T&L - I knew it was a smile. And he still smiles at me the same way. Except now he usually needs money or food.

I absolutely LOVED Carlsbad Caverns. I've been all over the country, and that is the place that stuck in my mind. And the highlight of the tour for me was the toilets coming right out of the rock way down deep inside. How did they do that?

I believe we've discussed, on past pages, my poor memory. I'm <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> to admit that I don't remember first smiles specifically. What I DO remember is how funny they each looked when they'd smile these big, old toothless grins-- while at the breast--without ever letting go of the nipple. It always stretched things out in a a very odd way, and amused me then, and amuses me now to think about again. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />




It's hot in August here in California, and my initial reaction to this was, "Huh?" Then logic returned, and I thought, "Ah, Australia," and it made sense. I think having the seasons reverse that way would seem very strange to adults moving from one hemisphere to another. Of course, if you timed it right, and moved enough, you could skip winter entirely and just build your life around fall and spring, and the cooler parts of summer. Expensive, though.

Neakbro gave me some new wallpaper for my computer. I don't know where he found it but I now have this large-nosed kangaroo, in full-face closeup, staring at me whenever I turn on the computer. It's almost as amusing as a grinning baby with his mouth full of titty! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Back then, all he needed was food, which made money obsolete. How much has actually changed? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


The obvious explanation would be dynamite, but somehow that doesn't seem like a logical, sensible explanation either. How would you like to be the one to explain how you blew up Carlsbad Caverns trying to make toilets? I don't know how they did it, but I'm willing to be Neakbro or HP would be able to at least come up with a theory. Personally, I don't specifically remember the toilets. What I remember from that day was truly realizing for the first time, when she was unable to complete the walk down and had to be transported by others for the last part of the trip, that my indefatigable mother was growing old and slipping away from us. That awareness over-rode a lot of other observations, and is what lingers when I think about the trip.

I also remember my kids singing their adaptation of the Shari Lewis song (This is the Song that Has No End), starting about halfway down that interminable path. It went like this: "This is the trail that has no end; It just keeps on and on, my friend. Some people started walking it, not knowing what it was, And they'll keep walking it forever, just because This is the Trail that Has No End..." They weren't really loud, but they did sing it for a long time. Finally this man and his young son passed us (we were going slowly by then because of my mom) as they sang...and as they disappeared into the darkness ahead, I heard the little boy take up the song and start singing it himself. Whereupon, from out the the darkness ahead, a father's voice was heard calling back to us, "Thanks a lot!" We all laughed, and even now it remains a treasured moment, since the kid was still singing it when his voice faded from our hearing. But certainly not his dad's... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

And THAT is what I remember about Carlsbad Caverns.

t&l

[color:"blue"] I need for y'all to keep my cousin and her family in your prayers. Her daughter, Mary Helen, was killed in a car wreck Tuesday night. All she had done was go to a basketball game. I know no details other than this precious 16yo girl, an only child, is gone. Forever.

So, please pray for Mary Helen's friends and family. [/color]

Will do. I'm so sorry to hear this. No one is ever really "ready" for the death of a friend or family member, but there's something especially traumatic about the unexpected death of your child. I'll pass the word along to Neak, too, as soon as I can get ahold of her. They must be in a stretch of country that has no cell phone service, because nobody answered when I just called.

God keep you and your family.

t&l

I didn't know the child. Haven't seen her or my cousin in years, literally, but I grew up w/ her mom. And this just so rattled me this morning. I was not very functional at work. Hope the boss understands. I just did the very best I could. Fell short but I did all I could do.

Just got a call from Neak and she had a Dervish anecdote. It seems that today, for some reason or other (possibly some earlier visit to the Taco Bell bean factory! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />), she was seriously troubled by, um, let's call them "intestinal rumblings" and "intermittent emissions". Most of the time she tried to keep them under control, but the trail to the bottom is rough and bouncy, and occasionally she would have a little slip. As it turns out, in the winter when there are few visitors, it's much easier to hear that sort of thing than it would've been in the summer time when we visited before with all those big vacation crowds, so she was highly motivated to be careful not to get caught. However, there came one occasion where she could tell a big one was coming, and since she thought nobody was around to hear it, she let loose and didn't hold back. At that point, the Dervish took off at a fierce pace down the trail, shouting as he raced on ahead of them, "Wun, evwybody! Wun! Mama 'tink up de cave!" Lucky for her it was dark in there! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Cinderella, I'm so sorry for the loss of your cousin's daughter. How sad...and more so because she was an only child. I don't know how we would have made it through the loss of our infant daughters if we had not already had our two living children. My prayers will be going up for your cousin, your family and their friends.

Yep, AW, there is nothing better than dirty nappies to keep you from being sickening ga-ga over your sweet lil' baby! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Our son's new home IS nice. He's done a lot of work on it himself. Not only is he an electrician and plumber, he has turned out to be a darned good trim carpenter!

The house originally was supposed to have 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, but they decided to close off the foyer entrance to the formal dining room and make a 5th bedroom or so-called "guest room" out of it. I have a feeling that whatever "guest" stays in that room will probably be around for about 18 years or so. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Here is a floor plan that is very close to his actual floor plan. The main difference is that the layout of the garage, master bedroom suite, and laundry area are different.

The room over the garage is quite large, with 3 separate areas. One area will be the "stage" for playing music (DS plays drums and guitar). Another area will be an office area, with a computer desk, and the 3rd area will be a TV area. Since he had so much space under the roof, he also added a half-bath so they wouldn't have to tromp up and down the stairs all the time.

The NERVE of the Dervish! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Why do our kids have to announce every one of our foibles to the entire world at the top of their lungs? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Hmmmmm! Maybe noxious emissions are the answer to Believer's question about how they got the toilets blasted into the rock. You know, some gassy workman probably shucked his drawers, squatted down, and.....while some other guy wearing a gas mask, held a match in the appropriate place while the gassy workman let'er rip!

And, THAT reminds me of the time I was hauling around a bunch of Cub Scouts during my tenure as the Den Leader. They were all bragging abou the thing their dads could do, with each boy trying to top the others. However, MY son shut 'em all up when he announced, "Well, when my dad farts or goes to the bathroom, you'd better not light a match or you'll blow the whole house up!" <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/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

What is it with boys, big and little, and bodily functions?

I don't know, Cinderella.

All I know is that all the men in my family still take great delight in trying to get people to "pull my finger", like it's some new trick that nobody else knows about.

I also refuse to let my H get ahead of me while walking in a store or ....well, just about any public place....'cuz I KNOW what he's gonna do! And, he does it ON PURPOSE!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I once knew a lady who inadvertently let one rip in the drugstore and promptly turned around and said, fairly loudly, to her H, "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry that you're still having stomach trouble today. We'd better get you some Gas-X while we're here!" <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

When I had my daycare center, 3 year old Molly kept getting the giggles and I couldn't figure out why, so I finally asked her what was so funny. She cracked up laughing as she told me, "My mama tooted 3 times before breakfast this morning!"

Cinders so very sorry to hear about the death in your family. It is so hard to realise the finality of it all when they are children. CHILDREN OF ANY age to. In the normal course of events you expect to see your kids grow into proud manhood or womanhood and perhaps marry - happily god willing, or at the least be happy with life, grow old, see grandkids growing like trees and to leave this world a slightly better place than you found it.
No parent should have to bury their child, it wounds your soul.
I will pray for your family if thats ok.

LC that home is very nice. I do so hope they will have a wonderful life in their new home. Maybe those bedrooms could get filled one day ??? lol
SO MANY BATHROOMS..I have trouble with two let alone 4ish!!
The boys in this house are impossible, if its not the loo seats left up, they have been wee'ed over or half the room has. I mean what do they do, have contests on who can write their names on the walls?????

Caves can be so lovely. We have some down south we use for cathedrals and for weddings & dinners that sort of thing & they are lovely all lit up.

The water is so pure they encourgae you to taste it - its 1000's of years old! It seeps through limestone - like a natural filter



well B I reckon a pick or two , some drills and a submersable pump or two ... ummm I hope you dont taste the water there do you??? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> hahahahaha

MEN fart ... women break wind <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

At least the kids hadn't been having a brag session about their moms!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I'm off to put in a day shift. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> I'd rather be nibbled to death by ducks, except for the pay. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

A day shift??? now that MUST be strange to have to do...but I think it must be better for your body clock than a night shift surely?

I'm not sure I have a body clock right now, I think it is sleeping, Mikey has gone back to waking all hours for some reason known only to him <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

hes decided he wants to be walked up & down up & down... I'm thinking its the new floor in the bedroom - he sleeps in the main bedroom with me - its too light & airy now <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

maybe I should put a Afghan carpet under the cot ? I've got one or two rolled up under the bed for winter as wood floors get COLD <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
Afghan carpet - oh the irony <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Oh gawd there he goes again Baaaaaaaaawwwwww coming sweety <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I remember those days. So precious and so frustrating at the same time.

Maybe Mikey is teething and his gums are hurting. Cutting those jaw teeth can be a bugger for the poor lil' babes.

Some Numbsit rubbed onto his gums might help. I even used some Chloroseptic spray once when in a pinch. 'Course, he might cry a while longer, 'cuz that stuff tastes really NASTY, but it did the trick for my lil' one. I just figured that if Chloroseptic would ease a sore throat, it might work on the gums.

Thanks LC

used some bonjella its a aniseed flavoured teething gel & it worked like a treat.

Mikey is munching on a teething ring & not very hungry last few days. Little guy just wants to be held so thats my job <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

would someone come hold me......I am so down.

went to the funeral today.

Then walked out of my mom's apartment without telling her goodbye because she is still hung up on blaming my d for what happened to her. I let her have it that, by not telling me what she suspected, she was guilty of failing to protect her grandaughter, then I turned and walked out. Without a word.

Not gonna call that retired social worker for a few days.

Even if she is my mom.

I don't have to take that stuff.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Another dead baby. Same room. Same gestational age. How come, with 6 people on, she was assigned to me? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> to day shift.

Sounds like everybody's day has been less-than-optimal, shall we say? We need to give ourselves each a big hug and a rousing kiss. Or kick. Whichever works best. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l