What's happening in your life? 11/06-08/08

[DonFan]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys.

I hope everyone suffers through all the freezing weather with no serious problems.
Maybe you'll get to go swimming tomorrow, Julie. :wink:

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Well - it looks like our heat wave is over here in Va. - the forecast is for more 'seasonal' temperatures this week. Julie, do the schools in Australia close during your summer months as they do here in the states?

And DF - good luck with your new job. It sounds like fun. I know exactly what you mean about health insurance though. I took a contract job in September, and there are no benefits so I have to cover my own insurance. Fortunately, they are paying me a much higher rate of pay than I would be making on a job with benefits, so it all evens out. Hope the job doesn't keep you off the board too much.

[Freypower]

Rosalind is on holidays for about six weeks - she goes back at the end of January (would you believe as soon as Christmas finished the 'back to school' specials started in the stores and there have already been Easter egg sightings). :?

We did get our swim, and Rosalind swam the length of the pool for the first time - a real achievement!

[DonFan]

I'm afraid I'll never know the joy of having a sales rep come up to me and tell me I look so good in their clothes that I should work there, lol.

Well, you know she was also trying to be nice to me so I would buy more clothes there....and I guess it worked. :wink:

[glenneaglesfan]

Yea, well done Rosalind! Forecast this week is for severe gales and plenty more rain. :?

[EasyFeeling]

Same here. :roll:

[Brooke]

Congrats to you DonFan on your new job and the compliment! Hope it goes well.

I got a new camera last night. Hubby was not pleased, but realized we had to have it. I would have really liked to get a Canon Rebel, but with the vacation, couldn't put out that much cash for it. Oh well, I really like the one I got. Now hopefully I can figure out how to use it! :?

Fp, you're making me very jealous with all the swimming talk!

[EasyFeeling]

DF has a new job? :shock: I had to scroll back looking what I've missed. :? Sorry, Keith made me confused today. :blush: As I finished work I had to search for my car on the parking lot. I had forgotten where it is. A coworker asked me to do the settlement for his business trip but I said I will do that tomorrow. I was afraid that I would do anything wrong and he wouldn't get his money back. :?

So, congrats to you, DF! :D 50 % off the clothes sounds not bad.

[glenneaglesfan]

EF, that's funny about you getting distracted by Keith and losing your car! :D

Good luck with your new camera, Brooke. My Nikon Coolpix broke down before Christmas (amongst many other electrical items!). I was tempted to get a new one but they have changed the batteries and the type of card on the new models, so we'll grit our teeth and get it repaired. I'd love a Canon Rebel (EOS over here) as I used to do a lot of photography with an Olympus SLR camera. Maybe for the big birthday that's coming up soon... :wink:

[DonFan]

I also hope the learning curve on your new camera isn't too steep, Brooke. I bought a Samsung Digimax A7 over a year ago, and I still don't know how to operate all the special features.

We all need to have our cameras ready--for Eagles concerts this summer! How about some concert dates, guys? SOON?

[Brooke]

Well, I have at least learned how to take a picture and get them to my computer!

We are still in ice land here. We got the ice storm and now it is staying bitterly cold so the ice is staying too! A high of 21 today!

This is the back yard!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Outdoors/IMG_0015.jpg

This is the front.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Outdoors/IMG_0016.jpg

Hubby put cinders on the drive today. No more sledding!

Brrrrrr!

[sodascouts]

Yikes!!!

BTW - looks like you have a lovely home. :)

[DonFan]

Wow--that snow is beautiful.
So is your home. Now all you need is a snowman in the yard. :D

[Maleah]

BTW - looks like you have a lovely home. :)

just what I was thinking........except I was thinking GORGEOUS home! ;)

[EasyFeeling]

Oh, what a beautiful snow scenery. And I like your home. :)

[Z]

The pictures -- and your home -- are beautiful, but I don't envy you the weather.

[glenneaglesfan]

Brooke, your home is beautiful, and congratulations on working the new camera so quickly. I'd rather have snow than the rain and gales we're having here.

[Brooke]

Thank you all. But it's not snow, it's ice! Slicker than snot! :laugh:

[EasyFeeling]

Yuck! :shock:

Tonight we are expecting the strongest storm since 20 years. :shock: I know you guys in US are used to these tornados or hurricanes but this is absolutely abnormal for Germany. Forecast said a storm force of 11 and our range goes only to 12. :shock: I removed all my stuff outside and put it into the basement. We were told to stay at home tonight it's just too dangerous.

[Perfect Little Sister]

OK Brooke...I will quit whining about our lows being in the 20s. At least it's dry here. :wink:

[sodascouts]

Oh my goodness, EF, that sounds serious. I hope nothing you own is damaged. Keep safe!

[Brooke]

Yes, EF, be safe! :shock:

[EasyFeeling]

I just saw the news and it happens a lot. The storm is raging all over Europe. Trees were disrooted, trucks falled over, people were killed by things falling down. Freeways are closed, flights are cancelled as well as the railway service. And it's getting worse. They expect the worst within the next 2 hours. :?

[Perfect Little Sister]

Oh man! Stay safe EF! :shock:

[Randy's Girl]

We lost our whole fence today to the wind. We have nothing the other side except a subway (underpass) so our garden is now completely open on one side! Bloody wind!!!

Hope it's not too bad for you EF!

[EasyFeeling]

Thanks guys. I'm not going to leave the house. Surely not!

[EasyFeeling]

We lost our whole fence today to the wind. We have nothing the other side except a subway (underpass) so our garden is now completely open on one side! Bloody wind!!!

Hope it's not too bad for you EF!

Sorry for that, RG. I really don't know how it looks outside because I closed the outside blinds.

[glenneaglesfan]

Sorry to hear about your fence, RG. I think we got away lightly in the south west, although there was a dramatic rescue from a stricken ship off the Cornwall coast. I just found a flood in my car - new windscreen last month, so perhaps a seal failure. :x

[sodascouts]

Ugh, too bad about your fence, RG. At least the house wasn't damanged, but I know it's still a pain.

Glad you didn't get it too badly, GEF.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

First of all, Brooke that picture of your 'ice' house is wonderful. Ice storms are very beautiful. However, they are very treacherous. We have them quite often here in Virginia, and they can be much worse than snow, especially when it stay cold and won't melt. With all that ice on the power lines, it's amazing that you all didn't loose your power.

RG - sorry about your fence, but thank goodness you are safe. I hope the rest of you over in Europe do not have any problems. Stay safe, everyone.

After 75 degree weather on Monday, we had our first snowfall of the year earlier today. There was no accumulation, however, so I don't think it counts. :)

[EasyFeeling]

I have to say we also got away lightly, nothing bad is happened around our house, thank God. :D Now forecast said the winter is almost here. From Sunday on it's going to get colder. :|

[Z]

Glad to hear that everyone has weathered their storms, albeit with some property damage (sorry, RG). This morning's Good Morning America from NY had absolutely frightening footage of planes taking off from Heathrow yesterday. Here, we've just experienced our first dusting of snow.

Hubby and I saw Bob Seger last night. What a show!!! The set list was amazing. He included about six songs off the new CD which I love, but not everyone in the audience recognized. The energy level on stage was amazing, the band was very tight and I was blown away by Alto Reed. Even Hubby admitted that he was glad I convinced him to go.

I thought it was interesting that one of the female backup singers was Laura Creamer.

The mix of new songs with so many wonderful classics spanning multiple decades made me think that, after the new Eagles album is released, this is what their set list may be like.

[Brooke]

Glad you made it through ok, EF and so sorry about your fence, RG. Better the fence than you though, right?

That's cool you saw Bob last night, Z. I'd love to see him, but am saving my $$ for good seats for the Eagles this year! Hopefully, it will happen!

We are leaving in the morning for Colorado for a week! I've never been skiing, but am going to give it my best shot. Hopefully, I will make it back all in one piece and not held together with plaster! I am mostly looking forward to seeing the mountains with snow. I know it will be beautiful! Just in case I make it to Aspen, anybody know what area Glenn's house is in? Maybe I'll drive by! :twisted:

[sodascouts]

EF - thank goodness everything is OK where you live!

Z - Glad to hear Bob didn't disappoint! I think I remember reading somewhere that Laura was a backup singer for Bob in Detroit before she was one for Glenn, so I guess he likes bringing in the hometown crowd. BTW Glenn appears on her new CD - Yury from Italy sent me the track he sings backup on. It's good! I'm planning on buying the whole CD.

Brooke - good luck skiiing! I personally am terrified of the sport. When I was 17, I went to Aspen with my church's youth group. I was a joke, snow plowing so slowly little kids were leaving me in the dust. The worst part was when I tried to turn to head towards the ski lodge. As I turned, I somehow went too far and managed to find myself going BACKWARDS down the hill. I'll never forget that feeling of terror as I desperately attempted to stop without falling on my butt, stabbing at the snow with my poles. The thing about snowplowing is that it isn't too effective when you're going backwards, and I couldn't turn forward fast enough... hit some poor guy butt-first going pretty fast (for me). He was attractive, too, which made it worse! Humilated and sore, once I finally made it back to the longue, I never wanted to leave! However, most people are far more capable - in your case, I'm sure you'll be fine.

And sorry, I have no clue about Glenn's address. He is safe from any visits from me. ;)

[EasyFeeling]

Oh Z, I would love to see Bob Seger. I remember I was about 15 when I got to know my first boyfriend and we danced closely to We've Got Tonight. :wink: Ah, memories...

I've never tried skiing. Have fun, Brooke. :)

[glenneaglesfan]

Z, the Bob Seger concert sounds great, I confess I don't know much of his music, something I'll have to rectify. That's interesting about Laura Creamer, still working in music with Bob and Glenn after all those years.

EF, glad you're safe after the storms. Even our local news said how bad it had been in Germany. Sadly 13 people lost their lives in the UK.

Brooke, have a great time in Colorado, I'm sure you'll get the hang of skiing, and it should be beautiful. If you happen to see Mr Frey, send him my best! Nancy, I have never even tried skiing, so your story made me laugh as undoubtedly I'd get in a similar pickle. I went ice skating once - never let go of the side barrier... I guess if I'd had a pair of rolling skates as a kid, instead of just one, from a jumble sale (true!), I might have had more confidence!

[Brooke]

Oh, Soda, your skiing trip sounds like quite an adventure! I hope I don't have that much trouble!

My kids have both been and thought it was a breeze, so I hope it goes as well for me. I have a feeling that snowmobiling and sleigh riding might be an alternative! :laugh:

[EasyFeeling]

EF, glad you're safe after the storms. Even our local news said how bad it had been in Germany. Sadly 13 people lost their lives in the UK.

Yes, I've heard that too. This is really sad. Thank God, it wasn't that bad in Northern Germany. The storm was much worse in other cities as well as in other countries in Europe.

[Z]

Brooke, good luck with skiing -- just be careful. Personally, I'm much better at sitting by the fire and drinking mulled wine. :)

[Freypower]

Glenn's house is in Snowmass. Have fun, Brooke!

I'm so glad you saw Seger, Z. He's never been here. The new album is really superb.

I've heard about the awful weather in Europe. Here we've just had the standard bushfires in Victoria - nothing too bad for a change.

[Z]

I just bought tickets to see David Crosby and Graham Nash at the Borgata in March! They are playing in the Music Box which is about half the size of the Event Center where Glenn played. This is such a surprise as I didn't know that they were scheduled to be there and I just happened to stumble upon it.

Woooo Hooooo!

[sodascouts]

Sounds you have a nice, intimate show to look forward to!

[glenneaglesfan]

Z, that's great news - what a nice surprise! Graham Nash still looks very good on that HC documentary. David Crosby, well, maybe he hasn't aged quite as well as our guys, :wink:, but I bet they'll give a great show.

[glenneaglesfan]

I won a prize today! Way back last year I bought a tombola number for the village school - I chose 57 for two reasons at the time :wink: . Anyway, today someone delivered a basket full of nice soaps and suchlike. I'm chuffed!

Other half sorted out the leak in my car. He found a website called 'myleakypassat' :D and it was down to some drainage holes in the engine which were blocked. Ironically the weather has turned from warm and wet to cold and dry, so we can't test out the repair yet.

[sodascouts]

Congrats, GEF! Good luck on the leak.

[Perfect Little Sister]

Oh, Soda, your skiing trip sounds like quite an adventure! I hope I don't have that much trouble!

My kids have both been and thought it was a breeze, so I hope it goes as well for me. I have a feeling that snowmobiling and sleigh riding might be an alternative! :laugh:

The one and only time I tried to ski my teenage son and I took the same beginner class. As my son was learning to..well kinda slalom, I guess, the instructor was lifting me up off the snow and putting me back on me feet. When I finally did try to ski the actual slope I found out I can only turn left. I can point my right leg back to the right, but my left leg keeps going left. :roll: Then a snowboarder tried to side swipe me and I fell spectacularly. End of skiing attempt. Start of fireside and mulled wine.

[Perfect Little Sister]

I went ice skating once - never let go of the side barrier... I guess if I'd had a pair of rolling skates as a kid, instead of just one, from a jumble sale (true!), I might have had more confidence!

I went ice skating about six years ago...for the first time since I was about eight. That was the day I discovered I really am a princess. When I took the skates off I had bruises on my ankles thru three pairs of socks.lol OH, and if you don't believe me about the princess thing, just ask my daddy...he'll tell you! :D

[timfan]

the one time I tried skating in my adult life i was with a bunch of kids... needless to say I embarrased myself throughly!! The kids were skating all around me and i never let go of the side board! :blush:

[DonFan]

You sound like me, timfan. I learned to roller skate when my daughters were in elementary school, and I spent most of the time hanging on the rail, too! Then I tripped down our basement stairs two years ago and broke my ankle :blush: , and after it healed I was diagnosed with borderline osteoporosis --I know, I'm way too young for that! :wink: I'm taking calcium supplements and all is better now, but I have been too scared to try skating again.

[timfan]

Well i just got back from the Doctor. Over the last month my back problems have flared up again ( i actually had back surgery 6.5 years ago). So i have to go for xrays and to the specialist again to see what is going on. I hope it is nothing but.. I am a little concerned :?

[sodascouts]

I'm sorry to hear that - I understand your concern. Let's hope the doctors can help you, though, and this visit will be the best thing that you could have done.

[glenneaglesfan]

I hope things can be sorted out, TF, and that you don't need any further surgery.

[DonFan]

I'm sorry too, TF. There is nothing worse than an aching back.

[Z]

Awwww, Kath! I'm sorry to hear that you are having back problems. Hopefully they will turn out to be something minor and easily remedied. <fingers> Keep us posted please.

[EasyFeeling]

Sorry to hear that, TF. I know what you are talking about. I have back problems since many years. I should do special sports but I'm too lazy for that. Maybe my back problems are not bad enough yet. :?

[Billy]

the one time I tried skating in my adult life i was with a bunch of kids... needless to say I embarrased myself throughly!! The kids were skating all around me and i never let go of the side board! :blush:

:blush: :blush:
Been there...
I suppose I didn't like my feet off the ground.I've injured my ankles playing football in the past,and i guess that was playing on my mind.i just wouldn't let go.

[Witchy Mummy]

I hope your back gets better soon Kath :(

I love ice skating, but all I can do is go forward. I can't stop. I have to crash into the side or hubby to stop :wink:

My little boys are growing up so fast. I put Cian's name down for preschool today. He'll start in April, two mornings a week. Joshua will start primary school this year too. I don't know where the time has gone.

[Perfect Little Sister]

OMG! I just noticed today's date. I gotta call my mommy and wish her a happy birthday! Otherwise I might lose my "perfect" status. lol

[Brooke]

Well, I'm baaaaack! And believe it or not, all in one piece! I actually did learn to ski and never had any real problems. I did fall a few times, but no big deal! A guy in our class actually went between two trees and grabbed them to stop himself from crashing. He was pretty much a hotdog, but didn't know any more about it than I did! It was great fun, but exhausting! And my legs still hurt, but I loved it! There were actually people much older than us skiing, and of course, very small ones also. The lesson was the only way to even think of trying it. I wouldn't have known the first thing to do otherwise. I'm sold. Hopefully, we'll get to do it again someday. :D

Colorado was also very beautiful, but we drove through a snow storm to get there! It should have taken us about 13 hours to drive, but with the slick roads and blizzard conditions, we could only go about 30 mph at times and it ended up taking us about 20 hours to get there! We got about half way through Kansas and it started snowing and within a half hour it was sticking on the highway. They actually closed interstate highway 70 behind us for several hours. We shouldn't have been out there, but what else could we do?! We were half way... go backward or forward? We drove slowly and just kept on a going and finally made it. There were cars and suvs in the ditches along the way. And semi trucks passing us like we were sitting still. In some areas they got 6-10 inches of snow. We thought we would get past it according to the weather reports, but it kept getting worse. I swear, I can predict the weather better than the meteoroligists (?)! (Sorry to any reading this, but really!)

Anyway, we did have a wonderful time and were glad to drive home on clear highways! I'll put up a couple picks as soon as I catch up! :D

[sodascouts]

Wow. Glad you not only made it back in one piece, but you made it THERE in one piece! I've never had to drive through a snowstorm, but it sounds terrifying.

[Z]

Welcome home, Brooke! Good to hear that, despite the snow storm, you had a great time.

[Witchy Mummy]

Welcome back, Brooke. Sounds like you had quite an adventure! Good to hear you had a nice time and stayed safe.

[Molly]

Colorado was also very beautiful, but we drove through a snow storm to get there! It should have taken us about 13 hours to drive, but with the slick roads and blizzard conditions, we could only go about 30 mph at times and it ended up taking us about 20 hours to get there!


Upon arrival, I would have knocked people over to get to the bar for a drink! Glad you made it there and back safely, Brooke.

Can't wait to see the pictures!

[Molly]

Well i just got back from the Doctor. Over the last month my back problems have flared up again ( i actually had back surgery 6.5 years ago). So i have to go for xrays and to the specialist again to see what is going on. I hope it is nothing but.. I am a little concerned :?

Kath, good luck with this. I hope it turns out not to be too serious. I'll keep you in my thoughts!

[glenneaglesfan]

Brooke, that sounds quite terrifying driving through a snowstorm, with trucks speeding past. Glad you made it safely and had a good time - well done for getting to grips with skiing!

[EasyFeeling]

Welcome back Brooke. :D I'm glad you had a great time.

[Brooke]

Thanks, everyone! Here's a couple pics of our driving conditions:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Family/IMG_0015.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Family/IMG_0008.jpg

This is actually going through the mountains to our resort. Normally, you can see the Rocky Mountains from Kansas/Colorado line. We couldn't see them at all till we got through Denver!

Btw, good luck with your back problems, timfan. Hopefully you won't have to have surgery again. :(

[EasyFeeling]

Yuck! :shock:

[Ive always been a dreamer]

TF, I'm crossing my fingers for you that your back will get better.

And Brooke I'm so glad that you had a fun trip in spite of traveling through that treacherous blizzard. I'm such a chicken when it comes to things like skiing or skating. With my lack of coordination, I would be much more at risk on the ski slopes than I would be driving through that blizzard. :wink:

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the photos. All I can say it - Dang!

[Molly]

Allow me a "Mom brag" moment- Both of my boy's are bringing home "A" averages in their respective college endeavors and Peter made the Dean's List at Marquette for the 1st semester!

Peter also interviewed for a job at Miller Park in Milwaukee to be an usher during Milwaukee Brewer's baseball games. He said it went well and the woman interviewing him said he'd answered all her questions "perfectly" -so we're hopeful. He needs a job!!!

Tomorrow is Peter's birthday, so he's home ths weekend completely eating thru my pantry and refrigerator. About the only thing he takes time to say during meals is to point at any food still left in the middle of the table and say "Anybody gonna eat that?" and before anyone can even answer -it's on his plate! Tom's girlfriend, Nicole, (who's about as big around as a pencil) joined us for supper last night and just sat there staring at Peter while he ate. :shock:

[Z]

That's great news about their grades -- you deserve to brag!
There's nothing like Mom's home cooking and I'm sure you loved it! BTW, did you finish baking his cookies yet? :P

[timfan]

That's great Molly! if you can't brag about your kids then what can you brag about; right? :wink: :D

[Witchy Mummy]

Congratulations to you and your boys, Molly! That's fantastic 8) My two eat all day as it is. This is what I have to look forward to I guess :shock: :wink:

[sodascouts]

Congrats, Molly! Those boys are making their mama proud. ;)

I wish I could put away food like Peter and not blow up like a balloon. Sigh!

[glenneaglesfan]

That's fantastic news about your boys, Molly. It's so hard these day to achieve good grades. My elder son was home this weekend and he has already had a B for his first assignment at university, and he is really enjoying the course. A contrast with a friend's son who has dropped out after a term. Younger son has achieved an A in coursework in Geography. All those hours awake at night pay off when they bring good news home!

[Molly]

That's great news about their grades -- you deserve to brag!
There's nothing like Mom's home cooking and I'm sure you loved it! BTW, did you finish baking his cookies yet? :P

No cookies this time since he keeps telling me he's "watching what he eats". I guess that means he's looking at his food while it travels on the fork from the plate to his mouth. (?)

Thanks everyone for the congrats. Some day hopefully they will both have successful careers so Mom can come and live off of them when she gets old!

[Brooke]

That's great news Molly! It feels great when they do well, doesn't it?!

Good luck with restocking the frig and pantry! :D

[timfan]

A quick update on my back issues... I went for the x-ray and have the results in my hands. Tho i am not a doctor the results say no fracture and nothing unusual that the xray shows up, other than a mild case of scoliosis ( which we already knew i had). So i will take these results to the specialist and see what else it could be. But i am relieved that nothing showed up on the x-ray :D Now i just have to wait for the appointment with the specialist.....

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update, Kath!

[Z]

So glad to hear that there is no fracture, Kath. I'll keep my fingers crossed until you see the specialist.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Crossing my fingers for you too, Kath.

And Molly - that is great news about how well the boys are doing in school. You and hubby deserve to be very proud. Good luck to Peter with the job - I bet that would actually be a very cool job, so I really hope he gets it.

[Witchy Mummy]

Good luck, Kath. I hope it goes well with the specialist :)

[DonFan]

That is great news about your son's grades, Molly. I hope my daughter does as well when she goes off to the University of Montevallo next fall.

Kath, hope you get good news from the specialist.

I am going on my 3rd week of work at Chico's, about 20/hours a week. I was much younger when I last worked in retail, and one of the most difficult parts is having to stand on my feet for 8 hours with only one 30-minute lunch break. :? I like it pretty well though, the people are nice, I've gotten some cool new clothes with my discount, and I know I am socking money away during ths long cold winter to help me buy Eagles tickets during the long hot summer! 8)

[sodascouts]

Whenever those feel ache, just visualize Don rubbing them. ;)

[DonFan]

Whenever those feet ache, just visualize Don rubbing them. ;)

Good grief--If I do THAT, I won't be able to concentrate on sales at all! :blush: :D

[glenneaglesfan]

Lol, Nancy!
Dana, that clothes discount and money saved for Eagles tickets sounds good, but I sympathise with the aching feet.

Kath, very good news that the xray hasn't shown up anything new. Good luck with the specialist.

[Brooke]

I also sympathize with your aching feet, Dana. I worked in retail for 10 years in a huge furniture store and every night my feet hurt. The kids got me a "foot fixer" one year and it helped a lot!

Here's a pretty picture (except for those wierd old people) from my ski trip. The mountains were so beautiful.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Family/IMG_0056.jpg



:laugh:

[sodascouts]

Gorgeous! Even the old people. ;)

[glenneaglesfan]

That looks beautiful, Brooke. We've just had two frosts this winter, not a whiff of snow. Someone's actually mowing their lawn outside today!

[Witchy Mummy]

Our weather has been really strange lately. Global warming and climate change, I guess. We had some snow a couple of weeks ago. It's been about 4 years since it has snowed like that in London. It was great for the kids. The picture looks lovely, Brooke 8)

[Brooke]

We are in the deep freeze here and have been for about 3 weeks. The high today is to be 15F. We had a low of -1F last night. Plus winds making it feel like -15-20 below zero.

Actually, this has been the worst winter here for many years with all of the snow, ice, freezing rain, sleet and the like. We still have all that ice from 3 weeks ago. It hasn't been warm enough to melt it at all. I need Molly's smiley sigie. Brrrrrrrrr! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/freezing.gif

[Molly]

When I got up this morning it was -14 degrees and that's without the wind. With the windchill it's been about -30. Unfortunately, it's supposed to last most of the upcoming week.

My poor old dogs are really having a hard time with this weather. It's been taking a lot of coaxing to get them to go outside even for a minute.

[Z]

I just got to enjoy the only part of the Super Bowl that I was interested in -- the half time show! Must say that His Purpleness looked good as ever and sounded fabulous!!

[DonFan]

I'm with you, Z--we were invited to a neighborhood Super Bowl party and I left right after the half-time show (hub is still there--he actually likes to watch the game :wink: .) Prince did look & sound great, didn't he?

[Freypower]

I saw Purple Rain. Then I tried to watch the game. Unfortunately I can't really appreciate any sport in which advertising interferes so much with the actual play. If I were in America seeing the ads perhaps it would be different but here we just get the local channel's talking heads telling us that Chicago aren't very good. They even apologised for the huge numbers of 'time outs'.

[Brooke]

I posted this in the Stevie thread, but did anyone catch her on the pregame festivities? I sat up and took notice when the announcer said she was coming on.

She looked great and sang Stand Back. Her hair is really long, past her waist. :shock:

[timfan]

I finally got the call today about the appointment with the specialist regarding my back. There is good news and not so good news...

The good news is the same specialist who did the surgery on my back 6 years ago has agreed to see me again ( even tho he is semi retired and only sees a few patients) :D. The not so good news is he can't see me til the end of April. But 11 weeks is better than the year they orginally told me it would take for him to see me! :). All in all I am pretty happy to have the appointment and I know and like this doctor.

I just hope the back issues/specialist appointments don't interfere with my plans for the summer Eagles -wise! :wink:

[sodascouts]

Sorry for the wait, but let's hope he can get things fixed up for you!

[Maleah]

wow so I had an interesting day at work. We had a bomb threat called in today. Someone called in and told the lady that answered the phone that there was a problem in menswear......and when she asked what the problem was, the guy said there was a bomb and hung up.

Soooo our store manager pages all associates to the back and proceedes to tell us that we just had a bomb threat and what he wanted us to do was go split up and search our areas for the bomb! :shock: He didn't get the customers out of the store, just paged them to the front. So we had to go look for the bomb, after five minutes they paged and cancelled and said everything was fine. Five minutes...........searching for a bomb........in a Wal-Mart supercenter. Yeah........if there had been a bomb....pretty sure we wouldn't have found it in five minutes. Idiots :?

I find out later that the Sams Club in our city had actually had a pipe bomb found in their store earlier this year. *sigh* I love my job :roll:

[sodascouts]

They asked their EMPLOYEES to search for the bomb?! What if it had gone off?! Hello LAWSUIT!

[Maleah]

I know!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were SOOOOOO ticked off!!!! I was ready to sue right then and there :?

[Maleah]

oh and the REALLY annoying thing was that they didn't even ASK us! They didn't say if you feel comfortable with it, we'd like you to go look for this bomb. They just told us "go split up and search your areas." oh and wal-mart's own policy is to evacuate the building of customers/associates and call in a bomb squad. :? And you're supposed to turn off all electronics, cell phones, and walkie talkies/radios so they don't set off the bomb. Well our genious management was walking through mens wear talking to each other on their walkies. :roll:

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Wow Maleah - what the hell were they thinking? Evacuate everyone immediately would have been the first thought that went through my mind - but, what do I know!

Well, at least, it was a false alarm. Hopefully, your management will do better next time since they have had some practice.

[Maleah]

Wow Maleah - what the hell were they thinking? Evacuate everyone immediately would have been the first thought that went through my mind - but, what do I know!

Well, at least, it was a false alarm. Hopefully, your management will do better next time since they have had some practice.

I know! That was my first thought too.......well.........right after I finished freaking out :D If I hadn't thought I would have probably lost my job or been "coached" I would have walked out until it was all over with

[DonFan]

I couldn't believe it when I read your post about the bomb, Maleah! I am so glad no one was hurt.

[Brooke]

Wow, Maleah, I'm glad you all are ok.

I'll bet your so called management gets a good talking to! :shock:

[glenneaglesfan]

Good grief, Maleah, what a fiasco. Your management needs to sit down and work out a strategy for dealing with such events - sending their own employees to look for bombs? :shock:

[EasyFeeling]

:shock: I couldn't believe it as I read this, Maleah. That would never happen in our company.

[Maleah]

The sad thing is that they do have a "policy" for dealing with these types of things. They are supposed to evacuate the building of both customers and associates to a safe distance away and then let the bomb squad search. But what they're telling us now is that management reserves the right to use their own judgement :roll:

[timfan]

what they're telling us now is that management reserves the right to use their own judgement :roll:

Uhhh -huh... :o Sounds like some major butt covering going on! :wink:

Seriously tho.. that is horrendous Maleah, :shock: what you and your co-workers (and the customers) went thru. I'm just glad everyone is OK. :)

[Maleah]

Thanks guys! I just needed to vent a little bit. :) I appreciate all the concern!

[glenneaglesfan]

We seem to have a spate of letter bombs starting over here. At the moment they seem to be targeting motoring organisations, including those responsible for speed cameras, so it seems to be an individual with a grudge.

After posting about the warm weather at the weekend, we may get snow tomorrow. Certainly it's predicted for further north, but we have a warmer microclimate here. The sledges are waiting in the garage. :)

[weefieryredhead]

Hello!

Just wanted to say hi it's been too long!

I've finally recovered from my op and everything so what's new with you?

L
x

[glenneaglesfan]

Great to hear from you, Lisa! After all this time, I'm very pleased to hear that you have had the op and got over it. When will you know if it's been successful? Keep us posted!

[timfan]

Hey WFR! Glad you are doing better :D. We've missed you around here! 8) and as GEF mentioned please keep us posted.

[Freypower]

Welcome back WFR! Nice av! Hope you are on the mend.

Maleah, your bomb story was awful. I'm glad everyone was OK but as someone said the procedures leave a lot to be desired.

GEF, we have heard about the latest worry in the UK - it seems sometimes that nobody there can feel safe these days.

As for Australia, the good thing about it is it's safe, but it's boring. I am going OUT on Sunday night though (don't all collapse at once) to see an American comedian called Arj Barker. And Toon & WM may be interested to hear that we are seeing Ross Noble in March. It will be Geordie heaven. My husband turned down the front row because Noble tends to talk to the audience & if he knew he had a fellow Geordie watching him the show would never start. 8)

[EasyFeeling]

Hello!

Just wanted to say hi it's been too long!

I've finally recovered from my op and everything so what's new with you?

L
x

Hi Lisa and welcome back! :D My last email was sent to you on Tuesday. Have you got it?

[weefieryredhead]

I only just got your e-mail I've had problems with my acocunt...I'm about to reply!

[glenneaglesfan]

Sounds like a couple of good evenings ahead, FP. Look forward to hearing your reviews!

We missed all the snow down here in Devon - it's actually been a pleasant day. I've started going back to the gym. I'm hopelessly unfit, but am trying to catch up with SO who has lost 22 lbs and STOPPED SNORING! The ipod helps at the gym.

We are looking forward to a break in Portugal in a week's time. For the first time we are leaving older son to fend for himself at university, and taking younger son and girlfriend.

[timfan]

Gef, the trip to Portugal sounds wonderful :D :). Have a great time. 8) 8)

I'm looking forward to hearing all about it when you return :)

[Witchy Mummy]

Have a nice time seeing Ross Noble, Julie :) We are actually distantly related to the Noble family. They used to own the Spanish City in Whitley Bay. This is a big claim to fame for us coming from a working class family :wink:

Have fun in Portugal, Kate. We got the snow. It was absloutley fantastic. The only thingt that spoiled it for me was being stuck in bed with stomach flu. Gary, the kids and my parents had a great time while I could only watch. Joshua said he would cheer me up by throwing a snow ball at my bedroom window. Luckily we live in a bungalow :wink: I'll post some pictures my hubby took a bit later.

Welocme back WFR, glad you're better :)

[glenneaglesfan]

Sorry that you weren't able to enjoy the snow, WM. Hope you're feeling better now. look forward to seeing some pictures!

[Freypower]

The Noble family owned the Spanish City? Now whenever I hear Tunnel Of Love I'll think of him too. :?

We enjoyed the Arj Barker show but I'm hopeless at retelling jokes.

[timfan]

I'm glad you enjoyed the Arj Baker show FP :D . I know what you mean about being hopeless and retelling jokes i'm the same way! :?

[DonFan]

I've been very worred for the last two days because my 80-yr-old mother passed out and had to be rushed to the hospital. She has been doing so well since her hip replacement surgery in December that we were all really shocked for this to happen. She has always been troubled with inner ear dizziness, but this seemed much worse, and the Drs were afraid she had had a stroke in the balance section of her brain. My brother and sister have been by her side and calling me with updates.

Late yesterday they took her for a CAT scan and we finally got good news---Mom’s scans showed she did not have a stroke, thank goodness! She had a SEVERE attack of vertigo, one of the worst they have ever seen, and is still so dizzy & nauseous that she can barely eat. She is still in the hospital as they are trying to figure out the correct meds to treat this. She lives two hours away and I have to stay here to finish some work, but my daughters are out of school Monday for President's Day so the three of us are driving up after they get out of school Friday. If she is released by then, I think I’m going to try to bring her back with me this weekend, if she will come.

It is scary when your parents' health gets so fragile, y'know? She just hasn't been the same since my dad died three years ago.

[Perfect Little Sister]

I'm so happy to hear Mom is ok DF. Thank goodness it was "minor" and treatable. Hang in there and all the best to Mom.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for keeping us updated on your Mom, Dana. I'm so glad it's not a stroke. I'm praying for her!

[Brooke]

Dana, glad to hear your Mom did not have a stroke, too. I'm keeping you and her in my thoughts and prayers, too.

Did you get a little snow, Nancy? We got about 9 inches here Monday night and now frigid temps. -3F here this morning! Brrrrr!

[sodascouts]

Oh, we got snow, alright! Almost a foot! Purdue actually closed, which it hardly ever does. I couldn't leave my apartment yesterday, and it took me an hour to dig out my car today. My first blizzard since I was a little girl! I have to admit, the snow day was nice. :)

[DonFan]

I can't believe y'all got all that snow. It is cold enough to snow here at 30 degrees, but Alabama hardly ever gets snow.

[EasyFeeling]

After a horrible weekend with black ice forecast said 15 degrees C (57 F) for the next weekend. :shock: Spring is coming... :D

[glenneaglesfan]

DF, I'm sorry to hear about your mother. It must have been really scary for all of you. I hope she picks up again soon and it turns out to be nothing too serious.

Soda, a foot of snow is unheard of here. We have had heavy winds and rain, but the snow which hit the north of England has mostly gone now. Nice for you to have a day off though!

EF, today was the first really warm day, 12.5C, and very pleasant.

[timfan]

DF I'm sorry to hear your mother has been having troubles. But at least it's not a stroke! I hope she'll be feeling better very soon :)

It's always so scary as our parents get older.. I know I worry lots about my dad. I think it's part of being a family... worrying about others health and well being.

[Perfect Little Sister]

Yesterday in the late afternoon/early evening I was in the grocery store and I was really dragging. I had a whiney teenager who is just starting braces and had barely eaten in 2 days, I had been babysitting since 5am and was suddenly keeping them overnight as my son had to work very late. I wasn't in the best of moods when what should I hear on the over head speaker but "True Love"! :shock: 'True Love'!!! I never hear that! Needless to say my mood turned right around. lol I then cringed a moment later when they followed Glenn Frey with a John Denver tune. :roll: I mean...come on people...John Denver? After Glenn Frey?!!? :D

[Freypower]

That brings to mind Glenn's comments about John Denver in the San Diego bootleg when he started out mocking him 'you fill up my ... cough'.... and then said he was a good guy because of all the work he did with Jacques Cousteau. He did do some good songs - Rocky Mountain High being the standout.

I'm sorry to hear about your mother DF.

[glenneaglesfan]

True Love in public - that is awesome. I tried requesting it on our local radio station, but no luck.

We are off early tomorrow, so see you all when we get back, and have fun!

[Perfect Little Sister]

Have a blast GF and safe traveling!

[Molly]

Have a safe and wonderful trip, Kate.

Good news from my son, Peter, today. He finally found a part-time job that doesn't interfere with his school. He'll be working for the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. He'll be at the rest of the season's home games and will be one of those annoying people on the concourse trying get passersby to sign up for various stuff.

The internship is also sponsored by Midwest Express Airlines. The interns have been told that they should all be eligible through their sales to "earn" a round trip airline ticket via Midwest Express. Peter told me when he earns his ticket, he plans to give it to me so I can use it to travel to an Eagles' concert. Such a thoughtful boy! Of course, then he hit me up for $60.00 for "stuff" he needs to get him thru the next few weeks until Spring break. <sigh>

[Perfect Little Sister]

Aw....what a good boy you've raised Molly. And that last part...it never goes away. lol

[sodascouts]

Aw, that's great Molly! What a sweet son you have! And what a smart one, too, making the ticket offer before "suggesting" that you get him a few things. ;)

Have a safe trip, GEF!

[Perfect Little Sister]

I bought tickets today to see Sammy Hagar May 4th in his Tahoe Cabo show. I paid $200 and I'll be up on the stage behind him. If only the Eagles let us get so close. lol (or charged so little)

[Ive always been a dreamer]

GEF - have a wonderful vacation in Portugal.

And DF, hope everything is well with your mom now. We will keep you in our thoughts. It definately is a challenge taking care of our aging parents. My mom, who as many of you know has Alzheimers. She has also had 3 attacks of vertigo in the last year or so. The name of the medication that the doctor prescribed for her is Antivert, which works well for her when she takes it. However, the problem with Alzheimer's patients is always making sure that they take their medication as prescribed. My stepfather lives and cares for my mom, but he is elderly and quite forgetful himself, so we are unable to rely much on him to care for her properly.

[DonFan]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. Mom is still in the hospital but may be released tomorrow. She is still dizzy & so weak that she has a hard time walking, so she may need more physical therapy or a home health care nurse or both.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom too, dreamer. My mom is also on antivert as well as steriods to shrink swelling of the inner ear.

I'll post again when I get more news.

[sodascouts]

Thanks for the update, Dana. I'm glad she's able to get out of the hospital at least.

[timfan]

thanks for keeping us up to date Dana..hope all goes well with her release tommorow.

I have a bit of news too! I have been taking my second college course this semester (a computer course) I did a test last week and.... I got 100%!

It looks like I will be finished the course this week! This means I will have finished the 14 week course in just 7 weeks! :D :D :D :D woot!!

[sodascouts]

That's great timfan! Congrats!

[tbs fanatic]

Good job timfan :D

[Molly]

Wow, timfan! Congratulations! Sounds like you've been working hard -I admire your drive!

[Perfect Little Sister]

As I said in chat Kath, I am so proud of you! That is quite an accomplishment to finish the course in so little time and with such high marks. Kudos!!

[Brooke]

Way to go timfan! 8)

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Great job, Kath!

[DonFan]

Way to go, Kath! Keep up the good work.

[EasyFeeling]

Congratulations, Kath! :)

[Perfect Little Sister]

Well yesterday was an interesting day...left me with mixed feelings. As some of you know, my almost 16 year old son was diagnosed last fall with bilateral stress fractures in his femurs as well as his right tibia. This occurred during training for cross-country without any kind of trauma to the legs. He had been very active before starting cc as during the summer he had done many 50 mile hikes carrying a 40 pound pack on his back. The doctors were rather stumped as to why this happened. It's very unusual to have this occur in an active teenager without something like a car accident or some other major trauma. We have spent the last couple months having a head to toe bone scan, a bone density test and a battery of blood tests run. Yesterday we saw the pediatric orthopedic specialist again to go over those results. She also took another x-ray of the legs. The good news is he is healing nicely. The bones look nice and solid again...just a hint of where the fractures were. He has to continue to take it easy for another couple months and then he can begin training again...very slowly. It's shocking how slowly he has to go. He will be limited to one mile on the track. He has to walk the curves and jog the straight parts and then he has to rest the next day. He even has to "train" before he can take a 5 mile hike. Lol...the hard part will be getting him to go slow enough on the training. The part that bothers me is they still don't know why this happened. None of the tests were definitive. She told me she is still investigating. I can't decide if this is good news (no major illness) or not (still no "why"). The really fun part is the appointments with this lady are hard to come by so I took what I could get....which happened to be a day when I was baby-sitting and right at nap time. I needed a nap by the time we were done.lol

[sodascouts]

I certainly understand your feelings on that - I hope they can figure it out. I'm just glad it hasn't recurred, and that if all goes well he can "get back to normal."

[timfan]

aww PLS :( I hope they can figure it out quickly what is going on. It's always so tough when your kids are having a physical problem, you want to help them but there isn't much you can do but be supportive :). I know that has been the hardest part for my dad.

[Molly]

Lissa, your family has a thing for medical mysteries, don't they?!

Glad to hear your son is doing better. High school sports can be tough, it's hard to find that balance between working out so you can be good at what you do and working out that ends up hurting a kid that is still growing and developing. Good luck with keeping him at a sensible pace -I don't envy you.

Tom has shoulder problems from swimming and Peter has knee problems from football. Our family is very familiar with the sports medicine department and the MRI staff at our hospital, as well. I pity their future wives who will have to listen to all the complaining about their aches and pains.

We spent a lot of time and money getting Peter's knees back into shape so that he can continue playing football in college. Then, he managed to re-injure a knee goofing around on a teeter totter :roll: with some other big oafs and then again messing around on a stationary bike (ulitmate stationary biking (?!) ) with yet again -more big oafs. :roll:

[Brooke]

I can understand your mixed feelings, PLS. Hopefully everything will turn out ok and he will behave himself with the training.

[Perfect Little Sister]

Thanks for all the well wishes guys. The x-rays looked great, so I do feel good about the healing. And it's better to hear that they don't really have a reason than to hear some horrible illness. This is the child who broke his arm when he was 7 and asked me to wrap the cast in bubble wrap so he could play soccer. :roll: I nearly had to sit on him to keep him down after the surgery to set the arm. lol

I have to ask...ultimate stationary biking?????? Obviously I don't have the testosterone to understand that one.

[DonFan]

I wish him well too, PLS. You always worry about your children!

[Molly]

I have to ask...ultimate stationary biking?????? Obviously I don't have the testosterone to understand that one.

I'm not sure what it is, either, but they got yelled at by a teacher for doing it -so I'm guessing it's not sanctioned as any "official sport". :fingerwag:

[sodascouts]

Bwahaha! Your sons are a trip, Molly!

[EasyFeeling]

Hopefully your son feels better soon, PLS. This was a bit hard to read for me but I think I understand it.

[glenneaglesfan]

We had a lovely holiday in Portugal. It was a villa with a view over the coast to the sea. We hired a car, so travelled along the coast and inland. Plenty of golf courses. Son and girlfriend were very good company. It is still a very beautiful part of the world, and the further you go, the further you realise that heading inwards takes you away from the crowds.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

OMG - PLS and Molly - you both sound very familiar with the medical facilities in your hometowns. I guess I was lucky - as some of you already know - I have a much younger brother that lived with me during most of his teenage years and young adulthood so I feel more like a mother than a sister. He was very active in baseball, basketball, and football from the time he could play tee ball. Luckily, he only ever had one major injury (torn ligament in his knee from football) that healed very nicely and has never had any problems in his adult life because of the wear and tear that playing sports has on your body. Good genes, I guess. :wink:

And welcome back GEF. Glad you had such a nice holiday.

[Molly]

Welcome back, Kate. Your trip sounds lovely!

[sodascouts]

Sounds great, GEF. I'm jealous!

[timfan]

I finished the computer course today!! :computer: I got 95% and 75% on the last two tests. :D

When added up with my other tests scores, my final grade for this course is 91%!! :shock:


Needless to say I am very excited about this! 8) :P

:band:

[DonFan]

Congrats, TF! That is great!

[sodascouts]

Wonderful!

[EasyFeeling]

Congratulations TF. :D

And welcome back, GEF. You didn't tell us anything about the weather. Was it warm?

[glenneaglesfan]

Just catching up again. PLS, I'm glad that your son is getting better. It's such a worry. My son developed an acute arthritis in his knees for no reason, aged 16, and was laid up for about a week. He had blood tests and xrays, but nothing showed up, and it just got better, thankfully.

TF, congratulations, that's fantastic news! :D

Thanks for the welcome back, everyone. EF, the weather was mainly fair, about 18 degrees C, so not too warm, but much better than home. The villa had a lovely pool which felt about 0 degrees - we tried it once, but that was enough! I did manage to get in the sea for a token dip, enduring quizzical stares from the locals.

This is an old deserted palace at Estoi, near Faro.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Portugal045.jpg

Storks nesting on an gateway in Faro.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Portugal084.jpg

Sunset from our terrace.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Portugal050.jpg

[EasyFeeling]

Beautiful pictures, GEF. :D Now that is a place for a nest! :shock: It doesn't look very stable and safe. :?

I think 18 degrees made you feel very comfortable, not too warm, not too cold. But a pool with 0 degrees? When you said you tried it, don't tell me you've swam in it. :shock: You only dipped your toe in, right? :wink:

[timfan]

wow GEF those photos are fantastic! it sounds like you had a great time! :)

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Way to go, Kath!

And GEF - your pics are beautiful. I especially love the sunset view. Glad you had a great time.

[sodascouts]

Lovely photos!

[Freypower]

I love seeing photos from people's travels, especially in exotic overseas locations where I can't go. :cry: Thanks GEF. I was in Portugal in 1972. It was still under military rule then. :?

[Brooke]

Beautiful pics, GEF. Sounds like a wonderful time.

We are back from a weekend with the son. This was more a father/son weekend with Mom tagging along! We went to Bass Pro Shop to stock up on fishing supplies, grocery shopping, steak supper, and mall shopping! I think the son enjoyed Mom and Dad most for their money and spoiling habits. Poor little thing. Didn't have a thing to eat in the frig! :roll: Plus he is planning the popular spring break trip to Florida next month!

Anyway, we had a good time and he reminded me that if the Eagles were touring this year that he wanted to go too. That means I have got to save some more money for another VIP ticket! :roll: :crazy:

I think I need another job!

[Z]

The David Crosby - Graham Nash show at the Borgata has been cancelled. I am so incredibly disappointed. :weep:

[timfan]

oh no Z! :( I am so sorry. :cry: Is there any talk of re-scheduling the show?

[Perfect Little Sister]

Oh man Z!!!! That so sucks when they cancel on you. Sammy Hagar did that to me last summer...and the tix were to celebrate my son's graduation from Navy Power School. I feel for you, Sister. :(

[EasyFeeling]

Z, I'm really sorry to hear that. It's so frustrating when something like this happens. :(

[glenneaglesfan]

Z, I'm sorry to hear about the concert. I heard that David Crosby isn't very well. Apparently he has had a liver transplant in the past. I hope things are ok at the moment, and I'm sad that he has had to cancel concerts.

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks for all the well wishes guys. The x-rays looked great, so I do feel good about the healing. And it's better to hear that they don't really have a reason than to hear some horrible illness. This is the child who broke his arm when he was 7 and asked me to wrap the cast in bubble wrap so he could play soccer. :roll: I nearly had to sit on him to keep him down after the surgery to set the arm. lol

I have to ask...ultimate stationary biking?????? Obviously I don't have the testosterone to understand that one.

Hi PLS. Thanks for the lovely birthday shot of Glenn. I've managed to get it onto my ipod so I'll have it with me for the day (forever!!). Glad to hear your son is doing well and hopefully he'll make a full recovery. My 2 year old son got the all clear from his hospital only yesterday after he broke his arm quite badly on (would u believe it) 6th November last year. He had to have it realigned twice and then numerous check ups. So I know how you feel although your situation has obviously been more complicated. Hopefully with plenty of TLC he'll be right very soon.
Thanks again GA

[sodascouts]

Sorry to hear about the cancellation, Z. That would have been a great show. Here's hoping he gets better soon and who knows, maybe they'll reschedule.

[glenneaglesfan]

GA, good news about your son. My younger son broke hs arm when he was three, but thankfully it was all straight forward.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Z, that is too bad about the concert being cancelled. That has got to be very disappointing. Hopefully, David Crosby will have a full and speedy recovery.

[timfan]

It has been quite the day here!!

We had an snowstorm yesterday and then overnight it turned into an icestorm with high winds :? . I live in a large city and a 4:30 this morning we lost power and power was not restored til 12:45 this afternoon!! OVER eight hours without power!! Apparently all across the city huge trees and power lines were down and one part of the city was actually flooded! I have dealt with winter issues before living in a small town. But you don't expect to have such an extended power outage in a big city!

It got rather chilly here but even when I get cold thoughts of Timmy can always warm me up!! 8) I was admittedly bored.. geez i have come to rely on this computer alot as part of my daily routine! The neighbours and us helped each other out... they needed a phone that worked (ours was working theirs wasn't) and they brought us hot coffee and danishes from the store! People can be neighbourly even in a big city! :)

So thats been my adventuroursome day... now I'm ready for a nap!! :D

[sodascouts]

Sounds like a wild time. I know what you mean about how heavily we come to rely on the computer! Glad things are back up.

[Glennsallnighter]

Wow TF, certainly sounds like some day! We very rarely get snow over here. A thin covering (about once every 2 years) usually sends the local authorities into overdrive and closes the schools! (not that I'm complaining about that being a teacher). The best (or worst) snow that we had was 25 years ago in 1982. People here still refer to it as "the big snow". The whole Eastern part of the country shut down for about 10 days and we got an extra weeks holidays tagged on to Christmas (I was only a pupil myself then). But generally its not that good! Glad you're back online. Its true we take our electricity, computers and phones for granted until we lose them. However you don't get bored if you can play accoustic Guitar or other nonelectric instruments. :rockguitar: A good power cut is the best way to get a good sing song going in my experience anyway!!And you can always blame the off notes on either too little light or too much wine. Hope everything is back to normal soon for you. Enjoy! GA

[DonFan]

Sorry to hear about the snow & ice, TF!
We had a wild day here in Alabama yesterday too. Tornados hit about 3 hours south of here, and we had sheets of rain and straight line winds.
Why does the verse, "And the wicked wind whispers and moans," suddenly come to mind? 8)

Anyway, on a good note, I went to work at the store this afternoon and they changed the store compilation CD that is always playing as background music. I was waiting on a customer when I realized that I was hearing Glenn's voice sing, "The heat is on..."

Definitely made me smile! :wink:

[Maleah]

We had the same song playing at our store today! The heat is on.................. I had to stop for a listen of course ;)

Well, apart from my near accident on Tuesday..........I'm made it through the snow/ice/rain storm unscathed so far. Course the hill leading down from my apartment building is such a solid sheet of ice that it tooke me like 10 minutes of 10mph just to get up it! lol!

[glenneaglesfan]

Sorry to hear about the bad weather over there, especially those awful tornadoes in the south - very sad about more lives lost and the devastation. Glad everyone here is ok.
We have frequent power cuts so have a gas heater on standby, and the cooker runs off gas from cylinders. No computer is frustrating though!

[EasyFeeling]

Oh, sorry to hear about the bad weather in the US. :?
Actually spring is coming in Germany. :shock: It's going to get warmer here. They said sunny weather the next three days and about 16 degrees, wow. :D And the best is I have a long weekend I don't need to go to work on Monday, yay. :D

But here's the bad news:

My employer is going to control if we use the internet for our private stuff. If I want to do it I have to sign a scrap of paper. :? Then it's not allowed to go to ebay for instance or online shops or whatever. It's only allowed to use the internet for about 10-15 minutes a day. And what about the message boards, he????? :evil:
It seems I can't come here during my worktime anymore. :x

[glenneaglesfan]

EF, the computer I normally use went down before I went on holiday, and I worried about my screensaver - it was a sunset with a Glenn quote superimposed. When I got back, they had restored everything.

Today I took my 16 yr old son for his first 'pre 17' driving lesson. I dropped him off at the course in Exeter, and decided to visit a nearby birdwatching site. Suffice to say, I got involved in a birdwatching 'twitch' and saw a bírd which I've seen in Florida, but over here is pretty rare -a Laughing Gull. Cool!

[sodascouts]

Ugh, no internet at work, EF? No fair! :(

GEF, sounds like a cool bit of birdwatching, even if it didn't involve Eagles (lol, you knew someone was going to make that pun, didn't you?)

[Brooke]

Oh EF, I'm sorry about your workplace not allowing personal internet usage. That's a bummer!

Thankfully, we have dsl at work and in our down time we can do whatever on the net as long as it's legal and proper! Before the net we would read books and magazines in our down time. It is a very small office though. (me and another gal) The boss is not computer literate at all (he's way behind the times for a manager!) and the field guy is usually out. :)

[Randy's Girl]

We have internet at work, but because it's a bookshop, we limit our internet access to Amazon, and Google and sites like that, and then only for book searches. We would be dead if we tried anything else, so I have to wait until I get home everyday :cry: For me, it's something to look forward to.

[EasyFeeling]

I think they decided to control the private internet activities of their employees because there are too many people like me. :twisted:
Seriously, I guess too many coworker made full use of their internet access with going to ebay, pornographic sites, online shops during the working time. I must admit I did that too as you all know. :blush: (ok, no pornographic sites :wink: ) But I'm hanging around on the message boards and they wouldn't be pleased if they would know that.
We also have dsl and flat rate so there are no extra costs. But we are supposed to work. :wink:
I use the internet for business stuff anyway so they would not wonder about my online time. But they can see the URLs in the logging files and I don't want to get asked what I'm doing here. :| Ok, I could say I'm learning English, that's an idea and that isn't a lie. :twisted:

At least I'm allowed to read the weather forecast every day. :evil: :wink:

[DonFan]

Ok, I could say I'm learning English, that's an idea and that isn't a lie. :twisted:


Works for me! :wink:

[EasyFeeling]

That was a hard day for me. :evil: A whole day without the boards... :| ... ok, I took a short look in the morning but only for a few minutes. :wink:

[glenneaglesfan]

EF, sorry about your difficulties - we miss you! My employers allow free access to the internet, within acceptable guidelines, but it's noticeable how slow things become over lunchtime.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

My old employer had the message boards blocked, so I always had to wait until I got home to read anything. With the job I have now, I can read and post throughout the day. I have to set my own limits, otherwise, I wouldn't get any work done. But, it is great to be able to read posts throughout the day. I do try not to post too much unless I just can't help myself. :wink:

[EasyFeeling]

EF, sorry about your difficulties - we miss you! My employers allow free access to the internet, within acceptable guidelines, but it's noticeable how slow things become over lunchtime.

Very true, GEF. :roll: On the other hand it doesn't matter to me because I go to our canteen at lunchtime.
Dreamer, setting my own limits is really hard. :wink: Usually I have to catch up all posts which you did at night. I can read but then I don't have the time to post anything. But I try to come as often as I can.

[DonFan]

Does anyone here watch the Sopranos on A&E? We don't have HBO but I have been watching the reruns on Wednesday nights on A&E. Anyway, last night Tony Soprano goes into a business to talk to the owner and Tequila Sunrise is playing on the radio in the owner's office! The entire time Tony is threatening this guy, Glenn is singing "He was just a hired hand, working on the dreams he planned to try..." It was too funny.

I love it when Eagles' songs show up in unexpected moments.

[Glennsallnighter]

Guy's n gals I've been called up for jury service in about a months time. :worried: Since I'm not working (on career break) looking after kids, and don't want to spend my time in a sweaty Jury box wondering who's going to pick them up / take them overnight if were sent to a hotel, not having access to the Border etc...etc can anyone suggest ways of getting off it? On second thoughts I'd have a lot of time to dream about....

[Perfect Little Sister]

In the US you can request a postponement of service if you are caring for small children. I had to do this when I was nursing one of mine and they called me. :unimpressed: I don't know how things work there tho. Good luck. :wink:

[sodascouts]

Well, I'm off to Las Vegas today to see Stevie Nicks! My Southwest Airlines flight leaves from Chicago at 3:00. Hopefully all goes well. I will be back Thursday evening.

Later guys!

[glenneaglesfan]

Have a safe trip, Nancy, and we'll look forward to hearing all about it!

GA, I'm not sure how one gets off jury service, but as PLS says, being the main carer for two young children must be considered.

It's Mother's Day here today, so to all of you here with mothers or children - Happy Mother's Day! ( I found a card and some chocs by my bed this morning from my 16 year old - aw!)

[Maleah]

Have fun Nancy!! Stay safe :) I'm excited to hear your review when you get back ;)


Happy Mothers day GEF!

[DonFan]

I hope you have a great time, Nancy!

Strange how Mother's Day is in two completely different months in the US & the UK, isn't it? :?:

[Brooke]

Hey, have fun Nancy! Anxiously awaiting a new Stevie report! 8)

[DonFan]

Do any of you watch The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson? He came to our Comedy Club Friday night and we went to see him. He was so funny, and afterwards he stayed for pictures and autographs, and here we are:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b30/dcrisson/STA71580.jpg

[glenneaglesfan]

That's a lovely picture, Dana. You certainly get to meet some great people!

FP, that's a good view of Sydney Harbour Bridge. I had no idea it was so old.

After a week of warm springlike weather, we woke to find a sprinkling of snow on the moor, and it looks as though there may be more to come. First snow this winter for us.

[Brooke]

Great pic Dana! Thanks for posting it! 8)

[DonFan]

Thanks, guys.
(Reminds me of another pic I have of another famous man with his arm around me like that--except I was perfectly calm with Craig, and with Don, that was a whole 'nother story.... 8) )

I really have to learn more about Photobucket, because I don't know why that pic posted so large. I have no clue how to manipulate pictures at all. :blush:

[EasyFeeling]

That is a beautiful picture, Dana. :D It's good that it's large! I love to look at pictures of the members here. :wink:

[Glennsallnighter]

I'm not familiar with Craig Ferguson at all but that is a lovely pic DF. It is indeed lovely to see the members photos in here. I have tried to get a few up but it hasn't worked so far! And if I ever get a photo of myself with another certain famous man with his arm around me well calm won't be the word.... :D :D

Glad your Mother's day got off to such a good start GEF. Hope it continued in the same vein. I got the lovely homemade cards, cakes and trinkets that ooze love from the kids and a voucher from the hubby!! We have had a lot of snow here in the last few days but very little actually stuck much to the kid's disappointment. I believe further north there were some 'accumulations'

[DonFan]

I'm glad you all had a nice Mother's Day too. I'm looking forward to ours in May.

"A sprinkling of snow on the moor"--that sounds so poetic, GEF!

BTW, in Craig Ferguson's monologue on the Late Show last night, he talked about being in Birmingham this weekend and how open and friendly we are down here. He said, "People in LA look at you suspiciously when you say 'Hi--how are you doing?' but everyone was nice in Alabama." :D

You gotta love the South.

[tbs fanatic]

I really like Craig Ferguson - he is SO funny. :D

[Billy]

Aren't all Scotsmen? :wink:

[EasyFeeling]

http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/froehlich/g020.gif Since I broke up with my partner maybe I should go to Scotland. 8) Nothing is worse than a man without a good sense of humor. :wink:

[glenneaglesfan]

Sorry to hear you broke up, EF.

On a lighter note, don't look for a Scotsman, they are really mean!! (Sorry, Billy!)

It's coming up to my big birthday, and I was emailed a packing list today - shorts, t-shirts, swimming gear and posh frocks... I am getting excited!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Trying to catch up on these threads. Dana, that is a such great picture of you with Craig Ferguson. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

And I ain't touching this discussion about Scotish men. :wink: :wink:

[EasyFeeling]

Hmmm... GEF, are you serious? :shock: :wink: I don't know Scotish men but obviously they are able to live a long relationship. Billy? 8)

[Perfect Little Sister]

Hey Y'all! My computer's been down with a nasty virus. I have so much catching up to do. But instead, I'm off to Las Vegas for my daughter's cheerleading competition this weekend. Hope everyone around here is doing fine and has a great weekend. :D

[Glennsallnighter]

Hi PLS, glad your computer is feeling better, and hope you too have a great weekend. Best of luck to your daughter, hope she knocks the competition flat :!: Let us know how she does - its so exciting, yet nerve wracking when the kids are performing isn't it? I just hope they do ok!

[DonFan]

Have a great time in Vegas, PLS, and good luck with the competition!

[sodascouts]

And I'm back from Vegas! I'll post about how awesome Stevie was in the concert thread when I get a chance (have to go back to work today.... UGH!)

[Glennsallnighter]

Welcome back Soda, sounds like you enjoyed yourself! As for work, well every silver lining has a cloud, at least its Friday! so you probably only have to struggle through today. Looking forward to hearing about Vegas. Take care

[glenneaglesfan]

Soda, welcome back, look forward to hearing how it was!

PLS, have a good time in Vegas, and best of luck to your daughter!

EF, it's only an English joke that the Scots are mean! Some of the best hospitality I've ever received has been in Scotland.

[EasyFeeling]

Soda, welcome back. I'm sure you had a great time and I'm looking forward to your review. 8)

Ah, ok GEF. :D I hope I can spend a few days in Scotland some day. :wink:

[tbs fanatic]

Aren't all Scotsmen? :wink:

Well going by you and Craig I'd have to say 'Yes'. :D

[glenneaglesfan]

I had a bit of bad news last night. My mum has been taken to hospital with a heart arrhythmia. She's ok and comfortable, but they want to keep her in for a few days. My dad doesn't drive much now, so I'll be helping him out with trips to the hospital. I'll check in here when I can and keep you all in touch with what's happening.

[Molly]

Anxious moments, Kate, I'm sure. Glad to hear your mom is feeling better. Hope the docs get it sorted out quickly and your mom is back on her feet feeling better than ever very soon. Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Maleah]

I'm glad to hear your Mom is ok Kate! I'll keep you guys in my prayers!

[sodascouts]

I'm glad to hear your Mom is ok Kate! I'll keep you guys in my prayers!

Same here! Keep us updated!

[timfan]

Oh Kate. Hope your Mom is feeling better really soon but at least she is on the mend! I'll be praying for you both :)

[Glennsallnighter]

Same here. Mind yourselves

[DonFan]

GEF, I'm glad the DRs are monitoring your mom closely. I will pray for her continuing recovery. I know how stressful that situation can be.

[Freypower]

Best wishes to her, Kate. Hope she is OK.

[Brooke]

Same from me, too, Kate. Hope Mom is better soon.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

I also have you and your mom in my thoughts, Kate. Try to keep us posted on her progress. Those of us with aging parents certainly know what you are going through.

[glenneaglesfan]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. It's been confirmed that mum has had a slight heart attack, but she is pain-free. The main concern now is that she is quite muddled. My sister and I have been suspecting that she may be developing Alzheimer's, but as she is very intelligent she has covered up for it well. Whether the drugs have made things worse or not, she has already forgotten how long she has been in hospital, and is trying to get up and walk around when she should be resting. I think the nurses are finding it quite demanding. My sister and I had quite a frank discussion with dad, who was almost relieved when we raised the issue, as he has been very worried as well. So at the moment we are taking it one day at a time. It really does help to be able to come here to vent, and know I have your support.

[Molly]

You're going through with your Mom exactly what I went through with mine about 2 years ago -almost to the letter (the progressive signs of dementia, the heart issues). It's really tough. I'm sure this is all tough on your dad as well.

It seems like once the doctors got my mom's medications for her heart (and her diabetes) better adusted -she had a period of time where her dementia symptoms improved significantly. Hopefully, this will be the case with your mom.

Kay is right, seems like so many of us are in this same boat, please don't hestitate to "use" us to sound off. Hang in there. You certainly have many thoughts and prayers coming your way!

[sodascouts]

I'm glad to hear your mom's pain-free, but sorry about the dementia. I hope that Molly's right, and that adjustments in medication will help. My own mother had a slight heart attack a few years ago, when she was around 60. She is fine now but it was definitely scary.

[Perfect Little Sister]

GEF- I hope Mom is doing well. It will be interesting to see if the situation with the dementia resolves with medication. The man who lived next to me for many years was diagnosed with and treated for alzheimer's for the entire time I knew him. Shortly before he died he was hospitalized and put on oxygen around the clock. His mental capacity was restored with the oxygen. I know that since I had my heart attack and they put me on the meds that keep my vessels dilated, I am not having the problems with short term memory that I had been having for the last few years. Hopefully when they get everything sorted out medication wise Mom will be back to her normal self.

Soda- Welcome home. I can't believe we missed each other in Vegas! sigh... I wasn't able to get to the Stevie concert there as time was tight, but she is coming to Concord in May. I will get tix for that one!


I got back from Vegas at 4:30 am Monday morning. I slept half the day yesterday and I'm still tired. lol Thank you guys for all your wishes of good luck. Kayla went up against 17 other teams in her division. They had a couple mistakes, but otherwise looked good and the energy was high. I was hoping for a second place win. They announced the top 7 teams and when they got to #2 it was someone else. :cry: The girls had been holding hands in hope and when that happened they dropped hands and said, "well it's been a good year". Then they announced the first place team. Kayla's team is the National Champion!!!!!! :partytime: Talk about raising the roof! I was sitting there just screaming at the top of my lungs. lol Not yay or any intelligible word...just ahhhh...over and over. lol We (the parents) were all flipping out as the girls ran up on stage to get their awards. :applause: The coaches were crying, the girls were crying and jumping up and down and grinning from ear to ear. After so many years of "always the bridesmaid never the bride" it was such a sweet win. The coach's mom goes to every competition and she was sobbing so hard she could barely climb the stairs. lol Kay's legs were still shaking a half hour later. My throat was raw all that night and half the next day. lol

[Brooke]

Wow, PLS! That is terrific! Congratulations to Kayla! :yay:

[timfan]

Congratulations to both of you:PLS and Kayla :applause: !!

You must be soo proud!! :D :D :D