tonight we went to our favorite restaurant in san marcos, hill country grill. it’s in a restored bank that has been empty for forty years. it looks ritzy when you walk in, but, as i eat there often, it’s obvious that it isn’t remotely expensive.

in any case, as we were seated i asked the hostess if dave, the owner, was there.

“no,” she said, “he’s in new orleans.”

we waited for an explanation, but she just kept smiling. “oh?” i said. “is he okay?”

still smiling, she said, “oh yeah, he’s with that association…what it’s called…oh i don’t know what they’re called, but he’s, you know…helping to clean up the dead bodies.”

is it just me, or is that ludicrously inappropriate?

she shrugged and kept smiling. “enjoy your meal!”