For the second time in recent history I went downtown today in hopes of patronizing a particular business, and was thwarted by the parking situation.

I know it's prudent to plan ahead for parking - i.e. have proper change on hand. Today I'd decided at the last minute to head downtown and, I do this so rarely, I just don't think of it.

On the first occasion I parked on Main St, did not have change. I went into the Chamber of Commerce, where my request was met with a look like I had 2 heads. They didn't have change for the meter. BTW, if I was a biz downtown I would be sure that the Chamber has change for the meters on hand. Its petty cash, for goodness sake. And I would have stayed and shopped that day had the process not gotten so exasperating. No, I was not going to go wait for the crosswalk, then up to the bank (leaving my unmetered vehicle un-attended meanwhile), wait in line at the bank, get a little change, go back and wait for the crosswalk light, cross, get back up to my vehicle, feed the meter, head back over to shop.

Please dont say my life is too hectic if I can't invest the time to do the above. My life is just the way I like it, except I lack time to do some of the things I *want* to do, much less hack around Brattleboro looking for change to park, meanwhile risking getting a ticket.

Today's adventure was just as frustrating. I actually made a last minute appt at a downtown biz, couldnt find parking on High Street, finally parked in Harmony - didn't have the change - the dollar machine wouldn't take any of my bills. Cancelled appt.

Don't think I'll plan on parking or patronizing downtown biz again anytime soon, unless its for a relaxing massage and I have all day : )