WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
It’s “Crunch Time” for those still looking for those special Christmas gifts. The day after tomorrow is Christmas and tomorrow marks the end of Hanukkah. I wish the spirit of the season to those of all faiths and beliefs.
If the Snowbirds haven’t already done so, they will soon be leaving for the warmer weather down south. Some are already there and have had the opportunity to put many miles on their golf carts. In a way I envy them, because they’ll not be concerned about having to deal with shoveling snow or scraping the ice off their car windows. They probably won’t be adding any of that blue stuff used regularly here in Michigan which helps rid your windshield of that dried salt build up. This paragraph is directed mainly to those who spend the winter in Florida. It’s pretty much the same in the southwest, except that the Arizonians are more familiar with scorpions than they are with palmetto bugs. Palmetto bugs are really cockroaches with a suntan. Anyway, if you’re a snowbird, I wish you a safe journey, and we’ll keep a light on for you.
A final word to you last-minute shoppers. Please have patience for your fellow shoppers and for the customer service personnel in the stores. It’s not the salesperson’s fault if the store is out of that special item you’ve been looking for. It’s not another shopper’s fault if you’ve procrastinated and are still out doing all of your holiday shopping with only hours to spare. In most cases, the person who has caused the problem is the person you look at in the mirror every morning. My wife has been done with her shopping for several weeks now and hasn’t left the house that much. She shops throughout the year, which amazes me.
If you want to really have a good time shopping, greet fellow shoppers with a smile and a friendly “Hello”. You’ll be amazed at how many smiles you’ll receive in return. Also, you might want to thank the person at the cash register for working. This gesture doesn’t cost a cent, and it works wonders on a person’s attitude. Upon exiting the store, please return your shopping cart to one of the handy cart corrals. Just another friendly gesture.
Like Thanksgiving, there will be several groups who will offer a FREE holiday meal to those in need. For that warm and fuzzy feeling, volunteer to help out at one of these events. Check with a local church to see if they will be opening up their kitchen to those less fortunate.
With the holidays come many opportunities to over eat. The strict diets are put on the back burner and the napkins are tucked securely in your collar. I know very few people who know when to stop eating. I’ve been known to eat until I’m uncomfortable and end up paying for it later. Here are some foods that will help get rid of an upset stomach: bananas, ginger (ginger ale), plain yogurt, papaya, apple sauce, oat meal, white rice, chamomile tea, and chicken broth. I keep reminding myself that this is not my last meal, but my taste buds take over, so I end up paying for it. Sometimes you just can’t fix stupid.
We keep our car inside a garage, so I only have to scrape the ice off when I go somewhere and leave the car out in the cold for a long period of time. If you’re not a fan of scraping the ice off your car’s windshield, keep a spray bottle in your car filled with a mixture of 2/3 vinegar and 1/3 water. I’ve never tried this, but I’ve been told that it does work.
In closing, I’d like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. May this special time be filled with love and joy. Please take the time to let everyone you love know just how much they mean to you. If you plan to travel, please travel safely and with patience for other drivers.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
