the things i'll leave behind

This morning I made a little trip to my fruit and veg place down in McGinley Square, which happens to be about a half-block from the place where all those cops got shot the other day when the news-chopper woke me up at the ass crack of dawn.

I was disappointed that everything seemed to be back to normal, there was no caution tape, no ongoing investigation. Then again, the shooting was last week, and I imagine in this neighborhood they have the recovery time from a major criminal event down to a two-hour-turnaround. Also, everyone involved in the criminal part of the event was shot dead. So, probably less to investigate. I'm just guessing.

So since there was a lack of cool post-shooting stuff to look at, the most interesting thing at the farmers' market this morning became the gentleman who was buying things one item at a time by asking the lady at the cash register how much they cost, and paying for them individually. First he bought some blackberries that were outside. He came in and put some money on the counter, she bagged his blackberries. Then, he came back inside and asked the cashier, "How much is milk? A gallon of milk?" Keep in mind, of course, that the milk is all the way at the back of the store in the refrigerated section. He puts money on the counter, goes back and gets milk. As I was paying for my oranges and grapes, he was inquiring about a third item. Fresh bread, maybe? I can't remember.

These spontaneous moments of ridiculous have become one of my favorite things about Jersey City. The South does boast its fair share of crazy, but I think when I leave the great wintry north this'll be something I can definitely mark in the "Things I'll Miss" category. Right next to Bagel Man Bagels.


cheers,
elizabeth