We had such a nice, pleasant fall that it is hard to realize that cold weather has arrived. Frosty windows in the morning, an extra blanket on the bed, long pants and sweatshirts, and mittens in every coat -pocket are all part of the icy change. There may be some attitude changes as well, and of course, I will dwell on the happy side of the coming winter.
Last week on a trip to Reno we stopped at Costco. Stan warned me that it would be nuts, and in truth it proved to be double nuts. Finding a parking spot challenged us to start the visit, an absence of carts at the door welcomed us, but once we overcame these two problems the shopping ran smoothly. In spite of the crowds, we navigated the store with ease, grabbing this and that as my list of 3-4 items expanded to 29. While it appeared that check-out might present a snafu, employees greeted us as they quickly boxed and bagged and bade us a merry farewell. A lack of difficulties restored my faith in people.
The same friendliness met us throughout the day and confirmed that I am surrounded by good people. Polite servers in restaurants, respectful shopkeepers everywhere, and well-mannered fans at UNR basketball rounded out the day. Naturally winning the game caused people to be happier and more courteous, but then again, winning is nice.
Moving to Turkey Trot planning and pre-registration, sign-up has been brisk and even though we ran out of youth sizes and hoodies early on, people understand the dilemma of ordering for 300+ participants based on last year’s attendance.
We are currently on the way to setting a record and you know that is good for our community and our respite and education programs. Each year, to prepare for the coming year, day by day I mark what size shirt is still on hand and how that compares to previous years.
I am thrilled to say that we have more babies in onesies joining the fun in 2023 plus probably double the number of kids. I love sending the message to young ones that doing something for someone else, even an unknown individual or family on a potentially chilly day, makes for a better Thanksgiving and thus a better community and world.
Adding to registration we received two large donations from Humboldt Connections and Suicide Prevention and Nevada Gold Mines. Because of the generosity this year I don’t have to fret about paying the bill for the shirts as they are already covered.
Whew!! Plus, many marvelous people throughout our community have included bonus cash so I know that our projects will thrive during the coming year. The only potential downer is perhaps snow may fall Thanksgiving morning, but for me I love the beauty of sparkling flakes on noses and shoulders to spark enthusiasm for the run, walk, or ride. I do not covet the possibility of slippery roads, but attendees are careful so I try not to worry.
Then there are Lowry Wrestlers who lead us and Lowry Cheer who guide us along the route. So often I hear negativity about “kids these days”, well, these two fantastic groups establish the fallacy of such a phrase. Friendly, happy, and excited high school kids create a powerful impression for everything that is excellent about “kids these days”. While running in the morning I have encountered the Wrestlers a few times. Most respond “Hi” to my good morning salutation and many smile and wave. I recognize that a few of them wonder why I am so happy about this form of exercise, but a good part of it, besides a 50+ year addiction, is the team – the reflection of the bright future these individuals hold for the rest of us.
A final mumble I hear upon occasion is the holiday lights that already adorn many homes. I love the bright twinkles and don’t mind that it is only November as long as they aren’t the falling down lights that decorate houses in August. But even the messy lights have a reason beyond my knowledge and I remind myself I have not been designated as the judgment appointee. It is my job to smile and enjoy the day. I hope you had a marvelous holiday filled with all of the good things that make life better, stronger, and more joyful.