DISAPPEARING SERVICE

Company ads in publications and television commercials continue to tell us how great their service programs are.  After listening to one of the ads, I began to give some thought to services we enjoyed years ago.  I was a recipient of services that most people living today never experienced or even heard about.  When my car needed gas I went to a "real" service station.  Calling them a service station meant that you pulled into the pump area, waited a bit and was soon greeted by an attendant who proceeded to begin filling my tank.  He then requested that I raise the hood to enable him to check my oil, the water in my radiator, and even the water level in my battery.  Then of course he wiped my windshield.  How does this compare with your last fuel stop where all these tasks are left up to yourself.  I suggest that gas station should be unable to add the word "Service" to their name.

Ok, how about bottle and can returns?  In my day we put the empty bottles into a wooden case, brought it to our grocer who then handled the return.  Today.....you collect them in a bag, haul them to a store where you hope the line won't be too long.  Then handle each and every one of those sticky wet vessels and individually insert them into a machine.  But of course, every now an then you have a can or bottle rejected because their computer hadn't been programed for that brand. In that case you need to find someone who can handle the transaction and get you your nickle. Then search for the soap and napkins to remove the sticky fruits of your efforts.

And how about the non-service at checkout in the supermarket.  Haul your own carry out bags into the store, pack them yourself and then get them into your car.  There were time in years past when you even had help bringing your purchases to the car.

I won't even get into the situations that were handled for you by an actual human being.  Forget it today, when you are expected to be proficient in all computer functions and do the damn things yourself.  The only benefit to this is the increase to my pulse rate.  Frustration has a way of doing that.  Hopefully it forces me to improve my patience, which unfortunately I have very little of.

Recipe of the day:    Here's a treat we were served during a wildlife boat trip in Juneau, Alaska.

Taku Smokeries Famous Pate 

1 pound smoked sockeye salmon

16 oz. cream cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tsp. dill weed

A few turns of fresh ground pepper

 Remove skin and finely shred the smoked salmon.  Add softened cream cheese in small chunks.  Process all ingredients in food processor.  Enjoy on crackers, bagels etc.