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***Drive-In's and restoring my faith in Humanity***

By
Real Estate Agent with Broker Associate PenFed Realty 0496522

Saturday was the best day I have had in a long time.  The family got up early, went to my favorite breakfast restaurant, did a little shopping, and then we all worked out together.  (Working out consists of swimming laps in a pool at the junior college).  I stopped by Famous Footwear to replace my favorite tennis shoes.  They were on sale but didn't have my size.  The friendly sales clerk said, "No problem.  We will send them to you at the sales price and will not charge shipping costs."  I was thrilled to say the least.

Not wanting the perfect day to end I suggested we all go to the Drive-In.  It is approximately an hour from home and we hadn't been in a few months.  The girls had other plans so Tony and I decided to go without them.  We took two of the dogs.  We loaded the Tribeca with lawn chairs, blankets, dog treats and went on our merry way.  I checked the website and they now take credit/debit cards so there was no need to stop for cash.  Which was great because we had to beat the sunset!

The Galaxy Drive-In is located in Ennis, TX.  They show most of the current movie releases and admission is only $6 per person.  They encourage you to purchase food from the snack bar because they do not make much profit from the movies.  However, they advertise '70's prices so it still is a fare deal.

Every time I go I am transported back to my childhood and teenage years.  Watching movies under the stars with the smell of popcorn and junk food in the air is heart warming.  The bugs weren't biting.  In fact, the night was a little cooler than usual.  It was a nice break from the Texas heat.  Before the movie and during intermission the snack bar advertisements and movie count down are still the same.  There are dancing colas, hot dogs, and pictures of 50's model cars sitting in the lot.  The music is even from the 50's.  Granted, I wasn't around that early but I can appreciate the nostalgia.

This is where it gets good- After exercising the dogs we decided it was time to get snacks.  The movie was about to start so we needed to do it quickly.  Tony stayed with the dogs and unloaded the SUV while I went to the concession stand.  He said, "Hey, do you need cash?"  I said. "Not a problem.  I have a debit card.  I checked the website and they take them now."  So off I went...  The line was out the door and around the corner.  It was crowded!!!  There were many children running around and video games blaring.  I waited my turn.  When I finally got to the register there was a woman standing behind me.  I almost stumbled into her.  She said, "It is ok."  When the clerk told me it would be $16, I handed her my debit card.  The clerk said, "We don't take credit cards."  I said, "But...  I checked the website and it clearly states you do."  She said, "I am sorry but it will be a couple of more weeks before we can accept them."  So here I am with my arms full of junk food and not a penny on me.

The woman I almost stumbled into was still standing behind me.  She said, "It is only $16, here you go."  I say, "Oh, I couldn't let you do that.  My husband is in the car.  I will just go back and get cash."  She says. "No, it is not a problem really.  The movie is about to start and you will be waiting again."  So I loaded her name and cell number into my phone and promised to find her during intermission.

Silly me didn't ask which movie she was watching.  I just assumed they all ended about the same time.  Wrong!  Another mistake I made was thinking I would have cell service.  Wrong, yet again.  Tony and I were getting tired so we decided to leave before the second feature.  I kept watching the other screens to see if the other movies were ending.  When my cell doesn't have service I can usually sqeeze out a text message or two.  After a few attempts it finally worked.  As luck would have it she was leaving as well and headed toward the exit.  We met up with her and thanked her again.

I don't know about you but I am not used to people being that nice.  I am sending her a link to this post via text message.

"Thank you again, Debbie.  I appreciate your kindness."

BTW- When we stopped for gas on the way home I told Tony he better buy a lotto ticket!

Show All Comments Sort:
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

Debbie- You never know when you will meet these people.

Richard- Thanks for the feature!

Amanda- You know all my secrets.

Sep 30, 2008 01:43 AM
Erik Hitzelberger
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY
Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

Mel - Based on the title alone, Debbie gave you much more than $16.  Many people would have been too caught up in their own lives to have even noticed you dilemma.  Debbie not only noticed, but saw a way to help and then acted upon it.  I am very impressed. 

Note: I am also impressed that you were out after dark.  I kinda figured this would be waaay past your bedtime since you get up at some unholy hour. 

Sep 30, 2008 05:15 AM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

Erik- You are right. She gave me a lot more than a few bucks.  What are you trying to say?  I am old?

Sep 30, 2008 11:46 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I haven't seen a drive-in since I was about 5 years old. There is one about an hour and a half from Columbia, but I've never made the trip over.

Sep 30, 2008 12:28 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

JL- You don't know what you are missing.  You should check it out.  Great for date night.

Sep 30, 2008 12:30 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

Every time I have a really good date night planned, my wife finds out about it and runs off my date.

Sep 30, 2008 12:32 PM
Erik Hitzelberger
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY
Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

On the list of adjectives that I would never use to describe a female (at least to her face), 'old' ranks 3rd.  So, I am definitely not call you old.  (Besides you look like you can't be older than 22). <--Let me know if I can get out of this hole now, will ya? 

Sep 30, 2008 01:35 PM
Cristal Drake
Circa Properties - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Man, that is the best stories!  I love that he lady gave you the money.  That was so awesome!  It is also so cool that you chose tow write something so positive and up-beat in the midst of all this doom and gloom. 

We don't have any drive in's left in so cal but I remember how much fun they were.  Some of my best memories as a little girl include getting my jammies on and heading to the Drive in. I played on the swingset until the movie started.  It was the best!

Sep 30, 2008 03:16 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

Erik- so now you are saying I am using and old picture?  Just kiddin'.  The post you wrote about voter registration has bought you a ticket out.

Cristal- They have a full playground but I didn't arrive early enough to get a good shot.  I didn't see any kids in jammies but I remember doing that as well.

Sep 30, 2008 09:11 PM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

BTW- I didn't win the lotto last night.

Oct 01, 2008 02:29 AM
Laura Kombrink
RE/MAX Alliance - Collinsville, IL

When my husband and I were dating he took me to the drive-in.  I was working 24 hour shifts on an ambulance at the time and so I slept through both movies.  :)  It's a wonder he ever took me out again. 

Oct 01, 2008 02:42 AM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

haha... Are you kidding?  God has to be a guy.  Menopause, high heels, hot flashes, labor... These have to be the workings of a guy... or a really, really twisted woman.  I'm just sayin'

Oct 01, 2008 07:54 PM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Melody, Nice story glad you met up with her at the end. 

Once I gave a lady in despair $20.00.  She offered to have me give her my address so she could babysit.  (I had my boys with me than 7 and 10. ) I told her that was not necessary (of course I would not have a stranger watch my boys but nice of her to ask).  When we parted I was pleased that my boys saw me act in kindness.  But that all ended when my youngest said "Mom, if that lady was going to come and babysit I would have shot her with my Be-Be gun."  So much for that.

Oct 02, 2008 03:57 AM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

Hi Melody, Are you from Ennis?  My husband is from there and his kids grew up in Ennis so if you know any Parks by the name of Todd, Paige, or Amanda, that is them.  They are probably in your age range.

Oct 03, 2008 10:10 AM
Kristin Moran
Owner - RE/MAX Access - KristinMoran@Remax.net - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio,TX - Real Estate - 210-313-7397

Wow.  That brought back many memories.  Not of people paying for my junk food but of going to the drive in.  We used to load up in the station wagon with our barbies & popcorn mom made at the house.  We would run to the grocery store before heading out & were allowed to pick our favorite soda (1) from the SHASTA flavors.  I always got grape.  They were about .12 each back then.  What fun! 

Oct 04, 2008 10:15 AM
Kristin Moran
Owner - RE/MAX Access - KristinMoran@Remax.net - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio,TX - Real Estate - 210-313-7397

BTW - love the new picture!  You look so cute!  KM

Oct 04, 2008 10:16 AM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Mel - I didn't realize that there was a functional drive-in in Ennis.  I have never been to one, although there was one near my home when I was a kid (rated X, believe it or not).  Did you pay Debbie back?  The post didn't indicate that.  Either way, it's really nice to run into nice, genuine people on occasion, in order to restore our faith in humanity, right?

Oct 04, 2008 06:58 PM
Laura Watts
Positive Properties, LLC - Laurinburg, NC

Mel-That was really nice what the lady did. It lets you know there are still some very nice people in this world. The drive in reminded me of earlier times in my life too. We use to have one here, but it was torn down and never replaced. Thanks for sharing.

Oct 05, 2008 05:19 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Mel...

Funny how sometimes these older posts pop up! That's pretty cool.

Nov 27, 2008 09:31 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

Drive ins are so cool. We have one about 30 miles from us and we go every summer for a change of pace.

Dec 03, 2008 10:49 PM