The smell of moth balls

I think for quite a long time I am now going to associate the smell of moth balls with old people (rather than musty old houses and wardrobes). When going out to get my coffee this morning I was hit by that moth ball smell when the lift doors opened on the ground floor and I knew that the University of the 3rd Age was holding a lecture in the theatrette in our building foyer. It’s really surprising how many oldies attend – especially in this cold weather. The theatrette always fills to capacity warranting a ‘Sorry – session is full’ sign to be posted on the door. I think they have guest speakers and it’s open to any senior citizen to attend. I’ve learnt to scan the foyer and check the size of the crowd before attempting to cut through though – it’s hard enough finding a path and weaving through a sea of people let alone when they’ve all got hearing and vision problems! On days when I should’ve just gone out the other door, I finally make it to the other side of the crowd – hoarse from shouting ‘excuse me!’, choking from lily of the valley talcum powder fumes and smelling of moth balls!!