Saturday--Grilled Cheese Festival

 We love grilled cheese. So, imagine how excited we were to go to a whole festival dedicated to this ultra-greasy, carb-filled, sodium-soaked deliciousness. We pulled into the festival area, blocking traffic to parking lot area for the festival. Tommy has to get out to remove either of our walkers. I got out and held onto the car as I walked around it, and he got out holding onto the car to walk.  When the walker was ready to ride, he holds onto the car to get inside, and I head out to booths.

The first person I came to was in front of his booth. He asked me if I would like a sample of sourdough. After sitting down, I asked him about where I could get a grilled cheese sandwich. He told me it was only a grilled cheese making contest. WHAT? That is just not right. 

He said everyone was asking where to get a grilled cheese. He thought maybe they ought to sell them, too. So, I took my bread sample and ate it. I bought a loaf of sourdough bread and heard someone say something about brownies. Their brownies were dear--2 brownies for $3. But, the brownies were not skimpy and were delicious. 

Tommy was waiting for me. He had turned around in the parking lot and was waiting for me as close as he could get. I decided that I would not walk again on Saturday.

I don't remember if I said, but I injured my knee on Friday night. I sort of lurched about, trying not to fall and twisted my knee a bit. So, the knee is on bed rest. Just kidding. I am staying off my knee as much as possible for a couple of days. I walk little anyway; now for a bit I will walk less. 

Bulbs and plants I bought needed to be returned. I went to the garden center and found an employee outdoors watering plants. I finally got her attention with the help of another customer. She came toward us, looking very somber, with lines in her face, and worry written all over her, hunched a bit. I told her I needed her help, that I needed her to get customer service or a manager for me to return something. She pointed to the entrance and directed me there. 

I explained again that I could not walk. So, she asked me where were the plants, got them and came to the window where I gave her Tommy's store credit card, another store card for same store, my debit card, and my Belk's credit card, five cards in total. She took it all in and came back and wanted my driver's license. She came back and said none of the cards were used. 

She needed a driver's license. That is difficult. I have the plastic expired card and the paper new card. However, the new plastic card has been sent to me twice and I still don't have a new plastic card! I explained it all. Well, she came back with a refund on a store card. So, I am happy. The same store here refused to help me at all. I have an address in a town that has a reputation for being racist. My address works against me. Maybe you have never experienced such treatment. 

I witnessed a transformation. The employee looked worn and tired with lines in her face and a downtrodden demeanor. When she came out each time and with the refund, she had no lines in her face, a smile and a look of confidence. I just imagine she has not had many successes or a chore that involved the skills she used. Of course, I was explaining it all and was very nice to her. I feel for this 50-ish woman, working for probably minimum wage. In my heart I hope she has more successes! 

A good cheerleader is what most people need. I have always been a cheerleader for people who obviously need it or even for those whose need is not so obvious. She needed a success in the middle of dragging a water hose! 

No one would help me while sitting in the car at Auto Zone here because they did not come to cars. So, I went to Cullman about two months ago, and a guy came out to give me a refund for the battery charger that did not work. Armed with a $92 store credit, Saturday we stopped at Auto Zone and bought battery charger that is about the size of a phone and an inch thick. Plus, we purchased a device to plug into the power inside the car to air up the tires. 

A dead battery and tires that need air are a problem when a person has mobility issues. It may take the two of us, but at least we can get things done ourselves. Even if we need help, a neighbor can help us without needed another battery to jump the car. One guy on this street wheeled about a tank to houses just to help air up tires. We are not sure if he does that. We will just do it ourselves or have the tools for someone to help us easily. 

Because of a request for the products I bought, I am adding this. No urls since I have these boxes in my lap. Remember, I have not used these, but my friend has the same type in Schumacher brand. 

Duralast 800 Peak Amp Jump Starter + Power Pack. upc 26666 30176

slime Tire Inflator upc 16281 50916  No, this does not put slime in the tire. I was shocked at the name once I purchased it. I bought both of these in Auto Zone.

Of course, we bought a burger and went to the lake for a bit. It was so full of parties that I did not hold out much hope for a spot for our single car. Thankfully, we found our regular spot and it was less crowded. We can park anywhere, but this is the first place we ever parked, so we gravitate to it. 

The traffic on the interstate was horrendous with cars breaking laws, zipping in and out, nearly causing accidents. I felt fortunate to arrive home safely.

We came home tired with two devices to help us, sourdough bread, and a trip to the lake. I had the satisfaction of seeing the woman's burden's lift for a moment, anyway. I saw hope for her. I will commend her to the store and to corporate. 

I thought it was a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Festival. So did Tommy! Have you ever gone to a festival and been so mistaken?