Like finding a snow shovel in February

Yesterday, the good shovel broke (during one of the few times it wasn't me using it!). So I thought I'd try to replace it today.
Saw the weather forecast this morning and knew I'd BETTER replace it today.
Home Depot was sold out.
Target was sold out.
The Ace nearer home is closing and moving elsewhere--everything is 80% off, but there is just about nothing left in the store.
Walmart was sold out.
I finally went to the new Ace. I was overjoyed to find a whole section of many different kinds of snow shovels.
I went to check out and wrote a check.
It got rejected (for some unknown reason--I had written a check from the same account at Target today, succesfully).
Gave up and dug out a credit card.

I miss Mardi Gras. Not the day itself so much, but the whole season of king cakes and local parades.

Yesterday A looked at the newspaper that was on the table and asked "What does the paper say about Obama?". I don't know if she recognized his picture or his name, but she easily pointed out his name when I asked.