We go about our daily routine doing the things we do automatically and sometimes never noticing what is going on around us. Every day I pass a house on Forest Avenue as I leave work. I notice it but don't notice it as I pass. The first part of this week was different; it stood out for some reason, it caught my eye, it made me smile and now I look everyday. Each day something new has been added to the Christmas decorations on the house and throughout the yard. Yesterday I noticed the bicycle had lights in the spokes; I think that was new. Now I look forward to driving by everyday to see if I can pick out what is new and get my smile. It is worth the ride just to see it lit in all its glory; house, front yard, back yard and both sides.

I loathe our local superstore, you know that, but this morning when I got there it was not crowded therefore there were fewer looky loos which meant fewer shoppers to get angry with. I managed to find everything I needed in about 15 to 20 minutes because I had to look to see what was new and different since my last shopping trip in the grocery section. I added the stuff up as I went to make sure I had enough cash, spending my tip money on baking supplies for friends, and even picked up a few things not on my list. Spent less than anticipated and if I don't get any more brilliant ideas I am done shopping for their baked goods. Now comes the fun part; getting out of the store! 15 days before Christmas; 3 regular check-outs open, all filled with the few people who buy for the month and three 20-items-or-less aisles open. Unfortunately I could not go in the 20 or less so I was stuck behind Jane and John let's buy everything in the store that is not nailed down and a woman with two carts filled to the brim. "Jane and John" took their sweet time. They had to go over each item again as if it was something new and had just that moment appeared in their cart by magic. Finally old two-carts starts unloading. She could not unload as Jane and John finished because there were no dividers on our aisle. This woman bought every can of peas on the shelf, every pack of Ramen noodles, 10 packages of bacon, 10 or more packs of hot dogs, tons of orange juice, milk, snacks, meat; you name it she bought it. Finally down to the last few items and she just walks off so there we are, three or four deep behind her, just waiting. Finally she strolls back with a bottle of Pepsi and proceeds to pay. $249 plus dollars she spent. My turn arrives. I unload fast so as not to hold up the folks behind me any longer than necessary when my clerk tells them they have opened a new check-out on 12. Fifteen to 20 minutes to shop, 40 long minutes standing in line waiting to get out.

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