H Is For

Holiday...

These are three of my favourite holiday songs -

The Eagles song was one I played and played and played when I first got the 45 -

Greg Lake's song is just haunting -

The Pretender's song is another that always comes to mind when I think of tunes for 'this' time of the year -

This time of year is still difficult for me - so many reasons - I've had lots of nice surprises this year trying to help and/or take my mind off 'things' -

All of it is very appreciated - words can't convey what it does mean - just as words can't convey why it is all so tough -

Other H's that come to mind right now:

Hurt by actions I can't share here

Hardened by some of those same things

Hassled by the fact I can't get the text to align as I want

Hoping my muse returns soon and

Helps me figure out what I'm going to do in 2010

Happy I have Khyra and all of you

L Is For

Looking...

Listening...

Lucinda Williams...

I got to thinking about Kyrye's sign -

Looking back, I think she sent it in 'furson' as we say -

When I spent a bit of time with her Sunday evening after my transport, she was really 'gone' then - only her furry shell was there -

I believe she had already headed to check out things -

Once she found them to her liking, she came back to reclaim her body -

And in doing so, she confirmed she was ready -and could show us she indeed was -

That is probably why she looked much more alert on Monday when we took her in than she did Sunday evening -

It was her sign to us -

One she was able to deliver to me with kisses whilst I held her -

I'm still keeping my eyes ears heart open for more -

I might just see THAT one on Monday when I have the chance to spend time with a Brittany Mom and her two 2wk old puppies -

They are travelling from Kingsport TN to Roanoke VA on Sunday; Monday finds them able to snag a ride to Harrisburg and should arrive about 11am - and they have a foster home in Lititz - but that foster mom can't get them until after 5/6pm - she'll come get them after work -

So, we get to spend some time with Brandy (only a year or two old herself) and her pups Perri and Winkle! The vet has no idea at all what the dad(s) is/are - of course, since they are so young, we won't be playing and romping but they will represent new

LIFE -

She's Gone

Kyrye

October 28, 1994 to December 14, 2009

We let her go this morning about 9:30 -

It was peaceful -

We could have another day or two or three but the end result would have still been the same -

We wanted her to with dignity and pride -

She did -

As Uncle Tupelo's Whiskey Bottle includes in its lyrics -

Not forever, just for now -

Run Free Kyrye - you don't need no stinkin' leash anymore!

Thanks for giving me the gift of Khyra - you'll live on each day with her by my side -

I'll be looking for the sign you've made it -

And please don't forget to write!

K Is For

K Is For Kyrye
She was 15 on October 28 - and her time here is about to end - I spent time with her on Saturday -


We talked about it - she let me know she's ready - I could see it - and feel it -

She's tired - I told her she can go to sleep soon - and when she wakes up, she'll be young again -

Here is her Photobucket link from Saturday -

I had done some pictures for her the day after her birthday - they were all from above - I took up a position on the floor near her -

I just wish the battery hadn't run out whilst I was doing the video of our moments together - but perhaps it was a sign -

We'll be letting her go in the next few days - keeping her 'here' for us is selfish - she deserves better -

And she will get it!

It is the least we can do -

T Is For

Telling...

This one

This one

This one

This one

All wines I've had for the first time since I last shared what had been in my glass - all quite enjoyable - glad I've gotten to experience them -

10cc - a favourite of mine from the old days - with this being one of their songs that I just HAVE to sing along with and to - Dreadlock Holiday !

Tina Dico - Count To Ten - this was one of THOSE songs - one that as SOON as I heard it, I was hitting The Internet to find the album - the words just grabbed me - BIG TIME - the album (same name as the song) is very good and sitting quite close to me as I put this together -

Toni Braxton - yes, I know you are going TONI BRAXTON? - hey, I've admitted on many a previous occasions how diverse my music collection is - and I do love some sappy ones that I can belt out - and if only I could sing well I'd share THAT with you - but for now, you'll have to make do with Toni's version -

Tonic - and not the liquid served with gin - If You Could Only See - since eyes are my strong point and my favourite feature to focus on - this song says a lot - you truly can see so much from some one's eyes - you can see if IT is there or if IT ISN'T -

Tough and Trying - as in this week -

Triumph - NEVER SURRENDER - Something I'm planning on never doing !

Thanks again for reading!

One Letter Can't Do The Trick Conclusion

So, the damsel of our story -

Oh wait, I woke up Wednesday morning trying to grasp the reality of all that transpired during the previous day - knowing I had to do my best to conceal all the emotions churning inside me - but that wasn't anything out of the ordinary for me - I had learned to do that to survive -

I stuck to my story of having some loose ends to tie up as the reason for the delay in my arrival - I disliked having to fib as I was but it was necessary -

The day's routine was the usual - some computer time - shower - mid-day meal before heading to work - my normal routine for the 3-11 shift had me leave the house around 2pm to allow for traffic, grab a coffee, and exchange information with the tech(s) I was relieving - I was never a clockwatcher - yet, that counted for nothing -

Instead of heading to what I now refer to as The Gulag, I headed to S's office - where I sat - still kind of shellshocked about what had happened and what was YET to happen as we began to work on a rough draft of a resume for me -

Having worked on that for a while, it was time to face my past and my future - I'll admit the stomach was churning as I contemplated what the next hours held for me - I was about to see my parents for the first time in about ten years or so - and I was about to leave a home I loved, my Sibes I adored, and a spouse I realised I had settled for -

And as I've touched on here before, something I won't do again: SETTLE -

Since S had other commitments for the evening - and couldn't be there for all of it - we drove separately to my mom's - honestly, I can't tell you the last time I had been there - even though my house down the street was only one mile away - but I was now home - my mom had her eldest child back - years were lost but it didn't matter -

My dad came over a bit later - S had left by then so they didn't get to meet -that would take place a few days later - my parents had divorced during the time I was 'away from my family' as I term it - I thanked them for their help, understanding, and support -

And off we went - the mile drive was too short yet way too long as I tried to come to terms with what I was about to do - what I had to do -

I rang the bell - I said we needed to talk - and very quickly, 24 years of my life came to an abrupt halt - I had met the now ex in 1980 - we married in 1991 - and December 8, 2004 marked the end -

I have felt such relief from these three posts - I do think the fifth anniversary of it all marked a 'milestone' of sorts - I think this year will mark the closure in needing to 'dwell' on it - to remind myself of it - yet I will never see the reference to Pearl Harbour Day without thinking of mine -

The five girls I left are now four - and probably in the coming months, the four will become three -

I have a sister and brothers again - they missed me whilst I was gone -

I have Khyra - and I think all of you know what she means to me - and how I wouldn't know all of you without her -

S is still a major part of my life - I still thank him frequently for helping me and saving me - he reminds me I always had the strength to do it - maybe I did, maybe I didn't -

Things really do happen for reasons - even if we don't see them at the time -

Thanks for the comments - the support - the understanding - the respect for my actions even if you don't/didn't agree - one never knows what one will do until it happens to them -

One Letter Can't Do The Trick Continued

So there I was crying over my vodka trying to grasp what had happened and what I was going to do -

To say I had been in an unhappy marriage for some time would be an understatement - too much to go into - and surely not something to go into HERE -

I had wanted to get out but was afraid - I had stayed for my girls - my other Siberians -

But this was my kick in the butt to do it -and in doing it, hopefully regain the family I had shut out of my life due to issues with the now ex -

As S and I sat - yes, drinking more vodka - and yes, with me crying - we decided I would attend an Open Mic Night function S played on Tuesdays - I would grab some dinner - try to relax - and call my mom - see if I could possibly come home - and then enjoy the chance to hear some live music to take my mind off things for at least a few hours -

I did - although I was still in shock, it felt good to be somewhat free for a change - the ex was a very controlling person - and I always tried to keep the peace and would roll with it as best I could -

After settling in and ordering some dinner and a B is for beer - I called my mom and heard her voice for the first time in probably ten years -

At first she didn't recognise the sound of mine - I can only imagine how the other end of the cell looked when she realised it was me - and as I told her - and what I hoped could happen -

Of course I could come home - I had always been welcomed to come home -

It was decided S and I would be over the next afternoon to talk about things some more -

Having established I had the start of a plan for a new life, I do think I actually did relax for a change and was able to have a good time watching some talented musicians perform - had a bite to eat - had some more beers -

The drive home was a bit of a challenge for I had to go home for the last time - pretend nothing had happened out of the ordinary during my shift - I had stayed out a bit longer than when my shift would have concluded but I claimed I needed to take care of some things with the other technician - something that was not unusual for my job -

Without revealing too much again - suffice it to say I was reminded with solid proof I was making the correct decision - the things said and done were not how I should have to live -

I finally fell asleep knowing the morning would mark the end of one life as I found the courage to initiate another -

As I'm doing my best to recreate and retell this as it transpired, I will leave Wednesday's events for the next time -

One Letter Can't Do The Trick

So true!

One letter can't cover all I need to try to capture - I tried to think about it today whilst walking Khyra and Merdie.

F came to mind - as in fired, friend, and family - in that order - and fifth too

S came to mind - as in survive and friend's name

C as in change could work

P as in personal Pearl Harbour Day

V as in vodka

M as in music - damn, I wish I could select a song (or songs) that would work

T as in tears

L as in lucky to be here

But nothing covered it all...

SO

W is for words will have to do -

On December 7, 2004 - at approximately 3:15 pm EST, my life changed - BIG TIME!

It was a day like others -it was a Tuesday - I was on 3-11 shift - I went to work - made a pot of coffee - was reviewing what was in the notes and talking to the tech I was relieving - the phone in the office rang - Christy answered it - said yes, she's here - handed the phone to me - my boss made some polite chitchat and asked me to come to the Ed. Center - the nerves starting churning because in the time prior to THIS, very little good had come from any meetings 'there' with 'him' -

This time proved to be no different -

Prior to hanging up the phone, I asked if I should bring anything along with me - no was his reply -

The walk from the technician office to the Ed. Center seemed surreal - my stomach started doing what it does - yet I tried to think THE BEST -

Upon entering the Ed. Center, I saw the H.R. Bitch - I knew it was not good -

To cut to the chase, I was terminated - fired - severed - cut loose - culled - etc - FOUR days short of 26 years -

It is difficult to adequately retell the details leading to 'this' event - they started on 11/22/02 - another day that lives in my mind (sorry, I'm a Virgo - dates stick in our head) - but it can best be summed up by saying I was truly the sacrificial lamb - the example - the one to shake up the rest -

Which it did - and honestly, still does -

By 3:30pm - after he read the speech - and I attempted to beg or negotiate for my job - I resigned myself to it being done -

Something I truly enjoyed - something I threw myself into - something I only began to dread in the latter years of 'his' reign - a company I had known since I was around 12 or 13 years old - a company my father had been part of since 1970 - was suddenly gone -

The techs that had worked with me and for me over the years envisioned me dropped over at my desk when I was 80plus - that is how much I enjoyed THIS job -

It was my happy place -

Yet a few individuals changed that for me -

Yet, they changed things for the better EVENTUALLY -

So, back to my phonecall - I called S - he thought it was one of our usual afternoon phonecalls so he answered all jovially - until I said I just got fucking fired -

I heard the silence THEN I heard the regroup and reload -

He gave me some things to consider - and some advice - I did have to call him back to ask about some other points - I didn't want to sign the paperwork because it was just not right and/or accurate - I was NOT what he had claimed I was (have I mentioned how he was intimidated by the respect others had for me and how they had none of that for him) - yet I knew I couldn't fight him - he had the 5" binder and I had nothing -

I tucked my head and my tail - they agreed NOT to fight an unemployment claim - so I signed some of it -

NOW, how to tell the spouse -

That is for another post -

I had vodka to consume - along with my friend - and a night to reconnect with my past -

Please trust me when I say as I write THIS, I can see it all AGAIN - another peril of being a Virgo - as if it was NOW - yet I know it is in the past -

I can still feel the shame of being escorted back to my things - and out of the building - the calling those I thought would support me- but couldn't OR chose not to -

So I headed to meet S and shed some tears whilst drinking some vodka -

More in the next post

J Is For

J is for....

John Doe and his track The Golden State - it was the ring tone on my Samsung for quite some time...The words are just too good! It applies to Khyra and an other in my life...



I had to laugh - when I pulled up the lyrics, I was listening to the song - and I snagged them at the same moment the words I heard were the words I read- that is scary!

J is also for a song on one of the first albums I bought! Bobby Sherman - Julie - 'nuf said!


Julie DO you love me?

Another J that comes to mind - Justin Townes Earle - his song 'Mama's Eyes - well so many messages there! Justin's dad is Steve Earle - one of the artists that changed my life - and he's also named for Townes Van Zandt - another artist that has changed my life -

J is for Khyra's Pal Jack who has lost two sisters in too short of a time -

J is also for JOURNEY - something I am on - and something that kicked in on December 7, 2004 - more on that NEXT week -

Cheer!

C Is For

C is for...

Carl Roy Cabernet Sauvignon - this was Friday night's beverage - it was another of my Wine Access Monthly shipment - it looks like it was from December 08 - and just hadn't made it to my glass until now- nice choice - and I even lifted a toast to a friend's son Chris - it was his birthday!

Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell - their 2005 release Begonias was/is a favourite of mine - in looking over the tracks as I decided which to select for here, I had a difficult time - I chose Two Different Things - it is the opening track and sets the tone for how good the album is - I could have easily pulled off every track for here!

Chris Isaak - oh yes - Chris Isaak - and I will include two of his songs here - Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing and Wicked Game -

Coffee - my morning adult beverage - anything but decaf - light sugar with extra half and half - pretty much any type - not a huge fan of flavoured ones save for GOOD hazelnut products -

Closure - yes, closure - on many levels for many reasons - I wrote a few weeks back how I was wondering about a friend and pondering whether or not I should write again - well, I did - sent Thanksgiving greetings - hoping he was doing well - with no reply - THAT was enough for me - I'll take it on the chin - same with some other aspects of my life - chalk it up to lessons learned and yes, some emotions were burned. Some of it makes me think of a song a friend wrote for me about my walls - protective ramparts to the sky - wondering if I can fly above them. The month ahead is going to be a tough time for me - the holidays are never easy - again, on many levels for many reasons.

Wish me luck - I'm going to need some.

S Is For

S Is For...

Savour and Sip...this very nice Pinot Noir - it was in this month's WineAccessMonthly's shipment - it helps remind me how much I do enjoy a GOOD Pinot Noir!

Share...here is a blog that I have shared with others - it so makes me feel small in the grand scheme of things. I think Esther found Khyra's blog from Nala's blog. THIS ONE just blows me away. It is such a great assortment of culture and country YET some very personal experiences. I would strongly suggest you read back over some of the posts related to Esther's niece passing on before her time. They will move you...BIG TIME.

Siberian...Enough said!

Son Volt...I've got two songs to share of theirs...Windfall and Tear Stained Eye

Stone Sour...and I offer Through Glass

Strange...how some 'friends' just disappear...but then it shows they really weren't friends!

Thanks for reading!

Cheers!

D Is For

D IS For...



Dwight Yoakam and The Back of Your Hand - I really wanted to imbed it but it was fighting me!

Dan Fogelburg and Part of the Plan -'D'itto!

Dry - I am still am writing wise

Drink - I do!

Dog - our pets! It has been quite the emotional week in the DogBlogOsphere!

Dee Carstenson - I found her five years ago - so many songs - so many emotions! One that really sticks with me is THE WISH - here are the lyrics

Disappoint - some people I thought were 'friends' have sooooo done that to me!

DejaVu! - Well, some of this post IS just that! Deja Vu is something I've always experienced! It is quite 'something' - if you know what I mean!

P Is For

P is for...

Pours
Friday night's pour - was somewhat disappointed - not that there was anything wrong with it - there just wasn't anything "special" about it

But Saturday's pour makes up for that - once again, I'm quite taken by this Sauvignon Blanc Touraine - and would gladly add some of this to my 'cellar' if I had the funds -

Pandora - quite the cool music stream

Pork

- for PULLING and shredding is in the crockpot -

Philadelphia Phillies - fingers crossed for four wins during the course of the World Series!

Puzzled

- by some PEOPLE most of the time -

Pat Green - can't imbed the song here but the link will take you there

Paul - my baby brother recovering from a spinal fusion - which means PAIN ahead for him - but hopefully the end of the constant PAIN he's been enduring for some time now -

Pink Floyd - which incorporates my PUZZLED comment - a friend that had made this song have some special meaning to our friendship just kind of disappeared from my life - some days I think about writing him until I think back to sending him a birthday email this past June that went unacknowledged - which does cause some PONDERING and PAIN -

Maybe one of these days and/or nights I'll swallow my PRIDE and try again - I just want to know if he's okay - once upon a time I used to tell R no one knew him better than I did -not even himself - and once upon a time he agreed -

And now to PUBLISH POST!

Cheers -

P

L Is For

L is for...

Listening

Living

Lonestar



Lyrics

Lust

Lucky

Love

Shuffling The Cards

Ten Ten Nine

As in today is 10/10/09

This is/was Friday's beverage - from the most recent Wine Access Monthly shipment - I felt like having something a bit more special since my Saturday night will be abbreviated due to a 5am Sunday wakeup call so I can hit the road before 6am for a transport run from Martinsburg WV to Harrisburg PA. It is what I had hoped it would be! I love Syrah (and the other varieties related to Syrah).

I'm enjoying it from a Chaddsford Winery glass I got when a friend of mine and I stopped for a tasting on the way to visit his mom's gravesite during Christmas 2004.

Since my last post , the Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc I was waiting on have arrived. I had the Malbec on Tuesday; the SB on Thursday. Once again, I'm quite pleased with my purchases.

I broke down and gave in to Pizza Hut's ads for their pan pizza with stuffed crust - soooo that was Friday night's dinner (and the weekend's snacks) - had red onion for my one topping. The time and temp sign in the shopping center said 6:50pm and 70 degrees (F of course)! It was quite a bizarre weather day for most of the morning and early afternoon. Khyra was quite frustrated but in the end, walking triumphed over not walking!

When I drove down to Pizza Hut (six minutes or so), http://www.xpn.org/ was finishing up its Fall Fundraiser Themed Countdown. This year's theme was the ten songs you'd take with you on a desert island. They compiled the top 885 (xpn's main frequency is 88.5 - although for me listening around town is 88.7).

Here is the listing of the songs - pretty interesting and include quite a few of my favourites - in fact, you've seen a fair number of them mentioned 'here' at one time or another! I never submitted any of my own for I just couldn't narrow it down!

I will admit I probably would have very few (if any) Beatles songs on my list. I enjoy their music but I'm not a giant fan (same for The Rolling Stones). I tend to think I came just after their big arrival on the scene.

When they announced what #1 was, they shared that back in 2004 when they did their first 'themed' countdown, Thunder Road had finished first then!

Have a nice weekend!

Two birthdays to share:

October 9 would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday - here is a song that has a great deal of meaning to me: Working Class Hero

October 10 is John Prine's 63rd - Hello In There seems like a good one to share; Angel From Montgomery is another. I'm actually including another version of Hello In There - the song really has a meaning we need to take to heart.

October 10 is also Khyra's handsome Big Galoot Summii's Daddii's birthday too! We won't mention how many candles will be on that marble cake but it will be lots of 'em!

Cheers!

And She Called It Saturday

Because she didn't have anything clever to call it

This was Wednesday's wonderful wine - I'm 'glad' I was slow to check the website because I would have snagged more - it was awesome for the money - it would have been awesome at an even higher price - BUT it has sold out! I'm almost relieved - I really don't have the funds - or should I say I shouldn't be spending what I do have on it but....

And here is what occupied my time on Friday evening - I've had a Rose from this winery - even bought more of it - I know I shared it another time. This is a decent enough red - it didn't knock my socks off like the Cotes Du Rhone above but I'm not displeased with it.

Part of the reason I wasn't completely sad about missing out on the Cotes Du Rhone is that I have some of this and some of this

on the way! I'm excited about both of them!

I met my office roomie and my other work friend for lunch on Friday - and since the temps were cool enough, I took Khyra along so they could see her. We hit The Dog Park on the way back and did she have a BLAST! I think we were there about 1-1/2 hours - of course, the last half hour was miss trying to catch MFT and convince her it was time to leave! I'll share our pics and videos about that on Tuesday's blog. She crashed (EVENTUALLY) after we got home but we still got a good walk in!

Musical offerings for this post?

Well, a friend gave me some gift certificates for my birthday (THANK YOU!) -I finally got around to ordering some items last weekend -

So far, two of my selections have arrived:

Sea Wolf's new one: White Water, White Bloom - I was fortunate enough to see Sea Wolf in York when www.xpn.org sponsored a free show here in York - it was incredible - plus the venue was very cool...I mean, back in high school I saw Robbie Benson's JEREMY there! I've listened to the cd once - I think it will be quite do'able!

Here is one of Sea Wolf's songs from the release before this one - the title will give away while I chose it.

The other music that arrived was David Gray's new one Draw The Line - I'm enjoying this one too - I've got two listens under my belt. I can't say I have a favourite yet - but I will throw out my favourite David Gray song - I know I've included it here before but it is the right song for now - I need to make IT the one for the post! It is only proper to follow my previous post.

Enough babble for this one -

Save for

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #47 BROTHER STEVE!

Cheers!

Time To Turn

The calendars to October -

It has always been a favourite month of mine with the cooler temperatures BUT I'll admit I don't like the earlier approach of nightfall -

But October took on a whole new meaning for me five years ago -

Fate, kismet, and serendipity united to allow for a friendship that changed my life in a way I never really saw happening -

The friendship made it possible to feel strong enough to get out of a challenging marital/relationship situation -

The friendship made it possible to reunite with my family -

The friendship made it possible for Khyra to happen - and because of Khyra, my life gets to take many interesting trails -

The friendship has taught me never to just settle again -

Most of all, the friendship made me understand the true meaning of the word love and the power of a hug -

The reality of life has thrown some challenges at all of us over the past five years - but I think we are all doing our best to survive -

Enough introspection for this post - but I reserve the right for more later this month!

Here is some music to share

Uncle Tupelo Graveyard Shift

Lucinda Williams Right In Time

Red Hot Chili Peppers Under The Bridge

Bob Dylan Tangled Up In Blue

And as I put this together, The Phillies clinched their division so I say

CHEERS!

D Is For

Driving...

To Warminster in the morning for our third Tails on The Trail! I'm quite excited for I'll be getting to meet a few virtual friends and some 'furtual furiends' As I write this in preparation for posting, I'm still not sure how to dress for the weather so as to be ensure I don't end up too warm! Do I need jeans or can I go with a skort and hope the others don't stare at the legs?

We'll see how I feel in the am - although I might still be asleep since we'll be rising at 5am so we can depart between 0630-0645. The event commences at 0900 BUT I always prefer being early to late!



Drink...

Is for Allegro's Fanfare - the second one on the list - I actually picked up two bottles on Thursday - one of them will be going back to Rhode Island. I needed to make sure it was a worthy choice so it made its way to my glass for the evening. I hope they like it - I do!


Dinner...

For Saturday will be a HOAGIE from Lee's Hoagie House Growing up in the Philadelphia Suburbs, I was raised on hoagies! Some call them subs...grinders...po'boys...etc... Whenever I make a trip 'that way' I try to get a hoagie. There is just something about the roll that makes a hoagie a HOAGIE! The tough part will be travelling with it for the two or so hours for I'll want to eat it straightaway!



Del Amitri...

One of those groups I enjoyed hearing - a few of their tunes were interesting but one day I heard this one

Be My Downfall on www.xpn.org - and it quickly became my downfall of a tune - I can NOT get enough of this one PERIOD!

Of course, there are many other tracks on their Hatful of Rain I love. Usually when I start listening it is for an extended session.

Always The Last To Know

Driving With The Brakes On

Move Away Jimmy Blue

Roll To Me one of those songs that should just be longer! It seems like it is over way too soon!

Kiss This Thing Goodbye


And now D is for

DONE!

Cheers!

The Boss Is 60!

Happy 60th Birthday Bruce!

I'll admit, I didn't 'get' him back in 1975 when this cover graced Time's October 27th issue. I'm not sure why but I think part of it was due to my more 'pop' music interest.

Over the years, I found his music more appealing but I really have S to thank for putting lots of Bruce tunes in my head - as well as on/in my music library.

I did have to laugh as I found this article on the web as I put this post together. There is an ad for a Courteney Cox show on this fall on ABC. I can't think of Bruce's 'Dancing in the Dark' song without picturing him pulling the 'fan' from the audience. Hard to believe it is the same woman!

I'm not sure I have a favourite Bruce song - before I started on this post I looked through my music library - jotted down some - then remembered a few more - and tried to choose some

Streets of Philadelphia

For You

Thunder Road

The Ghost of Tom Joad

Of course, no Siberian owner could ever overlook including this one Born To Run

Here is the link to his official website for anyone wanting to see more Bruce!

Thanks for the memories that go along with hearing your songs!

I'm sorry I wasn't a fan from the start but better later than not at all!

Cheers!

It is what it is

As in almost Autumn

As in the last of the Limoncello

As in Week 2 of my life being an NFL free zone

As in almost time for Tails on The Trail

As in Week 4 of my life being free from the 5am radio switching on

As in a time for good memories thinking of my first Belgian experience - it meant a lot to be asked - it meant more to meet her - it meant the most to read the happy emails and see the pictures as Fred and Dodi made their ways to Missouri and Wisconsin

As in approaching a special five year anniversary of a life changing event


NOW to choose some music to share...

On my transport leg to Hagerstown this past Saturday, I heard THIS SONG from 3 Doors Down and I knew it would be part of my next post year - the radio got cranked and I belted out the song as I headed down I81.

So I've decided to feature all 3 Doors Down songs

Kryptonite

Here Without You (Acoustic)

Landing in London (All I Think About Is You)

Away From The Sun

Trust me, I've played all my 3 Doors Down CDs over and over

Yes, I've found myself so far down away from the sun - I could keep going but these five are a good start!

Cheers!

P.S. AND as in the first time I spoke on the phone with the special momma!

Wednesday

I've discovered the benefits of Limoncello

Brother Paul (and family) gave me a bottle for my birthday -

Enough said....

Cheers (I think there is a bit more in the bottle)!

Some music for us - I do go crazy when I look in your eyes...

I Know What This One Is

It is SATURDAY!

Well, the wine of the evening was a Cabernet Franc from my local favourite Allegro. I've shared some past memories of their wines before. I do intend to get to their Wine Gallery location soon. I need to pick up some of their wines for me and for friends!

I enjoy the drive to their winery but it is one of those routes that there is no real good way to get there and ends up taking about a half hour or so - if not more. I can get to their gallery location in less than 20 minutes - plus, I've been meaning to check out The Tapenade Bistro that is in the same mini-complex. It might be an incentive to get out of the house!

Now to some music: I haven't purchased it yet BUT what I've heard I love: Deer Tick - here are two of their videos/songs - Little White Lies and Easy

When I checked out their website, it included a link to their record label's link for them - I saw some other potentially interesting artists to check out.

The song Little White Lies made me have a flashback to something - I'll touch on that another time for I need to get to a few other things with this one.

My transport for Sunday DID get confirmed but not until almost zero hour. I'll be hitting the road by 6am on Sunday for Martinsburg WV. Khyra's blog will share more of their story but suffice it to say one of them had been left tied to a tree outside a shelter. Sebrina will be getting some extra love on Sunday's ride!

Now to close with one that has eaten at me all night. I saw this on Mary Shafer's Almost Perfect Pets Blog...I was fortunate enough to find her blog from Gus/Louie/Callie of The Three Happy Heelers Blog. Ironically enough, she's only three or four counties away from me here in PA.

Mary's post on Friday left my flesh crawling. I've already shared it with a friend AND I'll be posting again on Khyra's Monday blog. It just needs to be shared again and again.

I'll warn you: it might be a tough read - please read it...she didn't deserve this PERIOD.

Cheers to all ESPECIALLY those of you with new puppies!

Is It Friday?

So, is it?
Since I should have an early morning transport this Sunday, I decided to make Thursday into a Friday night. The above is what I enjoyed Thursday evening - although mine was THIS one

I had ordered four of each of the wines listed on the wineaccess.com link - both very nice and quite good values.

Speaking of good values...

This is as close as I get to shoe excitement! I'm a comfy shoe person who is happy in these or clogs.

For my birthday, Mom gave me some money. I hadn't really had anything special in mind until I received a recent sales flyer from my favourite online shoe spot located in a state far far away from me! I've been a customer of theirs for years. I decided it was an omen of what to spend some of the $$ on - being the colour that is a favourite of Mom's (guess I got that from her). I ordered them on Tuesday - got the shipping tracking linkie that said delivery for Tuesday 9/15 sooo imagine my surprise when the brown truck showed up today!

I'm trying to figure what shall be in the glass later tonight - not sure yet - but I'll be sure to share it at some point!

I guess I really should get that shower...and attempt to formulate a plan for the rest of the day.

What day is it anyway?

Oh wait, we've established it IS Friday...actually Friday 9/11. For various reasons, Khyra and I didn't choose to blog about it. I did post a link to THIS SONG on my Facebook.

At one point, I had heard Mark Knopfler interviewed about this song. He said it was inspired in part by the events of 9/11 - as many realised their doom was close.

I mean, what would you say if you knew that last call or last meeting you were having with someone WAS goodbye?

Well, enough for now...

I will raise my first glass tonight to all that day has taught us and shown us.

Cheers!

Quite Touched

A few weeks ago, I received a surprise box for THAT day...Khyra's Gotcha Day and my birthday!

I didn't recognise the return address but once I opened I realised who the senderS were!

It included this VERY tasty wine - Blackberry Bliss! I enjoyed it very much this past Saturday night! It is from Amore' Vineyards in Bath/Nazareth PA. Dee indicated this was one of her favourites and I can see why! The blackberry flavour was a very nice touch.

THAT town happens to be the area where a special pal of Khyra's lives - and the gift box included some of those yummy chocolate pups for ME! Mine weren't on sticks but that was okay!

Biloxi's Maw Dee and I share a common birthday - although not the same date! It was quite a surprise and as my title indicates, I was quite touched! Of course, Khyra wrote and told Biloxi his maw shouldn't have. He explained that she had also shared the date with a special uncle but he passed away. Now we have another one to share the day with! I had been joking with Lee on Facebook that her 8/19 due date would result in her little boy arriving on 8/26! She left a note on my wall that I called that one!

Khyra was happy too for she got something to enjoy whilst I consumed the wine!

Pennsylvania has many wineries - not many people expect that! I know I'll be making a trip to one of my local favourites so I can return the favour to Dee!

I do want to make a trip to THIS ONE sometime this fall. The setting in what was known as 'The Round Barn' has to be pretty impressive. A friend of mine has been there and says it quite a nice setting. Their wine offerings have quite a few I'd like to try. It is less than an hour or so drive from here and the drive is quite scenic and FUN!

Tonight's beverage is one I've shared before - again, quite nice! I have some of a later vintage to fill out my 'cellar'

This marks Week 2 of NOT having to hear the radio at 5am - this one will feel a bit 'different' in that it will be the first in almost five years that I've had more than a week off!

I managed to avoid venturing out to The Real World on Monday but I think I'll have to do it on Tuesday!

Please wish me luck!

Here is some music for this post: Staind It's Been A While and Slaid Cleaves Just Give Me One Good Year and then one from his latest release - the song is called Cry and one of the lines lends itself to the release's title: Everything You Have Will Be Taken Away

Cheers!

Where We Were...

...before Life so rudely interrupted?

I had this one last Friday night...it was a salute to my Australian friends AND my friends that swear by Shiraz! It was one S had told me about - and not a bad choice at all.

Since Sunday morning required a 5am wake up so I could hit the road for Martinsburg WV for a four husky passenger transport, Saturday night was a non-wine night.

Then Monday night saw this one in my glass. A few years back, PA bought out all the stock remaining...and priced the once $24.99 wine at $9.99....I encountered it at one of the shops and tried it. I was very impressed. By the time it was all said and gone, I purchased a total of 2-1/2 cases - with my last buy being an entire case. I would not have paid $24.99 for it BUT at $9.99, it was a steal!

I hadn't pulled one from my 'cellar' for some months so I thought toasting to my last day of employment for the time being was well deserved. It was still a very nice wine!

Tuesday night I decided this one would be a good way to celebrate the first day of September. I actually had gotten a half case of this from my wineaccessmonthly.com site. Tuesday's weather was a worthy complement to the wine.

Which brings me to tonight's vin - another one I had access to via the wine club. I hadn't decide on what to have this evening - I had pondered a few Cabs along with something local I have. Nothing really jumped out at me until I was pulling off some of the links for the post and saw a link about the latest offering of this 420 selling out in three days on wineaccess.com - I had one here in the kitchen so the decision was made.

I think that gets me up to date on what I've had. I do hope to get better about posting in a more timely fashion. The past weeks have been a blur to me. Since being told about the lay off and then trying to train those that would be taking on the duties I performed routinely, there just never seemed to be enough hours in the day. Even when I got home, I was drained emotionally. It caused me to get in a deep hole of Khyra friend blogs - which had been partially started by the Sunday transport and the number of blogs I hadn't gotten to when I went to bed Sunday evening. At one point, there were 300+ in the Google Reader despite the progress I thought I was making.

I'll admit I did have quite the feeling of accomplishment when I FINALLY reduced the blogs to ZERO! I seriously did read all that we hadn't - and commented on many of them. Khyra is such a popular girrrl and can't let her fans down!

I was very touched by the comments and support about the nature of the lay off. I was also quite moved by the support of quite a few of my co-workers. Some of you probably saw the balloons, stromboli, and cake I was surprised with last Friday thanks to two of the women I work with on a daily basis. Most of it was to celebrate my 50th yet I think some was to cheer me up over the job 'thing' Since they work with me day in and day out, they see my dedication to the cause and feel I'll honestly be missed and asked to return 'soon' - they've even started a little tongue-in-cheek pool about when I'll be back.

I so hope so for I so enjoy my job. My boss has constantly tried to calm my fears by telling me "you're coming back" or writing in my birthday card "P.S. Quit worrying: You'll be back" Hell, on the day I had the balloons tied to my chair, the owner stopped in to tell me he was sorry about the decision but when things improved I would have the opportunity to be back for they were very happy with my performance.

So, I have to trust...I have to learn to relax and enjoy this time with Khyra...and enjoy this time with ME. I have 'things' I should do could do want to do! I want Khyra and me to go visit Laska and meet Sam! The weather has been great this week so we've gotten out for walks twice a day. I've gotten to have some quality time with a friend. I treated myself to my complimentary birthday burger at Ruby Tuesdays (turkey/avocado/havarti/bacon) and whilst waiting for it, I had a nice Saranac Pale Ale

I've stayed up late. I've gotten up when I felt like it. I would love to get 'west' and take the opportunity to meet those I talk to and/or write to on a daily basis. For now, I need to wait and see how long this is going to last so I can attempt to keep my expenses under control.

All these things are good for me since I've always been one to work...the last time I didn't work (short of the handful of weeks off I've had this year) was between December 8th, 2004 and August 1st, 2005. Prior to that, I was only getting warmed up at 50 hours a week! It is what I do.

It is hard to say how all of this makes me feel. I probably lived the majority of my life afraid and/or unable to say how I really feel. Thankfully, for almost the last five years, I've been able to be a little better at expressing much of what is inside of me. Sometimes the actual spoken word fails me BUT I can write it. Khyra's blog has been a help...THIS blog has been a help...writing to all of you has been a help.

I've babbled enough for now!

Let's throw some music out there to make up for my words - how about Alison Krauss. I think I'll try to make this blog for sharing some music. I' had thought about bringing it back to Khyra's but for now, I'll keep it here. I know this one will bring many of you down but this song is just haunting. I have such memories of singing along to it as I worked some quiet shifts at The Gulag. As my Gulag days ended, S introduced me to artists I never knew where out there - and I discovered Uncle Tupelo - and this song - some words in the song will be part of my life for as long as I am breathing:

Not forever, just for now.

Cheers!

Words on Wednesday

Save for sharing this link

Thank you for reading/commenting/sharing!

It means a great deal!

Here's another to sum it all up

Cheers and Happy #50 to ME!

Nick of Time

I didn't make it here 'last' night to comment that I did enjoy the Shiraz I treated myself to after I was done with last Saturday's transport.

I would drink it again! That is always a good thing!

As for drinking again, when I stopped for the Howard Park Shiraz, I picked up two more of the Night & Day I wrote about previously. I need to get more!

I had a frustrating afternoon/evening - I was prepared to let loose here when I got home but calmed down a bit.

Perhaps as the week goes on, I'll ponder aloud...

I did want to share this music and these lyrics - I did find love in the nick of time.

It taught me about settling...

And I won't do that again...

Cheers!

Trying To Get Here

But I seemed to run out of time OR sobriety!

SO, where was I?

What was I drinking and feeling - since I didn't write it down!

Here is one a friend mentioned on her blog...

I got a bottle of it when I took Fenway to meet his furever people in Shrewsbury!

One of our better/bigger Wine and Spirits Shoppes is there...



Here is some info on it It is a good summer food wine. There is nothing pretentious about it...no real complexity BUT it was a good drink - especially given the price!

Last Friday I had the Russian Hill Syrah...another of my http://www.wineaccessmontly.com/ selections...

I enjoyed it a lot - but I enjoy Syrah's - but I'm not sure I'd spend this money again even if I could. There was nothing offputing or wrong with it - just nothing that WOWED me!

Thursday night I enjoyed a wine from THIS ONE - it was the Dry Gewurtz - I love Gewurtz - I haven't had a dry one in sometime - I would buy this again! Especially at $8.99!

I'm looking forward to Friday night's planned Shiraz from Howard Park - one of Khyra's blog friends said this was her favourite Australian winery - they even went there on their holiday. I feel fortunate I can get some here in PA - I actually got this bottle on my way back from last Saturday's dog transport! I also stoppped HERE for dinner! - I had the Cowboy Crunch!

I really do what to be able to have time for MY blog...I so appreciate those that have found me and commented!

With next Wednesday's 'event' looming on the horizon, I'm trying to figure out if I should care or not?

There are times I want to get pensive and ponder LIFE as I know it...

But then I think WHY!?! Just get up in the morning like normal and go from there!

I do want to shake the things I have in my head out for public review...but they just haven't made it yet...I give it thought whilst on my transports...usually as I drive south and solo...on the way north, I talk to the pups!

I really want "Hearing Between The Lines" and "The Same Eyes" to see the light of day...time will tell when they are ready!

Not forever, just for now!

Here is some music: Dwight Yoakam "The Back of Your Hand" -

You Are The One

Sorry...the name of the wine made THAT song play through my head -

This is a very nice wine...I picked it up the Sunday I delivered Fenway The Brittany to his furever people! The shopping center where we met has one of the better selection Wine and Spirits Shops for my county of PA.

This one was $12 ($11.99)...I checked out the website and saw some interesting things on it.

I do believe I'll be getting some more of this one AND seeing what other A to Z Wines I can obtain.

I know I've been neglecting this blog....since I last posted, my sister Diane has come home from Phoenix and returned to Phoenix...my mom had her 72nd birthday. She was blown away by all the comments on Khyra's blog for The Doggy Nanny. She still leaks when talks about it OR reads them.

I've done one transport with one on the schedule for 8/8. Actually, tomorrow's is an 'emergency' one. Luke was on last weekend's transport and had been adopted to someone in VA so he exited the transport prior to my leg last Sunday AM in Martinsburg WV (note: that was part of the reason for no post last Saturday night...Sunday morning was a 5am wakeup so I could be on the road by 6am). The transport was still lots of fun with Misty and Star but I missed seeing Luke. Well, that home wasn't a good fit so he's coming North. We were informed today that he seems more comfortable with women so on the transport 'we' are supposed to get him in/out of the vehicles at the meeting places.

I'm really looking forward to meeting him!

Next weekend is a Saturday AND Sunday transport...looking forward to both of them too!

Back to Diane's visit...it was nice...and too short as always. Since I was out of the family from 1993/94 until 2004, it is nice to see her again. It would be nice if she would be closer than Phoenix but she likes it there...I think the heat has cooked her brains! I tell her that just as Khyra tells Joey and Tanner the same thing!

Work was steady this past week BUT next week might be quiet...in fact, it was communicated that unless more orders come in over the weekend, we might not have work for the entire week. Things have slowed up again so I may have a week off ahead of me.

I did have the thought for a poem/verse this week...I'm trying to have it come together. I was talking with a friend earlier this week...he asked me how are things going...I replied okay...and then when I wrote him in the morning I commented I appreciated him asking but I knew he knew me well enough to hear between the lines. THAT jumped out at me as something to work with. It reminded me I'm still trying to have something emerge from the other idea I have.

The past few days have been a bit rough for my oldest Sibe...Kyrye will be 15 on October 28th (my sister's 39th birthday)...her appetite has really dropped off. We are kind of hoping it is just a few off days but I've mentioned to the ex that maybe Kyrye knows better. We'll just keep her comfy and loved.

Finally, the other reason I didn't blog last weekend was the shock and sadness associated with Charlie's sudden passing. I've said to more than a few friends/bloggers that part of me wishes I hadn't still been up to the Brooke's news last Saturday YET part of me was very happy I was. I'm not sure how I would have reacted to waking up Saturday morning to see THAT news. I even told Summii's Mummii that we needed a news alert system among SMS and DWB Bloggers to share that news. I think I went back and forth with Chef's mom Linda until almost 3am. Each of us thanked the other for being there. Honestly, I went numb when I saw the post and then started sharing...and the numbness hung around for the weekend and even into early in the week.

It was sooooo rewarding and comforting to see how we all pulled together due to his crossing. Khyra has commented on more than a few blogs that Charlie's legacy will be DWB and he'll live on each day through 'us'

I guess I've babbled enough...

Cheers!

One Month And Counting...

To what??? So, here is Saturday's adult beverage...another wineaccessmonthly.com offering

Nice wine...Chile has some great stuff at a very nice price...I would probably buy more of this one if it was available in PA but NZ SB's are still my preferred region.

I'm looking forward to my Brittany transport save for having to venture into a W*****t parking lot to do it...I'll make the best of it! Knowing Fenway is going to his furever family will make it stomachable...AND there is one of the better state stores for my county of PA is in that shopping center!

With my sister venturing in from Phoenix Monday night/Tuesday morning, I need to get some stuff for her...she's requested some Captain Morgans...

As for the one month and counting? August 26th is Khyra's 3rd Gotcha Day! Oh yes, and my 50th birthday!

Not a problem for me...as I say, age is really a mindset...and only three ages really matter!

16 to drive
18 to vote
21 to drink

After that, not an issue!

Cheers!

Still...

Still here...

Here is the write up for THIS ONE...it is Friday night's AGJ...nice but not THAT$$$ nice!

I started to post last Saturday night/Sunday morning...didn't feel it...

Thought about a Wordless Wednesday
OR an explanation of my last Wordy Wednesday...didn't feel it...

Spent all week feeling like I was constantly catching up on the other blogs...

Had a good week but had hoped for a GOOD week...

Enjoyed one of my Touraines last night...one of last year's case purchase...it was dinner's only course...seemed to go well with everything!

Only one transport this weekend...a short leg for a Brittany named Fenway...
Next weekend should be at least a handsome Sibe named Luke...

AND my sister Di arrives from Phoenix Tuesday AM...and returns on Sunday PM...

Hope all is well in your worlds!

Cheers!

Phyll

P.S. Ordered John Flynn's latest CD Friday night...he did an in studio chat with Helen Leicht on www.xpn.org sometime last year...did THIS SONG...and ever since that day, I've been waiting to purchase the cd...it is so like something S would say/write...I do think their paths crossed in college...and I still can't get DOVER out of my head - I've posted it several times over the course of our/my blogging. I also LOVE Two Wolves - gee, I wonder why?