The Joys Of Wonder.....

bread that is. Like my youth and whatever looks I MAY have ever possessed the days of eating good ole white bread and for that matter anything white are gone.

This is for the This and That blog:

Coming off of a very emotionally draining 2 weeks has made me long for the simpler times and what a better place to go then back to my youth. The days when everyone looked good in a bathing suit (at least through the eyes of a child), your age included 1/2's, and for me my biggest worry was whether to swim, ride bikes or play stick ball/kickball. Ah stick ball/kickball that was a game myself and some neighborhood kids "invented." It was a great game we took 2 of our favorite games and combined them. Genius!! Truly genius. We painted the bases in the street..those were the days where you could get a can of spray paint anytime you wanted. Hmm maybe we are the reason it is under lock and key now. Anyway, like I was saying, we painted the bases in the street along with the almighty home run line. Only the best players could knock one over the home run line or my brother and Ricky. Everyone wanted to hit the almighty home run because once you did my brother painted your name behind the home run line and for every one after that he made some kind of mark. I was so determined to get into the H.R. hall of fame, man did I want in. I would be damned if Jimmy and Ricky were going to be the only 2 names in the hall of fame. So finally one day I take my turn at the plate, grasp my fingers around that stick ball bat and Jimmy is on the pitchers mound our eyes met and he gave me his death glare as if to say "you're going down little girl." This may work on the others little fella but not me. When he threw the kickball my very trained eye (thanks to him) watched that ball leave his hand and I followed it until the ball and my bat met. Oh YES!! I sent that ball sailing not only to the H.R. line but well past the line. I'm pretty sure the heavens opened and the angels were singing when I cracked that ball over both Jimmy and Ricky's heads. Seriously, I believe I saw the heavens open up and I heard the angels singing in my honor. I was a good sport though, I ran around those bases like any mature athlete would. OOOK, maybe that isn't entirely how I ran, perhaps I swaggered around the bases and smiled at my brother as I rounded the bases but I did it in the most mature way. Hey have you forgotten the death glare that screamed LITTLE GIRL. That'll show him little girl, on your knees bro and paint my name with honor of knowing you threw the pitch big boy. I'm sure he was proud of me though, deep, deep, deep down I'm telling you he was proud of me after all he was my gym teacher. Anything to do with sports he was there, oh the memories of my loving brother yelling to me throw that ball like a girl one more time and I will beat your ass. Alright then so you say put my fingers across the laces like so and pull my arm back at an angle behind my head with my elbow pointing forward you say. I may not be describing the throw properly on here but trust me when I tell you that boy would have beat my ass and therefore I could throw a spiral better then most boys on the football team. My talents didn't end there either, my loving brother taught me how to play baseball, lacrosse and basketball. I could play well enough to play with the boys without any complaints. He would make them let me play anyway but he didn't want to be embarrassed so I had to play well. No I had to be better then at least some of them. What I found out though when you play with boys you usually wind up fighting with boys and luckily my brother had me well trained in this area too. Let's just say there were a lot of ass kickings before I got the full spiral, dribble and proper way to throw a baseball down. Hitting the ball in baseball was never a problem just looked at his face and aimed. Of course that part is our little secret. Nah he wasn't that bad, although what I wrote is true he did always watch out for me and he did teach me well and he did beat my ass. To this day he brags about me being the second strongest in my entire grade in elementary school second only to a guy that had our same last name so it was cool. I don't hold the same pride with that part of the story as he does but a fact is a fact and now you know my dirty little secret. Had he went to middle school and high school with me I don't think he would be so proud. Short and sweet, I became a wimp. I didn't care though I still had back up when I needed it. And for those I needed it for you know who you are and shame on you.

This little visit back to the days of my youth in the good ole 70's definitely was a needed escape. The only thing that could top this visit would be a pb & j sandwich on wonder bread with a cold glass of milk. The pure joy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wonder bread (peanut butter on the top). It was the perfect chaser to a fun packed morning. Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside with the exception of the day that broke my heart. My aunt yells out her back window what do I want for lunch and my response was the same as everyday pb & j peanut butter on the top. I go in when it's ready sit down ready to dig in when to my horror the jelly is on the top. I panic because I'm afraid to tell her that I can't eat this. Thankfully I wear my emotions or at least it was good in this case because she asked, "what's wrong?" I respond with, "well, I don't mean to be rude but I like it with the peanut butter on the top, it has to be like that cause I don't like jelly that much." So you know what this _______ did, she flip my sandwich over. Helloooo let me say this slowly for you. The sandwich has to be made with the peanut butter on the top. This is a jelly sandwich that you flipped. Worst part she outed my mother and told me believe me your mother makes it the same way. Again lady don't want to be rude but obviously you know nothing because if you did we wouldn't even be having this conversation. So later when I was having my nightly phone chat with my mother when I asked her about this, you know what she did. She freaking giggled and said yeah all you have to do is turn the sandwich so the peanut butter is on the top. You know what I can't even finish the story it is way too painful to relive.

Going to my happy place where they only make the sandwich from the start where the peanut butter is on the TOP.

comments

I've been told by many of you that you aren't able to leave comments. I have checked the settings and you should be able to post a comment even if you are not a google member. Not sure what the problem is but if you try to comment and still can't, please let me know again and I will find out what the issue is. Thank you for reading and trying so hard to comment. Funny how you all seem even more determined to post now that I posted the honesty blog. Just saying.

Not ready for prime time player

Acceptance and reality can be bitter pills to swallow my faithful followers. In my case accepting that now is not the time for a column with my name on it. Although I wish it were I do understand that for whatever reason it isn't going to happen today. Still hanging in there for tomorrow though.

Reassurance and love is what keeps us going. Thankfully today I have photography and the peace that comes from deep inside me when I hold my camera. I don't know why or how but just the touch of my camera brings me comfort. Even in my darkest hours being behind that lens somehow makes me feel like all is well. There is nothing like the rush of capturing a moment that just can't be redone; capturing the person that hates being photographed and having them be OK with their picture, possibly for the first time. There is nothing like looking at the world with the eyes that want to reveal something new in what is seen every day. And the separation it allows when in a situation that is just too hard to bear.

I accept that I am not ready to write my own column and may never be, I am reassured at the mere fact that they were interested in an unknown like me and the reality is I will always have photography because deep inside my soul that is my first love. Maybe one day this unknown will have her name in lights or in this case print but until then I am thankful for the peace I find in my hobby and for the family and friends that pose for me endlessly.

Only time will tell what is in store for us my followers, so glad that you chose to take this ride together.

lipstick safetly put in tool belt (SL to LL)

In this pledge for self improvement it occurred to me that lipstick may not possess enough power on it's own. I think I may need more tools than just that. I am not doubting the power of the lipstick (cough, cough) and although I'm sure these women of a certain age definitely have a point. In order to feel good, you must look good. I get it and there is truth in that. When you feel good about a certain outfit, hairstyle whatever you do seem to have more confidence that day or a little skip in your step. See I really did get it. It just isn't enough.

Therefore, I am mulling over what other tools will be needed in order to move forward and what occurred to me this morning was honesty is crucial. Not honesty toward others (although that would be nice) I am referring here to honesty on who we really are. Yes folks that is what I mean, not what we want to believe but the actual what we put out there who we really are. No excuses, no sugar coating the whole enchilada of what and who we are. Scary yes so only enter if you dare hear your ugly truth. (Opens door ever so slightly, peeks head into what appears to be very dark room. Standing here scared out of my mind what ugly truth awaits for me, I ask myself , "Do I dare enter?"

I was listening to someones version on who they are and holy shit, uh NO! This person saw them self as giving, low self esteem, truly self sacrificing. Oh my God, are you serious? Now if this person were to ask me (and all that know this person) how I (or the world at large) view this person, would I tell the truth? The truth, honest to God is that this person is a selfish bitch and very honestly an attention whore. You know the kind good or bad it doesn't matter as long as you are focused on this person. As long as honesty is the focus here then truth be told, this persons truth isn't really important in my growth but my own self truth, however, is. I included this only to give an example of why this tool is essential, not to focus on this person's self image.

How do I see myself in comparison to what other people see? Is it possible to move on without that knowledge? I honestly don't think so. I think we need to know truly how we are perceived by others. Truth hurts, this I know but if it makes me better, if it helps me obtain my goals and dreams isn't it worth hearing? I know in my heart I would have loved to tell this person how everyone I know reads them and it is nothing like they see but I won't. Makes me ask myself why not? OK, this person didn't ask for my opinion so I can take the coward way out and use that but had they, would I and would they really hear me anyway? NOPE to would I and can't say for sure without giving them the benefit of the truth if they would listen but it is doubtful.

I really do want to know what people feel about me but unless it is anonymous nobody is going to tell the truth. Question is how do you get the question out there anonymously? I can say if you read this please drop it in my mailbox, comment on here without leaving your name. Kind of setting myself up there to hear I'm a bitch in public but who the heck is actually reading this anyway? I know this will be the one that everyone reads and decides to comment on, just to let me know that I too am a selfish bitch. Actually if that is the case I really do want to know. Listening to that person really made me wonder, how far off we are from seeing ourselves to what is really there.

I really would like to do a study on this and have people write down how they view themselves and then have people that know them, write down (anonymously) how they see them. I'm not saying that what other people see are entirely accurate either but I would like to see if it is even close.

So this tool for my belt will be much harder then the lipstick as it isn't found in a store. I can ask the few I trust that I believe will tell me the truth and on occasion have; compare it to what I see. That is OK for a start but I need a two way mirror like they use when wanting an opinion on a product; only this will be about how I am perceived by others.

In accordance with my last post regarding a daily thank you note, today's note will be public.

I am grateful that I am open to hearing what people have to say in such an open forum as this. I am thankful that I am willing to change what needs to be changed and I am thankful for those that choose to partake in helping me with my growth. Go easy people, I'm open to it but still human and breathing so don't go for the jugular. ;)

isn't this a pretty font color for my thank you note, only a loving, kind, generous, self sacrificing person would think to use such a pretty font, NO? Haha...awaiting the truth.

This and That

Announcing my 4th follower..hollar!! Let's get it started in here, let's get it started in har! Thank you Linda for signing on. Feel free to chime in any time. I would warn you that I tend to go off course, A LOT, but you have been the benefactor of many a conversation with me and already know that. Wait what was my point, hahaha. I like to call them my Edith Bunker moments.

I was truly hoping to have a blog that was interactive and that we could help one another reach some goals. I know it's corny but hey once you reach a certain stage in life (not an age a stage) we tend to accept what is; instead what can truly be. I was hoping that this would be a safety zone for everyone to openly announce said wishes and not only receive the peace that comes with setting the dream free but the real dream was that someone here would read it and know of a way to make that possible and so on. I guess you could say a pay it forward kind of thing. Although I have received some very positive feedback I have received only one comment (yay Amy and thank you btw what you said was beautiful). I know blogs are really just the writers voice and not necessarily a conversation but that was my intent.

Not ready to let that go but also facing the fact that I am in the room alone I've decided to break my blog into two parts. Kind of like a fork in the road. One direction will be the sideliners to lifeliners as I am truly trying to improve myself and the other will be called this and that. Basically that will just be my rambles about nonsense and whatever happens to be on my mind. I know very dangerous. Of course everyone is welcome to leave a comment on either but this way when I'm partying alone in my blog room it won't seem so odd. Although I do like to hear myself ramble I'm still not sure about these blogs. I feel like what is the point? Who the hell are we actually talking to and what are you supposed to talk about? I feel like it was created by someone with a major me complex or someone that just wants to chat but not necessarily hear what anyone wants to say. Or is it suppose to be like an open diary? Either way not sure I get it but sticking with the advice of my co-worker I keep writing.

Tonight I am going to lean more to the Sideliners to Lifeliners theme. During work today I was reading a book (yes that is what I do at work, read books, write and basically anything that makes the time move along). Anyway, I only read the first chapter but I have to say it really hit home with me. It was about 2 sisters that were forced to live in a Nazi camp because they were caught trying to help some Jewish people. Anyway, they had decided everyday that they would would say what they are thankful for. Somehow they were able to smuggle in their Bible and one morning Betsie, one of the sisters, read the Bible a verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that said, "Give thanks in all circumstances." Everyday these sisters followed what they read and gave thanks. As it became harder to find things that they were thankful for Betsie began to give thanks for the fleas that were truly eating their bodies. Her sister was appalled by this and yelled at her, "how can you say thank you for the fleas?" Her response was simply God said, "in all circumstances". This is the very short story of their life there but I believe it says it all.

Needless to say, this touched me and touched me deeply. Within the last two days I had received some news that shook me. One about a friend and one about a young boys passing that is only 21 years old. As of this writing I am unable to give thanks for these circumstances but after that reading I needed to find something to give thanks for and I will before nights end.

The only way to move forward is to remain hopeful and as positive as you possibly can in all circumstances. So my fellow Sideliners and hopefully my inspirational Lifeliners here is my thought. Every morning start the day with a thank you note. Find as many things as you can to say thank you for. If you don't believe in God or you are struggling so deeply right now and are not speaking with God, write the note to yourself or someone that you are including in your thanks. You don't actually have to give it the thank you note to anyone it is in the writing of it that is important. This is not a new concept or even my own. Just one that I believe is necessary in order to improve oneself or even to really know true happiness. If you think about it there is some truth in that. Think about how you feel at the first sign of spring. Doesn't a good feeling come over you and you automatically feel more motivated. There is something about the windows being opened and the clear air coming in that makes you want have things in order, go out and walk, play with the kids whatever. How do you feel when someone does a kind gesture for you without reason? The thank you note to whoever is just that a kind gesture only to yourself. The positive mood and joy it will bring knowing that you have something to be thankful for will help start your day in a more empowering way. When you feel joy you don't want to sit still you want either share it, go out, whatever. It truly is empowering and that is the very thing you need to make a fantasy a reality. You need to empower yourself and believe that you are worth the time.

What Betsie and her sister didn't know at the time was the reason she was able to smuggle the Bible and spend all that time there without it being discovered. You see the soldiers routinely searched everyone's very crowded rooms but their room was never not once searched. Reason being was the fleas. The soldiers didn't want to go into the room because it was so over taken with the fleas they didn't want to get any on them. God sent the fleas to protect these girls.

I don't know why their any sick children, I don't know why my friend died of cancer ever let alone so damn young leaving behind young children and family that loves her, and I don't know why my brother had to pass as well. These deaths left and life long outstanding size hole in my heart. I don't know why any child has to face death at such young ages as so many do. I don't know why my two friends have to watch their beautiful babies be sick day in and day out and I don't know why my friend must endure more suffering. And I don't know why my son's friend had to loose his brother to an accident that now leaves his cousin struggling for his life as I write. This week also brought news that my mother's friend will pass any moment and my aunt was rushed into surgery. Although to most of us, especially knowing of this young mans passing it is a death in due time, I feel his wife of 50 years may disagree. I don't know why others, although I wouldn't wish any of this on them, go through life with what seems to the outside pretty much struggle free. I can go and on about things I don't understand, won't understand and will never find the thank you in those circumstances. I will however, try to write my thank you note every day for the blessing that I do have and I sincerely hope you the reader will do the same. My wish for you the reader is that God (yes I still believe) grants you with much to write in your thank you note.

One last thought to leave you with; some are from me some were spoken to me:

Tears were created to teach us compassion.

Fear was created to teach us security

Hate was created to teach us love

Enemies were created to teach us friendship

Sickness was created to show appreciation for health and to gift us the emotion of concern and care for others as well as the power of touch.

It was all created so that we will know the peace, joy and euphoria of heaven. I don't know that I can truly embrace all the sentiments written above tonight but I truly hope that those I love that are suffering tonight whether it be from illness, loss, loneliness or whatever sadness they are feeling are also being given the love, peace, friendship and hopefully very soon the healing. For those that have passed too soon as well as in proper time are embracing euphoric that has been promised in heaven. May you all rest in peace and know that until everyone is together wherever you are, my world heaven but for those who may not believe wherever you feel your loved ones are; here back on earth you are missed greatly.

Sideliners we never know what is around the corner, all you know for sure is right now so lets please help one another make right now as euphoric as can be down here. When you see a tear wipe it, when you know there is loneliness make time and where you know there is a dream help embrace it, don't laugh at it help make it happen.

Grateful for lessons learned.....(from my insomniatic twin)

I had a very interesting telephone conversation with a friend the other night. This friend was saying to me that she is worried about bills, etc. Nothing too bad, just worried about where we are all heading financially. Then she said something that really got me. She said "On one hand, I am so glad that we are going through this, because maybe we can all learn a lesson from this and pull back on crazy spending." I couldn't believe she said this because I had just the same thing to my husband very recently.

I was just telling him that I am actually kind of grateful that we aren't doing as well as we were because it reminds us that it isn't always going to be there and to appreciate the small things that are now so unappreciated. Stupid things like singing in a car, watching a television show all together in one room. You know, like we did in the old days when everyone didn't have their own televisions in their bedrooms. Actually, we did when I was growing up, but my parents used to have family nights and when would all watch together. We would put on an OTB channel or something like that with horse racing and my father would make his famous "7-up floats" and we would bet on the races. Not with actual money, or if we did we used coins. It truly was so much fun. After that my father would usually break into an impromptu game of Let's Make a Deal with your winnings. Man, that game drove me crazy. I guess you can say I don't like to lose so the fear of the inevitable zonk drove me insane.

Anyway, I am hoping things turn around, of course, but I hope that when it does, some things will remain the same. I really thought that I didn't indulge my kids, and actually, for today's standards I really don't. Who set these standards and why did we all, or at least why did I jump on board? I'm not in any way saying my children don't deserve nice things or that other children don't deserve nice things. With my son I always tried to go with advice that was given to me when he was young. Basically, what I was told is not to give him so much that he can't succeed on his own later in life. I didn't agree at first, my response was doesn't he deserve the best I can afford him? He was a product of the "flash card babies", and the "signing them up for nursery school before they were born" generation. So the fact that I spent as much as some colleges were getting for nursery school was not unheard of. Well, to me it was, but his Godmother talked me into it. Again, it was the Yuppie parenting days so I felt I couldn't let him start life at a disadvantage. I guess everything goes in cycles, he was raised with the "must have the best education," and "walk first, talk first" super babies generation. I am happy to say I didn't partake in the rest of the BS. Although I did want him to have a great start education wise. I don't know that having a good start necessarily entails what he learned. It may have been a bit much. For example, I don't feel a 2 1/2 year needs to know the chambers of the heart, be able to put a complete human skeleton together and name all the bones, speak Spanish and all the other things they taught him to do. They did teach him to read and read well, so for that I am grateful. Maybe it's me but taking your child out of their car seat and away from playing so they can learn these things is a bit much to say the least. For those of you that are raising your children now are most likely gasping at what I spent and what he was learning and that parents were signing children yet to be born up for private schools but we are the same parents buying $100 boots for young girls. And forget about the bags they are carrying!! I know we are all now saying, "oh it's not a real bag." Well, then why have it, why not just say, "Sorry we can't afford it." or "You are not a Hilton, thank God!" Do the girls today really need the items we are buying them any more than those poor babies that had flash cards shoved in their tiny faces so that they could learn to say "house" or "flower" first. You know what we found out, we found out once they started school eventually they all even out. Yes, sorry to tell you that your wonderful genius may have a full vocabulary at 6 months and walked the day they were born and could name all the State Capitols by 2. I assure you by the time they are leaving elementary school they will not be teaching the class, rather sitting right next to the baby that didn't speak and walk until 10 months or, heaven forbid, the baby that couldn't talk until their first birthday. Yes there will always be people that are more advanced but what we tend to forget is everyone is advanced in some way or the other and those are the skills that will make or break us when we/they grow. As parents isn't our real job to praise their abilities, but also teach them the other lessons as well. Isn't our job to explain although you may rule this field you need to practice because there is always someone that you haven't yet met that is a good as, or better than you. Isn't also OUR job to make sure that they don't take their talent for granted or more important keep who they are in check and ensure their head not getting too swollen? This doesn't only apply to athletics isn't as important to teaching the bright young math student the same lessons? That yes you are very smart however, so will everyone in your college math class, should you choose to go to prestigious one. The advanced go to advanced colleges making them just like everyone else. Now that they are among their peers are they no longer smart? Of course they are. Maybe just not the smartest. Is the athlete any less talented? Of course not, maybe just not the best. And if they remain the best how far out in front do these advanced students stand out?

I am sorry for this soapbox moment but I needed to get that out. I can only speak for myself but raising children through 2 generations helped me understand that none of the items we buy and no matter how many flash cards pushed in their faces will not create a responsible adult. Oh yes, as parents we get to say how young Johnny was when he learned to read, and my kid could walk before your kid. But again, I ask what does this matter? Teaching them to say hello to an adult when they see them, explaining the importance of family and appreciating and taking care of their home and valuables because it will not be replaced just because they broke it or wanted a better one. Teaching them to be accountable for their own actions, their own school work, yes all of it, when THEIR test are, what project needs to be done and when it is due. And God forgive me here but how about instead of a landscaper the children actually get a little dirty and help their parents outside. Not asking to do it instead of, but together would be nice.

I've learned that by teaching them that the world does not revolve around them, and that they aren't always going to be best, you can't do everything well but you should always do your best in everything you do. But most of all I have learned that holding back and giving them a real gift...the gift of being different is probably the best gift of all. Why? What?

Not saying yes because everyone else could go is a gift. I learned from doing that with my son that the real lesson he learned was not to be a follower. This really came in handy when the real issues started and he was very comfortable in not participating but still being in the environment. Life lessons continue to come to us no matter what our age and no matter what we think we already know. I know I have a lot to learn, I know that each child is different and must be raised accordingly and I know if a child is taught to be confident they will also know different is not only okay, but good.

My lesson learned is not to drop the ball when these hard times pass, teach my girls to be ladies, teach them to wear what fits well and is actually age appropriate and to appreciate the few frivolous items that we all should have. Not to care if the other girls think your dress is appropriate, but to worry if you bought it because you liked it and not because everyone else was getting a new one. Remember to remind the youngest to look at people when you are speaking to them, stop what you are doing and address your friends parents, my friends and any adult/child that you know. I don't care who you are with, stop and acknowledge them. Say thank you when a kindness is shown and do not allow the opinions of others to determine who is socially acceptable. I want for her to understand that a "home friend" or a "family friend" are the ones that will be there later. Trust me on this, I have been blessed with some awesome, loyal friends in my life. The children being snubbed have parents too and it is heartbreaking when your child is left out. So why do we only see it when it is our child being left out? Why do we wear blinders when they are doing the snubbing? Is it fear that our children won't be cool? Whatever the reason our children are the ones that will pay the price later for lessons not learned. When they head into the real world and are just a regular Joe and the people in college and the work place don't care who they are will inevitably play on their heads. When they head out into the real world and find out that money doesn't just appear and you have to own regular boots over the expensive stylish ones in order to afford gas and insurance, maybe just maybe not have been given everything growing up wasn't such a bad thing. Because they learned at a young age the meaning of responsible choices. Money in the bank is a wonderful thing and I am very grateful that I thought enough of my son to teach him these very lessons and one I want to continue with my girls (mainly the youngest because after time I must admit I lost some of that). You see, he just graduated college without any loans over his head or mine. I knew college was coming and planned ahead and actually used that money for college and he received the extras when they were warranted. He was given a car, just not a brand new one and he was allotted insurance money until he could cover it himself. That was in college.

Lessons learned: 1. What I really needed to change in my parenting is basically to change back.
2. Remind my girls that acceptance is wonderful but self respect/confidence is better.
3. Respect for yourself and others. Really and truly, like actually do it.
4. Teach them to focus on what is important to them and go for it.
5. Be the parent and not worry about the popular choice; focus on the right choice. Really does make the difference.

Big picture never be over confident or arrogant be happy for your blessings, appreciate family and friends and never go down to someone else's level, bring them up to yours. And if you can't bring them up to yours, move on.

Turns, steps down from soapbox and walks away.

3 followers....yippie

I wanted to come up with something profound to welcome my 3rd follower and good friend, Denise. I did come up with something to post but like my other posts it wasn't very profound and this time just couldn't get myself to hit the post button. Maybe it isn't late enough in the evening when my evil twin rears her ugly head and post silly nonsensical items on my blog.

What I do need to do however, is acknowledge my 3rd follower and thank her for joining me on yet another one of my crazy ventures. Just a little sidebar for those who are not familiar with this friend, she not only looked at my ten thousand pictures I have taken she also allowed me to photograph her in many. This is not something she is comfortable with but does it because it is important to me. I am now like one of her children, she must see all that I do and say very good. She has also told me when things were not so good, she listens to me endlessly ramble on about nonsense and has been a great friend to my daughters as well. So Denise, welcome aboard and although I will try to make you proud, this blog might just be one of those mother's love type things in the sense that it is only good because you care about me. My real thank you to all my followers, (all 3 of you) was not to post on the last few days so that their eyeballs could get a rest and their brains wouldn't have to hurt so much. Enjoy the break because something tells me I'll be back and if my evil twin has her way it will be sooner rather than later.

Thinking of a very special friend today and sending his family lots of love. We all miss you, Mr. D. I will always miss our sing a longs as you were one of the few that actually allowed me to sing. :)