Dec. 7, 2013 Kids and Community Gathering

I was able to help out at two community events today. This afternoon, we offered an activity filled event for local children at the high school. Although, the participation was low, those who attended had a great time, and I thoroughly enjoyed being with my Student Council members, plus one former student who offered to help was an added bonus! This evening was the village tree lighting and Christmas caroling where I served hot chocolate and coffee to lots of happy people. It was a chilly night with little wind - a perfect setting to visit with friends and neighbors. What a pleasant day to be out in the community!

Dec. 6, 2013 Purple Hippo

The comfort of a blankie and a doll

It can be a fairly traumatic experience when a child loses a favorite blanket or a special toy. These items are security for a youngster. We had a bunch of missing Beanie Babies one summer, left inadvertently in a dresser drawer where they had been put for their nap, I assume. Fortunately, the hotel returned them, and now they sleep in our attic. Last week, we were informed that a child had lost a little hippo at our rental house. I searched high and low for this animal, finally telling them that I wasn't able to find it. Much to my surprise, as I was doing the wash, out fell a splash of purple. The hippo was resting among the sheets! I packaged up this beloved toy today, included a Christmas card, and mailed it. I think this tot will be mighty happy when this box arrives!

Dec. 5, 2013 Santa Collection

Hanging Out With Santa

One of my best friends has a collection of Santas. It all began years ago with a simple gift and has grown in to more than one hundred. They come in all shapes, sizes, and themes - so many, that it is nearly impossible to buy her a new one for fear that she already has it. Today, I helped her unpack them and set these jolly fellows around the house. Every nook and cranny is filled with Kris Kringle smiling to his twins scattered around the rooms. This was no easy task, and one that took us nearly four hours, but how rewarding to spend time with a great friend setting up a scene which will bring pleasure to all who stop by her house this Christmas season.

Dec. 4, 2013 Help#PostOffice

Montreal

I have traveled to many countries and found that the most ordinary tasks such as making a phone call, purchasing a ticket, or reading a time schedule can be daunting with language barriers and cultural differences, so today when I saw the perplexed look on the face of the woman in front of me at the post office, I quickly  offered to help. She was grateful for my assistance in mailing her letters, and as we walked out together , we chatted for a short time about the beautiful weather this morning. Her accent told me that she was French Canadian. These neighbors to the north are often mocked and even disliked by local citizens, but in my opinion, you will probably find as many kind, friendly ones as you would find Americans with those qualities. There are plenty; you just have to get to know them.

Dec. 3. 2013 #Curtains

Living Room with Curtains

I don't profess to be an expert at anything. In fact the older I get, the less I realize that I know, and that is why I must continue learning. However, I do understand quite a bit about curtains. One can certainly go through life with a limited knowledge of drapes, tie backs, pleats, and tabs and so on, but there are times when this information is very useful. Take today, for example, I was doing some Christmas shopping when I passed through the curtain section of the store and came upon a man staring at all the fabric samples hanging from the wall. The confused look on his face said it all, so I asked if he needed help. I spent the next fifteen minutes explaining his options to him. He was extremely appreciative for the advice and told me that I should get a job in this store. I think I'll stick to retirement!

Dec. 2, 2013 Walking Slowly

The Flexibility of the Young!

There wasn't much space between the cars in the parking lot at the doctor's office. It was a tight fit getting in and out of a vehicle for an able bodied adult, but for a person with a mobility issue, it would be very difficult. I came out of the building at the same time as an older man who was walking very slowly with a cane. I could have sped up, and entered my car quickly, but instead I asked him where he was parked. He pointed to the car next to mine, so I gave him plenty of space and time to climb in. I think many of us take our ability to move around easily for granted, and as I waited patiently watching him struggle to maneuver into his car, I became well aware of how fortunate I am.

Dec. 1, 2013 #GivingSunday

The pressure to spend money is upon us. From Thanksgiving Day sales, Black Friday deals, Shop Local Saturday to Cyber Monday, we are inundated with messages to buy, buy, buy. I love the holidays and giving gifts is a favorite activity, but this onslaught of ads to take advantage of a bargain is overwhelming. It was refreshing to read about #GivingSunday in today's newspaper, a movement by Parade Magazine to encourage people to support a worthy cause. I researched the suggested organizations this morning and chose to make a contribution to One Step Ahead, a foundation which supplies child amputees with prosthetics, rehab, and sports opportunities. It is a small donation which will make a difference in the life of a child, and that is what part of Christmas is about.