The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

[fennel]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Rubes...that poem is truly gorgeous. :h

[fennel]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Sun, I am so pleased that you're not suffering from cravings. The evenings are such a trial for me.

Peeps, maybe part of my problem is that I'm doing the same things in the evening as when I was drinking. Sitting on the couch reading, or playing on the computer, while my cat tries to french kiss me. A walk or a yoga class or something might be a nice change. I've even though about going to an AA meeting in the evenings, just so that there's a place to hang out without drink. I know that a meeting would annoy the piss out of me, though. I'm open to ideas. :h

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Take a class, Fen. You are SO good at everything you put hour hands to. I'm going to start, in February, just to get out of the house, interact, be with sober friends and not looking at a snoring Hubs at 7 PM. :H I have lots of ideas, but they always look good on paper, then I have to actually plan, dress, and drive! Easy to blow off, ya know?
Thanks for the compliment on the poem. I'm not a great poetry fan normally, but when I put pen to paper that's what comes out. Like autowriting. Don't make a real effort at it, just what I'm feeling. I DO wish you'd all give it a try, and don't sweat the rhyming. Just what sounds right when you say it.
I opened up the big middle pen to Ninny last night, and she ran, jumped, kicked up her heels like a fool!! She's so fat! I'm actively looking for her a playmate, have a few leads. Richard IV (or Dick4) will have to fit in with her. She's a feisty little booger, takes care of herself. I was watching the cats yest romping in the yard. They can make a ballet out of juggling a leaf, and God help the bug they catch. Hubs commented that when he feeds them, he never has to make a sound, they would come from Egypt when you walk out the door with food. I had a bit of milk that had sort of gone over, and I poured it for them. They had their heads so deep in the bowl for so long I thought they'd drowned!

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Really? Where are you all today? Hope you're out having fun, gettin' it done. 'Cause you sure ain't here!!
Sun, I usually take the larger dogs, work with Rottwieler Rescue. And they aren't too picky here about housing. Of course, if its really cold or inclimate, all animals get to come inside. Then it's a real circus here. Ninny has not seemed to fair badly from what little cold we've had. Today is so balmy I have the door open to the porch. The ones I worked with in the shelter, again, broke my heart. I believe it defines us as humans how we treat animals. Had the BEST time playing with Ninny and all the dogs. Even Pi joined in. Ninny's coat is so thick, and she's fat, plus she has a cozy house inside a floored shed, so even though I fret when nights get cold, she's happy and sassy in any weather. Today I looked out and she was standing on a big rock I put under the sheds dripline, had all 4 feet on it, and looked for all the world like a mountain goat! She, Sadie, Pi, and TMB took turns chasing each other. And if they stop, she taunts them. Tink just ignored her.
Yes, where is Vicki?? And Grate, we need to hear more, girl. Lawdy, I don't have time to chase ya'll down right now!
Tony, Biz, NCguy, T, we miss ya'll too. Come on in, the water's fine.
I'm thinking in a week or so, I'm gonna slip off to the cabin, away from all the clatter. Will have to be caught up first, so I don't get a guilt trip from you-know-who, but I have some big plans, lots of ideas, and he can join me in them or watch from the sidelines. Tired of the sameold sameold. And I've put out that I plan to spend my retirement years there. I've invited him to join..............

[mama bear]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

I am here...let's see...changed all the beds, swiffered the wood floors, did laundry, ran to Wally World, paid some bills, defrosting fish for dinner.....
Ruby, a trip for October sounds lovely...
oh...and I upgraded to an Iphone for.99cents. The damn thing is smarter than me
Hubs and I will never retire at the rate we are going.......
Meditation will be hard for me...it's hard to sit still and turn off my brain
Guess that's why I like movies or reading
Fenm I know what you mean. I don't crave so much on days off b/c I am relaxed, but after a crazy day at work I crave a beer to calm down.....must find something else, cause I can't have 1 or 4 or 6.....

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

MB, set a date. Though a float in the stream with our fishing poles would be luverly, if you decide on that. Make a commitment, hon. Then don't let anything deter you. You can bring Brett and the boys if you want, there's enough there to entertain them while we veg. I'll cook, love doing it, and for a few dollars you can experience the best of the region. A little fee for entrance to Anna Ruby Falls, free watching the goats on the roof, walking around downtown with alll the street performers, free admission to watch a Cabbage Patch baby born. I actually found one for Grate with her granddaughter's full name! Fishing, floating, 3 state parks, beautiful vistas, the walk (free) up to Brasstown Bald (I'll pay the $ for the shuttle, thank you! :H), shops, museums, so much I've never done it all in 20 years. Save for your gas, and you're home free. Traffic and tourists get complicated in the fall, but I know the shortcuts. Rog and Sue loved the Flea Market, which has a very interesting history! And I can show you the place on the side of the road where I had to pull over to let him take care of his 'necessaries', on the way up the side of the mountain! Also, the rock shop where the owner and his daughter told us about their 'alien' experiences. Some wickedly funny people up there, and I fit right in. So, check your calendar early. I book up quickly in the fall. You and I will be a dangerous twosome!

[fennel]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Mama, does your iphone have that "suri" feature? Wow!

I struggle in the evenings, but mostly on weekends, because that's the time to cut loose and have a few beers. I went through this last time. I just have to get in the habit of doing something else for the time being. Once the "habitual" part of the habit is broken, I can sit at the table without feeling antsy. Takes a while for me, though. What kind of fish are you having tonight?

Rubes, it would be fun to hang out at your place. I would really like that hike you and Bird went on. I love hiking, especially if it's straight up! I was never so happy as when I was in Norway, hiking up the Jotunheim Mts!

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Fenny, you'd LOVE this area. Yes, people laugh at our 'mountains' but they are the oldest in the world, and worn down by time. I was sweating like a stuck pig after a short walk down to where the the Amazing Walenka took his tightrope walk across the gorge below. Bird and her girls went on, down the more challenging trail to the the swinging bridege, and even her girls were desperate to get back up. My friend, who's never married but had a daughter, is the most epic outdoor person I've ever known. She bikes, hikes, runs daily, and she's older than me, has broken her hip, been hit by a car (driven by the Sheriff!!). A strange cookie, but I love her. And you would too. She knows ever trail, every mountain, every ride. Why she loves me I'll never know, but she does. You plan too. I'm working right now on a lifetime pass to all federal areas for myself and passengers. The place is beautiful, when you get past the tourists. Our area is the most visited tourist site in this state. And unfortunately, they ACT like tourists!! :H

Georgia State Parks - Tallulah Gorge State Park

Bird acted ilike a natural there, with me sweatin by the sidelines! I made the mistake of carrying Tink, and she wasn't any happier than I was in the the walk and heat. But Bird came back, a little re-faced and glistening, and delirious with the joy of the hike. Great outdoors woman!!

[fennel]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

We complain about tourists here, too...but truth is, we'd be screwed without them, LOL!

Mrs. Fen is actually making supper for me tonight...vegetarian burritos! I can't remember the last time she cooked for me. We're getting along a LOT better since I quit drinking. Makes sense, I guess. :h

[fennel]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Rubes, who is in your avatar?

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Fen, that's my 'camera shy' actress/singer/acrobat g'daugter AB. Shyness is NOT her problem. She's dancing with her uncle at his wedding reception. She actually took over the mike, performed till her parent dragged her off. Everyone adored her, but her parents got self-concious of her trying to steal the limelight. She's taking an acting course (something I've suggested for years). Look for her on telly in years to come!!! She LOVES the limelight!!
And great on the meal!!! Hubs gets really PO'd, or chuffed, depending on where you are, when he doesn't get his regulars. Was going to make him homemade hamburgers tonight, but he opted for leftover cornbread, ribs, and cabbage. Go figure.
He's in a regular fit these days. His problem, not mine. We're leaving in the morning for daughters, cabin, so confined to the little car, he can talk or not. I have earplugs. And I-pod. She asked why we couldn't come last week, hated to place any blame. My little pneumonia g'son played a basketball game today. I'm livid, but can't question their decision. Everyone has to learn, but he's so reluctant to complain.

[Mish]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Ruby, I loved your poem. I autowrite too. It's like they write themselves. Here's one I wrote in Year 7.

Pigeons, pigeons everywhere
Even in my Father's hair.
Though he runs with busy legs
His hair is filled with pigeon eggs.

I can't remember the rest but it was on a similar vein. Funny how the bird theme keeps coming up.
Thanks for your ongoing support and compliments on my writing style. It's my greatest talent. It's served me well over the years, too.
Gotta fly (bird theme again) as our congregation has the morning meetings this year.
Love and hugs.

[tlrgs]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

roses are red and today is blue .. and when i woke to say baby i love you .. but when i did no one was there and then in a whisper of saying nothing i felt like there was a touch for soneone i never meet but there were always someone that never felt so true ... so ladies ill say i love you ... there my poem for today ... what ya think ruby ... have an awesome sunday one and all

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

Mishy, you're the next Ogden Nash!! Love it. Like i've said, write what comes into the head. Shouldn't be a challenge, something we ponder over. Tho I HAVE made revisions to my originals, as it suits me. So good to see you here. You don't even know it, but are an Angel, Unaware. Best wishes in your trials. We can only do so much, but you have raised smart, competent children. Let me know how the grands are, OK? I've spent years treading the minefield that is their mother, but she IS their mother, and I've been called up short by them if i am too strident about her actions. For now, I'm just here, a solid base, for them. And I work hard at understanding them, how and why they act the way they do. It causes aggravation with some in my life, but their well-being is what I worry about the most. You are a smart, savvy, Momma. Stay on the path of what you feel is right. It seems to be working for you. And DO take care of yourself. You're too wonderful to let this all get to you.

[rubywillow]

The Journey begins here so get YOUR ASSES IN GEAR!!!! for JANUARY 2012

tlrgs;1240632 wrote: roses are red and today is blue .. and when i woke to say baby i love you .. but when i did no one was there and then in a whisper of saying nothing i felt like there was a touch for soneone i never meet but there were always someone that never felt so true ... so ladies ill say i love you ... there my poem for today ... what ya think ruby ... have an awesome sunday one and all

Love it, T. You're speaking your heart.