Gracely Frugal

 SOMETIMES on rainy days, I sit back with my legs extended above the ground, resting them on a cushioned chair in front of me. With my deliciously hot café mocha in my right hand and my bucket list in my left, I make a plan for the day.

My eyes zero in on a discount store in Langley called McFrugals. A very astute friend recommended it to me because it’s a two thumbs up store for bargain hunters. Besides staying at home and baking up a bunch of delicious treats, I could think of nothing more appealing and diverting than checking out the store.

I checked on line for clear directions. Wrote them down. Jumped into the car, and off I went. Eventually I found the store but the effort reminded me why I don’t like driving in that city nor in its neighbour. Too many signs. Too many add-on streets. Too much traffic. Upon seeing the store sign in a strip mall, I was instantly calm, and then the excitement light went on! I found myself in bargain haven.

More than two hours later, I had scoured the many racks and shelves. The end result was a mound of mixed finds, all encompassing the totality of at least eight Christmas gifts — mostly for the toddlers and a few of the adults, plus a group activity for when we will all be together. I did see a beautiful pair of OshKosh boots for an infant. They were $1.99. The problem was that they were both left feet. You really do have to be very astute when shopping these days!

As I attempted to find my way home, just by chance I spotted the Holland Shopping Centre — a rather small shop, with one lonely clerk. She asked if she could help me find something so I did give her something to do, while I perused the few shelves and bins. No bargain there; but, I did buy licorice root candies and a half dozen double beef croquettes for a special treat on a special week for a special person pretty darn soon. The wait will be worth it.

So, despite the dreary rainy day, it turned out to be metaphorically sunny, and the rest of it will be focused on finding the gift wrap, bows and ribbons!

HAUNTING HAUNTS

 HAUNTING HAUNTS

THIS afternoon at the Maple Ridge Library, 35 people gathered to enjoy a very interesting presentation about haunting stories and unanswered paranormal sitings in the region, and surrounding area.

Victoria Vancek and Gina Armstrong are sisters who have lived in our area for many years. Together they have always been intrigued by, and drawn into, the mystic of ghost stories and paranormal sitings. 

Since 2017 they have turned their fascination into a career and successful business. They research and investigate leads, and they educate and motivate people, through field trips, seminars, discussions, and their published works.

Unanswered questions intrigue and inspire them, and motivate them to investigate, elaborate, photograph and present their findings to the curious, the skeptical and the fascinated.

I just spent 90 minutes listening to their passionate and convincing tales and felt myself move from skeptical to fascinated, to the point that I may well join them on an actual field trip one day soon.

Whether real or imagined, some ghost and mysterious stories have carried on through the ages and others have remained unwritten and unanswered until now.  Yet others, more current, are still waiting to be found and shared. The tales can be eerie, odd, scary, funny and fascinating, questionable and plausible.

Whether real or imagined, completely false or factual, they all capture the imagination of the listener, awakening something within and causing them to yearn to know more.

This was an interesting, sometimes surreal experience making me wonder if the next creaking sound, odd hum, seemingly invisible image at the top of the staircase or chill will not be ignored, because quite possibly there may be something more to it after all! 

This was yet another enjoyable day in the journey called life!

PASSPORT SURPRIZES

 PLEASANT SURPRIZES

After weeks of thinking about the expiry date of my passport, and pining about all the negatives people were throwing at me about the slowness of service and the lengthy processing time, today was the day to let it go.

I arrived at the local Service Canada office a few moments before opening time. I was seventh in line. The doors opened at exactly 8:30. Six staffers greeted us and directed us to the appropriate cubicle. My papers were reviewed. The clerk inputted all the information into her computer, accepted my credit card, explained that my new passport would be delivered to my door within six weeks, and wished me a good day.

I was in and out within 20 minutes.

I am so glad I am not negative!