I had been away for a week, was tired and ready to head home. Just three more hours and I'd be there again. First, I needed to respond to the little flashing light on the panel in front of me that said I needed gas.

I am not a loyal customer of any particular brand of gas. It has been my custom to buy only for convenience and cost. The most east easily accessible station has almost always gotten my business. Cost has been my second consideration.

I was driving north on Slappey Drive in Albany when the little bell dinged to remind me only 25 miles were left. Just ahead on the right was a BP station. The Plus was $1.07. I had just passed a station on the left where it was $1.02. Convenience won. I turned into the $1.07 station.

One line of pumps was labeled Full. The other was labeled "Mini" a new term for me. That $1.07 sign probably was referring to the mini lane. I'm used to pumping my own gas so I pulled into the mini lane. Besides, I knew full service would cost me more.

Before I could turn off my ignition three men converged on my car. One was coming from the right. Another was in my rear view mirror and while I'm watching them, or trying to, and wondering if I should just mash the gas pedal and get out of there, the third man taps on my window. Cautiously, I rolled down the glass about two inches and said, "What do you want?"

His reply, "What do you want, ma'am?"

"Gas," I answered.

"Yes ma'am, which one?"

"Plus."

"Car wash, too, ma'am?"

"No."

"It's free, ma'am, with purchase."

"No, that's okay, I don't want to take the time." Besides my windshield wipers were stuck in the up position and I did not know if the washing apparatus would further damage them."

By this time, the guy to my right was attacking all my windows with a vengeance. Layers of pollen and smashed bugs were coming off with his expert cleaning efforts.

The man at the back was putting in the gas. The friendly fellow to my left was still standing there, smiling and talking to me. In my youth, what I refer to now as a gas station was always referred to as a service station. It occurred to me that I was once again receiving service.

I turned to look full into the face of the friendly service station attendant to my left, "Just what would have happened if I had pulled into the "Full" lane, I asked.

"We would have checked your oil, water, windshield wiper fluid, the air in your tires and you still would have gotten the free car wash."

"I see," I said. I really did not see. I was the only customer at the time. It was not a convenience food store. There were three attendants and I did not see how they were making a living. I was puzzled.

I peeked over to see what I would have paid for "Full." Just 10 cents more.

I turned to my new found friend on the left to pay him for my purchase. I asked how long he had been giving such service. He said 30 years.

"But how can you do all this?" I wanted to know. "Nobody else does."

"It's hard and getting harder because folks now days will drive out of their way to save a penny on a gallon of gasoline, but a lady shouldn't have to pump gas," he responded.

I was hooked. He has a new customer. I go to Albany several times a year. From now on, I will always buy my gas from "Sonny" Campbell's BP station at 1114 N. Slappey Dr.

It didn't take much to spoil me and remind me I was a lady. Just a little friendly service. When I returned home, I inquired around and discovered two stations within ten miles of my house that still offer full service.

Yes, I will pay a few cents a gallon more than I have paid in the past at the "convenience" stores. And, yes, I will have to drive about three miles out of my way. It's worth it!