Where are your keys?

A few months back we were at a meeting in town. When I got home the telephone was ringing. It was my dad saying they were at the market. He left the van running with the heater on for my mother. She got out and closed the door behind her. Dad asked if I could bring him the spare key from home, but Mom's purse with the spare keys was on the floorboard of the van. He had to wait for Automobile Club to send someone out to open up the van. That's when we vowed to make each other spare keys for everything. It is something we don't really think about, but I have three dogs. If I am out of town longer than I plan on a road trip, I have to be able to call someone to take care of my babies.

Once on a trip back from Missouri, I was a passenger with my dad and we needed a new rear tire when we arrived in Twin Falls, Idaho. They had to order one and it would take two days. Back then I didn't have dogs at home and the chickens could last a couple of days without a problem.

One of my neighbors will have me come feed his horses and dogs when he and his wife travel and, if they are delayed, I have keys. I have another neighbor who travels frequently and I check in on her cat. If she is delayed, I have keys.

Now, to date, my mother has not given me copies of her keys, but she doesn't usually lock anything up anyway (Shhhh, don't tell her I told you that). But guess what happened yesterday? My dad called, Grandma Dorothy is in the hospital so they will be delayed in Los Angeles a little while. I told Dad I'd go water the plants and take care of Kitty and he said, "OK, but you won't be able to get in the house."

What? He gave the keys to the neighbor, and guess what happened. She wasn't home when I drove by and I had to use the rest room. When they get home from their trip I am going to drive my mom to the hardware store with each of our keys and get copies made. You just never know when you will need them.

Pancake breakfast at the fire station

If you weren't there, you really missed a good event. The food was great. CareFlight was there with their helicopter. Awards were given to Richard Atwood, Mark Baughn, David Becker, Nancy Fife, Mike Randall and Dave Ruben for 10-plus years of service. Special recognition was given to Richard Atwood for 25 years of service. Emergency medical technician of the year was Jake Summers, firefighter of the year was John Collins and rookie of the year went to Shane Nolsch.

Thank you so much for all you do for our community. We don't know what we would do without all your hard work and devotion to Johnson Lane.

Thanks also to Silver Spirit Cheer, Tumbleweed Gymnastics and all the family and friends who helped make this event so wonderful.

n Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.