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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

It is Official !

 Yes, it is for real,  I am now a volunteer in the Friends of the Library Shop in Bellevue.



I know, it is pretty exciting, and even though it is just a three hour commitment twice a month.it is an important position.

So, the first day in the shop was very nice. I had been trained in the marking room and read my manual, so I was prepared.   Lois was great.  She let me take care of all the purchases.  There are only three steps.  Add in each book, press the total button which includes tax, then put the $$ into the cash register.   Don't forget to give change. (  √ )  Give correct change   ( oops, well, he returned the extra dollar )    Offer a receipt  ( oops )  At the end of your shift you count the money. Two parts....
never mind.   It was a good day.  I think I will always like working with Lois.  Both of us found a couple books to buy.


Day two. A different story.  For one thing, when you are in the first shift, you need to arrive 15 minutes early to get the shop ready.   
My co-worker was all smiles and said he waited but thought he better get things ready.  He reminded me it would be a good idea  to be on time.  I agree. I just hope no one important like my girl in Minnesota calls and I get carried away listening.    
enough said.
It did not take long to get acquainted with Mr. Right  ( they always are you know ).  He knew alot about a lot of things.  He had a collection of books, mostly rare and valuable.  He paid $400. for one of them.  I did not bother to tell him about my little collection of  books, mostly inexpensive and easy to find cookbooks.    He also just happened to mention with the Seahawk game coming up that he was only 50/50 Hawk fan. Otherwise, he was a Jet's fan.  Living on the East coast for many years he went to the games and sat in the suites.  Oh, but here, he can also sit in the suites, but maybe only once a year. 
I could have told him my story.  Which one?   Sitting in the reserved seats thanks to our friend, one of the most famous of all Mariners !  Or, sitting in the Diamond Club with one of our most generous friends from Tacoma. Or the good old days, coming early to catch balls in batting practice and sitting in the very cheapest seats ever.  Now those were the days. 
Nope, I kept quiet.
Yes, it did not take long to get to know a little bit about Mr. Right.  He traveled to Paris every year when living on the East Coast.

OK. Now you know more than you want to know ( if you are still with me )

But I am enjoying my new job.  The payment comes in many ways.
!.  As a volunteer, I get to have first pick of the donated books as they come into the shop.
2. Customers smiles when they carry out their bargains.
3. an opportunity to be a " light" when the time is right.


Then, if you are feeling a little light-hearted, or empty in the tummy,   you can head to my favorite breakfast ....Goldberg's


Deep fried french toast, bacon and fresh fruit.    
Need I say more...

Saturday, November 22, 2014

A Favorite Restaurant

yes, we have been there many times
      we especially enjoy the "atmosphere"

Usually the guys sit in this chair, but this time, I got the privilege

a favorite restaurant
because
it is entertaining.
Usually. 
You see, the setting is Mom's kitchen from back in the black and white tv days.
  the   50's



so the waitress will make you set the table
introduce you to your " cousins" at the nearby tables.
scold you if your elbows are on the table.
deny dessert if you do not finish your meal





Naomi was a great waitress. She introduced a bride and groom from Mexico. Then she told them our American custom of feeding each other a piece of cake.  She gave them a piece of cake so they could try it.  Everyone was happy for them.



Naomi was not our waitress


Elizabeth did a nice job of singing Happy Birthday to two birthday groups. She sat down on  at the table with each party.

Elizabeth was not our waitress.






A cute little couple were celebrating their  anniversary at the table next to ours. 
They got no song and dance.   But, they didn't seem to notice. 

What's her name was probably having a bad day.


We will probably be back there next time.  The meal loaf is great !

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Three Special Occasions 



One in Tallahassee, one Orlando,  one Minneapolis 


Three memorable moments.



    The bride and groom.  A lovely wedding.  We have known the groom for quite awhile and we like him. OK, we love him. ( part of the reason to fly across the country for a wedding ).  But the bride. We did not know her. We had never met her. We had seen her picture and knew that she was a very-pretty  lady .  It was not until the reception, when her maid of honor shared her long time friendship with Amber and her inner beauty    I wish I could remember every word, but I remember enough to know the important part.  Amber has loved God since she was a little girl.  Her life has been devoted to giving honor to the Lord.    That was all I needed to hear...... 
Very happy for you Nick  and Amber.

This little gal, Opal is her name, was selling products that have been recycled. That intrigued me because my grandkids have collected bottle caps and now I have a picture of something they can make with them.         But her comments about Americans is what impressed me the most.  She was using the guests at the park as an example. They walk by one another as though they were invisible.Never a smile or a nod of the head. In her country, that would be unacceptable.  That is the word she used. Unacceptable. A feeling of being caught up in our own little world.  Self. 
 Even if she did not know the person along the way,
 she would at least smile and often even engage in conversation. 
Please smile at a stranger today. 


These two charmers were having a little visit with me and asked " am I a Christian?" I explained that they can say YES, because both of them asked Jesus into their heart this summer. 
Nothing could make me happier. 

 Three places to sit and chat 





Three places for dancing

                       a wedding, a park, at home  



With friends

With strangers




With family.


                                                                               Dining in style 


Wedding feast



Grand Hotel



Community "empty bowl" .  Pick out a bowl, enjoy soup and bread, leave a donation for those who have nothing to put in their bowl. 



              Taking care of business
Photographer

Conservationist

snowplow-er


 Three amazing bouquets 

Church side



park side








Bed side

Frosting on the cake.......
Wedding








Hotel



Birthday 


New and interesting tastes   
















and always,  that great cup of coffee





So, as I reflect on a long and fun filled vacation what is still lingering in my mind 
( aside from time with family and friends of course ).

A mental picture:

The hotel lobby where we have stayed many times and are always thrilled ( yes thrilled) to hear their intercom music .  " His Eye is on the Sparrow".  Yes, at a  Disney hotel.  We have heard it for many years. I don't think it will ever change but I KNOW the one whose eye is on the Sparrow will never change. 
 He is still in control. 

YES !