I thought you would send out a call to the Fairy Godmother............ that she would come, and make you a carriage, let you wear that dress again - complete with slippers.

Somehow I just can't see Cinderella = Witch. Even happy witch.

Also - aren't you supposed to be going to a ball?

Sometimes I get so lost on this thread. (SS smiles)

SS

In telling about the person who was following me, Mom cast aspersions on my shooting ability. I shoot fine.

So............... this is......... I mean........ are we talking about fire arms? Guns?

You are a crack shot with what weapon?
Guns in general?

Pardon me for asking - this is interresting though.

So far, I am not better than average at driving the dump truck, although I was able to make it go forward and backward. It is kind of squirrely to drive on these bumpy, windy country roads, but I can do it. It makes me grateful for the luxury of the other trucks. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dump trucks (most big trucks) are much easier to drive when they are full. Empty, or half empty means lots of bounce.
I agree that long haul trucks are more comfortable.
Disclaimer - I have driven dump trucks, but not long haul trucks.
I'm not worried about the driving at all. You know what I do worry about, because those worries match yours to some degree.


I understand your concerns. This does have the potential to interfere with what I need (not just want) to do, but while there may be stretches where I have to work harder, it will ultimately be an interim thing.

I realize it's not my place to worry about it, but I tend to anyway. Maybe "worry" is not the right word in this context.

This world doesn't give us the rest we desire. Sometimes it's needed as much as wanted.

I see many (most? all?) here who just cope anyway, and you are one of them. My W is another. I see you wear yourselves out in the service of your families, and others. I see you do what is needed, often at the expense of what is wanted.
You all find ways to make it work, even if the cost is high. (and yes, if you are reading, I mean you too!)

May you find joy in the journey.


I don't know, but my great plan is to see how it works, bank as much as I can while I am doing it, and if it gets to be too much I am not above admitting it. After all, I am not Superwoman. (In my head I know this.)

Oh yes, your head knows it - I realize that.
Your heart though -
You serve with your heart.


AW, I laughed till I cried. AJ giggled like a girl. We are speechless, which is what you should have been. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

Notice she hasn't come back....... Maybe she's not finished with him yet. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

No comment from her mum either. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />


Neak, and sis..... hope the kids are doing well.

SS

Hi CC !
It's good to hear from you ! !

I seem to be stuck with quite a few possible "situations" but nothing definite: I'm supposed to get a new job which will be fun and interesting but I've been waiting for more than a month and now I know it won't be for another couple of weeks at least.

I know the job you have been in has not been what you wanted it to be. Is this at the same place, different Dept?

Or is it something different alltogether?

I've also been offered an internet teaching job whichI obviously accepted but that will be in january...

This is in addition to what you already do?
Will it be fun, or just work?
In English, or Spanish?
Both?

Today is my DD's graduation (she'll be going to university next year) and unfortunately she decided not to remind WH so that he wouldn't go. It was HER decision although I told her I thought it disrespectful. Much as I will hate seeing him I think it's important he be there and after all he paid for her dress and the party... But last night he called and talked to the other DDs and one of them said :"I'll see you tomorrow at the graduation, right?" So she inadvertently reminded him, and we will see what happens tonight.

That made me laugh. Not that I didn't want him to go, but I suspect most families are like that - as far as saying things without knowing what we give away.

It is tells me a lot that she didn't want him to know. I don't know if he will ever get that respect back. It's so sad.

That's about as exciting as it is around here....

Oh, and I have decided to study psychology next year! (march)

That's pretty exciting........... going back to school.
Full time, or part time?

Thanks for all the news about what is going on outside. I still wonder about inside though. That's important too.

At least you understand we care.

I hope you smile a lot these days.

SS

You know, I did not see the happy witch dress in my box of halloween things. This is a problem. Whatever I dress as, I'll send you a picture if I can figure out how to do so.

Hey, with two hormonal females at the house, I just returned from shopping on the real life aisle.

Found the dress.....just discovered that my pumpkin lights won't work as desired. Trunk or Treat is hard work.

Hi everyone and thanks to Cinder for posting because I can't get into GQ!!!! I've already let Tempest know. It's weird. I have to go to active topics and unless the thread I'm interested in is there, I can't find it.

SS, I'll let you know about the job in a few weeks. I was supposed to be appointed when I came back from the holidays but it has been delayed for one or other reason and now we're going to wait until an international assessment is finished and suposedly I would then take over. Unfortunately I know this and am part of the local team in the assessment but the person who is in charge doesn't know this. So I'm not very happy at this moment but there is no choice.

WH didn't go to the graduation and we haven't heard from him since.

I did hear from a friend today that he's not making very intelligent decisions at work. Apparently everyone is leaving and being replaced by OW's family and friends....Sounds like ******!

I have my ups and downs ... but I'm OK. At least everyone else seems to think so and outside opinions are very important. They keep you real.

Summer is starting. That changes a lot of things, although I prefer winter.

The internet job is in english, and it is only part time. I'll try to do better this time than I did last time though. I'm not proud of the way I managed it last time, so I'm really grateful to be given another chance.

I hope to get this problem of not being able to see the forums fixed soon!

I found the happy witch dress. Couldn't find my green and white striped hose so I wore my fishnets.....with my black witch dress covered in small metallic stars and moons in a rainbow of colors, my black leather birkenstocks, and my snazzy little black and lime green witches hat - complete with netting and sequins.

During the Fall Fest, I was one of the cotton candy ladies....boy, were we covered in cotton candy. It blew everywhere. It was kind of funny. We were a show unto ourselves.

My daughter and the dog won second place in the adult costumes. Daughter was Snoopy and dog was Woodstock.

Our trunk won 'best trunk' and it was awesomely good. We deserved it - if I do say so myself. Had a skeleton sitting on the edge of the trunk....a 4' inflatable pumpkin.....a 4' inflatable ghost.....a fog machine......several pumpkins......a CD of childrens halloween music......and a fog machine. We were wonderful!

I am not Annie Oakley, but I can hit the broad side of a barn. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I have been to the range several times to fire a handgun, but am better with a shotgun. Dad took us shooting with his shotgun more than once, and AJ has also taken me to target practice (in the back yard) on several occasions. No, we did not shoot glass bottles. We are hicks, but not that bad.

Today is another dump truck day, most likely. For sure, this is a dump truck week. It is supposed to rain next weekend, and they have to get it as far done as possible. They even came and worked all day yesterday.

Rella, we already knew you were an all-round prizewinner. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

hi all

quick fly by....

neak with a gun <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="" /> lol

I haven't had time to read I'm afraid as we have been at the Vets hospital all day, well nearly so. Aussie aunt the one with cancer had to go into pallative care today. She just fell over and is in her last day or so.
A very kind, strong and loving woman. I pray I never have to endure what she has over the years with her husband a POW and then permanently injured in Korea. Having to work and fight for so much with no complaint.
She has been so good to us and our kids, she is loved by us all very much.
While we were there an old friend of hers dropped by and said good bye and said may with God go with her. She croaked softly that in that oh so 'proper' english accent He had never left me my dear. it was soft but we could hear her. She clutched Aussie hand and told him "hes not left you either you scalawag' . I wanted to cry and I did. Not long after they had to increase her pain killers and she hasn't spoken since.

Aussie shows little or nothing. I don't think death touches him any more. Sometimes the chasm is so wide it frightens me a little.
Well a few hours sleep and we'll go back. If all we can do is hold her hand and pray then thats what we'll do.

{{{{{{{{{{AW and all Mum's Clan}}}}}}}}}

Death still touches Aussie; he just responds to it differently now. Her beautiful words will stay with him, and come to his mind when he least expects it.

The Bible is filled with promises of the reward God is preparing for all who love and trust Him. Here is one of my favorites:


With her faithful life, Aussie's aunt has won such a victory! Her years of service, and all her sufferings, are not in vain. You will miss her for now, but you will see her again in the day when the sting of death is taken away.

{{{{{{Another big hug - I know this is hard.}}}}}}

I missed something....Aussie's aunt died? The one who was sick?

I am sorry.

If she has not already died, it is only a matter of a very short time. I'm sure AW will update us when she is able.

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

thank you for the prayers and well wishes. The dear woman died at 12.30. She never woke up.

Have been to work, rang all and sundry and feeling worn. But I'm still going to take the kids trick or treating because thats what she would want... some happy laughing children.

The youngest grandson is 15 and upset.. didn't stay at school so I picked him up after leaving work early.
Mum is upset. loved to talk politics with her and give the pollies a serving together.

she is with God now and all who loved her and have gone before

Aussie & I took the younger ones ..ok up to 12 yr olds & Aussie.. out trick or treating. Nowhere as big as in the states I guess however we had about 50 to 60 kids went up and down 5 streets and did a hernia carrying the stuff back! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

kind of nice to hear the laughter after the last 2 days. I had this urge to ring mum and Aunty Margaret up tell them how it went.. suppose that will happen for a while. But mum is here for them too so that will help them all.

But our lives go on, the worries and strife, love and fun..its just we have one less to share that with in this life. But we have wonderful memories.

Neak hope you have a great trip. Lizzy said hi and to drive and "I'll take you up on the advice when you get back" whatever that means .... are you sure I gave my word not to peek? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

A quick hello from WA, exit 57. I am about an hour from where I am stopping.

Val is feverish. Her poem was more correct than I thought (so she must have read it wrong), but with the usual mix-ups of b's and d's.


Nighty night, I'm going to sleep. So is AJ, a couple hours behind me.

I wish I was replying in a more timely manner, and could interact more day to day. It's gotten hard lately.

Though I don't comment on each post, I morn with those that morn, weep with those that weep, and laugh with those that laugh.

May God comfort all who need comfort.

If you need some cheer, try these.

A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

Once you've seen one shopping centre, you've seen a mall.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture is a jab well done.

Police arrested two kids yesterday. One was drinking battery acid, and the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off.

A man walked into the doctor's office, he said, "I've hurt my arm in several places." The doctor said, "Well don't go to those places anymore."


CC,
How come you like winter better?

I have my ups and downs ... but I'm OK. At least everyone else seems to think so and outside opinions are very important. They keep you real.

It looks to me like you are doing well also - it really does. I think there is still some pain sometimes, and you wonder about a lot of things, but it does look like you are making progress.

Does it FEEL like you are making progress? Feelings are important too.

Cinders - good job in winning the prize!
I'm glad you find ways to LIVE life. It's tempting sometimes to just be a lump, but I see you won't fall for that one. Makes me happy for you.

Hi AW !!
Hi Aussie !!!
Hi AWM !!!!

Is it true that a Local Area Network in Australia is a LAN down under?

OK, OK, that was bad, but I try. You have to admit I try.

Hi Neak - I still worry. Forgive me, but I do.

Hi T&L !!!!!
'Doctor doctor, I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home,'
“That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome.”
'Is it common?'
“It's not unusual.”

Our own T&L has been quiet lately. At least here.
God bless you and your family with the best possible outcome.

OK, one more for the road -
News Item:
Ireland's worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a small two-seater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search and rescue workers have recovered 1826 bodies so far and expect that number to climb as digging continues into the night.

And BTW, I understand that the man who fell into the upholstery machine is now fully recovered.


SS

Good morning all in the aisle – AW’s mum here

It has been some time since I posted as I see it has been for tl

How are you tl? are you well? I do hope so.

Neak I understand is driving trucks? I pray that you keep safe and that all is improving day by day for you. I also hope and pray you do not keep all your worries and concerns all locked up inside as AW tends to do. Such things tend to return and bite you on the bottom.

Well today we had Margaret’s funeral - Jack aunts - and then a wake at the same pub where as a young nurse during the war she meet her future husband, a soldier in the AIF. As the hearse went to move her coffin to the family plot it stalled of all things and wouldn’t start. Jack commented that the old woman was having one last joke on us all.
Its exactly what Margaret would do and laugh at us.

As we remembered a lot of happy times with her, Jack commented that just before he had gone overseas Margaret had bought a new electronic thermometer. He had come over for a visit and she was trying to get it to work. However after pushing all the buttons and resetting this that and the other, nothing would work she said. “Its darn well broken Jack. It won’t go off 37.5 degrees C.”
“Well” he said to her “I think I can see the problem from here Aunty” ... “Oh what’s that dear? “ So he had leaned over and with a show of great technical knowledge, peeled off the protective strip that was across the LCD screen which had 37.5 degrees printed on it.
“Don’t look at me that way young man” she responded, “I’m not wearing those glasses, ............. they make me look old “ She had a great sense of humour.

She was also not beyond casting an eye on a handsome lad or two, nothing else mind you but she said it kept her young. As they were putting her into the ambulance that last time the medic asked her if she was going to smile for him. Quick as a flash she responded ..
” Well ... what will it get me?”

Jacks sister and her youngest son, 17yr old, came over from Canberra.
A few snacks, some beer, wine and the stories flowed of her life and adventures. Not a bad way to be remembered and loved to my mind.

AW was teary eyed and I have to admit shedding a few tears at the actual service.

Of course I should have known better, however even the wise can be foolish at times. As we walked back to the car I asked Jack if he planned on using the plot for himself .
“Nah” he replies “ just going to get the boys to throw me off the side of the truck”
I’m not sure, I think he was joking. <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="" />

Thanks AWM.
I'm glad YOU are OK, even if every one else is crazy.

I'll probably die in the wilderness, and the wolves will eat me.

SS

AWM - oh of course ... lot easier I'll use it <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="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

well the weekend has become a slight more difficult with some hard news. My wonderful grand daughters fiancé has been given special leave.
He is being sent to Afghanistan.

His mum and dad are coming over late tomorrow.

GD is doing a great AW impression with the stiff upper lip thing. However she is very upset on a number of levels.
so we may be a little scarce for a day or two