Hm-m-m-m. I'll have to think about whether or not to tell the truth, before I answer that. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

And how are you? Wanna exchange LIES?!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Hi T&l
I'm glad AW asked how you were doing too - I was beginning to think I was talking to the clam. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

People really do care. You do know that, don't you?

Here's a poem for Neak.
I thought it was good, considering.


Home

IT takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home,
A heap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes have t' roam
Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef' behind,
An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus on yer mind.
It don't make any differunce how rich ye get t' be,
How much yer chairs an' tables cost, how great yer luxury;
It ain't home t' ye, though it be the palace of a king,
Until somehow yer soul is sort o' wrapped round everything.

Home ain't a place that gold can buy or get up in a minute;
Afore it's home there's got t' be a heap o' livin' in it;
Within the walls there's got t' be some babies born, and then
Right there ye've got t' bring 'em up t' women good, an' men;
And gradjerly as time goes on, ye find ye wouldn't part
With anything they ever used -- they've grown into yer heart:
The old high chairs, the playthings, too, the little shoes they wore
Ye hoard; an' if ye could ye'd keep the thumb-marks on the door.

Ye've got t' weep t' make it home, ye've got t' sit an' sigh
An' watch beside a loved one's bed, an' know that Death is nigh;
An' in the stillness o' the night t' see Death's angel come,
An' close the eyes o' her that smiled, an' leave her sweet voice dumb.
Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an'when yer tears are dried,
Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an' sanctified;
An' tuggin' at ye always are the pleasant memories
O' her that was an' is no more -- ye can't escape from these.

Ye've got t' sing an' dance fer years, ye've got t' romp an' play,
An' learn t' love the things ye have by usin' 'em each day;
Even the roses 'round the porch must blossom year by year
Afore they 'come a part o' ye, suggestin' someone dear
Who used t' love 'em long ago, an' trained 'em jes t' run
The way they do, so's they would get the early mornin' sun;
Ye've got t' love each brick an' stone from cellar up t' dome:
It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it home.

Edgar A. Guest



Neak Sis,
You really are not forgotten.
We just respond more to them that responds to us.





Oh, and AW - we want to know how you are too.
Just to level the playing field, I am doing fine today. My W loves me, she's still married to me, and none of my kids are in prison, or the hospital.

My house has no problem with the septic system. My job is reasonably secure. I have no major health problems, and haven't been wounded lately.

God sustains me in troubles, and teaches me how to cope.
I also have a good support system here on earth. How about you two?

SS

Turns out clam is contagious <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Who knew? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'm pretty much the same as always, only more, lately. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Sigh.

I've got the weirdest thing going on. During my shift last night I started to have pain in my left wrist when I moved my hand. This afternoon I have a lump in my wrist on the inside edge. It's sitting on a nerve, so the pain goes down into my 4th and little fingers, and up the nerve path towards my elbow every time I try to move my hand, and I can't lift anything with it. I'd think it was a burst blood vessel, except I didn't hit it on anything and there's no bruise. Good thing it ain't my checkin' hand!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well, I'm off to plot the Christmas program for the church service this weekend. It's only 2 days away. I don't think it's too early to start planning, do you? Almost everybody's lost their voices, due to the sharing of the family upper respiratory infection, so I'm guessing there's going to be a lot of instrumental music, and a considerable amount of congregational singing this year. Neaksis just announced that SHE hasn't lost HER voice. Guess I just found my soloist. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

It's hard to live, and work with physical pain. I hope it improves clear up to 110%.

I'm pretty much the same as always, only more, lately. Sigh.

I'm working on reading between the lines. Pretty sure that means something. Might even know what it means.

"Wishing I could have a rest, but I can't, so I'll just keep on going as long as I hold together. "

I would guess AW is at that same point in life.

We'll be praying for you. You can count on it.
You already know God loves you, so I won't bore you with that. You already know (when it gets right down to it) that he'll help. Still, he expects so much on our end.

That's only because we are capable of doing it though. You know that too.

Once my W stopped and spun around and she YELLED this at me: "I know I'm dependable, I know I can do this, I know I can't quit, BUT IT'S SO HARD TO ACTUALLY DO THE WORK."

At least realize that people know, and care.

Wish I could be to the program. We saw the southwest symphony do the "Messiah" a few weeks ago, but I think I would enjoy yours just as much.

BTW, you don't have to reply. Just wanted you to know someone was listening.

SS

I know the Bible says He won't allow me to be tempted above what I am able to bear. However, the thought invariably intrudes...does He really have to have so doggone much confidence in me? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> That's really very kind of you to say, and I think that you actually might enjoy ours just as much...but probably not for the same reasons!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Hi gang! I had just finished viewing the Tillamook historical museum, full of fascinating stuff from the early good ol' days, when dearie Flard calls. He was a coherent blithering mass. "I just saw the pictures Tina took of you. You look REALLY good. I mean, REALLY good. Do you always keep your hair curly like that?" He must have gone on for about 5 minutes because I walked all the way from the museum to downtown where the bookstore was, while I said, "um hum, hmmm... um hum..." until I said, "Well, now you know what you lost. I need to go because I'm in the used bookstore looking at Field Guides for my bird tour. I'll catch you later." He wished me a very Merry Christmas, and with a touch of sadness in his voice, and regret? hung up the phone. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. If I can't be married to him, I can have a bit of a revenge on him by living my life up, succeeding without him (which he said I could never live without him or anyone else supporting me... now proven false! Yay!) <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Ok, so I do care, but in a different way now. Thanks for showing off the pictures. He didn't have to say it, because I already knew: he was wishing I was there, because he was feeling sad and lonely right then, needing comfort. He always wanted to see me with long hair, and to touch it, because my hair has always been really soft.

I'm not trying per se to be vengeful. I'm not particularly angry at him, and I'm almost over the hurt. I just have a faint dull ache at times. But it is a good thought to know that perhaps he didn't make the right choice, or at least be sorry he felt compelled to go the way he did. But anyway, I did try calling Neaksis but no one was home <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> so I figured the best news source was MB <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

Hey - you go girl! You are doing the very best thing, showing him you will move on without him, and have a GOOD life. It's been 3 years for me, and my almost ex has told me several times that he made a huge mistake. I love it.

Embarrassing, isn't it? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> That's why this was, for a time, the multi-tasking thread...because it's whatever anybody wants it to be at the moment they want it to be something! We're all over at Neak's house, plotting the Christmas program for church. Flard will be playing the oboe. Since he doesn't like Gesu Bambino he didn't want play it this year. Says it sounds too much like The Streets of Laredo. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Fine, he doesn't have to play it. We've just got somebody else to perform it on the violin instead, although he doesn't know it yet. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Well, I like it, and it's my program. Although he's right, and now I always think Smothers Brothers when I hear it! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

He and I went shopping this afternoon (boy, I HATE to shop!), had a good time together, and picked up the pictures while we were in town. I just showed them to him when I looked at them myself, but didn't see the small ones until we got to Neaksis' house and she pulled them out. He was VERY impressed with those two, and asked if he could have copies before he left. I had no idea he intended to call you and talk to you about them himself. As his devoted mother, let me say this about my darling son, "What a twit." <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

I trust that the T&L family is making a generous donation to the MB site, since this thread is responsible for keeping the whole family in contact.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> We're supposed to make donations?!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Well let's just say there is a place here for donations listed on the home page.

Wow, I wonder if they accept blood. I've got more of that than money! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Fat would be good, too. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

t&l

See, I just stepped out of the house to go to Freddie Myers to buy a movie to watch with the gang tonight, and then I went and picked them up, and viola!!! The news has spread faster than if I had called each of you up <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Awesome stuff!!! Now, if we had to donate fat, I think Neak and I would have to be counted out of that one... stress has a way of shedding any extra lovin' handles I have, plus living with my bachelor brother who has no food <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

I can't believe he actually wanted copies! Your serious about that? How odd, and yet, it makes me feel good, because its almost like revenge <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. He's living with his choices. And I can say that with a pleasant smile on my face, without too much bitterness. I really related to what you Believer said... the sweetest revenge is a good life well lived.

Movie has started. Duty calls <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Give my love to the kids.

Yeah, I kinda wondered what on earth for, but decided not to ask. Maybe he's a masochist and just wants to torture himself! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Can't believe FLARD MADE SUCH A SILLY CHOICE !!!!

But I guess he did and its not like someone in a glass house can say too much is it? But I will anyway <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Flard young man ...you are IMPOSSIBLE ...stop worrying your mum. Box his ears tl ...the lad needs to wake up <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Well TL & SS

How am I you ask? Lets swap lies?? Lol

Mmmmmm yes well *.. the weather is nice isn't it?


Ok ok lets start with easy stuff......

I want my baby boy back home with momma, but that won't happen. .big sigh
I mean there are GIRLS out there trying to steal him away!!!!! Its a dangerous world pumpkin.

My dear daughter is PINING away for her travelling soldier and still thinks its 'cute' for her mommy to have had a baby at MY age. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
She sits & looks at his photo [ travelling soldier] with such devotion which is in total contrast to her women's lib anti war thing she has going at Uni..but what do I know? There's enough 'sugar' coming from the long looks to upset my diabetes. My poor baby is so confused ... lol must be love hey? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Just think ...... could there be GRANDCHILDREN at my age ..... HEHEHEHEHE ROTFLMAO ... sorry hysterical moment

Mikey is THRIVING and loves being the centre of attention BUT is not keen on males except for his big brother so I wonder a leeetle bit about how he will adjust when Aussie one day, far away, comes home. But he will eventually... I did after all <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

And I of course am - did I tell you the weather is great - the family is wonderful , mum & dad still actually LIKE each other after 40 yrs or more, my brother is still stubborn and wont talk to his XWW let alone live with her, I STILL hate working while I have Mikey so small - maybe young is the correct word?? lol - when I'm busy at work its ok - nights are hard, weekends worse, but you get that.

As Christmas gets closer it feels like things are worse but thats emotional baggage I suppose. Fake it until you make it I guess.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

This is too, too funny! Be sure you turn the sound up.

Snow Globe

I love you Adub!! I wish for you to have your precious boy and Aussie home. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Give big hugs to Mikey from Auntie Faith, ok?

gellnjen, Merry Christmas

t&l and neak family,
Thanks for making this a comfortable place for us to hang out. It is the only place I can find AW anymore <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Merry Christmas to all of you my MB friends. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

"Small" as opposed to what? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

AW, glad you're faking it so well. My facade salutes your facade with respect and admiration!! Can making it be far behind? Let's hope not! So, how am I? Did I mention that the weather here is great, too? OK, "great" may be somewhat of an overstatement. Actually it's overcast and extremely grey. But not raining anyway. At this very moment... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I'll try to flesh out that generalization later (goodness knows I've got enough flesh for it!), but today I've got 3 shirts to finish, presents to wrap, dishes to wash, a program to complete, and a possible 60-mile round trip to Barnes and Noble later in the day to get Flard's present (assuming it arrives). I should-but-probably-won't change the sheets and wash my clothes (maybe I can just buy more underwear and socks for the weekend). In the evening, we have to practice music for tomorrow, and I've got a headache already...It's 7:17AM and already it seems like a VERY long time until bedtime. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

FF, hanging out is always comfortable once you take off your girdle! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And nobody around here seems to be wearing anything particularly restrictive. At least not that I've ever noticed <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I'm going to go tackle my duties at hand now, since my plan to sleep in seems to have been detonated by a nuclear device. Before I go, let me say this: I've read plenty of discouragement on this board by people for whom the holidays bring triggers for great unhappiness, deep sorrow, and a pervading sense of loss. Saying "Merry Christmas" under those circumstances can almost seem insensitive and even flip. But I hope you all--lurkers and chatters alike--have a wonderful Christmas anyway, if for no other reason than its testimony of a divine Love so faithful to you, that when you were lost no price to be paid was too great, no cost too high, to bring you back "home" again.

Merry Christmas to all of you, and a happier new year.

t&l

How surreal. After just telling how I'm, I mean it, was so gray and gloomy today, I went down to get breakfast and saw that the sky is now blue here, and the sun is shining brightly over my house. It's still so foggy to the west of us that I can't see the neighbor's house up on the hill less than 1/2 mile away, but I, personally, am in the sunshine. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Maybe it's an OMEN for us all!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I realize that to believe that would be the inexplicable triumph of optimism over experience, but hey! Let's all hope anyway!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

FF hugs my dear sis [[[[[[faith]]]]]]

LOVE THE SNOW BUBBLE GAME! LOL

Us fakers need to stick together ..hehheh <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

of course the huge test will be my 'big' sisters [notice I didn't say 'Older' because then I would be a stinker <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> ] who are disgustingly thin - I think they have eating disorders - who will pull apart every word I utter to inspect MY COMFORTABLE MISERY ...I like my misery, leave it alone - it bites. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
Then proceed to discuss me in clinical fashion as if I was not there. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
I mean its not as if its got ANYTHING to do with me has it? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
Who will then proceed to examine every aspect of my relationship including sexual performance and areas we dont really need to discuss as I try to hide under the nearest rock.
Ah family ,.......... what I could do WITHOUT THEM!!

Now I know why the blokes all take off to the TV room to watch sports. Its not nearly so much fun when YOU are the subject!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I mean I do love them, truly, but why dont they just leave well enough alone ..I haven't done anything stupid in a good 12 months or so - if you discount ... well doesn't matter.
Comments from B & FF need not be made at this time <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I think I had better go to bed before I open my mouth to change feet. Again.

End with a HAPPY STORY which is TRUE Sleep tight all!



Ain't love grand!!!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />