The bus.

Like my brother, I have become quite familiar with the bus system in Harrogate. Mostly we ride to the base to meet Spencer. It's a treat for Gavin. Yesterday we tried to catch it, but were so soaked from the pouring rain, that we booked it home and called Spencer and told him to just pick us up. My poor kid was absolutely drenched.

So today it was nice and sunny and we decided to try it again. Gav collected sticks along the way. Some lucky person is going to find his collection that we left on the bench when the bus came. When the bus pulled up, I noticed that it was the grumpy driver.

There are three bus drivers that rotate taking the American's to base. My first experience on the bus was with the nicest driver. He told me everything I needed to know about everything. He could tell I was new, I guess. And after missing half of what he said (I wasn't fluent in the new language yet . . .) I politely thanked him for his help. The next driver was pretty nice as well. Not as talkative, but still said hello and goodbye. But the last driver . . .hellooo Oscar the Grouch!!! My first experience with him was a sunny day in April. A poor soldier that was sitting across the isle from me left his cd player on the seat. He realized it just as soon as he got off and turned around only to have the doors slammed in his face. I then said, "He left something on the seat!" The bus driver didn't seem to care and pulled away. I swear he was laughing under that disgusting scuzzy face of his. He's pretty aggressive when he drives. Gavin always says, "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa" as we're weaving in and out of traffic. I thought we were going to take out a biker or two a few times. However, when I got on today, I began looking at him a little closer. He's covered in tattoos, has both ears pierced, and looks as though he hasn't showered in a few days. It was then that I began feeling sorry for him. Here he is, like 30 years old and driving a free shuttle of American to and from the base. Talk about depressing.

So to all those bus drivers out there working for pennies, I thank and salute you . . .JUST BE MORE NICE!!!!