There is an unwritten rule here in "Blue Heaven" ........when passing someone on the road you give the "wave"; thumb extended, first two fingers raised. If you are the driver you simply perform the move with the rest of your hand on the steering wheel. If you are the walker it requires raising your arm, extending your thumb, raise the first two fingers, and give a slight wave.
My brother informed me about the "wave" when we moved here and I have honed it to a fine art as Katrina and I perform our daily trek through the "Pitt". There are many in our neighborhood who do not understand the "wave". Most likely these people come from colder climates where people passing each other have perfected the fine art of ignoring those they do not know and they do not care about their mama.
I have made it a goal to "wave" at any passing car or person. Some reluctantly return the greeting, some hesitate but smile, many know the rule, and many just stare forward. Fire Tower Road residents, however, all perform the "wave" with enthusiasm. Several even toot their horn as they pass just to say Hi. No one in our neighborhood toots.
This morning a car that I did not recognize was coming up Fire Tower as we were coming down and I gave the "wave". I was a bit surprised when there was no return "wave" as the car zoomed by....it was a white woman.
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