Lunch With Steve & A Cafe’s Generosity
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Earlier today, Steve picked me up to have lunch. We went to the same restaurant that we went to last time. They serve breakfast all day.
On the way to his car, I fell on a hill of dirt by the driveway. I have cuts on my nose and forehead. Somehow, dirt got in my mouth and my eyes. It was a sight. My nose went into soft dirt, and I guess I hit something hard. Otherwise, I don’t know where the cuts would have come from.
I will have one of Kendra’s guys come over and see about leveling that dirt and placing pavers around the driveway.
The Wildflower Cafe:
There was a waiting list at the Wildflower Cafe, so we had to sit about 30-40 minutes by the door. People were crowded around us, waiting for a table.
The woman at the front took people’s phone numbers and asked them to shop at nearby stores or to sit in their cars. She said she would call them when it was their turn for a table.
Sitting there, we watched homeless people come in and stand at the counter. We watched as the woman reached down behind the counter. She had ready-made meals already prepared and placed in sacks to hand to them.
She asked each one how they wanted their coffee and prepared it for them. Styrofoam cups were stacked next to a coffee maker, along with cream and sugar.
We were very impressed by this charitable and bighearted practice.
When we were leaving, Steve took one of the servers aside, told him how impressed he was, and thanked them. They said they accept donations, which is how they feed the homeless population. I shall remember that.
It’s wonderful to see someone who might not have eaten all day be treated with kindness and respect. All they had to do was walk in and say something to the woman behind the counter, and they were immediately taken care of.
They took their food and walked out to whatever makeshift haven they stayed in.
John & Boomer:
Yesterday, John came over with Boomer. Boomer races around the house, and I always have treats for him, so I got caught up in what was going on in John’s life.
I still see the neighbors there, and as you know, I’ve become friends with Smitty next door.
Smitty and I went to the Habitat for Humanity thrift store the other day. I’d never been to this one. He found a big animal cage for his foster animals. I didn’t buy anything.
Smitty and his wife, Tessa, are big animal advocates. They feed the neighborhood strays. And he said the neighbor on the other side of me paid for vet care for one of the cats.
I’m impressed by my neighbors’ generosity. All the cats are named. When Smitty went outside, I saw each cat sitting out front, expectantly waiting for him.
I have landed in a good place. A place where people are giving and compassionate, just like they are at the Wildflower Cafe.
On a separate note, I ordered an air fryer, so if you have easy air fryer recipes, please let me know in the comments.
You have the best neighbors… old and new! You are truly lucky and blessed! I’m sorry you got hurt! I hope you’re ok.
Sounds like a wonderful day. Steve is really a good friend. I’m glad you’re not hurt, but yeah… get that area fixed.
What a lovely cafe!! No wonder they have many customers!! A very nice thing to do for the homeless. Glad you seem to have good neighbors there too…I wish we did. Ah well…maybe we will eventually!!
It’s good to hear such wonderful stories. Gives us all hope in this crazy world.
I am so very happy that you have “landed in a good place.” And that you will be able to stay there as long as you want. Also, glad that you are keeping friendships from the former place and making new friends in your new neighborhood. I think you really deserve all of it and more! Hope you have a happy Christmas and New Year!
P.S. I know nothing about using air fryers but may learn about them as you report on using your new one!
Brenda, it makes my heart happy to hear stories like this and to know you have landed in a good community living in beautiful Mamie! Not 30 minutes ago all our smoke detectors went off because of our air fryer. Hubby bought it a few months ago to use mainly in the warmer months. I have not used it yet. I am not much of a cook anyway.
Hi Brenda, I found an air fryer salmon recipe on Pinterest that I love. 2 large salmon filets, 2 tsp dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 1 lemon, juice on top. Wash and pat salmon dry with paper towel, using a spoon spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard over each filet, then sprinkle on even coating of salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Set air fryer to 400 degrees and cook salmon approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes then drizzle each filet with the lemon juice. Easy and so so good! You can also bake potatoes in the air fryer. My air fryer is my best friend.
I feel so badly for you falling face down in dirt. We’re you wearing eyeglasses? I am a ‘fall risk’ and must use a walker for my poor balance.
That’s wonderful to have good new neighbors and visits from your old friends as well.
Have a merry Christmas!
I am not surprised that the Wildflower Cafe has a long line of customers willing to wait for service. I’m reminded of the Bible verse: “the Lord will not be outdone in generosity!” He has richly blessed that business in return for their kindness to “the least of our brothers.”
Merry Christmas, dear Brenda, to you and sweet Ivy!
Brenda, heartwarming…its the small businesses that are so giving..hope your cuts heal…also I’ve been following Mamie and her beautiful transformation. Happy Holidays to you, Ivy and your family
Good Day Brenda, what an uplifting story. All to often people in need get ignored or treated badly. This makes you know there are still good people out there.
I’m glad you were on after that fall. So good you didn’t really hurt yourself. It’s a good idea to put something solid there to stand on.
I do believe you have landed in the absolutely right place for you. Good neighbors are hard to come by.