The Christmas Joy Ride Read Online Free PDF Page B

moved forward.
    â€œThis park doesn’t look too busy,” Miranda observed as Joy drove around the loop.
    â€œDecember’s a slow time of year for RVers. A lot of parks close for the winter.”
    Miranda called out the space numbers, noticing that some of the trailers and motor homes had strings of lights too. But none were quite as merry looking as Joy’s. “There’s 33,” Miranda announced. “Do you have to back into it?”
    â€œNo, it’s a pull-through. But if you don’t mind getting out, you could help me get it lined up.” Joy explained how they needed to be closer on the side with the hookups. “But not too close. We don’t want to run into them.”
    Miranda hopped out and, positioning herself so that Joy could see her in the side mirror, did her best to get the RV into place. Then she stood with Joy, watching as the congenial manager, armed with a flashlight and tool-belt, uncoiled a water hose and electrical cord from a storage hold and expertly connected them to the hookups.
    â€œThat looks pretty easy,” Miranda said as he turned on the water. “I think I can do that myself next time.”
    â€œYou don’t want to hook up your water if the temps go below freezing,” the man told them. “But the forecast for the next couple days is unseasonably warm.” He pointed his flashlightinto another part of the RV. “This is where it can get tricky though. Emptying the waste tanks. Ever done that before?”
    Joy laughed nervously. “Only once. My late husband always saw to it after that experience.”
    â€œWell, being this is your first day out and you’re leaving in the morning, you shouldn’t need to empty your tanks. But when the time comes—say, in a couple, three days—you might want to ask for assistance. Now you ladies have a good evening.” He tipped his head to leave.
    â€œWait,” Joy called out before he could go. She turned to Miranda. “Go get him one of those cookie plates—you know the ones in the cardboard box in the dinette.”
    Miranda hurried in to retrieve one of the cookie plates that Joy had placed in the motor home that morning. Each tin Christmas plate was filled with yummy looking homemade cookies and chocolates, then wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bright red and green plaid bow. “Here you go.” Miranda gave Joy the plate.
    â€œMerry Christmas.” Joy handed it to the manager. “Thank you for your kind help.”
    â€œWell, I’ll be!” He looked down at the goodies, then shook his head. “I haven’t seen a good-looking cookie plate in ages.” He smiled at Joy. “Reminds me of the ones my wife used to make for neighbors . . . back before she passed. Thanks.”
    â€œThank you !” Joy called out as he turned to leave.
    Once they got situated inside the RV, turning on lights, rearranging some things, Miranda realized that she was getting hungry. But now that the RV was all “hooked up” it wouldn’t be easy to run out to get some dinner without undoing everything. And she hadn’t noticed any restaurants within easy walking distance.
    â€œI could trek out to fetch us something to eat,” she offered.“I think I saw some fast-food joints about a mile or so away and I could be back by—”
    â€œNot necessary,” Joy said quickly. “I’ve got a casserole all ready to heat up.”
    â€œSeriously?” Miranda could hardly believe it when Joy pulled out an aluminum pan topped with foil. “When did you have time to do all of this? Sending your personal things to Phoenix. Packing your Christmas decorations. Making cookies. Preparing dinner too? If I looked up superwoman in the dictionary, I’m sure I’d find your picture.”
    â€œIt’s just a matter of organization and planning. And a good freezer.” Joy winked. “I made the