Monday, December 23, 2013

Santa Claus

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.  I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said "and buy something for someone who needs it.  I'll wait for you in the car."  Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old.  I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.
Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous.  Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Just Fill In

Recently, we obtained an acoustic guitar from a sale we went to.  We love to "garage sale"," flea market", and "auction" as often as we can.  Most of the time it's when payday has arrived.  There are great values online when you shop for a cheap rogue natural acoustic guitar  for a new student.  It's always best to start them off with this type of instrument so they can get accustomed to it.

Finale

Right around this time of the year, you find that most of your favorite programs and having final episodes.  The waiting for the next season's opening seems like forever.  I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I was all ready to watch a favorite last night, and it wasn't there.  Darn it, I hate this time of the year on TV.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Did You Watch?


Emily Vancamp, Gabriel Mann, Nolan, Revenge, Wedding
I sat glued to the TV last night watching this drama unfold.  It was a sight to behold, and the end of this finale has left me a bit miffed.  Daniel of all people, turned out to be the one who did the bad deed of shooting Emily.  I'm sure you know what I will be doing when "Revenge" comes back on Feb. 27th, 2014.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Business Cards

Now, it's easier than ever to get the templates you want for you business cards.  You can access online business card printing  search, their templates, select the one you need and design you information.  Once your order is complete, you can add it to you cart and proceed with the checking out system on the website.  It's easier and more simpler to do it this way and have them shipped in a matter of days after your purchase is final.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Ray Price a beloved country singer has opted to go home with Hospice care.  He has been in a hospital for the last week with last stages of cancer.  Our prayers are with him during this horrific time.  God bless you.

KLTV.com-Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville, Texas | ETX News

Ease the Stress

You run this way and that trying to get all your holiday shopping done in time.  The stress can build and that's when you can find relief at rivernorthmassage.com   to help find some peace.  I've noticed that women often give gift certificates to their family members and friends as gifts for the holiday season.  It would be nice if one of my children could afford a day for me at one of these places.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Texas Ice Storm




These are pictures of the ice storm we had here in Texas this week.  There is still plenty of ice that hasn't melted, but the roads are passable.  The cold temps has kept it from going away soon enough.  Many are still without power because of broken lines.  

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Monday, December 2, 2013

America Begins.....



It never fails to amaze me the things our pioneers went through to establish "America".