(UPDATED 1/14/17) What is the connection between Random Acts of Kindness and A.J. Bumps carrot casserole? Read on to find out.
A.J. Bumps – The Restaurant
Over the years restaurants (some of which were more like institutions after serving multiple generations) have come and gone in Sacramento – some greatly mourned by long-time patrons. I have several now-closed restaurants that I think of fondly – one of which is A.J. Bumps.
In the 1980’s going out to lunch or dinner at A.J. Bumps in Freeport, California was a real treat. Freeport is a census designated place (CDP) 7.5 miles south of Downtown Sacramento. Its population is 39 (as of July 1, 2016).
At that point in time going out to eat was very special, and part of the enjoyment of going to A.J. Bumps was the drive in the Delta on State Route 160. Freeport is located on the eastern bank of the Sacramento River in Sacramento County.
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A.J. Bumps Carrot Casserole
I have been cutting out recipes from the newspaper and magazines for years and the recipes are then placed in a file for future reference. Every so often I sift through the file and choose a recipe to try. At the same time, I discard those recipes that no long appeal to me.
I recently sifted through my file of recipes – many cut out from the Sacramento Bee – and I came across a yellowed piece of paper I had obviously cut out of the newspaper a l-o-n-g time ago.
It might sound a bit strange – but one of A.J. Bumps best-loved dishes was their carrot casserole. In response to an inquiry made to the Sacramento Bee after A.J. Bumps closed, various readers shared their versions of the A.J. Bumps carrot casserole recipe and that article was the yellowed paper I held in my hand.
As an aside – Google “A.J. Bumps carrot casserole” and see how many results (and variations) come up!
The Connection
I had not thought of A.J. Bumps in years – but what immediately came to mind was a Random Act of Kindness performed by fellow diners at A.J. Bumps, and the warm feeling of joy-happiness-gratefulness-pleasure I felt as a result of their kindness.
I can’t recall the occasion – but I think it may have been Mother’s Day because I remember it was a beautiful, sunny day. My husband, daughter and I made an excursion to A.J. Bumps to celebrate. After enjoying our meal we decided to go all out and treat ourselves to dessert.
We were in no hurry and had taken our time. When we were ready to go we asked for the check and were told that an older couple that had been seated nearby had paid our bill before they left the restaurant! Needless to say that act of kindness made the day even more special.
Kindness (or courtesy) does not have to cost anything. I try to take note when I am in the grocery store check-out line, and if the person in back of me only has an item or two vs my almost full grocery cart, I make it a practice to let that person go in front of me. I have been both on the giving and receiving end of this act of kindness.
When I am at a stop light and I see a car trying to exit a parking lot, I will indicate with a wave that they can pull out in front of me. I always receive a smile and thank you wave in return. I have been more on the giving end – as opposed to the receiving end of this particular act of kindness (or courtesy) – but I am ok with that.
There is a special good feeling associated with a Random Act of Kindness regardless of whether you are on the giving or receiving end. As I write this post I have newly resolved to try to work more Random Acts of Kindness into my everyday life.
Comments on Random Act of Kindness?
Have you been the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness? Please share your story. What particular Random Acts of Kindness (or courtesy) do you try to perform on a regular basis?
(UPDATED 1/14/2017) Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 12-18) with a Random Act of Kindness (or two)!
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