Picture Santa Claus broken down in the middle of Washoe Valley with a broken clutch. Deciding he couldn't fix it, he held up his thumb and was picked up by the first person who came along. Not only did this nice man pick SC up, he took him to the Creekside Restaurant for a lunch date he had with two people and would not take a cent for his kindness. While we don't condone hitchhiking OR picking people up, it's nice to see the milk of human kindness still exists. Then SC had the truck towed to Borda's, where Dana Borda did indeed agree with the broken clutch scenario, and told him where to get it fixed. He didn't charge anything, either, but told the old elf to "buy some kids some ice cream" in payment. There are sure some nice people out there ... and we KNOW they won't get coal in their stockings this Christmas. Thank you.
•••
Carl Dahlen saw Maizie at the 3rd St. Farmer's Market on Saturday and took her, Louise and Rory Hogen, and Terry Ward, on a tour of the new addition to the Presbyterian Church. It's going to be lovely, with space for about 500 people, new stained glass windows and a beautiful, new hand-stained wooden cross for the altar. The Presbyterians should be pleased. And, by the way, the Farmer's Market is a great place to get fresh produce, and to while away an hour talking to people like the Hogens, Bob Crowell, June Joplin, and the ever wonderful Linda and Ralph Marrone. It's a leisurely pace where you can sit at tables in the shade, drink coffee, or eat quiche and sweet rolls. Nice time on Saturday mornings, and you still have time to be there next week.
•••
While we're in a light-hearted mode, Shelly Schroeder sent us this Internet gem: "A teacher was explaining to her 4th grade biology students, that 'human beings are the only animals that stutter.' A little girl raised her hand and said, 'I had a kitty cat that stuttered.' The teacher thought 'how precious,' so she asked the little girl to explain. 'Well, I was in the backyard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door jumped over the fence into our yard.' 'That must have been scary,' the teacher smiled. 'It sure was,' replied the little girl. 'My kitty raised his back, went 'Ssss, Ssss, Ssss,' and before he could say 'S..t,' the Rottweiler ate him.'"
•••
We also heard from a friend attending the Governor Palin speech, that, during the National Anthem, protesters were shouting, "Obama, Obama, Obama," instead of saluting the flag. We agree completely with him, that it was EXTREMELY disrespectful ... they ought to rethink their actions in the future.
•••
Out of the mouths of babes: Marissa and Luke Pusich were riding with their mother when they heard Toby Keith sing "I Love This Bar" on the radio, especially the line that he sings about "dancing girls and hookers." "Did you hear that?" yelled 7-year-old Marissa. "He said 'boogers.'" "No, he didn't," says her brother, 10-year-old Luke, "He said 'burgers.'" Their mother didn't say a word.
•••
Lots of people celebrating their natal days this week: The Big C ("over 21"), Katie Jesse, Jack Heller, Mary Wahlin, Eileen Paloolian, Sheryl Lindquist, Paula Morton, Bettye Ruggeri, and Tie He. The Fire Department better be on high alert for all the candles that'll be burning. Also, nice to see Lisa and Jerry Allred this week at Creekside.
•••
PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will be hosting a "Candidate's Night" on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Hall at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (on the corner of Saliman and E. William). It's a good time to meet the candidates and hear what they have to say (particularly since the election is only a month away from then). Everyone is welcome.
•••
Sunday, Sept. 28, is the date for the Terry Lerud Memorial Foundation's "Tastevins, Jazz & Libations" at Thunder Valley Golf Club from 2-6 p.m. ($40; or $50 at the door ... call 851-0278 for sponsorships and/or details). The money will go to the Outdoor Terrace and Healing Garden at the CTRNC's Cancer Center, and is in memory of Terry Lerud, who passed away of lymphoma in April '07. What a great way to remember a loving father.
•••
We think maybe Guantanamo needs some new prisoners, since President Bush said the "short sellers should be persecuted" at a press conference the other day. Do you think he meant "prosecuted?" Or was he right the first time?
•••
Interesting that a "Miss Nevada Latina" was just crowned. It's the old problem ... can you imagine the hue and cry if they had a contest for a "white" Miss Nevada? Apparently, that ain't PC, but the other way is OK. Anyone care to explain?
Have a good first week of Autumn.
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.