Shoppers Drug Mart on Queen Street. Early on a frigid February night. I’m buying a box of tissues and a case of fudge popsicles, both in aid of my burgeoning cold. The counter at the checkout is covered with piles of receipts being organized by the cashier. A clerk is on the other side of the counter chatting with her.

Cashier: I can help you here. I’m trying to get organized, but I never will. It’s a strange night; is it a Full Moon?

Clerk: I don’t know. Maybe it’s a Lunar Moon?

Me (showing off): Aren’t all Moons Lunar Moons?

Clerk: I don’t know about that.

Cashier: No, I don’t know anything about that.

Clerk: Anyway, did you see the sparkles on her hands?

Cashier: When those women come over from the jewelry store – I know!

I have failed at showing off.

(Shoppers Drug Mart, by the way, is a major retailer of The Old Farmer’s Almanac in Canada)