It was Christmas Eve. I was traveling to my hometown, to visit my family for the holidays. I decided, at the last minute, to go home for Christmas, and I wanted to surprise my parents and siblings. I decided to drive, as opposed to flying, for a number of reasons. Because my plans were sudden, I knew there was a chance that a rental car would not be available, once my plane landed at the airport. If I couldn’t get a car, I knew everyone would be busy, and although they would be happy to see me, they may not be able to drop everything and come pick me up at the airport. I had rented a Santa suit, and I planned to put it on, ring the doorbell, and see how long it took for everyone to realize it was me. The trip went smoothly - until I reached my hometown. My car began to spit and sputter, then it shut off. I coasted into the shopping mall parking lot, thinking I could call for a family member to pick me up and I could leave the car there until a garage opened up the day after Christmas. As I expected, the mall was closed. I saw lights on, at a nearby shopping plaza, so I walked over, hoping to find a fast food joint or a pharmacy that was still open. There was one store open, but to my surprise, it was the borescope rental store. I don’t know who would ever need to rent a borescope on Christmas Eve, but I’m happy that the store owners thought someone might need one on the night before Christmas. I called my parents, who quickly came to pick me up. They were surprised to see me, although I wasn’t able to make the entrance that I had planned. 

My son’s football game resulted in more than a win for the team. I made a major purchase on the way home. The game was an away match against a team that they have not previously played. My son rode the bus, while my husband and I made the trip in our pickup truck. On the way there, we saw an antique store. I am an antique collector, so I was hoping the store would still be open when the game was over. Following the game, my husband and I headed home, choosing not to join the team for their celebration meal at the local McDonald’s. Since it was a Saturday afternoon, I did not know which sign would be displayed in the store window when we arrived… open or closed. The store was open, but it was ten minutes to twelve. I quickly ran to the door, in case they planned to close the store at noon. I found a beautiful antique teak furniture set. Good thing we had the pickup!