THANK YOU ...
... to a motorcycle-riding Santa Claus with turkeys
A big thank you to the spirit of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, in the WinCo Foods parking lot at Fairview and Milwaukee, who should appear but Santa Claus riding a motorcycle! With a “Merry Christmas” and a “ho, ho, ho,” he reached into his saddle bags and proceeded to hand out free turkeys and hams to everyone around him. When asked why, he replied, “Because he and Mrs. Claus were so blessed, and they did this every year to share their joy and prosperity with the world.”
So, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, for your love and generosity and for reminding us that the holiday season is not about getting, but of giving and loving and sharing. God bless us, everyone!
CAROLE WARD, Boise
... for returning my purse
There are still good people in the world.
Thank you so much to the person who turned the purse into customer service at Walmart on Dec. 31. I only wish I could reward them. All I can do is tell you how much I appreciate you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
CHRISTEEN DEAL, Boise
... for a reasonable car repair bill, on a Saturday
When traveling, the biggest fear that I have is breaking down, leaving me stranded, putting me (the out-of-towner) at the mercy of the local mechanics. Well, over the holidays it happened. Upon returning to the Boise airport finding my car dead, I called the Airport Chevron next to the airport. All their wreckers were busy so they pushed my car from the third-floor parking garage by hand to their shop, worked on it for a couple of hours and determined that it was more than they could fix on a Saturday not being fully staffed. So they hauled me and my car to Tune Tech on State Street. They did not charge for the push, the haul, or the two hours of work, saying that they were sorry that they could not fix my car for me.
Now I’m at Tune Tech, and they find the time on a Saturday to get the parts and to fix my car, getting me on the road. A new sending unit, four hours work and less than $400 on a Saturday!
These two shops I will give a score of 10 out of 10 for their professional conduct and ability. Thank you.
WADE JOHNSON, Cove, Ore.
STATESMAN
What is a paper holiday?
I have a subscription to the Statesman for weekends and holidays. Last Veterans Day (Nov. 11), I called to see when my paper would be delivered, I was told by someone at the Statesman that it doesn’t recognize Veterans Day as a holiday. What the heck? Banks, state offices, federal offices and a host of other businesses are closed. I thought this was a national holiday. I’m a Vietnam veteran and shall we say, I was upset or downright ticked! I called the Statesman about my paper for New Year’s, and guess what, I got answering machine that stated it was closed for the holiday! I wonder which of our holidays is the next “not a Statesman holiday?” Maybe Easter Sunday or Mother’s Day?
MICHAEL L. ELLARD, Boise
AUTOMOBILES
Before buying, check for the spare tire
Recently, I went shopping for a new car. Several models no longer came with a spare tire, full or compact. In addition, there was no place to put a spare tire and jack even if you wanted to pay extra for one. What automakers provide instead is an air compressor that injects a liquid into your tire to seal the hole. The owner’s manual said the liquid will not fix sidewall damage or larger holes, so you may have to call a tow truck and be taken to the nearest tire dealer. If you are on the road and it’s late at night or on days when tire dealers may be closed, you may have to find a place to stay until the tire dealers are open for business (this assumes you can get in touch with a tow truck and find a hotel).
If you think this approach may put you or your loved ones in harm’s way, I urge you to contact these automakers and let them know what you think.
Buying or renting a car, look for the spare.
BILL RUTHERFORD, Meridian
