so I am polite and brief.  No high-pressure sales pitch or lengthy discussions on the benefits of clean windows.  Just who I am and what I do and if they are interested I give them a quoted price.  Not interested?  I leave quietly and quickly.  No problem, I understand.  My question to my 3 blog readers is this:  what have I done that justifies rudeness or disdain and why is that rudeness coming from nearly all foreigners? 

I'm not the least bit prejudiced. In fact, I'm glad to see the "melting pot" that is America work this way. We are the greatest nation on the planet and I don't blame you for coming here and starting a business just like I'm doing. I don't treat you any differently than I do folks that are born here. Is it a cultural thing? I understand I might catch somebody on a bad day but it seems to be fairly consistent that if the owner or manager is not from around here I'm going to be treated with a curt word and a surly attitude. It's also not just one nationality. North, south, east, west. Some folks just have a chip on their shoulder. What's up with that? I don't understand. You tell me.