1.  Around forty years ago I met another Bruce Kerr.  He was the husband of one of my co-workers.  And I remember being dizzy as I looked at him. 

I want to meet another one.  How would this Bruce react now to seeing a compatriot?  Perhaps I’ll never find out.

2.  Number One came to mind because of a conversation I just had with Sabrina at Jaggers, a lovely breakfast place.  She was waiting for her brother to arrive.

“He turns 76 in January.”

“So do I!  What’s the date?”

“January 11.”

“January 9 for me.”

And I waited, hoping I’d get to meet someone so close to my birthday.  But he didn’t show up.  After I went inside to pay, I said “Salut” to Sabrina and started walking away.

“Here he comes!”

Across the Vrijdagmarkt square was a man with a white beard.  I approached him and said:

“January 11, 1949.”

His eyes widened.  We talked for a minute and then smiled our goodbyes.

And so my search continues for another January 9, 1949 baby.

3.  Also this morning I met a fellow from New Zealand who’s lived in The Netherlands for the past thirty years.  I asked Herman what’s a typical phrase that one Kiwi would say to another.  He smiled and out came words unknown to me:

“She’ll be right, mate?”  (Basically “How’s it going?”)  Thank you, Herman.  I’ll use it the next time a Kiwi comes my way.

4.  For many years I’ve enjoyed going into a business where I know the staff and saying:

“I’d like to speak to someone more intelligent than me.”

My memory says that only once, long ago in Canada, has someone replied “Yes.  May I help you?” 

I yearn for a second time.  Watch out – Jaggers, Izy Coffee, Panos and other establishments where Bruce Kerr is known.

***

That’s enough meandering through my brain cells

Time to watch people and love them silently