Well said, Art, very well put.

How 'bout accentuate the positive IGNORE the negative, folks!

Yesterday brought us a pleasant surprise. I'd met my daughter for lunch, brought her 2 year old son with me. Our first lunch with "mommy" since she went to work at the new place four months ago. He had fun going upthe elevator and was even tall enough to push the buttons for "grandma."

We went to a pizza place. Seated nearby us was a man and his son, probably about 10-11 years old. They were quiet, seemed to have good conversation and made eye contact a few times with all three of us. That happens a lot with my grandson as he is gregarious and *cute* (not only grandma thinks so!)

Anyway, as the man and his son got up to leave, he came over to our table, looked me in the eye with a kind of Kris Kringle twinkle to them, reached for our bill and said, "May I?" It took me a moment to respond I was so surprised. I think I said something about "oh, you needn't" and he said he'd like to. So...I said "thank you, very much" as did my daughter and grandson. It was just so unexpected and kind. We all wished each other a Merry Christmas and said goodbye.

My daughter and I sat there in quiet gratitude and amazement. What a kind tihng to do. I've done it a couple of times myself, but never been on the receiving end.

But, it gets better! The waitress then came over and said, "That doesn't happen every day! He also tipped me very well, so just put that away," referring to the generous tip my daughter had put on the table. We both told her it was fine, to please keep it and enjoy the holiday season. And, that felt good, too!

That old "paying it forward" is something I see Mudcatters do all of the time, esp. in stressful times, as with Karen and Spaw. Art, it is Second Nature to you. Thanks, darlin'.

luvyakat