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Sparrowhawk
12-12-04, 08:27 AM
Fireside Chat


Morning Marines, I love winter mornings, it’s Sunday and most of the West coast on this side of the world is still fast asleep. Those of you on the East side of life, well, it’s Sunday and most of you are also still asleep.

Been up since three this morning, set up some Christmas decoration for the family in our living room. The girls call the large room where you enter into our home the living room; I call it the interrogation room because that is where I first sit the guy that comes to take out any of my daughters out on a date. Most never get to see the rest of the house. LOL

Had my second cup of Coffee already this morning, fresh batch is on the stove help yourself to some and come and sit down and chat for awhile, share what’s going on in your life.

It’s not often I get into this mood, wanting company but there are times. I don’t go into chat rooms much or email folks often; guess that’s why Ellie and Jerry and others sometimes call me to ask me to empty out my mailbox. LOL

http://marines.bizland.com/screen.jpg


When I sit down with folks I like to talk straight, some folks put up a screen in front of their lives and so I loose interest in them right away.

While there are personal secrets in our lives that are important for us not to share, its always good not to put up a screen in front of folks of something that we are not. Of course the internet now days has made it possible to know a whole lot about people you meet with not too much of a hassle.

http://marines.bizland.com/firesidechat.jpg

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and sit down. There's a chair here waiting for you.


Waiting for the newspaper lady to drop off the local paper, the Press Enterprise. There were about four different articles in it this past week about issues I’ve introduced or been involved with in the community one of these days I’ll share them with you.

Right now, it a nice clean fresh day and I am enjoying the quite street, and my warm fire. Sometimes my wife comes out early to sit with me (but not on Sunday,) she’ll sleep in for awhile then about 9:00 start to get ready for church and I’ll have to go in and put on my Sunday go to meeting clothes on and repent of all the evil things I’ve done during the week and pray for you all, some of you folks are on top of that list. LOL

thedrifter
12-12-04, 09:26 AM
Morning Folks

It's cold here in Philly...We been lucky this year and have had unusual warm weather...With the cold upon us, it helps make us be grateful, of all we have....this Holiday Season....

The warmth of the fire Cook sure is a beautiful way to wake up....

I have been up early, but that isn't unusual...I never slept much....

Had a few cups of coffee, placed in some posts, talked with a Friend of mine, which we talk every morning..to see if we are ok...

I still have things to do for the Holiday, decorating,m shopping, baking and that dreaded wrapping...
My heart isn't completly in it, but I'm making the best of it for my children....
We have bought a candle(red and gold) to represent Roger...this Christmas...I can say to You all Roger is always around...We still ask for his guideness...and yes, he shows us he is near, when some funny things has happened around the house...Only Roger could do that....


More decorating to do, and going for the tree.....today....


Have a Good Day Marines!


Ellie

yellowwing
12-12-04, 11:31 AM
I generally try to be upbeat and put a postive spin on discussions. But if a polee or potential polee needs a slap of reality, I'll deliver.

After two years at Leatherneck, I've come to see these youngsters as 'our kids'. I've seen quite a few go from, "What can I expect from Parris Island," to "I'm in Iraq now."

Its seems like one minute they are worrying about juvenile issues, then they are our Nation's deadliest weapons going door to door looking for threats.

The wind chill up here in Canuckistan is -5 degrees. But my mind is often reaching out to those in the field in prayers to keep the Faith and keep safe!

Hey hrscowboy, if they let us back in we'll have more than a p-38! It might take a few weeks to learn the new fangle killing machines, but I'm sure we'd be fast learners!

Can I get a shot of Irish Coffee in my fire side beverage?

:banana:

nc.gal
12-12-04, 12:18 PM
It's a cold crispy day here----this morn had big frost.
will get even colder by Wed.
great so see sun shining today--past several days
have been cool with lots of rain. Don't like cold rainy days.
Will get even colder by Wed.----but not cold as where
Yellowwing is.
Just put a pork roast in oven for our evening meal--
will slowly cook four hours---can't wait to eat it.
This is just one of a few things I can cook real good.
Happy Sunday to all of you.
Stay cheerful.

nc.gal
:)

rockhopper
12-12-04, 12:54 PM
G'morning.

Windy as hell here in Nebraska. Had to go out and clean up the debris from everything blowing around. Trashcans knocked over, and such. I don't really have much planned for today. Have to get the dogs out running around to burn up some energy I suppose.

Arlene Horton
12-12-04, 04:17 PM
Hello from Cheesehead central! As usual it's cold as a "Witch's t--in a brass bra". The temperature in Wisconsin is always hard to take....either we are freezing our tails off or roasting and toasting. Spent the morning after Mass reading the paper then put the roast in the oven. Like to do such a dinner when the Packers are playing a 1515 game time. Sure hope they get squared away after that incredibly poor showing last week. This is Packer weather big time....cold and dreary. Soon it will be "the frozen tundra" time in Green Bay and maybe the Packers will perk up with the colder weather. After being with the Pack all these years Favre is comfortable with the cold. Coming up North from Mississippi is a real adjustment no doubt. He sure showed what a Southern gentleman he is when he showed his new haircut. Not exactly "high & tight" but close enough. Did it for his lovely wife Deanna. No doubt she'll be wearing wigs due to the chemo-therapy. If y'all have it in you, she could use your prayers. She has our families'. Stay warm Cook & Ellie. Semper Fi;)

Toby M
12-12-04, 06:58 PM
With all the personal family problems that poor guy (Brett Favre) has had, I am surprised he can even play at all-let alone win on occasion! He is a real warrior and would probably make a good Marine! My hats off to him...
(sorry to interupt the weather channel-lol)

Osotogary
12-12-04, 07:23 PM
It's about 55-60 down here in South Florida and the birds aren't even chirping. Darn, it's freezin' down here! LOL.
Went shopping in shorts, t- shirt and sandals and the folks looked at me like I was a leper. Everybody was in some kind of cold weather clothing. One person even asked me if I was cold and I said," No, Mame...because I'm a descendant of Vikings!" I know, I know ...that was B.S. but it was fun.
Anyhow I took a swim in the pool. I think that I'm the only person in the neighborhood to use a swimming pool this time of year.
Tried mixing a can of whole cranberries with two small packages of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix and it didn't turn out too bad. I also mixed another can of whole cranberries , in a blender, with some Motts Natural Apple Juice along with a sqeeze of lemon, some ice and a cup of water. It made a good fruit drink/cooler.
Look forward to maybe hearing from my sons this Holiday Season. It's funny how it doesn't take as much to make me happy any more.

greensideout
12-12-04, 07:56 PM
The weather here in the Show Me State has been mild but getting a little more like winter with a sharp chill in the air.

It's Christmas time and most are shareing the joy of the season but I haven't gotten there yet. I will on the outside with my greetings to others but inside I don't think that I will. Don't get me wrong, I know that I have Very Much to be thankful for and I am! Like many others, I have not yet learned to find happyness even though I live in the mist of love and plenty. I have everything to be thankful for, so why don't I smile inside?

There you go Hawk, requireing us to just be us with this fireside chat. Can I have my screen back now?

MillRatUSMC
12-12-04, 07:59 PM
Its windy and a bit chilly in the 20's.
I feel worst because DaBears losing.
Had dreams of a "win-out" and a possible play-off spot.
Someone forgot to tell DaJacguars...they kick some Bears butt big time.
Well maybe next year...dang we been saying that a lot lately.

Semper Fidelis/Semper Fi
Ricardo

snipowsky
12-13-04, 07:02 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by yellowwing
[B]The wind chill up here in Canuckistan is -5 degrees. But my mind is often reaching out to those in the field in prayers to keep the Faith and keep safe!


Canuckistan? LMAO I never heard a Canuck call himself a Canuck or his country anything of the sort. You can tell he's still a red blooded American. You crack me up man! Yellowwing Semper Fi and Godbless you brother!

Namvet67
12-13-04, 07:52 AM
Snip..I've never been in sub zero weather. Our first hard freeze of the season is coming in tonight. It was around 70 yesterday. If you don't like the weather in Texas..wait a while it will change. Semper Fi

Sparrowhawk
12-13-04, 08:29 AM
Originally posted by greensideout
I have everything to be thankful for, so why don't I smile inside?
There you go Hawk, requiring us to just be us with this fireside chat. Can I have my screen back now?

I know what you mean Bro, sometimes it’s a love/hate relationship we have with this time of the year.

I saw RickO here yesterday but he visited only for a few minutes. He was viewing the Vietnam files.

Rick must have been standing right next to me when a fellow by the name of Ira Hullihen was killed on New Years Eve. Both Ira and Jerry Ezell were shot by a gook carrying an AK-47.

I met RickO on the Internet a few years back, when he mentioned something about being assigned as an FAO to our unit during the time I was there. I responded and heck if we didn't figure that he must have been standing right there next to me, when Ira was killed. He mentioned that it was saddest time in Nam that he experienced. Ira was a couple of days short of going home.

http://marines.bizland.com/ChristmasH.jpg


Yesterday I added some more lights in front of our home and when the girls came home they were delighted and happy to see the added decorations.

With women, it’s hard to tell what they would like, before you get into it. My wife liked them as well as the folks in the neighborhood.

Two young housewives mid-thirty came around while I was outside working and they stopped in front of the house. It was 80 degrees out it’s been that way for two days now and all I had on was my Levi’s and a t-shirt while I was up on a ladder with my back to them while hanging the lights.

“We came around to check you out,” one of them said; (her true words) and while I knew they were talking about the house Christmas Decorations, I almost said something about them being there to check out my butt but I knew I shouldn’t LMAO.

One of them mentioned that the tree in front looked like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree and perhaps I should named it that. Before I added the lights my wife also had mentioned that the tree did look like a Charlie Brown (http://wilstar.net/xmas/i_feel_depressed.wav) type of Christmas tree.

http://marines.bizland.com/cbtree.jpg

Maybe I’ll go find a large red ornament and hang it from the tree, to give it more of that character. Remind folks that Christmas time does give us both sad times and happy times, but inside we are all hurting, for one reason or another because often some desires cannot be met with the decorations of life.

Merry Christmas (http://wilstar.net/xmas/merry_christmas_charlie_brown.wav), my Brothers

Cook

Sparrowhawk
12-13-04, 12:57 PM
By those ladies...

I went and bought a red Charlie Brown ornament


http://marines.bizland.com/cbct.jpg

What do you think?

Should I now invite the neighborhood to decorate it like they did the tree in the Charlie Borwn movie?


It would be interesting... have to think this one over......

thedrifter
12-13-04, 01:15 PM
Hell Cook,

I'm still decorating my house....but when I'm done i will be right there.....;)


Great pic's........


Ellie

Sgt Morales, AM
12-13-04, 01:20 PM
Heck...if you're gonna have your neighbors help you decorate, I'll send you an ornament from Texas!

Sparrowhawk
12-13-04, 01:31 PM
That's an Idea... and I can post them here, pictures of the ornament on the tree as they come in..

We can do it in honor of our warriors....

Better then having the neighborhood do it....

Why not?

hummm



LOL

Sgt Morales, AM
12-13-04, 01:34 PM
Sounds good to me. Not to brush your neighbors aside but, I think ornaments from your fellow Marines have more meaning. You just might be starting a new tradition Cook! Good Luck. I know my ornament is on it's way.

thedrifter
12-13-04, 02:16 PM
Cook

Getting with neighbors is always hard to do....

I can say This Season, that we as neighbors go out and help the ones that can't......


Ellie

Sparrowhawk
12-13-04, 02:33 PM
you don't know my neighbors..

Or maybe they know me....LMAO

They all think I'm a bit different, if I told them what I was going to do, they would be out here tonight, decorating all of it.


of course some of them would do it, just to come on over for a beer, or a shot of Brandy..... LMAO

thedrifter
12-13-04, 02:35 PM
The more the Merrier......Cook


<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm41447US' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_49.gif' alt='Give Me Beer' border=0></a>


Ellie

greensideout
12-13-04, 09:54 PM
The fire feel's good tonight---warm---as the north wind chills my bones.

Fireside chat---real life---here we go.

My son-in-law lost his father as he was killed from a step latter fall in his garage while getting out the Christmas decorations from a shelf. Our grandsons were there at the time. Age 3 and 5. The 5 year old wants to talk about it to sort it out in his mind. What do you say to a 5 year old?

After going to the cemetery I wrote of what we had seen.


THE HAND OF GOD

The morning was bright and the sun warming this crisp December 2nd day.

We had journeyed our way into the cemetery in a long procession of those that grieved and came to honor a man that had departed from us.

As we got out of our cars our eyes were drawn upward. The sound of geese filled the air. As they flew toward us they were sounding to each other to form a formation from the loose flock that they were in.

The door of the hearse was opened and the pallbears carefully carried the casket to the gravesite. As it was put into place the geese turned and flew directly over it from east to west. The noice of the birds ended as they passed overhead in a Holy reverent sort of way, as if they were in the presence of God. I felt that thay were.

Only the hand of God could have sent the message that we had just witnessed.

As God sent a message to Noah from a bird in the sky that He had a safe and secure place for him to go, I felt that God had told us that He had a safe and secure place for Grandpa John and that place was in heaven.

God speaks to us but it is up to us to hear. I believe that John listened and accepted God's call to him through His Son Jesus Christ.

The morning was bright and the sun warming.

Sgted
12-13-04, 10:46 PM
Northwest New Jersey has seen a warmer then usual Autum.
That seems to be ending as of today. Temps are supposed to fall and there were a few snow showers today. Still, right now (11pm) the temp is a balmy 34.
Last Sunday there were 2 black bears right off my deck. Probably 2 year olds. I saw the same 2 cubs with their Mother last fall in about the same place twice. Too warm for them to hybernate yet. Black bears around here will come out of hybernation in the middle of winter to forage if the temperature is right and theres no snow cover.
I've seen a few coyotes in the yard in broad daylight.
I am happy that I get to see this wild life on my property just a little more then an hour from Times Square.

My sisters & I along with Grand Children, Nieces, nephews had the first of what will be many Christmas & New Year get togethers yesterday.
Both my Mother & (former Marine) Father are gone now.
They were the pillars of our lives and we miss them alot. We talk about them at every get together and have fond memories of them.
My Father was a real out doors man. Could identify a black speck in the sky (bird) from a mile. As a bird watcher myself, I wish he were here to join me in in the excitement of the outdoors, the beauty of nature and the pride of being Marines.
Still, he is alive inside me.
I went to my parents grave Sunday to lay a wreath.
I think to myself these words which I have embraced for many years concerning the loss of a loved one....

ASCENSION.

And if I go,
While you're still here....
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure....
Behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
both aware of each-other.
Until then, live your life to it's fullest.
And when you need me,
just whisper my name in your heart,
and I will be there.

The tree is up, the cards are rolling in, I DO NOT go to shopping centers this time of year (thank God for the internet) and the spirit is rising up inside me.
I don't know about you guys, but I believe in Santa.
All I have to do is look in the mirror.

Lets not forget to keep Christ in Christmas.

Oh yeah.
I don't have a fire place but I do have a DVD complete that plays a wood fire, crackling (in 5.1 surround) on a 32" TV.

Sparrowhawk
12-15-04, 08:23 AM
Thanks Sgted for sharing those memories with us, I never knew my father. He was killed in an auto accident when I was three. A drunk driver ran him off the road. Perhaps that influenced me in going into police work and I found some satisfaction in putting away drunk drivers.



It's a beautiful warm morning on this side of the world. Most of the neighbors have gone off to work; don't see that many vehicles leave the driveways on Sunday morning.


I've asked all my daughters to be sure to be here December 24-25, that's all I want for Christmas my daughters home for those two days. Don't see my two boys much, my ex brainwashed them, so they have stayed away for much of their lives but when they do come around, they seem to enjoy our times together.

Now, they have both broken most of their communications with her, I guess they are finally growing up. One was born while I was in Nam, and I was more interested in seeing him then my Ex.


Unfaithful women, conniving, deceitful, untrustworthy, when we broke up, I left everything to her, didn't want to have anything to do with her anymore. Think we've spoken maybe six words since then (27 years).

I have never cherished much of any physical possessions I have, since then;

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances I encounter in life." humm, I wonder who first said that... LOL

But my daughters are my pride and joy. I've let them grow to be on their own, to stand on their own and for the most part they do. But once in awhile they will call to ask for some advice or help here and there. One was gone for a couple of years for her schooling and now, we've gotten closer since she's been home. I guess they all have realized that and a new bond has developed between us since they reached womanhood.

It's a beautiful morning, and I wonder what the day will bring.

Semper Fi

Cook

Sparrowhawk
12-16-04, 08:37 AM
The winds are blowing fast through our streets and it’s a bit warm already, it's going to be one of those bright sunny California Days.


Fresh cup of coffee is on and I was already on-line doing some Christmas Shopping. Ordered my oldest daughter a coffee mug.

She's a 2nd grade teacher, this is her second year of teaching and her kids love her. Going to go see her class' Christmas Play this Friday. It seems like only yesterday, she was a student in grade school, in a play.

http://www.wondermugs.com/images/products/wm125otsm.jpg (http://www.wondermugs.com/flashed/wm125ot.html)


Now, why can't they make a mug for grunt Marines?

humm that gives me an idea... LMAO


Incompetent People;

Went to Starbucks this morning to get one of my other daughter's a cup of coffee before she went off to work. She gave me her order;

Grande
2PV 2PH
%
<strike>F</strike>
L

The order was written in their language, she said, but when I got there a little before 5:30 it was evident they were not going to open at 5:30. I counted 13 cars that drove up and drove off. The doors weren't open until 5:50 and it would be another 15-20 minutes before they were ready to serve what I wanted to order.

Now, if I was the manager of that store some people would be fired, the guy there didn't seem too concerned about the inconvenience this lateness caused.

Think I'll write a letter of complaint, might even start a stupid starbucks.com web site... LOL

After all, People that p iss me off do seem to get their own web site...LOL


Stupid School Board Members


Stupid School Administrators


Stupid School Principals


Stupid Politicians


Stupid Attorneys (http://stupid.bizland.com/Home.html)


I think there are more sites elsewhere I've forgotten about...

Stupid news reporters comes to mind, might have to find that site and update it, last news reporter I added was Dan Rather....

Some of those sites do get the attention intended, I still get calls from my server about my anti-Kerry site, seems they are still upset about that one... LMAO


My stupid attorney letter response (http://ssbm.bizland.com/answertoattorney.chtml) was a classic, poor guy was removed from the case and his co-workers and other Riverside Attorneys made fun of him for months. Guy really thought he was going to scare me with a letter of a possible law suit. LOL


AHhh, I guess the wind blowing through the area got me started, or maybe it was a Christmas light strand that went out and won't light up... don't you hate it when that happens?

I always buy a cheap 200 light set for less then two bucks every year after the season and the following year that set is placed on the highest point of my house. After the season, I don't bother getting out the ladder to take the lights down, the neighbors come around and while we drink a beer, I rip the strand off, and the lights staples and all just come popping off. They think its funny, and I only lost $4.00 bucks. LOL

But the strand that isn't working this morning is on the bottom... humm I wonder if somehow, I threw the wrong strand away last year.... LMAO

Be back later... going back to Starbucks, anyone want to tag along... lMAO

Osotogary
12-16-04, 08:46 AM
Just heard from both sons and they are both okay. That right there negates any concerns that I might have about anything else in this world. Plus .... my second half even remembered my name. LOL Life just doesn't get any better.
Good morning to one and all!

nc.gal
12-16-04, 08:56 AM
Well, it is a beautiful day at my home this morn. Last night
was another 3 dog night---suppose to warm up in the 50's today and by this week-end, it might be a 4 or 5 dog night--OUCH!!
Check my e-mail before I came aboard---got nice e-mail from a lady in Israel that I befriended at my husband's military reunion in Ausust.She is a nice lady---replyed to email I send her wishing her a Happy Hanukkah..Cook, she is also writing a book of her experiences as a teacher and counselor. Should be interesting.
I feel very blessed today.
Cook, I'll tag along, but I'll have to have a decaf,wait for me!
LOL---
nc.gal
:)

Sparrowhawk
12-16-04, 11:21 AM
A Hard Day's night, but not a 3 dog night?

and what's the difference between a 3 - 4 or 5 dog night?

LOL

nc.gal
12-16-04, 11:43 AM
to Alaska? out local weatherman was saying by weekend it could be maybe a 4 or 5 dog night :D
a 3 dog night: you need 3 dogs to keep ya warm from cold:p

I went to Alaska July 2003 on a mission trip with our church--
the island we were on were having a heat wave--it warmed into
the low 70's. There were a few cold days and plenty of daylight.

did ya get my decaf???
;) PS
You've never heard the phrase"3 dog night"? On a very cold night supposedly in Alaska, it takes 3 dogs to keep one warm from the cold air---the colder the days are, you require more dogs---maybe yellowwing knows about this. Thought everybody knew about"3 dog night". I explained the best I could, being a blonde?LOL
nc.gal

thedrifter
12-16-04, 11:51 AM
To start my day was old man winter...It's cold to some folks just a little chilly to me....When I zipper a jacket that's when it is cold.....

Still trying to decorate the house, bake, and do normal household duties....Hell there is never enough time in a day....
I still haven't started to wrap the gifts yet.....LOL

That R and R I'm planning around the New Year is starting to look mighty fine about now....;)

Last night, I was sitting and watching my 2 sons take up the art of placing lights on the real tree..You see their dad did it every year, even though he dreaded it....Oh, how I miss his talent of words this time of year...Wait a second that was all the time..:D

Watching the boys, and us girls sitting and observing was just like watching the 3 stoogies withiout the extra man..;)
I do have to say the boys felt there dad was the one messing with them lights......LOL

All have A Good Day


Ellie

Sparrowhawk
12-18-04, 08:42 AM
Been up since about 3:30 newspaper lady dropped off the paper, then she stood around for awhile and shared stories about her 2 year old daughter.

Gave her a Christmas Gift, and I know people like her struggle in life but I wonder if there is a set tip amount for newspaper carriers.


At restaurants we give 15% and at church 10%, humm that don't seem right, as if we think more of our bellies then we do our souls.

Anyway, she's new to the area, said that her route is one of the most concentrated route in Riverside, even Los Angeles County where a carrier has to drive over 40 miles to have the amount of subscribers she has in a square mile area. Makes me feel good that the people around me are informed and probably don't watch as much TV as other folks. or they like to read.


Weird thing happened this morning, weird for some folks but perhaps not for others.

I always feel I have lived on borrowed time, been that way since Vietnam. This morning as I went to reset the Christmas lights having started already a nice fire in the Chimnea I came back around and caught a shadow moving toward the front door from our living room. I could see through the window and the form was moving fast.

I figured it was my wife as she sometimes comes out in the morning before getting ready for work and we sit by the fire for awhile, but its Saturday and she wouldn't be up.
I quickly moved forward to get a better view as to who it was, and saw the dark form now at the edge of my porch and it quickly disappeared into the night. As I got to where it was or should have been it was gone and goose bumps and the hair in the back of my neck stood up, and I knew what I had seen. The front door remained closed so it would have had to go through it without hesitation.


I’ve seen shadows like that before, in dreams and in visions of the night, and even little glimpse here and there when you turn real quick and they quickly disappear. But this one was different it went through my home as if it had a mission, looking hurriedly for something, and went by me as if I wasn’t there or it was not aware of my presence.

I wonder what we look like to the spirit world and glad there remains this gap between the two worlds. Perhaps someday some scientist will find a way to bridge that gap and then who knows what demons from hell we’ll turn loose into this world. With men it seems anything is possible, we just have to wait for that time.

It’s a beautiful day in sunny California going to reach into the high 70’s. Wife has a hair appointment, 9:00 am, maybe I’ll get a blond this time. LOL

Think, I'll go along and sit at a coffee shop nearby and write a story about the lives of the people I see.

Semper Fi

Cook

nc.gal
12-18-04, 09:35 AM
Had a restless night---some beeping noise in the house--I would dose off and hear it again. I would think, man what is that? Finally fell asleep and awoke this morn to the same beeping noise.


My husband was having his coffee and reading the paper, so I asked him, "What is that beeping noise that kept me awake?" He said that the smoke alarm needs new battery. Well, I was THINKING, "why didn't you just change the battery?" So , I said for us to change it now. Thank GOD for these smoke detectors.

Feb. 2002, we had a house fire and I was home alone and asleep. The smoke alarm woke me, so I get up to investigate---went into living room and it was full of thick black smoke and one whole wall was burning and all my curtains had already burned and we lost a window plus several other items that were replaceable. As soon as I saw fire, I tried dialing 911, but my hand was shaking so bad, I was dialing 988 instead and also couldn't see numbers because of smoke. I finally dialed 911 and it probably took firefighters 5 minutes to get to my house. If we had not had smoke detectors, they said I could have died from smoke inhalation. I feel very blessed to still be living.

It is a beautiful sunny day this morn--temps are 36.
I will do some more Christmas shopping today---just dread all those crowds. Only 7 days till Christmas so I wish you all a good day and have a safe and happy Christmas.

nc.gal
:)

Sparrowhawk
12-18-04, 10:32 AM
36 degrees nc.gal?

Too cold, don't like wearing too much clothes to stay warm. Born in New Mexico and grew up in Casa grande, Arizona. It was always warm there, so I've always enjoyed warm weather.


I guess that's why I ended up in California always warm here and while the nights get cold, not that cold.

Thinking of retiring near Palm Springs... always warm there..


Cook

nc.gal
12-18-04, 10:48 AM
Me, I prefer cool temps ranging from 55 to 75---
guess that is being female having hot flashes---LOL-LOL

:D

I've been to Palm Springs---is real nice place to retire--
if you like hot weather!!

I really enjoy all four seasons---Autumn is my favorite--
Spring brings too many allergies..:eek:

nc.gal
12-18-04, 11:16 AM
Cook,
ya don't like wearing too many clothes?

Guess you're the one running around "NIKED" all the time!!LOL
:D





By the way, how was the kids play at school?

nc.gal:)

Arlene Horton
12-18-04, 02:49 PM
Boy N.C. you don't know cold until you are in "Wonderful Wisconsin". Today it's at 36 with snow flurries but tomorrow, well it'll be a good day for the Packers and Brett Favre...temp around 13 with a wind chill of -10-15 and snow. The "frozen tundra"has returned. A few of my kids live in Florida and when it gets down to 40 they are freezing. My daughter-in-law asked me to send some warm nightgowns for our 5 year old granddaughter since they can't find them anywhere around Tampa. That was easy for me. Hope you all have a great Christmas and all your wishes come true. Semper Fi
Arlene

Arlene Horton
12-18-04, 02:49 PM
Boy N.C. you don't know cold until you are in "Wonderful Wisconsin". Today it's at 36 with snow flurries but tomorrow, well it'll be a good day for the Packers and Brett Favre...temp around 13 with a wind chill of -10-15 and snow. The "frozen tundra"has returned. A few of my kids live in Florida and when it gets down to 40 they are freezing. My daughter-in-law asked me to send some warm nightgowns for our 5 year old granddaughter since they can't find them anywhere around Tampa. That was easy for me. Hope you all have a great Christmas and all your wishes come true. Semper Fi
Arlene

nc.gal
12-18-04, 07:19 PM
Yes, I know its cold in your area----I don't like that kind of COLD.

We visited my husbands 'Nam buddy in South Dakota the week before Christmas in the 1980's. They picked us up at the airport in Sioux Falls and it was miserably cold. And the snow!!!!--snow, snow, snow. It even snowed while we were visiting them and you couldn't even tell it snowed new snow because of the several feet of snow already on the ground. Luckily, I wore my full length down filled coat and boots up to my knees. I would have froze without my down coat. We were glad to get home---we could manage our cold weather better.
Arlene, I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas. I enjoyed reading your post twice. ;)

nc.gal

Arlene Horton
12-18-04, 08:58 PM
I'm a real sad case. Been learning how to use the computer I won in a sweepstakes two years ago and make all kinds of mistakes. The two posts were obviously a mistake, as usual. My kids are dtrying to teach me how to function on it. Oh well, time will tell, I guess. Looking forward to the game tomorrow. GO PACK! Sempers

Sparrowhawk
12-18-04, 09:06 PM
Get rid of the keyboard it'll get you in trouble everytime.

Mine does not type what I want to type, then goes and misspels what I do wants to type, then when I'm not looking it types what I shouldn't be typing...



PS Nc.gal is still looking for that "any key" and the "space bar"

the computer asks her to hit.


http://www.ikey.com/assets/products_large/SL-86-911-large.jpg


If she finds the "any key" on her keyboard we promised her a keyboard hat.




LOLhttp://musicplayer.com/shopping/ProductImages/thumbs/kbblhat.jpg

nc.gal
12-18-04, 09:56 PM
Cook,

YOU'RE CORRECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I FOUND IT---------------I FOUND IT-------------

Thanks for cap

LMAO





ps,
think I just had a blonde moment:D

thedrifter
12-19-04, 08:55 AM
Goodmorning

We are having a mix bag in the weathewr department today..
A little chilly , with fog on my end now, will be going into the low 40's with rain, but by evening temps are dropping with snow.....
I guess it is a wake up call to see if we are paying attention.....;)

Been real busy, trying to finish decorating the house, shopping, baking, plus the normal duties....I still have to get to the wrapping....

They do say the Sunday is a day of rest, and I will be doing that today....I enjoy football, so while taking in my game plus a few other's I'm going to do some wrapping....That's killing to birds at once with enjoyment....

Went to Roger's grave yesterday to place down a blanket for him...
Roger always made this Season fun for the kids..Treasure hunts to find their gifts, special letters from Santa, just a few thoughts I'm sharing with you....They have been bringing up all the things he use to do, especially for them...I'm glad....

We will go see him on Christmas, to place more flowers on his grave, and to show him his Christmas gifts...which we have under the tree now...

You all Have A Great Day!

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
12-19-04, 09:10 AM
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, as Mr. Rogers would say;

The winds are blowing softly across the front of the house, its early morning, fire is going good in the Chiminea, and the Christmas lights are on.

Last night coming home was a surprise. Usually the neighborhood is decorated for Christmas, a few lights here and there nothing unusual, but not this year. Neighbors say it’s the Poinsettias that did it. Last night the lady from the corner house brought over one of her visitors to see our home, and they spoke to my daughter for awhile about how they enjoy the look of our home.

Last year our home looked the same as theirs it’s the same model, but I took out the front pillar, put in a porch and it widen things up. Actually they worked on their porch first and that’s what inspired me. One of those “I got an idea,” moments that I get every once in awhile. LOL

Last night when we came home, the whole neighborhood was lit up; people say that it looks like Christmas exploded in our neighborhood. Homes were decked out like never before, lights went up in new decorative and very festive designs.

For awhile there I though my wife had taken a wrong turn; You did it she said, now we’ll probably become one of those highlighted areas where people come from all over to cruise by and see the lights. LOL

Maybe I’ll add the cost of the neighbors lighting to Morales bill... LOL


Enjoyed yesterday while my wife was having her hair done (she remained a redhead, but a bit brighter for the Holidays… LOL), I sat in front of a sidewalk café and did some editing on the book, and watched the people walk by. The area is very liberal and saw a couple of wannabee hippies walk by... LOL

Then two of our daughters joined us for lunch, Rebekah and Serah, all of my daughters first names end with ah, Rebekah, Serah, Deborah, Joannah, and Annah. Didn’t really planned it that way, but that’s the order that they were born. I think they were all going to be boys, but changed their minds at the last minute, and they have a story to tell about that day. Deborah was the one that when we were on the way to the hospital for her to be delivered, I stopped at Taco Bell to pick up something to eat... LOL

Heck I knew it was going to be awhile, so why not! LOL Life is a miracle and you might as well celebrate on a full stomach.

It’s amazing the type of Marines we have that post here, what they say sometimes stays with me for days, what Greensideout wrote the other day about what do you say to a five year old when their grandfather died?

“My son-in-law lost his father as he was killed from a step latter fall in his garage while getting out the Christmas decorations from a shelf. Our grandsons were there at the time. Age 3 and 5. The 5 year old wants to talk about it to sort it out in his mind. What do you say to a 5 year old?”

Or what Toby M wrote, the other day, on the Stolen Fetus (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17915) story;
“ Weird, isn't it? Here it is near Christmas and this baby, born in a world of chaos and violence...just goes to show that miracles do happen! Maybe there is hope for us after all...”

Or Ellie’s post above, what to you say on Christmas Day, to a loved one, that's gone?

nc.gal
12-19-04, 05:23 PM
Christmas time I know is sad for all of us who have lost a loved one. This is Ellie's first Christmas without Roger, this will be my sisters first Christmas without her husband---my husband's father...

Sgted
12-19-04, 09:09 PM
I will remember your Brother Edward along with you and Edwards Marine Brothers here.
My thoughts, prayers and best wishes to you and your family, nc. gal.

Sparrowhawk
12-20-04, 09:29 AM
It's beginning to look like another beautiful day in Sunny California. Going to be in the high 70’s but right now a slow breeze keeps the porch a bit chilly but the fire is on as is the coffee. Grab a seat and sit for awhile the world can wait.

Every morning I wake up and realize I am still alive in this world. One day the Lord will surprise me, and tell me no, your not. But for now I will enjoy each day. Reading about NC.Gal's brother makes me grateful for the health I enjoy.

It seems like he was in Nam same time I was and who knows we might have stepped on each other brass in those rice paddy fields.

So, I’ll live another day. Saw a coffee cup on the shelf of a novelty shop the other day, I should have bought it. It’s a saying by Eleanor Roosevelt, something about doing something everyday that scares you. I should have bought it. Over the years I’ve collected coffee cups and sometimes they reflect my mood. Watch out world, feel like getting in trouble today... LOL

But then again, I think I do that everyday.



http://marines.bizland.com/morningfire.jpg

You can almost smell the vanilla/cinnamon soaked pine cone burning over in the corner.

Go ahead, scratch-n-sniff your monitor if you feel like it, and get a whip of that aroma.


We were at a friend’s house yesterday and got to talking about burning firewood and I mentioned how I've been on-line looking for a Berger Lampe, for a good price. They are small but expensive, you place the oil in them, light them for about two minutes then blow the light out and they burn for hours releasing the aroma of the scent of the oil for hours. I wonder if they have bacon burning oil scent. If I burn that in the morning, I wonder if it would wake up the neighbors or just the dogs in the area. LOL

Think I’ll go looking at antiques stores today see if I can find one of those lamps, if I find one maybe I’ll rub it for good luck or the cashier if she pretty. LMAO

DSchmitke
12-20-04, 09:56 AM
Well the temp here in Kalamazoo, Michigan was 3 above.

Osotogary
12-20-04, 10:28 AM
Temperature in my part of South Florida is in the 60's now. It was like 45 at 0600.
Got a couple of surprise Christmas cards and such from the folks here on this website. Along with PM's and posts...I really want to express my sincerest thank you's to one and all. I always make sure to pass on your well wishes to my Sons and they always say, "Thank You".
The Dolphins play the Patriots this evening and they are the underdogs. I'm not a Miami fan, having grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I think that they will do okay against New England.... they just won't win.
The fire looks good Sparrowhawk. I will join you in spirit for a cup or two of...hot chocolate, whiskey, beer....it doesn't matter. Have a good day.
Have a good day one and all.
Gary

nc.gal
12-20-04, 10:47 AM
Edward is MY BROTHER, not brother-in-law.


It is a beautiful sunny day today with temps 21----it might not
reach 32----I don't plan on going outside today except to
get the mail. Tuesday is warming up to 50. Today will be
a great day to stay inside and wrap all my gifts while
listening to Christmas music.
Hello to everyone at leatherneck.com

nc.gal

Toby M
12-20-04, 10:56 AM
It gets cold in North Carolina?

nc.gal
12-20-04, 11:03 AM
I think yellowwing is responsible for pushing it
downward our way. :D

benny rutledge
12-20-04, 11:16 AM
Nice Post Sparrowhawk!!!
Sunday morning is also Coffee time for me,I grind my own with an old (41 yrs)Waring coffee mill.One scoop each of Columbian,Cuban and Kona beans to a powdery consistancy,pour through the scalding hot water and marvel at the aroma and flavor!
Then on to the Detroit Free Press/News (they merged sometime ago) Sunday Edition where I glean out the TV Guide and both of the Crossword puzzles.I read one section at a time and try not to Gag or scream obscenities at the violence and ignorance I am surrounded with.
I get a kick out of the domestic Zoo in my home.The goldfish have been brought inside for the Winter and are looking like Carp now.The Cat(s)don't look at them twice but spend the day rolled into compact,purring fur balls.The dogs (A Pug and a MinPin)also sleep a lot and cringe at the idea of puttting their paws into -2 degrees weather for even the briefest pee,They have to be carryed and the gate locked behind them for them to get the message(pee,take a quick dump and you can go back in!)
I like your Fireplace,the photo gave me the warm fuzzies......
the photo needs a Lab curled up in front of it.
I have photo's of my location and my Zoo but can't seem to find the "Browse" or "Download" button to accomplish that task.
Merry Christmas to you and the folks here at "Leatherneck"

Sparrowhawk
12-20-04, 12:01 PM
Originally posted by benny rutledge

...I grind my own with an old (41 yrs)Waring coffee mill.One scoop each of Columbian,Cuban and Kona beans to a powdery consistancy,pour through the scalding hot water and marvel at the aroma and flavor!
Merry Christmas to you and the folks here at "Leatherneck"


Gosh darn if that didn't get me to making another pot of coffee, that's one thing I do enjoy early in the morning. A good tasting cup of coffee, might come visiting just for that... LOL

Don't need a lab, was actually thinking of a collie, saw an ad selling one in the paper just this morning.

A lady gave me two ugly looking dogs a couple of years ago, and boy were they a problem. She asked me about them about a year ago and I told her they were fine, enjoying their freedom.

Didn't say they were now roaming free patroling the Santa Ana River Banks.. LMAo

That' reminds me of that cat we accidently buried under the driveway while pouring cement with neighbors that insisted I buy them beer while we worked. I still swear I hear him meow each time we park a car in that area. LOL


The download button is still broke in the system. Otherwise I would post more pics.. Think Jerry is hesitant to fix it on account of that.

LOL


nc.gal I fixed the note above to reflect that it was your brother, looking forward to you sharing more about him. Hope he gave you some hugs and kisses here and there, if not if I ever meet you I'll give you one for him and maybe a couple for myself. LOL

nc.gal
12-20-04, 01:14 PM
Right now, I'll just settle for a whopping

HERSHEY KISS.....;)

the temps have warmed up to 29 now----
this mornings low was 12

nc.gal
12-20-04, 02:26 PM
Cook, I took a break from gift wrapping to post another memory while it is still fresh in my mind.
Edward was the baby in the family and the next one to him is Bobby--they are about a year and half difference in age. They were as thick as thieves.
This memory is about a year or so after I got my drivers license---
I pulled into the drive-way not knowing that Edward was hidden in a tree. This tree is by the steps up to the porch. As I got out of the car and headed up the sidewalk nearing the steps, Ed jumps out of the tree right down in front of me and scared the bee-jeebers out of me. Well, I guess the whole neighborhood heard me yelling at him. He got a laugh out of that---but isn't that what brothers do to their sisters? torment them :D

LOL------------LOL


PS
am making correction on first post of brother,he graduated boot
camp August 1967, not 1997, bummer---------made an error!!

Toby M
12-20-04, 03:01 PM
Benny Rutledge, how do you get your min-pin to sleep all day? My daughters mutt is a ton of energy packed into one 12 lb. package of fur...Sparrowhawk, please send me that formula for cement and cat. Also, does that work with dogs? On second thought, the neighbors might get suspicious if they saw my driveway constantly moving...LOL

greensideout
12-20-04, 07:05 PM
The fire looks inviting, friends gathered around. The cold is upon Missouri like an invasion of Vikings from the north---guess I'll pull my collar up a bit---lol. <br />
<br />
I've got a grandson tale to tell....

Sgted
12-20-04, 07:25 PM
Originally posted by Toby M
It gets cold in North Carolina?

My first born was delivered at the Naval Hospital, Camp Lejuene, NC in January.
The night I had to rush my (ex) wife to the hospital on base from Swansboro, NC (a 16 mile one way drive) there was a full fledged ice / sleet / snow storm in progress. Now, Swansboro is right on the coast where its mostly warm.
I can remember shuttling Marines from mainside to J'Ville anytime it snowed. I was a northener and used to driving in the slippery stuff.
The road from mainside to the main gate used to be littered with cars in ditches driven by those who couldn't drive on ice & snow.

jfreas
12-20-04, 07:41 PM
I live just a little east of Buffalo, NY. It's so cold here the Flashers are handing out pictures.

Sgted
12-20-04, 09:24 PM
The temp here in Northwest New Jersey, in the foothills of the Poconos at 10:20 pm is 7 degrees. Didn't top 12 today. Wind chill in the minus zero range.
We had a light dusting of snow on Sunday night. Made the roads real slippery.
Looks like no white Christmas this year as the temps are supposed to top 50 by Thursday with rain.

Sparrowhawk
12-21-04, 08:49 AM
Fire is on, so is the coffee. <br />
<br />
Have my laptop with me, posting, reading emails, and the newspaper lady already dropped off the paper. <br />
<br />
<br />
Its going to be another nice day out here, read in...

Toby M
12-21-04, 10:23 AM
You earned it the hard way Sparrow Hawk, flaunt it...

Arlene Horton
12-21-04, 08:41 PM
I agree with Toby. Thank you for your honorable service. Proud to be a fellow Marine. Sempers

femalemarine_89
12-21-04, 10:13 PM
You have totally earned it Sparrow.. Would love to take a seat in the chair by the fire and have one heck of a chat..

Toby M
12-21-04, 10:18 PM
Well that's final...we all meet at Sparrow Hawks' place tomorrow morning for coffee...I'll bring the bacon and egg burritos...

femalemarine_89
12-21-04, 10:18 PM
heck I will bring anything that is left to bring.. :D

Sparrowhawk
12-22-04, 08:28 AM
Up early, winds are blowing hard...

Leaving ina few minutes, going to the LA Zoo with wife to help out our daughter with her 2nd grade field trip there.

With winds like this, I might have to tie them little kids all together. LOL

Went to the dollar store last night and bought them all little reindeer hats. My daughter (the teacher) thought it would be cute, heck, I just want to be able to see them all somewhat alike so I don't loose any.


It's going to be an adventure, taking the camera along, you'll come along if you'll like to, one of you can handle little Billy. LOL


I hope the zoo keepers don't mind when one of them has to go pee that I tells them to just go in the bushes.... LMAO


Humm, I wonder what type of trouble Sparrowhawk and a group of 2nd graders can get into...


We may be asked to leave early... LMAO

Have a great day...



HELP!

thedrifter
12-22-04, 08:44 AM
Goodmorning!

Beautiful day on my end...we are suppost to go in the 50's today...I can't believe this weather...Monday we were in the minus and today fall like weather....

Cook You behave yourself on the trip..;) ..I did the same when my children went on trips....Have Fun........

I will be running around the house and a little more shopping today...Yes, Cook, going to buy more naughty clothes...and No pix's......LMAO;) :D

I still have to finish trimming the tree...and get started on the wrapping.....

Time is short......

Have a great day!


Ellie

femalemarine_89
12-22-04, 09:53 AM
Good moring.. its cold on my end.. I wish it would warm up or at least let me see snow.. Hope yall have a wonderful day..

yellowwing
12-22-04, 10:13 AM
Geez- Do we ever need a Fireside Chat up here in Winnipeg. Currently it is -26°F, but luckily no windchill.

On days like this I keep thinking about the Frozen Chosin Few f-f-f-fighting in this w-w-w-weather. That keeps me going when I have errands to run out and about.

Semper Fi

femalemarine_89
12-22-04, 10:43 AM
man and i thought it was cold here yellow.. grab a nice warm blanket and cover up.. heck for my bday my husband got me new footed flannel jammies.. nice and warm LOL.

mrbsox
12-22-04, 12:26 PM
Throw another log on the Fire !! :yes:

Dateline Louisville KY. USA
12-22-04

3 days till Christmas. Yesterday we were running around in short sleeve shirts, low to mid 50s.
Today it's snow suits and Parkas as we brace for sub zero by Christmas.
Forcast.... at least 6 inches of snow before this blows over.

Stand by Ellie.... it's headed your way :banana:

Terry

HardJedi
12-22-04, 12:28 PM
it's snowing there? dang, I am SOOO jealous! I wanna go SLEDDING!

femalemarine_89
12-22-04, 12:34 PM
man i want some snow too :(.. no fair..

DSchmitke
12-22-04, 12:55 PM
It's snowing there in Michigan. We are going to get 6" to 12" tonite after midnight most will be lake effect stuff.

femalemarine_89
12-22-04, 12:58 PM
send some here DS.. I want to have a white christmas.. I miss those.. the last few christmas' I have spent in texas, florida and how out here in washington

Arlene Horton
12-22-04, 08:55 PM
Well, to continue the weather report...no snow in Milwaukee to speak of but we are freezing our boobs & cojones with -15 degree wind chills. It'll be about 2 above tonight and probably just as cold tomorrow. Not as bad as you have, Yellowwing! You must really like it there to put up with such weather. I'd love to move somewhere warm...not Florida, even though my kids would like it...not after those last 4 hurricanes! In any case, my old boy hates Florida. Says all they have is sticks growing out of white sand (palm trees) and T-shirts. We did go to Disneyworld and Busch Gardens but he was only impressed with Epcot. At least I get to visit occasionally. Hope everyone has a great Christmas. Semper Fi, fellow Marines.
Arlene

femalemarine_89
12-22-04, 09:02 PM
lol.. it has not been that cold here.. but cold enough to sit by a fire and all.

Sparrowhawk
12-23-04, 08:19 AM
The Winds are blowing pretty good this morning, nice weather other then that, should reach into the mid 70's.

Would like some of the snow some of you folks enjoy, but can we get it without the cold tempertures? LOL

Well, we survived yesterday, with the 1st graders at the LA Zoo. Had to line them up and they were marching in formation for awhile but couldn’t get any to sign up for a six year tour of duty.

Heck I figured I can still give their names to the Marine recruiter and at least get some bumper stickers to go along with my new Purple Heart plates.

For the most part the kids behaved, and of course by the end of the day, they were dog-tired.

http://marines.bizland.com/zooa1.jpg


It’s something watching your daughter as a teacher controlling her class.


http://marines.bizland.com/zoo2.jpg

Sometimes Ms. Barela’s firm voice got the attention of those mis-behaving. LOL


The reindeer headbands went over real well even got the parents that went along to wear them, as well as their teacher. Each group had different color headgear so; it was easy to identify what group they were with.
One lost her headband but a kind Samaritan who may have seen them wearing them found it and placed it high on a tree, where our group saw it later on and I was able to get it back to the little girl that lost it.

thedrifter
12-23-04, 09:18 AM
Goodmorning!

Great Pic's Cook....

Did You behave Yourself?

Warm winter day here with rain....Going in the high 50's....
Hey, I'm running around still in shorts and a top...Doesn't feel like winter to me....

Lot's of work to do, really don't have my full heart in the holiday, but I'm determined to make the best of it.....
My children are really helping me to pull it off.....

Have a Great Day!

Ellie

Osotogary
12-23-04, 09:46 AM
Great pictures! Looks like there are a couple of kids in the back that are getting ready to bolt out of there. (Brings to mind The Great Escape) LOL
Did you have them sing any of your Marine Corps Cadences? Now, I would have paid to see and hear that.
Kudos to one and all for a job well done. I'm sure that the kids loved it...except for the ones in the back.

femalemarine_89
12-23-04, 10:15 AM
Great pictures.. hope all had fun.. nice weather there as i saw.. here it looks like it might actually clear up for the day but who knows with this washington weather.. we shall see the longer the day goes on..

nc.gal
12-24-04, 02:12 PM
It is cloudy now, were supposed to have sun shining today, but guess weather people make mistakes too. Have been doing some cooking----I've been busy today. My next door neighbor came over to visit, she brought me a plate of homemade goodies,cookies, fudge, choco.peanut butter balls,well you get the idea. The fudge is delicious, sorry, but I didn't have enough to go around to you guys:D , but I did SAY its delicious, didn't I? My husband went to work today a little earlier to get home earlier tonight. We will be going out of town Christmas to visit all our relatives. I hope that you all have a safe Christmas and please drive carefully.
Cook, how's the Charlie Brown Christmas tree coming along? Do you have an update with pic ?

thedrifter
12-24-04, 05:26 PM
Twas the night before Christmas...

Temps drop last night to give us the feeling that winter is upon us the evening

House is in order finally for how long who knows....

Candles are lite with the smell of apple cinnamon in the air and the christmas music throughout the house. Friends and Neighbors stopping in for some Hoilday Cheer...

I just have the wrapping to do.. I'll start that a little later tonight...Lack of sleep I'm use to...

Wishing Everyone Merry Christmas!

Hope Santa is Good to All....

Ellie

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm41447US' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_2_92v.gif' alt='Christmas Fireplace' border=0></a>

garryh123
12-24-04, 06:31 PM
What's with the antler hats? Are ya tryin to draw off all the hunters while you get all the big bucks? LOL

Arlene Horton
12-24-04, 08:24 PM
Hey Cook...your daughter looks like a perfect person to be a teacher. Looks like the kids like being with her and she looks so happy being with that group of young ones! Those antlers were a great idea to keep track of the kids. Reminds me of the tourist groups at Disneyworld having the leader carrying a colored flag to identify themselves to their customers. I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas. Semper Fi..
Arlene

Sparrowhawk
12-25-04, 07:26 AM
It's a beautiful Christmas morning

The moon is hanging over across the street, burning some cedar wood and pine tree in the Chiminea this morning it smells like Christmas.


Last night as the Christmas tree lot was about to close, I stopped by and asked the owner if I could buy some tree branches to burn in the Chiminea this morning. He said take as many trees as you like, you'll just have to cut them out yourself.

Took two, but somewhere between there and here, one flew off. LMAO

Now, the combination smell is delightful.

It's a bit cold this morning; my daughters are all huddled in the family room sleeping.

It's a tradition they started years ago, that no matter what in life, they would always sleep over on Christmas night, or at least spend Christmas Eve together until they early morning hours.


Now, they are sleeping and I'll wake them up, in a bit.

Won't dress up like Santa Claus this year, did that last year. HoHo Ho



http://marines.bizland.com/christmas25.jpg

The white Christmas Tree in the front lawn, came from Victroria Secret, where my daughter works. A Victoria Secret Angels Tree, ornaments and all.


The next door ladies just about peed in their pants when I gave them some pink spotted, Victoria Secret Ornaments. LMAO


Merry Christmas everyone!

Semper Fi


Cook

Sgt Morales, AM
12-25-04, 09:29 AM
Just stopped by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas...Hey Cook...I got snow for Christmas!!! IN HOUSTON, TX!!!! But you are right...I would have liked the snow without the freezing cold weather! Thank you everyone for being such good friends...there is no better gift than that.

Merry Christmas y'all! I can't wait for the New Year's Party!

SF,
Morales

thedrifter
12-25-04, 09:53 AM
Goodmorning

Cold on my end....High reaching only freezing....

Coffee has been on and cinnamin buns are done...


Been up since 4:00am EST...Had still some wrapping to do...
Was getting a little tired last night so I decided to get a few winks and start early in the morning....

My children are still sleeping at this hour, except for my baby...She is 21...She is getting tired of waiting for the others so she is upstairs...pulling them out of bed.....LMAO....She will get her mission done.....

Turkey is in the oven for dinner,...for later this afternoon.....

Will be going to place some flowers on Roger grave later, and the children will take his gifts...They have to show him....
I do have his candle lit, that I did last night....

Merry Christmas Folks....

Will be back later.....


With all I buy at Victoria Secret I sould have been given one...;)


Ellie

Sparrowhawk
12-25-04, 10:23 AM
that we miss him, and know he is enjoying a Christmas among the angels.

Semper Fi

Cook

Toby M
12-25-04, 11:12 AM
Not too bad from this end of the country. Around early to mid 20's. Had my grandson over and at 10 months old, he is already an expert at ripping open his presents. That smile is enough to light up this whole world of darkness we live in these days. (Maybe it was Grandpa's smile...) What a great day!!! Hope everyone else is having a wonderful day too!!!

nc.gal
12-26-04, 12:06 AM
Had a great day---just got home around 1:00AM ET.
Very tired, gotta go, get some rest.

Sparrowhawk
12-26-04, 10:32 AM
It's Sunday, and I should be putting my Sunday-go-to-Meeting clothes on, but not yet. Cleaning up the front porch.



We had a nice Christmas, for Christmas, I got everything I paid for, lol. We had a nice Turkey dinner and all the trimmings, all my girls’ are home, no visitors just my family, just like I wanted it and everything is fine with the world.

They have all grown into beautiful women. My oldest daughter seems happy to be home, with kids it’s sometimes hard to tell, but they all say, "I Love You, Dad," and that's good. Maybe I should have gotten me a personalized; "Six women, love me," license plate instead, since my wife has the five girls love me plates," LOL


Got my Berger Lampe for Christmas and the air was filled with an Orange Cinnamon smell this morning that blanketed the neighborhood.


Got the tamales steaming up, for breakfast; coffee's on, nice and strong, it will tune you up for the day.



Haven't found a dog so far, might have to drive around and pick up a stray one. Went to the dog pound the other day, and walked up and down the kettles, saying, in a nice and friendly voice; "Who wants to go home with me, and two dogs had their tails wagging sideways like an egg timer.

Might go back Monday, to give them another look, with my luck they also will be females. LMAO

Don't know what causes females to wag their tails when you talks softy to them. Must be a psychological thing... where's HardJedi, and all his book-learning when you need him?


Be back, after church, once I do all my repenting for the day, think I'll move, "Ellie" to the top of the repenting list today.. LOL





Semper Fi


Cook

Osotogary
12-26-04, 11:01 AM
I didn't get the Mercedes I wanted nor did I get to have a pepperoni pizza for Christmas Eve. (You gather that I am not a strict traditionalist...don't you? LOL.) What I did get was that all of the people I care for are doing okay. That, to me, was my biggest gift of all.
The only run-in I had this Christmas was with a person who I perceived by her comments and demeanor to take everything for granted. I don't know why that annoyed me but it did. Maybe she needs to have had a loved one, even herself, to be in harms way.
A harsh lesson to be learned I'm sure but one that might provide a window for enlightenment.
Take nothing, absolutely nothing, for granted and forge on to the new year. Best wishes to all.
Gary

greensideout
12-26-04, 08:35 PM
You know Gary, most everyone carries something with them. Joy, love, hardship or whatever. Some wear a smile and some don't.

A demeanor of taking things for granted is common in the America we live in today. It's been an easy life for most for a very long time.

I would like to think that it will stay that way but I know better.

An easy life comes with a price, if not your own effort and sacrifice then it will be from another. Someone has to pay the way.

Happy new year to you and your sons. Tell them from me, Thank you for my continued freedom.

May God bless and protect them!

Sparrowhawk
12-27-04, 08:58 AM
Originally posted by greensideout
... A demeanor of taking things for granted is common in the America we live in today. It's been an easy life for most for a very long time.

I would like to think that it will stay that way but I know better.



As I read today's headlines how a combination 9.0 Earthquake followed-by a tsunamis killed over 21,000 in southern Asia, in less then 20 minutes, I once again take inventory of how precious life is.


I am reminded of that made for TV movie, I can't remember the name right now...

Hold on, doing a search....


humm...


Can’t find it when you can't remember the name of the made for TV movie, something about The Last day, where the US is all but destroyed in a Nuclear war.

On the ham radio, citizens are trying to find out who survived, and they keep repeating over the radio:

"Hello, hello, this is Lawrence, Kansas is anybody there, anybody there?

Well, this time it’s Southern Asia and we’re calling, “Hello, hello, Southern Asia, is anybody there, anybody there?”

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/images/P1-AC332D_QUAKE12262004201656.gif




It could just as easily been Southern California, or the East Coast.

Hello, Hello, is anybody there?

Osotogary
12-27-04, 09:50 AM
Wasn't there an Island just east of Java that was totally destroyed by an volcanic eruption? My spelling might be wrong but does Krakatoa (?) ring a bell? That whole area has been besieged with underwater turbulence as long as I can remember. What a disaster! I remember when shirts from Madras were very popular (60-70's).

yellowwing
12-27-04, 10:13 AM
It was an 1983 made for TV movie called "The Day After". I remember because one of my Bros' is from Lawrence Kansas.

He was at Parris Island at the time. His Drill Instructor said, "Hey Rawls, your home town just got nuked by the Russians!"

Toby M
12-27-04, 10:26 AM
Greensideout is right, we really don't know how good we have it...We have our share of natural disasters but because of our technilogical advancement, we have managed to reduce the human cost to a minimum. My heart goes out to these people...what a Christmas present.

Sparrowhawk
12-28-04, 09:58 AM
What a beautiful rainy day. I love the rain, it was suppose to be a thunderstorm, but it ended up being just a steady rain.

I guess my labor paid off this morning, when my daughter walked out to go to work she noticed that she didn't have to run through the rainfall at the entrance to our house since I had put up new rain gutters.


Heck, I always enjoyed the downpour on that part of the house. LOL


For some reason, I can't wait for the holidays to be over with, why don't we just skip New Years and start the new year without the fanfare?

I mean it's suppose to rain on the Pasadena Parade anyway, so, let's just cancell everything.


Going to Starbucks this morning, anybody else want a cup?

Osotogary
12-28-04, 10:04 AM
I'd really like a cup of "Joe" from Starbucks. You can put some "Old Bushmills", one cube of sugar and some heavy cream in the coffee for me. Irish Coffee on a rain soaked day is what it is all about. I wonder what would happen if you just went up to the counter and ordered a cup of "Joe". I wonder what the reply would be?
Have a good one.
Gary

thedrifter
12-28-04, 10:16 AM
Goodmorning

Coffee always Cook....;)

Cold day here just above freezing today....Had some snow the other night...
Now it is ice....
I just love when we go skidding around the corner....:eek:

Don't have to wait to long for a warm up...by tomorrow they are saying 50...

Getting ready for my R and R, which starts Thursday...
Lots to do.....

Have a Good Day

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
12-29-04, 09:35 AM
Well Gar y, when I asked for a cup of "Joe" medium size at Starbucks, they had no idea what I was talking about.

Instead they said, they had a web site for people like us. Just click the link below and type into their Starbucks link "Joe Medium" and you'll see the reaction I got. I had to quickly tell them that it was Osotogary's idea, didn't want them to think I'm not hip to their lingo.



http://www.buttafly.com/media/starbucks_oracle.gif (http://www.buttafly.com/starbucks/index.php)

LOL




Well, it's been raining now for over twenty-four hours in Sunny California, but the sky is clearing up. The storm blew out my Christmas lights, now they have a short in them and I can't find it. It's bad enough having to unwind the tangled mess, around the tree. Maybe I'll just cut down the tree instead. LOL


Neighbor’s large tree blew over, it was a beautiful one at that, but over the years he had watered it too much and with the rain and the wind down it came.


I love the rain, especially in the early morning hours, while the world is still asleep.

Every morning my first neighbor to visit me is a small gray dove. He always flies in by swooping down through the porch to see if I'm around.

If I'm not he drops in to feed on the bird feeders I have laid out. If I'm around he flies on by goes back up and lands on my roof, then he'll mosey on down to the last feeder while keeping an eye on me. Soon his mate joins him as do other sparrows. I'm just glad they didn't read NC.Gal's Leatherneck.com comment about ...What is a Sparrowhawk (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18065) and what Sparrowhawks do to little sparrows... LOL

It's going to be a beautiful Day....


Think I'll go run in the rain, before the sun comes up

Osotogary
12-29-04, 10:20 AM
Sparrowhawk,
Speaking of "Joe"...Arlene Horton and I were talking about the "Sands of Iwo Jima" movie. I mentioned that Forrest Tucker (I believe) was the actor playing the Marine who left his fighting hole and eventually stuck around for a cup of "Joe" only to return to his fighting hole too late with dire consequences.
I wonder how his character would have been viewed if, instead of asking for a cup of "Joe", he had asked for a "Arabian Mocha Java Frapuccino"?

thedrifter
12-29-04, 10:50 AM
Goodmorning

It's a warm day here around 50....Hell that is warm compared to what it has been....

Running around chicken without it's head on here.. Trying to pack, went to bank already, have to get some more food in before the children panic...since I leave in the wee hours in the morning to start my R and R with a friend for New Years.....I will be back late the 4 of Jan...

I want to wish everyone A Happy and Safe New Year...

Ellie

DSchmitke
12-29-04, 11:12 AM
Same to you Miss Ellie and enjoy yourself.

Osotogary
12-29-04, 11:58 AM
I will follow the good Sergeant with the same thoughts for you, your family and everyone that you have so graciously and splendidly woken up with your artistic genius.
Thank you for all of your contributions.
Gary

yellowwing
12-29-04, 12:23 PM
Be safe Ellie, and enjoy the R&R! I'm just wondering why so much prep. You going on R&R or Long Range Patrol?

Don't forget extra batteries and ammo! :banana:

Sparrowhawk
12-29-04, 02:38 PM
Originally posted by yellowwing
Be safe Ellie, and enjoy the R&R! Don't forget extra batteries ... :banana:



Humm, do you know something we don't?

Sgt Morales, AM
12-29-04, 02:40 PM
Hey hey hey....Rated G please, not X!

thedrifter
12-29-04, 02:45 PM
Cook don't worry I packed them, my handcuffs and chains;)

Hell I was married to a Marine...I know how You guys tick...LOL


Ellie

nc.gal
12-30-04, 11:31 AM
Today is a beautiful sunny day with temps at 60 . It's time we had some warm weather here. Just had a lovely talk with my daughter, Christine. I miss her terribly now that she is on her own. She is in Georgia now , but will be going back to college next week. She is a beautiful redhead.

Today is 30 December 2004, the anniversary of my Marine brothers death-----------its been 6 years now, just seems like yesterday. Edward was a handsome man, always had women chasing him;) .


We had a military funeral for him---, the VFW put it on, he had a flag draped coffin and my sisters neighbor's son played taps. The day of the funeral was mighty cold, cloudy with the threat of snow and the wind was blowing furiously. At the gravesite service, we had to throw blankets over our laps and legs to stay warm. The pallbearers had to hold the flag down to keep it from blowing away. Later that night, we did have some sleet to fall. I'm glad the good Lord kept the nasty weather away during Ed's funeral.

I want to wish everyone here a Happy New Year .
What's going on with the rest of you today?

Osotogary
12-30-04, 12:08 PM
n.c.gal,
First and foremost. My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the death of your brother, the Marine. Secondly, it is quite refreshing to see that you and yours are remembering this day....alot of folks, even relatives, tend to forget sometimes.

The weather in South Florida is fine and dandy. Some moist wind, dark clouds, sunshine....that's about it. I was just given two bottles of Korbel Champagne that had been earmarked for the year 2000. The champagne has been fermenting in the bottles since then. I can't wait to pop the cork. As a transplanted Northern Californian I believe it is my duty to consume both bottles just to see how they taste.:) Of course I will need all the proper condiments to go along with this at-home"vineyard excursion".. I'll need cheese (I like a good Gouda), artichoke hearts, hearts of Palm (palmitas), smoked salmon, black olives, Italian dry salami from San Francisco, grilled Thai marinated chicken strips, some designer crackers and last but not least some bbq'd potato chips and a six-pack of Coors just in case the champagne has turned into vinegar.
That's about it for now.
Gary

Sparrowhawk
12-30-04, 12:39 PM
Its cold, but the rain has stopped.


Had a nice fire going this morning, snow on the mountains around us, and everything is clean and clear, I love mornings like that.

Was up till about 2:00 am this morning, went into LA to see a play, maybe I'll start a new thread on Entertainment Leatherneck style, or something like that.


Memories of the passing away of those we love are always painful; much more it seems like, during the holidays, because that's when we mostly get together.


Need to go visit my sister in el Paso, soon, then take a trip to Washington, D.C. probably the second week of the New Year, to finish the last of research I need for the book.


It’s a beautiful day, and need to go chop some more firewood, and pick up some garage sale items, I promise to sell for a neighbor.

It always pays off to do something for others. You may all recall how last year Albertson's, Von, Ralph's were on strike?

Well during that time I often would drop by and support their efforts and once I even brought them some Krispy Kream Donuts.

Well, folks don't forget things like that.

The day after Christmas, I walked into Albertson's and saw that their Christmas Fruit Gift baskets still hadn't been marked down.

They called over the produce lady and she recognized me from the day I brought them donuts, and said $5.00.

Now these were expensive fruit gift baskets, some ranging from &15.99 to $27.99. No, she said take anyone you like or as many as you'll like for only $5.00 each.

http://www.proflowers.com/prodimg/GFTfruitcheese_l.jpg


With that I went and bought 17 of them, and gave them away to neighbors, and friends, the fruit that is. Gary, I email you, yours. LOL

I mostly kept the baskets or bowls they came in for my porch or garden, as they alone are worth ten-fifteen bucks. LOl

Want some fruit?


http://marines.bizland.com/fruit.jpg

Osotogary
12-30-04, 12:52 PM
How long does it take for e-mail to arrive?:) I can't wait....and thank you.

Sparrowhawk
12-31-04, 08:59 AM
but it's suppose to rain by late this afternoon and clear by night then another storm is coming in, in the morning. <br />
<br />
Guess it's going to rain on the New Years parade. <br />
<br />
<br />
Still can't find where my...

Namvet67
12-31-04, 11:08 AM
It's time for the reminder....FRIENDS DON'T LET FREINDS DRIVE DRUNK...a cab ride is a lot less expensive than driving drunk and a live or your own my be saved. Happy New Year...I would like to see all my brothers and sisters back on line...safe and sound...to begin the new year. A special warning.....SparrowHawk has a special dislike for those who drink and drive. Beware!!!! This message has been brought to you as a public service from gbudd.

Sparrowhawk
01-01-05, 10:18 AM
I wish you all a Very prosperous New Year.

Poured the coffee for anyone that cares to drop by and sit a spell.

http://marines.bizland.com/CoffeesOn.jpg

It’s a bit chilly this morning, but the rain has stopped. Might be a good day for the Parade after all. Warming up some tamales on the stove, steaming them nice and warm.


Tamales and the morning of New Years, been a tradition with me since I can remember.

Anyone like tamales?

These are a bit special. The chili used in them, I brought from New Mexico, from where my father grew up, near Hatch, New Mexico. Not a large town, but well known for its chili.


http://marines.bizland.com/Tamales.jpg

woodman
01-01-05, 11:43 AM
sign me up for them Tamales.......specialy with them Hatch Chilis...MMM MMM

Arlene Horton
01-01-05, 08:49 PM
Wow, Cook! That really looks like a super treat! The last time I had decent tamales was when I went to a graduation party for a fellow nurse's daughter. She is Italian and her hubby is Mexican and she told me his family taught her how to cook for him. She learned, big time. Since most of our family lives out of town I don't cook as much as I once did, so for good tamales we head for one of the excellent Mexican restaurants in town. Yours sure do look like theirs...Hope you had a great New Year's Eve.

Sparrowhawk
01-02-05, 08:37 AM
It's Sunday Morning and most of the neighborhood is fast asleep. I love mornings like this, the worlds asleep and I'm standing last watch.

http://marines.bizland.com/serious.jpg


My sister-in-law is coming to visit today, wants to talk. I never talk to people, I just listen, and they think I'm a great conversationalist. LOL

She’s the Spic-n-Span model, her house that over looks the Pacific Ocean, is always spotless. Our looks lived in, but always clean. There might be things thrown around, a bit here and there but it’s a home not just a house.

Well, I could tell with the Holidays and all, that my wife was a bit concerned about her sister coming over, so I called Margarita (our cleaning lady) to see if she could come in to work on Sunday, and she agreed to do so. Margarita comes in about every two weeks and does an outstanding job.

If you fellows ever want to give your spouse a nice gift, have someone come in and clean the house for her every once in awhile, unless that’s your job. LOL

A fellow I knew once told me he wore the pants in his family, but I found out later that it was only so that he wouldn’t get his knees dirty when he mopped the floors. LOL

Last time, Margarita came over, since the front door was locked, she came through my office and walked in on me as I stood there in the downstairs bedroom shaving. She said "Ooophs," but didn’t avert her eyes.

Now, Margarita is a very smart lady, speaks Spanish and English quit well, but will only speak to me in Spanish to irritate me. In fact I pay her more then I did my editor who has a PHD. But, Margarita just stood there at the hallway entrance wide eyed until I asked her to get me my bath robe and she came back with only the top part and grinning from ear to ear. Like I said, she’s a witty woman. I like having intelligent, witty women around. Living in a household of six wimen, I have to be on my toes at all times and all of them, including the wife have a lot of book learning behind them

Anyways I told Margarita once she got me a towel, that I was going to deduct the time she stood there (I really don’t know how long she was standing there) from her pay check. That’s Okay she answered, as she was going to ask me for a raise anyways... don’t know what she meant by that... ROTFLMAO

Having a nice New Years Dinner with the family tonight and all is well with the world on this side. A bit cloudy and it might rain. Thinking about our troops in harms way and praying for their safety, while some stand watch as we go about our business of living in the liberty and freedom, they and others before them have secured for us.



Semper Fi

Cook

nc.gal
01-02-05, 12:40 PM
It is Sunday afternoon, went to church this morning---missed going last Sunday. We are having unusually warm weather this past week, high temps today are going to be around 70. Guess I had better enjoy it while it lasts because the weather will turn nasty before the end of February---we will probably have at least two ice storms---we're not lucky enough to just get snow, no , old man winter looks down on us in the south and says"Think I'll wreck their lives a little bit by throwing them a few nasty ice storms. " I see that Cook is still going to get his "puppy". This reminds me of when I was 16 years old and my then boyfriend gave my little brothers, Edward & Bobby a puppy. They named him Shep. Well, later as this rascal grew older, he proved to embarrass the dickens out of me. I'm from a very small town where everybody knows everybody. We lived in walking distance to our schools. Two years after getting Shep, I was a senior in high school. One morning, my sister and I started walking to school and Shep started following us. I turned around and put him in the house . By the time we got to school, not knowing someone had let Shep out of the house, somehow, he got hold of my scent and found me in my first period class and came over and sat down by my feet. I pretended I didn't know whose dog this was . The teacher and a couple of male students tried getting Shep out of the class room and failed. The teacher said, "Ahh, let him stay, he's the quietest one in the room". Well, Shep followed me all day long from class room to class room and sat at my feet all the time. That was so embarrassing for me, as I was kidded about it. I'll never understand why he picked up on my scent rather than my sisters. Guess Shep figured me being a senior would be more fun.:D As I think back on this, it really is funny.

Sparrowhawk
01-02-05, 04:41 PM
NC.Gal

I bet, man have been falling at your feet ever since...



Huummmmm

LOL

Cook

nc.gal
01-02-05, 05:26 PM
:D

B A Hall
01-02-05, 08:34 PM
Hey Marines my son is in 2/8 I haven't heard from him since christmas has anyone heard any news ? He was on stand by for Irauq.Former Marine B.A Hall Cpl.

B A Hall
01-02-05, 08:54 PM
Is anyone getting my reply?

Sparrowhawk
01-02-05, 08:56 PM
Some of us are doing some research to see what we can find out....

B A Hall
01-02-05, 08:59 PM
Thanks I havn't been on this site long.I know you are on here alot Sgt Sparrowhawk.

Sparrowhawk
01-02-05, 09:04 PM
Official 2/8 web site (http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/2dmardiv/28/index.html)

There is an interesting and insightful note there from the weapons CO


Weapons CO (http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/2dmardiv/28/wco.html)

B A Hall
01-02-05, 10:04 PM
Thank You Sgt Sparrowhawk

Osotogary
01-03-05, 05:37 AM
B A Hall,
A while back I tried to get in touch with you since my son is also in 2/8. It was about the time that you mentioned that your son was put on alert. Never heard from you. The website that Sparrowhawk mentioned is a good one. You never mentioned what Company or Platoon he is in. If you wish PM me and I will ask my son the next time I call. I know it's a shot in the dark but ????
Have a good day.
Gary

B A Hall
01-03-05, 05:56 AM
Thanks Gary he is with Fox Company.Not sure what platoon yet I havn't recieved his first letter yet. You also have a good day and Semper Fi

Osotogary
01-03-05, 06:45 AM
B A Hall,
Thank you for the response. If and when you do find out which Platoon your son is in I'll write him myself just to say hello. If you wish please pm me with his proper name. I'll let you know the contents of the letter and when I sent it. In others words...I'll be keeping in touch. Personally, I don't know what's specifically "poppin" with 2/8 and that's okay by me for the obvious security reasons. I've been functioning with some very general clues but that is about it.
Gary

Sparrowhawk
01-03-05, 09:21 AM
Its dark outside, fire is going, rain is falling, coffee is poured and one of my daughters just left for work.

Wife will be leaving to go to work soon, hey, somebody has to work!


Three of my neighbors have already left for work and two others are getting ready to do the same. As for me?

Well, its still Saturday, Everyday is Saturday.

Hold on….


An Hour Later.....

I’m back…


It's pouring down rain right now, daughter just called to let me know she got to work alright.

It’s interesting to reading both B A Hall and Gary's notes above. I couldn't remember whose son was serving with 2/8 but now a connection was forged between two parents because of Leatherneck.Com. There is a service for relatives to go to at the official 2/8 site but its down for updates right now.

Amazing what a few hours, days can mean, sometimes just a few minutes when trying to find out information about a loved one.

The other day one of my daughters got into a slight accident. My daughter was alright, but it seemed like forever, before my wife told me what had happened from the phone call.

That morning I had felt one of those six senses warning, that saved me often in Vietnam and I told my daughter to be extra careful, and that I loved her. She remembered all that as her car was spinning, and she was trying to downshift and finally pulled on the emergency breaks and avoid piling into the pile up of cars involved in an accident in front of her.

She described in minute details what was happened and what she did. Reminded me of combat and the battles I can recall how everything slows down and you take into your those secret chambers of the mind, minute details of the environment all that is happening around you.

Saving Private Ryan sort of captured that type of situation, in one of their battle scenes.


Well it’s going to be a beautiful day, let’s enjoy it.

Semper Fi

Cook

Alan Hall
01-03-05, 09:34 AM
Hey Gary I just talked to his mother all is well she is suppose to have him contact me I will try to get his mailing addresse.Just worries us a little with all that is going on.I have hoped he is not as gung ho as dad was but I know better.Thanks for all yall's help I'll keep in touch Semper Fi.

Toby M
01-03-05, 09:50 AM
That's what I love about this site; all the information you want and need (and don't need) at your fingertips-without the red tape!!! Going thru the government would have taken days, weeks, months and maybe not at all but thanks to Marines who care about Marines, instant information...Ya gotta love it...

Osotogary
01-03-05, 10:07 AM
Call it intuition but I had a feeling that there was more than met the eye. I was in, I believe, a similar situation with information not being passed on. Just call me "jig-saw puzzle" because that what I was doing until I actually got in touch with the Marine son. Good to go! Happy for you.

nc.gal
01-03-05, 11:25 AM
Glad to know that she is okay.

Sparrowhawk
01-04-05, 08:26 AM
Morning Folks

It’s a bit cold and breezy this morning. Sitting by the Chiminea, wrapped in a blanket, already read the two morning papers I get.

Paper, only verifies what I read about yesterday on the Internet. I have my wireless laptop out here, so I can catch up with the world before the morning news wakes up to what’s going on. The Internet has certainly opened the eyes of the world to anyone that’s interested in knowing what’s going on. Often I go on line to read the Financial Times, (http://news.ft.com/home/us) Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/home/us) and New York Times, (http://nytimes.com/) on line, to see the slanted liberal views of the news, then hop over to the Washington Times (http://washingtontimes.com/)
to get a more Conservative view of the news.

And the Drudgereport, (http://drudgereport.com/) For up to date news reports.



Coffee is on, if anybody wants a cup. All of my neighbors have gone to work, and all is quite on this side of the world. I remember working the morning shift in Los Angeles, and about this time I used to find a spot on a hill that overlooked the city and would see the freeways began to fill up, like little cockroaches the people would come out of their little crevices and dark corners, turn on the headlights and flow into lives blood.

Well, let’s see what today brings, I have a day laborer coming by to work today. He’s here legally and is a hard worker. Most day laborers that hang out at Home depot want $10.00 an hour, an eight hour shift and for you to buy them lunch.

I hired the guy that came around looking for work at 7.00 an hour and he only works to get done what I don’t feel like doing. LOL

Sf

Cook

Osotogary
01-04-05, 08:57 AM
Came home last evening to "Glad that you are finally here..Santos needs your help." ????? Oh yeah, Santos is the guy who is re-doing the guest bathroom, who is tearing down the walls, who is going to put in a new shower and tile the walls and floor to specs. Yes, and that is the same Santos who was waiting for me to help him move the cast iron tub out of the house for the bulk pick-up that is this coming friday. Geez, that tub was a heavy summabit*h! Darn near lost a couple of 'em movin' it. I wanted to show this guy Santos, who is over thirty years younger that I am, that I still had some starch in my lapel. Well, I helped him and handled myself admirably....I just don't know how much starch I've got left in my lapel after this he-man episode. LMAO
Question- Why do women always choose the most expensive bathroom fixtures when a top notch, good quality, darn near same design fixture, that works just the same and costs sometimes one hundred dollars less is not even considered?
Aside from a sore back and some lack of sleep, I'm ready for tonights Orange Bowl National Championship Football Game. Hope that Santo's doesn't have anymore surprises up his sleeve.
Have a good day everyone.

Alan Hall
01-04-05, 09:27 AM
Hey Gary I talked to my son lastnight all is well they have just been buisy getting ready he got 3 days leave finally, said he had to get off base a while,couple of the guys went to Wilmington.

Osotogary
01-04-05, 09:35 AM
Based of what I'v heard from the Marines on this website..once you go to Wilmington you will never be the same.:)

Alan Hall
01-04-05, 09:50 AM
They got some good bars,some good women,aint like the ones around Leajune.

Alan Hall
01-04-05, 10:28 AM
Can yall tell me how to put my rank on here I have it on the one at the house but this one is at work already set up.

Sparrowhawk
01-04-05, 10:42 AM
cause you signed up with two different signatures. If you sign on with B A Hall at work, you're rank will show up.

Cook

JAG5150
01-04-05, 11:13 AM
Morning, I need a huge cup of some of the strongest, darkest, thickest coffee that only a Marine could make or stomach. Can you hook me up

Alan Hall
01-04-05, 11:15 AM
Thanks Cook

nc.gal
01-04-05, 02:46 PM
temps are around 75 degrees, this is hot for January. So I left for a couple of hours to enjoy this beautiful warm sunny day. I went to the mall:D and as I was pulling into a parking space, the sign said its reserved for expectant mothers, so , me not being pregnant, had to find another parking space. I shopped a bit, bought some socks for me and a pretty silver necklace with a greenish/yellowish color, very beautiful. Another one of my weaknesses, silver jewerly. Cook knows I have a weakness for M&M's, but I do have another weakness . I just had to get me a cinnamon pretzel twist with a COKE, yummm. Before I left, I bought some peanut butter cups and am gonna freeze them. I read somewere that if a woman and her spouse are in an intimate situation, for her to put a frozen PB cup in her mouth and this will add to the pleasure;) . Honestly, I DID, read this somewhere, can't remember where. I just might give this a try one of these nights if the hubby isn't too tired.
Didn't intend for this post to be R-rated:D

This silver necklace had a pendant with the colors greenish/yellowish, I should have said

Osotogary
01-04-05, 02:53 PM
Make sure youz takes off the wrapper first.

HardJedi
01-04-05, 03:01 PM
ice cubes work just as well ;)

nc.gal
01-04-05, 03:15 PM
:D

Osotogary
01-04-05, 03:28 PM
Your concerns and aspirations are ours as well. LOL.
Now, would these peanut butter cups be regular or bit-sized? This could make all the difference in the world ...you know.

nc.gal
01-04-05, 03:55 PM
BITE SIZE----now who could put a regular one inside your mouth?

NOT ME


OKAY, lets hear all the remarks, Cook?

Sparrowhawk
01-04-05, 04:40 PM
Didn't you read the fine print in that article?


It reads;

"Place frozen Reeses Peanut Butter Cup in mouth while pleasuring him!!!"



LMAO

JAG5150
01-04-05, 04:53 PM
Might get a little messy but what the h@ll what a way to get messy and clean up would probably be just as fun.

greensideout
01-04-05, 08:36 PM
Had a wonderful day in spite of the ice storm that has covered the world outside my window.

The wife put on a pot of chili, turned on the warm fireplace and I had a few beers in the frig. No need to go out into the storm as it is my day off from work. We worked on a puzzle together and shared a few laughs and had time to talk. How good can it get?

Well, it got better!

I received a gift in the mail from a friend. It had great humor and tripped me up with more humor as I read my way into it. It contained a DVD as well. About 90 minutes of military history. I kicked back by the fire and re-learned the value of the commitment of our fighting forces and what they have done to give us the opportunities that freedom brings.

The gift from a friend gave me a warm feeling as I viewed the storm outside my window.

It was a wonderful day!

thedrifter
01-04-05, 09:50 PM
I'M BACK.............. :D



Happy New Year!!!!!!


Ellie

nc.gal
01-05-05, 09:50 AM
to wherever your time zone is. My little chat today is what I do on Wednesday nights. Since this is ladies night on leatherneck.com, I'm not home to pour a drink and share with all, so someone tonight can pour a drink for me and give to Ellie. On Wednesday nights, I am at church----I help teach 3 and 4 year kids. The last three weeks, there has not been any Wed.nite activities because of the holidays. We have one class of 3 year olds and three classes of 4 year olds. I am in class B with 4 year olds. I love this age group, never know what words are going to come out of their mouths. One night, little Megan says to me,"Teacher, you're pretty." I cupped her face in my hands and said to her,"you're pretty too." Now the boys are being boys. Little Cameron one night said to me with a big grin, "I fart all the time." Now, I'm thinking, this is something I don't need to know. I just told him that we don't say that word in church. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing. Another night Cameron got to talking about dog poop, and his grandmother was standing outside the room and heard him and she came in and said, "You're going to get a punishment tonight.", I thought, poor Cameron. We have to take all these kids to another room for story book time. I get them in a single line and call them Gods little Marines---I get them to say"OooRah" They're cute marching down the hallway. During story time, little Sam likes to sit on my lap with his back to my chest. He'll take his arms and reach around my neck and pull my head down and give me a hug. Now, ain't that sweet. In each class, there are 10 to 18 kids. I have 12 in mine. I am there from 6:30 till 8PM. By the time I get home, I am dogged tired and need a hot bath and need a full body massage.

Today is going to be a nice sunny warm day again. Temps reaching around 75. Need to take advantage of warm temps while we can, because old man winter is still here.

Good day to all.

Sparrowhawk
01-05-05, 05:34 PM
Originally posted by nc.gal


Little Cameron one night said to me with a big grin, "I fart all the time." little Sam likes to sit on my lap with his back to my chest. He'll take his arms and reach around my neck and pull my head down and give me a hug....
I am dogged tired and need a hot bath and need a full body massage.

Today is going to be a nice sunny warm day again. Temps reaching around 75. Need to take advantage of warm temps while we can, because old man winter is still here.

Good day to all.

I used to do that to my teacher, untill she got wise to me. lol

Good thing I ain't in your class; We"ll both be repenting!!!

LOL

JAG5150
01-05-05, 06:15 PM
Not only that cook what man does not fart all of the time. I guess that you can blame it on your dog though.

JAG5150
01-05-05, 06:16 PM
You know I'm kind of curious about the effect of the Reeses peanut butter cups. Come on NC give us some details.

nc.gal
01-05-05, 07:21 PM
give you any kind of details , now do you?

:D Only in your dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!

thedrifter
01-05-05, 08:34 PM
I got told it was a piece of hard candy.....

Now ice is another story....LOL

I'm going to have to write this one in my journal.....;) :D

Sparrowhawk
01-05-05, 09:02 PM
http://www.clorders.com/altoids/graphics/images_shoppe/shoppe_base_tins.jpg


It's altoids breath mints, made famous by Monica Lewinsky



http://www.byrum.org/the.web.walker/tasteless/seal.gif

Add to that a follow up with hot and cold water.... ROTFLMAO



I guess I had good teachers.. LOL

femalemarine_89
01-05-05, 10:16 PM
ROFLMAO...





http://www.cazzoo.net/modules/Gallery/data/media/88/017.gif

Sparrowhawk
01-06-05, 07:01 AM
It’s a cool crispy morning, no rain yet, there is suppose to be a downpour later today and into tomorrow all day.

At 4:10 this morning the earth shook (no, Nc.Gal, not that way) we had another of our famous foot massages, but haven't heard anything about it on the news yet.


As our day begins, those in harms way are getting ready for night watch. I can still remember those long nights out on watch, late at night when thoughts turn toward the, "The Real world."

God Bless them, everyone.


Coffee is on, pour yourself a cup. Fire is burning, waiting for newspaper to be dropped off. Getting ready to re-decorate the front of the house for Valentine's Day,

Actually I’m setting up the flowers and plants out front for my wife's birthday which is coming up Friday.

She just told me last night that she's glad to be growing old together. Never though of it that way, I just figured she was the one getting older, and was trying to figure out how I'm going to take care of her when she gets into her 30's LOL.


News report just said, the earthquake that hit at 4:10 this morning measured a 3.6, still unknown where it was centered.

Well, its time to start waking up my daughters for work, it’ll be peace and quite around here with no one around, until about 10:00 when, my secretary is coming to work today, a quite woman, that doesn’t say much. She just knows that everyday she works, is an adventure around here. LOL

You all have a good day...

Cook

yellowwing
01-06-05, 08:58 AM
Its still cold up here. I checked yesterday and there was a 100 degree difference between Winnipeg and New Orleans!

On a happy note, I was getting stressed on work deadlines this morning. Then I looked again and saw that its still only Thursday!

For about two hours I thought it was Friday.

thedrifter
01-06-05, 09:20 AM
Morning


Rainning day on my end, with above temps for these parts...High around 50...All winter we have been having above temps by at least 15 degrees...I can count on my one hand the days that were normal...Well that's what they call normal temps....;)

When I was in NC...they were having above temps too...The whole time I was there it was in the 70's....Now I do enjoy the spring like weather....but I still like the 4 season climate....

My children, have gone to work hours ago,...
I'm at this time relaxing with my 4th cup of coffee....
I need to start, taking down the holiday decorations...Hell I feel I just put them up....It takes weeks to get ready....and days to take down....One job I never look foward to.....

Well I guess I better get started......

Have A Good Day Folks

Ellie

nc.gal
01-06-05, 02:38 PM
Today is kind of boring. Cloudy with rain showers, temps 67.
Went grocery shopping this morning, hate doing this, ----everytime I went down aisles, this same small eldery couple would pass me in the aisles and teased about seeing each other---the old man was kind of flirty, showed no shame in front of his wife flirting, I said"Guess we should exchange phone numbers". Now I call this couple short and they were shorter than me, I am
5 ft. 7.------- I had a fun night at church last night, all the kids behaved good, even little Cameron. I asked them what they got for Christmas and they were excited to tell. It's hard listening to all of them when they are talking all at once.
Hope everybody's day is not as boring as mine.

JAG5150
01-06-05, 02:42 PM
Some snow mixed in with the rain here but I made to work safely which is more than I can say for some others. So needless to say that it is pretty cold up here in the Pacific Northwest but what else can one expect living up here.

B A Hall
01-06-05, 03:36 PM
Nice in Alabama,spose to cool down tomorrow to 50's but 70's again the weekend.Sit here at work hateing my job wondering why I'm here,boss couldn't hack it in the Navy because his instructer screamed at him spent time in brig couple of times and he thinks he is gonna raise his voice to me,I don't think so.Already called about another job hell even thought about goin back on the road,miss it sometimes just kind of hard not havin a warm body next to ya at night.

Osotogary
01-07-05, 12:05 PM
Good afternoon from Sunny South Florida. Weather has been pretty doggone good.
Morning started off real bad. Got to work okay then I looked over on my truck seat and the Chili Beans, with big chunks of sausage, had spilled out of the, now tilted over, pyrex container. It looked like Sparrowhawks dog might have did a number on the seat. Geez, not only did it look nasty but it felt disgusting picking up and cleaning. I should have just picked up a hitchhicker and had him or her sit on it. They probbly would have done a better job of cleaning the seat than I did....just by sitting on it. LOL The day has gotten better as mid-day arrives. Hope that all is well with everyone.
Gary

Sparrowhawk
01-08-05, 08:19 AM
THERE, Took the Caps Lock off, I hated it when people shout like that on a web site. LOL


Still can't get used to the colors, I think it makes everyone angry when they come here, fights start and people get upset. Blame the color scheme.

Well, its raining, neighbors are all tucked in asleep. Four of my daughter's are home, the other one is coming home today so that we can celebrate my wife's birthday.

Last night we had a birthday cake celebration for her. It's our tradition that on your birthday everyone takes turn saying something about what you (who ever is having a birthday) mean to them,

We have a large round table, with a large lazy Suzy in the middle and it makes things enjoyable to have everyone sit around during our evening meals.

With all the girls working sometimes its hard to have dinner together but we try to coordinates most evening meals, even if it’s from In-N-Out Burgers.


I love the rain, the noise it makes. Who ever wrote the movie script for Forest Gump must have experience the rain in Vietnam.

There it came at us from every which way, and you never knew if it was going to be, cold or warm, the time of the day never made a difference, it seems.

The newspaper lady just dropped off the paper, she stopped and talked for awhile; said her two year old daughter while riding in the car with her caught her talking to herself and her daughter asked why she did that. She answered she was just being silly. Next thing she knew her daughter was talking to an imaginary friend;

Folks that’s the way it starts. Blame our parents for the things we do today. LOL

Well there’s a sever storm that is suppose to be coming, I guess its here, but it don’t smell like the rain in Nam.

garryh123
01-08-05, 08:28 AM
It's sunny here for now. Supposed to rain and sleet later. in the 30's now. Oh well, at least it's warm in my apt!

Sparrowhawk
01-10-05, 08:03 AM
http://marines.bizland.com/coffee.jpg

Coffee's poured for those of you that have some time to sit and visit.


It’s still pouring down rain, got the fire going, it’s a nice warm rain, but many of our streets are flooded.

Took my daughter to the train station this morning, rained all the way there and back, she said she had never seen it rain like that.

Sort of reminds me of the story in Genesis, (not that I was there, but some of you may argue against that, lol) it had never rained upon the face of the earth, then the plates under the ocean separated, and the "fountains of the deep," were opened.


Noah had seven days before all hell broke loose, then he spend over a years time in that ark before he was able to get out. Can you imagine the smell and waste of all those animals?

I guess the smell comes in on this chat because last night my daughter told me; there was mold in her room.

Sure enough, lots of it. It started the last time it rained, and I guess it just kept growing and now I know I'll have to tear up half of her bedroom wall.

It really smells bad. I hired a day laborer and he should be here in about an hour, and then we go to tearing down the place, that's the easy part, finding where the leak is another matter.

Sometimes there are leaks in our lives we need to mend. Noah was lucky, the ark he build maintained its structure, but I've often wondered if there was a leak here and there. Probably was and he probably used it to catch rain water. Its always good to turn something bad into something good.

With my daughter, she'll get to paint the room the color she wants.

meanwhile, I think I'll go stand in the morning rain for awhile and enjoy it.


Semper Fi

Cook

thedrifter
01-10-05, 08:49 AM
Goodmorning!

Cool winter day on my end..Temps aren't going much higher than what they are....

Children are at work, and a lot on my plate today...Well it always that way...Household duties...;) :D ...
At this moment the house is in array with boxes since I'm taking down the christmas decorations...Did get to the trr over the weekend, which is a chore in itself...For some reason I always pick out the big ones to fill with all the goodies we have collected over my 27 year span....

Well better get started...
Coffee break should be over by now...

Have a Good One Folks!

Ellie

JAG5150
01-10-05, 01:42 PM
We had some snow yesterday, kids woke us up early. Some of the neighbor kids along with my oldest son decided to take the old man on in a snow-ball fight, I did not start it, I just finished it. The snow is all melted today and the sun is out but it is still quit crisp outside. Drinking my coffee and trying to warm up, Life is good.

Toby M
01-10-05, 02:05 PM
Hey Seattle (Jag5150), thanks for keeping the snow over on your side of the mountain. We barely got a dusting over here in town. It can snow all it wants in the mountains but I hate it in town. If the good Lord wanted me to ski, he would have given me feet bigger than a 9!

nc.gal
01-10-05, 03:11 PM
clean out your mailbox

Sparrowhawk
01-10-05, 04:07 PM
Originally posted by nc.gal
clean out your mailbox

Next thing you know...

You'll also want me to wear skivies.

LMAO

nc.gal
01-10-05, 04:16 PM
this message was meant for you?:D


I didn't put a name, as you can see,

maybe was for someone else?

:p

Sparrowhawk
01-10-05, 04:29 PM
I send meself a PM message and it came back mailbox full. LOL

I always talk to myself that way...


:p

nc.gal
01-10-05, 04:42 PM
what was your message to yourself.

Do you need help?;)

Sparrowhawk
01-11-05, 09:46 AM
The rain is still falling, we've had a few major mud situations in California, Mud slide (http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=402574) where several have died and some are still buried under the mess.

This morning another storm is suppose to hit. No problems in my yard front or back, but I sort of live on a hill.


The rain did do some damaged to the inside wall of my daughters room, letting it dry out before I repair it with new drywall. It was mold alright but only on the drywall, seems I caught most of it.

Found a small leak from the roof where an overhang needs to be plugged up or replaced.

Never got a chance to relax out front this morning, wind was blowing every which way, so no fire, or coffee out front. Even the paper lady stayed in her car, and just threw the paper, she'll never make it in the baseball league.


Wife is home sick, so I'll be running up and down to see if I can make her feel better (or myself) LOL

Hey, everyone will be gone... why not?



We'll be home alone...


What? What?? WHAT???

thedrifter
01-11-05, 10:12 AM
Morning Folks...

On the cool side...Suppost to to start rqining her by afternoon...They even said it can start out as snow.....
The crazy part is by tomorrow it is going in the high 50's and Thur. in the high 60's....I don't remember having such a crazy winter like this one....

Still taking down the decorations, it wasn't a day to start yesterday...I was getting my family to call....I think I spent the day on the net and the phone......:eek:
What a Life.;) :D

Well let see if I can moviated here and get some work done today....

Have A Good Day

Ellie

JAG5150
01-11-05, 10:15 AM
Cold here in the Pacific Northwest, weatherman says chance of snow but I never put much faith in them. Roads were free of ice this morning, that is good.

Just brewed some coffee, I'll have a cup for you Cook.

All in all it has been a good morning, spent an extra 15 minutes in the rack because 0530 is pretty early and still made it to work in plenty of time.

Be safe, take care,
Semper Fi

thedrifter
01-14-05, 09:22 AM
Goodmorning Folks


Starting out to be a bad day....Warm, windy with heavy rain....We are already in a flood watch and we only been rainning for a few hours...They say by afternoon the rain is suppost to stop, but that is when the temps are going to drop....Winter weather is making a come back....;)

Needed to go shopping but not in the mood to get wet...Takes me to long to load the car an unpack with all the bags of food I get...

Had a strange call in the wee hours in the morning, which woke up all the children....Someone trying to say they were in my back yard...Well I don't scare too easy and stated nobody is back there because my security lights are on..,...They hung up after I said that...I just didn't get a chance to say if someone was there they might have a big surprize waiting for them....:D

Well need to get a few things started around here...

All have A Good Day...
and A Great Weekend

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
01-14-05, 09:23 AM
TGIF

Rotflmao on that one, everyday is Friday for me as well as Saturday. LOL


Got a new friend joining us at the fireside this morning. Madison likes it out here, came around banging on the side gate to come on out to join us out front.

Quite lady doesn't say much. Very selective on her barks, some wimen never learn that. LOL

http://marines.bizland.com/Madison.jpg


Coffee's on, newspaper's been delivered and read. Kid's are getting ready to go to work, I'll be home alone most of the day, catching on some inside work. Need to put up some drywall. Anyone of you guys close by to help? LOL

Don't pay much, but I do have a beer box in my office, bring a cat, and want to train Madison. Already she stood firm and waited on some crows that dropped into the neighbor's driveway, and then started moving toward them, I guess she's more of a pointer then I originally believed.


Maybe I'll take the wife out to a Prime Rib dinner tonight if she behaves. LOL

yellowwing
01-14-05, 09:46 AM
Whoa be to the creature that threaten's Ellie AO! Glad you are okay!

"Madison", that's a great name. Hanging drywall was always easier for me, just math and geometry. Like putting a puzzle together.

Now Taping drywall always screwed me up. Can't help you there. But I guarantee after 4-6 hours you'll be ready for that nice dinner!

Osotogary
01-14-05, 09:48 AM
Former moderators have all the time in the world....don't they?:)
How'd you like the DVD? The word came down that it was going to start raining in South Florida. Yep, it has started. Nothing torrential but it has started. I guess I won't have to do the lawn this weekend. (Don't want to ruin the blades).
Madison looks quite comfy...almost like she runs the household.

Sparrowhawk
01-14-05, 10:02 AM
Heck, I remember the first time I called you in the middle of the night with an obscene phone call, and before I was done, I ran out of change and you were kind enough to ask the operator to reverse...

thedrifter
01-14-05, 10:06 AM
Yes Cook

I have the sword, a K-Bar and I believe the most faithful...

A shot gun....and I was taught by a Marine how to use it....;) :D

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
01-17-05, 09:45 AM
How is the weather on your side of the world?

Its breezy and clear on this side, suppose to get into the mid 70's crazy weather.

Allergy season I guess began sneezing yesterday, and it’s those Santa Ana Winds that do it. I'm only allergic to Arizola ash and Chinese Fern according to the tests I've taken, but my immune system reacts to anything that is at all irritating and sends out an order to begin sneezing, is how it works the doctor said.

Well, somebody is not getting the word right so I'm sneezing, ooophs.

Sorry about that, just sneezed on the monitor and can't see you all right now.


Ooophs, there goes the keyboard... humm now I know why that enter button was sticking... LOl


Hate to take an allergy tablet, puts me out, for four hours...

But then again that is a good excuse for a nap... LOl

Taking my daughters Jetta in for repair in a few minutes. She took it to a Firestone dealer near where she works and they said she needed a new clutch, $800.00 plus to repair. Told my mechanic about it, he said; "For you, $400.00, bring it in.

So, that will save her some bucks...

Glad they always call for advice...

Well its some type of holiday, so everyone's home, think I'll take them all out for breakfast... if they get up before noon..

Semper fi

Cook

thedrifter
01-17-05, 09:50 AM
Goodmorning!

Woke up this morning, a cold windy day with a dusting of snow...Didn't have to much work to do, just had to take a broom to clean up....Now I can take this clean up...;)
Well I guess we needed a reminder what season it really is....

Took the children to work, except for the oldest...He drives...
Well at least one wanted to get off their backside and continue life with a adventure...

It's quiet around here I can see, so I believe most folks are off for the Hoilday...Too me just an added day on the weekend...

Well need to get started on some household duties...Since I have a Life...Well that what they tell me....LOL

All Have A Good Day!

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
01-18-05, 08:55 AM
it's a nice peaceful morning. The wind is slowly blowing through the neigborhood.

What was it that Mr. Rogers always said?

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood?"



Going to Starbucks in a bit, meeting with the town folks and discussing what will probably be in the newspapers tomorrow morning. We got some corrupt officials running our school's educational system and I've been getting rid of them one by one.



Stupid School Board Member . Com (http://www.stupidschoolboardmembers.com/)


Superintenedent didn't believe there actually was such a web site, but he found out there was and now he's gone. They tried to sic their attorneys on me but that only resulted in another web site called Stupid Attorneys . Com (http://stupidattorneys.bizland.com/Home.html) LOL


Well, its one of those days, where I need to go do my civic duty, probably be threaten with a lawsuit by the time the night is over. LOL

Been there and done that... Did I ever tell you about the time ... LMAO



Have a good day.

Semper Fi

Cook

thedrifter
01-18-05, 09:17 AM
Goodmorning Folks!

It's down right bone chilling today...
Woke up at 5 to take my children to work...
It was 12, with wind chill temps -3..Not getting much warmer...only going to 22.
It wasn't that bad yet, I didn't zipper my jacket yet..
When I zipper You know it is COLD...LOL

Been on schedule so far today...Yes I need to follow my list, or I'm messed up for the day....LOL

Children gone,
dishes done,
posts in,
excercise routine done..

Now the excercises are getting ready for bikini weather...It just takes longer to take off...:eek:

one of the bathroom cleaned...
another one to go...:(

If I keep talking here I'll get off my schedule...

So All Have a Great Day!

Ellie

Sparrowhawk
01-19-05, 08:19 AM
Its a nice day, a breezy day and there I went and messed it up already;

Started up the Chimnea as often I do, had my cup of coffee at my side, newspapers been delievered. Opened the side gate for Madison who was there waiting for me to open the gate, then all we could see was thick black smoke.

The smell was that of burning plastic. Now, we can't find Madisons plastic food dish, and I'm thinking, okay she didn't throw it in? Did she?


Anyways that smoke got my allegies going, and now I'm sneezing, hate to take an allergy tablet cause that makes me

S

L


E


E


P


Y!





Think I'll go back to bed... talk to you all later...


Yellowwing, finished putting up the drywall almost straight, but thick plaster will cover up the gaps.. LOL




Cook

thedrifter
01-19-05, 09:55 AM
Goodmorning Folks....

Well another Cold day on my end...Not going to get much better, since they are calling for snow...We aren't going get much. They are only talking about an inch...
That will mess the folks up that can't drive in it....and You always find them.....
They should come up with signs for these folks stating" I'm Not Able to Drive in Snow"..At least warn us folks that are trying to get done our business...

I hate to see this weekend since they are calling for a North Eastern...When they hit...Nobody can drive....LOL

All have a good day, and stay warm

Ellie

nc.gal
01-19-05, 10:08 AM
It's a cloudy cool day here, temps now are twenty degrees,
the low this morn was around 13 and the high is only
reaching in the 30's. Nasty weather is predicted for Sat. and
Sun. , maybe a mix of sleet, snow, freezing rain. I was hoping
to take in a movie Saturday, but I won't go out in this mess.

Today is Wednesday, so I'll be at church tonight teaching those
little 4 year old kids. No telling what will come out of their mouths.
This year I have boys and girls-----last year I had a class of only 3
year old boys----------somebody told me, "You're sure brave", but
those boys were smarter and quieter than the all girl class, even the girls teacher noticed it. Guess I have a way with men, LOL.

Last week end I cooked that deer meat-----I used Ellie's method
and soaked it overnight with Italian dressing. Well, I still don't
like deer meat, but as long as my husband likes what I cook,
guess that's all that matters.

Airframesguru and Lock N Load, lets hear from you today----
I never see you post on this thread.

Wishing you all a good day and please stay warm.

Sparrowhawk
01-19-05, 10:35 AM
Originally posted by nc.gal
...
Airframesguru and Lock N Load, lets hear from you today----
I never see you post on this thread.

Wishing you all a good day and please stay warm.

Linda, Airframesguru and Lock N Load are night owls, they party at night, with wine wimen and song, don't expect them to get up for another two hours.. LMAO

nc.gal
01-19-05, 11:05 AM
Cook, you're funny
Always keep me laughing

:D

yellowwing
01-19-05, 11:26 AM
Hey nc.gal, I grew up Methodist. And we're big on church dinners.

So one time I look up from the feast and see a little boy and little girl on opposite sides of the dining hall, wandering towards each other. Each had a little plate of cookies, just looking around and getting closer an closer!

Sure enough, WHACK! Cookies and kids everywhere! :D Really cute. (of course they were okay afterwards)

nc.gal
01-19-05, 11:40 AM
I can just picture that in my mind


:D

Sparrowhawk
01-20-05, 08:39 AM
It's a nice soft day in California. Going to be in the high 70's, maybe I’ll take a ride to Palm Springs for the day.

Taking Madison over to the vet later today as she has Kennel Cough, she hadn't been eating or drinking water. I gave her robitussin cough medicine as
sadibenz suggested, being a canine officer, figured he would know what’s best, and she stopped her coughing. Last night she had some chicken broth and lapped it all up, wagging her tail like crazy so I figure she's coming out of it. Let her sleep in my office, not the first women to do that. LOL

She's a very smart dog will sit until I call her with a special command. She won't walk with me or along side anyone unless I have a leach on her and say Ok, let's go. Then she pounces around with her head held high.

She barely barks and only growls at dogs that are walk by in front of the house by their owners. I think I'll keep her. Why not, what's another female in the household. LOL

Dawn is breaking, have the sprinklers on, daughters are getting ready for work, ooophs hold on.


There had to go wake one up, that's catching the Metro into LA.

Maybe one of these days I'll catch it with her and spend the day at Olvera Street. Of course I know I'll have to take my piece with me, can still carry a Cancelled weapon. It doesn't seem like I retired from the force 12 years ago, but I'm glad I did.


Oh, didn't make that public meeting but my name still ended up in the papers, LOL



Jurupa (http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories/0,1413,203%257E21481%257E2661082,00.html)

I've help get rid of two of the stupid school board members that made that illegal decision, Adams and Teagarden, and have two more to go. LOL The school district decided to set up a committee to name the new high school. I already knew what the outcome would be, so I didn't bother to attend. School board president told me Tuesday morning that the other board members quake in their seats when I rise to address them LOL

I guess all that Marine training, of command presence still pays off. LOl

You all have a nice, soft day, as for me I feel ing a little ornery today... Think I'll go over to Starbucks and see what the town folks have to say.

Semper Fi

Cook

thedrifter
01-20-05, 12:15 PM
Goodafternoon..

It's on the warmer side here this winter day...We are going above freezing...We are lucky today...

Had a little snow yesterday 2 inches...Just enough to cause havoc on people driving...Went for my children which only takes 15 mintes round trip on a bad day....When You get stuck behind someone who is afraid to drive, on a intersection, doing only 10 miles per hour, only cause some other folks to get upset....I was calm...Only my mouth was running.... ;) :D

I had good news over the weekend..My oldest son walks up to me and says mom you are going to be a grandmom...I said to him stop kidding...He looks me in the eye and says mom not kidding...
Well I was over joyed at hearing the news...It will be my first grandchild...I know Roger would be thrilled..He always wanted to become a grandpop...He wanted to spoil the child and then hand them back..and state Your problem now.....I did my time with You....LOL

Well I need to get some work done..I have been watching the inauguration...

Have a Great Day Folks

Ellie

nc.gal
01-20-05, 12:54 PM
congrats on the grandchild.
I'm sure it will be spoiled.
Isn't that what grandparents do best?


What do you want to be called by the grandchild?
Most women today are called "Mimi".

thedrifter
01-20-05, 01:49 PM
Thanks...

Spoiled isn't the word, and my son knows it...;)
He isn't going to get all my attention now...LOL

I want to be called mom-mom...


Ellie

Toby M
01-20-05, 03:11 PM
Ellie, congratulations on the grand-kid. I hope yours brings you a fraction of the enjoyment mine has brought me!
On a different note, it is in the 40's here and I just got back from playing a brisk round of golf...(brisk is the key word here)

thedrifter
01-22-05, 01:04 PM
Goodafternoon on my end...



The word of the day is Snow....
Temps are cold...only 16..
It's been snowing here for a few hours. and will contiue right through to tomorrow morning...They are predicting snowfall amounts of 12 to 16+...
We have a least 3 inches now, and the heavest hasn't even arrived yet...LOL

Yes, I will be in a nice warm house for the next few days...With my four children hoping that we get enough that they don't have to go to work by monday...Now I'm thrilled, with that idea...LOL
I have all things I need in the house...food, candles, family and DVD's...

Well got to go clean some of the white stuff...Don't want it to build to much before removing...

All Have A Good Day,
Stay Warm

Ellie

nc.gal
01-22-05, 05:36 PM
Good evening from my part of the world. I cannot top Ellie's snow, but we did have freezing drizzle this morn. It is now 6:30PM ET, cool temps and cloudy. The weather people said that we dodged the bullet on this snow storm. We didn't get enough moisture for the snow, but that's OK. It has been a boring day today, nothing going on-----didn't go to the movies today, I didn't want to go out in the cold and light drizzle rain. Guess we'll watch a movie on TV tonight and some popcorn sounds good also. Everybody stay warm and those who are in the snow storm, stay inside. Good evening to all.


nc.gal

Arlene Horton
01-22-05, 08:25 PM
Congratulations Ellie! I know you'll enjoy being a grandmother. We have 7 grandchildren & 1 great-grandson. All the "grands" call us "Nana & Papa" except for my darling Kelsey Lynn, my little Florida "Redneck". Since her mommy's parents are gone she feels left out at not having a Grandma & Grandpa just like her cousins so she calls us Grandma & Grandpa. She has been up here to visit twice so she knows us by more than pictures & phone calls so when we do call, my son puts us on speakerphone and the minute she hears our voices she shrieks "Grandma & Grandpa". She is 5 years old now and it seems those kids grow up so fast. Enjoy yours, Ellie. We have our 12+ inches of snow and will probably have more tonight. I want to go to Florida NOW.

nc.gal
01-29-05, 06:26 PM
Hope everyone here have had a good day. In my part of the world we are in the middle of an ice storm. This morning it snowed heavy but we only got an inch of snow. The forcast was calling for one to four inches of snow; and we also had some sleet. Now we are getting a freezing drizzle that will last all night. Ice is expected to accumulate about half an inch or more on road, power lines and trees. I got all my laundry done this morning in case we have power outages, which is to be expected during an ice storm. My husband and I made sure the gas logs are ready in case of emergency. The pilot light is on and we tested them to make sure. All things are working, we have plenty of water, food, flashlights and candles. Think we will be okay. This will be a good night to have a cup of hot chocolate. This ice storm is moving to the northeast and Ellie will probably get some nasty weather on Sunday. I hope everybody here will have a safe week-end.

hoytarcher45
01-29-05, 09:51 PM
Hey everyone. Just sitting in my room in the baracks here at Dam Neck. I graduate from intel school in three weeks, and im kind of not looking forward to it. Ive made great friends with all the Marines here, and have had the funnest time of my life. Im going to miss this place.

I enlisted as a reservist, but as soon as i get to my duty station Ive been told I can volunteer to go overseas (Iraq). I plan on doing that for a number of reasons. The only problem is Im going to have to tell my Dad, who Im sure will be very upset. any suggestions on how I should do this?

-PFC Miller "Lite"