I did an online "brain sex" test one day. It was supposed to tell you whether you tended to think more like a male or female. I wasn't too far off midline...but actually veered a little towards male. Apparently I flip shapes better than some of my gender. Anyway, perhaps this explains why I get a little happy feeling when browsing hardware stores; despite my usual penchant for pretty heels, dresses and all things pink.
I went in with the aim of getting a key cut. Yelp informed me that this was one of the closest places to home and I'm pretty lazy on a Saturday afternoon. I was relieved to find that they were open until 6.30pm. The store is a cornucopia of screws, nails, washers, mousetraps, bathroom items and random things like cooking pots. I meandered up and down the aisles for a while, planning my return trip for things I don't need. I think you could find pretty much anything here.
After a few minutes I heard some weird squeaking sounds so I looked down towards the back of the shop and was pretty surprised to see a mini pet shop with caged birds and fish tanks! I am now officially a fan of random unexpected hardware store pet shops. It was the last thing I expected to see!
I eventually wandered towards the front counter with my key in hand. I was met with a beaming smile. My key was whisked away and I didn't even have to take it off the keyring. My two copies were made in two minutes flat and presented to me with another face-splitting, beaming smile. "Guaranteed!" I was promised. The price? $3 for the two keys. And I've checked. They work perfectly.
So they get 4 stars. For surprising me with an unexpected menagerie, for giving me such wonderfully warm service and for making me feel like I got a bargain!