Selling Sno-Cones at the Beach

only in the midwest

People are nicer - and more trusting - really, they are, here in the Great Center. I am losing my "edge," the cynical, mistrustful exterior that allows me to function in society on the East Coast.

Example. Last week, J called in a panic because his car died and he needed to borrow a car to drive to work. B and I went over there in both cars, and he drove off in my car, frazzled. Frazzled because: is it fixable? What will it cost? Will I be late? etc - but alas in his worry he didn't leave his car keys; the car was locked up; it had WI plates; and we didn't have title or registration or any identifying documents to suggest that we were empowered to deal with this situation. Nada.

Nevertheless, the AAA-dispatched truck came and towed it to our place of choice, no problem. We even had a delightful conversation about the weather! But not before we had various imaginary conversations and what-ifs amongst ourselves trying to figure out how we'd convince the tow guy that we weren't just random car thieves looking to heist this poor out-of-stater's vehicle to our favorite chop-shop.

Amazing. This could NOT happen in MA. "sorry, ma'am, it's policy. We have to have proof that you are authorized to move this car." Every time that I think "people are people" I get evidence that there really are important regional differences, not just the superficial "you betcha" and lutefisk that passes for pop MN culture.