Thank You For Your Service...the Long Weekend is a Nice Bonus

Friday afternoon, I was in the Hellmouth, shopping for groceries for the weekend. I stopped at a display of holiday baking staples and was inspecting the sprinkles inventory for something new and unique for my cookie decorating this Christmas, when I realized that I was blocking the display for an older gentleman. I immediately apologized and pushed my cart to the end of the display so that he could get a closer look. He was wearing a veteran's cap and I thanked him for his service. We got to chatting and I learned that, at 87, he still makes toffee every Christmas and was on the hunt for the slivered almonds that he needed for his recipe. As we chatted, another older gentleman approached us; he was also wearing a veteran's cap and he and the first gentleman exchanged handshakes and a short conversation about their service, which took place an entire generation apart.

I felt so honored to be in the presence of these heroes.

The following day, while in Hooterville to pick Queen B up from the airport (her original Friday flight was cancelled and she was rebooked for Saturday, which, grrrrr, but it was what it was), I found myself in traffic next to what our community has dubbed "The Trump Train", a convoy of vehicles that has been assembling every Saturday since early September.

I don't care who you voted for, and this isn't a passionate endorsement for Trump, but I can tell you that it brought a lump to my throat to see all of the American flags waving in the November breeze. It's worth noting that most of the drivers I saw were wearing veteran's caps. I am so grateful for their service and hope that we can all agree that we wouldn't have the freedom to disagree about our politicians without their service.

So, thank a veteran, today.

Not So New Job is closed today, and while I am on call, I am still enjoying the bonus day. I have enjoyed having Queen B home; we visited Miss Mia and her new precious bundle of love. That baby is teeny-tiny! She was a month early, but is also the product of a tiny mother and a not-terribly-large father, so I think she'll stay petite. We loved every minute of the baby cuddles.

While Queen B spent the night at Mia's, Mom and I grabbed dinner at the Thai restaurant in Hooterville before attending a production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at the community theater. 

I decided to try the pad thai and chicken satay, and both were very good. I will probably return to the drunken noodles the next time we visit the restaurant, but I'm glad I tried something different.

Our little community theater has been undergoing an outside building renovation for the past several months and the results are impressive. I do think they missed an opportunity to add marquee lights on the sign, but the new doors and stained glass inserts are quite lovely. The remodel has a 40's vibe and I'm digging it.

The rest of the weekend was dedicated to the construction of my Christmas village, which, is taking longer than usual or necessary. I hope to finish it today and will definitely be documenting it becuase this much work deserves to be immortalized.