Amusing phone calls from friends

Ofttimes it seems mannerisms we took for granted are long gone. This seems to happen frequently with telephone conversations. Of course inquiries regarding use of English or Spanish are always exasperating.

My family members were taught to smile when saying hello. It is amazing how well that grin can cross the wires. I have learned to comment to the effect that the other person must be having a bad day for sounding so crabby. It is always helpful to counter when receiving a wrong number to simply state that I did not want to talk anyway. Of course, it is always extremely embarrassing when I dial a wrong number. It is becoming a problem and I am trying not to remember telephone numbers backwards.

One of my pet problems is to start stammering because I neglected to write down the name and number of the person I am attempting to contact. Memory can be so short sometimes.

Our first telephone number in Columbia Falls was a simple 48Y or maybe it was 48X. There were several in the neighborhood on the party line. It took awhile but I was finally able to have a private telephone line because of my newspaper work.

It would be time saving now if I would remember married names. It is a bit complex when friends have been married for 20 or 60 years and I still look up a maiden name.

It is amusing to receive phone calls from friends. Some do not use a simple hello and are much funnier than others. One friend never says hello — but beep-beep. Another will inquire are you busy. Still another always makes my day when she says, "hello, old timer." Grandma Ross always asked are you home, a trait I have adopted at times.

Methods we use to close a conversation are also varied. Usually it is a talk to you later. Another typical is thanks for calling. One of my friends works and has my favorite, gotta go. Short and to the point.

I have vowed not to vote for any person using my telephone answering machine to proclaim the alleged virtues of their candidate. I enjoy the convenience of answering machines for necessary messages.

It would be helpful to dial a public employee and not get a reply explaining they are away from the desk, on another line, or unable to talk and please dial back.

This is especially frustrating after learning to count to 100 again when dialing an extension for that individual.

Perhaps I best not confess I have five telephones in my home. The cell phone does not count as I do not want incoming calls on it and only family members know the number. Frankly, I have to look it up myself.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.