Stranger things have happened. But...I put out my three bins last night for Wednesday morning collection. The black one was duly emptied. When I went to roll the container back to its spot on the driveway I saw that there was one item inside it -- an American flag. A tattered and dirty flag, but a "real" one made of heavy canvas-like cloth with sturdy rings around the holes to make sure it flew proud in the stiff winds we get around here. Now, why would someone throw an American flag into my garbage bin? (And why not the blue bin?) Were they afraid to put it into their own? Did they think throwing the flag into my bin was better than burning it? (I'll answer my own question there. Yes, in this climate, even after a rain, it's better to toss than torch.) Could they have not waited till next Tuesday? Could they have not thrown it away last night? Are they going to buy a newer, brighter flag because this one no longer serves? Or have they renounced their allegiance to the flag and become sovereign citizens of the planet as did my mechanic? So many questions laying at the bottom of that homely black bin for the next six days. So many questions.