08/30/2009 Apparently I shouldn't have mentioned the weather

Friday turned into a fairly blustery and remarkably chilly August day and, after shivering at my desk with 2 working hours remaining, I decided to treat myself to a coffee from the hospital coffee shop. An older woman behind the counter was chatting amicably with a man and his daughter. When it became my turn, I placed my order and as the lady was ringing me up I cheerfully commented, "My goodness, it's so cold out today that I need a hot drink! " It was as though I had made some insensitive comment about childhood cancer. Everything went silent. The lady's congenial expression wiped away from her face and she blinked at me as she handed me my change. Even the clink of my quarter in the hospital donation jar did not gain this lady's approval. I slinked out of there while thinking, "What. . .? " I keep replaying the interaction in my mind and still don't get how our relationship turned so sour. Whatever happened, I guess I need to shape up in the future to improve my standing. The weather won't be getting any warmer, and I'm going to be needing some hot beverages!