Hi Folks,
Another day another month, and here we are again. I had a bit of a frantic rush to get this issue out before Marie Ange arrives. I don't think she would appreciate me eating into good Champagne drinking time by finishing it after she arrives. It's still kind of showery here at the moment I'm hoping the sunshine returns soon as we plan to cross to the mainland to do some sightseeing and hopefully meet a few UK online friends. Now I hear you ask yourselves "will the sprogs be ok on their own?" Don't be silly!! I may be blonde.... I may be Irish......I'm just not *that* stupid! <S> As I told you last month Junior heads to the states the same day as MA arrives, so that just leaves Middle and Senior to worry about, so they are decamping to their Dads whilst we're away. I really want to have a house in one piece to come back to!
Well, I know your all waiting to hear what they've been up to this month. I think you've all come to realise now, theres always some antic for me to report. Now.......where to start? Well middle sprog has managed to stain the new blinds in my new bathroom. (the Fishwife impersonation on that episode reached a 9 on the Richter Scale). It appears that he sprayed it with shower cleaner which won't come off!! I presumed it was plain water and left it to dry......it did!!
They are systematically losing my kitchen knives, you know, the sharp ones that should be sitting in my fancy knife block. Of course they have no clue where they are, seems the magic faery has been pilfering again. They've broken two of my favourite glasses, all small things and nothing on the scale of last month's phone bill! I guess they are giving me a breather before the next heart-stopping episode.
I want to wish Trisha and Tex congratulations and best wishes for their forthcoming marriage! I will watch it live this Friday the 21st on the web cam all the way from Las Vegas! Isn't technology wonderful? http://weddingcam.smartconnect.net/
Comments this month were.......
"I read the paper tonight and it is very interesting to say the least enjoyed all but do have my favorites ...Goose warmed my heart with his poem..Lizzie is a must do more from the chicken yard...Marie did a fine article on Montreal had been waiting on that for quite some time... and she must remember to pack all her frillie things so your darlen sprog will not be shocked when looking for his game's and half eaten candy bars he stashed before leaving for the US. How sad to lose our hosts and wish them happiness and returns for fun...and they are fun people. Welcome to the new in training host it seems he is being kept away from certain rooms ...could it be he is not up to them yet lol. Thanks again Nefertiti for some neat writing...where was Wrench ? he so busy cleaning his house he had no time to write ...for shame lynders to not clean the man's place ....again all a very welcome read and Ma'ma ye did good girl. "
So I will bid you all au revoir until next month. Providing Marie Ange and I manage to carry on with our "Thelma and Louise" trip through Britain unscathed, I should be here ok. If not, Maureen has promised to tap you all for the bail money <S>
Any comments. articles, tips etc, please mail to LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com
Lynda [Editor]
Editorial.........................................................................Lynda
Timbo's (WK's) New Life...............................................Timbo
On the Road Again..........................................................Raca
Old Glory.......................................................................Becca
Wrenched Thoughts.......................................................Wrench
Rocking Out on the Porch...............................................Taffy
Small Town Night of Terror.............................................Hubcap
"Lil bits" from Ma'am......................................................Maureen
A Little Piece of Fire Brigade History................................Bullrider
Hiya Lynda (big sis),,
Well thought it about time I put "fingers to keyboard"
for all you out there is Casual land!!.
Well the adventure has well and truely begun,, It all started on
a mild day (Thursday 25th April)
with leg one of the flight out here to Aus!!. We left Heathrow at
7.45pm and arrived at Narita (Tokyo) at 3.30pm the following day!.
Take my word for it, you dont want to have to spend 6 hours there!!.
putting it very politely-- bugger all to do!!.
So by 9.00pm on Friday all we wanted to do was get on the plane
for the final leg to Sydney,,,arrival time--7.30am Saturday. Add
the 9 hour time difference to all that and we were "well
tired". Then we sat and waited for a mad mini bus driver to
take us to our apartment!. No such luck, we were taken to the
main office in Manly for a brief introduction,,,--somehow we
managed to stay awake for another hour before finally being taken
to our place of rest!!
We have a big 3 bedroom appartment between 5 of us, (2
bathrooms,massive kitchen etc) all overlooking Manley beach and
only 4 minutes walk to the Sydney ferry....
After a suitable amount of sleep we decided to check out the
local shops,(bars really!!) and proceeded to find our bearings.
The course started in ernest on Monday morning (29th) and so far
we've done 4 courses and had god knows how many tests, (both
practical and written!!) Practicing pulling unconscious divers
from the bottom, in water mouth to mouth etc etc,,, all very
tiring, but good fun too!. One girl has already left,,but the
rest of us (8 guys and 3 girls) are all determined to complete
the course! ( only another 10 weeks to go as I write this!!)
I suppose that all learning has its "downsides",,,
and being out here in Australia in the winter is a real
bummer,,,,sitting here in my shorts and T shirt (22oc this
morning!!), Oh how I wish I was
back there in the UK (NOT!!!). ...We have been told that it'll
get at least another 4 or 5 degrees colder if we are really
unlucky,,( maybe I'll have to unpack my jeans and wear them again!!).
Ahhhhhh well the local hostelry calls me
so I'd better move on for now.
Best wishes to you all
Tim.
I have always enjoyed the excitement of going to a place I have
never been before. Whether it be a vacation or an employment
change I was ready to go.
This was good since I seemed to have moved more than a rat
seeking a dry ship. Took years of travel to learn of Sprogs and
such.
I anxiously looked for all the information about the new place.
Words, pictures and talking to those who had been there was my
normal operation procedure.
I asked about trees. Would I find the majestic Pines of the
Northwest? Maybe the stately Maples of the Midwest. The Willows
of the Cajun area?
Dirt was also important. The salt of the great basin? The
beautiful red clay of the South and southeast. Any of that rich
black dirt of the Midwest? Even the just plain brown dusty dirt
of the Southwest.
Would I see the pure blue skies of the Rocky Mountains? Or the
light blue of the industry belt? Would the night lights be bright
and almost blinding or washed out by city lights?
And the people. Oh, the wonderful people. No matter
where I traveled I found mankind basically the same. All we
really want is a safe home for our family and the ability to feed
and cloth them. These basic properties make up for a lot of
society failures.
Will they be slow talkin like the Texans? Have that plain talking
ability of the Northeast. How about the "that's the way we
are, like it or not" attitude of my native Indiana? Or even
the fast talking New Yorker?
I am preparing for another trip and it seems my normal
questioning procedures aren't working. Volumes have been written,
but finding someone who has been to Heaven and returned to talk
about it seems to be a problem.
Many have expressed strong beliefs but no photos. And few who
write can agree on what should be written. They have even fought
wars over contrasting views.
I must admit there are a few things I doubt. I have trouble with
the idea of sitting on a cloud and playing a harp. Would take a
good size storm cloud to hold my bum. And I am tone deft.
Wouldn't it seem the creator of the Universe could find more
important things to keep us busy. Perhaps we will teach other
earth bound "souls" what to expect when they get here.
Growing up I was always told that a passing friend or grandparent
would be watching from heaven and would wait for us to get there.
I reckon I believe we will be family in heaven. I will know my
grandparents and others as I knew them here on Earth. Not sure it
would be much a heaven without my children (sprogs?).
God seems to love color. Look at all the beautiful flowers, fall
foliage and greens of earth. Even we humans come in many
different shades. Wonder if heaven will be the same? Will we have
Blue Grass like Kentucky?
Sure have many questions. Have a lot of beliefs. no real proof. I
know that whenever it comes to take the trip I will leave many I
love here on Earth. I know that I have many love ones who have
made the trip. But I must make the trip alone.
Raca
With Flag Day just passed, June 14th, but the 4th of
July just around the corner, I thought this would be a timely
article to pass along.
The nickname, 'Old Glory' was given to the flag by a shipmaster
in Salem, MA in 1831 - Captain Stephen Driver. Before departing
on one of his many ocean voyages, some friends gave him a flag
with 24 stars. As the flag was unfurled to the ocean breeze for
the first time, he exclaimed, 'Old Glory!' This flag was hunted
down during the Civil War but was never found. After the war,
Captain Driver removed the flag from between his bedcovers where
he had hidden it throughout the war years. It is undetermined
where the original Old Glory is, but the nickname has stuck since
that time.
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress passed a resolution to
have a committee design a seal for the United States of America.
Although it took a few years for this seal to become a reality on
June 20, 1782, it still incorporated the Founding Fathers’
beliefs. The colors of our flag, Red, White and Blue did not have
a meaning at the time of its adoption in 1777, but it did have
for the Great Seal.
Red - hardiness and valor
White - purity and innocence
Blue - vigilance, perseverance and justice
The star was used as a representation of the heavens, while the
stripes are symbolic of the rays of light radiating from the sun.
The gold fringe that is sometimes attached to the flag is only
used on indoor flags or ceremonial flags. It has no symbolic
references and is considered for "honorable enrichment only".
The US Army as far back as 1895 first used gold fringe.
The flag should be raised briskly but lowered slowly, with
respect and ceremoniously. The flag is only displayed from
sunrise to sunset and if displayed at night, it should be
illuminated. It should also be saluted (for those in uniform or a
hand over the heart for all others) as it is raised or lowered,
keeping the salute until it has reached the top of the pole, the
waiting arms of the receiver or the last note of the music,
whichever is longest. The flag should never touch the ground and
if it does, it should be destroyed in a flag burning ceremony.
The flag is flown at half-staff for mourning purposes only.
Principal government leaders and/or presidential or gubernatorial
order designate these days or occasions. When it is flown at half-staff,
it is raised to the top of the pole and then lowered to a halfway
position. Before it is lowered, it is once again raised to the
top of the pole and then slowly lowered. On Memorial Day it is
only at half-staff until noon and then raised to the top of the
pole from noon until sunset.
The Flag Folding ceremony is very touching and filled with honor
for our National symbol. In the folding, the red and white
stripes are wrapped around the blue, symbolizing how the "light
of day vanishes into the darkness of light". When the
process is completed, it will resemble a tri-cornered hat, in
honor of the colonial soldiers who fought during the war for
Independence.
To fold a flag two people are needed. Holding it waist high, fold
the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of
stars. Fold again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.
Make the triangular fold by bringing the striped corner to meet
the top edge of the flag. Repeat this process until the entire
length of the flag is folded. When the flag is completely folded,
only the blue field of stars will be visible.
There should be a total of 12 folds. Each fold has a special
meaning:
1 - Symbol of life.
2 - Our belief in eternal life.
3 - In honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave their lives
for our country.
4 - Our weaker nature, as we trust in God, it is Him we turn to
in peace and war for His help and guidance.
5 - A tribute to our country.
6 - Where our hearts lie.
7 - A tribute to our Armed Forces.
8 - A tribute to the One who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death.
9 - A tribute to womanhood.
10 - A tribute to father.
11 - For the Hebrew citizen. Represents the lower portion of the
seal of King David and King Solomon and in their eyes, the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
12 - For the Christian citizen. Represents an emblem of eternity
and glorifies in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and the Holy
Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost,
reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust".
Our flag is a proud symbol of this great nation of ours and
should be shown the respect and honor it deserves. It is steeped
in tradition and is recognized throughout the world that it
represents a freedom loving country.
I have always been proud to be an American and have looked upon
the flag with pride. After researching for this article, I will
now look upon it with reverence and a better understanding.
So just remember in the coming weeks and months ahead, when you
see 'Old Glory' proudly being displayed at a ball game, a parade,
a government building or in your own front yard, give her a
little wave, I’m sure she will proudly "snap" one
back at you!
Becca
The Porch has been a cool (and "kewl") place
to escape to during these dog days of summer. The fireflies
twinkle around us at night, and are nearly as entertaining as the
sparkling regulars and visitors. MELODY stunned everyone when she
admitted to sun-bathing in the 98 degree heat in NC. BUTTER
responded with her customary <Thud>. BIBI dropped by to
tell us she's job-hunting, but going to Los Angeles for a tango
holiday. (You go, girl!)
UNCLE (JERRY LEE) BUCK is up to his usual tinkering with
electronics and listening to ALL kinds of music while chatting.
HENRY from NC stopped by, and so did METAXLADY, a charming
accountant from Indiana. MICHAEL AND BECCA say hi sometimes
before going to their spot in 40s. TYME and JOHNNY visit
regularly, offering the male viewpoint to the eager ladies. And
SUE continues to dazzle us with her brilliance, as well as with
stories from the Idaho countryside of her sister MOLLY's
menagerie of animals.
The devastating fires in Colorado have created a cloud of concern
for Porch Coloradans WRENCHOCOLORADO, TAFFY AND COWBOY SKIP.
Although Skip, a gentleman who always tips his Stetson to the
ladies, lives in Greeley far from the reach of the flames, the
winds carried smoke and ash to those regions an hour or so north
of Denver. The Denver area and the Southwest suburbs have been
hit the hardest by the Hayman fire that is about 15 miles to the
SW of Denver. The air quality is particularly threatening to
older people, as well as to those with respiratory problems. It
promises to be a difficult summer for drought-stricken Colorado.
A Welcome Back to The Porch was given to JEANNE after she and
hubby ART enjoyed an extended visit to China. STRANGELILBEBE was
missing while recovering from neurosurgery that corrected a
problem from an old injury.
Bebe is mending well, and has plopped back to her favorite spot
on the porch steps. Our "unsinkable" JOANIE (like the
Unsinkable Molly Brown), has weathered yet another scare after
her round-trip to the hospital. And HAPPI and CAVEY stopped by to
share the "happi" news that they were busy in England
shopping for a wedding dress...for Happi, of course. <S>
Wedding bells will ring sometime this fall. Congratulations! Hey,
you two, when you're back in the states, stop by The Porch and
BUTTER(fly) will serve champagne and cake.
By then the chrysanthemums will be in full bloom.
MESSAGE BOARDS: If you're not already a regular reader, be sure
to take a look at The Porch Message Board. You'll find humor,
inspiration, and friendliness as you click through the messages
and responses. If you're
motivated, create a message, question, or subject of your own.
You're guaranteed to get feedback! A recent contribution was made
by LILPOPPIECHICK who quoted Henry Ward Beecher: "Your
greatest pleasure is that which rebounds from hearts that you
have made glad." Thanks Poppie...that's a philosophy that we
all need to keep in mind. And SMILIN' DONNA is asking about
everyone's summer. Let her know what's going on in your neck of
the woods.
Then there's EARL who commented in Welcome Home Taffy that he
wanted pictures of Can Can girls from my Paris trip. Geeez, he's
always looking for more photos for his "Hot Babes" file.
Any volunteers out there? <s> Can you Can Can?
Yours truly enjoyed a memorable two weeks in France. After being
picked up at the DeGaulle Airport in Paris, I was taken to a
luxury riverboat at a pier on the Seine near the Eifel Tower. The
next day we began our journey to
Normandy, with daily excursions around the lovely French
countryside.
Especially notable was the visit to Giverny, the home and gardens
of French Impressionist, Claude Monet. It was truly breathtaking!
At the tail-end of the boat ride, and a tour of the War Memorial
Museum, we departed for Paris by coach for the remaining three
days. Ooooh la la. Heavenly.
Hugs to all,
Taffy
It will be hard for some to picture this small town I was born in. LOL guess you could call it semi-country as more that than most towns....but hey we had a movie theatre and a Bandstand. That Bandstand stood smack in the middle of the town square-great place to sit on a Saturday eating your triple scoop ice cream cone and day dream that next week it’ll be a chocolate cone you spend your money on. Never did get that chocolate cone.
Just finished forth grade and mama says this is the last summer I can go bare foot away from home-have to prepare myself to become a woman <sigh> lots more to learn It’s like the end of the world never to feel the dew wet grass as I run through it barefooted and oh the puddles of water. Don’t like to jump with a big splash like the boys -but just ease one foot in let the toes touch the mud at the bottom-wiggle them a bit then slide the whole foot in...WOW heaven ...When the water settles bring in the other foot and just wiggle yer toes <sigh> pure bliss. No more dodge the bulls going back and forth under the fence a bull chasing at me from one side while my dog Curley chases the other one off...have to be bare foot for that. And no way you can wear shoes to climb out on that huge limb grown over that cut in the field...has grape vines of years grown all around it-got to have toes to hang onto that. Sure a long way to the bottom-can see water but mostly shrubs and trees. Good thing I never fell off no one ever knew about my secret place except my dog. Well Them two bulls-a good thing they didn’t give milk or them farmers would be wondering why they up and went dry.
This was going to be a great summer-back then the only
thing you had to fear was-did I get my chores done on time-did I
do them right-if not how many times will I have to re-do before
it is right. Heck took five times before I learned to mop a floor
without splashing water onto the mopboard. Oh an then there is
the "Maple Switch" but if
I try real hard maybe I can keep those down in number - and I
almost did.
One great thing is Jim, and Rita, ask mama if I could
take their little boy Bobby, to the movie and stay with him until
they got home from the ball game. Jim, played on a team so WOW-that
meant just about every Saturday night all summer. They only lived
a Mile S/W as the crow flies from our back door-only thing
Curley, can’t come as he don’t get along with Jim’s,
dogs.
Bobby, and I are walking on air -another great picture show to
talk out as we walk the three or so miles to his house. It’s
a beautiful night- stars like diamonds in a velvet sky. You can
hear the frogs and other night critters like soft music in the
background. It’s great to be a kid.
Right on the corner where we are to head south stand his grandpa’s
place-just down the road you can faintly see my home-then a mile
on south is Bobby’s, He can’t wait to get home he’s
ready for his bowl of corn flakes and he has to go to the bath
room.
In the middle of all that chatter about how soon dad
and mom will get home-he just stops-"Sissy I gotta go bad or
wet my pants". Well heck he is just a little kid and no
other houses on this road except way up the hill a couple miles
or so. I just told him to step over in the ditch and tall weeds
if a car turned down the road he could squat down. Now then tall
weeds must have made him a bit frightful but I told him I‘d
just turn a bit and not move away. As I turned I see this
shadow???? I don’t remember that when we came by. We walk on
and I feel real prickly on my neck and look back-Hey that shadow
moved like it squatted down...now no clouds in the sky and no
animal’s shadow looks like that. As I take Bobbies hand I
look back again and oh my gosh that shadow is staying right with
us. Now I am feeling frightful and not so big any more-but I have
to protect Bobby
I had promised to keep him safe. You know it’s more fun
being a little kid.
What am I to do we are to far to get back to his grandpa’s
besides would have to pass that shadow and they may not be home
it was dark when we came by. It is to far to run to my house -
can see the porch light mama left on for me but that don’t
help much.
Jesus all them picture shows are not worth this I am
sweating now and totally scared-wish I was home in bed safe with
mama and daddy. I have got to make this a game so as not to scare
bobby - a race is the only answer. Real low I tell Bobby we’re
gonna race to the house...and he is to lock the door’s and
call grandpa...if he is not home then call Sheriff Nate, tell him
about our race and Sissy, needs help so hurry and have some one
call his daddy in Springfield-by this hoping that dumb sheriff
would know I was in great danger.
We start out on the count of three - now I don’t know if
Bobby, was running or I was dragging him but as we hit the porch
I shoved him through the door and turned to lock it. That shadow
was a whole lot closer and now looked like a man - a big man.
Bobby, is locking the back screened -in - porch plus back door
and I am shutting all the windows...have to drag a stool to reach
them -why the heck are they so high up. He’s laughing and
says he beat now he wants his corn flakes. But tell him we need
to call his grandpa ...I try on that wall crank phone but no one
there and figured I might be doing it wrong- after all we don’t
have one of these at home mama thinks they are a waste of good
time. I boost Bobby up but he says there is no one there and he
wants his cornflakes.
Ok I give him his dang corn flakes - what the heck can’t he
hear those heavy foot steps on the porch-I am breathing real hard
and water running off me -my clothes all stuck to my body-but
guess it is better a little kid like him is not scared cause I
just don’t know what to do. Looking at the front door I
watch the door handle turning real slow-oh no he is coming in.
Jim’s dogs are barking to wake the dead- just hope someone
will come see why and save us. I’ve got to find something to
hit this man with when he gets in but what - one of Jim’s
ball bats, but Bobby says his dad takes them with him to the ball
game. Of all things that little kid crawls into bed and goes fast
asleep - now I am up all by myself. Am so afraid I’m shaking.
No them movies are not worth this.
Oh no he is back at the window - what is that strange sound just
before the window
starts to rattle-oh please don’t let him in that window- I
can see his outline - I wonder if I can pick this stool up and
hit him over the head? No I’ll get some of Jim’s, guns
maybe I can shoot him when he comes in- gosh they are so heavy
how did uncle Rob tell brother to pull the trigger and stuff!. oh
it’s no good that man is going to get in. What can he want
Jim, keeps his money at the bank and we spent all our money at
the picture show. It’s no good with the guns but maybe if I
scream real loud mama and daddy will hear me and come help me. I
am tired of being alone I want some one to cry with me so I don’t
care if my screams wake Bobby, up.
This time when he pushes on the front door I start screaming as loud as I can and keep doing it. But he is still there and my throat is sore please hear me mama and daddy like you did that time in Kansas, when the man come through my bedroom window. My throat feels like sand paper and those dogs are barking so loud they have to be covering me up...he is going to come in here and kill me I just know it like that man did to the little girl in Kansas, then cut her up -oh please let Curley hear me and break lose so he can help. No one can hurt me with him near not even mama can switch me, and I know he can hear sounds humans can’t so I start yelling Curly, but his shadow leaves the window and goes back where he is shoving the door again and it is giving oh mama help me he is near in the house - why can’t those dogs get out of the pen and chase him off...no- no the door is starting to break I think I am gonna wet my pants please someone help us we are not bad kids please help us.
Oh my gosh I hear him running off the porch has someone come- no I don’t hear anyone - yes I see car lights flash across the window the doors are slamming-it’s them their home -but I can’t move to open the door so when they get it open there I am in the floor with the guns all around me. Boy are they mad - go rushing by to check on Bobby - that kid never did wake up to keep me from being alone. I tried to tell them about the shadow in the ditch and how it followed us trying to get in the windows and doors but they would not believe me -said it was probably a wolf man movie we saw and I was just scared of the moon or made up in my mind. Just send me home alone as usual. Well it was a Red Rider and Little Beaver movie - adults just will not believe a kid.
Now I‘m not about to go back up that road where
that shadow was but not going through the trees at the back of
our place either - so run like heck up to the end of the tree
line scaled the ditch left part of my clothing on the barbed wire
fence and rung like heck for the house. Here comes Curley, he has
broken a board in the shed and coming for me. Never so happy to
see him in my born days before - we just roll in the pasture for
a while
Him so happy to see me giving a lot of kisses - that’s what
it means when a dog licks you on the face- and runs a ways toward
the road growling. We head for the house and I creeping real
quite and just to be on the safe side I lock all three outside
doors.
Of course I had to tell mama everything when she ask
who had locked the doors -
She was up set because Jim didn’t bring me home - but just
shook her head and got that look on her face you knew to say
nothing else and get at your chores. Coming back from one I see
Jim’s, pickup on the road in front of the house and rush on
to see what - lordy I hope no more picture shows I just can’t
take another night like that. As I pass the open Window I hear
them talking about me and last night. Jim, says they got hold of
Sheriff
Nate, when he found the phone line cut - several window screens
cut and wood gouged at - footprints showing a good-sized man.
Nate, said it was good thinking on my part to shut and bolt the
doors and windows. Just thank the Lord he didn’t see the
attic window wide open - or maybe he was just too big to fit
through it. Figured it was a transient - couldn’t be a local
- best not let on to me anything had happened - yep best to say
no more about it. But it would be best to tell Sissy, that Bobby,
will be staying with his cousins from now on this summer on
Saturday nights. Why can’t they just say they believe me -
why make me feel like I have done something wrong when it has
been proved I was right? I don’t think I will like being an
adult if this is how they treat kids. And it sure ruined my
beautiful summer Oh and I looked up that word transient - now how
could that be we lived miles from the railroad tracks and no one
hired anyone didn’t live there. No I would rather stay a kid.
A lot of years have passed since that night and maybe
I haven’t been able to convey the fear that little girl felt
but it is still with me. That little girl growing up always
searching the shadows with a prickle of fear in her chest - and
there have been many more of one kind or another. Still feeling
the fear of being alone - but when she is now there are other
safe guards and a whole lot more knowledge than that little girl
just out of the forth grade. And little Bobby, always a place in
my heart for that sweet little boy that grew to teen age - then
swerved to miss a wild critter, crashing through the James River
Bridge, ending his life. Curley, my faithful friend always you
are with me and I still look
For those that tied you to the tailgate of a truck and drug you
to death, at times I feel you sitting by my feet or walking
beside me as in years gone by. I will never forget you or that
night of terror - it has helped to shape the person I am today.
No I will never forget you Curley.
Copy write Hubcap-aka-Cappy
Wishing all the Casual Members and Staff a Happy Summer. Hope
everyone has some special plans for the summer, a bit of
relaxation and fun.
I want to congratulate Rascal [Host} and welcome him to the Staff
of Casual. Rascal made it through training without too many
battle scars. <grin> Also would like to welcome Woolyback
to Staff Training. Lynda finally has a partner from across the
pond. Good luck Wooly with the training and Rascal <ahem>
do not warn him eh?
About a year ago, I had the pleasure of having Tallie A/Sysop,
Trisha <now da boss> and Lillyrose as guests for a few days.
Sacramento will never be the same <RE> There were four
computers going at once, and trying to get these gals outside for
fresh air and swimming took some convincing however they finally
cooperated and mastered the graceful art of getting on an
airmattress <what a site> Trish had noticed that I had
access to Classmates a website to look up members of graduating
classes from High School, College and Millitary etc. She found a
name she recognized and asked if I would send an email and make
contact for her. When Trish returned home she had a response from
this special friend from the past, her high school sweetheart.
Everybody say Awwwwwww!!!!
The communicated and eventually traveled back and
forth to visit, she being in Oregon and he being in Texas. Happy
endings come about in online relationships and meetings. Trish
and and Tom will be married next Friday June 21, 2002. Since we
all cannot attend the wedding, we can view it by connecting to
the link http://weddingcam.smartconnect.net/
at 6:00 pm EDT. What a love story!!!! Congratulations to the
happy couple and many, many years of happiness.
Just want to say I did survive the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee again
this year, four days of music, dancing and food and adult
beverages. I have to admit my stamina is not as it used to be,
someone mentioned age <tsk tsk> This is a fantastic event
every year in Sacramento, and held over Memorial Day weekend. It
is the largest Jazz Jubilee in the States and we have bands from
all over the world come to play. Blues to Zydeco and all great
fun.
Until next month, be happy and hope to see you in the games and
posting on the message boards.
As some of you know I volunteer as a firefighter/emt at
my local Fire Dept. Recently I was involved in a restoration of
the Department’s 1930 model AA Ford Fire truck.
We took the truck to an open house where I work. The
General Manager told me that he wanted to paint the old girl. He
told me it could take some time because he wanted to do it while
we were slow. Well, It went a lot faster than I anticipated and
got a lot more in-depth than any of us could have hoped for. What
started out as a paint job, Became a restoration.
The General Manager gave me some contacts to call and from that we received 6 new tires, lettering, paint, sand blasting, and the seat reupholstered all of which were donated. The paint job alone was $10,000, tires ran $110 each and I didn’t want to ask how much everything else was.
Bullrider
Thats it for another month Folks! I hope you enjoyed this bumber packed issue as much as I did! I thought it was great that our old friend Timbo, now in Australia remembered all his friends here!
Come on Everyone! Get those pens busy for next month. I will hopefully be back next month if MA and I survive our jaunt with lots of tales to tell. <S> Mail any contributions to me at LyndaAtCasual@Compuserve.com We want all your contributions, don't be shy! This is a paper by the members for the members......that means YOU!
Please remember, this is a fun/interesting/informative
addition to the many features on offer at Casual Chat, critique
is welcome but nothing that attacks members, personalities or
other fora will be welcome.
Lynda [Editor]