The weather was again inclement, so we were more or less confined to barracks, though we did manage to contact the Home Depot store who had sold us the second hand Ryobi jig saw and they advised we could take it to any Home Depot for exchange. That made life a little easier, so when we were fairly confident about the weather, we headed off to our favourite HD with the jig saw.
Stood in the exchange line for a while at HD, but finally we were able to explain the sad story to a store employee, who told me he was originally from Ivory Coast. He said go get another and return, which we did. By the time we got back, he had gone and we had to explain ourselves to another employee who lacked the initiative of the Ivory Coast fellow. Nonetheless we got what we wanted, but during the conversation we were asked by another customer at the exchange point, where we were from. In the ensuing conversation we found he was an ex Navy aviator who had served in the USN for 27 years (same as my period of service), which included a spot of R & R in Perth. Fortunately he enjoyed the experience !
As we left, I said to Marg that it was a pity we didn't have more time with the aviator as he seemed to be an interesting fellow.
Anyway, we left HD and headed in the direction of the Giant supermarket and the Fairfax County Library. Once we reached the shopping plaza we first went to Trader Joe's and as we approached the entrance, noticed a familiar face also heading in the same direction. The ex-aviator (accompanied by his wife) had driven the distance which we had walked, which says a lot about the traffic !
We had a much longer conversation there outside Trader Joe's and I confirmed my initial assessment, that he was an interesting fellow.
After that we pushed off for the Library where we had arranged to meet Leanne after she finished work, but she was delayed and Brian turned up in lieu.
Tea was cooked by Brian (baked penne with chicken and sun dried tomatoes) and thoroughly enjoyed by the rest of the peasants.
