I had to go to Encino this morning for a dental appointment. Back in the day, when I was working, this was a convenient location for me, but now not so much. It's a bit of a trek, but the dentist is top notch, and I remain a loyal patient.

It always seems a shame to waste the gas and time on a single errand, particularly when it's so far away from home base, so I decided to check out the beauty salon owned by my next door neighbor. It's in North Hollywood and so a trip would be best when I'm out that way anyway, sort of.

On the way I stopped at a McDonald's for a 99 cent cup of coffee (senior discount). The man in front of me, dressed in a dapper tailored suit, hat, sunglasses, also wanted the senior coffee. Though he certainly didn't look anywhere close to senior, the server gave him one anyway.

Then he tried to pay for it with a hundred dollar bill, in spite of the fact that there was a big sign saying $100 not accepted. He made a big fuss--the server remained polite and pleasant--even when the manager came over to reinforce the policy. I left before he did, so I don't know if he got his change or not. I'll bet they just gave him the coffee for free.

Then I stopped at the hair salon. Not a patron in the place (it was shortly after 9 a.m. and they open at 9), but she said she couldn't take me and that she could "fit me in" tomorrow at 12:30. I excused myself and left. Neither of the owners was on the premises, and I wondered if the employees just didn't feel like working today.

Back home, jiggety jog. I stopped at Supercuts and got a decent, if not great, cut. In this weather having hair clinging to my sweaty forehead just drives me crazy.

Lunch is salad and iced tea. Delish!