HughesNet, Part 2

Well, after my unsuccessful call with HughesNet customer service yesterday. I thought I would try again to download the updated software.

So, I woke up at 6:30 a.m. to use the “Free Zone” that HughesNet has. The time in between 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., where you can download more than the allowed 250 MB per day.

I started the download and here is what happened:

Started at 6:37 a.m. – 1.05 GB to download, Time 65 minutes

6:41 a.m. – 86.4 downloaded, Time left 56 minutes

6:45 a.m. – 200.8 downloaded, Time left 50 minutes

6:48 a.m. – 86.4 downloaded, Time left 56 minutes

6:53 a.m. – 285.7 downloaded, Time left 46 minutes

6:57 a.m. – 350 downloaded, Time left 43 minutes

7:00 a.m. – 395.6 downloaded, Time left 40 minutes

7:03 a.m. – 450 downloaded, Time left 37 minutes

7:11 a.m. – 579.8 downloaded, Time left 29 minutes

Woo Whoo! Half way there, maybe this will finally work!

7:07 a.m. – 513.0 downloaded, Time left 33 minutes

7:11 a.m. – 578.8 downloaded, Time left 29 minutes

7:36 a.m. – 849.9 downloaded, Time left 25 minutes

7:37 a.m. – ERROR MESSAGE

Crap! If did it again!

So, I called “customer service” again…

I asked them why this was happening??

I told them that I have paid my monthly bill, I am using the “Free Zone” and that I have enough tokens to “give” me at least 3.5 GB of download time.

So, again , I asked why this was happening?

Once again, they told  me to get HughesNet Download Manager and set it up for the download to happen during the “Free Zone” time. That way I won’t have to get up during that time.

I asked them if that was the only way to do it and they said that they would have to open up a ticket to resolve this issue. At that point, I had enough of HughesNet’s customer service.

I told them that I would contact them later in the week to see if they figured out anything.

So how did I get my 1.04 GB software upload file?

I had to pay an addition fee on my AT&T Wireless Card to download the software. That is another story in itself. I was able to download the file in less than 5 minutes. No headache or call to customer service needed.

I now have the file and now I am on a mission to find a better Internet provide in my area.

Thanks for nothing HughesNet, I’m disappointed that you don’t consider me a loyal customer, who is in good standing, better.

HughesNet Service

Since I live outside of an area that had cable Internet service, I had to pick HughesNet satellite as my Internet service provider.

To say the least, I am so disappointed with the Internet service they provide and the customer service.

After my 5th call to them regarding me trying to download a 1 GB file, which is over my allowed 250 MB daily download, here are the options they gave me.

Download the file during “The Free Zone” from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. She even said that I wake up at 6:00 a.m. that I can download that file. I can barely get to the bathroom at that time, more less download a file.

Or, to use the Download Manager to use the tokens to download… blah, blah, blah

So they told me some things to do to reset the router and restart my computer and unhook the wireless modem, wait for the five blinky blue lights…

The customer service person told me it should not take more than 2 hours to download a 1 GB file.

I told her that I will do all that was asked and I will post it in my blog to let everyone know the type of service HughesNet provides.

So I unplugged everything. Waited the 30 seconds. Started everything up and started the download again. (Five blinky blue lights in.)

Time started 6:12 p.m.
1.05 GB, time to download 79 minutes

Update at 6:17 p.m.
114.5 MB downloaded, 73 minutes

Update at 6:21p.m.
151.4 MB downloaded, 77minutes
(How the heck did my time increase??)

Update at 6:27 p.m.
189.7 MB downloaded, 85 minutes

Update at 6:33 p.m.
218.7 MB downloaded, 73 minutes

Update at 7:17 p.m.
Error Message — Download stopped

Update at 7:18 p.m.
1.05 GB download, 10 hours

Update at 7:20 p.m.
I GIVE UP!

I tried to call HughesNet again and it took me at least 7 menus to be put on hold for the next representative.

I’m going to get up at 2:00 a.m. and see what happens.

But if I get the same old crap at that that time… guess it’s time for me to find another Internet service provider.

That’s all I need!

Thanks for nothing, HughesNet.

Daddy’s Little Girl

Here is another post I saw on Facebook by a friend. I had a feeling that I wanted to post it on my blog, so I copied and pasted it on a document.

Once I started to read it, I was already in tears. There is nothing in this story that I can relate to, but reading it made me sad for all those kids who have lost a parent due to war.

And you know me, I had to share it with anyone who reads my blog. First, Hopefully you will take the time too read it and remember those who gave their lives for others.

Her hair was up in a ponytail, her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy’s Day at school, and she couldn’t wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn’t there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all, about a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called a student from the class, to introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare, each of them was searching, a man who wasn’t there. ‘Where’s her daddy at?’ she heard a boy call out. ‘She probably doesn’t have one,’ another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, ‘Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.’ The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom, and looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique. ‘My Daddy couldn’t be here, because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know, all about my daddy, and how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike, and he surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone, and though you cannot see him, I’m not standing here alone. ‘Cause my daddy’s always with me, even though we are apart, I know because he told me, he’ll forever be in my heart.

‘With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest, feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears, proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years. She stood up for the love of a man not in her life, doing what was best for her, doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd, she finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud. ‘I love my daddy very much, he’s my shining star, and if he could, he’d be here, but heaven’s just too far.

You see he is a soldier and died just this past year, when a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught the world to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it’s like he never went away.’ And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day. And to her mother’s amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. ‘I know you’re with me Daddy,’ to the silence she called out.

And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.

Ultimate Calorie Bombs

I was reading the latest issue of the ESPN The Magazine issue and this was one of the articles that was in it.

While I was ready the article, I thought to myself, hmmm, that sounds good and I think I could eat most of the things listed.

But after I finished reading it, I felt a little queasy. And the only one that sounded good to me was the North Side Twist, Wrigley Field. But even with that one, I think after one pound of the pretzel would be good enough for me.

What looks good to you?

ESPN.com: SportsNation

Ultimate Calorie Bombs

Monday, September 23, 2013

By Rachel Ullrich
ESPN The Magazine

This story appears in ESPN The Magazine’s Sept. 30 Franchise Issue. Subscribe today!

REMEMBER WHEN going out to the ballgame meant eating some peanuts and Cracker Jack? That’s rabbit food compared with the gut busters on the menu at MLB parks these days. We found a few signature dishes that can tackle a 2,000-calorie daily recommendation in a single serving. But take heed before you go all Man vs. Food on us: In DC, the 8-pound Strasburger, meant to feed eight, was pulled from the Nats’ menu this year because too many people were trying to eat it solo. So consider sharing these dishes with a buddy if you don’t want to spend the last three innings in a food coma.

Yicketty Yamwich, Turner Field
Brie, braised short ribs, cheddar, spinach and apple butter sauce. Inspired by Atlanta legend Chipper Jones (and his “yicketties,” aka home runs) and named via a Twitter contest, the sandwich that made its debut for Jones’ final homestand last year has stuck around.
Calorie count: 1,410*

Turner Field’s Yicketty Yamwich

 

Brunch Burger, PNC Park
A 60 percent beef, 40 percent bacon hamburger patty on a toasted glazed-doughnut bun, topped with a fried egg and cheese. Oh, and yellow and black Pirates sprinkles. (Not exactly the kind of brunch fare you chase with a mimosa.) A new addition to the menu this season, it inspired 3.5 million tweets on its debut.
Calorie count: 902

PNC Park’s Brunch Burger

 

The Beast, Miller Park
Grilled bratwurst stuffed with a grilled hot dog, wrapped in bacon, topped with caramelized onions and sauerkraut and served on a pretzel roll. “With a brat and a hot dog, you’re getting the best of both worlds,” executive chef John DiMartini says. “And come on, bacon enhances everything.”
Calorie count: 1,121

Miller Park’s The Beast

 

The Walk-Off, Oriole Park at Camden Yards
A fresh Old Bay Roma sausage topped with housemade crab dip on a pretzel roll. “Once you put crab dip on it, it’s going to sell in Baltimore,” executive chef Josh Distenfeld says. “We went from making 10 gallons of crab dip at the season opener to up to 90 gallons now.”
Calorie count: 1,096

Rangers Ballpark’s The Murph-a-Dilla

The Murph-A-Dilla, Rangers Ballpark
Inspired by Mexican food aficionado David Murphy, it’s a “Texas-sized” 24-inch flatbread filled with cheese, brisket, lettuce, pico de gallo and jalapenos. “Usually customers go straight to the condiment station,” says Rangers SportService GM Shawn Mattox. “With this, they pull out their cellphones.”
Calorie count: 2,978

Wrigley Field’s North Side Twist

North Side Twist, Wrigley Field
A 2-pound soft pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces: chipotle honey mustard, beer cheddar cheese and cinnamon icing. Served in a medium pizza box, this ginormous carbo-load is enough food to serve as your appetizer, dinner and even dessert, thanks to that cinnamon cream spread.
Calorie count: 1,480

* Clubs don’t release calorie counts for most of these dishes (can you blame them?), so we took our best guess based on ingredients.

Follow The Mag on Twitter (@ESPNmag) and like us on Facebook.

Birthday Cake M&M’s

Did you see this??

I have already marked my calendar to look for these! I can’t wait!

M&M’s is joining the ranks of cake-based treats, adding Birthday Cake M&M’s to their line of brightly colored chocolates. The candies will hit shelves in May 2014 and come in both single-serve bags and 8 ounce packages.

(From 6 popular snacks made better by birthday cake — FoxNews.com/Published September 23, 2013)

Dancing With the Stars (Season 17) — Week 2

 

Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 17) Cat
(Photo from abc.com Dancing with the Stars website)

 

So here is my 2-cents for Week 2:

Who I thought was the BEST: I have to say that I liked Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff dance. They looked like they were having fun doing the Jive.

Karina Smirnoff and Corbin Bleu

Who I thought was the Worse: Sorry, but I have to go with Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein again. He must have a huge fan base, because that is the only way he was saved to dance another week!

Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein

 Best song(s) of the night:

• “Straight to Memphis”—Club des Belugas
• “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood“—Santa Esmeralda

Not too sure if I like the one show a week format. The whole group standing there waiting to see if the made it to the next round, made me nervous! And I think Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess could have made it a little farther than some of the other pairs.

I do have to confess, I was swithing back and forth with watching “The Voice”.  Why do they have them on at the same time??!!

Until next week.

Side Notes:

• Elizabeth Berkley and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff
• Brant Daugherty and Peta Murgatroyd
• Bill Engvall and Emma Slater
• Valerie Harper and Tristan MacManus
• Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess
• Christina Milian and Mark Ballas
• Bill Nye and Tyne Stecklein
• Jack Osbourne and Cheryl Burke
• Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Sasha Farber
• Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani
• Amber Riley and Derek Hough

Twitter links:

• Elizabeth Berkley — @ElizBerkley
• Valentin Chmerkovskiy — @iamValC
• Corbin Bleu — @corbinbleu
• Karina Smirnoff — @Karina_Smirnoff
• Brant Daugherty — @brantdaugherty
• Peta Murgatroyd — @PetaMurgatroyd
• Bill Engvall — @billengvall
• Emma Slater — @EmmaSlaterDance
• Valerie Harper — @ValerieHarper
• Tristan MacManus — @TristanMacManus
• Keyshawn Johnson — @KShawnJohn
• Sharna Burgess — @SharnaBurgess
• Christina Milian — @ChristinaMilian
• Mark Ballas — @markballas
• Bill Nye — @TheScienceGuy
• Tyne Stecklein — @TyneStecklein
• Jack Osbourne — @MrJackO
• Cheryl Burke — @CherylBurke
• Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi — @snooki
• Sasha Farber — @SashaFarber
• Leah Remini — @LeahRemini
• Tony Dovolani — @TonyDovolani
• Amber Riley — @MsAmberPRiley
• Derek Hough – @derekhough

• Dancing with the Stars — @DancingABC
• Tom Bergeron — @Tom_Bergeron
• Brooke Burke Charvet — @brookeburke
• Carrie Ann Inaba — @carrieanninaba

Here are some links for Dancing with the Stars:

Official website

On Facebook — Dancing with the Stars

Billboard Top 100 for 1968

Here’s another list — Billboard Top 100 for 1968

I was two years old when these songs first come out. Over the years I have learned to love many of these dongs. But there are some that I still don’t care for.

Hard to believe that I have been listen to most of these songs for the past 40 years.

Billboard Top 100 for 1968

1. Hey Jude – Beatles

2. Love Is Blue – Paul Mauriat

3. Honey – Bobby Goldsboro

4. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding

5. People Got To Be Free – Rascals

6. Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream

7. This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert

8. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Hugo Montenegro

9. Mrs. Robinson – Simon & Garfunkel

10. Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells

11. Harper Valley P.T.A. – Jeannie C. Riley

12. Little Green Apples – O.C. Smith

13. Mony, Mony – Tommy James & The Shondells

14. Hello, I Love You – Doors

15. Young Girl – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

16. Cry Like A Baby – Box Tops

17. Stoned Soul Picnic – Fifth Dimension

18. Grazing In The Grass – Hugh Masekela

19. Midnight Confessions – Grass Roots

20. Dance To The Music – Sly & The Family Stone

21. The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.

22. I Wish It Would Rain – Temptations

23. La-La Means I Love You – Delfonics

24. Turn Around, Look At Me – Vogues

25. Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) – John Fred & His Playboy Band

26. Spooky – Classics IV

27. Love Child – Diana Ross & The Supremes

28. Angel Of The Morning – Merrilee Rush

29. The Ballad Of Bonnie And Clyde – Georgie Fame

30. Those Were The Days – Mary Hopkin

31. Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf

32. Cowboys To Girls – Intruders

33. Simon Says – 1910 Fruitgum Company

34. Lady Willpower – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

35. A Beautiful Morning – Rascals

36. The Look Of Love – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66

37. Hold Me Tight – Johnny Nash

38. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy – Ohio Express

39. Fire – Crazy World Of Arthur Brown

40. Love Is All Around – Troggs

41. Playboy – Gene & Debbe

42. (Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls – Dionne Warwick

43. Classical Gas – Mason Williams

44. Slip Away – Clarence Carter

45. Girl Watcher – O’Kaysions

46. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone – Aretha Franklin

47. Green Tambourine – Lemon Pipers

48. 1, 2, 3, Red Light – 1910 Fruitgum Company

49. Reach Out Of The Darkness – Friend & Lover

50. Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Rolling Stones

51. MacArthur Park – Richard Harris

52. Light My Fire – Jose Feliciano

53. I Love You – People

54. Take Time To Know Her – Percy Sledge

55. Pictures Of Matchstick Men – Status Quo

56. Summertime Blues – Blue Cheer

57. Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

58. I Got The Feelin’ – James Brown & The Famous Flames

59. I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You – Bee Gees

60. Lady Madonna – Beatles

61. Hurdy Gurdy Man – Donovan

62. Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf

63. Bottle Of Wine – Fireballs

64. Stay In My Corner – Dells

65. Soul Serenade – Willie Mitchell66. Delilah – Tom Jones

67. Nobody But Me – Human Beinz

68. I Thank You – Sam & Dave

69. The Fool On The Hill – Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66

70. Sky Pilot – Eric Burdon & The Animals

71. Indian Lake – Cowsills

72. I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight – Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart

73. Over You – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

74. Goin’ Out Of My Head / Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Lettermen

75. Shoo-Bee-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day – Stevie Wonder

76. The Unicorn – Irish Rovers

77. (You Keep Me) Hangin’ On – Vanilla Fudge

78. Revolution – Beatles

79. Woman, Woman – Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

80. Elenore – Turtles

81. White Room – Cream

82. You’re All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

83. Baby, Now That I’ve Found You – Foundations

84. Sweet Inspiration – Sweet Inspirations

85. If You Can Want – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

86. Cab Driver – Mills Brothers

87. Time Has Come Today – Chambers Brothers

88. Do You Know The Way To San Jose – Dionne Warwick

89. Scarborough Fair / Canticle – Simon & Garfunkel

90. Say It Loud I’m Black And I’m Proud – James Brown & The Famous Flames

91. The Mighty Quinn – Manfred Mann

92. Here Comes The Judge – Shorty Long

93. I Say A Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin

94. Think – Aretha Franklin

95. Sealed With A Kiss – Gary Lewis & The Playboys

96. Piece Of My Heart – Big Brother & The Holding Company

97. Suzie Q. – Creedence Clearwater Revival

98. Bend Me Shape – American Breed

99. Hey, Western Union Man – Jerry Butler

100. Never Give You Up – Jerry Butler

See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/852947/40-years-ago-billboards-top-100-songs#sthash.yQo8iqCR.dpuf

First Day of Autumn

First day of autumn is a little different in South Texas than what I grew up with in Michigan and living in Kentucky.

Autumn’s in South Texas mean 80° weather, green grass, green leaves still in the trees and long sunny days.

Living in Texas, I love this time of the year. But I also miss the colors if the leaves on the trees changing and the smell of the fall in the air.

So for the parts of the world that autumn starts today, enjoy those wonderful fall colors. For me, I’ll be enjoying the 80° weather. I might even have to find my light jacket to wear in the cool mornings.

First Day of Autumn

In the United States and the rest of the northern hemisphere, the first day of the autumn season is the day of the year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving southward. This day is known as the Autumnal Equinox.

On the day of the autumnal equinox, day and night are nearly the same amounts of time. In the United States, there are about 12 hours of daylight on this day.

The autumn equinox occurs at 3:44 PM CDT.

Hellman’s Real Mayonniase

As long as I can remember, we have always been a Kraft Mayonniase family. Every once in awhile, we would get a jar of Miracle Whip (usually by mistake) and suffer eating it. But most of the time, it was Kraft.

The other day, I looked in the cabinet and saw a jar of Hellman’s Real Mayonniase. I thought to myself, who in the world brought this?Well, I know who did, my father. I swear, whenever he goes shopping and they have samples of food they are trying to sell, he buys it! We have had some interesting stuff in the cabinets lately.

While I was making my sandwich, I noticed the recipe for Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. I think my sister made this once when we were growing up as part of a school project. I just thought it was weird having a cake made with mayonnaise! But I’m sure I ate it at the time.

So now that we have it in the house again, I think I’m going to be adventurous and make it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
• 1 1/3 cups water

Directions

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans*; set aside.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder; set aside.
3. In large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise at low speed until blended. Alternately beat in flour mixture with water, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Pour into prepared pans.
4. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. On wire racks, cool 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely. Frost, if desired, or sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

• *Or, prepare cake mix as above in 13 x 9-inch baking pan and bake 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Last Cab Ride

A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook page. I didn’t think much of it and I started to read it. By the time I was done with it, I was crying and had mucos dripping from my nose.

I sent her a message to give me a little warning if she’s going to post anything like this. LOL

You should take a few minutes to read this, I can tell you it’s worth it and makes you think of what’s going on in your life.

Thanks for posting this, Lori.

Last Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.

The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’

‘Oh, you’re such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, ‘Could you drive through downtown?’

‘It’s not the shortest way,’ I answered quickly.. ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ she said. ‘I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. ‘I don’t have any family left,’ she continued in a soft voice..’ The doctor says I don’t have very long.’ I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

‘What route would you like me to take?’ I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, ‘I’m tired. Let’s go now.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

‘How much do I owe you?’ She asked, reaching into her purse.

‘Nothing,’ I said

‘You have to make a living,’ she answered.

‘There are other passengers,’ I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

‘You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments, but great moments often catch us unaware, beautifully wrapped in what others may consider insignificant.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL!

If you have read to this point, you won’t have to be asked to pass it along you just will…Thank you…

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.