Is it April, already?
Yes, indeed. As the familiar adage says, "Tempus fugit," or as the English translation reads, "Time flies."
So let's begin this month's digit doings digest with a "Thumbs-up" to the patience of the hardworking individuals in the state revenue office next to the Wal-Mart on Albert Pike Road.
On Monday, March 23, this columnist went there to renew her driver's license. Given the day of the week, the time of the day (about 11:30 a.m.), and the number of people already inside, I anticipated a lengthy wait. But, that was not a problem and it gave me a chance to observe a range of human nature.
From what I saw, many persons who go there to get their car tags or driver's licenses don't have everything they need to complete the transactions. When politely told there was a snag in the process, some of these customers got downright testy. Even when the employees offered what sounded like plausible explanations, a couple of them showed a bit of temper and stomped out.
My hats off to the government service workers in this office. They put up with a lot of back talk and such, and most of us could not do their job and keep our cool.
By the same token, a Hot Springs resident offers her "Thumbs-up" to the man who was conscientiously picking up discarded soda cans on Leonard Street.
The citizen, who was about to make a left turn onto Leonard from Richard Street, saw the man carefully picking up the cans from the grassy areas on both sides of the street and securing them in his car.
"He may have been collecting them for recycling," she said, "and that's OK. At least he got them out of the way so motorists would not run over them and also so they wouldn't continue to litter the area."
Please permit this writer another point of personal privilege in giving a "Thumbs-up" for outstanding customer service to Kendall, who is on the Red Lobster wait staff.
On Friday, March 20, I shared a lunch with two friends and from the outset, Kendall was helpful, pleasant and very busy. The restaurant was filled with patrons and yet, she was highly attentive to us and to our requests.
I happen to like unsweetened tea "with lots of extra lemon." On many occasions, I am lucky to get two slices. And, when I might get three, they are usually all stacked atop the glass, which can make for a bit of a mess if there is a lot of liquid and ice. Kendall brought five lemon slices in an attractive little dish, set it on the table, making it possible to use the lemon with a refill, rather than all at once. It was a small thing, but a thoughtful gesture, and one that was very much appreciated.
Thank you, Kendall, and best wishes.
On the other hand, here's a "Thumbs-down" -- again based on my personal experience. On returning home last Friday evening after a nice dinner with a couple I've known for many years, I was driving down Higdon Ferry Road and eased slowly into the left-turn lane that would take me to Emory and past Hot Springs High School.
It was about 7:15 p.m. or so and visibility was still good. Just after moving over into the turn lane -- some distance from the light at the intersection -- I saw headlights coming at me and realized that a driver was in my lane. I came to a stop and thankfully the other motorist realized her mistake and got in the right lane, averting a possible collision.
The close call reminded me of the need to be especially cautious when driving at night when the vehicle lights and stoplights seem to converge and can cause confusion.
And with one last look -- or so we hope -- at bad weather, Hot Springs resident Luba Cook has several "Thumbs-up" awards to give.
In her brief email, Cook wrote, "Please mention The Sentinel-Record delivery persons, particularly Brenda Pipher (and her husband Falcon), and the United States Postal Service delivery people, including Laura, who made sure I had my newspapers and mail every day, despite the weather.
"They have my undying thanks."
The Thumbs Column appears in The Sentinel-Record the first and third Wednesday of each month. The newspaper welcomes readers' comments and suggestions, which should be submitted in writing with a name, telephone number and address, for verification.
Editorial on 04/01/2015