THURSDAY THIRTEEN! Edition #4 My favorite 13 Christmas songs. I have many more, but I could only list 13... ;-) 13. Away in a Manager 12. O Come, All Ye Faithful 11 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (This is Kaitlin's favorite Christmas song) 10. I’ll Be Home For Christmas 9. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year 8. White Christmas 7. Let It Snow (Oh yeah....love to have snow at Christmas, only) 6. Oh Holy Night (This was my Dad's favorite Christmas song) 5. Let There Be Peace on Earth 4. Joy To The World 3. Jingle Bell Rock 2. Silent Night (This was my brother Kim's favorite Christmas song) 1. Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Yup, you knew this would be #1 after last night...woooooo) SMOOCH!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY! SMOOCHES!

THE BRICK A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not. Thought for the Day: If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring. He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you! Send this to every "beautiful person" you wish to bless. God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Read this line very slowly and let it sink in... If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE NUMBER THREE? This is my first one of these, so bear with me ... 3 Things that scare me: frogs; being alone; the future 3 People who make me laugh: my sweetie Tony; drunk people; Liz and Liz and Ann and Mary ( I think we were all were sisters in a past life) 3 Things I love: my family; my SP Friends; my car 3 Things I hate: stupid people; racism; cruelty to the elderly, children and animals 3 Things I don't understand: racism; violence; income tax forms 3 Things on my desk: pictures of Matt and Kaitlin; desk top; a stack of papers 3 Things I'm doing right now: watching Dateline; decorating my house for Chrismas; starving 3 Things I want to do before I die: meet my online friends; take an Alaskan cruise; meet Taylor Hicks 3 Things I can do: play the piano; cook; sing 3 Things I can't do: change the past; predict the future; smile when I'm unhappy 3 Things I think you should listen to: your conscience; old people who have a story to tell; good music 3 Things you should never listen to: politicians; gossip; bad advice 3 Things I'd like to learn: how to Ballroom Dance; how to water ski; how to keep my weight off 3 Favorite foods: chicken; seafood; chocolate 3 Beverages I drink regularly: water; diet mt. dew; skim milk 3 Shows I watched as a kid: Good Times; Happy Days; The Jeffersons Now is the time I tag three other people ... ok, Turn, Anndi and Busy ... you're it!

It's the Friday after Thanksgiving Hope everyone had a wondeful Thanksgiving. I know I did. Ate entirely too much, but isn't that what everyone does? ;-) Here is a poem that I found After Thanksgiving" I ate too much Turkey, I ate too much corn, I ate too much pudding and pie. I'm stuffed up with muffins and too much stuffin' I'm probably going to die. I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate. But I wish I had known when to stop, For I'm so crammed with yams, sauces, gravies, and jams That my buttons are starting to pop! I'm full of tomatoes and french fried potatoes My stomach is swollen and sore, But there's still some dessert so I guess it won't hurt if I eat just a little bit more! Although we had planned to get up this morning early and hit the stores, ummm... it kinda didn't happen. So, I missed those early morning specials,the long wait lines, the grumpy people because they either (1) are not morning people and got up early any way or(2)didn't go to bed at afraid they might oversleep and not get a good deal... I don't think I missed too much.... Hope everyone has a great rest of holiday weekend. I will be back to work on Monday and life will be back to somewhat normal... SMOOCHES!

Thursday Thirteen - Thanksgiving Edition #3 So another Thanksgiving rolls around. The yearly question of "what are you thankful for?" comes to mind again.... Thirteen things that I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving.... 1. The love of my life, Tony. He came along, tore down the brick wall that I had built around my heart. He is truly amazing. Not a day goes by that he doesn't treat me like a queen. He has all the qualities that a girl could ask for... a christian man, truthful, compassionate, romantic, loving.... I could go on but you get what I'm trying to say. 2. My kids. Yup, yup, yup.. I go through a "kid killing" routine every night... but I am truly thankful for my 2 healthy kids who are full of life. I am thankful that Matt has a good head on his shoulders and knows what he wants to do with his life. I am thankful that Kaitlin is a normal child you loves being who she is. 3. My Mother. The true matriach of this family. This remarkable lady has been through many difficulities in her life. She was the only daughter so she took care of her mother and daddy until they passed away. She took care of my brother Kim who passed away at the age of 43 from diabetes. Then there was my dad.... I just pray that I can be as remarkable and strong as my mother. 4. My Dad. The man who was a christian man. The man who was kind, loving and very, very wise. The man with the most wonderful set of moral values. Yes Daddy is now my angel, but I am still so very thankful for having him as my Dad. 5. Kim, my older brother. He NEVER complained one bit. He was always concerned with how you were doing than himself. He was very appreciative of everything. He was my best friend. I could go to him with ANYTHING and he was always there for me. 6. Chris, my younger brother. Even though he and I fought growing up, we are now friends. He was there for me when I went through the terrible divorce. I could always call him and just vent. I remember one statement he made to me "Lee, we may have our differences, but there ain't no SOB going to treat my sister this way." Of course, there were many more, but just goes to show you can do or say what you want to about me, but don't mistreat my family or else! 7. My SP Friends. WOW, what can I say here. I could have never imagined that through one wonderful soul man that one could make so many, many friends. Friends who are there through thick and thin. Friends who laugh with you, cry with you, make jokes with you... friends who are always there. 8. For the roof over my head and the food on my table. Sometimes we take for granted what we have and complain for what we don't have. There are so many out there that will not have a roof over their head or food to eat this Thanksgiving. But not only on this Thanksgiving, but every day of the year. 9. For my health. I am healthy. Yup, have a few minor aches and pains, but it could be a lot worse. 10. For my small town. I am thankful for the small town that I live in. Everybody knows everybody and watch out for each other. There is very little crime, if any and I feel safe. My kids feel safe. We don't have to worry about walking out of our house at night. The only thing that may "get" us are the critters who wander up in our back yard. 11. I’m thankful to live in a free country. Nothing more to be said. 12. For my job. I may complain alot but there are so many people who do not have a job. 13. I'm thankful for everything. Good and bad it doesnt' matter. Because everything we experience helps us grow to be stronger people. Ok... this was easy... HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL Thirteen Things about what Dixie is Thankful for Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. http://busy91.livejournal.com/ 2. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

HUMP DAY! It's Wednesday and I can't believe this week is almost over. Why is it when you are off from work that time flies? I've never understood that. Since no one had to get up this morning, we slept in. Yup, I didn't get up until 11:15 cst... I deserve it... very seldom do I sleep late... ahhhhhhhhhhh it was WONDERFUL! Well, last night Taylor Hicks presented at the AMA's. He looked H.O.T. ! WOOOOOOOOOOO The haircut was a tad short for me, but who cares... I'd still... on never mind.. y'all know.. ;-) Well, I've got to get up off this couch and start some house cleaning and I've got to cook a Honey Bun Cake for tomorrow, we are going to Tony's sisters. Thank God that's the only thing I've got to cook. Will be a HUGE family gathering. I estimated around 30 - 40 there, maybe more. Will let y'all know on Friday. Will be taking mother with us too... no way would I allow her to be by herself on Thanksgiving. That will be another story... ;-) I will be posting my Thursday Thirteen later tonight. Very doubtful that I will have time tomorrow. And a little funny today.... from humor.com Twas the Nite before Thanksgiving Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the kitchen; I was cooking and baking and moaning' and bitchin'. I 've been here for hours, I can't stop to rest, This place is a disaster, just look at this mess! Tomorrow I've got thirty people to feed, They expect all the trimmings - who cares what I need! My feet are both blistered, I've got cramps in my legs, The dog just knocked over a bowl full of eggs. There's a knock at the door and the telephone's ringing; Frosting drips on the counter as the microwave's dinging. Two pies in the oven, dessert's almost done; My cookbook is soiled with butter and crumbs. I've had all I can stand, I can't take anymore; Then walks in my husband, spilling rum on the floor. He heaves and he wobbles, his balance unsteady; Then grins as he chuckles "The eggnog is ready!" He looks all around and with total regret, Says "What's takin' so long? Aren't you through in here yet??" As quick as a flash I reach for a knife; He loses an earlobe; I wanted his life! He flees from the room in terror and pain, and screams "MY GOD WOMAN, YOU'RE GOING INSANE!!" Now what was I doing, and what is that smell? Oh, shit, it's the pies!! They're burned all to hell!! I hate to admit when I make a mistake, But I put them on BROIL instead of on BAKE. What else can go wrong?? Is there still more ahead? If this is good living, I'd rather be dead. Lord, don't get me wrong, I love holidays; They just leave me exhausted, all shaky and dazed. But I promise you one thing, If I live 'til next year, You won't find me pulling my hair out in here. I'll hire a maid, a cook, and a waiter; And if that doesn't work, I'LL HAVE IT ALL CATERED! HAPPY TURKEY DAY! SMOOCHES!

Quality time with Mother...... Well as most of you know, I have the week off. When I have a week or more off, Mother gets out her list of things for me to do. The story starts with a phone call last night just to confirm that I did have the week off... Mother was wanting to take a mini road trip and get some things accomplished. I agreed to go with her. Mother and I have not really had any Mother/Daughter time since Daddy passed away. So, I get up this morning, get the kids ready for school and take my lazy butt back to bed. I had really only intended to lay down for about an hour then get up and get ready. Nooooooooo... I fall completely back to sleep. Mother calls at 9:00.... I answer the phone, "Hello".... "Lee, you ready?" "No Mother, I fell back to sleep, sorry." "Oh... I've already been to the bank, filled the car up and I'm ready". "Mother, give me 30 minutes and I'll be ready". "Ok"...hang up the phone.... Jump out of bed, head to the shower, get dressed, call Mother and tell her I'm ready... She picks me up and we are off...... having a variety of conversations, but mainly about Daddy, Thanksgiving, the kids, Tony, etc....... First stop... Picture/Frame Shop. She has two pictures that need re-framed and matted. I don't get out thinking that she will just be in and out... Noooooooooo... she's in there for 20 minutes... FINALLY we are on the road again.... Second stop... Courthouse...have to pay land taxes.... I didn't get out here either... she's in and out of there in less than 5 minutes... must have not found anybody to talk to... LMOO Main reason for the trip is the next stop... We pull into the funeral home to pick up Daddy's Veterans foot stone... I get out at this stop... we go in... have to pick out a picture and saying for a memorial service that the funeral home does every year during the holidays. We get that picked out, pick up the foot stone and on our way... total time there 30 minutes "Mother, I have to have something to eat". We go 3 blocks to a greasy spoon... literally a greasy spoon. I treated Mother to lunch... we were there at total of 20 minutes. Next stop is the Monument place.... we pull in... neither one of us wants to get out because it is so cold... we drive around making about 3 laps looking at head stones. I told Mother that they were going to think we were crazy and she needed to stop.... she does... we get out... go into the Monument office and look out the window at the stones. Yup, yup, yup you guessed it, we picked the stone out looking from the inside out. That's what I call "window shopping"... After much conversation, narrowing it down to two, we agreed on a beautiful black stone. Our next decision was how the names would be put on there... oh this was fun... but we finally agreed, ordered the stone, Mother paid and we were out of there.... total time there 1 1/2 hrs. Yup, yup, yup.... changed our minds many times... but we are women and we have that right.. LMOO So we leave there and head back to the Picture/Frame Shop to pick up the pictures Mother had left in the morning. But before that we had to get there..... We are 30 miles from the shop, the speed limit is 65 mph and Mother is driving 40 mph... "Mother, the speed limit is 65 mph"... "Lee, I'm not going to burn my gas out fast by driving fast" "Mother, they are passing us like we are sitting still". We are laughing.... "Lee... Daddy never complained about my driving, you just sit back, be quiet and relax, we'll get there. If you don't be quiet I'm going to put you out". Still laughing... "Mother, just pull over and I'll get out and walk.... as slow as your driving, I'll get home before you will by walking". We get back to the town where the Picture/Frame Shop is, but I needed to go to the grocery and pick up something for supper. She stops at the grocery, I go in, she doesn't get out... total time in store 10 minutes MAX!!!! Finally, we are back at the shop to pick up pictures.... there is a note on the door "Gone to bank, be right back." grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... I'm so wanting a nap by this time..... So, we sit in the parking lot waiting for the lady to get back from the bank... total time waiting 20 minutes.... she gets back, unlocks the door and we are in... pick up the pictures, Mother pays for them, I load them in the car and we are FINALLY on our way home. I laughed and told Mother that the next time she drags me all over God's creation that I'm going to pack snacks and drinks. God, I was extremely thirsty by the time I got home and so wanted a ciggy. (I don't smoke around Mother, she know I do but out of respect for her I just don't do it) I really did have a wonderful time with my Mother. I wouldn't take our trip time back for nothing. Below is an e-mail that really touched me.... I really do love my Mom!!! If you really love your mom then you will read on: My mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students & teachers to support the family. There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of my classmates said, EEEE, your mom only has one eye!" I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. So I confronted her that day and said, " If you're only goanna make me a laughing stock, why don't you just die?!!!" My mom did not respond... I didn't even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings. I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad to study. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids and the comforts. Then one day, my mother came to visit me. She hadn't seen me in years and she didn't even meet her grandchildren. When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I screamed at her, "How dare you come to my house and scare my children!" GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared out of sight. One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity. My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have. My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I'm sorry that I came to your house and scared your children. I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I'm sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up. You see........when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine. I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. With my love to you, Your mother Always tell someone that you love them because you never know what day will be their last. I love each and every one of you and YES, I DO LOVE MY MOTHER! From deep in my heart! SMOOCHES!

DO TELL..... Well Saturday was the tell all day. We got up early, drove to Jackson to the Marine Recruiting Station for Matt's weigh in. Now let me tell you, the poor kids has worked his buns off this past week running, dieting, and just getting into shape. We got there around 11:00, Staff Sgt. Screws took him in the back.... they came back out and HE HAD NOT LOST ONE POUND...of course, he hadn't gained either. The Gunny Sgt. was there and could believe that Matt weight 217. He said there was no way. We talked a while about what Matt should do. So, we went ahead and signed the papers for his delayed entry. Did not date them... but since the deadbeat Dad had to sign too, he was there... We left, went to WalMart and bought him this sauna suit. I've put him on the Atkins Diet and he is still running 1 1/2 - 2 miles a day.... with the sauna suit on now. Sgt. Screws said that he had some guys that were coming home for the holidays and he's going to have them call Matt, schedule times where they can come work with him and "whip" him into shape. Of course, this too will give him some idea what Marine life is like. Well.... I'm doing the *imsohappyicoulddancedance* the Dallas Cowboys beat the Indianpolis Colts... y'all just don't know how much I dislike Peyton Manning. Heck, I didn't like him when he played for Tennessee. Now don't get me wrong, he'S a good quarterback... but he's not a great quarterback. Great quarterbacks win super bowls... they don't choke... he chokes... heck, he couldn't beat Florida when he was at Tennessee and he couldn't win a national championship.. Now I know that it takes more than the quarterback to win... but come on...he chokes.. Enough on Peyton..... Ok, I'm working on new looks for the place. Y'all just bear with me... the heart and soul may take on many different looks this week... And this just in from the Associated Press... Secret Santa has been revealed... By MARIA SUDEKUM FISHER, Associated Press Writer Sat Nov 18, 6:10 AM ET KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For 26 years, a man known only as Secret Santa has roamed the streets every December quietly giving people money. He started with $5 and $10 bills. As his fortune grew, so did the gifts. In recent years, Secret Santa has been handing out $100 bills, sometimes two or three at a time, to people in thrift stores, diners and parking lots. So far, he's anonymously given out about $1.3 million. It's been a long-held holiday mystery: Who is Secret Santa? But now, weak from chemotherapy and armed with a desire to pass on his belief in random kindness, Secret Santa has decided it's time to reveal his identity. He is Larry Stewart, a 58-year-old businessman from the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., who made his millions in cable television and long-distance telephone service. His holiday giving started in December 1979 when he was nursing his wounds at a drive-in restaurant after getting fired. It was the second year in a row he had been fired the week before Christmas. "It was cold and this car hop didn't have on a very big jacket, and I thought to myself, `I think I got it bad. She's out there in this cold making nickels and dimes,'" he said. He gave her $20 and told her to keep the change. "And suddenly I saw her lips begin to tremble and tears begin to flow down her cheeks. She said, `Sir, you have no idea what this means to me.'" Stewart went to the bank that day and took out $200, then drove around looking for people who could use a lift. That was his "Christmas present to himself." He's hit the streets each December since. While Stewart has also given money to other community causes in Kansas City and his hometown of Bruce, Miss., he offers the simple gifts of cash because it's something people don't have to "beg for, get in line for, or apply for." That was a feeling he came to know in the early '70s when he was living out of his yellow Datsun 510. Hungry and tired, Stewart mustered the nerve to approach a woman at a church and ask for help. The woman told him the person who could help was gone for the day, and Stewart would have to come back the next day. "As I turned around, I knew I would never do that again," Stewart said. Over the years, Stewart's giving as Secret Santa grew. He started a Web site. He allowed the news media to tag along, mostly because he wanted to hear about the people who received the money. Reporters had to agree to guard his identity and not name his company, which he still does not want revealed. His entourage grew over the years, and he began traveling with special elves. People like the late Negro Leagues icon Buck O'Neil, who handed out hugs while Stewart doled out $100s. NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus will join Stewart this year in Chicago when Stewart hands out $100s in honor of O'Neil, the first African-American coach in the Major Leagues. They'll give out $100,000 between Chicago and Kansas City. Four Secret Santas who Stewart "trained" will hand out an additional $65,000. Doctors told Stewart in April that he had cancer of the esophagus and it had spread to his liver. He has been lucky, he says, to get into a clinical trial at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. But the aggressive chemotherapy has stripped away his appetite and energy. He's lost about 100 pounds, but has held onto his white hair. The treatment costs more than $16,000 a month, not including the cost of traveling to Houston every two weeks and staying there for five or six days. He now has two months off, but returns to treatment in February. His insurance company won't cover the cost of the treatment, which has left him concerned about his finances and his family. Now, his mission is bigger than handing out $100 bills. Stewart wants to speak to community groups about his devotion to kindness and to inspire others to donate their time and money. "That's what we're here for," Stewart says, "to help other people out." Just goes to show that there is still good people out there who does good deeds. Mr. Stewart truly has added several stars to his heavenly crown. From deep in my heat! SMOOCHES!

Finally Friday..... Well, it's finally Friday. I'm home today with chicklet, who is sick. Usually when chicklet is sick, she will go to Mother's, but I wasn't feeling very well myself today either. University of Memhphis Basketball opener was last night. Did they ever put on a show. The won their season opener against Jackson State 106-62, I think that was the final score... woooooooooooooooo GO TIGERS!!!!!!!! Kid's say the darndest things... A four-year-old girl was learning to say the Lord's Prayer. She was reciting it all by herself without help from her mother. She said, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us some e-mail. AMEN." A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." His son asked, "What happened to the flea?" I may not be posting every day next week. Our plant is closing the entire week for Thanksgiving. I have plans to really get my house clean, from top to bottom. Will probably have to help Mother with some things. Have a great weekend all! SMOOCHES!!!!!!!

Thursday Thirteen’s I’m going to split my Thursday Thirteen’s. I guess it’s okay to do this, if not, well I’m doing it anyway LMOO … My first 5 are just a few of my regrets in life, as I have so many… The other 8 are AHHHHHH Friendships…. Regrets 1. I regret marrying the dumb jerk – Had I known then, what I know now, I would have never married him. The only thing good out of the marriage was my daughter. 2. I regret going on that blind date – Had I not gone on that blind date, I wouldn’t have married the dumb jerk! 3. I regret not marrying Rob – Who I was truly in love with but he wanted me to move to Florida and I didn’t want to. This regret was before I met Tony, does that count? 4. I regret not being at the hospital and being able to tell my Grandmother that I loved her before she passed away. I was living 8 hrs from home and didn’t realize just how sick she was. 5. I regret not going to college and getting my BS in Nursing. I have always wanted to be nurse since the age of about 5. (Y’all knew this one) True Friendships 1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad. (I'd say Bruno would have a small hand in this one.) ;-) 2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you. 3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid. 4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get. 5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining. 6. When you are confused -- I will use little words. 7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have. 8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass. Thirteen Things about Dixie Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. http://andastheworldturns.blogspot.com2. http://deepinmymind.blogspot.com3. http://bondsbigleathercouch.blogspot.com 4. http://busy91.livejournal.com5. http://ktcatspost.blogspot.com6. http://anndisluggage.blogspot.com Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It's easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

SAFELY HOME - GO REST HIGH This has been some very diffucult news for me. I have cried. I have cried because I know exactly what Diana is going through. Loosing a father... there are no words to describe what it feels like. I am not good with words anyway... When my Dad passed away, Tony's sister gave me this beautiful framed poem, Safely Home, today, I want to share this poem for my dear friend Diana and a beautiful song by Vince Gill that Tony sang at his memorial. May God wrap his arms around Diana and her family during this time and comfort them. SAFELY HOME AUTHOR UNKNOWN I am home in heaven, dear ones, All's so happy, all's so bright. There's perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed. I am now at peace, forever, Safetly home in heaven at last. Did you wonder how I calmly Trod the Valley of the Shade? Oh, but Jesus' love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. There is still work waiting for you, So you must not idle stand Do your work while life remains, You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is completed, He will gently call you home, Oh, the rapture of the meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come. Go Rest High On That Mountain Lyrics and Sang by Vince Gill I know your life on earth was troubled and only you could know the pain. You weren't afraid to face the devil, you were no stranger to the rain. Go rest high on that mountainson, son, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin' love for the Father and the Son. Oh, how we cried the day you left us we gathered round your grave to grieve. I wish I could see the angels faces when they hear your sweet voice sing. Go rest high on that mountainson, son, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin' love for the Father and the Son.

My Daughter and a Sunset at the North Pole I have always taught my children that if someone hits you, you have the right to defend yourself. You never hit anyone, but if they hit first, defend yourself. Well that is exactly what Kaitlin did yesterday. Yesterday morning, on the way to school, another little girl, whose name is also Katelyn, decided that for what ever reason that she was going to hit my Kaitlin. She did... Kaitlin hit her back. The bus driver, which I have known for 30 years, only saw my Kaitlin hit the other Katelyn. She called the two girls to the front of the bus and told them. "I can do one of two things here." First, I can write you up and suspend you from the bus for 3 days OR... for 3 days you can wait on you Mother.. do everything that she ask, no smart mouth or back talk. Both girls agreed to wait on their Mother for 3 days. I talked to the bus driver last night and she and I just hooted over this. So, I get home and start to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Kaitlin starts yelling at me... "Momma, I'm suppose to do that for you." I said "fine"... "go to the frig and get out the jelly and you can finish making my sandwich." She did... then I went and sat down at the computer and she brought it to me... "Momma, you need anything else?" "Why yes Kaitlin I do... please bring me a glass of milk." Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich and a glass of milk in hand I was one happy camper..... A little later one, we are sitting watching tv and Kaitlin is in her room... "Kaitlin.... can you come here please?" "Yes Momma." "I'm thirsty, would you please fix me a glass of Diet Mt. Dew?" she does, brings it to me... "You need anything else?" "No, that's all for now, thank you." The night goes on.... I start to fold a load of cloths... "Momma, stop that... I'm going to fold them for you." She finished folding the cloths... Yup, yup, yup... I'm going to take full advantage of the situtation... you better believe it. Wouldn't you??? ;-) hehehehehe SUNSET AT THE NORTH POLE A scene you will probably never get to see, so take a moment and enjoy God at work at the North Pole. This is the sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point. And, you also see the sun below the moon. An amazing photo and not one easily duplicated. Isn't it truly amazing what God can do? SMOOCHES, HUGS & GROPES

I CAN'T..... RIP.... 11/13/06 Do you ever get tired of hearing or saying "I Can't". Would would happen if everyone of us always thought "I Can't" to this or "I Can't" do that... what would happen. Below is an e-mail that I received several months ago and I think that is has a wonderful message. So today, we are having a funeral..... THE I CAN'T FUNERAL Donna's fourth-grade classroom looked like many others I had seen in the past. Students sat in five rows of six desks. The teacher's desk was in the front and faced the students. The bulletin board featured student work. In most respects it appeared to be a typically traditional elementary classroom. Yet, something seemed different that day I entered it for the first time. There seemed to be an undercurrent of excitement. Donna was a veteran small-town Michigan schoolteacher only two years away from retirement. In addition, she was a volunteer participant in a countywide development project I had organized and facilitated. The training focused on language arts ideas that would empower students to feel good about them and take charge of their lives. Donna's job was to attend training sessions and implement the concepts presented. My job was to make classroom visitations and encourage implementation. I took an empty seat in the back and watched. All the students were working on a task, filling a sheet of notebook paper with thoughts and ideas. The ten-year-old student closest to me was filling her page with "I Can'ts." "I can't kick the soccer ball pass second base." "I can't do long division with more than three numbers." "I can't get Debbie to like me." Her page was half full and she showed no signs of letting up. She worked on with determination and persistence.I walked down the row glancing at students' papers. Everyone was writing sentences, describing things they couldn't do. "I can't do ten pushups." "I can't hit over the left-field fence." "I can't eat only one cookie." By this time, the activity engaged my curiosity, so I decided to check with the teacher to see what was going on. As I approached her, I noticed that she too was busy writing. I felt it best not to interrupt. "I can't get John's mother to come in for a teacher conference." "I can't get my daughter to put gas in the car." "I can't get Alan to use words instead of fists." Thwarted in my efforts to determine why students and teacher were dwelling on the negative instead of the positive "I Can't" statements, I returned to my seat and continued my observations. Students wrote for ten minutes. Most filled their page. Some started another."Finish the one you're on and don't start a new one," were the instructions Donna used to signal the end of the activity. Students were then instructed to fold their papers in half and bring them to the front. When students reached the desk, they placed their "I Can't" statements into an empty shoe box. When all of the student papers were collected, Donna added hers. She put the lid on the box, tucked it under her arm and headed out the door and down the hall. Students followed the teacher. I followed the students.Halfway down the hall the procession stopped. Donna entered the custodian's room, rummaged around and came out with a shovel. Shovel in one hand, shoebox in the other, Donna marched the students out of the school to the farthest corner of the playground. There they began to dig.They were going to bury their "I Cant's!" The digging took over ten minutes because most of the fourth graders wanted a turn. When the hole approached three-foot deep, the digging ended. The box of "I Cant's" was placed at the bottom of the hole and quickly covered with dirt.Thirty-one 10- and 11- years -olds stood around the freshly dug gravesite. Each had at least one page full of "I Cant's" in the shoebox, three-feet under. So did their teacher. At this point Donna announced, "Boys and girls, please join hands and bow your heads." The students complied. They quickly formed a circle around the grave, creating a bond with their hands. They lowered their heads and waited. Donna delivered the eulogy."Friends, we gather today to honor the memory of "I Can't." While he was with us on earth, he touched the lives of everyone, some more than others. His names, unfortunately, has been spoken in every public building - schools, city halls, and state capitols and yes, even The White House. We have provided "I Can't" with a final resting place and headstone that contains his epitaph. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, "I can, 'I will' and "I'm going to Right Away.' They are not as well known as their famous relative and are certainly not as strong and powerful yet. Perhaps someday, with your help, they will make and even bigger mark on the world. May 'I Can't' rest in peace and may everyone present pick up their lives and move forward in his absence. Amen." As I listened to the eulogy I realized that these students would never forget this day. The activity was symbolic, a metaphor for life. It was a right-brain experience that would stick in the unconscious and conscious mind forever.Writing "I Cant's," burying them and hearing the eulogy. That was a major effort on the part of this teacher. And she wasn't done yet. At the conclusion of the eulogy she turned the students around, marched them back into the classroom and held a wake.They celebrated the passing of "I Can't" with cookies, popcorn and fruit juices. Donna cut out a tombstone from butcher paper. She wrote the words "I Can't" at the top and put RIP in the middle the date was added at the bottom, "3/28/80."The paper tombstone hung in Donna's classroom for the remainder of the year. On those rare occasions when a student forgot and said, "I Can't," Donna simply pointed to the RIP sign. The student then remembered that "I Can't" was dead and chose to rephrase the statement. I wasn't one of Donna's students. She was one of mine. Yet that day I learned an enduring lesson from her. Now, years later, whenever I hear the phrase, "I Can't," I see images of that fourth-grade funeral. Like the students, I remember that "I Can't" is dead. So today, I too am burying the phrase "I Can't".... SMOOCH, HUGS, GROPES & RUBS Lee Ann

Veterans Day November 11, observed in the United States in honor of veterans of the armed services and in commemoration of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. In 1954 it was renamed from Armistice Day and given the added significance of honoring veterans. What is a Veteran - A veteran is brave men and women who have served ever so bravely for our country. This Veterans Day is somewhat "different" for lack of a better word for me. My Dad was a veteran, my brother Chris, is a veteran and my son... Matt... will one day be a veteran. You see, on Monday, November 13, he will be signing his name on the dotted line. He has made the decision to join the United States Marines. Yes, I am so very proud of him. He has made this decision all by himself. I told him when he mentioned to me that he wanted to join the military, the end of his freshman year of high school, that I would stand by him, that I would support him 110% and that is what I'm doing. He is 17 years old... yes, I have to sign too, but I am willing to do that. Yes, I'm scared... scared to death... but I do know that deep down in my heart that he is making a very brave decision. From the song "Some Gave All" by Billy Ray Cyrus All gave some and some gave all. Some stood through for the red, white and blue, and some had to fall. And if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties, and recall, some gave all. Below is a poem that I found... The Bravest Man I Know by Amanda Whitney The bravest man I know. Is a man I've never met. He's a man who risks his life To save a friend, Not only to save a friend, But to save a nation. Risking his life For those he does not know. Stepping up Leaving loved ones behind, So that somewhere, Someone else won't have to. He is a man who follows orders Even though he knows he might die. The bravest man I know. Is the man who would rather die, So one more person could go home To see his family again. The man who stares death in the face, But never blinks. The bravest man I know. Is the man who risks his life So one day the world may be a better place for his children. Or any man who goes against his biggest fear. DEATH Just to save someone he loves. The bravest man I know. Is the man who fights So another man can have the taste of sweet freedom. Not fighting only for his own benefit, But for many others all over the world, Fighting to make this world a better place. That's the bravest man I know. To all Veterans on this Veterans Day... THANK YOU! I love you all!

Yup, yup.. I'm doing it too.... Thanks for the wonderful idea Bond... ok... so here goes... 1. I am a Capricorn. Yes, I do like the simple things in life. No, I don't really care about status symbols and my cloths can come from any old store. My car really isn't expensive. I do try to make people laugh... don't know if I've mastered it yet, but maybe someday. Yes, I most definately can keep a straight face when necessary and heck yeah I can be real sarcastic. I share the same sign with some famous people... Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, Annie Lenox, Jimmy Page and David Bowie, just to name a few. 2. I was a cheerleader in high school. Yup, a cheerleader from my freshman year to my senior year. Of course, I was a lot thinner and was able to contort my body in all kinds of positions. Get your mind out of the gutter guys.... ;-) Couldn't do it now if my life depended on it. 3. I have never broken a bone in my body. I say this now and watch out... 4. Have never been in jail.. although I should have been. At the age of 22, I was pulled over by a small town cop "Barney Fife". Now remember this was during the time when men posing a cops and were pulling over women and raping them.... Why was I pulled over... because I had been drinking at the bar, on my way home, had to pee, pulled behind a row of stores to relieve myself, he saw me pulling out and decided to follow me. I had a 6 pack of beer in the car. One that I was drinking on, and the other 5 in the passengers seat. It was the dead of winter, I only had on a skimpy dress and it was COLD. I threw the 5 unopened ones in the back seat, threw my coat over them and the one I was drinking I shoved under the drivers seat. Yup, you guess it... field sobriety was given, My field sobriety was saying my ABC's .... everytime I would get to "P" I would forget what was next "Q"... did this 3 times... I failed, didn't go to jail, should have, but didn't... used the excuse about it being cold and I didn't know if he was a real cop or not. He let me go... he knew my Daddy.. I didn't know him... 5. I am spoiled.. Yup, a spoiled rotten brat. I was the only daughter/granddaughter growing up. As a child I was spoiled by my Daddy and my Grandfather... now Tony... If there is anything that I want, within reason, I get it.... I said within reason... 6. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love to decorate for the holiday. I love all the family togetherness and the true meaning of Christmas. 7. I have an ex-husband who I would LOVE for Bruno and a couple of his business partners to visit. Yeah, you knew this one.... 8. I have always, even as a small child, wanted to be an Registered Nurse. My ex-husband shot that dream right in the foot. I'm to old now.. couldn't pass the entrance exam if my life depended on it. 9. I am obsessed with food. I absolutely love to eat. I don't eat because I'm hungry, I eat just to be eating. I will try almost anything... I said ALMOST anything... LMOO 10. I despise commercials on TV. Just when a show is getting really, really good... cut to a freakin commercial... can't they just put them either at the beginning or the very end.... 11. I hate getting a busy signal. When I call somebody I absolutely despise getting a freakin busy signal. Hello World.... there is a such thing as Call Waiting... get it!!!! 12. At the age of 31, I was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer... one year after my daughter was born, I went for my check up... came back a 5... had a recheck... came back a 5... had a partial hysterectomy... all cancer was contained in my uterus... no chemo, no radiation necessary... a true blessing. 13. I am terrified of frogs. Yup, those little green harmless creatures that gives you warts... TERRIFIED. Actually, I'm terrified of anything small that can jump on you. Well folks there you have it. Love you all! Smooch, Grope & Hugs!

My thoughts on Busy's rants - Yesterday, our dear Queen Mother of the Soul Patrol went on a rant. Well, I must agree with her rants. A co-worker of mine sent this e-mail to me and I wanted to let everyone know that this is a problem that we are dealing with. Yes most other countires think that Americans are obnoxious, but who do they call when they are in a crunch and need someone to help them out? Yep! I passing it on.. I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. No where did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close. Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP ---- I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA! PART OF THE PROBLEM Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone-----YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!! Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice?????? Think about it! IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. It is Time for America to Speak up If you agree -- pass this along; if you don't agree -- delete it! And on a lighter note .... AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES 1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button. 2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough. 3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away. 4. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink. 5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer. 6. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the toothache. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are: You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Remember: * Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. * Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom. * If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance. And finally, be really nice to your family and friends;You never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan. Love y'all! Smooch, Grope & Hugs!

Election Day 2006 and a little dog funny It's that time again to exercise you right to vote. So make take that few minutes out of your day and go to the polls and vote. I am a firm believer in exercising my right to vote. I feel that if I don't vote, then I can't complain about what goes on in our govertment because I didn't have a say. Now the person I voted for may not have been elected to office, but since I did exercise that right, I can complain. An Election Day prayer that I received in an e-mail from b.fava.... Dear God, We place the United States and the process of these elections in Your hands. Across America, decisions will be made between opposing points of view and choices will be made between candidates for public office. Pour Your spirit upon us. We seek Your will for this land and for the whole world. May justice, mercy, peace, love and hope guide the decisions we make. May making the best possible choices be our collected intention and experience. We know that in You, we are One. So be it. Amen TO: GOD: FROM: THE DOG Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another? Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story? Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the " Chrysler Beagle"? Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog? Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand? Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please. Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize? Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog. 1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up. 2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell. 3 I will not munch on "leftovers" in the kitty litter box, although they are tasty. 4. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar. 5. The sofa is not a 'face towel'. Neither are Mom and Dad's laps. 6. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff. 7. My head does not belong in the refrigerator. 8. I will not bite the officer' s hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration. 9. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet. 10. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello". 11. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table. 12. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after. 13. I will not throw up in the car. 14. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt. 15. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when we have company. 16. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing. And, finally, My last two questions . . Dear God: Why do humans only have 10 Commandments and dogs have 16? P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back? Love y'all! SMOOCH, HUG & GROPE

Jokes, jokes and a few more jokes I'm having a terrible case of writers block tonight. It's rainy and damp and cold and I'm fixin to go to bed and crawl under my electric blanket and watch television until I fall asleep. Here are a few chuckles for this yucky Monday... I received this joke from little sis Duckles... In the beginning God created Eve. And she had three breasts. After three weeks in the garden, God came to visit Eve. "How are things, Eve?" He asked. "It's all so beautiful, God," she replied, "The sunrises and the sunsets are breathtaking, the smells, the sights, everything is wonderful, but I have this one little problem. It's these three breasts you've given me. The middle one pushes the other two out, and I am constantly knocking them with my arms, catching them on branches, snagging them on bushes. They're a real pain!" "That's a fair criticism," God said, "but it was my first time creating a human, you know. I gave the animals what, six? So I thought you'd just need half that number, but I see that you are right. I'll fix that right away!" So God reached down and yanked the middle breast right off, and threw it into the bushes. Three more weeks passed, and God once again visited Eve in the garden. "Well, Eve, how's my favorite creation?" He asked. "Just fantastic," she replied, "but for one small thing. You see, I noticed that all the animals you made are paired off. The ewe has her ram, the cow has her bull, all the animals have a mate, except me. I feel so alone," and she begins to cry. God thought for a moment. "You know, Eve, you're right. How could I have overlooked this? You do need a mate and I will immediately create Man from a part of you! Now, let's see ... where did I leave that useless boob?" Another from Duckles - THE 6 BEST SMART ASS ANSWERS OF 2006 SMART ASS ANSWER #6 It was mealtime during a flight on Hooters Airline."Would you like dinner?" the flight attendant asked John, seated in front."What are my choices?" John asked."Yes or no," she replied SMART ASS ANSWER #5 A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, "Sir, I need to see your ticket not your stub." (Can you say low blow????) LMOO SMART ASS ANSWER #4 A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?"The stock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead." (Here's your sign) SMART ASS ANSWER #3> The cop got out of his car and the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. "I've been waiting for you all day," the cop said. The kid replied, "Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could." When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket. (This sounds like something Matt would say) SMART ASS ANSWER #2 A truck driver was driving along on the freeway. A sign comes up thatreads, "Low Bridge Ahead." Before he knows it, the bridge is right ahead of him and he gets stuck under the bridge. Cars are backed up for miles. Finally, a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says, "Got stuck, huh?" The truck driver says, "No, I was delivering this bridge and ran out of gas. (Here's your sign, again) SMART ASS ANSWER OF THE YEAR 2006 A college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow's final exam. "Now class,I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!" A smart-ass guy in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, "What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?" The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence is restored, the teacher smiles knowingly at the student, shakes her head and sweetly says, "Well, I guess you'd have to write the exam with your other hand." (BUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA) Not for sure who I received this from but.... How to Shower like a Woman Take off clothing and place it in sectioned laundry hamper according to lights and darks. Walk to bathroom wearing long dressing gown. If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas. Look at your womanly physique in the mirror - make mental note to do more sit-ups/leg-lifts, etc. Get in shower, Use face cloth, arm cloth, leg cloth, long loofah, wide loofah and pumice stone. Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo with 43 added vitamins. Wash your hair again to make sure it's clean. Condition your hair with grapefruit mint conditioner enhanced with real passion fruit Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub for 10 minutes until red. Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut and jaffa cake body wash. Rinse conditioner off hair. Shave armpits and legs. Turn off shower. Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower. Spray mold spots with Tilex. Get out of shower and stand on bathmat. Dry with towel the size of a small country. Wrap hair in super absorbent towel. Return to bedroom wearing long dressing gown and towel on head. If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas. How to Shower Like a Man: Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed and leave them in a pile. Walk naked to the bathroom. If you see wife along the way, shake wiener at her making the woo-woo sound. Look at your manly physique in the mirror. Admire the size of your wiener and scratch your ass. Get in the shower wash your face, wash your armpits. Blow your nose in your hands and let the water rinse them off. Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower. Spend majority of time washing privates and surrounding area. Wash your butt, leaving those coarse butt hairs stuck on the soap. Wash your hair, make a shampoo mohawk, pee. Rinse off and get out of shower. avoid bathmat. Dry off forearms and butt only. Fail to notice water on floor because curtain was hanging out of tub the whole time. Admire wiener size in mirror again, shake it to watch water fly off. Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor, light and fan on. Return to bedroom with towel around waist. If you pass wife, pull off towel, shake wiener at her and make the woo-woo sound again!! Throw wet towel on bed. Love y'all! SMOOCH, HUGS & GROPES

Friends Last night as I was flipping through the channels to see what was on television, I came across a movie that I had not seen in years. A movie that shows the true meaning of friendship. That no matter what happens in your life, the trials and tribulations that friends go through, that we are always there for each other. The movie that I watched and cried to was "Beaches". As I sat and watched the movie, I thought of all my friends here in SP and those that I have here at home. I thought that if I were in Hillary Whitney's shoes who would stand by me? Who would be C. C. Bloom? If one of my friends were in Hillary's shoes, would I be C. C. Bloom? Would I be able to just drop my life to be with a friend who was dying or who needed me for any other reason? As these questions ran through my mind, I can think of so many that I knew would be there if I were Hillary. I know that all I would have to do is make one phone call and they would be there. You know who you are. Those same friends that I could call know that if they truly needed me that all they would have to do was call and I would be there for them. Below is a song from the movie that I have always loved. I cry every time I hear it. I guess that yes, I am a softie... but I can't help it. THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (Bette Midler) It must have been cold there in my shadow, to never have sunlight on your face. You were content to let me shine, that's your way, you always walked a step behind. So I was the one with all the glory, while you were the one with all the strength. A beautiful face without a name -- for so long, a beautiful smile to hide the pain. CHORUS Did you ever know that you're my hero, and ev'rything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings. It might have appeared to go unnoticed, but I've got it all here in my heart. I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it, I would be nothing with out you. CHORUS Did you ever know that you're my hero, and ev'rything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings. Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high. Oh, fly, fly, so high against the sky, so high I almost touch the sky. Thank you, thank you, thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings. Thank God for each and every one of you... I love you all....

My Dad, My Brother It has been 2 months today that my Dad passed away. November 13, my older brother, my very best friend, passed away at the age of 43 from Diabetes. I miss him so. I find myself so many times going to the phone to call him when something happens. I don't know if this is normal or not after 8 years, but I do. So here is a poem that I found for Daddy and Kim..... You Taught Me How To Love You author: Nicholas Gordon You taught me how to love you by The way that you loved me; And by your unseen sustenance, To see what you could see. You gave to me through who you were The gift of what I am. Your pride in me is now my pride; Your faith, my caravan. Your life does not conclude with death, Nor will it end with mine, For all the lives I touch, you touch, And so on through all time. Hope everyone has a great weekend! SMOOCH, GROPE & HUGS!

November is National Adoption Awareness Month and Hump Day Ramblings There are many links out there for more information. For more information go to http://www.adoptioncouncil.org Adoption is something that hits very close to home with me. My younger brother and I both were adopted as infants. I was 6 weeks old and he was 8 weeks old. We do not have the same biological parents. Mother and Daddy never kept it from us that we were adopted. I can remember as a young child asking my Mother what it meant to be adopted. She would tell me that because my biological mother could not take care of me properly and give me all the love that she thought that I needed, that she gave me to a loving family who could give me all that she could not. She said that I was like the most beautiful rose in the garden and I was picked especially for her and Daddy. I do have a lot of people ask me "Don't you want to find your parents?" My answer is "No, I know who my parents are. My parents are Kenneth and Dolores. Now they may not be my biological parents, but they are the parents who taught me all my morals. My parents are who gave me unconditional love. My parents are the ones who held me when I had a bad dream or spanked my rear end or grounded me when I did something wrong. That's who my parents are. My parents never showed any difference between my older brother, me or my younger brother. The loved us all the same. Kim, my older brother, was my parents biological child. After he was born, Mother was told that she could not have any more children. She and Daddy wanted more. So they chose the road to adoption. I'm so glad they did. This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician. I received this e-mail for Duckles and wanted to share it with y'all. I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends: I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cruising, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel. At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me." I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little. She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there. So she packed up everything she owned in the car She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?" This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people." It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong. Isn't it funny how God puts people at the right place and the right time. Makes ya wonder, doesn't it? I have found a mirror and I want to know where to get this. Can someone please help me out. Here is what it looks like? I have looked everywhere, but no luck. (don't you wish it was this easy, I do) ;-) SMOOCH, GROPE, HUGS & RUBS! FYI - After 3 e-mails sent to Mr. Hoity Pants, as Anndi called him, I still haven't heard one single word from him. What an arrogant pompous ass!