"Just one sandwich, it's that good." That was the mindset of Don and Dolores Dissman in 1971 when they walked into Citizens National Bank in Austin, Texas. They wanted a loan to open a sandwich shop offering ONE kind of sandwich. Seriously? Just ONE? With today's compulsion for variety—and lots of it!—that's almost unheard of. Their special offering, patterned after a muffuletta sandwich, featured a variety of meats and cheeses plus black olives on fresh, toasted bread. They called their sandwich "The Original". The Dissmans believed they had a winning product, and so they took a chance and pitched their idea to someone who (hopefully) would also believe. The loan ... Keep Reading...
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Goodbye Letter to My Old House
My dear old house, It's time for us to part ways. (Sniff) Yes, I asked for this, but still . . . I'm really going to miss you. When we first met 11 years ago, I thought we'd be together "'til death do us part". After a few months, I thought death might come sooner rather than later as day after day my sweet husband and I shed blood, sweat, and tears to bring you back to life. It was really hard work. You were worth it! Honestly, thanks to my Renaissance Man, you were a dream come true. I'd long wanted to restore an old house, and heaven knows you needed some help. With your sagging porch, three-foot-wide hole in the entry floor, and layers of peeling and painted-over wallpaper, you ... Keep Reading...
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25th Anniversary Disappointment . . . and Surprise
I'll tell you the surprise first: The couple celebrating their 25th anniversary are in their 90s. The disappointment was that they'd planned to celebrate out of town with family, but a recent hospital stay and the resulting move to assisted living kept them in town. Their church family stepped in and planned a celebration . . . because this couple is a blessing to so many—and the least we could do is bless them! After church last Sunday, they entered a basic "fellowship hall" quickly transformed to bring sparkles to their eyes. Several ladies created the delicious food with the idea of "old school" bridal shower in mind. I created the ... Keep Reading...
