Contrasts of Local Culture

Things have been slow at my work, too. My job has shifted, somewhat, as I am doing more 'trouble calls' than 'installs.' Yesterday it was my pleasure to correct a problem for a very nice woman I will refer to only as 'Mrs. D.'

She greeted me nicely at the door and walked me into her finely-appointed living room in a very cool house to where the problem was located. I noticed the one wall was covered with very nice framed-and-matted photography; some from NYC. Our conversation began with talk about fun in Manhattan. She was delighted to learn that I was NOT from around here, either.

Needless to say, I loved it. It was one of those 'John-and-Lisa' moments; those people that I am somehow able to 'connect with' very well. Please forgive any job-related pun.

'Mr. D.' got home from walking the dog when I was working in the basement. He greeted me down there. I said, 'Sir, I had a real nice time talking with your wife.' He smiled and said, 'The first thing she told me about you was; he's NOT from around here, either.' lol

One of those 'KODAK-moments' from my job that help get me out of bed in the morning. Always great to meet cool people. I am lucky enough that for me it's one of the perks of my job. I had a very nice time with them. It was very nice to meet them.

Today, again I was running a lot of 'troubles.' One of them was for an internet connection problem, 'modem off-line.' I found the small home off a small alley in one of the small towns in our service area. The woman greeted me at the door and directed me towards the problem in her home.

We walked into a small bedroom and she apologized for any scent of cat urine. She advised me the cat had urinated on her daughter's bed and she was trying to deal with it. All I could smell was the strong flowery scent of some cleaning fluid.

She proceeded to tell me about the poor sick cat. She told me, 'Can you believe they want $160 at the vet to put the cat down?' I expressed some surprise. She went on, 'I called a friend of mine and he told me he'd do it.' I didn't want to ask. She continued, 'He told me he was drunk when I called him and his shot wasn't straight when he's drunk. He'd have to do it sometime at night so I have to call him sometime after dark when he's not drunk to take care of the cat.'

Unbelievable.

Welcome to the contrasts of my world; life in Amishland.

Hope everyone had a good St. Patrick's Day. Things are looking green here.

Take care. Have fun.

'night