Merry Christmas!

We’re always wondering how we can help people in need.  Volunteering at Lighthouse Ministries reminded me of a discussion we’ve had on a number of occasions.  We’re always apprehensive about assisting people standing at intersections or street corners.  We both have compassion for these folks, but we can never be 100% sure what we give is put to good use.  One hard rule we both agree on is, we never give money.  We can offer words of support and encouragement, food, toiletries and the like, but no money.

I recall one such moment we ran into a gentleman who was asking for help.  We offered what we could but explained, no money, and Mag detected a slight sign of disappointment.  At that moment we weren’t prepared to offer anything but words, but we agreed to meet the same place tomorrow and we could provide some assistance.  Before our return, we put together a bag of supplies and goodies.  We arrived at the location, but we never saw the gentleman again.  As we drove home through the city, Mag suddenly asks me, “pull in here.”   The parking lot was empty, it was a bank, and in a corner of the lot I see a homeless person, a woman.  I park the car, not too close and Mag approaches the woman; I’m a little anxious.  I can see them chatting and Mag hands her the bag.  Mag has a special place in her heart for those in need, and always knows how to approach people in situations like this.  The contents of the goody-bag are not entirely tailored for a woman, but she was very grateful, and they both got quite emotional, not only for the items shared, but for the love and compassion in that moment.  It was beautiful.

Saturday Mag booked another double bill.  In the afternoon we drove to Bartow, about 10 miles south, for CHRISTMAS! At The Ole Bartow Farmers Market.  Spread across the downtown area were many vendors, some music, and the like.  We took a few minutes to walk through the Bartow Historical Society building, which was nice, and checked out the washrooms. 😉  It was a good walk around town then we headed back home for some dinner before the second event, Light up Bonnet Springs Park.

 It was opening night at the event in Bonnet Springs and traffic was very heavy, we got in the line of vehicles heading into the park.  We spent more than 45 minutes weaving through the parking area being guided by flag people, all stop-n-go, ending up being redirected out onto a street, where the guidance seemed to end, and at that, we gave up; we decided to call it a night.  Last year we visited Bonnet Spring Park and saw the lights, so we didn’t feel bad about missing it this year.  We may pick another night to enjoy the park but not that night.

I was able to team up with neighbor Bob, he and his wife Sue are from TN, for golf at a municipal course nearby.  We played 9-holes Monday afternoon with seven folks from the RV park.  I had a rough time making good contact with the ball that day.  Bob and I played 18 Thursday here at the park and it was much better.  I know what I need to do to improve my game, I just need to remind myself each time I approach the ball.  This group plays every Monday (Cleveland Heights) and Thursday (Sanlan); I am going to try to play as often as I can and, hopefully, continue to improve.  Cleveland Heights Golf Course has a history.  A real estate magnate H. A. Stahl purchased 950 acres on Lake Hollingsworth but lost it during the depression.   The town took it over for delinquent taxes and still operates it today.

We took hike on Acorn Hammock Trail not to far from us, about a five mile hike.  When we arrived at the parking area, we noticed a young woman with a dog.  While we were getting our stuff together, I noticed the dog wandering about, and I new instantly the dog did not belong to the young woman.  The dog, a female, was emaciated.  Mag quickly grabbed some snacks to feed the dog but we couldn’t get close to her.  The woman came over and relayed that she had contacted Polk County Animal Control but they wouldn’t be able to get someone there until maybe tomorrow.  She mentioned she has a dog and couldn’t transport the lost dog to the control center.  An gentleman appeared and had some dog treats and water.  The dog was extremely skittish and with much coaxing and distance, she ate some snacks Mag and the gentleman offered.  After a few moments we tried to get her on a leash so we could transport her to animal control; it was just a mile or two down the road.  It took some time but we finally got the dog into the truck.  During our drive the dog was so exhausted she couldn’t keep her eyes open.  As much as she felt she had to stay on-guard, her head just slowly lowered down and she fell asleep.  It was about a 15 minute drive to animal control because I took a wrong turn to nowhere but we dropped her off.  Mag filled out some paperwork and let them know she would be checking up on the dog in the coming days.   

Penny, the dog we named and dropped off at the PCAC, is becoming quite a story.  Mag joined a FB group where she posted images of Penny and the story.  Some 300+ FB’ers have liked/commented/shared the story.  A woman in the group shared photos of puppies that looked very similar to Penny who she rescued in the area near where we found Penny.  An animal rescue farm had expressed interest in taking in Penny and the puppies, which would be a wonderful story if they are in fact Penny’s and if it all comes together.  Mag has been keeping a close eye on Penny and is planning to stop by Animal Control to see Penny Monday.  Mag also put a hold on Penny, which apparently means we’d be adopting her if an owner doesn’t surface.  I don’t think we will be permanently keeping Penny but likely we’ll drop her off at the rescue farm.  We’ll keep you posted.

4-20241218_140711

Image 4 of 5