Veteran's Day

 It has become a tradition, after posting the American Flag out front, that I try to see how much free food I can get due to my status as an Army Veteran.    My granddaughter compiled a list for me, and I headed for Denny's at 7:00am.    They offer the Grand Slam, and I paid for the coffee.    

For lunch I headed to a place I frequent, but although they had a very thoughtful display for the veterans, they were not staffed for the crowd that was there at 12:30.    I checked my list and went to the Lazy Dog on the old Texas Instruments campus in Stafford.    I was told I could have ANYTHING on their extensive menu, to include a bottomless glass of iced tea.    I went for the fish and chips.    I had never been there before, but I will definitely return.    The interior is quite beautiful and the service was top-drawer.

For Dinner, I met my family at the Pluckers in Stafford.   This time I had a chicken salad and more iced tea.   

These locations were well attended by veterans, and I felt very respected.   The offerings ranged from free donuts to a free haircut (my own barber would object) to a full meal, and all were within a short drive from the house.

A Preschool Fall Festival

 I took my ride-on train to a small fall festival Saturday that was being held by a new day care center.   These parents formed their own day care recently after their daycare center abruptly closed.   One Hope jumped through a lot of city and state hoops, and is now fully licensed.   A founding family has ties to our church, so I wanted to help.

They tell me about 40 families showed up, but most of my passengers were made up of about 5 kids, who, apparently, were watching the train for any opening so they could ride again.    One young man was rather insistent that he be allowed to ride continuously, but we finally convinced him to give at least three other kids a chance before commandeering the iron horse.  I also used him as a demonstrator for the more reluctant tourists.

Then there was a little boy who was fascinated by the train, but who absolutely refused our offers for him to ride.   He followed the figure-8, examined the wheels, and generally giggled as someone else rode.

I will state that the kids had fun.    There were all sorts of kid-friendly games.   The event next to me was a cake walk, geared to 3 year olds!    There was even a self-contained snow cone stand on wheels, with a very wide selection of flavors.

One Hope is located between my home and my church.   My plan is to offer storytime every Thursday, after I read to the kids at Meadows Preschool.

Ring-Tailed Tooter

 It occurs to me that I haven't blogged about my church.   Not sure why not, I drive there about Four times a week.    So, here is my first church-related story.

I have known our preschoolers all THEIR lives.   I have sat with them in the nursery and I work with them in Sunday School.   One of them sits with me in the sanctuary while Mommy leads the singing.   And, I offer the Children's sermon about once a month.

Little C........... is a rambunctious, rather active little four year old.   She tests all boundaries, to include her Mommy's last nerve.   She can be a RUNNER!    She has taken to sliding out of her seat on the piano side, during the hymns, and may slip down the way to sit next to me, who sits on the organ side of the worship center.   Her face tells me she believes she is getting away with something.

This past Sunday, she appeared on the pew, next to me, sat down, head barely above the back of the pew and offered an angelic countenance. I glanced over at her Dad, but he was focused on something else, and I did not see Mom.   Bless me Father, for I have sinned, but I kept my eyes open during the pastoral prayer.    Sure enough, Mom comes back down the aisle from looking for big brother, and I can see her mouthing to Dad, "J..., where is C...........?"    Dad gave the trademarked sit-com father look, and I knew someone was in Trouble.   I tried to get Mom's attention, which only got the attention of those behind me.    Mom finally spotted her daughter next to me, and shrugged.     The little darling, with the other angels in the congregation, then went up to the stage for the Children's sermon, and the excitement was over.

You will not see pictures of the children on these pages.    The Internet has a bad habit of reposting pictures, and not always for good purpose.   I guess we'll have to stick with pictures of trains and presidential homes.