Friday, November 13, 2015

Desert Trail Column, November 12, 2015

A HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) Outreach and Workshop will be held on Friday, November 13 at our community center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. HEAP provides financial assistance to pay for heating fuels, including electricity, oil, propane or wood. You must fall beneath certain income levels to qualify.

The USDA Food Distribution will be held on Monday, November 16 at the community center from 11 to noon. The He Provides Ministry will also be there with free clothing and household items for anyone who needs them.

We send out Rainbows-of-Topaz-and-Chrysanthemums to Carol Rogers and Karen Meyers who both celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday to both of you!


Darlene’s Commentary: I want to tell you about an extraordinary encounter with a stranger in the Old Schoolhouse Museum parking lot. My six-year-old grandson Hunter had worked on his Weed Show project diligently, and I was to take him and his project for entry before 9 am on Saturday. But because of a malfunctioning alarm clock (or setter) and the accidental dropping of the project, we were running very late, arriving at 9:05. We hopefully hurried toward the door, but it shut right in front of us. I was stunned, but before I could utter a word, Hunter said, “Don’t worry, Grandma, there’s another Weed Show next year.” What a kid! When we got to the car, a lady walked up to us and told Hunter that she’d seen his wonderful display from a distance and asked to see it close up. She discussed the project in detail and told him he could take it to school for Show-and-Tell, and went on with other comments and questions that delighted Hunter. His expression went from sad to happy because of a caring lady named Carolyn Robinson.

Karen’s Commentary:  I just read that water usage in the average US household is 255 gallons per day. Obviously, the average household is not in Wonder Valley! And at the Well Owners meeting, I was very happy to hear from Clarence Chambers that the water table underneath us is no lower today than it was many years ago.

Animal Action League is a wonderful organization that does spay and neutering, plus vaccinations and microchips, all at reduced prices to Wonder Valley residents. They are located just west of the dinosaurs on Highway 62 in Joshua Tree. Call them at 760-366-1100. Be part of the solution!

Handy Hint: For spot cleaning clothing or fabrics, use baby wipes. They are very effective and dry quickly.

Thought for Today: Cats regard people as warm-blooded furniture.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.


Wonder Valley sunrise. Photo: Teresa Sitz