It is with heavy heart that I tell you that my past two year passenger skipped out on me this year. I really missed not having her there to share in the joys of doing something kind for others.
That said, I put on my four layers and preceeded to get the bike ready to leave.
- Toys loaded up, check.
- GPS prepped with Christmas music and mounted, check.
- Harley Santa hat for when the helmet comes off, check.
Once the tank was topped off, I did a drive by at Amber's, but the car was gone and the house looked dark, so I headed over to Lancer Lanes.
I found a place to park, I took off the Helmet and put on the Santa hat, grabbed my camera and began to mingle through the crowd of bikes.
Normally, I like to put a toy animal or doll so it looks like they are enjoying the ride...
But, since I didn't have my extra set of hands to help carry, and I had more toys than one set of hands could handle...
(I'm not complaining, in fact, thank you Diane for adding to the pile, it is greatly appreciated.)
Anyway, I found a couple large bags that I could fit everything in, so I wouldn't have to take two trips.
One fit inside the trunk and the other I put on the luggage rack.
The parking lot didn't feel as full as it has been in past years, but I think we still got a good turn out.
During my meandering, I found Art and we chatted for a bit. I then found George and we chatted as well.
It wasn't long until it was time to mount up and get on our way. We followed our normal route, waving at the spectators as we went.
Arriving at the Salvation Army, I found a place to park and peeled off my helmet and gloves. I put on my Santa hat, got the toys ready to take in and put everything else in the trunk.
As I was walking up to the building, a photographer took my picture. I didn't think much about it and continued on and found the end of the line into the building.
They arranged things different this year, and we were able to hand off the toys almost immediately after walking through the doors. They seem to tweak the process a little each year, trying to make it more efficient.
Once the toys were dropped off, we headed into the other room for refreshments. I had a hot cocoa and a couple cookies, then stepped outside so I would be out of the way.
As I stood in the parking lot, drinking my cocoa, the lady that had taken my picture came up to me. She first confirm that she had indeed taken my picture and said that she work for the Lewiston Tribune. She ask for my name and where I lived. I gave her the answers, which she wrote down in a note pad and we thanked each other and she went on with her work. So, my picture might just end up in the newspaper.
I took my time walking back to my bike as I finished eating the cookies and drinking the cocoa. I placed the empty cup and napkin in the trash can by the fence.
Now that my work here was done...
I sprang to my bike, to the engine gave ignition.
And I drove out the lot, completed my mission.
But now I exclaim, ere, end of the story, I recite-
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
Nope. Ya didn't make the cut.
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