Random Acts of Kindness

Apache Junction, AZ  High  62  Low 39

One quick note about my Chevy lovin’ hubby. When we met he was driving a Trans Am.

picture taken from CarGurus.com

And what was I driving? Can you believe he even thought about asking me to dance?

My husband is amazing. Why I got so lucky I’ll never know but I do hope he knows how much I love and appreciate him.

Why am I going on about this today? Well, let me tell you.

We headed to my sister’s place in Mesa to pick up some medication that got sent to them by mistake (a long, horrible story) and Don had brought it down with him. Don is putting up a TV antenna so Jim jumped in to help him out.

They got the antenna up and we left Don to finishing running the necessary cable.

We decided to stop at Subway on our way home. They have a December special. Their cold cut and meatball 6” subs are only $2 a piece. We were enjoying our sandwiches when a young man (maybe in his late 20’s, early 30’s – it was hard to tell) came in. He asked for a cup so he could have a drink of water.

He sat down at a table to drink his water and Jim and I looked at each other. We both had the same thought – he’s hungry. Jim got up and went over to him and asked if we could buy him a sandwich. He just lit up and said “yes sir, thank you.” Jim got him the chips and a drink also. Then I noticed the cookies and told Jim to add some cookies to his tab. I’m so glad we did because as we left those were the first part of the meal he was eating.

His communication skills were very limited and he didn’t really make any eye contact. But his whole body showed how happy he was to have something to eat.

We don’t have much money but we certainly could afford that sandwich. Sure made my day a whole lot brighter.

After we left Subway and were headed home we drove by a box on a corner that had FREE written on it. I immediately got concerned that someone had dropped off a box of kittens or puppies and had just left them there. Jim knew I was concerned and figured out a way to get around the block and go back so I could check the box. It was just full of stuff so I could relax. But he knew that it would bother me if we didn’t go back so he went back.

I bet I drive him crazy at times. Or maybe all the time. But I’m sure glad he puts up with me.

I know that we as humans seem to think of others more at this time of year but I want to encourage each of you to be aware of those around you that might be in need. Maybe just a smile or a kind word could make their day a whole lot more worth living. Others may be hungry and need a sandwich. Maybe a Mom with some little ones could just use an extra hand to carry things. Or as Rick at Life 101 did at the doctor’s office – he took the time to listen to a stranger.

Whatever it might be. Pass on those little acts of kindness. It sure does make you feel good inside.

Christmas Lights Date Night

Apache Junction, AZ  High 67  Low 46

Last night my hubby took me on a date. We went to look at Christmas lights. There was a list in the paper that showed locations so we picked a few that were not too far from us.

Of course my pictures aren’t the greatest but here they are. These two houses had the lights synchronized to music that you could listen to on your radio.

 

I loved this yard.

This house we found by accident. The lights weren’t set to music but it was certainly incredible.

We also stopped at McDonalds for a burger from the value menu. My idea of a perfect date night.

However, there was one thing that really caught my attention. There were very few Nativity scenes. In fact, I only saw two all evening. I find this very sad since we are supposed to be celebrating the birth of our Savior. That is and should be the only purpose for Christmas.

One Time and One Time Only

Apache Junction, AZ  High 70  Low 44 – Now that’s more like it.

Monday we picked up my sister and stopped to visit Aunt Happy. From there we headed to the Mesa airport to pick up my BIL. His plane was about 45 minutes late and Don was sure glad to get here and walk out into sunshine with temperatures above zero.

He and Judy took us to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch.

This is the one time only part. Don had seen a shirt in Montana that just cracked him up and he just had to send it to Jim. One day this package arrived in the mail and this is the shirt.

Those of you who know Jim, you know that he worked for Chevy for 50 years and that a GM vehicle is the only one that will ever be in our possession. But Jim wore this shirt to pick up Don and everybody had a big laugh. The shirt will not be seen again.

Do you guys read Kevin and Ruth's blog? They are in Africa and have posted some of the most incredible pictures. I love this one they took of the zebras. You really need to check out their adventures.

Another wonderful Arizona sunset.

Past and Future Plans

Apache Junction, AZ  High 61  Low 35

Saturday I got a text from Jeri. She said something about #1 Eastern Super Buffet and I didn’t have to read any further. Said we’d meet them there at 4:00.

Jeri and I got some plans rolling for the group in Q in January. We aren’t going to be parking with that group this year because we are going to join the Montana Owner’s Club “Circle”. Should be a fun group. After the Circle, we’ll spend a day or two with the Class of 2008/2009 before we head down to Yuma

We’re actually going to Yuma on the 7th of January before we head to Q. We have dental appointments in Mexico on the 8th. I’m sure we’ll have to go back down after Q to finish up the work.

On Sunday after Church we headed down to Casa Grande for Jan and Bill's Christmas party. We had so much fun. Here are a couple of pictures that I took from her blog.

Their cowboy tree:

We had a wonderful week-end with friends. Even though it was cold and miserable, it was warm inside.

 

The Three Idiots

Apache Junction, AZ  High 53  Low 30

Just for the record, I looked at my blog for this week last year and it was in the 70’s.

I also wanted to add a note about the fish tacos – these tacos are made with a white fish and a variety of 17 different ingredients including tomato, cheese, France’s coleslaw and mango salsa. I left off the coleslaw and cheese but let me tell you that mango salsa was fabulous.

I just want you all to know how much my hubby loves me. My sister is a garage sale addict. She found a garage sale that she really wanted to go to this morning and Jim agreed that he would take her and of course I went along. We got up at 5:00 a.m. (that’s five in the morning before the sun comes up) so we could heat up the house and Jim could get the girls out before we left. The garage sale started at 6:30 and we had to be there before the crowds. It was only 31 really cold degrees.

We picked Judy up and found the garage sale at just about 6:30. This garage sale was a fundraiser for the East Valley Democratic Party. So we were expecting it to be a large affair probably in some building. Boy were we wrong. Did I mention that we drove 30 miles to get to this place?

It was at somebody’s house with no lights out on the driveway. At 6:30 in the morning it is still really dark out. They clearly did not expect anyone to show up on time because they did not have anything put out. Everything was still in boxes and bags. And there didn’t appear to be much of anything. However, my sister did find something to buy (she always does) – a small white board to hang in her kitchen for $1.

We had a great laugh and called ourselves the three idiots. We did end up having a good breakfast at U.S. Egg.

We took Judy grocery shopping and then headed home to the let the girls out. Jim had a couple of projects to work on today and we had to make a run to Lowes for supplies.

First he repaired our old surge guard. The wiring got destroyed at an RV park in Wyoming. I don’t know what Jim did but I know he was able to replace some of the wiring and we now have two surge guards.

After finishing that chore, he started to work on a generator muffler box. I have no idea what it is really called but he researched on line how to build a box to put around the generator to make it quieter.

Had to order a small box fan for it which won’t arrive til Tuesday so he’ll have to finish it later.

Tonight we are tired. Watching Jim do his projects wore me out.

One more picture. When we got to Coconuts Jim backed into a parking spot which is what he usually does. I used to get out and guide him back because he has the ball hitch on the truck but with his new back up camera (yes, he also installed one on our truck) he thinks he doesn’t need me anymore. I guess this proves that he doesn’t. This is exactly how the truck ended up in the parking spot.

I’m a Slug

Apache Junction, AZ  High 54 Low 34

Well, I actually got dressed and out of the house today. Yesterday I didn’t move any further than I had to.

Let’s see – what have I done this week. Monday afternoon I went to the dermatologist. I have squamous cell carcinoma which is going to be removed on the 19th using the Mohs procedure.

Tuesday Jim had his appointment with his heart doctor. She was pleased with his tests but he is scheduled to have an echocardiogram on the 18th. She also wants him to see a pulmonologist but we don’t have that appointment scheduled.

We stopped for lunch at Coconut’s Fish Café in Scottsdale. Decided to try something out of my comfort level and had their fish tacos. They were wonderful.

Their tables:

Yesterday – as I said above – I played the part of a slug very well.

Today we ran errands. We had a couple of packages to mail so our first stop was the post office. Then we went to the animal shelter with some blankets that we had bought for them. Took our recycling over to the recycling yard. Stopped at Walmart and the RV store for some necessary items.

Give me sunshine.

I forgot to mention that last Sunday we got to meet up with good friends for dinner. One of my favorite things ever. I’m pretty sure we visited for over two hours and the restaurant didn’t even throw us out.

Jim, me, Nancy, Linda, Dave, Jeri and Terry

Our generator quit working on our trip south this year so Jim got it running again. Wonder what else I can find for him to fix.

It got cold here. It was only 38 this morning when I got up and tonight is supposed to be even colder. Needless to say, the Blue Flame came out from under it’s covers and I’m not sure who’s happier – me or the girls. I’m just really grateful that we aren’t dealing with any snow or ice like so many folks are. Or below zero temps. Billings, MT had a high of –2 today and right now it is –13.

If you get a chance, check out my friend Carol’s blog. Carol and Doug  She just started blogging and I think she’s doing a great job.

Broken Computer

Apache Junction, AZ  High 71  Low 56

Jim went fishing on Friday. Caught a couple of fish but they really weren’t big enough to bring home.

Saturday Dianna brought her truck over and Jim installed her back-up camera.

She took us to lunch at Superstition Skies. Had a great hamburger and listened to some good country music by Judy Anne and her band.

Saturday afternoon the girls were fighting over my lap and my computer took a tumble. When we got it up and running again, I could no longer connect to the internet. Took it in on Monday to the repair shop and just got it back this afternoon. Now I need to catch up on my blog and find out what everybody else is doing.