<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> So glad to hear he is ok!!!! His guardian angel surely got a new tic from that one...

That's OK, Believer. I don't have much to add sometimes, either! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I took an interesting book along on this trip--actually several, but only one that I want to tell you about, and that's because a long time ago you described yourself as a pacifist. The book is written by the daughter of a Seventh-day Adventist pacifist who was drafted into the German Army during WWII and served for nearly 6 years on the front lines, relying on God to protect him and make it possible for him to be faithful in all his worship observances. I've met the younger son in the book. His childhood name was Gerd, although by the time I heard him speak, etc., he was a PhD, and professor of theology back in the mid-West...and the people who didn't call him Dr. Hasel, called him Gerhard. It's a rip-snorting adventure story of divine protection under the most forbidding, adverse circumstances, and I'll send it to you in the mail this week. We've still got your address from sending you the Malchus book, so I can drop it in the mail after I get home from AZ. If other people want to read it after Believer's done, and she wants to pass it around, be my guest. For anybody else who wants to read a story of angels and God in action, the book is titled A Thousand Shall Fall, and is written by Susi Hasel Mundy.

I guess I'm going to have to get dressed to leave for the purpose of this whole trip...hearing a concert sung primarily in L-A-T-I-N!!!!!!!!! <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="" /> Only for someone very special will I voluntarily sit down and listen to singing that I can't understand. Except for Hawaiian. That's OK, probably because I heard it constantly growing up so it seems all right--and even beautiful--to me. But Latin? And since he'll be able to see me while he sings, I won't even be able to read a book to pass the time. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I'm already getting fidgety. I need the Dervish to provide some calmness and restraint! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm glad to hear young Aussie is OK, which is probably more than can be said for his mama right now. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Personally, I think chidren should be cute little babies longer, and ornery teens and scary adults less...but nobody consulted me, did they? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> What WAS God thinking anyway, to leave my advice out? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

t&l

That would be very nice. It sounds like an excellent book - right up my alley.

More basically, what was God thinking when he gave us those things on our chest which were designed w/ inadequate suspension?

Glad young Aussie is ok. Tell him that, in the future, he should stay away from tanks.

And, hope TNL stays awake during the LATIN!!!!

Sumus quid sumus.

I haven't been able to get the memory thingy out of the camera, so no pictures yet.

Well, we went to Bridalveil Falls first and ate lunch. When we went to walk up was the first I notice that, although I had gotten Grandpa to change out of his suit, he was still wearing his dress shoes. So much for hiking... Almost as soon as we left the parking lot I began to feel mist, because the falls were so huge. Close to the cement viewing platform it was like a rainstorm, and the platform itself was covered with 4-6 inches of water.

I was going to try and take a picture, but there was so much water I couldn't even look up and see the falls. It was like looking up the shower nozzle. Then suddenly the wind shifted, and we REALLY got hit. The proverbial bucket, you know.

Down at the bottom I tried to take a picture of Grandpa and the kids, all soaking wet, and GP trying to dry off his dripping glasses. But the camera chose that moment to act up. (The latches are now broken on the battery slidey thing, so you have to hold them in while taking the picture. And in case I haven't mentioned it recently, that is the same camera where the viewfinder is broken too, so you can't view the picture on the screen before it's taken - you just point, shoot, and hope you aimed right. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) Eventually the camera reset itself and I was able to get a few more pictures, but not till later in the day.

From the falls, we went to the day parking, then walked to catch the bus at the Village Store. By the time we got there, GP was limping. We rode the bus around twice, then got back off at the Village.

They were screening a documentary on the life of Craig Brower, one of the leaders of the modern environmental movement. He was the one who led the fight to save Dinosaur National Monument from being turn into Dinosaur National Reservoir. It had lots of neat historical footage, such as LBJ dedicating Pt. Reyes National Seashore, and Hetch Hetchy after they first dammed it. (Not pretty.)

The Dervish had prayer for us before we walked (or hobbled) back to the car to go home. "An' Jesus, I LIKE dis place, an' I like da buses, and thank You dat we ride on da buses and go roun' and roun', Jesus amen."

AJ says GP kept saying things about "the last time" this and "the last time" that, so we'll have to take him back soon for another last time, and maybe another last time after that. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hi Neak, tl, Beliver,FF, ss & cindy, I hope I left no one out!

Thankyou all for your well wishes they must of done a lot of good. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anyway very hectic here. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Our young man, ok my big baby <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />, is ok but you should see him, looks like he did 20 rounds with some boxer with his hands tied behind his back.

Apparently a tank thing, you know those things that carry troops, had a trainee at the controls and he made a mistake.
Was supposed to stop but went forward instead.

All it did was knock my son down and drag him ... LUCKILY <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />
and there is no permanent damage except to his pride and some bruises. well lots of bruising. They did scans & xrays and nothing is broken just what they call soft tissue injuries. Of course I have hypertension and panic attacks but lets not worry over those.

So they have given him a lot of codeine forte to take and we took him home about 7.00am
I've taken a day or two off to baby him along with Mikey, I mean nurse him back to health <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Neak glad you had a good time, even if a bit of a wet one and that GP was grumbling. I always think if you can grumble you are ok! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

And I am not smirking that God answered my prayers just because my big boy can't go back to training for ... oh months! I mean that would not be a supportive mum now would it. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
I mean its not MY fault that as he cant finish his training he wont be sent ANYWHERE for at least 12 months or until he finishes Military College now is it.
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

God does work in mysterious ways doesn't He? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

tl I hear mass and hymns in latin sometimes still these days. it used to be ALWAYS in latin when I was a child... just ask my mum <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> she always accused me of smoking behind the girls loo when I was supposed to be in church <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Working on the pictures, have them at least ready to go into Yahoo pix.

Congrats, AW. Mom wants to know if you could hire the same tank driver to um, work with Aussie???

Just got the rejection email for the 2nd kids book Neaksis & I just submitted. It said they liked it and enjoyed it and everything, but it did not "meet their needs". My guess as a translation is, "We haven't even gotten the first hardback-with-lots-of-costly-illustrations off the presses yet to see how well it will do, so we can hardly take a chance on ANOTHER!" Oh well. Pacific Press, you're next...

Ok, the photos have arrived.

HERE

is the link to the album.

And the last photo in the album, too interesting to let pass without commnet:

L-R, Dervish, Mr. C, Valkyrie (isn't her hair getting looooooong?), and the Princess.

Yesterday in town with the 3 bald ones from the picture, one of the Wal Mart ladies asked me if Val & Mr. C were twins. I KNOW she was not thinking a boy-twin and a girl-twin!

Nice pictures.

My Princess says she likes the shiny, random black dress shoes <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> and she loved your princess's jacket w/ the dogs on it. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And, she likes emoticons a LOT! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Neak I just couldn't ever ask that poor young man to 'accidently' drive for Aussie, does your Mom want his phone number? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I love the Dervish's smile, its just so sweet & cheeky. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Of course the whole 4 of them look pretty cute to me! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cinders I bet your lovely Princess would get along famously with my mum & her love of what she calls 'smiley faces' <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

My big boy is a lot better today but feels very very sore and is moaning about not being bale to go out this coming Sat to a night club.
You can imagine the sympathy I had for that one <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

DD is showing actual care for her brother .. amazing isn't it! I'm used to the sniping but have to say its usually good natured for the last few years.
But DD is also worried about Travelling Soldier after one digger was killed the other day inside the camp.
So we are hoping he will be rotated out soon fingers crossed! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I hope all are good and having a more peaceful time right now and tl I do hope you are feeling more upbeat and not so depressed and disgruntled. Just think it could be snowing!

Well off to bed after making the sick boy a hot chocolate & getting him a slice of Choc mud cake. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

night all <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Send me the # & I'll call myself, lol!

Cheeky's not the half of it!!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Mom...

Call me at home, or call AJ on his cell phone.

T&L Yeah, they are, all 4 of them, cute.

AW And glad your young soldier is better.

If I say I'm sick, may I get some hot chocolate and some choc cake? I do have fluid in my ears. May I take to my bed and be served by all those who love me? Maybe I feel weird because my meds are out of whack? Who knows?

morning you tl & neakies! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

well sad event today. We had the funeral for the soldier killed last week in Travelling Soldiers camp in Iraq.
Poor young wife has a 4 yr old and a new baby girl.
She was distraught but trying so hard for her kids.
All very very sad and makes me appeciate all that I have even more. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/teary.gif" alt="" />

You know maybe things for all of us could be so much worse when you think of whats going on. Of course it doesn't make you feel any better or hurt less but some small comfort.
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Cinders you can have 2 hot chocs and some choc mud cake ... I said so <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
So can you neak ...just pass me the meal replacement powder so I can be miserable <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Neak you can ring that young bloke any time lol <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

back to work for me tomorrow .. sucky <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Mum is swanning around humming & singing to herself because SHE is on long service leave <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> isn't that disgusting ?? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

She says in a very happy voice "Hello you darlings I'll write when my DD has gone to work tomorrow!!" <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Good grief she loves rubbing it in! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

1. I like the photos.

2. Wish I could greet everyone in person.

3. Is T&L safely home yet? I hope so.

4. Nothing exciting going on here today. You'll have to take my word for it - or you can come see in person.

SS

And when you finish seeing Seeking, come see me. I want some positive excitement in my life. I've had too much of the other kind.

Poor, dear soldier's family. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I was thinking, AW, that if you put that # on here, we could ALL call that fine young driver. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hi SS, we had lots of fun, and can't wait to go back. Especially since the camera was malfunctioning each time we were within sight of Half Dome. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Cinders, hope you are feeling better. If you want excitement, I have a Dervish to sell you, real cheap. (Truth in advertising: not positive excitement.)

Cinders -
Hows the heat pump?
I had a car once that had realy good air conditioning.
In the winter -
and the heat worked so well in the summer.

What kind of excitement are you looking for?
Really, when you wish, what do you wish for?

And what general area do you live in, I can't remember.


Neak, I have only been to Y once. It was nice, I liked it. Different from the red rocks we have here.

Do the kids care where they are, or do they just like being out?

Was it a rest for you, or did you need to rest after you got home?

AW,
You have been through so much. I can see your sense of humor helps you make it. What a great gift.

Hi T&L
SS waves !!!

SS's thoughts change, face clouds -
How about this dark mood? Are you doing better?
Does anything help?

How about a good, swift kick?
Sorry, I'm in a good mood. Can't stay serious.
Would help if I could.

SS

SS - heat pump is cooling beautifully.

I did get positive excitement. Newsweek just ranked my daughter's high school as the 39th best public high school in the nation.

I live in the southeast. Not too far south. Not too far east. About 200 miles east of the Mississippi River. Almost due south of Cincinnati.

Morning - yes I got that right this time - to all the family on tl pages. <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="" />

How are you young neak? that wonderful dervish spinning like a top yet? what a boys boy!! <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
AW says she has been very slow to email everyone but she has been spoiling number one son WAYYYYYYY too much if you ask me!
For goodness sakes he's an adult and does not need breakfast in bed EVERY DAY, especially when I'm not getting that!!
<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/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

AW is also having periods of being very melancholy right now as its little Peters birthday on the 21 May. Very quiet and introspective and I know she is thinking of what could have beens - don't we all? -, but at least she's not deeply depressed as in previous years. I do think her counselling has worked wonders. At least its number ones sons birthday on the 10th and I'm sure he's grown another foot so that will be a HAPPY event especially as he can't be deployed now for ages <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

AW & Aussie & myself & all the family from the bush to the city are all going to my other grandsons 18th party on Saturday night at his dad's cafe. John - yes what can I say another one !! - is a very good chef and makes wonderful food so I will be spoiled which is every grandma's due I think! <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="" />

Now at least Sean is not a soldier - Sean is Gaelic for John <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> - he's doing an apprenticeship in DIESEL Mechanics but was thinking of doing that in the Army - my other DD said no way Jose I'm not signing any ok - quiet but VERY stubborn that one which pleases me to no end <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="" />

I am not happy with Aussie though. There is some talk that he will be back in Afghanistan in a month or two as there have been 4 casualties from enemy action within the last 2 months in the SAS though no fatalities thank the good Lord. They want the more experienced officers and troopers to go back the pack of @$%#*&^%##@$$ see didn't say ONE bad word <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I think he should retire and go do something a lot safer like swimming with white pointers <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Anyway enough about this family, whats going on with SS? Whats going on with Cinderella & that heat pump ? did you get it replaced or were you able to give it a third life? <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="" />

tl, why are you feeling so down? can you say why or is it all too involved for here? Of course I understand if you wish not to.
I do hope though that your trip to see your son has been helpful and given you some joy and hopefully has been a way to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Neak, where is your new book? I did so enjoy the first one when I nicked, Um I mean borrowed it from AW
<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/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="" />
Of course I'm blaming you if AW ends up at home writing history novels - that used to be her passion History - as she was within a few fly specks of getting her Degree in Archeology many years ago. Now she pleads she has forgotten it all!!
SURE she has! I can remember her with a new bub on her hips squatting down in a 30,000 year old buriel site brushing away dirt from every little bit of whatever as if nothing else was important. I think she decided motherhood and field work don't mix. Of course she wont tell anyone that will she? No she wont. <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Now who else can I tell on? Ah G.O.B day [ Grumpy Old ******]I think with my grumpy muttering about women - thats me by the way - shopping and not buying anything and waste of time and always just looking etc etc etc yada yada yada you get the picture.
So I actually buy some thongs - thats flip flops I think for you over there - and he just made comment after comment. And I let him. Then when he was finished I told him thats ok then as he didn't want them - they were his - I would give them to grand son - AW 's giant. <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />
I love it when a plan comes together
<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/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />