This happened a few summers back but is worth retelling. It’s August, we’re enjoying a pleasant evening at Menhaden Beach when a black, late model Mercedes sedan pulls into the parking lot. The occupants are a well dressed couple of a certain age, I’d say around 60. While Mr. Mercedes stays behind the wheel, motor running (should they have to make a quick getaway, I guess) Mrs. Mercedes gets out, goes to the back of the car and opens the trunk. She promptly takes out two obviously full white plastic kitchen garbage bags (13 gal size) and walks over to the trash barrel at the edge of the parking lot. Without a pause, she lifts the plywood cover off the trash barrel, deposits her household garbage and returns to the car. The stoic Mr. Mercedes then puts the car in gear and they drive off.

What’s the deal? Are the monthly car payments so expensive that they can’t afford the SI town bags? Can’t plan ahead enough like the rest of us and take your garbage to the dump during business hours?