There was a time when being considered an old-timer was a sign of respect. The traditional call and response on the post office step mornings might lead to a joking, “Well, you don’t see my name on the door, do ya?” All one had to do for name verification was glance at the plethora of white cards on the door, as one held it open to let the inquirer inside.
It might be preceded by the usual, “How are you?” which would be followed by, “I guess I am still upright, don’t you know.”
“How are you, for sure?” This more common rural version leads to a lengthy downhome-style conversation. The body language of any salutation says it all. The person asking the question really wants to know. It usually tells so much about how one should react. The two-fingered tip of the cap says it all. That individual is usually driving by, yet occasionally the brim is pulled down and the driver or pedestrian is trying to move on past. Everyone knows everyone so this can be a surefire signal that ol’ so and so doesn’t have time to stop. One can be sure of a welcome by all sorts of folks if one waits a little. Take a load off before the day begins and set a spell, would ya?” Sharing a “cuppa” with someone makes one feel at home as the day begins. Now there is the warm western welcome.
By Dolly Viscardi
