You guys will love this...
Background: Building my own juicebox. Getting supplies together. Last thing I need is tiny copper tubing.
Now remember where I live -- "The Hillbilly"...
Nearest hobby store is 30 airmiles = 50 road miles in WV, so I decided to check with local hardware store. I call, "Do you have any 1/16" outside diameter copper or brass tubing?" Bare in mind that I have no idea what this is for and have never bought anything like it.
Long silence. "I know we've got some 1/2", 3/4", " he goes on to list large sizes.
"Is this something where a hobby store would be my best bet?"
"What are you trying to do?" Pause. Deep breathe. "Nevermind. Give me a minute, and I'll go see what sizes we have."
I wait wondering how long it takes to contact the local police, state police, homeland security...
"We've got some!" He's really excited. "Ask for Ralph."
"Great! I'll be down in just a few minutes."
DH starts laughing as soon as I excitedly announce I'm running to the hardware store for my last piece for my project. He says, "Tell him it's for your still, and your next batch will be ready in just a few days."
Oh great, I hadn't even thought of that! Include ATF in the possible phone calls going out from the hardware store.
On the two minute drive, I can't help but wonder if handcuff really hurt. Is Ralph going to be in the papers for his personal involvement in capturing a hardened criminal... Nonetheless, I go boldly forward to my fate, Janty in hand.
Ralph greets me with a huge smile. "How can we help you today?"
"I just called about the copper tubing," trying to sound innocent. ( forgetting that: heck! I am innocent!). I'm using my peripheral vision to check for shiny badge or gun reflections.
"Right this way!" He's all full of energy and spry for +60 years of age.
'Maybe he's wanting to make a moonshine purchase. Or, they don't want the other customers to see the arrest "go down."'
Sure enough, "If you don't mind my asking..."
I hold up my pv, give him a big smile, and puff.
"Oh wow! I've heard about those! You want to make your own don't you?!" The man's an absolute doll.
He rushes my tubing and I to the front of the store where he has the other employees watch as I demonstrate the beauty of a pv. We all have a great laugh about whether or not they thought I was getting supplies for my "lab" or my still.
More than one of the replies I heard in the excited, overlapping conversation was, "We don't even ask what it's being used for. That would be bad for business. Everyone's!"
So, ultimately, I remain a free lady for another day. I took the opportunity to pass out my business cards and let them all know any smoker they know and/or love should give me a call.
And!!! I got my copper tubing!!!
))))) and (((((Jojo's mom))))
