A Universal Face ?

       Tonight I went to dinner with a very young guest. We both love steaks and my most favorite restaurant is Logan's in York Pa. But I have also been to The Embers and have never had a poor experience. Tonight was no different and to think I almost went home. Driving over to Logan's, the parking lot was overflowing with cars and I wasn't about to wait. So as not to disappoint myself and my little guy I went driving around for that steak dinner and nothing but a steak would do, but it had to be a good one.
         Driving up route thirty in my area I thought we'd go to one other place but I found myself in a wrong lane and veered off onto 83 and then I found myself on Market street and knew where I was going, to The Embers. I just hoped beyond hope it wasn't overcrowded. It was just right even though again the lot was full of cars. The Embers has a nice size bar closed off from the restaurant which is nice for families with younger children.
    We were quickly seated and out waitress Katie came over a just right smiled and none of the giddy, high voice talking to an adult as if a child. Those waitresses annoy the crap out of me. She even spoke to my little guest in a voice that showed him, she is an adult here to take a food order, yet friendly, helpful and didn't speak at all to him as if he was a baby.
     As I looked at her I mentioned that she looked familiar and her so nice response was one I never heard before. I have a Universal Face. WOW! What a perfect phrase and of course that sends pictures thought my thoughts of so many places. "Universal" in itself describes a lot. We went on to order two Fillet Mignon each cooked differently, garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli. The mashed potatoes could have been hot and they were only, and barely warm. Yet I found I couldn't complain because we had a great waitress and the steaks were fantastic, the main reason for me to go to The Embers Restaurant.
      Katie was a very good example of how a waitress should be. She waited while I cut my steak, and walked off while we ate yet stayed in sight in a timely way, so as not to hover making people nuts, but being around just enough so as not to wait too long to have another cup of coffee or whatever we needed. She also asked the child, not forgetting he too was a patron and just because the adult was paying, she made sure the child counted.
      That is one Universal face I will never forget again. Courtesy, good manners, great food and a wonderful,  professional personality make me know I will definitely return to the Embers.
Thank you Katie :) You may indeed have a Universal face, but all about you is unique. We appreaciated how you took care of us this evening.

Etzwiler Funeral, York Pa.

       My recent experience tells me to let people know to thoroughly ask questions about every step of the process. This involved a mom losing a daughter. Near the end of the service we were told to move over to another isle by the female owner. Maybe it's time for her to quit knowing this is a very sensitive business, this lady showed no compassion only a curt way of explaining why we had to move and even that her explanation was sharp. That woman needs a reminder slap of reality.
      Here's the worst part. The parents were ushered out of the sanctuary while the coffin was closed. I have never witnessed anything like this before yesterday. They don't just close the coffin, but use some kind of tool and unwind as you would a cloth awning. It was terrible. Then they fold in the quilted parts to cover which usually hang over the the coffin. Once it appears the coffin is closed they lean on it to ensure it is closed and another person has a key to lock it. This was awful to witness, not just a simple closing.
     There was also a great big teddy bear sitting on teh coffin throught the service. One of teh funeral males, picked it up and let it hang at his side like an old rag. He could have and should have sat it at the church step near the coffin until all was done or at least carried it with some respect.

      Personally I think this funeral home failed a family and many other.

Terrance Dollar General White St. York, Pa.

       This morning I was at a local Dollar General. There was ayoung man behind the counter named Terrance. He was well groomed with long hair, appeared clean, but more than that and as important he worked quickly and with a good attitude. There was an elderly lady in front of me who had ahard time reaching into her shopping cart and so it took longer to put her things on the counter.
     Terrance smiled and said don't worry about it, and he continued to banter while working with this lady. She even complimented him with, boy you sure work fast. He smiled again and thanked her.
      So for those of you who might complain about"these young people today" as every generation does, we still forget about people like Terrance. Terrance thank you for making a shopping trip better.