“Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” she said to herself repeatedly. “That’s It!” She thought. “I am buying a scale and going on a diet today.” She drove to the nearby hardware store “Al’s Hardware” simple enough. She needed other items as well and Maddie liked hardware stress. All the gadgets and everything around.

Well, this was different. All of Al’s Hardware was it appeared to Maddie to be a little Wacko. “Hi, could you tell me where I could find a bathroom scale?” She inferred quietly. 
 
“What? A Scale!? For what would you need a scale miss? Your bathroom?” Said the Clerk

“Yes, Sir” She replied embarrassed. “You really wanna know how much you weigh, huh? Well none of my business , over at Aisle 3 you’ll find a few.”

Thank-god there was no one there she thought to herself knowing the customers would be giggling over his remarks. What in the hell was wrong with that man, she thought. She bought the scale and high tailed it out of there. “Come back soon, now!” Al shouted. She shocked Al and herself when she firmly replied, “Not if I can help it.” All in all it was a good day, she found a small general store and bought some groceries and such. 

But they have great experience and knowledge and I know they will succeed. I gave them the discipline and the courage. “ I will continue here until I die and the customers show-up. The townspeople like it because there is no other place in town except the Deli and donut shop. The older people don’t want to drive to the next big town for a good meal. Lily had been a native Delawarean, growing up in South Wilmington, aka “Italian section.” This is when she learned to cook. Culinary school had nothing on Lily’s grandmother, who taught her most of what she knows.

The ladies made plans to meet on the weekend and Lily promised to show Maddie the town and the surrounding area. They would take a ride to Rehoboth and check out the resort town if “free”. Maddie thought “ I wonder if I can lose 100 Pounds by Saturday?” If not the buff and gorgeous lifeguards might blow their whistle and shout at the beach goers over their megaphone, “Whale on the Beach, everyone out of the water! Don’t go near the Whale! Everybody, STAY AWAY from the Whale!” Oh wait its just a big fat woman, go back in the water, but stay away from the fat lady!” Maddie had to laugh. She laughed so hard she cried, but then she realized that she really was crying.