I-Clipart image dog on motorcycle wavingGrowing up in a city, I was taught never talk to strangers, so 

Passing people on the streets in Downtown was a silent occurrence, (except for the Hare Krishnas and panhandlers that didn't mind talking to strangers at all in the 60s)

There was seldom any communication or eye contact with other drivers on the streets or highways, either...

Jenny Kotulak's recent post reminded me of a common occurrence in our little Red Feather Lakes area that was new to me when we first moved here.

It doesn't happen as much on the County Rd. because there are days where there is too much traffic -  but usually on the side roads when 2 cars pass, each driver gives (what I call) the "howdy wave".

The howdy wave is not a full blown wave, mind you.  Everyone has their own style.

Some raise their whole hand, palm out, while others just raise a couple fingers from the steering wheel. 

You say a friendly "hello" to everyone you pass - not just people you know. 

I-Clipart Turtle on a scooter wavingDo some people still get upset when following my a slow moving vehicle?

Oh yeah, it's not fairy-tale-land up here!

 

:>)

 

But, while some people drive each day in miserable city traffic, throwing up their hands in disbelief at the idiot driver in front of them,

or worse- making obscene hand gestures,

if you're coming this way you might want to practice the "howdy wave" -

it's friendlier here.

********************************************************************************

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.com

800-531-2195

"A Day in the Mountain will always soothe your city soul"

I specialize in the Red Feather Lakes area, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows Subdivisions, if you are interested in buying or selling your mountain home, please give me a call, I'd like to help you.

The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.

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EMAIL ME anytime with any questions about Red Feather Lakes or Livermore, Colorado property

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24 Comments on Life in the Slow Lane in Red Feather Lakes CO

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

AUG
25
2010
575,906 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Mary, we have a few dirt roads near us too and people almost always do the "howdy wave".  I certainly wish more people did it here in town too.  I'll keep dreaming...maybe some day...
9:21am • #5
150,201 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Here in the NYC area there is a lot of waving but very little of it for happy reasons. 
9:32am • #6
471,955 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Sonja, I love those kind souls that you let in!  Thanks for that!

 

Hi Suzanne, Sometimes I'll be lost in thought and totally forget --- then it's too late!  No do-overs 

:-)  You're right - if someone doesn't wave back, I just assume they're from the city or just thinking about their next appointment - like me!  Thanks for stopping in!

 

Hi Amy, That's funny!  It adds to the sense of community.  I'm glad you stopped in with that story, thanks Amy!

 

Hi Lewis, Just keep saying "hello" maybe you will start a new craze!? Oh course, in a crowded Mall you might look like a crazy person!  LOL  Thank you for your thoughts on it Lewis!

 

Howdy Diane!  I wish more people did it in town too- it makes a difference!  Thanks for coming by this morning Diane.

 
9:48am • #7
909,258 Points 94 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I always tease my "city dwelling" clients that the difference between here in the South and where they're coming from is that when everyone here waves, all their fingers are up!

Isn't it funny how growing up our parents always told us not to talk to strangers. But to make it in this business we have to do that every day!
9:57am • #8
279,881 Points 3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Mary!

We have the Doody salute as well driving out in the country.  Although I think you have to drive farther out into the country each decade as younger people do not know this very pleasant and respectful form of silent greeting.

Saluting you and RFL for  preserving a time honored form of communication.  May it never cease!
10:07am • #9
329,956 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I love the howdy wave! It wasn't until I smashed up my old car did i realize how much people noticed the wave. People would stop me and ask if I was the person in the Toyota who waves. It does blow clients away when they see the wave.
10:07am • #10
540,443 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Mary:

I'm definitely experienced in the howdy wave.

It's a common occurrence here, especially on my street.
10:46am • #11
471,955 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Josef, NYC is a big city! Reminds me of a line from Seinfeld last night: George was pretending to be from out of town and thinking of moving to New York, the tour guide he was hitting on told him "New York would eat you alive" LOL  Life's just different in big cities, I guess.  Hope you have a great day in yours, thanks Josef!

 

Hi Craig, Yes, in our business we do a lot of things our parents taught us not to do! and thank goodness you have all your fingers up - that's much better!  Thanks Craig!

 

Hi Bruce, that is so true!  The younger generations probably don't know. I'll remember the salute when driving out your way:-)  Thanks for stopping in this morning Bruce!

 

Hi Dena, I imagine it is the same down your way !  and like Amy said, maybe our clients think we know EVERYONE!  Have a fantastic day, thanks Dena! 
10:53am • #12
227,388 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love the howdy wave Mary! It really does not happen a lot here in San Diego, but we definitely experience it when we are out on the water on our boat or out in the desert with our dune buggy! Everyone waves to everyone. I don't know if it is because we are all happy we are doing what we love? But it really makes you feel good! I think am going to see how well it goes over in my city!
11:18am • #13
541,329 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

A howdy wave to you this morning Mary.  There's something special to be noticed about the friendly-factor of your area.
11:46am • #14
279,881 Points 3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

             " I'll remember the salute when driving out your way. . . ."

Mary, get your husband and gradkids packed and we can all meet HALFWAY in. . .   Chicago!  ^_~

Museums, Cubs, White Sox, Lake Michigan, art galleries, great restaurants. . .
11:49am • #15
633,416 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

They use that out here too in the smaller neighborhoods.  I have to laugh sometimes because I have never been there yet everyone waves like they see you everyday.  It is nice as heck though!
2:44pm • #16
771,248 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love it.  I'm having a senior moment, but I seem to remember this happening somewhere.  I want to say when Brits driving in Europe passed each other. 
4:19pm • #17
AUG
26
2010
471,955 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Stephanie, I can just picture people waving to one another in their boats --- happy to be out on the water.  It's nice to be acknowledged and say "hello!" :-)  I don't remember that happening the last time I was in a boat on Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins but that was a long time ago, it was a speed boat and I was a bit terrified of the driver LOL  Thanks for stopping by Stephanie!

 

Hi Cherise, a big howdy wave back to you!  I'm glad you came by - it's always nice to see you!

 

Hi Bruce, the kids are in school so thankfully we will have to skip the 1000 mile drive  with them in the back seat LOL- but Chicago is a great City.  How is that half-way though?

 

Hi Debra, It is nice isn't it?  Gives you warm fuzzies for the day :-)  Thanks for your comment Debra, I hope you have a great day today!

 

Hi Jane, A senior moment? You?!  LOL  It probably is a custom in Europe that transferred to America. A big howdy wave to you Jane, thanks for coming by :-)

 
8:20am • #18
655,834 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mary,

We do this here is MO too!

Ann Hayden waving back at you in Wildwood, MO
4:32pm • #19
611,667 Points 71 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love the Howdy Wave Mary !!!!

I just did it a bunch of times walking to and from the beach in South Jersey !

:o)
8:03pm • #20
279,881 Points 3 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh Mary, you caught me again!  I must have been absent from school the day they covered THAT geography lesson.  ^_~

 
10:59pm • #21
AUG
27
2010
471,955 Points 26 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Ann, I didn't notice that in Branson---but that is a tourists city, so that makes sense!  "howdy" Ann!  thanks for stopping by.

 

Hi Sheldon, I love it!  People on the shore are friendly and having a good time!  Thanks Sheldon!

 

Bruce, I think it was a test to see if I was in class that day! LOL!!

 

 
10:12am • #22
AUG
31
2010

We called it the "Westcliffe Wave" and the Chamber of Commerce even discussed getting those little advertising hands on springs (that have a suction cup to stick to a window), printed with the slogan...(to sell to "touri").  When I moved away it took a full 6 months to stop waving, slowing to a lifting of a few fingers off the wheel, and only because the city folks look at you like you are a stalker or worse...=o( Can't we all just get along?  Great post!
2:52pm • #23
SEP
03
2010
568,649 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Mary, I like the idea of the howdy wave - it sounds like down to earth, friendly people. In the hustle and bustle of the city people seem to miss that.   We have several school crossing guards in our area that wave to every single car that goes by every morning. Each time I pass them it always puts a smile on my face.
9:56am • #24

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Mary Douglas, REALTOR ®, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado (United Country Ponderosa Realty) Rainmaker_large

Mary Douglas, REALTOR ®, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Red Feather Lakes, CO

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United Country Ponderosa Realty

Address: P.O. Box 184, 23340 Red Feather Lakes Rd., Red Feather Lakes, CO, 80545

Office Phone: (970) 881-2195

Cell Phone: (970) 231-5756

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