Magnum

My local grocery store employs an army of bag boys and girls who carry your groceries to your car. I approve of this practice because it provides lots of employment, but sometimes it leads to awkward moments as I make small talk on the way to my car. The other day an older gentleman was helping to load my canvas bags of kale, tofu, and geriatric dog food into the car when our conversation about the weather turned to conversation about where I am from. I said "I'm originally from Canada, but I was living in Atlanta last year." His eyes brightened as he said "I've always wanted to go to Canada. I've never been." I replied with something like "There are lots of really beautiful places." Then he leaned in a bit too close and said in a hushed tone "If I went, I'd have to bring my Magnum 300." For my readers who are not gun-literate, the Magnum 300 is a huge hunting rifle. It's the kind of thing you might need in Jurassic Park. I realized that there are probably lots of people who think about holiday destinations in terms of what kinds of animals they can kill when they get there. I jumped in my car and sped away.