The July one, After this, 2 to go... the season should be kicking off. A new waitress has started, no experience, but great with drawing a happy face and writing a little personal message on each bill.
Americans, dickering with me on the exchange rate, I'm offering 25%, I'm the only guy in the Kootenay's other than the Currency exchange that even does an exchange rate, everyone else takes it at par, yet they're arguing, say they can get better in town and I'm thinking where - where in the USA can I go and have them accept Canadian Currency? And if they did, and I had the audacity to dicker over the exchange rate I'd probably be shot. Justly so. But this is the entitled American abroad, most are pleasant, but there's always a few...
And then there's the Plants. Older couple, always good for a toonie no matter how large the bill, and I've drawn the short straw, they're my table. I'm like Jesus on the fucking cross, taking all the hits so the new girl doesn't quit. They're in with guests, another couple, and - fortunately, a rare thing, the guests grab the bill. 20%. Phew, dodged a bullet there. And just as I'm celebrating my good fortune the other lady comes up and presses another $40 in my hand - I assure her, her husband tipped me well, but she'll have none of it - she tells me in a low voice "We know how they tip...".
And summer's officially started.