Old And In The Way (click here)

These poor little bastards were cast-out just across the street, and down one

Okay. This sort of thing is getting to be a freaking regular occurrence. A case of Ergo-Gnomics?

My new friend Betty emerged from behind her garage door just after I arrived on the scene. She looked to be an octigenerian, with gnarled hands, black teeth, and a huge, infectious smile.

"I'm unable to take care of them any more. They need paint, too".

"It sure is nice to know someone on this street."

" I used to know everyone on the street, but not anymore."

"I have lived in this house since 1951."

"I know the people next door, but I'm afraid they were taken off to a retirement home."

"If you have a place for them, you may have them."

Wow. A little bit more than I bargained for, but pretty much to the heart of the matter. Verbatim.