| Author | Message | ||
     SO Refugee Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 960 Registered: 2-2005  |
What a way to spend a holiday weekend!!! Let me know if you have any "extras" laying around. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 2350 Registered: 6-2001  |
No extras, but home before 5 for the first time in 8 years! It was weirdly efficient this time. I don't know if it was us or them (the freshmen), but it was actually kind of fun. Having to go in tomorrow is a whole different ballgame... (Edited to add: Thanks for helping, SO Nanny!!!!) | ||
| monster Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 1240 Registered: 7-2002  |
Bets, I took a look at the web feed a couple of times today, and I do believe I saw you there. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 2354 Registered: 6-2001 |
Yes, that was me. Had to be. Handout is usually packed and crowded and 100+ degrees. This year it was practically mellow, the weather was incredible, and despite the fact that 1/2 the computers were delivered with only a 1/2 GB of RAM, IBM/Lenovo managed to overnight a Saturday morning delivery of 150 1/2 GB modules. There was a trailer with giveaways scheduled to be there anyway, but they responded to the crisis situation admirably. Unlike HP/Compaq, whose mission statement must consist of 3 words: "Wait them out." I know at least 1/3 of the senior class by name. It's a sad statement when you consider the circumstances. The N1000c model computers have a 25 percent failure rate, mostly mainboards. I've been on HP for 3 years now, and have enough material to write the penultimate book about total incompetence and the systemic breakdown of a competent computer corporation (Compaq). In any event, I thank all those kind people that hosted me this weekend. I did manage to get some fun time in thanks to you, and I hope to return the favor soon. It's not every day that you meet your 5th grade teacher and he recognizes you immediately. Mr. R***** from Marshall; he and Ms. S***** shared and co-taught the class. It was my favorite grade. He said I look exactly the same. I don't have my 5th grade picture (ponytail and knit dress), but here's 2nd:  I still maintain I look somewhat different.  | ||
| SO Emigré Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 1012 Registered: 2-2005 |
You're probably a little taller and gone through puberty since then, but not much difference beyond that. What a cutie. | ||
| monster Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 1257 Registered: 7-2002 |
still have the same smile | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 818 Registered: 5-2005  |
The Bets I know and love. A heart of gold and adorable to boot!! | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 2593 Registered: 5-2001  |
Bets: That picture is cuUUUUte. You look exactly the same. To stay young inside is to know the secret of life! | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 2594 Registered: 5-2001 |
PS: were you listening to Jerry at that time too? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 2359 Registered: 6-2001 |
Yes, as a matter of fact I was. Older siblings were early adopters of the Grateful Dead scene. By '75, even Dad was on the bandwagon, buying Wake of the Flood. The cover scared me.  | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 983 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bets you have got to tell us about the game last night. Please don't leave out any details. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 2372 Registered: 6-2001 |
It was an interesting experience. I've been to games where the Giants were visitors in Giants Stadium (playing against the Jets), but this was a totally different situation. Yes, they had a few Saints banners around and the west end zone had SAINTS instead of GIANTS, but the stadium was its usual predominant Giants blue, and I am embarrassed to say that some fans actually booed when the Saints were announced. There were a few, shall we say, TOTAL ARSEHOLES in our section who actually took money OUT of the Red Cross collection buckets, but they were immediately called out by nearby fans and were ultimately escorted out by security. Though the Giants won handily and it was a great game viewed from the 12th row, I feel the NFL should have held the game at a totally neutral facility. That said, the Giants are now 2-0 for the first time since 2000. Woo-hoo! | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 1485 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bets you are the best it is so wonderful seeing your rebirth. I am so proud of you my friend. LOve Ya! | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22448 Registered: 6-2001 |
Lucy, YOU are the best, and I thank you for being such a good friend. You've been a rock for me, and I will always owe you for your complete kindness. It has been a rebirth, I am a different person, and it's a good thing. Thank you, my friend. | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 1673 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bets no wonder your kids love you it takes patience and love... | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22519 Registered: 6-2001 |
When I left for California last Saturday, the cat was out. This is not unusual; he senses when I'm going away and immediately begins his boycott. I left a message for his caregiver - "cat's out, thanks again, hope you have a great week" - and go on my merry way. Turns out that nobody had the extra key to my house. The cat is outside, 24/7, until Tuesday (the first Fed-Ex delivery - what's up with that??). I freaked a little, worried as AOL, until I hear the primary caregiver is in the hospital with kidney problems. Needless to say, I was worried about someone I love for all of my trip.  | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 625 Registered: 10-2003 |
OH, so he was in your suitcase the entire time? Silly, you should have checked! | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 2217 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bets is it a snow day? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22581 Registered: 6-2001 |
It is indeed, Lucy, though it was only a "delayed opening" when you asked! I don't know why they waited until 9:30 to call it, but I'm so glad they did!!!  After shoveling out and a shower, I'll be conducting myself in my usual "snowday" fashion!  | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 711 Registered: 10-2003 |
Did you use your new mini shovel to shovel out, Bets? | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22635 Registered: 6-2001 |
I will never forget you 8ball. Rest in peace.  | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2570 Registered: 12-2004  |
I'm sorry for your loss, bets. You and 8-ball are in my heart and my thoughts today. | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 787 Registered: 10-2003 |
Warm hugs to you Betsy. | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 3465 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bets> That is bad news, I am sorry to hear about your little friend. | ||
| campbell29 Citizen Username: Campbell29 Post Number: 310 Registered: 4-2002 |
Bets - Sorry for your loss. Hope you're feeling better soon. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 1610 Registered: 8-2003  |
this is a virtual hug sorry, bets | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 3758 Registered: 5-2001 |
Ahh, Bets, now that I have a cat I can sympathize. Midnight looks a lot like 8-ball, so feel free to visit. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 3762 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'm sorry, I hope that didn't seem insensitive. I realized if a friend passed away and another person looked similar you wouldn't necessarily want to spend time with them, so forget about Midnight. I am sorry for your loss. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 838 Registered: 11-2001 |
Bets, so so so sorry about 8Ball. I know this must be a tough time for you. Big hugs and comfort. | ||
| wendy Supporter Username: Wendy Post Number: 1946 Registered: 5-2001 |
My sympathies Bets. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6517 Registered: 5-2001  |
I'm sure he is, Bets. He's at peace & hanging out with Sunny, rolling around in cat nip. We're thinking of you. | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 2487 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bets My friend 8-ball had a wonderful life with someone that has a heart of gold. The memories will live with you forever a big hug Bets. | ||
| The Soulful Mr T Citizen Username: Howardt Post Number: 1241 Registered: 11-2004  |
Bets, I thought of you Friday and asked about you at Bunny's today. I was directed here. Chin up, Kiddo. Savor the memories. | ||
| SO Ref Citizen Username: So_refugee Post Number: 1415 Registered: 2-2005 |
Sorry to hear about 8-Ball. We just lost our 19 year old calico, Miss Kitty (named before we got her) and it has been a tough two weeks for us, especially Lil' Witty. Take care and cherish the good times. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22636 Registered: 6-2001 |
Thanks, all. I'm slowly getting used to no fur-ball hanging around, demanding treats and tummy rubs. What a great 8-bauble he was, truly irreplaceable. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22654 Registered: 6-2001 |
Today is my Dad's 81st birthday. I called him down in Ocala to send my love and catch up. He's doing well, is enjoying his new mac-mini and helping his wife with her garden. In any event, he asked after 8-ball and I told him what had happened. He paused for a moment, and then told me a pretty cool story. He was driving from NJ to Florida this past October, and was on Route 81 in Viriginia when he saw a sign for the "Cyrus McCormick Museum". Well, he told me, that brought back memories! Cyrus McCormick was the inventor of the reaper in 1831, and one of my Dad's fondest boyhood memories was of the 100-year celebration of that invention. Unbeknownst to me, my grandfather (who was, unfortunately, gone before I was born) sold this type of farm equipment. The year-long celebration was unforgettable to my Dad's 6-year-old self, so he decided to make the detour to the museum. He described the Virginia countryside as idyllic and the brick house that was the main building as reminiscent of his grandfather's house in Canada. As he ascended the steps to the porch of this out-of-time estate - they've kept it to 1830's standards - he was greeted by a cream-colored Angora cat, just as bold as could be walking straight up to him. It was a dead ringer for the cat of his childhood, Aloysius - "Al" - and it was as if he were instantly transported back to his childhood with his brothers and sisters, and his cat named Al. He said it was like an omen. Moral of the story: there's an Aloysius out there looking for me. And since this is the second cat I've heard of with that name (hi friend in Millburn!!!), I tend to believe him. Happy birthday, Dad. I love you and look forward to many returns to the day. | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 2588 Registered: 5-2005 |
Hi Bets hope your feeling okay. That's great news about your Dad 81 what a milesstone. Miss you and am sending good Karma and pleasant dreams on your fathers day. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2677 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'm sure you'll have a new kitty in your life again, when the time is right. Hope your doing O.K. | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 824 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bets, the anecdotes you share - you are a treasure. And thank you for spelling Aloysius - for 14 years I've had this cat whose name I'd spell couldn't spell... | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 22667 Registered: 6-2001 |
Hey, no problem las. I should've mentioned that my grandfather, Archibald*, was also the mayor of Coleman, MI, where my dad grew up. He's got so many interesting stories of growing up in the 30s & 40s, I wish he'd write them all down or record them. Maybe I'll send him a handheld recorder for his b-day! *Archibald, another excellent name for a cat! |
