All is awesome in the neighborhood! We hosted our 7th Annual Memories and Reflections celebration Thursday evening and it is always leaves us a little bit drained.

I can’t say that it is a physical drain, but more an emotional drain—both the highs and lows.

We are so grateful to all our family, friends and supporters who come out to this event.  Sometimes it amazes me how those who have suffered with cancer and know the anguish, give the most. They give the most in hugs, and love. They often give more than they financially should. But they know how much a check and a card from the SLV Cancer Relief Fund means. It’s more than the $300 gift, it’s the energy from hundreds of folks who give, so that others may have some relief. At the Green Spot we are very proud of doing our part to help this organization. If you didn’t make our celebration and want to donate, please come by the store, and we will make sure your money gets to the right spot.

You want to know what else I’m thankful for? I am thankful for my little yellow truck! It is pretty amazing that I can park anywhere, go into a business and find my truck when I come out. Most vehicles are …well, everything but yellow. I have seen one other little, yellow truck, but my family tells me that that truck doesn’t have all the stuff in the bed of the pickup like mine. I used to joke that I married Larry for his memory (him being five years younger than me) and it was specifically for when we went to a mall shopping. He could usually get us back to our vehicle no matter how many stores we went to. This was years ago, because I couldn’t tell you the last time I went all day shopping out of town, or to a mall. It’s so very important to shop local!

I am realizing how hard it is to get your Xmas shopping done in Alamosa. This is especially true if you don’t want to shop at the Big Box stores (devil stores, I call them). I would encourage you to think outside the box and do different things. Such as: I wanted to say thanks to the City workers. I’ve sent them pies before, but this year, I bought lunches at Blessed Brews. It was great sending the City crews to a different place than they had visited before, so I’m sure they will return.  The sandwiches were delicious, as I found out when the water department invited me to have lunch with them.

Instead of junk gifts, I am trying to buy family jigsaw puzzles or coupons to the Sand Dunes Pool. Even a winter trip to the Sand Dunes would work on our sunny afternoons.  It really isn’t about the material gifts for Christmas, it’s about family and fellowship.  We all need to do our part to create a better world, a better community and even better children. It all starts at home.

Before I forget, the fund to purchase a wheelchair-accessible swing got a big boost this week. I was thrilled to learn about the $500 donation from the San Luis Valley Federal Bank. Peyton Sanchez was ecstatic to get the good news, via Duane Bussey. Please give your board of directors our sincerest thanks. I’m thinking that sometime this weekend we will count the donations and let you know next week how much we have raised so far, and the same goes for the SLVCRF. So many wonderful, generous folks out there. I am continually amazed at how the quarters and dollars add up.

I am wondering if anyone knows of emergency-type shelters that have been set up in Alamosa. I attended a meeting in November and numerous times it was mentioned how “faith-based” organizations needed to open up their churches — gyms, auditoriums, etc. — for the really cold nights. I don’t know of any churches who can afford to open up and do this — even though they might want to.  Buying cots and blankets, hiring staff/security, cleaning crews is more than most can afford — in my estimation. I can’t understand why our local homeless shelter can’t turn one of their properties into an emergency shelter. It seems, to me, that two sets of bunk beds in five bedrooms, and the family room, and the living room, would give shelter in the storm to many folks needing warmth. I never have been politically correct, have I? But soon it will be spring.

In closing, one of my friends with brain cancer, is offering Aikido classes on Saturdays beginning on Jan. 11. Come by the store for more information. If a bald, 68-year-old brain cancer patient can do it, so can you.  As Kathy Park says “it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” It could be her lifetime or it could be yours as there are no guarantees for any of us. Have a blessed holiday season Kathy and Henry. And to all of you, may the blessings multiply upon you and your families.