Ann

http://danceintherainmovie.com

Lil.....even if it is hot where you are, I would love to be there with you tonight to see movies in the park!!! What a great idea. It makes me think of drive in movies, which I loved!!! When my boys were little, we still had a couple of drive-in's around. We would load them all in the truck, back in and then we would all get in the back of the truck to watch the movie. I've often wondered why someone doesn't bring back drive in movies. I would think today's kids would think they're great!!!

In a very nice voice, I would ask the salesperson to please fix me another box of donuts. If she acted surprised, I would explain that I have been trying very hard to avoid catching a cold or "bug" and hope she would understand. One would think that the person would understand, without even being asked, but unfortunately, there are many food handlers that just don't seem to have a clue about food and germs. If the person had a bad attitude about my request, I would simply not take the donuts and would go directly to the manager and issue a complaint. There are two fast food chains here that I absolutely refuse to go to any longer because their workers don't wear gloves. One night, while waiting on an order, I actually watched a kid go outside, puff a cigarette and blow his nose and come right back in ....without gloves....and start making a sandwich. Unfortunately, that sandwich was mine and I refused it. There were some pretty rough looking kids working that night and I felt very intimidated, so I never went back in.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it). MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! FRIENDS FOREVER!

Judy mentioned hoping my luck would change...lol!!! Yesterday, a little light came on in my Explorer, telling me I have low tire pressure. Hubby checked and found that I had picked up a nail in one of the rear tires. He took it to have it fixed, only to be told that I really need new tires. So....the good news just keeps coming!!! I'm hoping that a new months will bring some positive changes to my life, so all I can say is "hurry up August."

I'll go along with that ((((((((((((((((((((BIG GROUP HUG)))))))))))))))))))))))). I was a little hesitant about asking that question, for fear it would bring people down a little but now, I'm glad I did. I think each of us can now feel a wee bit better about our own problems, after hearing from some of our friends who are fighting some of life's battles much worse than our own. Honestly, 8 was a bit overdone for me. I have so many of the same issues that others mentioned and rather than acknowledge them, I often to pretend that everything is alright and somehow think I can close my eyes, pull the covers over my head and make everything be better. We're all here for each other and if life was picture perfect for any of us, we wouldn't be on this board. I want each of you to know that I think of you as friends and family and I pray that all OUR problems become few and far between.

Another hot and humid day here on Florida's Space Coast. As everyone already knows, I am thrilled that today is finally Friday. If any of you have not experienced Florida in July, I can assume you're not into self torture. On an almost daily basis, I curse this humidity and swear that I would move away in a minute, if we could see this house. Then, I take a second, come to my senses and realize that moving away would mean leaving my children and grandchildren. So, after dealing with reality, I continue on, hoping no one will wonder where I got so much hair...lol! My hair is very "natural" and for you guys that translates to totally out of control. It's not tight curls and it's not big waves but it definitely is somewhere in between the two. The humidity just seems to make my hair take on a life of its own....completely separate from the rest of my body. For years, I kept my hair really short, in an effort to "control" it. Now, I have decided to let my hair grow and have been doing so for several months now. Personally, I think it's a mid-life crisis thing. You guys know what I'm talking about.....something akin to male menopause! Now, I have no idea how I got off on the subject of my hair but I hope it was somewhat entertaining...lol!!! Tonight, out American Legion Post is doing another all-you-can-eat southern fried chicken dinner. It seems everyone is completely ga-ga over my red beans and rice, so that's always my contribution. Since I have to work today, I cooked the red beans and rice last night. Both of my refrigerators are packed to the gills with big pots of rice. Normally, I wouldn't cook it the night before but this is one of those dishes that's always better the second day, after all of the flavors have a chance to mix and mingle. Judy...I hope you have a wonderful day shopping with your daughter. Shopping can be such a therapeutic event for us. It seems I always feel better if I have a new pair of shoes going home with me. Glad that your "alarm" was only a test. So, I hope to spend some nice down time this weekend just hanging out and spending time with the grandbabies. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend in your little corner of the world.

If you are in the grocery store, at the bakery counter, and the clerk sneezes as he/she is putting your donuts in the little box, what would you do? PS....This question provided by our dear friend, Muriel, who's lives in Orlando. She's just a hop, skip and a jump from me (that translates to just over an hour) but yet we've never met !!! Muriel....we have to correct this situation and get together soon. Thanks for the question, Muriel.

Lisa, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that we will all be here for you during this really tough time.

I think I'm about an 8...right there with Lil. There are a lot of things in my life that could be better but I'm not complaining, as I know there are so many people that have it so much worse than I do. I have a lot to be thankful for. For a long time, after losing Dennis, I was very bitter and felt as if God truly had it out for me. After a while, I learned to think of all the blessings I have and be thankful.

On a scale of 1-10 how content are you with your life right now?

Thanks to Judy and Will for being my cheering section. Today is one of those days that I really need to be pulled up!!! We got to the doctor's office at 2:00 and the waiting room was absolutely full to the point that people were out of the office and sitting in the hallway. When I signed in, I asked the receptionist if the wait was going to be long, as I had taken time off work to be there. She said...."ooh yes, we're overbooked today." Overbooked??? Is this a doctors office or an airline??? At 4:00, after the cast had come off, xrays done and doctor determined pins could NOT come out since healing was progressed enough, I had hubby come in to wait with Matt and I came back to work. New cast was going on when I left. We go back in 3 more weeks to check progress. Just after I posted this morning, I got a call that a friend of mine here passed away last night. She was only 55 years old. Her husband got up this morning and found her on the sofa. So....I need your prayers. Things have to get better and while I'm waiting on that to happen, I'm just going to try and keep on being cheerful...lol!!! Ann

Just a little Tanner update..... Hubby took him to the vet and $189 later we have a 104 pound golden retriever that is now missing a dewclaw. The vet grabbed the "pliers" and pulled the nail right off. Tanner wimpered a bit, piddled in the floor from fear and was then thrilled when the vet gave him a cookie. We got all of his vaccinations and Heartguard a month ahead of schedule, so he's all good to go. Now...if my sons appointment to get the pins removed goes this smoothly, I'll be having a good day!!! Ann

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, It becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are overly sensitive, and there's nothing worse than an over-sensitive Woman. My name is John. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Mary. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Mary to get a full-time job, along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table.. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club, so eating out is not reasonable. I'm ready for a home-cooked meal when I hit that door. She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed. Another symptom of aging is complaining. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days, that way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points. When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too. I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Mary. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other. John

Young Ben in Montana bought a horse from a farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the horse the next day. The next day the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry son, but I have some bad news... the horse died." Ben replied, "Well, then just give me my money back." The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already." Ben said, "Ok, then, just bring me the dead horse." The farmer asked, "What ya gonna do with him?" Ben said, "I'm going to raffle him off." The farmer said, "You can't raffle off a dead horse!" Ben said, "Sure I can, Watch me. I just won't tell anybody he's dead." A month later, the farmer met up with Ben and asked, "What happened with that dead horse?" Ben said, "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at two dollars a piece and made a profit of $998." The farmer said, "Didn't anyone complain?" Ben said, "Just the guy who won. So I gave him his two dollars back." Ben grew up and now works for the government. He's the one who figured out how this "bail-out" is going to work.

(((((((((((((((((((((Barb))))))))))))))))))))))) Like others, I know your pain....all too well. I lost my Dennis in 2002 and there are still days when the pain feels just as fresh as if I lost him only yesterday. Like Carleen, I have been able to open up and share my heart and life with another but Dennis was my soulmate and the his place in my heart will never be filled. Just last week, I was driving to work and it all hit me....once again. I was headed north, on a two lane road, and just as I crossed over the bridge, there was a white van headed south. Not only did the van look like Dennis' work van but the driver looked like my Dennis. After all these years, can you believe that I had to take a second look? It was almost as if I was double checking to see if it was him. The tears immediately began to roll and I arrived at work a complete mess. It took a couple of days for that experience to work its way out of my system. So, there are times....sometimes just passing seconds...other times days....that my heart absolutely breaks for him and I have no idea how to handle the pain. But....it will get better. For now, I am sending hugs your way.

Oh Marci, I am so very sorry to hear that you are once again facing this within your family. I'll swear, there are times when enough is enough...and this is one of those times. Please know we will be keeping you and your Nan in our prayers.

I don't even have to think about this one, as I love the feel of very soft cotton.

Let's talk about skin! What is your favorite fabric to have on your skin? In other words, what fabric feels most comfortable when touching your skin???

Does anyone believe that old saying about "a bad streak of luck?" No...not a GTKY question, just wondering. I've been having so many bad things happen lately and it just seems as if they're not stopping. I was going with the theory that bad things happen in three's and the A/C taking a dive would have been the third bad thing. Well, it just keeps going. This morning, Tanner didn't make his usual leap up on the bed. He was just laying on the floor on my side of the bed and when I called him up, he was very reluctant to come up. As soon as he got up, I could tell that he was crying and holding his left front paw in the air. Further investigating showed that he has somehow almost torn off his dewclaw, so we're off to the vet at 11:30. I worry that he will snap it off when we're not home and bleeding could be a problem. I take my son in at 2:20 to get the three pins out of his hand. I pray that goes better than most things in my life have been going. His doctor is very good but they move like molasses that have been refrigerated for 6 months. A visit there ends up taking about 2-1.2 hours. Wow....don't I sound chirpy this morning??? I have to get myself talked out of this slump!!! Judy...I'm so glad you're one step closer to being home. PSL is only about an hour south of me. If I wasn't working and taking dogs to the vet, I'd drive right down there. You should feel great this morning...being with your grandson and exercising! Donny...So glad to hear you had a good night last night!!! Music always makes me feel better!!! So, everyone send me some positive vibes from your little corner of the world. I can feel it now........mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Ann

Wow...maybe we can put all of these "lucky" numbers together and win the lottery. Well....except for Donny's numbers....way too long!!! If we collectively won the lottery, we could buy Becky Snowflake one heck of a big blue bus to drive us all around in!!!

Yes, Donny....do tell us about the crops...lol! Judy...I hope this means you're headed home? I think you said you are going to stop by your daughters before destination Key West. My boss and his family are in the Keys for the week. I'm so envious!!!

I usually think off 7 as my lucky number. I'm not quite sure of the importance of than number. My oldest son was born on the 7th but I don't think that's my complete fascination with 7. My son was the only thing great that I can associate the number 7 with....but I still like the number.

Donny.....If Becky Snowflake would have ever gotten that big blue bus on the road, she could have picked all of us and brought us to hear you play! That would have been a blast!!! I'll be crossing my fingers that the rain stays far away from you between 7-8 tonight!!! Oh...make sure you dedicate a tune for all of your LCSC buddies!!!

Proofreading is a dying art, would you say? Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day. I just couldn't help but sending this along. Too funny. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says No, really? Ya think? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Now that's taking things a bit far! ----------------------------------------------------------- Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over What a guy! --------------------------------------------------------------- Miners Refuse to Work after Death No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's! ------------------------------------------------------ Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant See if that works any better than a fair trial! ---------------------------------------------------------- War Dims Hope for Peace I can see where it might have that effect! ---------------------------------------------------------------- If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile Ya think?! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures Who would have thought! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide They may be on to something! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? Oklahoma's new construction program! ---------------------------------------------------------- Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge He probably IS the battery charge! ---------------------------------------------- New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group Weren't they fat enough?! ----------------------------------------------- Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft That's what he gets for eating those beans! ------------------------------------------------- Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Do they taste like chicken? **************************************** Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half Chainsaw Massacre all over again! *************************************************** Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors Boy, are they tall! ******************************************* And the winner is.... Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead Did I read that right? ***************************************************