Let The Bells Ring

As I posted earlier, today we headed out into the snow to ring the Salvation Army bells for a couple hours on behalf of the Saint Paul Fire Department. We were stationed at the Lund's grocery store in a neighborhood known as Highland Park in Saint Paul. Our shift was from 1:00 - 3:00 but the Salvation Army forgot to come and pick up the money so we ended up being there until nearly 4:00. We were fortunate because the temp wasn't too bad until the wind picked up during the last hour or so that we stood outside. The only part of me that got cold was my toes. I had on my long down coat so was pretty much covered from head to toe.

It was amazing to me the number of people who dropped money in the fire boot that replaced the normal red bucket on the hook. And there weren't a lot of $1 bills - lots of $5s and $10s. One couple dropped in a check for $200. We got so many nice comments as people found the boot very unique and they seem to have a definite affection for the city's fire fighters. There were even several people who thanked us for standing there and ringing the bells. Amazing. Truly the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the Twin Cities. A refreshing change from the mood I encountered last night at the Mall of America.

On another note the snow continued throughout the day and is falling as I write. According to the Weather Channel forecast the snow will continue through some time tomorrow afternoon. No worries on a white Christmas here. In addition the wind has picked up and the temps have plummeted as promised. Last check my thermometer read -8 degrees. Not sure where the wind chill sits.

After we finished ringing bells we headed to a little Chinese restaurant nearby called the Cleveland Wok. They have a very small but most wonderful buffet. We arrived just as the buffet opened and the food was very good. Of course no Chinese meal is complete without a fortune cookie and mine provided me with a very curious fortune indeed. It read, "Soon, a visitor shall delight you." Well I will have quite a few visitors this week so I am preparing myself to be delighted. Hope I am not disappointed. :-)