Social graces

Had to make a quick trip to the post office to mail two packages, using the self-help machine. Just a quick trip, no need to put my front teeth in (my wife again reminded me). I can't remember the last time I ran into anyone I knew at the p.o. So I took off -- and, you guessed it, ran into both a former colleague and a former student. Both seemed delighted to see me after so long. I offered a tight-lipped grin and did a lot of nodding.