The continuing saga of 'Tall Guy'

I’m a relatively friendly soul. I have my boundaries and I don’t spread myself around like a low-rent taxi-dancer (at least I don’t think I do. God, what if I’m wrong?) When I am dealing with others I come across during my day.

But, for example, when I’m out for a walk and pass somebody on the street I generally smile, nod, and even say ‘hi’ or ‘hello’. I think such agreeability is a mark of being civilized. And, this is the sort of community in which such things go on. I like it.

Consequently I am always a bit dumfounded when I come across somebody with no loquaciousness. I am especially piqued when this individual is one a person comes across all the time.

We have a favorite local coffee joint. It’s a nicely appointed and invariably friendly place. We both like it very much. We know the baristas and have come to know most of the regulars. Indeed, are on a first name basis with most of them. I mean, it’s just a big and contented family getting th3eir morning caffeine fixes while they nod at one another, say ‘hello’, ask about the family and with the closer coffee co-conspirators even exchange the odd hug. Sort of like the Cheers bar minus the suds, as well (blessedly) Norm and Cliff.

But, there is one guy who breaks from the pattern. He has been going there for years but is yet to smile, nod, pass the time of day or acknowledge one’s existence. He is very, very tall. I don’t know how tall. Maybe 11-foot-three or something. Well, from my vantage point of 5-foot-nine-ish-sorta, anybody over six feet seems mighty elevated. As an aside, I once dated a six-foot tall girl. Was she ever nice to slow dance with. Now, moving right along. Since this guy is so tall we have, with much originality and honesty, christened him ‘Tall Guy’.

So, I have played a few games with Tall Guy, or TG, which I have shortened it to – again with the originality, I know. I have tried to lean waaaaaaay back and establish eye-contact with him. Nothing. I’ve smiled. Nothing. I’ve nodded. Nada. I’ve even said ‘hi’. The salutation is not returned.

I don’t think his reserve is because I am shorter than he is, because he’s like that with everybody. Mind you, most people are shorter than he. Maybe he does suffer from munchkinophobia?

Anyway, not only is TG very tall, I have never been able to figure out his story. What does he do? He looks to be in maybe his early 40s but apparently doesn’t need to be anywhere during the day in terms of working. He’s always there. It’s a guarantee. Also, he is never-ever with anybody, male or female. Certainly doesn’t seem to have a lady friend or spouse. Or, if he’s gay, he doesn’t seem to have a close male companion or partner.

He walks to the place, because I have seen him on the street. We walk there as well, since it’s only a couple of blocks distant. He, of course, accomplishes the walk in about 17 lopes.

Anyway, I am not about to challenge TG in his isolation. It’s his right, despite my curiosity. I just wonder how somebody goes through life never choosing to interact with others.

Of course, it’s probably absolutely none of my business, but what the hell, I wasn’t a newspaper reporter at various times in my life without having something of a sense of curiosity. Maybe someday somebody will crack the TG story.

Now, on an entirely unrelated topic. Yesterday I had a nasty virus strike my cute little laptop and she is feeling unwell. Hugely unwell. So, she is in the infirmary and I am pinch-hitting on Wendy’s when I get access. But, of course, all my stuff, notes everything is on my own and, of course, I had nothing backed up and filed elsewhere.

Hopefully she will be back later today and then I have to re-insert all the programs.

So, if I haven’t been around your blog in the last little while, that is the reason. I still love you. Really I do, but when hi-tech becomes ailing-tech there is little a body can do.