12.18.98

    I ran a bazillion errands today. I'm so proud of getting thing done that I had been putting off. One stop on my whirlwind of tasks was getting a key made. I wasn't sure where to go but I figured that if I passed a hardware shop on my way around the city I would stop and get it made. So, I was zooming up Pico and a store caught my eye -- The Ayes True Value Hardware Store.

    Do you have a True Value hardware store where you live? They're awesome and have been in business for years and years and years. They make me think of soda fountains and dusty, whitewall tires on classic cars. They always have more stuff than a hardware store should. There's cooking stuff and little gadgets for this and that, even stuff for your pet. Anyway, I didn't think such a thing like True Value could have survived in L.A.

    I quickly drove around the block and parked. As soon as I walked into the dark and homey shop a kitty-cat came over and rubbed against my legs. A cute, old, white-haired man offered to help me. I gave him the key and he set to work right away. As he worked I noticed that there was a large, framed photo behind the register of him standing with President Reagan. Then I noticed on another wall all sort of headshots signed to "George" and, more often than not, thanking him for "putting my house back together" or "giving the best advice in town." There was Walter Mathau and Bill Cosby and many assorted others who may have been flashes in the pan.

    It just amused me so, that even George, owner of True Value hardware, almost a relic of itself, had a little bit of the star fancy that affect almost everybody in this town. I hope his business is doing well and that's he's happy in this town. If T. and I ever need to do home improvement I think we'll try to avoid Home Depot and head over to George's True Value on Ayes and Pico.