We got caller ID and an answering machine. Great combo.
Before that I would get calls:
T: Hello, may I speak to Mr. Right Wing Assault?
me: Uh, just a minute, I’ll get Right for you.
me: “Hey, Right! Phone call for you. No, I don’t know who it is, but it sounds pretty important.”
Then I would stall for a minute or so and make noises as if I were trying to get someone to come to the phone. “Hey, Right! Are you coming? This guy’s waiting.”
Then I would call one of my toddlers over and quietly tell him to talk to my friend on the phone.
HaHaHa! That’s excellent! LOL!