There is a whole ritual that must be followed exactly. The cashier gives the total. Stand there and look bewildered for a bit then dig around in the purse for a couple of minutes to find the checkbook. Stare blankly into purse for a minute then start digging for a pen. Find a pen and start to write. shake pen a couple of times and start to write again. Tell the cashier that the pen doesn't work and put it back in the purse and dig for another pen. Pull out the same pen and start to write. Shake pen and try to write again. giggle and put the pen back in the purse and dig around for another pen. Start to write then stop and stare off into space for a bit then ask the cashier what the date is. Start to write again then stop and ask the cashier to repeat the date. Write the date and ask the cashier for the total. Turn and stare in disbelief at the cash register for a bit then ask for the total again. Ask the cashier if he/ she is sure. Finish writing the check and start slowly tearing it out of the book one perforation hole at a time, stopping halfway through to stretch out the finger cramps. Finally, stare at the check for a bit then hand it to the cashier. After the check clears, take the receipt and stare at it for a while, then copy the total down in the ledger and subtract it from the previous total. Recheck the math. Put the checkbook back in the purse and stare blankly at the pen for a minute like you don't know what it is, then smile and put it back in the purse. Wave the receipt at the cashier and say, "By by sweety."It seems to be an old woman thing. You would think they could at least fill out everything but the amount before she gets to the register, but that seems to be the proper time to dig around the purse to find the checkbook