The article made me sick as I read it.
I could not imagine what the people must have been going through.
Initial reports said that the problem affected 200 homes.
Most recent reports said that 80 homes were affected.

The problem was caused by something that many do without even thinking.
The problem happened right after Thanksgiving.
It is believed that cooking grease, poured down the drain, caused the problem.
The cooking grease caused a blockage in a major pipe in the Queens section of New York.

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It was just a simple return.
The socks I ordered were not what I expected.
I knew they had to go back.
Returns should be easy.

This return was not.
I went on the website expecting an easy path to return my socks.
There was no such path.
I had to email the Happiness Team to tell them why I was not happy.

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His name is Patches.
He is a scarecrow.
He comes up from the basement every fall.
He always has a prime location near the front door.

I remember when I found Patches.
Someone was having a craft sale in their home.
Patches was one of the handmade items.
He was unnamed at that point; our children named him, Patches.

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It was a fall cleanup day.
The day when all the deck furniture goes into the unfinished part of our basement.
The day when the side porch accessories get placed in a large bin until the spring.
The day when the leaves are blown from the mulch beds.

As much as I enjoy putting all these things outside, I never mind bringing them inside.
It tells me that cold weather is coming.
Cold weather makes me feel more alive.
Cold weather means fireplaces, blankets, and hot chocolate.

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We walked down the streets of Capitol Hill.
It was pouring rain.
Our son had parked about five blocks away from church.
That is typical on any given Sunday.

Capitol Hill Baptist Church has no parking lot.
Everyone who goes to that church, or visits, must find parking on the street.
Passing all the beautiful brownstones is something I love to do.
However, this day, in the rain, the walk was not as pleasant.

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There is a cricket in my house.
I hear him.
I know it is a him, because only male crickets chirp.
Male crickets chirp to get the female cricket’s attention.

I do not know how the cricket got into my house.
I do not know where the cricket actually is when he chirps.
The sound of his chirp is deceiving.
It sounds like it is over here and then it sounds like it is over there.

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I got notice of the event.
I immediately sent my daughter a text.
I thought this would be something fun to do together.
I knew my granddaughter would love it.

My daughter checked her schedule.
The day worked for her.
I bought the tickets.
We both put it on our calendars.

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When I was young, I went Trick or Treating with my friends.
I never wore anything scary or ghoulish.
I was Raggedy Ann once.
I was a princess another time.

When we would knock on the door or ring the doorbell, people would answer.
A bowl of candy was in their hand.
Most of the people would try to guess who was standing before them.
They guessed me every time.

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I love to wave to my neighbors when I walk.
Depending on the time I set out, I can usually guess who I will see.
Some are leaving for work and now the children are at the bus stop.
It is lovely to know your neighbors.

The trash and recycling truck drivers get a wave.
The bus drivers get a wave.
The workmen who happen to be in the neighborhood get a wave.
Friendliness makes for such a pleasant morning.

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I was going to spend time with my granddaughter.
My daughter was tutoring a few students in the morning.
I drove over to pick up my granddaughter and bring her home to Grandma’s house.
The car seat was already in the back seat.

I got up quite early so that I could still walk.
I got a quick shower.
I had my morning routine things to do.
One of the first things I had to do was water my plants.

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