AUBREEVISION - Observations from the far side of the dial

I once read a great quotation to the effect of "A good sweat cleanses places a shower can't reach." That's how I feel after a really good workout -- exorcised of tension, re-balanced, mind and body reset. My post-work extra-hot shower was thoroughly delicious. It was exactly what I needed after a gym shift and bus trip home in weather so cold it should be outlawed. Now I'm a symphony in pink, of the flannel pyjama persuasion.

I overheard a funny conversation at the bus stop. Let's call the parties involved Gert and Tom. They were both a bit rag-tag -- Tom had a long, ratty beard and Gert was in a sacklike purple coat with matching rubber boots -- and at first I even thought they might be homeless. They were with another man and the three appeared to know each other but not very well, as the exchange below will demonstrate:

Tom: I wanted to mention something to you. I have a friend who lives up near Waterloo, a mechanic, a Christian, a very worthy guy. He's a Christian. And he's looking for a wife.

Gert: I'm married!

Other guy: I didn't know you were married!

Gert: I...uh...can't wear rings because they make my hands balloon up.

Tom: I hope I didn't offend you. It's just that you're a very attractive woman and I wanted to honour that by mentioning my friend, who's a very worthy guy.

Where do these people come from, and what have I done to deserve being privy to such conversational gems? Oh, wait. I take public transit.