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Thursday Thankful In The Cold!

On Monday, I was outside for almost 3 hours wrestling with pine garland..decorating our porch and fence and whatever else I could put it on. It was half snowing and raining...what is that??It's called OHIO weather. So to say the least I was Cold!

Next door, my neighbors had roofing men who were doing some work and I think I was giving them quite a show! I am sure they were chuckling while I was putting up lights that kept falling or when I tripped over the extension cord that I had JUST laid on the grass.

While I was putting the garland around my front door on the ladder..almost frozen to the metal. Three of the roofers came over and helped me. My first reaction in my mind was.."OH..I am alone...my garage is open..."what do they want?". They wanted nothing but to lend me a hand..they finished hanging my garland on the door and fixed my lights on one of the bushes so it would plug in. They were just BEING NICE AND KIND! They did say that I must be pretty desperate to decorate in this weather(I Was!).

This Thursday Thankful, I am thankful for people who are just plain Nice and Kind. There are many out there! Those roofers helped a crazy 'mom' with her garland during their lunch hour and left...but they touched me and made me think.

Has anyone showed you kindness when you didn't ask or someone lend you a hand and you didn't even know them???


75 comments:

AndreaLeigh said...

Wow, how thoughtful and nice of those good men! I love the garland. It turned out beautiful!

Heather said...

That is so great! I love when people surprise you and turn out to be wonderful and kind!
Your front porch looks very welcomihn and Christmassy!

Daphine said...

It looks beautiful!!

I'm with you....it would have freaked me out a little in the beginning. With so many crazy people out there, it makes it harder for us to just trust Nice and Kind people these days. How nice of them to help you out. When Dirk was hanging our lights out last weekend, he mentioned that the neighbor had two hired men out there hanging her lights. Guess what? They didn't feel sorry for Dirk working in the cold as they didn't bother to come over and offer to help him out. lol!
Glad you got it done!

Sandra said...

Your front porch looks lovely! How nice of the roofers to help you...

Our Complete Family said...

It looks GREAT outside your house! Love it hun!
What a nice story about the roofers coming to help you. So nice that they could make your heart smile like that when you needed a bit of help. God love 'em!
Hugs to you~ Les

Melissa Stover said...

it's beautiful! how nice to have help.

The Muse said...

Your place looks lovely, a testament to your fortitude in the OH cold!

And certainly a rejoicing moment of true good cheer...as the roofers have shown the kindness of spirit and heart to help someone in need... :)

(I'm just glad you were not tempted to stick your tongue to the ladder, (trust me very embarrassing...)) LOL

Anonymous said...

You decorations are beautiful. How nice of those men to come over and help. I would have been nervous at first too. It's hard to trust people now a days.

Anonymous said...

wow. they are really nice. it is difficult to find such nice people nowadays. good for you sister.

Lisa & Gerald said...

That was so sweet of them!
WOW it looks great!

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Looks great...glad to hear that you got some help!

Mrs. S. said...

How nice of them! It is so nice to still see there are nice people out there!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Looks great!

I love it when men hold the door open for a woman. That happened to me the other day....that was kind!

April said...

Your garland, REAL garland, looks so beautiful! Glad you were able to get some much-needed help from the nice roofers. Nothing like a helping hand!

I know exactly what you mean about it being too cold to be outside to decorate for Christmas. Even here in GA., it's been in the upper 40's-low 50's and I'm about to freeze half to death! I'll tackle the outside of the house this weekend...hopefully, it will be warmer then!

Hope you have a good one!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love this story..and yes, you are a bit nutty, but in a good way.
I have not had anyone show random acts of kindness to me, but I have been doing a lot of it lately, so I should be recieving soon. :)
take care,
suz
The house looks beautiful.

Unknown said...

How nice of them to help! It looks great I have decided to wait until this weekend to do the outside when I can get some help for the family!

KK said...

Your door is beautiful!

Denise Grover Swank said...

See, there are nice people still in this world! That was so sweet of them and the end result is beautiful. I haven't done anything outside but hung a wreath. You've inspired me to THINK about hanging my garland...

Dropping by from SITS. Have a great day!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Isn't it sad that we doubt people who are just being nice and kind these days. How wonderful for these guys to lend a hand when they are probably getting paid by the hour....pay it forward, ladies. :)

Montee said...

That was a very sweet gesture on their part. We always hear the bad things people do so I think that makes us a little leary about accepting help from strangers. I have had a helping hand from strangers many times and I am not one to ask for help, so that is what makes me uncomfortable. I try to help people out whenever I can. Sometimes they give me a funny look but I do it anyway. Your door looks beautiful! I am getting outside today and getting mine decorated. I cut cedar yesterday in beautiful weather. Today is 20 degrees colder but the sun is shining. The bad thing is that the cedar has been soaking in water overnight and my hands are going to freeze! Mmmm, I bet there are some roofers at the house being built down the street.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

The house looks beautiful!!

How nice of the roofers to lend a hand.....tis the season to be kind!!

Have a great day!

Lisa

Rae said...

The garland looks wonderful! I just love this type of story. Random Acts of Kindness! Warms the heart!!!

Randall @ Happy For This Moment said...

It looks lovely - hope you're warming up by now!

heather said...

That is so NICE! There really are a lot of good people out there. :)

And your door is beautiful!

Jen Talley said...

I love Random Acts of Kindess. What a kiss from Jesus. And I love, LOVE your Christmas decorations outside.

Jen from Life of Laughter.

angie {the arthur clan} said...

That was so nice of them! When my kids were younger, I was always touched by the kind strangers in the store who would open the door for me or help me push my cart...things like that meant a lot. I try to do the same for young mothers that I see in the store now.

Your efforts with putting up your decorations was well worth it...they look beautiful!

Jillene said...

The decorations look GREAT!! I don't even have mine out yet!!

Melissa Lester said...

Your garland looks so pretty! Your story reminds me of something that happened to me years ago. One morning I was late to work and realized I had to stop for gas on the way. I was frustrated that this would delay me even more. When the gas cap fell on the ground and rolled under my car, I couldn't believe that now I would have to crawl under there to retrieve it. But a nice man at the pump next to me immediately came over and offered to pick it up since I was in a dress. Our exchange was so brief, but he was friendly and helpful. And that little kindness turned my day around!

Jessica said...

That was so kind!!! People can surprise you every now and again.

Chris said...

Well, the hard work was worth it. It's gorgeous!!!!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

I LOVE what you did with your porch and fence. Very nice.

I TOO...adore kind people. :-)

Jboo said...

Oh my -- your garland and outside decorations look beautiful!! That is SO nice that the guys helped you out. Love it when such a simple act of kindness happens and means so much!

Have a lovely day -- aren't you so happy to have your house decorated and looking so lovely!

Janet

The Muse said...

HAHAHAHAHa :)
loved your line addition to the
Muse's Rhyme Time!

Great :) :) LOL

Anonymous said...

I love stories like this! So sweet

jennykate77 said...

That was so nice...and kind of them! ☺ The garland and all the decor looks beautiful!

Hope you have a terrific Thursday!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Awwwww... that's such a sweet story. I love people who get into the spirit and help at Christmas. Thanks for sharing. Looks great, too! :-)

XO,

Sheila

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

I can relate...so often we just think people "want something" from us and all they want is to be helpful. I think your garland looks fantastic, though. It was worth braving the cold weather! I was in Cincinnati that day and we spent the day inside...you are one brave girl!
Carrie

Denise K. said...

Your front porch, doorway, fences, etc...look just BEAUTIFUL!!! I love that neat fluffy garland! How wonderful for the help that day when you least expected it! Blessings are all around! :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, I almost forgot!

I used to travel a lot with my dogs, and I would leave them in their crate with the van running and the air up high (this is Florida), and when I would stop to go to the restroom, I would take an extra set of keys with me and lock the van. Well, I was in a hurry and locked my extra set in the car! I tried to call a locksmith, but he was so late coming I was worried about my dogs (who were napping in air conditioned splendor and not aware of the drama outside). The assistant manager of CVS who knew my dilemna got a coat hanger and a step stool and worked his way into my van! He wouldn't give up. Then he wouldn't accept any payment for his kindness. He was the spirit of Christmas in July with that! :-)

XO,

Sheila

Ms. Tee said...

Awww, that was so sweet of them! Your porch looks so pretty and inviting - I love how green the garland is! :)

Anonymous said...

Your hard work in the freezing weather certainly paid off! Your door and fence are gorgeous!

Tara said...

Love the decorations! They look great.

Last year at this time I was stopping by Starbuck's before Christmas shopping and the person in front of me bought mine. I had no idea who the person was! All day that day I wanted to do something kind to someone else! Just makes you feel good to give and to receive the kindness!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

That is so sweet! It's sad that it isn't more commonplace anymore, maybe we should start a revival of acts of kindness! Once, I was a young mom with 2 babies under 2 years, and the polish guys doing our new siding knocked open a gas cap and there was a gas leak! My hubby was at work, and I had to grab the kids and run them down the street in my car (parked in the street already). I had to call the gas company, and the gas guy put a flimsy cap back on. My retired neighbors came over to help me and he was handy and replaced that cap with something better for me after going to the store to get it! It made me feel better to have someone nice and "in the know" help me when I was alone!

Katie said...

I love your front door it is simple gorgeous!!

Joanna said...

I love the garland! It looks great.

georgia b. said...

what a fun blog!

there is nothing better than sand in your toes!

thanks for stopping by my blog.

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Yes, it is wonderful when someone is just plain nice. I have one of those neighbors who called Monday to say she had extra casserole. Would my husband and I like it for dinner. We had already eaten, so she brought it over and we had it the next night. What a pleasant treat!

Robin Beck said...

What a wonderful Christmas story. I love people like the roofers! What a blessing!
Robin~♥

Shanda said...

It looks fantastic! And all the more meaningful each time you look at it now! I love when people are just kind and helpful!

AJ said...

Your decorations are gorgeous! I have yet to put out my garland cause it's so stinkin cold and snowy! Gotta love Chicago winters;) How great that the guys helped you out! Restores my faith in humanity:)

Jena Webber said...

That's great! It looks so festive also. We have cold weather in IL also.

Lindsey said...

I love when I hear strangers do random acts of kindness! Great post!

Sarah said...

I love your garland. I think the fresh always looks the best.
The unexpected kindness of those men is such a great story.

Liz Harrell said...

Mmmm... I can just smell it from here. It looks lovely.

MarthaYvette said...

how nice of them :) I love the sign you have by your front door and the garland looks fabulous :)

the undomesticated wife said...

It looks very cozy and welcoming!

I "wrestled" with my outdoor garland too! Literally! And then I said a few close-to-ugly words and yanked it all down and threw it into the closet. I gave up. It was irritating me entirely too much. LOL

Ruby Red Slippers said...

(Love the garland.)
YES! I had a nice guy help me out yesterday. I was wrestling a shopping cart in the freezing weather, and holding a baby,and a return. My cart was caught on another one, and in my delema, a man with his baby did it for me one handed! I was so grateful!!!
I love nice people!!

Kacey said...

That is so sweet and everything looks awesome! Sad to admit but my first thought would have been paranoia. Ha! I am glad you recieved some honest to goodness kindness your way. You deserve it! I'm participating in a fun little blog game 25 Random Acts of Kindness. It is going to be a fun reminder that I need to do things like this. Not only during the holidays, but always. :o)

April said...

What a great story about the roofers. Now they have affected not only you but everyone that reads this.
Also,I just wanted to say 1. thank you for stopping by my blog the other day and 2. it's usually not that 'colorful' with language. You caught me on a day I was pretty mad and venting.

Anna K. said...

It's funny that you've written about people simply being nice without expectations. I was thinkin' to myself the other day that it's a shame that when I lend a hand to another, they immediately think my hand is gonna pop out, expecting payment of some kind (and I've been guilty of that mindset, too).

I'm glad to hear that your Christmas season began the way I hope it continues....with kindness!

Oh, and your decorations are beautiful!

Wanda said...

Like Blanch in Street car named desire ( an old Marlon Brando movie) "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." I have recieved roadside help many times years ago. When i was single it was my dinner dates that helped me make it to the next paycheck. I have been given places to stay when I had none and money to keep me going. I have found people to be kind. Now that I have a bit of security I try to pass that forward. TTFN

trish said...

How genuinely kind of the men to help you like they did. The other day, I brought my jewelry (to sell) to the lower elementary school. My hands were totally full while I was trying to open the door to leave. A young boy hopped out of his line and ran over to me and said, "It's ok, I have it." He opened the door for me and closed it as well, with a sweet smile. It touched my heart! :o)
Your home looks beautiful! :o)

Mimi Sue said...

It was so nice to get help with your decorating. In this crazy world you just never know if people want to help you or hurt you. It's sad. Everything's looking very festive. Mimi

Unknown said...

What a great post. It is nice to hear that there are just plain nice people in the world still. I love your garland! Beautiful!

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Love your pictures

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

I LOVED this story. So like a blogger...risking life and limb for the perfect Post.
And loved the tender part about good souls just out to be helpful!!

Jeni said...

Your porch looks so pretty!!! I didn't know you were in Ohio.

Laura Marchant said...

Wow! That is so pretty.
LOL, at the men watching :-)

nikkicrumpet said...

That is so dang cool....what nice guys! Makes you realize there still is some human kindness in strangers. Oh and it all looks really pretty! I admire your gumption!

Brittany said...

What a great story! I love it when people are just kind for no reason at all!

Jenni said...

That is so neat when people do things like that! Didn't it just make your day! :) Your decorating looks beautiful, and boy are you brave to be out in that cold so long! Brrr...

Jan said...

That is what the season is all about. Good will toward man. Lovely post Sandy.

Jo said...

I love your outside decor ~ we have similar entry that I'm working on this morning

How nice of the roofers to give you a helping hand. It's nice to know that there are still true gentlemen out there willing to help.

Jo

Us said...

Wow! Your Christmas decor is beautiful!!! You (and the unknown men) did a wonderful job! It's nice to know that there are still kind people in the world! This is an awesome story!

Tori said...

What a beautiful blessing. It reminds me to keep my eyes open for ways to bless others. God bless them!

Fabulous pictures and blog too! Found you through SITS! :-)