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The first puzzle book that centered on the character named Wally was written in September, 1987. The author was a Brit by the name of Martin Handford, actually an illustrator. He was asked to develop a book that included detailed crowd scenes.

            Someone suggested that the crowd scenes include a specially drawn character that would be included in every illustration. Hide him in the crowd the person proposed. The character was named Wally in the United Kingdom, but the name was changed for the American audience to Waldo.

            Where’s Wally in England became Where’s Waldo in America. In addition the book has sold 70 million copies in at least 50 countries. I will add that I have never bought one and know very little about the phenomenon known as Where’s Waldo.

            So why am I writing about it this morning? Because it’s the only question that came into my mind while shopping at the recently renovated, big-box store whose name begins with the letter “W.” Not only have they renovated the store, they have changed the places where I remember all the items. As I searched for the peanut butter, all I could think about was “Where’s the Waldo,” I mean the peanut butter!

            I wasn’t the only one. I never saw so many craned necks looking upward at the signs directing us to the items on whatever aisle we were approaching. I’ll bet that every employee wearing their Walmart vests were tired of answering the question, “Where’s the butter?”

            It’s like driving directions and, instead of asking, I would just keep on walking until I found that for which I was looking. Anyone who knows me knows that I am always counting my steps as I walk. I think I walked 3 miles inside the store looking for the potato chips.

            Where the mayonnaise used to be was now the Vienna sausages and, when I thought I was approaching the dish detergent, I found a bag of dog food.

            I was using the automatic, self-service check-out machine and I asked the lady next to me, “Did you enjoy playing the game today?” She looked at me as if I was crazy, which I am, but that’s a story for another day.

            “What game?” she asked. I said, “Where’s Waldo.” Then she laughed and knew what I was saying.

            Another couple was in the meat section and I asked them, “Have you found everything?” The wife answered, “It’s like hunting for Easter eggs.” That’s a better answer than where’s the Waldo.

            To be honest, I always liked hunting for Easter eggs and didn’t mind searching for the items I had on my list. Yes, I prepared a written shopping list. I have found that it takes a list for me to get all the items that I need. I used to be able to remember most of the things I needed, but, wouldn’t you know it, I would return home and the very item that had been the one I had gone for would be forgotten. I know that has never happened to you.

            Instead of using the self-service check-out the other day, I actually checked out with a human being. She was nice and asked the question, “Did you find everything you were looking for?”

            “Are you kidding?” was my answer.

            It’s okay. Eventually, we’ll get used to where all the items are. About that time, another marketing genius will figure out that the bread sells better on aisle three, right across from the frozen foods. Wait a minute. That’s the way it was last year and I just learned where it is this year!

            “Oh, ma’am, you with the Walmart vest, where are the eggs?”