On Saturday, Dec. 3 with the sun shining, 43 people boarded a coach bus in Albert Lea with Marilyn Matson at the helm.
The bus, sponsored by Fully Rely on God (F.R.O.G.) of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, headed south of the border on I-35.
Bob and Genie Hanson, plus Wayne and Bev Indrelie, are the co-chairs of F.R.O.G.
Saturday was a labor-short-handed trip as Wayne and Bev had family doings to attend. Genie was unable to attend because of being under a house arrest. (The Albert Lea police even drove by her house a few times, checking.)
T’was then Cindy Anderson stepped in with a helping hand on the bus. Thanks to Cindy.
A numbered Christmas stocking shaped like a litter bag from the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau was given to each person as they got on the bus. In the bags were coupons from the guys at Slumberland, DQ South, KFC and Arby’s, all of Albert Lea.
Twelve games of Deal or No Deal were played on the bus. Seven of the winners said “deal” to the prize, while five said “no deal” with those prizes selling for $17. Elaine Wach was the lucky $17 winning name drawn.
We reached our destination and Marilyn parked the bus where the passengers could see the lighted Christmas parade, plus the excellent fireworks shot over Clear Lake, Iowa. (Passenger Ruth Olson took great pictures of the ending fireballs.)
All aboard and back to Wok-N-Roll for the tough job of what to eat before the tummy gauge showed full. (The employees most certainly know the definition of good service, and that they gave.)
Karen Borneman just shined as she led us in singing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” to the Wok-N-Roll staff.
The next F.R.O.G. party will be a Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 4 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be pizza, pop, 12 games of Norwegian Bingo followed by an ice cream buffet. Reservations are needed.
P.S. An almost new, black right-hand ladies glove was found on the bus. It may be claimed by calling (507) 373-8655 and correctly stating what country manufactured it.
P.P.S. Genie is no longer under a medical house arrest. (And her hubby says, “Yahoo.”)
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.