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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, November 18, 2019

My Mini-Vacation in Oneonta

Have you ever encountered a retail employee who went way above and beyond what you'd expect? Such was my experience this past weekend. I was in Oneonto, NY, home of the SUNY Red Dragons. DeSales University's Mens' Basketball Team was participating in a four-team tournament. I could say I went to support my grandson and his team, but these little jaunts are mini-vacations to me. OK, but who the hell would want to vacation in Oneonta, you might ask? There's no beach, no nearby casino, no nothing. That's precisely the reason I loved it. It was quiet and relaxed.

The town itself (they call them towns in New York) was full of scenes reminding me of the Christmas classic "It's a wonderful life." As I drove through, I half-expected to see George Bailey or Clarence. In short, it's pretty and clean.

I was also amazed by the courtesy. Here in the Lehigh Valley, motorists flip each other off at the slightest provocation as road rage becomes the new normal. Traffic and big-ass trucks are everywhere, and it's getting to us. If I am waiting at a light posted "No Turn on Red," impatient drivers behind me will now start honking at me. This has never happened before. Drivers also routinely park in spots reserved for those with disabilities.

This rude behavior is by no means limited to how people act once they get behind the wheel. People who live in the Lehigh Valley tend to be self-absorbed little shits. That's the real reason our youth leave. They can't stand us, and who can blame them?

Let me give you an example. During the November 5 election, there were two precincts at my polling place. I asked people what street they lived on as they came in, so I could direct them to the right precinct and minimize their time in line. But even this seemingly inoffensive question was an affront to one voter. He snarled at me, and went on his way.

When the polling place became crowded, and I tried to limited  the number of people coming in, one woman just flat out ignored me, with a few asides that no one tells a woman from New Jersey what to do. . 

I see this when I go on walks. I completely understand why a woman would be reluctant to return a greeting, especially from someone with my stunning good looks. But about half the men I greet pretend they don't see or hear me.

This snobbery, of course, is more prevalent in swankier neighborhoods. I can walk through Easton's west ward at lunch time, and everyone will return my greeting. But as I trespass into more upscale areas, the attitude can sometimes be downright hostile.

"What are you doing here?" is how I was greeted last year by a woman who actually knows me when my walk took me into her neighborhood. No Hello. I felt I had done something wrong.

It's my home, but the Lehigh Valley is pretty much the most unfriendly place I know.

This attitude was nonexistent in Oneonta.

Get this. We all know what it's like to be stuck wanting to make a left turn when the traffic in the other lane is crowded. In Oneonta, people in the opposite lane will actually stop so you can turn. They return greetings when you say "Hi." And yes, shopkeepers actually try to be helpful.

During Friday night's basketball game, I suddenly noticed I could no longer see. One of the lens in the eyeglasses I recently purchased had fallen out, rendering me pretty much blind as a bat. Though I was able to find the lens, there is no way I could see well enough to get a screw back in.

After the game, I went to the Wal-Mart, looking for an eyeglass repair kit. A worker there not only found me the kit, but realizing my dilemma, he actually took the time to screw the lens back in my frame. He also refused to accept a dime. If you want to stop Amazon from taking over the retail industry, this is how.

In addition to Wal-Mart, I visited five local businesses (three eateries, one gym and one bookstore) during my stay. I found this same helpful attitude at them all.

Everyone there was just a little nicer than we are used to seeing. Briefly, it even infected me.

Don't worry. I got better.

There were only two downsides to this mini-vacation. First, it is bone-chilling cold. There are patches of snow on the ground, too. This failed to stop a soccer tournament coinciding with the basketball games. Second, I missed a Friday night card game (we play Hearts) at which I am the undisputed champion. This is against a collection of barely competent players. They claim they are the undisputed champions, too, but have no blog in which to spread lies.

DeSales Mens Basketball must like the cold. It won the two games it played there. The team unfortunately lost its home opener to a talented Muhlenberg team with a penchant for threes. DeSales can boast a 2-1 record going into next Saturday's game (away) against Rosemont.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do us a favor and move your sorry, ungrateful ass to your idyllic Oneonta. We will become much happier and more civil once Oscar the Grouch O'Hate leaves our beloved Lehigh Valley.

Anonymous said...

Where in NY

Anonymous said...

Hokie Joe says
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to upstate New York. It is a different world up there.
When you want to get your ass handed to you over a game of hearts, let me know. Yes, I am that good.

Anonymous said...

Mom and dad taught most of us to avoid religion and politics, lest we be rude in friendly conversation. As you regularly opine on politics as a function of this blog, you are the rude pariah of which mom and dad warned. Is this difficult to understand?

Anonymous said...

It might be difficult for you to understand, but, this blog is dedicated to voicing opinions about politics and other controversial issues and you are encouraged to give your opinion. This blog is not for those who are offended easily or those with thin skins or those who have issues with other people who are outspoken regardless of how wrong they are. Bernie can be a son-of-a-bitch but he is our sunuvabitch and we love him regardless of how wrong he is on most issues (including he thinks he is a good card player).

Bernie O'Hare said...

" As you regularly opine on politics as a function of this blog, you are the rude pariah of which mom and dad warned. Is this difficult to understand?"

Clearly, I am an asshole. But that fails to explain the unfriendly attitude I see throughout the LV. Most people have no idea who I am or what I do, even in Nazareth. Thus ugliness exists towards one and all.

Anonymous said...

I think it is more the self-entitled transplants which are “little shits,” rather than those raised in the Lehigh Valley. I greet people, hold doors, give “thank you” waves when someone allows me to go first at a light, etc. I agree that the area has become less than civilized in recent years and hope that someday, the Lehigh Valley may return to its friendlier roots.

Anonymous said...

Stay in new York that liberal state can always use another ass hole like you.

Anonymous said...

We all know why BO is in love with Oneonta. It is 90% white! He must be a closet racist. People are friendlier there because they do not have the challenges of a diverse population. There is no "white flight" to the 'burbs. The place is whiter than driven snow! And probably 80% Republican and fans of Bernie's archenemy, Trump. He can romantically opine about the virtues of rural America all he wants. It just shows what a hypocrite he is.

Anonymous said...

Are you saying the citizens of Nazareth do not know WHO YOU ARE? A disgrace!!! WOW!

Anonymous said...

Ben Franklin said fish and visitors stink in three days. Oneonta is used to visitors who visit. The LV is getting used to visitors who stay. It turns everyone into an asshole.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Are you saying the citizens of Nazareth do not know WHO YOU ARE? A disgrace!!! WOW!"

Hate to break this to you, but most people do not know me.

Anonymous said...

Those little upstate New York towns are so perfect for a quiet getaway. A few of my favorites are Owego, Penn Yan and Geneva up towards Lake Seneca.

Anonymous said...

I am the lead member of Bernie's hearts group. He is at best an average player (I coined the phrase "marginally competent " to describe him). We invite him if we cant get anybody else....

Anonymous said...

i am THE LEAD MEMBER of the hearts group. I can assure you the the "Bern" gets schooled often.

Bernie O'Hare said...

This anonymous comment obviously comes from a troll who drinks too much SanGria and then has an unjustifiably high opinion of his playing ability. The real Hearts shark is me, followed by another player who can shoot the moon at will. We sometimes lose so that the so-called LEAD MEMBER invites us back. His wife is an excellent cook.

Anonymous said...

I am the quiet, conscientious one who enjoys having fun playing hearts with these ultimate hacks. These guys are only good when they are dealt a near perfect hand and then they relish in their perceived greatness. There is no better enjoyment in life then seeing Bernie dazed and confused when he receives the queen of spades after leading with a low diamond. It’s a great night, the LEAD MEMBER is a gracious loser and his wife treats us like royalty so we will return to stroke his ego.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Lol. That does drive me nutz. I love those games.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"hose little upstate New York towns are so perfect for a quiet getaway. A few of my favorites are Owego, Penn Yan and Geneva up towards Lake Seneca."

I will google. I am definitely going back.

Anonymous said...

If you want to see some beautiful scenery, you should get yourself up to Letchworth State Park, where the Genesee River creates a series of magnificent waterfalls.

Anonymous said...

There is no doubt in my mind that the most favorite part of Bernie's playing hearts is his ability to constantly eat the Queen.

E Mest said...

Well written Bernie! The Lehigh Valley has become a disgrace and that includes the Pocono Mountain area. You can also tell in their driving on most any roads.My hubby who is a tractor trailer driver hauling gasoline has people passing him on railroad crossings because he’s required by law to stop! They also pass him on the shoulder on highways! What’s with the Lehigh Valley always in a hurry! Slow down and enjoy life, you only get one chance at it!
Around here, walking down the street saying hi to someone could get you shot! And manners are no longer being taught at home.
Thanks for your article Bernie.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Elaine, most truckers I have known are excellent drivers. Plus, they feed this country as much as any farmer. It must be tough putting up with us.