Ew ew ew, don't breathe on me!

Oops, I mean I am sorry you don't feel good.

Llamas grazing in the field is actually a very usual sight where we are, ditto emu. Camels or elephants would be a rarity though.

After all, we live in the land of fruit and nuts. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

hi sweeties!!

quick post

busy busy busy getting ready to go out to a farewell concert for the 'boys' and just making sure my happy pills are all taken and the smile is painted on correctly <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> see its a wonder what non smear performers make up will do, I wonder if DD will work out I nicked some of hers? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

oh well I'll just get another 'oh mother'. Oh the romance between Travelling Soldier and DD is steaming up nicely, haven't got her over the M word yet but shes wavering. But really I'm ok with her wish either way. I just tease a wee little bit. I think thats mum genes at fault there!! DD blame nanna!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

oh my dress is so sheekish, its a black silk number that cost , well lets change THAT subject before Aussie ever hears about it. Its nice. DD wants to wear it on the weekend lol (with some luck I wont need it <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />)

anyway we are ready, I think. nappies , bags, mum, dad, dd, DS & that girl in red <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> oh goodness the poor girl looks so worshipfully at him if he hurts her I'll kick him so hard. Now where was I ? oh crikey Mikey lets go baby boy. thats my back wincing in sympathy before I try to pick him up. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

ok. lets go and smile for the boys and be happy and shake hands and do the commanders wife thing. my box of tissues for their girls/wives all ready. big deep breath, mummy come hold my hand. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> tl & neak hold the other one <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Big hug, AW. Let go of my hand now. I'm trying to pat you soothingly on the back! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Don't you just get tired sometimes of having to be so noble, so brave, so restrained, so controlled...when what you really want to do is lie down on the floor, drum your heels, beat your fists, have a screaming fit, and go, "Waa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah!"? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Sorry I haven't answered everybody lately. I was miserably sick with a head cold for a couple of weeks, and all I did was work and sleep and feel sorry for myself. Wait...that sounds like my regular life! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> But I read every day, even if I was too hoarse to talk--had a frog in my fingers, don'cha know? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

t&l

The 'tamping frip' was going well when I talked to the 'tampers' last night.

The Dervish had taken 3-4 small naps during the day, and kept trying to sneak into the tent to lie down, instead of eating his supper. Wooo-hoooo!!!

Apparently early yesterday morning while they were both napping in the car, the wee Dervish woke up and wanted out, then curled up on AJ's lap for another hour of cuddles and snoozes.

Awwwwwwwww.

AJ's tummy was a little unhappy last night <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> but I haven't heard from him this morning, which is good news, I think. There is almost no cell signal where they are, so if he was driving down the highway with the steering wheel in one hand and a bucket in the other, he would have let me know. Hmmmm. That's two hands, and three things. I wonder which item he would let go of to use the cell phone?

My tummy is not real happy, but I think (hope) it is only sympathy pangs.

Oh, and Neaksis gets her little respite foster kid back again. Apparently 2 full days back with her sister and Regular Foster Mother was enough for the RFM to want respite again. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Neaksis doesn't mind. She behaves very well for Neaksis.

Hello all

I will need to find out about all the gory details of the 'tamping frip' - as long as Aj does not breath on me! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

just got back from a very happy/sad/emotional goodbye concert for the troops leaving for Afghanistan. AW is with Aussie still and spending the night at the Hilton hotel.

Mikey is with myself and grumpy. Grumpy & Mikey are both asleep <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

One suspects the youngsters are out doing things nanna doesn't want to know about. <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I got 4 slow dances with grumpy tonight - I just about fell over with shock <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="" />

We had some great singers come from all over to perform for them as well. Some of the songs were so heartbreakingly beautiful that even an old cynical phoney like me had a few tears.
DD sang a few songs as a big surprise for us. She fibbed to her nanna !!!
She sang a wonderful duet - Vivo Per Lei, the Garth Brooks song 'If tomorrow never comes' - boy did that set off the tear works, a new song she was working on originally titled a 'Soldier cant survive' but changed the words in the circumstances to 'a Bushman cant survive' oh my that was lovely - a duet too, and last was 'Show me Heaven'. I was proud enough to burst. I think AW did <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="" />

Just a big crowd of soldiers with wives and families who just stood up and slow danced where they were. Very touching and something you couldn't plan for normally. All slow music mostly for the wives, they wanted to hold their men.
Thats when the silly old bugger came over and took my hand and we just had our little slow dance or few. <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="" />

AW was very good going to each wife and talking and hugging and wiping a few eyes. Not that hers were very dry. If she had kissed him any harder Aussie would have two tongues. <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="" /> - his team told them to go get a room!! lol

Have you ever heard Purple Roses?
John Williamson came across and sang this among some other songs.

There's a rose bush in the garden
Been there since I was born
That celebrates its age without fear
I touch the velvet petals
And smell the breath of angels
And pick the purple roses every year

Now you think you're passed your prime my sweet woman
Your use-by date is faded and grey
But sad and sorry thoughts like that my darlin'
Is throwin' purple roses away

I touch the velvet petals
And smell the breath of angels
And pick the purple roses every year
And the Roses my sweet woman
are only picked for you

I think I've got indigestion, or is that feeling all soft and fuzzy? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I'm too shocked to use the blushy face more than once!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Well the last song was Waltzing Matilda which at the end everyone just started to sing spontaneously-

"And their ghosts may be heard
as they march by the billabong
who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me"

Sadly to say my children amongst others.
I can't help it but damn those fantics who started this war damn them to ******. I suspect I'm not a very good Christian but I cannot forgive them, not worth the sweat of one Coalition soldier.
Dont know how I can be both happy and a bit melancholy but there you are, I'm a confused woman. <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="" />

AW,

Tell your husband thanks for all he is doing from a coalition partner in Iraq. Thank you for supporting him as he does so.

sbmmal

sniff

sniff

sniff

sniff

God bless the brave soldiers, and those who love them from far away. I'm tired of this world, and all its troubles. I'm a melancholy baby tonight! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/teary.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Yeah, I agree. God bless the brave soldiers and those who love them.

You know, I've been searching for a new dress all summer. Can't find a dress that isn't slinky or too bare for church. Or way out of my price range. Sheesh.....what am I gonna have to do....? Get really interested in sewing and find the time to do it?

I suppose knitting one is out of the question?

When I am feeling better I will post more of the great tamping adventure. AJ has been keeping me well entertained telling me about them.

sbmmal

thankyou very much. I also wish to thank you too being where you are and doing what you have to do. Just stay safe and get home to your daughter and I pray a remorseful wife.

I do hate that my DH has to go again but thats what I signed on for when I married the regular army I guess <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
I feel my DH has done more than his share but my opinion apparently is not considered <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />


Take care & I'll pray for you and your family if thats ok

AW

Bumping us up from halfway down second page.

Hey Cinderella - how was the weekend?
Any news about your mom?

Neak, can't wait to hear.

AW -
our neighbor just got home from Iraq. His tour was 18 months. Not one man in their unit was killed. He is happy about that. He is so glad to be back with his family.
I don't think he ever wants to go again, but he will if he is called up.

My W's youngest brother is being deployed to Afghanistan. He is enroute now. He leaves his W, and three childen. We pray for his safe return, as we do your familiy, and friends.

This is a crazy world, we do the best we can, and help where we are able. God be with you all.

T&L,
May this be a good week for you .


CC - I read, and I will reply soon. Thanks for the update.

SS

Mom did fine w/ her surgery.

Yesterday, she and I made blackberry jam. She enjoyed it. I sent her home w/ 4 containers: 2 for her, one for a friend, and one for my sister. She can figure out how to give it to her.

I leave tomorrow to go spend 3 fun days w/ the diplomat. Well, one evening, 2 days, and catch 9 a.m. flights to our respective states on the 4th day. Too short but better than nothing. Let's see July 2001, I spent some time in NE w/ him. 2002, he was here in July. 2003, we took his children and mine camping - Or was that 2002. 2004, Boca Raton, FL. 2005, the Black Hills.....so we manage at least one adventure each year.....between adventures, we travel to each other's home turf.

His parents like me. His children like me. My mom likes him. My children like him - I think. My daughter seems accepting then says she doesn't like him - I think she feels threatened that she is not the sole center of my universe.

(edited to fix those dates!) <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Did you really mean to say 1991? Wow! That is a long time to be dating long distance.

come on rella, spill it... is there a permanent close dating on the horizon ???? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I am glad you get to spend some time with him though, big hugs to you <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

SS how are you going? family all ok?


tl how are you ? you've been quiet, so so quiet ... did the grandkids give nanna a nice pressy of the dreaded lurgie?

neak, camping details? I didn't see any reports of a forest fire so thought all must of gone ok with AJ. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Aussie set our whole farm on fire once, said it was good for the bush <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
of course MY idea of roughing it these days is going to a 3 star hotel instead of 5 <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

No - I messed up - those dates are 2001 to present.

Is permanence on horizon? Who knows....! We don't know. There is the opportunity for permanence - maybe someday. But it is not a given.

My mom owns some property on which the sheriff of the area once set a fire. Then he called it a brush fire and didn't report it. Apparently the fire had intentional origin. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Drive-by warning...

It only seems like I've been quiet. Actually, I've been doing my headless chicken imitation for weeks. And not in mime, either. I have so far avoided the intestinal disorder being shared so freely by the family members across the lake. This is only fair since I did NOT give them the yucky head cold I am personally just recovering from, and have had the strong opinion that they should just keep their germs to themselves, too. Even germs fear me, apparently. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Especially when I stay far enough away to prevent exposure! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

But there's been a lot of work at work lately. People were granted their vacations, then 2 people quit, 2 left on maternity leave, one retired, and the head nurse coming back from maternity leave is finding out that her house-husband isn't so good at taking care of baby twins as she had hoped. Plus we've had a lot of deliveries at work, which tends to minimize my at-home pizzazz once I get here, too. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I was supposed to have tonight off coming up, but just got called because they have no head nurse tonight any more...so I'm guessing the twins are needing mama at home again. I'm just not sure really how that's going to work, in the long run. So my leisurely 3-day house cleaning attack is now crammed into whatever I can get done before 5:30 this afternoon. Hard to turn down time-and-a-half, though.

The loan people turned us down because I don't live in the house with my dad. The broker said they tried 5 different lenders over the last 3 months, before giving up. So I'm back with the original lender again. My loan has been moved to a new office now, and these people, unlike the Sacramento office, seem interested in dealing. It will be higher interest (almost 10% <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) and a payment that increases by around $300/month, but when they've got you over a barrel, what can you do? I'm just trying to get to the point where we can dig up the drainfield, find out whose fault it is, and go after them for all the thousands and thousands of dollars they have cost me. Fortunately, the attorney says I can hold them liable even for the extra cost of getting the new loan, etc., in addition to everything else. By the time it's done, they will (I sincerely hope) be forced to cough up somewhere near $100,000 for all the damage and trouble they've cost.

Hi to everybody. I'm going to hit the ground running here in just a minute and see what I can get done in the next 9 hrs. I wish you all a nice day.

t&l

well g'day tl

I'm on the PC cause AW is on my lap and - nah lying - shes doing the ironing making my uniforms look good and busy soothing the savage male - me -cause I lost my lolly trying to fit the support brackets into Mikeys new bed and threw em across the shed room.

tell her to stop laughing at me, my egos fragile and I'm not coping with failure. can I shoot it? I'm good at that.

and tell her to stop looking at the plans, I'm a bloke and I dont need plans. Real men dont use plans - stupid freakin bed.

Got a Joke

A British soldier, a US Marine, and an Aussie SAS soldier went into a bar and each ordered a beer. Each found a fly in their beer.

The British soldier looked in his beer and said, "hey bartender I have a fly in my beer. Give me another beer."

The US Marine looked in his beer, found the fly, reached in an picked it out and continued drinking.

The Aussie SAS soldier looked in his beer, saw the fly, grabbed it by the wings, shook it over the glass and yelled, "Spit it out, Spit it out you little ******!"
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />