Category Archive:Moose Nuggets

A few weeks ago hubbymoose came home and found a man near our house who had sunk his truck (u-haul van) up to its hubs in soft mud. He offered to help. It took a few tries – hubby has an explorer – but eventually there was success. The man, who was down from Anchorage to work on a trailer, was grateful and offered to pay. Hubby shook his hand and said, that’s what neighbors do.

About a week later the man came down to our house to talk to hubby. “I see your house needs painted. I’m going to do that.” Hubby said we didn’t have the money to do that and the man shook his head. “I didn’t ask for money. I’m going to paint your house.”

And that was that.

We had about two weeks of drippy, rainy weather. We went about our normal work schedules and forgot about the offer.

A week ago Dexter showed up with a helper and began to scrape the house. They talked together and laughed – oh, how they laughed. That, in turn, caused hubby and me to laugh. We looked at each other and said, “at least they’re having fun.”

Two days ago they came back, armed with ladders, paint and equipment they would need. The taping began. More talk. More laughter. “Can we treat you to a pizza?” “No, Ms. Barbara. We fine. We fine.” The painting began. It met the neighbors approval. They came back yesterday and got the trim finished. We did treat them to Burger Bus and shared laughter around our table last night.

There is still a bit of finish work to be done. It will get done in due time.

We are humbled and blessed by these two men.

The sign on the side of their truck – GDEW. Hubbymoose asked the meaning . . . God Does Excellent Work.

Yes, yes he does. We are thankful.

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state of the house BEFORE Dexter showed up . . . last paint about 20 years ago.

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and, how it looks today. They even painted the bunkhouse behind the house!

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I spent this morning washing windows and curtains. Hubby asked me to make sure people know that you just never know people. You just never know how your kindness might be repaid. It is not why we do such things, but it is always a blessing when such things happen. I asked one of the men if they were believers. He said, “yes, Ms. Barbara.” I then told him how much he was blessing my husband’s heart by what they were doing.

Pass it on, folks. Pass it on.

He reached into his pocket and lifted out a packet. I shivered, looked around him and behind myself to make sure we were alone. This is dangerous business, I tell him. What if we get caught?

Don’t be a ninny, Susan. We’re not gonna get caught. You want ’em or not? First one’s free, ya know.

I, I dunno, Tommy. What if my mom finds out?

How’s she gonna do that, huh? You gonna tell her? Here, take one. Here’s water to help wash it down.

I took the water and swallowed a capsule.

My weight loss journey had begun.
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The impromptu prompt (see what I did there?) from VV this week, via facebook, was capsule. I don’t condone this type of weight loss, but a lot of us have fallen for this line over the years. This is how many lives of addiction start.

Velvet Verbosity

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The line stretched for what seemed like hours. Richard and Gretchen were getting impatient as many of the children were.

Gretchen whined, “Mummy, when shall we eat? I am so hungry.” Richard punched her in the arm and called her a baby, but their mother simply smiled in her stoic way.

“Soon, children. We are nearly there.”

The line inched forward until they were at the head. Mother took the children by their arms and handed them to the Major Domo.

“Sir, here is my offering for the feasting.”

Without looking back she left the arena as the children screamed.

Photo credit: susivinh / Foter / CC BY-ND

This is my offering for Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Word Challenge. A bit darker than my normal, but it felt right for the challenge.

Fairy tales all start the same. These days they do. Once upon a time. Blah, blah, blah. But, there was a time, long ago, fairy tales started differently. Each one, different from the other. Each one had a message.

They started, “Come children, hear.” And the stories. Oh, the stories. Scarey, monsterish, loving, frightening. No blah, blah, blah.

Parents teaching their children how to live in the world of Real. Real families discovered monsters under the bed. Real families were torn apart with no happily ever after. Real sent shudders down your spine.

And, so, once upon a time began.

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Fairy tales? Once upon a time? Velvet Verbosity challenges us with the word ONCE.

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Merry Christmas to all near and far. Remembering Whose birthday we celebrate today. Thankful to know His as my Savior.

Busy Christmas Eve . . . cooking, eating, family (see, commas ARE important!), food*, fun, and frivolity. Who could ask for more?

Whovian gifts (and one Elsa) knitted or crocheted and gifted.

Kids who tried to make mama cry with a special family gift.(sniffff)

New friends met – old friend reacquainted.

Late morning sleep in (hubby still abed at 8:30!) and another day dawns (well, not yet – this IS Alaska!) with a fresh coating of snow. Yes! We, indeed, got our White Christmas wish!

My wish for all of you is a day filled with family and joy, followed by a dawning new year filled with promise. My love to you all.

*By the way, I am no longer the baker, candy maker I used to be. One project over done (but acceptable) while another never set up and will likely find its way to the garbage – or meet spoons. lol. Think I will leave it to the pros from now on.