Then it happened.

I went into bathroom to shave and get ready for day. The first thing I noticed was a piece of paper taped on my mirror with words in bold print, "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30." I chuckled as I pulled it off mirror.

I finished dressing and headed for kitchen. When I went to pour a cup of coffee there is a piece of paper taped on coffeepot. "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30."

I opened refrigerator door to fix my breakfast and taped inside was a piece of paper. "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30."

This was getting to be a little ridiculous. Taped on television screen was another piece of paper. "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30."

In fact, all over house were little pieces of paper: "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30."

I could not believe love of my life did not trust me with this assignment. I will confess to you, my feelings were just a little bit hurt at this lack of confidence.

You think you know somebody and then they treat you like this. To say I was indignant is to grossly underestimate my feelings at time.

I took it, however, like man I am and went about my business for day.

When I came home for lunch I saw notes again, which refueled my indignancy, but I refused to let that get me down.

I headed back for my office and tucked in back of my head 2:30 appointment.

Back in office, I busied myself with my work for day. I must say work was going extremely well. Atypically, telephone did not ring once. It was absolutely heaven.

I glanced at my watch and noted that it was 2:55 and congratulated myself with a good day's work. As I looked at my watch, I had feeling I was overlooking something. I racked my brain, but nothing came.

Then telephone rang. As it rang, a light- bulb went on in my head. When I picked up phone my wife was on other end and simply said, "Don't forget to pick up our grandson at 2:30" and hung up phone.

A familiar feeling crept into my mind; my goose was cooked and it was well done.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with lowly, than to divide spoil with proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:18-20 KJV.)

The outside temperature registered to be 18 degrees. And, on top of that, if you haven't experienced Northern winds, you know nothing yet of cold. The inside of a refrigerator is warmer than here. What was I thinking?

Mustering all common sense that remained within me, I made conclusion it was time to put on my coat.

Being that it was only as far as next corner and fact that they carry some of my most favorite 'no brand name' junk food, next stop was Aldi's; where someone had left a cart in parking lot. No doubt, they hadn't worn a coat, either.

So, I saved another 25 cents and nice part is that cart was still warm! Therefore, it was with quick speed that I made it inside store. (Awe, warmth! We should never be without it.)

Another shopper said, "This is much warmer than yesterday," and all she wore extra were gloves. Isn't that just like people, to rub it in?

As it worked out, I guessed and managed, and didn't spend more than unplanned cash in my billfold. And with that, now I know to only put half as much in your cart and you won't run out of money.

However, with my mad dash for sunshine (which was now gone 'only God knows where'), I had forgotten to bring grocery bags (or even to grab empty boxes in store) and there was no way I was purchasing store bags and squander my savings; even if they are only 3 cents each.

Therefore, as you might have guessed, groceries were strewn, into back seat of car, quickest way they would land. But hey, I got quarter out of cart before leaving. Sure, I had spent forty some dollars there. But, I came out a quarter richer. Now, you can't beat that. Though, I sure am glad they didn't require blood!

The next stop was to get gasoline, only because hubby said I needed to. If anyone had asked me, I'd rather have strolled into garage on fumes.

And of course, this gas station just happened to be one of those with a nasty sign that says you actually have to remain outside of car until gas pump stops. The next time, I may just fill up car when gas tank is almost full ~ as I was one shrunk behind pump, hiding from wind. For real, I could have peed faster than this!

But, as they say, "All is well that ends well," and I finally made it home. However, by time I got all groceries drug from out of car, on both sides, I was beginning to have visions of grandeur.

The computer chair looked like such a cozy retreat, it was calling my name. Only, wouldn't you know, groceries still needed putting away. I declare, a woman's work is never done. I think I heard that somewhere before. But, as luck would have it, I, somehow, survived.

As for rolls of Christmas wrapping paper still in trunk, who cares?

The following day, I opened trunk of car and showed hubby my great find; and got crowned Queen Shopper for a Day. He was so pleased at savings that he took care of putting away rolls of paper.

It's a good thing that we actually have places to store these special finds. So, be forewarned, Wal-Mart, on next sun shining day, I'll be headed your way!

Though, in event you haven't guessed, moral of this story is ... even if sun is shining, as long as there is still snow on ground, it's just a mirage.

© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/