Turn on the Lights!

As we wander around the country, we have thought it interesting to note the culture and disposition of the areas we visit. One of the best things about both Texas in general and Omaha in particular is the attitude of the people we have seen and spoken with there. The majority of people are polite and cheerful, making most outings some sort of fun adventure. They hold doors for each other, say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." They chat with each other while waiting in lines and have smiles for each other. Considering the geographical disparities, one would think the same pattern would follow in all parts of the country, but that does not seem to be the case, although the people at Trader Joe's in Ann Arbor are delightful, as are Kim and Chuck's friends.

For years daughter Kimberly has complained about the "gray days" of Michigan's winter, and she has often mentioned how depressing it gets to be by the time spring arrives. Surely, those same gray days plague the Syracuse area, too. So, we were wondering if that is why so few people look happy and smile around here. As we have walked the malls, visited shopping centers and grocery stores, we have noticed that the majority of the people not only look gloomy; they look positively miserable. It is a challenge to get anyone to even make eye contact, let alone smile. We found a three young ladies, at check-out counters at Penneys and Sam's Club and the candy girl, and one elderly lady, a ticket taker for "Charlie Wilson's War," who were cheerful and smiled. That is about it, and we both have really made an effort! No one EVER seems to talk in the check-out lines here. How boring! It forces me to read the tabloids! Even a lady at church, after learning where we were from, grumbled, "Why would anyone ever want to live in Texas?"

I heard some years ago that psychologists were experimenting with various sources of indoor lighting to see if that would relieve the depression of the "gray days," rather like grow lights for people, I guess. All I can say for Ann Arbor and Syracuse is "Turn on the lights!" These people need help!!!!!