Helping out after our winter storm

Some skiers apparently did a "rain dance" just before the "snow dance" and the Gods answered their prayers. As for the people of Fernley, we hope they can recover from the flooding they had on Saturday, which ruined or damaged countless homes. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the emergency agencies assisted immediately. To aid the Red Cross in helping those people, write a check to the American Red Cross, 1990 Corporate Blvd., Reno, NV 89502. FEMA will be there, too. In the meantime, if you live near a ditch or river, check to see if you have flood insurance. You never know.

•••

The great snowplow drivers were on the ball and plowed lots of streets, and not only did they plow, several little "shovel angels" dug out M's driveway. Apparently, the little girls next door did it. A couple of days earlier, they were selling hot chocolate from a curbside stand. Someday, they'll be CEO's of companies, we think. Many thanks.

•••

Lucy Adams sent us the following: "An old, tired looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home, but he followed me into the house, went down the hall and fell asleep in the corner. An hour later, he got up, went to the door, and I let him out. The next day, he was back, and the same scene was repeated. This continued for several weeks. Since I was curious, I pinned a note to his collar saying, 'Every afternoon, your dog comes to my house for a nap.' The next day he arrived with a different note pinned on: 'Max lives in a home with 10 children ... he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?'"

•••

It was great to see Lt. Commander Bryan Heller become Commander Bryan Heller, as he was sworn in by his brother, Congressman Dean Heller. His family is thrilled to have him home on leave (especially since he can now shovel snow for his wife, Kristi, instead of her having to do it). Congratulations.

•••

Two new restaurants have opened up, Jackie Behan and Jerry Massad's "J's Old Town Bistro (formerly the "Old Corner Bar")" is now open for dinners in Dayton (you'll have to call the Crackerbox for the phone number); also Jeff and Jim Phelan opened The Firkin & Fox (in the old St. Charles Hotel). Give both places a try ... um, um, good.

•••

Speaking of restaurants (or beauty salons or doctors or any place you call for reservations or appointments), we have heard of people placing reservations for dinner, then never showing up. Don't people realize that they have to order extra food, have enough help on hand, etc., to accommodate you and your party? A phone call would suffice, however, some people are so inconsiderate that they just ignore the situation, leaving those businesses to hang in the wind. We thinks (yeah, we know that's not a word) that said restaurants should charge a non-refundable deposit when making reservations for a fine dinner, then, if the people don't show up, at least they'll have something to show for it. And if those people never show up again, who cares? Shame on you, if you're one of them.

•••

We saw a letter in the paper from Bill McCord, that you can help our veterans in hospitals by buying a phone card, having it activated, and sending it to the First United Methodist Church, 400 W. King St., Carson City, NV 89703, or directly to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Attn: MCEUL/Chaplin's Office, CMR402, APO AE09180. That way, our wounded vets can call home without them or their families having to pay. What a great way to help out. Thanks.

•••

Carolyn had to say seven Hail Mary's and an Our Father for leaving out her future son-in-law's birthday, Northern Nevada's greatest fisherman (sorry, Don), Aaron Brown. Happy Birthday ... and to Kapono Fuller, too. Sister Marie McGloin asked us to thank everyone at St. Teresa's who helped put together a great Christmas for those in need, so thank you all. Wild Horse Children's Theater will be holding auditions for "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. for children ages 5-15 at the Children's Museum in Carson City. Call 887-0438 for details. Also, call if you want to be a member of their ongoing "Cabaret Kids" group. Sounds like fun.

•••

We're sorry Sen. Joe Biden dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination, but maybe the nominee will be smart and make him the next Secretary of State. We also noticed in the New Hampshire debates Saturday night that most of the candidates looked very tired and worn. This two-YEAR campaign is a blot on our system ... it wears down the contenders, wears us down just by having to listen to the rhetoric, and drives us crazy knowing that all the time they are blowing hot air, they could be DOING the things they are arguing about, instead of yakking about them. Come on folks, get a clue!

•••

It may seem a little late, but we just got PG&E's Storm Preparation Recommendations: Have fresh batteries for your flashlights and radios; have a cell phone or hard-wire phone on hand; be VERY CAREFUL if you use candles; fill liter-sized plastic bottles with water and place in freezer ... if there's a power outage, place them in the refrigerator and don't open the refrigerator more than necessary. If you have a generator, know how to use it. If you see a downed power line, do not go near it ... let the power company know immediately, or call 911. If your power goes out, turn off all your electrical appliances so, that when they come back on you can turn them on one at a time and not overload your circuits. Leave one light on, so you will know when the power resumes. Good ideas to be prepared (just like carrying water, energy bars and blankets, etc. in your car for emergencies).

•••

Karl Yonkers came up with this one: "A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman. Suddenly, the light turned yellow and he stopped his car. The woman honked her horn and screamed obscenities as she dropped her cell phone and makeup. In mid-rant, she heard a knock on her window and was told by a serious policeman to exit the car with her hands up. She was taken to headquarters, photographed, fingerprinted and put in a cell. After a couple of hours, she was released, and, as the officer was returning her personal effects, he said, 'I'm very sorry for the mistake, but you see I pulled up behind you as you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak. I noticed the 'What would Jesus do?' bumper sticker, the 'Choose life' license plate holder, the 'Follow me to Sunday School' sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed the car was stolen.'" Amen. Have a great week!

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse can be reached by e-mail at carolynandmaizie@yahoo.com.