Hooters, A Hair Dresser, and Shuffleboard

I was back at the A1 Sportsman Taxidermy shop, having my photo taken for the Dallas Morning News article, when a guy dropped into the shop. Steve of A1 Taxidermy fame and owner, was eating a late lunch and with a bite of BBQ in his mouth asked if he could help him. The stranger, replied, "I have always passed by here and thought I would just drop in and see what it was like inside." I looked at Steve, "Huh, just like me", I said. "Happens all the time," Steve mumbled. Well this was my invitation to meet the stranger. So with extended hand, I gave him my spiel and I met Shawn. Shawn looked a bit out of place in the shop and I asked if he had ever been hunting. He told me he had been in the Army and, "Let's put it this way - I have never shot an animal." He smiled. I paused and then shuttered. He went on to explain that he was going on his first animal hunting trip next month with some buddies. I told him, "My husband is a Marine." And he countered, "I'm sorry." Fair enough and I said, "He would probably would be offering his condolences to you." Shawn told me that he was one of the Vice-Commander's at the Mesquite American Legion which was just down and across the street. He had been over at the Legion. Later this month, the Legion was going to honor a fallen soldier from Mesquite with a plaque and a ceremony for his family. That was cool and I said so. However, Shawn didn't strike me as a solider or Vice Commander - he was dressed in 1980ish OP type shorts and hair longer than standard regulation. I asked if he was still serving and he told me, "No, I am a hairdresser now." To myself, I think.....how do you make that leap and do I really want to know? And for several minutes as I am pondering the soldier/hairdresser visual; I hear him invite Steve to come over for cheap beer. And then with a straight deadpan delivery Shawn tells us, "We sell more beer than Hooters!" and "Oh, we have shuffleboard tournaments." Picture this......had I been drinking any beverage or had snot in my nose, at this point, it would have shot out of my nostrils that would have rivaled Old Faithful; instead I tried to stifle a full belly laugh. I shot a look over to Steve and he rolled his eyes. I said, "Really?!?" and Shawn said, "You bet." He then said that we wanted to offer the Marine to "Come over anytime" so I told him that Chris was outside. I thanked Shawn for being able to meet him and he strolled out the door. Steve was the first to break the weirdness of silence, that followed as Shawn left, with a laugh and said, "That's your stranger and don't forget to mention that they sell more beer than Hooters!!!" "Oh, I will make sure I mention Hooters and I won't forget about the shuffleboard tournament," I giggled.

If you are in the area (and have served in the military) stop by the Mesquite American Legion, Post #504 and have beer. Canteen hours are Monday - Friday and Sunday, 12pm-Midnight and Saturday, 12pm - 1am. You may want to call ahead. I am sure, since they sell more beer than Hooter's - they will be busy.