There is satisfaction in our household right now.
In the February 16 Reflective Moments column, I reported that Housemate expressed a desire to stay overnight at a hotel so he could scoop up all those tiny bars of soap that hotels kindly put out for their guests. After all, what host wants stinky strangers in their abodes.
Housemate’s supply of tiny soaps was nearing an end and thus his desire to check into a hotel.
Shortly after the column appeared, I was notified that a parcel and card had been left for me at the newspaper’s office.
I pondered who left it and what it might contain. Maybe it was a late birthday gift, perhaps some home-baked cookies from one of my recipes, a bottle of home-brew from folks in the hills, a box of money, or heaven forbid, a bomb.
When I claimed my parcel and card I handled it delicately and carefully peered inside the beautifully crafted pull top bag, and burst out laughing.
Inside was an assortment of tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner, a body wash, shower cap, a shoe shine device, miniature sewing kit complete with one button and a miniature safety pin, a container with cotton balls and Q-tips — and some miniature bars of soap.
I didn’t recognize the handwriting on the outside of the card and before opening it I held a guessing game with myself over the identity of the donor.
The thoughtful bag of top-quality merchandise came from a long-time friend who has immediate access to such items in his every-day life. You see, the gifts came from Moose Jaw native Jim Kilkenny, who now just happens to be the general manager of the Delta Hotel in Regina.
His message: “Joyce: hope this holds you over until the time you are able to travel once more. P.S. the soaps are for Housemate.”
Thanks ever so much Jim for your humorous and timely gift. Housemate was thrilled with the soaps and went so far as to wonder if he could have the bag. He went away with only his soaps.
Jim, in a later e-mail note mentioned he happened to be in Moose Jaw to meet with long-time friends and neighbours whose catch-up lunch extended more than three hours.
“I am still most proud today to tell anyone within earshot that ‘Moose Jaw in the 50’s and 60’s was the best place in the world to come from.’”
Thanks, Jim, for your kindness. You made our day.
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Although Easter doesn’t fall until mid-April this year, it is a delight to see packages of what I know as “hot cross buns” already on the shelves of bakery departments.
However, some in the bakery business have decided, for reasons unknown to their customers, to devise substitute names for these seasonal bakery items.
So far this year I have seen hot cross buns called: spice buns, fruit buns, festive buns and in one outlet: “hot cross buns.” They all have some things in common: they are sweet, spicy, contain fruit peel and raisins, and on top there is a white cross.
Whatever they are being called this year, those “hot cross buns” hit the spot with a dab of butter or a bit of lemon spread. Keep them coming, please.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
