The old bint next door let the cat out 12 times today. I wrote down the times on the grocery list. That cat went out 3 times between when the mail man arrived and when I actually went out to bring it in. And I only waited 23.5 minutes before exiting our door. I like to make sure the mailman will not be making a second trip with a package. He walks our block first with the envelopes and magazines. Then he drives by and stops in front of your house if you are getting a package. That way he doesn't have to carry heavy things.

He's a sensible man.

I am too shy to speak to him. I never know when it is proper to wave, or just smile and nod, or if I should just wish him a pleasant day, or if I should comment about the weather. He really is out in all sorts of weather, and his schedule only varies by 30 minutes on poor weather days. That alternate mailman who comes on Saturdays isn't a real mailman- it's a woman. And she'll come anywhere in 4 hour range.

It takes me 19 seconds to bring in the mail if there is no package. I have tried to make my time even faster, but thebox's door sometimes sticks. Regardless, I can do it very well without even looking at the bint. Today, however, it took me nearly 30 seconds. The bint had time to call at me, and I took the time to ignore her. Because the old man next door had picked that moment to get *his* mail. I have seen him a grand total of 14 times, and we have lived here for 3 years. He very pointedly ignored me and the bint. I smiled after I came inside. I envy him sometimes, since he has our house between himself and the bint. I'm suprised the old spinster isn't trying to go courting him. That way she'd have a life to run and leave my life alone. But then, he's a smart old man, and lives his life alone.  ¶ 12:58 PM