Unexpected Early Trip To Gallup

Above, the new coffee maker. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning started off rudely.

After pouring the last cup of coffee from last evening, I attempted to make a fresh pot. But the coffee maker refused to cooperate. The coffee maker's hot plate and the brewing heating element weren't working. It was time to replace it.

I had the coffee maker for two years after the one I had since Tarzana gave out. It was also a good thing I keep a jar of instant coffee around in the event something like this occurs.

So, I headed early this morning to Walmart to pick up a new coffee maker. The replacement is the same model, a Black & Decker 12-cup coffee maker.

I figured that I would beat the crowds to Walmart, so I left the house at 6:30. The opening time is 7:00.

I got there at 6:45 and noticed people already going in and a line of people waiting to go in. As I was about to join the line, someone told a gentleman nearby that seniors don't have to wait and to go right in. I then turned around and we both went in. A Walmart employee was at the door and asked if we are over 65. We both said yes and went in. I was unaware that Walmart had a "Geezer Hour", or whatever they call it.

First, I went to the pharmacy to have my prescription of nitroglycerin filled. Then, I went and got a replacement coffee maker. As a lark, I went over to the bathroom tissue aisle and found they had plenty. So I got a 12-roll package. I then went back to the pharmacy and my prescription was ready. I was able to pay for the coffee maker and toilet paper there with the co-pay on the prescription. I got back on the road by 7:15. Not bad!

Since I bought the same model, I am keeping the old carafe just in case I manage to break the new one.

Sometimes it pays to be in geezerhood!