Sooooooo, just this past Saturday I had a party and I thought the world would end if it rained. Gotta tell ya, it was gloomy at times, and it drizzled enough to soak us a bit. But, it was the warmth of the people and the warmth of the sun (when it peeked through the clouds periodically) that kept us going. We didn't give up or retreat for cover. We sat in the rain and relished the mere fact that we were sure they are worse things that could have happened. The things going on in this world today, and I'm not just talking about the war (though that IS pretty shitty), but about the diseases and strife and hunger and homelessness and...oh geezzzzz, I could go on and on but you get the point, eh? Anyway, yes it sucked that it rained on my party, but I looked around and saw the beauty in it. I saw the flowers reaching up for a drink. I saw the pictures that the clouds make as they pass over. I felt the coolness of the droplets. I saw my niece turn her head to the sky and stick out her tongue for a drink of rain. I remembered doing that when I was young and I smiled with the memory. Butterflies were flitting from flower to flower. Birds were trying to swoop down to get some seed while the coast was clear of guests under the grape vine trellis. Ut oh, my sister drank too much and tripped as she was coming up on the patio (I knew someone would do it...and at least she won't sue me...lol!...I think??!!) and skinned her shin and elbow. Oh look...our good friend Mark is helping her up (and trying to look down her blouse...*giggle*) and taking her in the house to put some peroxide on her boo-boos. Hey! She'll be 42 on Friday...but she's still a younger sis and to me she get's boo-boos! Friends of ours are in awe, and gathering around our Aunt Sally. The memories of our childhood that she evokes is timeless. Oh, Aunt Sally...I really shouldn't try and take apart your western outfit and duplicate it in pink leather. Yes, it'd be sad to make it from mink (someone had offered to make her a mink something or other once)...poor little animals...but cows are animals too ya know! LOL! You shoulda seen the look on her face at that revelation. She's been a cowgirl all her life and I don't think that fact ever dawned on her. I should mingle some more, I kept thinking. Awwwwww, Cheryl and Mike brought their son Matthew. He's such a doll and looks like his mom. Shhhhhh...don't tell Mike that! LOL! Oh shit...I lost another beer cup. I think that's the 12th one since this party started and it's only been going for 3 hours so far. Hmmmmm...maybe I should tie a cup around my neck so I won't lose it again. Yikes! *listens to the small flock of geese flying overhead* It's that time of year again. Soon the flocks will get bigger and bigger and the "honks" as they fly over will be a sure tell tale sign that autumn, and then winter, is upon us. *looks around* Hmmmm...no one but me seems to even notice them yet. Ok...I won't spoil the mood. I've gotta be honest though, I'm looking forward to autumn this year. I miss the smell of burning leaves and I miss being a skinch chilly so that I have to get out a sweater or sweatshirt in the brisk evening air. Naaaaaa...we didn't put any AC's in this year. It's not so bad in this old house though. Wouldn't be bad at all cept for the few days of 100% humidity. My hair hates humidity! I look like a french poodle. Oh damn...I've digressed again. Oh well...there is plenty more to the story of my party if you'd like me to go on. Hey! I hear those moans from the peanut gallery...so I'll just leave it in the air for now. Hurry back and talk to us Larry. We've a lot to say to you and we sure would love to know that you didn't just start this thread and have no intention of seeing it through to the happy ending we are all hoping for!!!!

(((((((((LarryL)))))))))

*thinking of you all day and night and watching for a reply fore as often as I can get back here*

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~