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The Post Office
I'm not saying that I hang out at the post office, but I've logged an awful lot of time there over the past year since my retirement. As an avid eBay seller (a Power Seller, at that!) I have packages to mail most days. The clerks call me by name, and I've become accustomed to their friendly greetings. I know them by first name, too! I'm talking about Linda and Alyce and Pat and Bob, the "A-Team," as I call them. Linda has kids playing sports at Beekmantown, and Pat is an avid sports fan, as well. Alyce is a Plattsburgh High School Athletic Hall of Famer, from back in the old days when her last name was Mackey.
Sometimes Jim works the window and we can always talk a little about the track program at Saranac. On other days Bryan comes from the back carrying a box in one hand. In his football heyday with the Plattsburgh North Stars, he was known for his one-hand catches. He's got good hands, so the US Postal Service trusts him to handle the important packages. Sometimes Shannon or Dennis will wave from behind the scenes.
And let's not forget Gene, whose friendly greetings and witticisms keep me and other customers entertained. Gene calls the post office "the cultural hub of the city," and he's probably correct. One of the things I enjoy about waiting in line is seeing who might join me in the next few minutes, or who might be lucky enough to be ahead of me and my 15 large envelopes for mailing. The other day Bob Parks, the publisher of the Press Republican, strolled in. Another day it was Father Normand Cote, now a retired priest. Several times I've crossed paths with Skip O'Hara, Bob Shimko, and Kathy Davis. If Kathy and I get talking we're good for about a 30-minute conversation. But, hey, we're both retired teachers, so we're in no hurry. A few days ago Barry Norton was taking care of some post office business and occasionally I've run into Dave Merkel. Always somebody to talk with at the post office.
There's a new automated 24-hours-a-day mailing machine in the lobby now. I've used it a few times, but it doesn't smile like the postal clerks I'm accustomed to. I've talked to it a few times, but it just sits there staring at me, asking "Credit card or debit card?"
By now you might be thinking -- Foxy has too much time on his hands -- he actually enjoys going to the post office. Now that the city has eliminated that strange parking situation that it once had, I do enjoy it! If I don't know someone, I might even start a conversation with a stranger, the way I did the other day. Come to find out the guy was the youngest of the Lareau boys, Milo's and Felix's younger brother. My cousin Nyoka married Felix Lareau. All of a sudden we're tossing family names around and having a good old time.
The trip to the post office has become one of many fun activities that fill my day. After all, as Gene says, "It's the cultural hub of the city," so there's bound to be someone interesting hanging out there.
Comments
Yes, Foxy I have been doing other duties-- THE REDFORD POST OFFICE!!! I had been filling in for the postmaster who happens to be one of our former window clerks-- Karen Foster. I enjoyed my assignment at the Redford P.O. alot. There are alot of nice people in Redford and those that stopped by as they were passing through. It is nice to be back in P'burgh and see everyone again. It is especially nice to hear positive imput of waiting in line at the post office. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Beth | April 14, 2006 7:23 PM
Agree with your assessment of all the good natured and friendly people at the local post office. In fact made a trip down today (tax day for some). Foxy, you forgot to include Beth as one of the trio at the main desk. Keep smiling.
(Foxy's note: Yes, thanks for including Beth. I hadn't seen her out front in quite awhile, so thought she had moved on to other duties. Today, she was there! Thanks, for the input, Old Timer!)
Posted by: The Old Timer | April 14, 2006 11:57 AM
Ran into " The Carver" and we were discussing some of the earlier blogs. We were not sure if "The Knight Tavern" was mentioned. It stood where G&G garage is now. In the late 40's and 50's it was very popular with the Zebras. Notably, Shorty, Pickles, The Professor, Shafty and Rome and his brother Bugs. Many of the local ball players would also gather there. Tank, Bevo, Hunk, Urg, Dud, Coco, Specs just to name a few. Always good to read a new blog.
Posted by: The Old Timer | April 13, 2006 8:15 PM
Hey Foxy! That was my dad...the youngest of the Lareau boys! Imagine my surprise reading your blog from Washington, and reading about my dad and my uncles!! That's so cool! I never knew Aunt Nyoka was your cousin. What a small world! I'll have to tell her next time I'm home that her cousin is to this day one of the best teachers I've ever had!
(Foxy's note: It's a small world when you live in the North Country!)
Posted by: Tiffany LeClair | April 13, 2006 1:42 PM
Fox, I too always enjoy a trip to the post office..the staff is always friendly and helpful. What I enjoy most is running into someone you haven't seen in awhile and catching up on old times...speaking of "old" times, ran into (who I presume) is "W"
the other day ... seems he's working on a high school class reunion (not sure if it's his 40th, 50th or 60th), and has all but given up his political career...any word from "Bullet", "Tom-a-Hawk" --kinda miss'em...glad to see "old Timer" has joined in.
(Foxy's note: Nice to hear from the Carver once again. I figured the old blog regulars were on extended vacations or something. Hope all is well with them. Maybe we'll run into them at the post office today.)
Posted by: the carver | April 13, 2006 8:03 AM