Have You Ever Seen the Benefits of Helping the Homeless?

Six years ago a man asked us for a small cash loan on a silver dollar.  I gave him $20. 

"I'll be back in a week to pay you back." Steve was homeless and I didn't expect to see him again.

A week later he returned to our store with a $20 bill. We chatted. After graduating from university he lost the love of his life. He started drinking. He has been an alcoholic for 40 years and lost everything - including his family.

A couple of weeks later, he returned with the same request and this continued for about a year. Each time he came into the store we chatted. He is an avid reader. Each week he borrowed three books from the library and became an encyclopedia of facts - a 'walking Google.'

When we moved from our home he helped me pack everything and on moving day was an incredible help.  A year later we moved into our new store and he was the chief helper again.

Our new store's back entrance is in a parking lot. He got himself a chair and parked it there. For the past three years, he sits in that chair and reads. He has become our Chief Security Officer. 

When Covid hit, our local food kitchen for the homeless closed. I brought him meals every day and often he came to our house for dinner (but hubby made sure he had a shower first)!

Steve has been in rehab numerous times, has attended AA meetings for years, but nothing seemed to make a difference. I spent hours encouraging him but trying not to make him feel guilty.

A few months before his 60th birthday he announced that he has had enough and was quitting for good. To celebrate, we invited him to dinner on his birthday - filet mignon, prawns, all the trimmings, and two types of pies. He had FOUR pieces of pie.

He is now six months sober and has ZERO desire to drink. He feels he owes us a great debt but we have assured him that seeing him sober is an incredible gift to us. 

When hubby and I were in the city last week we visited our goldsmith. He asked us to wait a few minutes while he ran to China Town. He returned with a large, heavy plastic bag and told us not to open it until we got to the car. I put the bag on my lap, untied it, was going to put my hand into it when a LIVE jumbo prawn jumped out. 

I screamed. Then laughed. Immediately we called my chef friend and told her we were on the way home with three pounds of live prawns. We dropped the prawns off to her, unloaded our car from the day's grocery shop, and 20 minutes later she arrived with all the prawns prepared including an incredible stir fry! What an amazing feast.

Next week I am headed out of town to see my grands for a FULL week. I can't wait to see them in person.

Brie wears her attitude on her sleeve!

Brie's baby had a baby - she is smaller than Brie's dog.

    

Can hardly wait to see them all!

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today 4 bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house.

 

 

Buzz around, see what you think, then click on these links for a peek into some other homes:

 

Baking In A Tornado                  https://www.BakingInATornado.com

Never Ever Give Up Hope             https://batteredhope.blogspot.com

Menopausal Mother                   http://www.menopausalmom.com/

Wandering Web Designer      https://wanderingwebdesigner.com/blog

 

How to Maintain a Great Attitude in the Middle of Sadness

Mother's Day is an emotional day for many moms. My mom died when I was 18 years old. Not only do I miss her every day but I realize how fortunate my friends are who have shared their lives with their moms all those years. 

Mom died 3 months after my wedding

I love orchids and hubby keeps me well supplied! On Mother's day, he made it his mission to find the darkest purple one available. We were both shocked to see that it had NINETEEN buds in addition to the ones already open. Considering that these blooms last at least six months - I wonder if it will topple over when all the buds open.

19 buds on this orchid

This is also a day I reflect on the years of joy we shared with our son and his family. I hide away for a few minutes each Mother's day to thank God that one day, someday, I will hug my son again. We are now in the tenth year since he walked away from our family, without explanation. He lives in our small town, minutes away from us. But, we have not seen him. When he left, he had two babies and now he has four. Although the last ten years could feel like wasted ones, I refuse to buy that lie. I focus on how wonderful it will be when we are together again and will maintain that attitude of expectation!

The more you give...the more you receive

Hubby and I have close friends in Uganda who run an orphanage. They have sacrificed everything to parent over 100 children at a time. They ask for nothing in return. When Covid hit, they lost any small source of income they had and nothing has pleased us more than to be in a position to support them. They are humble and never asked for help which made it even more exciting to be able to bless them when they did not expect it. I keep a journal of our daily conversations - the good and the awful things they have had to endure. 

On Mother's Day, our friend posted a Happy Mother's Day message on Facebook. His kindness touches many people and there were a lot of comments in that regard. I wondered if anyone recognized that he has a wife who has given so much, works tirelessly, and never asks for anything.

So......I posted a beautiful tribute to her and sent her two dresses. It is something she will remember forever and I cried when I received this picture of her.

Not the best way to hear such news

When I opened Facebook on Easter Monday I was shocked to see this pic of Brie. Her mom didn't want me to worry.....crazy kid....so she didn't tell me what happened until she knew Brie was fine.

On their Easter egg hunt, Brie was challenged by one of her boy cousins to put a chocolate egg up her nose. Daddy to the rescue and a trip to Emergency scared her enough I don't think she will do that again. She had to have minor surgery to remove it. 

For Brie's birthday, she received a Shetland pony from her daddy who did not know the pony was pregnant. Last week this tiny horse gave birth. And now there are two precious babies. I can't wait to see them.

Although William is in second grade he is reading at a high school level. Here is a note from his teacher:

I just wanted to write to let you know that I reassessed William’s reading level today. WOW. He’s reading at a level “X” on the A-Z alphabet scale. His fluency is amazing. I can’t overstate this: I’m really impressed. He says that he learned to do this by listening to music and reading the lyrics. Suffice to say, you have an amazing kid. I was thinking about talking with our Learning Support teacher, about taking a closer look at William’s abilities. And, of course, I’ll explain to his classroom teacher next year that he is a truly unique student. In the meantime, plenty of praise and confidence boosting is in order! Way to go William!

Kind big brother ALWAYS looking out for his baby sister

The hydrangea bushes were so high that we could no longer use the sidewalk around the front yard. When I watched the gardener trim them back the entire yard was a pile of trimmings. This pic is only the beginning. I have no idea how this little bit of a woman did all that and carried it down the driveway into her truck. 

When we chatted later she said she was in the movie industry in France and is trying to break into it here. After her first year, Covid hit and she needed a job so she started her own business as a landscaper. What an amazing woman!

When I was sweeping the sidewalk the next day, I found my diamond hoop earring on the EDGE of the garden gate. Don't ask...I have no idea how it got there but how wonderful to have found it.

Whatever is happening in your world I hope you can find good memories and hope for a brighter future in your thoughts every day. 

 

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today four bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around, see what you think, then click on these links for a peek into some other homes:

 

Baking In A Tornado      

        

Menopausal Mother      

             

Wandering Web Designer      

How Do You Answer the Tough Questions A Five-year-old Might Ask?

Since I have my office in my home, the only time I 'dress up' is for Zoom calls - full make-up, business attire, and jewelry. If I have to run errands, I rarely bother with make-up. Sunglasses and a mask cover my face! How about you?

Last week I had two interviews the same day and wanted to run my errands between them. One of those errands was to go to the recycle center. I had several trays of recyclables but there was a strong wind outside which made cans and plastic bottles fly out of them and roll down the parking lot. It was a gong show. I would run after one can while another bottle was flying through the air. 

Finally, I got inside the building, cashed them in and left for my next errand. When I turned the corner, my eye caught my right hand on the steering wheel -  with NO ring on it. I freaked. I started to pray out loud as I turned the car around, ran into the center, and searched the parking lot - NOTHING. 

Do I call my husband? What would I say to him? 

I emptied my purse onto the front seat of the car and there it was - at the bottom. How did that happen? Was this one of those times when an angel was looking out for me and put it there?

I called my husband but only told him the first part of the story. Was that mean of me to want him to feel my panic? Half-way through the story I had to say, "Don't worry - everything's okay."

Lesson learned. Don't leave the house dressed up. Go out with no make-up, no jewelry.

Some of you may remember the story of Charlie - my daughter's Bernese Mountain dog that we rescued. Charlie was seven years old and suffered many close calls since we saved her life when she was a puppy. She almost died when her tummy flipped. She almost died when she gave birth and she had other close calls. 

We realized how difficult it was to determine if something was wrong because she lived her life with an incredible attitude. She never showed any indication of pain. She 'smiled' all the time. She was gentle and loving and adored the kids. 

One morning a couple weeks ago, my SIL found her in the woods in obvious distress. He gently carried her home. The local vet was kind enough to make a house call and tell them it was her time. She had run away to die. Charlie was my grandson's best friend.

This was not easy for a little guy who has suffered much loss - heart-breaking at every turn. But, as always, what a trooper he was as he comforted his little sister. Their daddy took them for a walk while my daughter stayed with Charlie.

"Good-bye, Charlie"
We will miss her forever

"Mom, I'm sitting here holding Charlie's head in my lap," my daughter said through her tears. "Right up to the last second, Charlie is fighting her demise. She has pulled through so many times. She doesn't want to say good-bye."

William asked me to make a story book with pictures of Charlie and have it printed. I am sure I will have many tears as I do that. 

During spring break, the grands spent the week with me. It is the first time I have had them visit without their mom. I planned activities and enjoyed each minute to the fullest. I'm already excited about the next time they can visit us. 

No, I didn't spoil them. 

.

I bought one of those kits to paint Easter eggs. Can someone explain to me why the dye they use stains everything? We made a huge mess. I had to sit down on the kitchen floor because we were laughing so hard. 

Hunting for Easter eggs this way was a lot more fun
and an advantage over her cousins!

Let the Easter egg hunt begin!

What a great success it was!

Since they were very young, whenever they visited us, they could take two hands full of loose coins from the change bucket. Their hands are getting bigger now and they love counting it to see how much they get. 

Gramma: "Brie, what are you going to do with all that money," I asked.

Brie: "Give it to my daddy, in case he needs it."

Brie: "Gramma, how come you don't paint your nails anymore?"

Gramma: "Because I work from my home office, now."

Brie: "So, Gramma, you really need to get out more."

I was stumped for an answer to this five-year-old.

Brie: "Gramma, I'm five now. Do you think I need a bra?"

        Gramma: Dumbfounded look on my face. 

        

With the time change during spring break, it was not dark at dinner time.

Brie: "Gramma, why are we eating dinner in the morning?"

Gramma: "It's not morning; it's evening."

Brie: "Oh, Gramma. You are so silly. It is never light outside at dinner time." 

William is nine years old but reads at an eighth grade level. He loves books and I teared up when he said, "Gramma, you're an author, right?"

"Sure am!"

"Do you think I could read your books?"

"Of course! But I will expect a review, okay?" That really excited him.

This has been my monthly Fly On the Wall post where a few bloggers share what has been happening behind closed doors in their homes. Have a buzz around and enjoy their stories and laughs.

Baking In A Tornado                 

Menopausal Mother             

Wandering Web Designer     

Sometimes the Only Way to say Thank You is to Pay it Forward

One of the only justifiable reasons for eating dinner out is my  laziness if I do not feel like cooking. Rarely is it a treat. The choice of restaurants in our community is limited and usually a grave disappointment.

So if I succumb to the lack of energy to cook at home, we venture out. We have several Asian restaurants in town but since Covid they only offer take-out. I miss the Sushi and fantastic entrees but when we want to eat 'out' that does not mean bringing it home.

But for most of the cuisine offered locally, we have been there and never want to go back. New restaurants get one shot to take my money and if they don't measure up - forget it. 

Hubby's birthday and Valentine's day are a day apart. As much as he loves my cooking, I wanted to take him out for a special evening. We heard one of the local restaurants had a new chef and the town was shouting his praises. We ventured out and hoped it might be as good as the feedback was shouting.

The appetizers shocked us and could have been the main course. Unfortunately, that is often the case. Then the entre disappoints and we choose never to go back.

The restaurant had limited seating (Covid) so we chose to sit at the bar. I glanced at the guy sitting two stools over. I glanced again and he caught my eye. 

"Hi, how ya doin?"

"Great - I couldn't help but notice you look like one of my favorite actors in a new series I am watching on Netflix."

"I get that a lot," he laughed. "Which series?" 

"Firefly Lane." He nodded. "Love the series but no, not me. But I am doing one that is on Netflix."

"AHA. So, I was right. What series are you in?"

"I can't possibly tell you that," and he muttered something under his breath that sounded like, "if I told you, I'd have to...." 

I laughed. It was weird.

We finished our dinner of steak and prawns with all the trimmings. It was one of the best meals we have had in this town. We didn't want to leave. But there was no room for dessert.

Then she said the strangest thing. "If you would like dessert, it is on me." WHY?

"Thank you, but we couldn't possibly eat another bite. Just give us the bill please."

"There is no bill. The guy sitting next to you paid."

"WHAT? WHY?"

"I don't know. He's a really nice guy and a regular."

I asked for his name but she said she couldn't give that to me. Understood.

My first thought was how to pay this forward and I told the waitress that we would be back to do just that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, Mom.....how would you like the kids during Spring break?"

"ARE YOU KIDDING!? I'm so excited I don't know how I will wait that long."

We have never had the grands on their own - without parents. What a great opportunity to spoil them. I have been making plans.

ON FERRY - TRAVELING TO GRAMMA'S

Our SIL runs a road construction business and Brie was on the job site after school with her daddy. He was explaining to four workers (including the foreman) how to do a particular job with the new piece of equipment. 

Brie was listening and it was obvious the message was not getting across to the workers.

"Here - watch," she said.

She proceeded to show the men. Remember Brie is four years old.

Thomas said the look on their faces was a priceless moment. He turned to the men and said, "You are all fired. She's four years old!"

A month later, she received a pony for her fifth birthday. Daddy told her she would have to learn how to feed and care for her new baby. This included helping him build the water trench. 

Without hesitation, she got a shovel and started digging. Gotta love the attitude.

 

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today 4 bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house.

 

 

Buzz around, see what you think, then click on these links for a peek into some other homes:

 

Baking In A Tornado                 

Menopausal Mother     

             

Wandering Web Designer        

Is Dental Surgery as Awful as it Sounds? The Truth How to Survive it

When my dentist put a temporary cap on my front tooth he told me, "That should hold about two weeks, and then we have to start the process of putting in an implant."

My first thought was "Do you know how much an implant costs? $3,000 to $5,000."  I decided to wait until it was necessary and then.....THREE years later, I had a problem.

I tried a new 'recommended' dentist in hopes of walking out with another temporary fix. WRONG! He wouldn't touch it and said I had three options:

• Do one implant but that was risky as the neighbor teeth had issues - $5,000 for the one tooth which could fall out
• Repair the surrounding teeth including the implant $12,500
• Dentures - $4,500      
  

After spending most of the day deciding on my options, having X-rays and consults, dentures seemed the best option.

Was I scared? YUP. My past experiences in the dentist chair, especially as a child, made me sweat and shake. When I was a kid Novocain was not used and screaming out loud was not allowed. See why I waited as long as I did?

With the new technology, dentists no longer have to take an 'impression' to make teeth using a wax mold. They use a scope that takes pictures of your entire mouth. This is sent to the denturist to create your new smile. 

My appointment was set. Three days before Christmas. Excited? Well, it meant I didn't have to cook a turkey dinner but could veg at home for a week or more.

Scared? Terrified! Fifteen teeth to be removed.

The day-by-day journey was unlike anything I have experienced. I had a lot of questions through the different phases but few answers. I have considered writing a book to help anyone going through this nightmare. Extensive research was the only way I survived. 

I knew the endgame would be worth it - but it is the getting there.

Kids are born older now

When I was five years old I played in the dirt; in fact, I ate dirt. I found out years later that is a  calcium deficiency. 

BUT NOW.....the stuff my grandbaby knows....and does.... is a thrill to watch. I'm learning from her instead of the other way around! 

Her birthday party was planned and as my daughter always does -- it was over the top. But we woke up to a blizzard.

As expected, Brie had a positive attitude about it, even though you could see she was disappointed. One little girl was able to make it to the party and the day turned out wonderful. My daughter rented the town pool for an hour and the two little girls and Brie's brother had a great time.

A few days before the party Brie had her dyed with rainbow colors. She was so proud of her new 'look.'

NEVER EVER GIVE UP HOPE

My podcast, Never Ever Give Up Hope, is now in its seventh year. I love doing this show and more passionate about it now than ever. Recently, celebrities from every arena are sharing their journeys of hopelessness to hope. I am booked until 2022!

Please tune in - have a look around and choose an episode to encourage, motivate, or challenge you. I would love your feedback.

Welcome to a Fly on the Wall group post. Today four bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you would see if you were a fly on their wall. Buzz around and click on the links for a peek:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Wandering Web Designer