Heavenly Beverley : Hair Traffic Control

Today was the first of two trips we are making to the madness of the Big Smoke this week. Oh goody. In hindsight, we probably would not have completed all the allotted tasks we had set ourselves. Two activities were cast in stone. Michael has to see Kishore, his specialist for his post-operative check-up. We were also in urgent need of haircuts. Wanting to continue our hair-dressing love affairs with Gronia and Hannah at Salon Express, neither was available tomorrow when Michael's appointment with Kishore is scheduled. Bummer.

We decided that as we were driving to Midland for our appointments with our haircutters extraordinaire, we might as well cram in fifty other excursions as well. Make a spectacle of ourselves. After haircuts. This morning I was resembling a startled porcupine and Michael had the distinct style of Grandpa Munster. After he brushed his hair, it was actually worse.

We had several difficulties leaving the House that Rocks. The first impediment was a sighting of the blundering Beagle, out near the main road, trotting along with her normal vacant expression. Michael performed a nifty U-turn, stopped the car and bellowed at the recalcitrant Beagle. Ruby completely ignored him and returned to her snuffling shuffle. So we drove home and I prevailed upon the escapee dog to return home. This she did by shimmying through two excavations, sauntering across our neighbour's paddock and entering our property with not a trace of guilt on her naughty little face. The good news was that Ruby was suitably weary and would snooze the afternoon away.

Then, we were informed that the electric water heater in the Residence was kaput and Gary was facing the awful reality of cold showers. We were required to contact the Electrician to the Stars, Ryan and his trade assistant Muddy to check out the situation and fix the problem if at all possible. Naturally, this had to be organised on the edge of town before we lost our mobile signal. Although we are only 130 kilometres from Perth, there is a giant Black Hole right smack in the middle of what should be full coverage. We tend to have better reception in the Goldfields!

Finally, we headed west. Arriving at Salon Express at the not early time of one o'clock, we received our ticket from Gronia, who was On Desk. We had an hour to kill before we were be rendered Presentable, so we set off for Midland-based activities. We bought dog mince and kangaroo tenders, extra medication for the Beagle, vino for our Goldfields trip, spare vacuum cleaner bags and organised OPEN signs for the East End Gallery. Having completed trips to all these venues, we hot footed Goldie and ourselves back to Salon Express.

The hairdressing premises presented a microcosm of the urban sprawl surrounding it. Clients were incoming and outgoing. People had to be parked whilst waiting. Then they were taxied to their chairs, awaiting take-off to Gorgeousness. And Tuesdays are discount Seniors Days. Which meant that the Salon was bulging at the seams with all those hoping to gain that New Look for the minimum price.

Hannah tackled Michael. Gronia sorted my look from startled porcupine to reasonably stylish short round woman. And whilst she was cutting, Gronia was directing and sorting and problem-solving. By the time we left, every member of staff at the salon had been sent on a lunch break. Except Gronia. As Hair Traffic Controller, she was in charge of the entire establishment and made sure that the day ran smoothly. From where I was sitting, she had all the skills of an extremely intellectual octopus.

Observation is a wonderful tool. Today, my view of the world allowed me to watch, in awe, of a remarkably gifted young woman. Gronia cut my hair well, as ever. Hannah returned Michael from Beverley Hillbilly to reasonably swish, distinguished semi-hobo. And Gronia demonstrated that she was able to keep her cool as Hair Traffic Controller in a very hectic period within the salon.

See you next time at Salon Express.