I spent the mid-day at my doctor's office. No, I'm not sick, thank goodness. Had to go in and talk to him about a couple of things before I leave on my next trip. A young attractive woman, a pharmaceutical rep, came in and sat two seats away. She settled in to wait and pulled out a book to read.

Now, if you know me, you know I always ask what people are reading. Most people gladly talk about their books. Book people are usually very friendly and don't think it's a bit nosy of me to inquire. Since I'm in the business of writing books, I love to take an opportunity for instant market research.

Carmen, the young lady who I discovered was from Detroit (a long way from home, poor girl), was lovely and personable. She held up her book. It was one of Obama's books. I should have noted more carefully which book it was because she said it was good. I think it was Dreams From My Father, reprinted in paperback a couple of years ago.

We had a nice conversation about Mr. Obama, who I think is charismatic, articulate, and moral. The country could do far worse, but I didn't start the blog to politic. I come from a background where it's usually considered ill mannered to discuss politics or religion. We talked of other things. She thinks Houston traffic is far worse than Detroit's. Bless her, but she refrained from commenting about our heat, humidity, and mosquitoes the size of Toyotas.

In any event, we passed the time conversing which is a lovely way to while away the minutes in a waiting room. So, if you read this, Carmen, thank you for making the wait more pleasurable. And good luck with your career. I have a feeling you'll be successful.