Gaining on Gratitude, an MMP for Dave

[Sticks and Scones]

I bet you all knew that this MMP was going to be about my Love, right?

I didn’t want to disappoint.

As I mentioned previously, the memorial was Saturday. It was a lovely day and we had a picnic at a beautiful local park. It was an all day event for us because you couldn’t reserve the shelter so a couple of his brothers got there early to get the shelter, I got there about an hour and a half later, his son got there an hour after me and then the people started coming in the afternoon. I got to meet all of his four brothers and hear stories that I hadn’t heard before. One of my favorite things was a table that was set up with a beautiful collage of pictures of him made by his nieces and also quite a few items with personal significance such as Magic the Gathering cards, a few stuffed animals, and my contribution, Miracle Whip. It was truly a beautiful day, I only wish he could have been with us more than in spirit. He never had an easy life but if he would have been there I know he would have been surprised and pleased to see how many people truly loved him.

This is an aside to what I had originally planned to write, but I think it’s important. The night that he passed, I told his son that I felt that his dad had been happy with how his life had been going and he told me that he was glad that he had found me because for a long time he was the only one that Dave could really talk to. By no means was he perfect and neither am I. But the thing is, we were perfect for each other. Our strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and I am a better person today because of it.

I guess that does tie in with what I was going to say. I am trying to be grateful for the time that we spent together even though it was way, way too short.

So, here are some things that I am grateful for…

His kind, gentle spirit.

His honesty.

His sweet smile.

His wonderful, supportive family.

Our time spent together, especially our few roadtrips that we took.

The beautiful flowers that he gave me, two of which dried nicely on their own and live in my bedroom.

I am really grateful that he raised such a good son. He has been an immense comfort to me.

I am also grateful to his friends who welcomed me into their little group and who still plan to keep me now that he is gone.

I’ve got a few short videos of him that I had taken here and there and in every single one you can hear me laughing in the background and I’m grateful that he always made me laugh.

Lastly, even through all of this I am so grateful that we met. My world is a better place because he was in it.

Here's one of my favorite songs that always makes me think of him. May he rest in peace.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥



So, mumpers, who or what are you grateful for in your life?

[Lancia]

Being first!

[Lancia]

Ok. Serious reply now. I'm thankful for a new shot at life. Can't yet cast out the old demons yet, but working on it and making progress. Thankful for my family and my kids, who mean more to me than life itself. My wife,the best woman in the world. For a friend who has not forgotten me despite over 15 years since we last saw each other. For an opportunity.

[swampbear]

Good Mornin' Y'all! Up and caffienatin'. *YAWN* 'Tis 73 Amurrkin out with a predicted high of *only* 83! I might need my longjohns. 'Tis rainy out and is supposed to be most of the day. Oh well, I'm stuck inside at irk so it might as well rain.

{{{StickyBuns}}} what a beautiful tribute to Dave! The hug is just cause.

I am grateful for OYKW, havin' a great family, great friends, a job I can stand most of the time and of course all my Mumper friends real and imaginary. This place be fun!

Oh, as to the request for the grilled sausage appetizer. Throw some sausages (usually kielbasa but pick your favorite) on the grill for a few minutes or in an oven set around 325 degrees Amurrkin for about twenty minutes. Slice sausages and enjoy with your favorite mustard or mustards. Yeah, it's a complicated recipe but worth it. The traditional men's night appetizer.

Now I need more caffiene and rumbly tummy demands to be fed. Then, alas and alack, irk purtification must commence.

Happy Monday Y'all!

[dogbutler]

I'm grateful for my friends, and even for Gordie, even if he is about as sharp as a sack full of wet mice.

I'm glad you got time with Dave, Sticky.

Up, caffeinated, off to irk.

[VunderBob]

I'm grateful that I woke up this morning to regale y'all with another blurf.

[FairyChatMom]

Good morning, I guess. If a morning can be good after less than 6 hours of sleep. <--- yawn

Coincidentally, I am thankful for 2 Daves in my life. First one was my first real boyfriend when I was 19 and just a few months into my Navy career. It didn't take me long to decide I was in love with him, and not too long after than, he dumped me, which hurt at the time but which turned out to be a blessing in the long run. He had a series of marriages, a bunch of kids, and eventually turned into a bit of an extremist, politically. I never would have gone to college or become the wonderfullness that I am had our relationship worked out. So thanks, Dave, for dumping me!

The second Dave hired me when I was trying to return to Virginia 8 years ago. And he did it a mere 2 days before another offer that I would have had to take - an offer that was a position at a lower paygrade which would have required a LOT of travel. So I got to go back to a job that I really enjoyed with some amazing people, and after several command reorganizations, I ended up working for Al, who was truly the best boss I ever had in my entire life. Plus Dave and I ended up retiring on the same day. And he lives in the same county that I do, altho in the 8 years I've been here, I've never run into him...

And now that I think of it, I'm grateful for Al, who was a great boss and a great guy.

All of youse Mumpers, on the other hand, can go suck eggs.






Rain is threatened, so I guess laundry will have to go into the dryer. ugh. I've also got to run to the grocery store. Happy Monday!

[lieu]

I'm thankful that somehow I've always been surrounded by loving family and friends. They've given my life meaning and joy and, hopefully, I've been able to reciprocate in kind.

"In kind"... that can mean two things and they're both appropriate and good.

Mornin' all.

[FairyChatMom]

I think it's about time for me to head to the grocery store. Gotta get coffee for our guests, and other food and stuff to feed them. Plus food for our daughter, who will be house-sitting for us. I should probably make a list...

[Cicero]

I am grateful my damn cat slept in until 3.30pm. He got up, demanded breakfast and then made it as far out to a shady tree before having another nap. An hour later he fronted up for his dinner. That must have been too much as he then retired to sleep on his electric blanket and I haven't seen him since.

Who runs this joint anyway?

[Sticks and Scones]

I'm having a hard time doing much of anything today. I just managed to get dressed a few minutes ago. Before that I decided to cut my purple hair off by myself (it had to go with school starting) because I was afraid if I went to a beauty shop I'd start crying or decide to tell them to cut off all of my hair. So, while it may not look great, it was the safer option.

Now I need to do something, or anything, really, other than just sitting here feeling sorry for myself.

[swampbear]

Aww come on Cicero it takes a lot of effort to eat breakfast and dinner. No wonder the poor kitteh is worn out.

{{{StickyBuns}}} you're emotionally and physically drained after this weekend. Just take it easy. You'll do whatever it is you need to do when you feel more like it. Nothin' wrong with takin' your time until you know the time is right.

On the irk front, I have actually accomplished stuff even though I do not want to do anything. Persevere I must so I shall. Le Sigh.

[FairyChatMom]

Back from grocery-gathering. I picked up a poke tenderloin that will fit nicely in the rotisserie, so it's tomorrow's supper. The chickie can wait till we get back. I also got ground beef for a meat loaf, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, N.O.T.s, coffee for the inlaws, and, in all, about $100 worth of stuff. Plans for today involve making a cucumber/onion salad, some egg salad, the aforementioned meatloaf, and a batch of sloppy joes. I picked up some peaches - hope they're ripe enough for a cobbler. I should put them in a paper bag...

Poor FCD is hurting from his fall yesterday. Apparently he came down hard on the concrete floor and landed on his chest. I think his supper tonight will be heavy on ibuprofen. He's definitely ready for vacation.

Leftover pizza for lunch, then to the kitchen with me.

{{{Sticky}}} - hang in there...

Cicero - seriously? You had to ask who runs things?? You are a silly person. Both of my resident felines agree...

[SpazCat]

I'm thankful that I'm back. Miss me?

[FairyChatMom]

Who are you and why aren't you using a coaster???

[FairyChatMom]

Good grief - within minutes, I got 2 forwarded emails, both extremely partisan, one from my mother and one from a woman who I thought had common sense. Turns out she's more of a right-wing extremist than I ever realized...

I think I'm going to curl up in a corner and weep.

[swampbear]

spaz welcome back! We redecorated. I got tired of the orange shag carpet on the walls. I think the purple astroturf is much more becoming. Wouldn't you agree?

MOOOOOOM one never knows what nutniness lies within someone's mind. Fortunately for me I have most everyone trained not to forward stuff via email. I say if one must nut up do it on facebook so one can be ignored.

Ham 'n cheese sammich for N.O.L. That and a cupcake made me happy.

[kaiwik]

Lovely OP sticky.

Today I am grateful that the weather has snapped and the temperatures are back in normal PNW ranges. I am also grateful for the time I get to spend with my two younger kids. After my son gets off work today he, my #3 daughter and I are going to go for a drive in the country/foothills, where we will find a produce stand and purchase some fruit (blueberries and peaches) and, perhaps, we will jump in the river.

Oh yes, my #3 daughter turns 21 this Friday. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long since she was born, where does the time go?

[FairyChatMom]

Cucumber and onion salad made - check.

Egg salad made - check.

Sloppy joes made - almost check - they're simmering at the moment.

Laundry done - half a check, but in process.

Meatloaf built - no check yet - I'm taking a break.

swampy, from certain people, I know to delete the email as soon as I see the subject line. This particular individual (not my mom) caught me off-guard. I knew she was a Repub, tho that did surprise me at first. What I didn't know was that she was so extreme. Makes me rethink our friendship. And FWIW, I'm not affiliated with any party. I think they're all idiots! Is it too much to hope for a politician who cares more about fixing the country's problems and less about his/her party "winning"??

[kaiwik]

Originally Posted by FairyChatMom

Is it too much to hope for a politician who cares more about fixing the country's problems and less about his/her party "winning"??

*like*

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by FairyChatMom

Is it too much to hope for a politician who cares more about fixing the country's problems and less about his/her party "winning"??

Yes. He or She can't fix anything until they are elected, and by that time they have turned to the Dark Side.

[Taomist]

Mornin', all. Well, afternoon, and no I didn't really just get up! {Sticky} That was very moving and lovely, thank you. I'm glad you had time with him, and hope you get time for yourself to just...remember. And be sad.

I am grateful for a lot of things. For MrTao's steadfastness, for my kitties' dorkness, for my family's love even though I wander all over.

I am not thankful for Mouse's bark, though. If you're familiar with The Dresden Files books, this little Mouse will never be as big as Dresden Files' Mouse, but his bark...wow. We nailed in on his name, 'cause his bark and whine and howl can be heard through houses and across streets, lol. And since he has a high separation anxiety level right now, understandably, he is barking the whole time I or MrTao isn't in sight. I think I'm serious about this; I have no idea how he has any bark left!! This is all a work in progress, and...ok, just now saw little orange cat shoot by, with Mouse in full pursuit. In a fun way, so I guess he's feeling a little better, lol.

Now, how does one 'get' a puppy to pee once outside? We only have a small patch of grass, so that's where I bring him every couple of hours. But...what? Sure not gonna SHOW him how. Haven't caught him in the act in the house, so can't pick him up and bring him out right at the moment of precipitation, hrm...

[Taters]

I am often surprised by how many of my RL and OL friends are ummm...a little far to the right.

I have several friends who post their very conservative views and they show on my FB. I have taken to hiding those feeds. My husband has several friends that send emails to us EVERY DAY that just spouts the most extreme far right stuff I have ever seen. I don't even open them; I delete them and so does my husband.

Personally, I don't post anything political on my FB, nor do I send out emails regarding my politics. They're my views, and I'm not about to try and "convert" people. It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round.

Like FCM, for once I'd like to see people elected to office who will attempt to fix what's wrong, instead of trying to keep their political party happy. I'm not registered for either party; I vote my conscience. I wish the politicians would do the same.

Very nice OP, Sticky.

I am thankful for my wonderful kids and husband, friends and the rest of my family. And, my dogs. My dogs give me great joy.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by Taomist

Now, how does one 'get' a puppy to pee once outside? We only have a small patch of grass, so that's where I bring him every couple of hours. But...what? Sure not gonna SHOW him how. Haven't caught him in the act in the house, so can't pick him up and bring him out right at the moment of precipitation, hrm...

I think you just have to wait around with him and praise him when he does so that he gets the idea.
Perhaps give him a cookie when he does.

[Taomist]

Yeah, we've only had him a couple of days, and he HAS peed outside. Right now he's so anxious about everything that I think, until he calms down and settles into routine <which we've tried to keep the same as he was in at his old house; he's just four months old> that everything's going to be up in the air a bit. Poor little guy. He's content to sleep on my foot though, lol, so that's good. He just wants to be near the humans at ALL TIMES!!

[swampbear]

Well, dang, Tao how else is Mouse gonna train his humans unless he's with 'em all the time!

I'm at da cave now. In a little while I must mosey on over to the church house to get things goin' for tonight's doin's. OYKW will mosey on over around fiveish to help with set up stuff as will another recruit. Steak, baked N.O.T., sallit, bizkits, the world reknowned sausage appetizer and beer. Life be good.

[Taomist]

BTW, Swampy, thanks for the appetizer hints! I love me some kielbasa, and that sounds a lot nummier than the typical beanie-weenies, lol.


Did I type that last sentence with a straight face? The world will never know!

[SpazCat]

Originally Posted by FairyChatMom

Good grief - within minutes, I got 2 forwarded emails, both extremely partisan, one from my mother and one from a woman who I thought had common sense. Turns out she's more of a right-wing extremist than I ever realized...

I think I'm going to curl up in a corner and weep.

Yeah, I had a conversation with a co-worker about why another co-worker quit/got fired which contained the fervent affirmation that one couldn't be a "real Christian" and gay. I mildly put forth the Episcopalians and Evangelical Lutherans as counterexamples and left it at that. Speaking of, swampy, the purple astroturf is mahvelous, dahlink.

I was gone because my graphics card was seriously dying. I couldn't even look at a picture online without green dots flashing. Due to me not paying attention to a small detail in my order , it took me three tries to successfully order a new card from Newegg.

[Taomist]

Originally Posted by SpazCat

Yeah, I had a conversation with a co-worker about why another co-worker quit/got fired which contained the fervent affirmation that one couldn't be a "real Christian" and gay. I mildly put forth the Episcopalians and Evangelical Lutherans as counterexamples and left it at that. Speaking of, swampy, the purple astroturf is mahvelous, dahlink.

I was gone because my graphics card was seriously dying. I couldn't even look at a picture online without green dots flashing. Due to me not paying attention to a small detail in my order , it took me three tries to successfully order a new card from Newegg.

Yay for computer workingness!! MrTao and I are sorta computer geeks, so we're usually prepared for...whatever, but a day or two without our lifelines...I mean, computers...and we are some cranky-arsed peoples, lemme tell ya!




BTW, Doggio? You've been adopted. Sorta. Well, your nickname has...'Doggio' is what I keep calling the Mouse-puppy Kinda like I call our cats 'kitty' or 'dorkamus' or whatever.

So now I have a doggio. Any tips or tricks I should know about?

[phouka]

Very, very busy Monday, and I've had a daylong headache from my efforts to both cut out sodas and cut way back on eating.

Two weeks until I get my own place. I picked up plates and kitchen stuff at Ikea. Thank Og for Ikea. I can't bring myself to shop at Wal-Mart, the stuff at Goodwill was really picked over, and Ikea not only has good stuff, but amazing prices as well.

------

I met a David, oh, almost ten years ago. My first year of teaching, and he worked at the same district as me. We were at an in-service for new teachers and both of us bored out of our skulls. He was nicer about it than I was.

There are very few people I am as instantly sympatico with, and almost no men. He was everything I could have wanted in a boyfriend, but five minutes into our first conversation, I checked his left hand, and sure enough, he was wearing a wedding ring. So I went into friend mode.

I met his wife. She seemed like a great lady. David and I did a lot of joint work, especially after he moved from the elementary to the middle school. When teachers and spouses got together, it was him and his wife I mostly hung out with. He was a great guy.

When he had a son, I saw him less at work. Who could blame him? Then, when I moved away, we traded a few emails, and his responses got further and further apart. Then, he stopped answering. I visited once, and his wife didn't talk to me. Since that visit, we haven't talked. We were all at a memorial service for a beloved colleague who'd died of breast cancer, and as soon as it was over, I saw his wife drag him away before I could go over and say hello. Ah. Well. I suspect if I hadn't been there, they would have stayed much longer. He was an even better friend of the deceased and her husband. I wish I'd known the way the wind blew. I'd have steered clear and given his wife whatever space and time she needed.

I can't be angry with him. He chose his wife over our friendship. Of course he did. I just wish I hadn't been perceived as a threat. I miss him. I miss his wife. I only got to see his little boy a handful of times.

I wonder if I'll ever meet anyone like him again.

[Taomist]

On the subject of Davids:

Michael and David have always been my two favorite guy names. First sweetie's name was Michael David Lastname. Second sweetie's name was David <and he looked, seriously really LOOKED like Michaelangelo's David! Except with a penis.> College sweetheart's name was Michael, and my last serious relationship before MrTao was named David. I think David is my favorite name, ever. No idea why.

[Capt Kirk]

Well us Manly Men aren't supposed to be all sentimental and stuff, but being amongst friends I can tell what I am grateful for

My Mom and her six years as a breast cancer survivor

My Sister has been clean from heroin for three years

My Step Dad who has been my Dad for thirty seven years

My other set of parents, who are insane but fun, I really won the parent lottery

My work, I still get loud, rawk out, sleep late, hang out with tattooed chicks, drink obnoxious amounts of beer, travel all over(that someone else pays for). Did I mention LOUD, I get paid to be LOUD, VERY LOUD so loud my eyeballs vibrate sometimes. I also get to dress like a kid when I work, Chuck Taylors, Jeans and a Band T-Shirt.

I really have little to complain about

Also have to admit that I love the Dope and My Mumpers

Cheers All

JIM

[anyrose]

Originally Posted by SpazCat

I'm thankful that I'm back. Miss me?

Yes, dammit! I've missed you and your snarky column!

[IvoryTowerDenizen]

Beautiful OP. I'm grateful for so much, but especially my kids right now.

One of my lose friends and neighbor's son was killed in a car accident Sat morning in Massachusetts. He hit a tree. He was 20. I knew him from when he was 7 or 8. It's just so sad.

[anyrose]

Lovely OP, Sticky. I'm glad you're grabbing on to the positives to help you through.

Originally Posted by Cicero

I am grateful my damn cat slept in until 3.30pm.
<snip>
Who runs this joint anyway?

The cat, of course. Haven't you been paying attention?

Originally Posted by FairyChatMom

Is it too much to hope for a politician who cares more about fixing the country's problems and less about his/her party "winning"??

apparently, yes.

Originally Posted by Taomist

BTW, Doggio? You've been adopted. Sorta. Well, your nickname has...'Doggio' is what I keep calling the Mouse-puppy Kinda like I call our cats 'kitty' or 'dorkamus' or whatever.

I call my cat a variety of names - how I came up with Pussicus Katticus I have no frickin' idea - but it stuck. (might have been right after the Doctor Who episode 'The Pandorica' . . . )

Originally Posted by Taomist

<snip> I think David is my favorite name, ever. No idea why.

David is a good strong multicultural name. I know 3 Daves, 1 Davey, and 4 Davids. However, none of them have ever been my sweetie.

I am grateful for many things

• That my health isn't worse than it is - given my weight
• My family, especially the Rosebuds
• My friends, OL and IRL (that includes youse guys)
• My cat
• My chorus
• That I have a job and a roof over my head

and other things that I cannot think of right now.
I miss my sister and my parents, but I'd like to think they're keeping an eye on things.
I'm also grateful for Vicoden and Prozac

[Taomist]

FCM, This Comic Is For You!!

And Anyrose, the boys nickname the cats Murphycus and Dresdenitus. I think they watched "300" on the sly, lol!

[VunderBob]

Originally Posted by Taters

I am often surprised by how many of my RL and OL friends are ummm...a little far to the right.

Does this mean I'm in trouble?

[Sticks and Scones]

Blurf.

[swampbear]

Howdy! Home from men's night over to the church house. 'Twas a great time as always. Good friends. Good food. Good Beerverages.

{{{Soapy}}} I am so sorry for the loss of your friend's son. This is tragic at any age but at the age of twenty, well, just damn!

I shall go lie upon the bed now and watch teevee until sleepy time.

Nitey Nite Y'all!

[Taters]

Originally Posted by VunderBob

Does this mean I'm in trouble?

Nah. As I said, it takes all kinds. Besides, you are not sending 20 glurge or EXTREME far right emails a day. I kid you not; one of my husband's old co-workers does that. Most of it is debunked by Snopes. I used to send back responses showing the cites, but he continued. Now, I just delete them.

Soapy, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend's son. That is just heart breaking.

[VunderBob]

Originally Posted by Taters

Nah. As I said, it takes all kinds. Besides, you are not sending 20 glurge or EXTREME far right emails a day. I kid you not; one of my husband's old co-workers does that. Most of it is debunked by Snopes. I used to send back responses showing the cites, but he continued. Now, I just delete them.

Soapy, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend's son. That is just heart breaking.

There was a certain amount of sarcastic jesting going on even if I didn't commit smiley abuse like some others around heah. I knows in real life ya luuuuurves me better than your luggage, Spuds,

[Taters]

I guess my day was longer and harder than I thought, Bobbio. First day back at work after a two week vacation. I'm sure you can imagine the hell I faced today.

That's my long winded way of saying I was far too tired to even note the sarcastic jesting.

And yes, I lurves you better than my luggage, Bobbio.

[Taomist]

Din-din tonight is ginger-shrimp spaghetti! Normally it's ginger shrimp fettuccini, but luckily MrTao isn't picky, as long as there are water chestnuts in there somewheres, yum.

[carnivorousplant]

Originally Posted by Taomist

Din-din tonight is ginger-shrimp spaghetti! Normally it's ginger shrimp fettuccini,

The mind bogles, however one spells it.


Mrs. Plant's v.3.0 birthday is tomorrow. At her suggestion, no thanks to you bums here, I got her the new Dean Koontz book.
He was Dean R. Koontz back when he wrote sci fi and I read his stuff.

I had the MRI this morning and went to work afterwards. The first day of school was surprising mild, and they didn't need me. There are three IT guys.

Steak and asparagus/okra Jodi grilled for dinner. It was very good.

[Taomist]

Doh And I've done more restaurant work than just about anything else, lol.

[dogbutler]

Originally Posted by VunderBob

Does this mean I'm in trouble?

I was wondering myself.

Originally Posted by Taomist

BTW, Doggio? You've been adopted. Sorta. Well, your nickname has...'Doggio' is what I keep calling the Mouse-puppy Kinda like I call our cats 'kitty' or 'dorkamus' or whatever.

So now I have a doggio. Any tips or tricks I should know about?

A. As long as I'm not being neutered, I'm good.
B. I'd give you doggie advice, but I always get the short bus dogs, so I may not be able to help.

Irked(Thankful for no conference call), we to the Bisto for bingo, home now.

[2gigch1]

Sticky, very nice OP!

Thank you for the window into your life. I appreciate the view. Its obvious you have been blessed by knowing Dave, and he was of you. These are the moments that I read the Dope for.

Thank you.

----

I have had a bit of a shit sandwich for a weekend - Friday sucked, Sat - Sun was nice, Monday sucked.

Friday night - Ravens sports coverage. Normally I would be enthralled, but mismanagement from my station coupled with extreme foot pain made it a rough night. After the night was over I went home, quickly packed and drove late into the night to my parents home, arriving around 3:30am. I spent the weekend on the couch (which is what I would have done at home) but instead watched tv with Mom (keeping up a snarky commentary which amused her greatly) and helped Dad with his new toys - professional grade Tascam audio recorder & iPod Touch so he can transfer his 1000 cassette tape old time radio program collection to the computer. Mom & I conspired to get these toys for him so he will have a winter hobby - summer is gardening & yardwork.

Dad has macular degeneration and is technically blind, however if the print is big enough he can read it, and he drives the SUV around the property (brings it to the door for Mom) when they go out. She does all the on-the-road driving.

In their early eighties both are sharp as can be, and a weekend loafing with them was good for all. I even got a hug out of Dad, first in about 30 years or so.

Back to work today and I was thrust in to coverage of some sad news where a police officer was killed in the line of duty today in Maryland. The thing that set me over the edge tonight was not the story itself - please don't misunderstand, it is tragic and I am always sorry to see a very good young person lose their life. Instead it was an interaction at the hospital where the media throng had camped out which brought me down.

About 5:30pm I wandered into the hospital to use the little boy's room. On the way in a woman wearing a neck brace asked me for a dollar to get something to eat. As a rule I don't carry my wallet, mostly because I can be asked 20+ times a day a day for a dollar. That and I like to walk around light, given how many metal detectors I walk through each day.

I said "Sorry, I don't have any money on me" and headed in to use the restroom.

On the way out she accosted me again, this time more aggressively. "I need money for a hot dog. You're one of those camera guys, right?"

"Yes ma'am. As I said before, I don't have any money on me."

"Bullshit. You gots lotsa money. You just don't wanna give me some."

Technically true, I don't. But seriously.. What. The. Fuck?

Do I want to explain how I see about 40% of my earnings after everyone takes their cut? Do I want to tell her how I just shot $1400.00 this month off to Verizon because my hopefully-soon to-be-ex dropped a cell phone bill on me and disappeared? Do I want to tell her I have to register 2 vehicles from VA to MD and I expect to drop about $1000 to do this (if my math is right) and the fucking F350 is showing me a check engine light (EGR valve) which is gonna hurt bad before it passes inspection? (Side note - you can buy an adapter & software for $35 on eBay which allows you to read & reset vehicle error codes. Wish me luck - I might be able to slide through inspection on the cheap with one of these.)....

Anyway, the answers are all NO I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO YOU! AND FUCK YOU FOR ASKING!!!!!!!!


I'm home how drinking whisky on ice (Coke chaser) and watching Diners, Drive Ins and Dives episode where they visit a bar in Annapolis 2 blocks from where I live now. I almost headed there for a late night drink tonight, but I'm thinking they're packed.

------

Thank you friends for reading my rants and putting up with my video links. As a friend once pointed out, I default to happy. And most of the time I am.

But the opportunity to reach out here actually means more than most of you might know, and frankly I think I would enjoy the opportunity to meet most of you IRL...

Ya know, that smells like a road trip to me...


Yes, I'll bring my camera. Would make a helluva documentary.




ETA: HOLY FUCKING SHIT! I WROTE THIS WHOLE THING AND I GOT AN ERROR ON THE FIRST SUBMIT TRY. I THOUGHT I LOST IT ALL! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Back to whisky. Goodnight!

[tarragon918]

What a beautiful tribute to David, Sticky. I too am glad that you are focusing on the positives.

{{{{{{2gig}}}}}} sorry that Monday and Friday were so bad although you did get two good days in between there. So sorry about your encounter with the person begging, who accosted you. There are a lot of jobless and homeless in Albuquerque, and some of them can be aggressive. It's a terrible problem and there is no easy solution. Some of the "beggars" too are just running cons.

After my success with the Italian Beef in the crock pot, I'm going to try out the Pioneer Woman's pulled pork recipe next. Wish me luck! Tomorrow is one of the local Farmer's Market days, so my daughter is going to go get some fresh fruits and veggies.

One of my cousins is working on the family tree, maternal side! He seems to be really into it, and has gotten a six month subscription to ancestry.com. So far, it looks like he may have uncovered a sibling of our great grandfather that I'd never known about. It must have been one who died as a child, though, because by the time grt. grand dad was an adult, it was just he and his older sister. Funny thing is, most of the family, on both sides (maternally) came from the same area of the eastern shore of MD (near Cambridge, in Kent County). My cousin (and my Uncle and Aunt and their families) live in Dover DE, within 15 minutes or so of there. We'll see what he turns up. I'm interested at least.

Hope everyone enjoys their Tuesday.

[2gigch1]

Originally Posted by tarragon918

Funny thing is, most of the family, on both sides (maternally) came from the same area of the eastern shore of MD (near Cambridge, in Kent County). My cousin (and my Uncle and Aunt and their families) live in Dover DE, within 15 minutes or so of there. We'll see what he turns up. I'm interested at least.

Okay there, hit me with some facts (or PM me if you want.) My mom has spent the last 30+ years as a volunteer geneologist (she's DAMN good at it - she's the resident volunteer expert in Snow Hill, Worcester County, MD library) with a lot of study in our family history... and I have a lot of Kent County, MD relatives...

Cambridge is Dorchester County which I have some relations in; the more historical turn-of-the-20th-century folks are the Kent Countians... I think Dwyer rings a bell.

[Taomist]

Originally Posted by dogbutler

I was wondering myself.




A. As long as I'm not being neutered, I'm good.
B. I'd give you doggie advice, but I always get the short bus dogs, so I may not be able to help.

Irked(Thankful for no conference call), we to the Bisto for bingo, home now.

I was being goofy on the advice thing; good to know about the neutering thing, I will try not to neuter you.

As far as regular doggie advice, I might have to just swing through this on a rope and hope there's a landing on the other side. Right now, Mouse is sleeping for the first time since we got him. Not literally; I'm sure he's slept at some point. But the entire time I'm up, and long before, he's either at my feet or barking that he can't SEE my feet. (Maybe he IS one of the slow ones! ) End result, of course, is an eventually EXHAUSTED doggy, following me all day, and he's been sleeping solidly in his crate for about 2 hours now. It seems like forever; this is what having a kid is like, huh? Poor tuckered pup.

I'll oooh and aww at him now, 'cause in an hour, after I've finally gone to sleep, he'll wake up and bark until the morning, I am sure. Or I'll get up with him again like I did last night, until we both exhaust ourselves to blacking out in the den.