Dan
 

What joy you brought and fun..C we have to be twin sisters I can't do
any of this cute stuff either..But I loved your poem, Mel everyone
it was wonderful..

I wish there was a way we could do something for Susan's son and all
the son's.daughter's,aunt's,uncles everyone who has family over seas.
E-mail them some love,my best friends has 2 son's in Iraq,and a neice
there as well..My classmates in the 60's were treated so badly, I
will never forget the pain in there eyes but there parents were treated
badly as well... This is a war that should not be,but that is not the fault
of these men and women who are protecting us,there so brave..Bless each
and everyone and there familys..I believe in prayer,I pray for them
and I pray for the one's we lost and there family's...I'm sorry if these brings
anyone down...I don't want them forgotten,I was seating here feeling
sorry feeling sorry for myself because my children will not be here this year
but there close enough to visit...

So if I could make a pink tree,I would for Susan,her daughter and her
brave son. If anyone wants to tell us about someone they love
in the service like Susan did I would like to hear it.. Bless us all and much
love to all,not just now but everyday...Hugs Sue

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...3angels013.jpg

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!

Deb and Holly!

The worst Christmas of my life was the one when my son was in Iraq. My heart goes out to any one with a loved one in the service especially in Iraq or Afghanistan, as it is so nerve wracking. My love, prayers and good thoughts to all of you.

The bravery and courage of, and sacrifice these folks make every day can not be understated.

I agree this is a war that should never have been, but these folks, men and women, young and even middle aged, are all heroes...and you know, none of them expects to be called a hero..they are just 'doing their jobs' as they call it. I hope they will all be home safely and soon...and I wish people could just somehow figure out how to live in peace....maybe someday.

My son said, "I don't choose my battles, I just fight them. That is my job and I will do it well." He did and he is home now, albeit a wounded vet, but a thankful and very happy man with what I hope will be a bright future, if we can keep jobs in this country.

We must never forget the sacrifice of the soldiers AND their families, from any war.

Deb,

The family resemblance is remarkable!!! Cute!

Thank you, I can't deny that one is mine, for sure---I do wish she could keep that tongue in her head!!!!!!

Shiney Sue, you are such a dear. The best Christmas present for me is hearing that people like you are praying for my son and the other troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places where they are in harms way. I, too, remember my friends and classmates being treated badly during the Vietnam war and I am so grateful that folks are more supportive now. Thank you so much for your kindness. It really comforts me.

I forgot to mention..... Melody, your Polish translation is hilarious! And I have enjoyed your videos!

thank you Dakota.

I told my sister-in-law the story and she had to go and blow her nose she was laughing so hard. All she kept saying was "you are TUNE???"


Yeah "tune", that's me!!!!

mel

Susan
 

That means the world to me and I think of you and him and the others,
often....A week ago I went in to Macy's to get a present for our
elery neighbor who has out lived her family. They was a beatiful lady
waiting on me,I asked where she was from, she was quiet and said i am from Iraq,I asked her if she likeed it here,her head lowed,she said you have
done so much for us,and i told her it was ok to miss her home and family
she bent over and we hugged...I remember the stories my mother and
father-law told when they excaped Russia,and my mother-in-law at 15
went to spain with her 2 younger brother they could not say goodbye
to there family members..She left the brothers in Spain with her Pin Pal
came by boat alone and throuh Ellis Island to Detroit. Mi,how brave.
Stay with a cousin worked hard to get her brother and she did. Then
my Father-in-law stopped in Detriot on his way to Philadelphia went he saw
this beautiful tiny women walkng down the street asked if he could take
her to dinner,he never left,they married worked hard owned a small Grocery
store,spoke perfect Enligh and he helped her raised her brother's had 3 children of there own. At the time if you managed to get out of Russia you could
not go back...And the family left back ere punished..My nephew checked
on the family history it was amazing. Hugs to all ,We are Jewish but
celbrate all...We also have many family members living in Israel,I have
been there many times very interesting... Hugs to all

mel
 

Ny son has a u-tube called stanley heart peaches i can find it just can't do
that cutting and pasteing whatever if you find it he did it for us 11 months ago. It's so cute it's about the love his cats have for each other if you are anyone see's it could they bring it up ,I'm so proud of it. hugs Sue

Here you go Sue:
 

Here's your Stanley and Peaches video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoYbLT_kzqc

Billye

Thank you one and all!
 

Not quite what Tiny Tim said, but it's heartfully meant.
All has been enjoyed and helped me get above, if not, beyond the BAH HUMBUG! Phase of going off not one but two meds I've been on...
May each of you encounter uninhibited laughter, joy and love in the next few days...
And/or
PAIN FREE MOMENTS! More than one for sure! To each one of you!
Blessings to all. - j

Shiney Sue, I have been to Isarael and fell in love with it. So beautiful. And, of course, the history and archaeology -- just fantastic. Met lots of nice people.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas14.gif
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas17.gif
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas20.gif
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Hugz
Bethhttp://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...7/scan0025.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas14.gif
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas17.gif
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...hristmas20.gif
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Hugz
Bethhttp://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...7/scan0025.jpg

OMGosh! I am so sorry.. For some reason I thought this was in another thread for everyone! I didnt mean to barge in here lol. Well happy holidays to you all too!! :::: runs off embarrasssed:sorry: :::::

Thanks Billye they got there babies when they where 5,the man who raised them together wouldn't let anyone one have them without each other. My
son said we should all love each other the way they do,there always hugging.
Between my 3 kids and grandson,I have 6 grandkittens and 4 granddogs ha
All very behaved.

It is beautiful Susan My oldest Son is there right now with Dr. Amy and there
best friends who live down the street from me. They have 2 small kids so
they went there to visit there grandparents. I was asked to go but dr. said no.bla..So I have those grandkittens,they are so funny...

I hope you feel well J. i was wondering where you were,so you 2 pills down
hope it wasn't to bad..I think I may have to go on insulin by shots,bla

Well the weather is off and on last night a ton of fog and snow and ice
and sirens. Goning to start tommorow again,I just worry aso for people who
have to travel in it. Oh thanks again Billye. Hugs all Sue

C
 

I want it known here and now I am the one who told you to write,
that you would be a good writer...Already you have proven me right,
so when the money comes in,i get a percentage of the money...Or
I will take 3 healthy meals a day...

I hope my son's utube cheered som of you up,I am cat sitting right now
for them,they are so cute,the just hug all the time.. ha Everybody
got there 30 lb. Turkey and there cookies,pies already. Had to send Bob
to hospital,pain around the heart again...I sure worry about him..Sue

To one and all...IMAGINE?
 

This is a very good memory I have from decades ago...my folks had moved to ..of all places-the US Virgin Islands...Steel drum Christmas songs of a Green Christmas are quite different from my growing up around New York City. Going around the islands Giant Aloe plants are sprayed silver and gold colors and strung with lights and ornaments.. by giant I'm talking about 6-10 feet! Poinsettias are HEDGES there at this time of year...5-15 feet high, in all colors, and other tropical plants are blooming in brilliant to gaudy colors. Wake up Christmas morning to see a FLEET of tall ships plus a pirates' ship sailing into the harbor out my bedroom window. Then the tiny whirr of hummingbirds of all kinds feasting on the hanging plants on the 'gallerie' [NOT A PORCH] Really does put you back in time, in a way. Of course then you do the 'standard stuff': presents, church and a dinner. THEN you go to the beach to SUN...Only to have a bunch of skydiving Santas and elves land almost on top of you on the beach! {I'm not kidding! Guy landed less than 5 feet from me!} Sending you all more warm and happy thoughts for this holiday... no falls, pain or new problems allowed! Blessings to all, you have earned them! - j
:hug::hug::hug::hug: EXCLAMATION POINT!

Ahhhhhhh thoughts of times gone by......always heart warming! Happy Holiday J!

Dahlek:

That's the best christmas memory I have ever heard. Flying elves, the beach, and especially my favorite. Steel Drum music. I LOVE STEEL DRUM MUSIC.

Why did you ever leave??

lol Mel

Oh Shoot
 

There keeping Bob in the hospital,so I guess it will be me and the cats
for the holidays..Well as long as he's well,he has to he's my best
friend...please I would appreciate any thoughts are prayers for him
you see and you have heard Bob is special...I had taken pictures
and Bob and the 5 girls now...One got tired of waiting and got engaged
she;s smart the girls have him spoiled. Dr. John wanted to check him
in the morning and come over but it's rest I can use..Girls are bringing
over what I can eat...This makes's me sad but i'm sure he will be
just fine.....Oh Darn.. Hugs Sue

OH Sue?
 

This is the kidn of holiday, none of us want to deal with? But, somehow I suspect, you've been hinting at this sort of scenario? I for one, simply hope and then more hope that it happens as it should... I believe you know what I mean....
Melody....yes it was one heck of a different experience for a Christmas Day? When 'Groundhog Day' movie came around ages later...[date me-self?] I couldnt' help but feel an affinity to that situation.
But, back to Christmas? The thing is that different things can and do happen...Some strange, some timeless and often some miraculous in terms of people-kindnesses.
Sue? Sometimes, it just being you and the Cats? Well, it mite be an easier and happier tho lonely holiday than you originally thought? Think of it this way, you've got time to rest and recharge for the new year? or something else more exciting...Fun more, exciting for you- Is one thing I am hoping for this holiday!
I truly wish I had you all in my living room rite now, looking at the lites and the tube or whatever and being happily comfy and bored! Nothing wrong with being comfy/bored at all in my book! Just wish I could share the comfy parts? [not to intimately ,,, mind ya]
Melody? I amazed at the skydiving Santa...what I didn't appreciate was the sand in my teeth upon the landing..nor in my eyes and ears,...etc. Try on a 'steel-drum marriage?' Got that too, tho later on in life.... IF anyone can find some steel-drum free audio sites...I'd sure like to hear them...Especially for the Christmas music....Golly I think I miss that?
It can be powerful...it's the kind of power we all need to keep our spirits up there above the dreck! All the best, then better to you all! - j

Dahlek::
Why have audio when you can have video. And I do mean a whole bunch of steel drum video stuff.

Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTlS4...eature=related

Just checking in and wishing everyone a great Christmas. I hope all get to enjoy and I am sorry for those who have family/friends that are ill or are having a hard time themselves. Many thoughts and hold to hope for better times. Many hugs too.

Christmas on steel drum
 

Dahlek,
Here's a really unusual Christmas on steel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybCVe2Rp3os

and if you look at the bar on the right side you will see links to a whole bunch more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybCVe2Rp3os

Billye

Sue...
 

I'm so sorry Bob is ill. I hope you had some quiet time with your kitty. Merry Christmas to you.

Billye

D i was just going to check on you,was a bit worried,glad to hear from
you.


Billy that was fun to watch,thanks made me smile. Bob has pneumonia,but
is fighting ,he's so strong...This morning knock on the door it was Dr. John
and a very lovely ring...The answer was NO,I was married for many years,
I watch other step parents,he has 2 son's there nice but it may sound
selfish but my children come first. He was not happy and left. but he called
later and we talked..But he's not happy again...Oh well i'm falling in love
with these cat's... Hugs to all Sue It sounds like you have been a good
Stepmom B...

To Sue
 

Sue,
It might be nice to have someone to take care of you. He sounds like a loving caring man. Yes, your children come first. But you learn to love the step-children too. I love the one I raised almost as much as my own. The older one is very dear to me too. It would be nice if you had someone to watch over you and Bob. And I feel like he would watch over Bob also.

Seems like he's been there all along, thru everything.
Just my two cents.
Billye

Sue:

You had a lovely guy come to your house WITH A RING!!!! And you said NO??

Wow, I, for one, would love to know WHY??

Melody

Dont do it!
 

Sue...go with your heart!
I've been married to a man 30+ years way too long.
I wanted to say NO...but was convinced I would be nothing without him.
ITs been nothing but one horrible saga after another and I've spent my entire life pleasing and giving to others, never to self.
For xmass I'm giving myself what I've always wanted....freedom!
I made the decision to end our "Marriage" long long ago, but just haven't had the guts to drop the bomb.
I wished to god I would have said NO then....and the years of regretting has made me sick!...Now I'm terribly ill, no way out of this mess.
But once I get away from this "marriage", I can begin to find self and do what I want and maybe, just maybe, find a relationship with someone I...I LOVE and who also loves and respects me!
So my advice....go with what your heart tells you...if you even feel a little bit like saying no...go with that! say NO! now, and not live a years of regretting saying yes with your mouth, but not with your heart.
CryTears....rivers and oceans of cryingtears!

Sue:

No one HAS to get married today!!

If it does not go against any religious beliefs, why not just live with him? I mean, he's a doctor right??

To me, this is a no-brainer.

I myself, wish I married a plumber. I have a 83 year old landlord who was just in my kitchen and he repaird my faucet and the last thing he said to me was 'If it explodes, just turn off the valve under the sink, (we tried that but it makes the leaky valve worse). So right now I have a possible volcano on my kitchen faucet and there's a little drip drip drip under my sink. I have it going into a bucket. I'm sure my landlord will come back in a few days with a valve for underneath my sink.

Until then, I'm not going near the kitchen faucet.

ugh.
Melody

P.S. Sue, try and meet a plumber!!!! lol

I was in the middle of a huge e-mail and lost it,figures..Rigth now I
Just don't want to if I do I would pick the man i'm known who use
to pull me on the school bus.ha And yes he's got children 4 and
grandchildren. I told Dr. John I didn't want to marry in the first place,
right off,but I could of said NO in a nicer way..I married when I
was 19 and was married for a long time,they say the lost get's better
with time,but it hasn't for me. His boys re old enough to be living
on there own and in that massive house,it's not like you see them,
but there in there late 20's and a bit rude..I think Children that age
with all the education that was given to them should be out and
working. But we are taling again tonight,the more I think it though
It may be because he's is a Dr..And I was a nurse to many years,
like C i now think I would of chosen a different career,why we
know to much about what's happening to us..I just had another
nurse friend who at 51 had to go on Diasbility..Well i'll talk to him
tonight..And there's a Jersy guy I went with in Highschool he
just built a house in Asville,NC.I stopping.

Dear friend i'm glad your going with you heart,,to many years go by and we
turn around and wonder where it went..So good luck,and I agree about
eveything you said,if you need help,please post,30 yrs. is a long time.

Mel I sure could fall in love with a handy man right now, maybe i'm going through I have to be in a wheelchair full time,my handy man could wilden
doors and such...Well got to check on Bob.. Hugs to all Sue

Holy moly Mel i wish you luck,I wouldn't go near it either. Hugs Sue

Thanks Sue:

I'll let you know if my kitchen faucet explodes.

Can you imagine an 83 year old man (with one leg yet), who thinks he's a plumber?? He's actually pretty good but really? He's 83, call the plumber already.

I'm just happy to have a roof over my head so I don't make waves. They are good to me and I'm an excellent tenant. I do all the garbage and recycle and I've saved them from tons of tickets from the Sanitation Police who love to come and give out tickets.

Hope all of you had a merry merry you know what.

Countdown to 2008. Oh my god, 2008 already. I remember when it was the millenium. Oh my god, it's 8 years already??

Holy Moly

Well there you go we are still breathing 8 yrs. later,good for us.. :hug: Sue

Well, Shiney Sue, congratulations of getting a proposal, anyway. You must be a pretty special lady to have him love you that much. I am very happily married, but if something happened to my husband I don't know if I would remarry. Too hard for someone to measure up, plus all the work "training" someone again. Plus, I am so set in my ways that I don't think I would be a very good catch! No one else would put up with me.

I am glad we all made it through the holidays. These last days of the year are always hard for me -- I get a little depressed with the post-Christmas let down, and my routine is out of whack until after the first of the year. My depression is always better when I have a routine to follow. But I plan to concentrate on counting my blessings starting tomorrow, so maybe that will help!

Good for you Susan and yep you hit it on the you have to train them
all over again..And sometimes I hurt to much to be tickle sweet.
All i will admitt i'm am set in my ways...Bob's nurse told her I was
fooliish,he should talk 5 girls.

Mel did you go flying through the roof from the faucet..Or did rhat
poor old man get down and can't get up???? Hugs Sue

Wow congrats on the proposal. This relationship has grown for sure. What do your kids think or did you tell them? I am part of a step family. My step dad though and my mom were together when I was 5 but his kids were older. Its sometimes hard. My parents are divorced now though. My mom doesn't want to be married again. She was married from a young age too and now likes being alone. It worries me. I agree with Melody why ge married if don't want. My gramps has a live in lady friend. Its a nice companion but why get married I guess. My mom says she doesn't even want to live with someone. Just date. What works for one doesn't for another. Do what is in your heart and that can always change too.