Lehman’s Country Life

Journal from Kathi, one of Lehman’s Customer Service Representatives on her trip to Mississippi.

While on sabbatical leave from Lehman’s, my friend Judy and I traveled 1000 miles south to participate in an Elderhostle in Natchez MS along the Mississippi River. While there, it was my pleasure to visit with a couple who have been customers of Lehman’s for many years. Due to my schedule our visit was brief, but being with this delightful couple certainly made my trip more memorable. It was the first time I actually visited with one of my customer friends…..how special ! Oh, we drove down in the blizzard of the decade (even snowed in Natchez) and as we left Natchez it was 83 degrees with blooming azaleas, iris and red bud trees only to return to more Ohio snow.

Natchez MS has been ruled by five different nations and is a town that has been forgotten by time. It is at the southern end of the Natchez Trace and established in the 1700’s but is best known for their many Antebellum mansions dating from the 1800’s which are still as they were when they were first built ! It wasn’t burned during the Civil War and has been preserved for all of us who want to experience authentic living history. Throughout the year a few of these homes are open to the public, however, during their Spring and Fall Pilgrimage about thirty of these private homes are open to the public.

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Being a customer service representative, I get to talk to a lot of people from all over the country, and sometimes from various corners of the world. Not only do I get to chat with these people, I get to know them. There are several customers who know me by name and ask for me. I enjoy the conversations that we have, no matter how short they may be.

Something else about being in my position is learning about all these products. I am a “youngen” and have never had to use most of the products we sell. I have used several kitchen items because my mom would can food items from our garden and there are some garden tools that my parents have, but other than that I have not used many of these products. I have learned how they work just by working here. It has also inspired me to live like many of our customers: simply. Recently, I have found that people will often use our products to make other interesting things. Let me tell you about my new friend, Flossie.

As I sat in my little cubicle talking to different customers from all over the country, I get a call from east Tennessee, which is near and dear to my heart (I went to college in east TN). I couldn’t understand why this customer only wanted one box of the jar rubbers. Many people get several or at least one of each size. She only needed one box at that point. She began to tell me of the different things that she makes. She takes these jar rubbers and makes towel holders for in your kitchen. Interested in what they looked like, I asked her to describe them to me. They are essentially like the towels that button over the handle of the oven or fridge, except instead of buying all those “special made” towels, you can use any kitchen towel and hang in it. The jar rubbers are the ring that hold the towel.

I thought this was a neat idea (remember, I’m just a young one) not only because of the towel idea, but I like to crochet and would like to start to knit. She asked what color my kitchen was and said she would send a sample up to me. She sent me more than just those: she also sent me an apron for the dish soap bottle, and a wash rag. These are beautiful items and I must admit, she did a wonderful job on them! Thank you, Flossie, for the wonderful items! And for the wonderful conversation!

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