“How you doin’?”
We’re currently working in the reservations department at a camping resort in upper New York and this is the usual greeting we get when we first speak with our guests on the phone. How polite; it just seems to make the conversation go smoothly. Even though we have the phones ringing off the hook in the background, I feel I just can’t rush through this call when the person on the other end of the line cares how I’m doing today. Of course telephone etiquette is essential when you want that person on the phone to give you what you want and when you want it. Larry plans on writing an article on the campground experience from the view of a staff member. I’m sure he’ll expand on some of the off the wall requests and stories we have had to deal with this summer. I feel the “How you doin’?” phrase is such a personal experience that I enjoy when speaking to the, sometimes rough sounding Easterners, that I will try to spread the feeling of caring next time I call to speak to a reservationist, receptionist, or other person who is there to help me with my call.
Where we find humor in some of the mannerisms of the people from this part of the country, we have certainly been the topic of conversation with some of the workers we are friends with here. Such as when we asked whether there were fireflies in this area because we have never lived in an area where there were any, their jaws dropped. Something so simple they grew up seeing in the summer. They couldn’t believe anyone else didn’t. It’s so pretty when walking home in the dark and the bushes are twinkling with the little glowing insects.
Another first for us is a recipe that is enjoyed by several Easterners that we have met, which is chicken and gravy over waffles. I’m sure this one will not be on the top of my list of things to try soon, but maybe one of these days.
Our stay here is at the half way point. As long as we don’t have any more flooding, I feel it will be an enjoyable summer filled with fun and awe inspired new experiences. There is still so much to see and do right here that we have a hard time trying to figure out what to do next in the most efficient way, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.
Enjoy your summer!
~Connie~
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