Monday, December 17, 2018

From My Home To Yours

The halls are decked and the bells are jingling and I am doing OK.

Retirement gives you lots of free time, but when it comes to “have to do’s, I am a procrastinator.  There are still some things to be attended to before the holidays, like wrapping, cooking, cleaning, etc, etc., etc. and my California family will arrive on Friday.  I am now in full-speed-ahead mode, so I was up and out of the house early to deliver some gifts and then off to Costco to buy some items that come in large sizes and amounts.  I was in a great mood and taste tested all the foods that the lovely, white netted hair ladies were offering.  The best part of that store is grazing.  I tasted some Bruschetta that was yummy, and went over to the display to buy a jar. It was down on a lower shelf so it took some maneuvering, especially since I was in a tight space and had the giant cart.  As I got myself up, I saw someone behind me so I moved my cart in order for him to get by.  He rushed past me and I heard him say, “ Now she moves” in a very sarcastic manner.  First, I felt bad that I was holding him up, and then became angry and thought of some remarks I should have said to him.  My mood changed.  I checked out and then went straight to the cafeteria to get myself some frozen yogurt to cool down (a good excuse to eat a sweet).  The sugar worked and I forgave that grumpy old man and walked out of the store in the same good spirit that I had when I entered. As I approached my car I saw something hanging in my door handle.  My gloves, my favorite gloves, were tucked in tight. They must have dropped when I got out of the car and a passing stranger found them and secured them to the handle so they would not blow away.  It was an act of kindness that I truly appreciated.  Yes, there are a few Scrooge’s out there who will only care about themselves, but there are many, many more thoughtful people who go out of their way to make life better for others.   

So from my home to yours, May your holidays be filled with kindness and joy and may that spread to those you love and those that pass your way. Even in difficult times, we should appreciate all the blessings that surround us, big and small.


62 comments:

  1. This is a lovely post, and delightful wishes - which I return to you.
    I hope that all of your days are filled with love and laughter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish the same for you, Sue. I hope Christmas is sunny and warm and you are surrounded by your beautiful flowers. That is so much nicer than snow.

      Delete
  2. I think my jaw would still be on the floor if someone said that to me . . . but you are right to let it go and appreciate the good. Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your family, Arleen. Enjoy every minute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He made me feel old and useless but I try not to let other people define me. I just had to shake it off. Sitting down and enjoying a frozen yogurt helped.

      Delete
  3. and from our Home to Yours as well - may you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and, most important, Healthy 2019. Hopefully, there are more of the good people out there than the grumpy grinches.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there are more good than bad, Susan, and I have been the recipient of many kindnesses in my life and for that I am grateful.

      Thinking of you and your vacuum cleaner accident and hope your pain subsides soon. So glad that you have such a nice man like Doug around who can help you while you mend.

      Delete
  4. Oh, just forget the boorish idiot, and be grateful that most would make sure you didn't lose your gloves. I can guarantee which of the two will have a better Christmas. Best wishes, Cro x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thinking the same thing. Those who bring misery are usually miserable thrmselves. I felt sorry for his wife.

      Have a wonderful, delicious holiday, Cro.

      Delete
  5. A very Merry Christmas to you, Arleen. X

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear wonderful Arleen, it's past 1 a.m. here and I just read your excellent post. Yes, I'm up late musing over the pleasures of my birthday and evening. Your heartening story of gloves in the door-handle is the perfect uplift to take to bed. Good night, and thank you for that gift.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Birthday, dear Geo, and despite the hour you got to bed, I hope you had a good and peaceful sleep. I slept for six hours last night and for that I am grateful.

      Delete
  7. Hello again, my new friend! May I call you Arleen?

    Your experience at Costco is relatable. Mrs. Shady and I visit a Costco near us. It is busy all year 'round, but especially in winter when the snowbirds are here in Florida and especially in the weeks before Christmas. There is also an extremely popular farmers' market in our town which is typically bustling with twice the number of shoppers the store or parking lot were designed to handle. I have seen arguments develop over who gets the one remaining parking space and have seen scuffles break out in the long lines at the fresh meat and fish counters. For the most part, however, I have encountered smiling faces, courtesy and an abundance of Good Samaritans like the person who made sure you got your gloves back. That was a gift, a fond memory, that will keep on giving. Bless those who keep the spirit of Christmas and engage in random acts of kindness throughout the year.

    Have a wonderful Christmas, Arleen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Goodness and kindness elevates us, nastiness brings us down. The former is so much easier and the latter is such a waste of time.

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Shady.

      Delete
  8. My broken leg has become a display of public kindness. An old man running to overtake me and get the door. A young father balancing a baby on one hip and two cups of coffee stacked in the other hand still beat me to and opened the door. Good people everywhere.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there are Joanne and it doesn’t take the holidays to bring out the best in people. It is just common decency.

      Delete
  9. That little act of kindness not only gave you back your gloves but it brightened your day. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it did, Emma. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a good New Year.

      Delete
  10. Dear Arleen, was the top photo taken inside our home? If so, it is lovely, especially the arced window above the fireplace. And, of course, the cat!

    For 20 years and six months, I lived with a long-haired gray cat--Eliza Doolittle--who looked so much like the cat with whom you must live. I would like someday to write Eliza's memoir! She was a darling.

    As to the wonder of generosity from friends and strangers alike, it is so true that we meet it everyday, despite the occasional Scrooge. Now that I'm in my ninth decade, I find so many people who help me with gracious smiles and well-wishes.

    Just yesterday, when my elderly brother drove me to the UPS store to mail a box of Christmas goodies to friends in Idaho, I went into the store and asked one of the customer service reps if someone could help me carry in the box. While one answered, "It'll be just a moment. I need to finish up with this one customer," one of the customers in line said, "Hey, I can do that!"

    He followed me out the store and to the car and to the open trunk and brought in the box, smiling all the while. And as with you and your gloves, I felt my heart lift and lilt! Peace and a lovely Christmas with your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The picture is of my family room. . It doesn’t look exactly the same now as I am constantly fussing with it and have redone most of the decorations.

      That is a good story of kindness also, Dee. Helpers will always be there when needed.

      Have a wonderful and peaceful, Christmas and let’s all hope for a good new year.

      Delete
  11. Merry Christmas from one procrastinator to another.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have found that procrastination usually works out the end. At least that is what I tell myself.

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Susan.

      Delete
  12. Your gloves were in a Christmas story or kind and caring people. All the best with the chores and enjoy your family and your holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Loving those people who do good even when no one is watching and they don't get a pat on the back. As for Mr. Scrooge, may his beans have rocks in them!

    Merry Christmas and enjoy your family visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most people try to do the right thing and need no thanks for doing the human thing. Thankfully, they are in the majority.

      Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your loved ones Toni. This has been such a difficult year for you and I hope 2019 will treat you kindly.

      Delete
  14. So glad that old grump didn't spoil your day and that kind person picking your gloves up more than made up for him. Have a lovely Christmas with your family. Love Molly xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe he was just having a bad day and I got in his way. I hope the holidays lighten him up.

      It was so nice to see your comment, Molly. I miss your delightful posts. May your holidays be happy ones for you and your family.

      Delete
  15. Oh what a terrible grumpy man...but that act of good will made up for it! I don't understand why people can be so nasty...ANY time of the year. They like to get people to feel as bad as they feel I guess, and it usually works...I'm glad you yogurt sweet helped you sweeten back up! :) Happy Holidays to you and your family!!! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Although “nasty” seems to be going around the past few years, it is still not acceptable. We all get in bad moods, but we needn’t take it out on others. I hope he was nicer to his wife.

      I hope you and Alex have a lovely Christmas.

      Delete
  16. It's very hard to make allowances for people who seem grumpy to us. I suppose that if we could know about their day it might be easier!
    I hope you have a great holiday and all that you want!
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s floccinaucinihilipilificatious Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is true, Bazza. He apparently was in a hurry and maybe there was a reason for that. Costco is a hugh store and it takes a long time to get around the whole place. I hope he got what he was looking for and that it put him in a better mood.

      I hope you and Mrs. Bazza enjoy the holidays.

      Delete
  17. Little gestures, like with the gloves, are so much appreciated. I imagine those who do them like to think about that. Have a good holiday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It takes so little to be kind to someone and it it can do so much.

      I hope you and your family, Jenny, have joyous holidays.

      Delete
  18. Your decorations are simply gorgeous & you are a sweetheart. (I need to teach you to curse because I'd have called that asshole an asshole). I especially love the stuffed cat! :-) You'd never know it was Christmas at my grinchy house. I'm still limping around with the slowest healing knee replacement in history & I already have my hip replacement scheduled for late Spring, if I survive that long...Winter massacres my bad hip. Golly, I sound older than my 90 year old Mama! I'm the reigning Queen of Procrastination, but I did get my grandkids' packages off in the mail to Nashville yesterday, so I'm quite proud of myself. Merry Christmas to you & yours!!! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, that is an excellent word to describe people who only think of themselves and have no consideration of others. My stuffed cat, Daisy is not that fat; we like to say she is just fluffy.

      My SIL had his knee replaced last week. So far he is doing OK but it is painful. I hope yours heals before you have your hip done.

      Even though we procrastinate, we get things done - just in time.

      Hope you will be able to get around without too much pain in order to have a Merry Christmas. May you also have a happy and healthy new year.

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Arleen! My daughter went to NYC & bought me a gorgeous Louis Vuitton purse...She called me & asked me if I wanted the "faux" LV. I replied, "Are you kidding? No one in my tiny town even knows who Louis Vuitton is!" So I'm looking forward to that. ;-) Happy New Year to you, too. xo

      Delete
  19. I really hate how rude and cranky people can ruin a lovely woman's shopping experience. Have a great holiday. P.S. I LOVE your rug in the photo above.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I looked far and wide for the perfect rug for my room. I am very happy with it. Thank you, Colette.

      I hope your holidays are good, fun, and joyous.

      Delete
  20. Well I also wish you a good Christmas holiday, and love the photo of your cat in front of the fire. Tommorrow my daughter comes with one grandchild, she will come on a late crowded train (strike that is going on forever) and I feel rather humbled by that. So enjoy this special time of the year. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is always a hard time to travel but loved ones will always do it to be with family for the holidays. I hope it isn’t too hard for your daughter and grandson and that everything will be perfect for their visit. Merry Christmas, Thelma.

      Delete
  21. I'm glad you didn't let the sarcastic comment from a stranger bother you too much. I think about the times I've been impatient myself, especially in traffic, and shocked at myself at how differently I can react than my usual State of Being! I suppose I have the contradictions within me, to be Kind and to be Grumpy... and yet, if it's someone else being unlovely it can still throw us off can't it, and infect our Mood? I think during Christmastime so much stress can build up in the lives of people, normally perhaps they are not as unlovely... but even if they are... it's best to move past it and try not to dwell upon it. I can dwell. *LOL* I do Hope your Christmas will be all you Hope for... and the New Year too... I'm so looking forward to Positive things in 2019!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope your holidays were lovely, Dawn. I had my share of stress, but being surrounded by loved ones made it all worth while.

      Delete
  22. Merry Christmas !
    There will alway be grumpy people.

    cheers, parsnip and badger

    ReplyDelete
  23. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with you family. May there be many more kind-hearted souls in your life than Scrooges.

    Happy New Year! (almost...) May 2019 treat us all well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had (and still am having) good times with my family. I know when they all leave and the house is quiet again, I might also have some down days and some crabby moments. I should stock up on some quarts of frozen yogurt to get me through the winter.

      Delete
  24. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. I've had that happen to me as well. Some people just feel that you owe them. Just this morning I was at Super Fresh and I was about to come out of an aisle onto the main floor, saw someone with a cart coming, and stopped to let them pass first, when actually, I should have gone first, but that's the way I am. They just brushed past me without a thank you. Whatever happened to manners?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Manners, please and thank you, and excuse me all seem to have been taken out of the dictionary. Some people don’t have time for them anymore. Sad.

      Delete
  25. Dear Arleen
    ✨Wishing you and your family health and happiness in 2019🎈
    I love visiting you and reading your heartfelt posts - you always have something interesting to say.
    I could picture you struggling with your large heavy trolley, with list in hand, locating the items you needed. Happily moving from one aisle to the next as all shoppers must do.
    Sadly it only takes one unfortunate rude person to change our mood from happy to stressed. Think of that person as the Grinch of Christmas...a very unhappy person.
    How wonderful to arrive back at your car to find that a certain Christmas Angel had found your gloves and tucked them in a safe place.💖
    A lesson in "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
    Much love to you in the year ahead dear friend.
    Shane xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you had nice holidays, Shane. This season brings about the best and worse in people but thankfully, most of us make it through it with a positive feeling.

      May 2019 be good to you and your loved ones. There is always hope in new beginnings.

      Delete
  26. Dear Maybe, well, that's life, the occasional grumpy old man! I think your attitude is great, you know how to appreciate what is good, the glove finders far outway the grumps of this world.
    Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2019.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year, Rosemary, and may you be surrounded by kindness and good cheer throughout.

      Delete
  27. Glad the Good Samaritan almost made up for that cranky Costco customer. It’s hard to replace your favorite gloves. I’ll never forget years ago when my cousin brought rolls of paper towels and other supplies to my grandma’s and she was so impressed that he had a Costco card. It had just opened here and he was the first one in the family to be a card carrying member. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and Happy New Year!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thinking of you, dear Julie, and hoping that 2019 will bring you what you need for a healthy and happy new year.

      Delete
  28. I do like your header photograph.
    I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas with your family.
    Happy New Year Wishes to you.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jan. I wish you, also, a very happy and healthy new year.

      Delete
  29. So glad you stopped in! Love that header up there, love that window! Is that your kitty?--sure is pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that is my Daisy, and yes, I think she is a beauty. It is always nice to see your blog on my dashboard.

      Delete
  30. I like your theme!It fits my experiences exactly....:)

    ReplyDelete