bk>  case passed by, and said, "Bonjour" as he passed. My somewhat
 bk>  impaired hearing did not decipher what he said, so my daughter
 bk>  informed me, too late to respond.

 Do yourself a happy self esteem boosting favor.
 Watch for body language next time.
 If someone smiles at you and seems to be saying, Hi...
 Respond with a smile and nod of the head. If they seem to need help
 they're facial expression and hand gestures may convey that need.

 When I'm out walking the dogs and someone pulls over apparently
needing directions I'll simply say ... sorry I'm new here. Which isn't
far from the truth. If I happen to get back into the habit of
carrying a little note pad and pen I'll ask them what they want. Some
people freak out when given a paper and pen though. It's  tricky
territory. Exhausting as it is we have to assert ourselves a bit at
times like that.

Now as for delays in letting us know what was said , way past where
we can respond we need to let our loved ones know that we'd
appreciate the opportunity to respond promptly.. You see they really
don't know. We have to shelve our dismay and teach them. Gently.

Help family members get over being squeamish about using body
language. It's perfectly okay! It's only when we use it too much and
for no reason we can "look crazy" (so the stigma goes.)

..................

 CH>  Okay somebody is going to translate all this for us poor
 CH>  unwashed masses?

 bk>  Well, I'm lost today, but give me 5 minutes and I may be found.

 I like that. And it's cute how a TV show has yet again created a
household word so to speak. Or rather created a 'household word' OUT
of a common word.

 bk>  If not, we can grill Lee about it. If he doesn't reply we'll
 bk>  make hamburger out of him. With dehydrated onions.

I'd rather have grilled swiss with red peppers and a dab of honey
mustard. Or better: NYS style bagel; a toasted sesame seed bagel with
sweet red peppers, aged a bit of cheddar and minced garlic toasted on
top...  (HAS to be a sesame bagel...)

Cindy

... It's always darkest before you step on the cat.

--- PPoint 3.01