Dec. 22, 2013 #HomeTownCable

Track Meet Covered by Home Town Cable

We are fortunate to have a man in our community who has created a wealth of videos depicting our school presentations, athletic contests, history lectures, board meetings, and current events over the decades. These are broadcast on a local channel and are available on the Internet. What fun it is to watch one's children singing in the elementary Christmas show or scoring that goal in the big hockey game years later. If you want to stay informed on village happenings, these reports will enlighten you.  We have come to expect this man at every activity, and forget that it takes funding to film and produce all these shows. I sent him a donation today which will go toward some of the expenses. I know many residents enjoy Home Town Cable, so take a minute to say thank you with a small contribution. It will be appreciated.

Dec. 21, 2013 Christmas Treats

An ice storm was predicted for this weekend since the beginning of the week, so I made my plans early to bake today. I found recipes, bought ingredients, and cleared my schedule except for baking. It was relaxing to listen to the ice pinging off the windows knowing that I didn't have to go anywhere. After preparing several dozen cookies, I arranged some of them in holiday bags, threw on my coat, pulled on my boots, and headed outside to deliver them. It was somewhat treacherous to walk on the icy sidewalk, but I made it across the street where the little girl was delighted with her treats. Then, I went next door - no one home! So, I traipsed over to the following house - again, no answer. It was too risky to go much further. You can guess what I am doing tomorrow -slipping and sliding back to these homes with deliveries of cookies! Be safe, my friends!

Dec. 20, 2013 #Retirement# Nursing

Today I honor my sister who is retiring from a long career as a nurse. I have much respect for nurses - the hard work, the tremendous knowledge which must remain updated, a supportive

Sisters, Oregon Coast

attitude, and the strength to put up with the patients and family . I couldn't do it. Give me a classroom of crazy teenagers instead. But my sister is well respected for her dedication and skills to the profession, and today is her last day. Monday, she won't have to get up early to head to the hospital, and instead can choose to do what she wants to do. I sent her a little gift which I know she'll enjoy, but more importantly I send her best wishes for a happy retirement filled with all the adventures she decides to complete. She has given decades to caring for others; now it's time to care for herself!

Dec. 19, 2013 My Birthday Acts of Kindness

Skiing on the Golf Course

I chose to focus on myself today which I hope you will not find too selfish, but being my birthday, I wanted to create the perfect day. My ideal day holds three requirements: to learn something, to give something, and to do something. In addition, talking to my family always brightens the day for me. I imagine you are wondering how it went, right? I learned that Grandma Moses said" Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be" when I reread the wonderful book called How Many People Does It Take To Make A Difference? One. I wrote two letters of recommendations for former students because if I can help make someone's dream of going to college come true  then I must try to help them. And finally, I went cross country skiing on the local golf course all alone, breathing in the fresh air, struggling to maintain my balance on the bumpy mounds of snow. Exercise is good for the soul. I gabbed on the phone with my family and my friends sent me heartfelt messages. It was the perfect birthday. I am blessed.

Dec. 18, 2013 Giving and Receiving RAK at the Gas Station

Snowy Seats, Lake Placid, NY

When I ran into the co-owner of our local convenience store at the hardware store this morning, I figured I would see her again soon because I needed to buy gas, but I didn't tell her that I was stopping by her store. Maybe she guessed that I would be by in the next day or two because when I entered to pay for the gas, she handed me a bank deposit slip complete with our personal checking account numbers printed on it that I had inadvertently dropped in the post office. I was extremely grateful to her for seeing it and then holding it for me. In turn, I bought a beverage for the next person coming in for a warm drink on this wintry day. Although I had  intended to remain anonymous in this pay-it-forward gesture, as it turned out, the recipient caught up with me in the parking lot and thanked me profusely. It was that kind of day: one resident helping out another. The joys of living in a village where nearly everyone knows everyone.

Dec. 17, 2013 Double Deeds #Hairdresser

Winter, Marcy Dam, Adirondacks

My planned good deed was to generously tip my hairdresser. I've been going to the same salon for over fifteen years, and it is always fun to joke with the employees and other clients while being pampered. This is a profession which is valued by many women and often men, but can be taken for granted. My hairdresser was pleased with my offering today which is certainly well deserved. The random act of kindness also occurred at the salon when I met a young man whose father I know slightly and learned that he has big travel plans ahead of him. We spent several minutes discussing the pros and cons of modes of transportation. He had many questions for me about exploring Europe, and I enjoyed sharing advice with him.  The conversation took an interesting turn when we discovered that we both know a former student who now lives in New Zealand. It truly is a small world!

Dec. 16, 2013 Being Grateful

Village Holiday Gathering, Champlain, NY

I like to thank those around me who are professional, polite, and pleasant to work with. Whether it is a salesclerk, the postal carrier, a secretary, or the car repair person, I have much respect for their ability to do their job well while interacting courteously with the public. Today, I gave a couple of small gifts to the women who work in the Village office. They are consistently positive and considerate in the dealings with me and the residents. I had the pleasure of hearing one of them tell me of her numerous acts of kindness performed yesterday. From shoveling snow to paying it forward at Dunkin Donuts to delivering a sweet treat to a friend, she was incredibly kind in her good deeds! I am lucky to be surrounded by good people doing their best to help others. It doesn't take much to let them know they are appreciated.