Finding the needle in the haystack.

Today was one of the few days of the week that I venture off the compound...today, by necessity.  I was trying to make an online purchase with my debit card.  I called the customer service line and they told me that my card was deactivated.  No notice, no reason, just deactivated.

I went to the local branch and all of the ladies were sympathetic to my plight and helped me out.  It is a Portugese community and they have empathy for the elderly.  One of the girls remarked about the troubles with 2 point verification for somebody who doesn't have a cellphone such as myself.  There was the flicker of humanity in these ladies, drowning in the technologic marass. 

I then went to the local Polish deli.  It is truly a throwback to the past.  The owner is behind the deli cases, slicing up ham and cheeses for the customers in the long line.  Despite the delay, there is incredibly good cheer.  The lady in front of me speaking fluent Polish, smiled and apologized for the delay.  I smiled back.  When it was my turn to be waited on, the couple behind me kept asking about the choices I was making. It was all good feelings, respect, and appreciation of our experience.  I ordered 6 types of ham, and 6 types of cheese with kabanos.  I bought their polish mustard with horseradish and honey.  I always pay with cash. No screens present. 

It reminded me of when I was a child visiting local butcher shops with my Mom.  My favorite was Zachary's in Luzerne.  Mr. Zachary was a bald butcher with a sparkle in his eye.  His son Sam always had a pencil wedged behind his ear.  They were caring and smiled.  Sam always gave my brother and me a 1 cent pretzel stick when we visited.  

I have said many times how much this place has changed during my lifetime.  I continue to seek out needles in the haystack...the Polonia Market is one of those.  I am grateful for it.