Today's KDd: What is Happening at our Hotel and not sleepping well

It's Wednesday, January 30, at 7 o'clock at night,

And I finally am able to write,

I am home from work and have some time

Hope your all well and are doing fine?

I know, Since Sunday, not a single KDd, has been written,

And here, in the Accessibility Command Center, I am sitten,

Otherwise, known as our office here in our apartment,

And my apologies, nothing I have sent.

I am not able to create anymore at work

And I realized more people do lurk,

And do stop by my blog and read,

And I am off tomorrow, and a day off I really do, need.

I haven't had two consecutive days off in two weeks,

Had family stuff going on, much rain, at work wet carpets and ceiling
leaks,

Not good at all,

As I assist the Hotel, getting ready for the players to play ball,

Both NFL teams are from the East Coast,

And our State, Arizona, will host

The big game and so much more will happen here this weekend,

And what is new with you Friend?

So, who do you want to win, The Boston Patriot's? or The Giant's from New
York?

Will you go to a Super bowl Party? have munchies, drink some wine? Pop the
cork?

Barbecue hot dogs? hamburgers?, or make Chili?,

Wil you order Domino's Pizza? Or steak sandwich's, Philly?

Will you?, or others, bring a 6 pack?

Or other snacks?

Most whom read this blog, don't care much about football,

You may be reading a good book? Cooking? Or taking the kids to the Mall?

Playing on your computer? or a good friend or family member you will call?

I will be home I think,

And nothing, I will drink,

I hope I don't have to work that day,

Because besides us being busy, many will stay,

Not looking forward to the commute, at the end of the day,

In addition, to super bowl, we have the FBR Golf open,

So, the day off, I am hope in.

I don't care about football, does not matter who wins to me,

Another event in Glendale Az, will be a chocolate Festival, parking will be
free,

And they will have showings of Willie Wonk a and the Chocolate Factory not
sure, when, it, one can view?

And there will also be other events in the area to do,

Especially in Glendale and Scottsdale,

According to an e-mail

I did receive

And on Monday, 480 checkouts, everyone will leave,

So, in the desert café, I know, I will not be there,

I will be working away, sitting in my desk chair,

Answering the phones and taking requests,

From other employees and Guests.

The athletes are not staying with us, not sure what Hotel?, where,

And I know, at our Hotel, Hyatt Scottsdale,will be some celebrities, and don't
know who, maybe Cher?

Not sure who but definitely others in the league will be staying,

And uncertain of what room rate, they will be paying

Have seen numerous of Resumes of groups in house at the Hotel,

Most Media, Magazines and Newspapers, many, to you, they try and sell,

And can be seen on the racks in the supermarket, when you are in the
checkout line,

Example ESPN and Newsweek and Time,

ESPN is actually staying with us, while the others will just film and maybe
wil dine?

Yet, so will Pepsi CO

So, that is why, I will not be home to help Darrell do the show,

We are sorry, we did not broadcast the other day

Darrell and I were working away,

Neither one of us has been sleeping great at all,

Sorry, much I have written, and noone we did call,

Have not felt like chatting, have not written KDd's and offline MSN

The last two nights, have gone to bed, around 8; 30, definitely before 10,

However, have woken up around 1

Even on days I have to wake up at 4; 30 and work needs to be done,

I know, that is not good I hope to catch up on sleep, on the weekend like
most of you?

, I think this KDd soon will be through?

Its now, 8; 04,

And don't think I will write anymore,

I am exhausted and Dishes need to be done

So, going to run,

Do take care and hope everyone is alright,

And probably Friday night,

A Dose I will compose,

But, who knows?

Could be sooner or later, Saturday I will definitely write

It all depends on how things go Friday at the office, alright?

If, things go smooth and we work as a team, get cooperation,

Then, I will create a KDd, wile the interactive station,

Is playing in the background,

If, things don't go well, I could be found,

Just listening to the show, maybe from the bedroom or I could be on I.M,
typing away,

As Jeff, the tunes you do play

For now, Take care okay?

Heartwarmers

Hi Everyone,
I have no KDd's for you all right now. I am not in a creative frame of
mind lately and have been quite busy with work. We are almost sold out
and the rain we have had the last couple days has effected us at work,
causing all kinds of problems. ( mostly water damage) However, we are
getting things under control and getting prepared for the Golf Tournament
and the big game. this coming weekend.
Meanwhile, I have passed on this heartwarmers message.
This message will hopefully remind us all to stop and make time for our
families and friends. This society is way too fast pace and so many of us
spend too much time on the computer,on the cell phone or watching T.v. I
remember the days, when we all sat down at dinner together as a
family,played board games and spent a lot of time outdoors, riding bikes,
climbing trees, playing kick the can, catching lightening bugs and much
more.
I agree with the author of this story. we are spending too much time
connecting with others online and doing such things as " blogging" and
driving kids to games or having the kids sit in front of the TV,using it,
as a babysitter. We all should stop and " smell the roses" once in awhile
and appreciate everything we have. We all need to have an attitude of
gratitude. Hope you enjoy reading the below message as much as I did and
check my blog later in the week for one of my ,Karen's Daily Doses. take
care.
WHAT HAPPENED?
by Frank P. Cotter

The other day I saw a father, mother and two sons on the line in
front of me at Dunkin Donuts. It was obvious that they had just come
from a soccer game. The two young boys were dressed in thin shorts
and tee shirts, while their parents were dressed warmly in jeans and
thick jackets. The two boys never stopped shivering the entire five
minutes we were in line together.
What is going on in society when we are making our kids play
sports, in every kind of foul weather, including rain, snow and icy
winds just for the pleasure of watching our them participate in some
kind of sport? It seems that we are living vicariously through our
kids no matter what the cost is to them or us. Whatever happened to
calling off a game because it is too cold or too wet?
When did we start playing sports on Mother's Day? I always
remember being home with my mother and our family on mom's special
day. We would all be huddled around my mother, making sure that she
enjoyed her "well deserved" day of rest.
When did we start having our children play sports on
Thanksgiving? This warm, wonderful day of giving and thanks used to
be a special day to share with family and friends. We would spend
the entire day eating, relaxing and enjoying the ones we loved. We
would never have wasted a precious minute worrying about dragging our
kids away from their warm houses to play a game (in the cold) three
towns away.
It seems that we are now so preoccupied with driving our kids
from one place to another, that we have lost sight of what is really
important.
When did the family start playing second fiddle to sports? I
can still remember spending the entire summer playing with my
friends, and maybe if I was lucky, going to the shore with my parents
for a day.
These days, kids are already playing school sports in July.
Summer (when I was a kid) was always a time for kids to be kids and
for parents to enjoy them as such. School was from September to May
and summer was for kids and families to relax and get to know each
other again.
Parents and kids today are spending every free hour away from
school and work running from one sports practice to another. What
every happened to families spending dinner-time together? I have
seen frozen,tired, kids playing sports, sometimes in the dark, with
sprained wrists, cuts and bruises, while parents cheer them on from
the warmth of a bleacher blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.
Whatever happened to hugging your kids and telling them that
it's alright just to be a kid and that they don't have to prove their
worth on a sports field? Sports are great, but they can't rule our
lives and influence our decisions.
Families need to spend more quality time together at home and
less time competing with the neighbors. If our neighbor's kids play
three sports, our kids need to play four? If our neighbor takes an
expensive vacation why do we have to do them one better? Competition
and stress are slowly draining the magic out of our families.
We need to hold our kids more. We need to turn off the TV and
take out the board games. We need to interact with our kids on a
more personal level. We need to talk to them more and even
occasionally read to them. Let's start spending more time with our
families and less time driving to malls and endless game practices.
When did iPods replace a good book? Let's start to de-electrify
and simplify ours lives. Lets put down the cell phones and start
talking to our families and friends face-to-face.
Less can be better and a lot more fun.

-- Frank UP. Cotter <fcotter at andromeda.rutgers.edu>

Today's KDD: My Niece Jo Anna 13 Today and another Sad Day

Its Sunday January 27 th, at 9; 35,

And I remember this day, in 95,

It was the day, my Niece Jo Anna was born in 95

She is 13 today,

And I am listening to Barry play,

Not Kim, she is feeling under the weather,

And back in 95, this weekend, Darrell and I did get together,

We had our first Date,

And we were not in Colorado or Washington State,

We were in Dc at a Seminar, a few days it did last,

And disappointed Kim, is ill and can't do her " Blast in the Past"

I always look forward to her show on Sunday morning's , from 9 to noon,

From What Barry Said, she will be back soon,

Next week, she will be broadcasting, it will be super bowl Sunday as well

And I know, I will be working, it wil bea a very full hotel

And so will this week with the media, like ESPN there to broadcast the
super bowl,

While, writing, received a call,

From my brother-in-law Bob, he called to tell us, that last night,Kim
passed away,

Don't know what to say,

Really not much I can, now,its just sad, and words here, I can not even
easily express,

And today, just planning on catching up on rest,

Have-not been sleeping well, I did not know her well, still sad you know?,

And think, now, I will go,

Not in the mood anymore to write,

Maybe, later today? or maybe tonight?

You all will hear from me sometime,

Hope your all well and doing fine?

Hope things in your corner of the world are more then okay?

And for now, take good care and have a good day.

KDd: The long and Winding Road: Cherishing Family and Friends

Its 7; 14 on Monday, January Twenty-one

And this day, is almost done,

I know it's been over a week, since aKDD to my blog I did post,

Yet between work and Family visiting from the East Coast,

I have been busy indeed,

And now, you finally have something to read.

Better late then never, as the saying goes

And here now, This KDd for you I compose.

Looking back, on my blog

The Last day I wrote, was January 12 th, remembering Topper Dog

How special he was and about his life, before he did retire,

And told you all about the fire,

In hour Apartment we had, the day before, that Friday night,

Since then, I did not write.

Work is going alright; things are improving some there,

And some of our visit with my family I will share.

My Sister Tara and her Husband Bob live in Boston Mass,

And Tara wanted to take a break from class

She knows how busy we will be at the Hotel from February to May

So, she and Bob came to stay,

Just for a couple days to spend with Darrell and I,

On Thursday the 17 th, they did fly,

On American, not southwest,

It was the First time Tara had been out West,

Bob had been to Vegas in the past,

And long, our visit did not last.

Thursday afternoon they did arrive,

And we went to Dos Gringos, before two hours we did drive,

To Tucson to have Dinner with Jeff, Keri and Family

At the Infamous Bar, it was just Tara, Bob, Darrell and me.

We live just half a block away, from our place we could walk,

And we were the only ones there, so, we were able to hear ourselves talk lol

The server was very nice,

I did not have anything, with refried beans, chilies or rice,

We all had Mexican, not American or Chinese,

I had shrimp tacos with some kind of sauce and cheese

I did not like the sauce, not good, it was,

And guess, this Tempe Bar, really gets the buzz?

On the Net? It's a popular hang out here,

Mostly for the Beer?

And the dancing too?

Not many mixed drinks they will make, but you will get your brew,

You can tap your shoe,

They have a dance floor

From what Tara described, it looks like a place on the beach, on the shore,

They have "cages", where people can dance, a show they can put on,

Can spend time with their friends, until 4 hours before dawn.

This is not our style; we wouldn't like it there at night,

But, perhaps will go again, in the afternoon, get a drink? have a bite?

I understand why the College Kids like it though,

Why, it's a fun place to go,

They can get drinks cheap and tasty food,

Have fun, laugh, lighten their mood,

Get 50 cent Corona's on Thursday nights, and other specials on the weekend,

Take a break from studying and hang out with their friends.

Around 3 o'clock,

We left Tempe, drove down our block,

And down the Highway, took I-10,

Around 5; 30 or so, to Tucson was when,

We got there to Magpie's

And Tara and Bob having GPS in their Rental Car was very wise,

It was very cool, reliable, and great,

We were not at all late, which was a very good thing,

And our new gadget, the ID mate, Darrell did bring.

He wanted to show it to Jeff a little, the two of them did play,

And about two hours we did stay,

A nice time, was had by all,

Now, faces were connected to voices, when us, Jeff would call lol

We had great conversation and good food; this is always the best,

We discussed places to go here out West,

Chatted about the desert, told stories about snakes, and about their cat,

Around a large table 8 of us sat,

Talked a little politics and somehow mentioned the Brady Bunch

As all of us did munch,

Mostly on different kinds of pizza Yet, Jeff, a calzone, he did had,

The type of Pizza I got, some think, it might taste bad?

I tried one with barbecue Chicken and pineapple, it was very good, couldn't
eat it all,

And Darrell got one, with just meatballs

And Jeff of course, had one with his anchovies and not sure what other
toppings he did choose,

And I am sure Jeff; you wanted to know what I was like, as a young Hughes?
lol

Yet, that topic we did not mention,

Everyone was relaxed, comfortable, there was no tension,

Tara and Keri, split, a pizza, it was a Greek,

And it was a very good ending to our week.

Not sure, what the kids ate,

And around 7 or so, we had to go, to the Hotel, where we got a great rate.

We stayed at the Desert Diamond Casino Hotel,

That part of Tucson, I don't know well,

It is close to Jeff and Keri, near the Airport,

And sounds similar to our Resort,

Yet ours doesn't have a cascino, where you can gamble your money away,

Yet ours has a 3 story water slide and Camp Hyatt where the kids can play,

And Championship Golf, much more, they have a lot,

But, we don't have the slots

And Blackjack,

Despite this, it is one place I will go back.

The rooms are very nice, and clean they are,

And I was stuck by a cacti, had many stickers in my hand I am fine, no
scars

We chatted with Jeff and another friend of ours, Jen,

And Tara and Bob went to bed early about 2 hours before 10,

I took a shower as I usually do at night about 10 minutes I usually let it
run,

But, this shower, was a small one,

It did not have a shelf for soap and shampoo,

And one did not have much room to move, was the case for me and likely for
you?

We received a wake up call at 6,

And soon after we were listening to Tucson's soft music mix,

And if You only had a brain segment , which was really funny, we got ready
for the day an hour later we did leave,,

And around 7, some bad news we did receive.

Earlier that morning, Bob and Tara heard from the Family, Bob's Cousin
Phillip passed away,

Though, we were all upset and very sad, we did our best to get through the
day.

We began with Breakfast at Denny's it was good, but we all were more quiet
then we usually are,

And the waitress, said, the Desert Museum was 2 miles away, that it wasn't
far

Not at all,

And a little later, Mom and Dad Tara did call,

To tell them the news,

And for Breakfast, most of us French toast we did choose,

Although Tara did have eggs Sunnyside up,

And we all had juice and coffee in mugs, not Styrofoam cups.

Tara and Bob looked at the map, to look at the rout and plan our day,

Since, there visit now, was even more compressed, not long they could
stay.

They had a flight home in the morning, Home they were needed, under the
circumstances we understood, it was alright, and so, we had to say our
goodbye's that Friday night.

We intended to be at the Desert museum, about hours 4, but only stayed
about an hour, almost two,

Because, we wanted to go, visit, Darrell's Mom and her husband Hugh,

We looked at the fish, snakes and various kinds of Cacti,

And a few things at the gift shop there, Tara did Buy,

We bought a t-shirt for Jo Anna's Thirteenth Birthday, which will be this
Sunday how fast they grow,

And Early Friday morning, it was almost cold enough to snow,

It was 29 degrees in Tucson that day,

And Darrell recorded from his Ds 50, Tara describing everything, on our
show, we will soon play.

Then, after the museum, we came home for a little while Bob wanted to print
their boarding Pass, but no can do that was a waste,

He drove to Office Max, the printer Cartridge for us he did replace

And a lamp for our living room as well, a small but nice one he found

While, Tara we showed her the grounds

And pictures of us she took of Darrell and me,

Then, soon after, Darrell's mom we went to see.

We drove up to Sun City, and passed the University of Phoenix Stadium where
the Super bowl will be

We arrived around 3; 30, had nothing to eat, not even soda or tea,

Yet, she offered us a drink and was going to make us all lunch, but long we
couldn't stay,

We were rushed for time, so an hour visit or so, and again, on our way.

However, we all had a nice chat, WE all were glad the visit we made there,

And stories about Darrell in his younger days, she did share,

Betty, showed her rock collection and the grapefruit tree, told us about
trips out of state

Chatted about Family, Phil and bob and Hugh, discussed Real-estate.

Around 4; 30, headed down the 101, to the Hyatt Scottsdale A dinner
Reservation we had later that night,

They thought it was beautiful, a breath taking sight,

That the landscaping was spectacular and it looked like a vacation there
would be great,

And soon after we arrived, dinner we ate.

I made sure Tara and Bob, had a suite, they stayed on the second floor,

And after they were gone, said, they thought the room was large, clean, bed
comfortable and I think they liked the decor?

I know, they liked the view of the lagoon,

And hope they, and other family comes back soon.

Our Reservation at the SWB Restaurant was for 7; 30, but we ate at 6,
excellent the food did taste

None of it went to waste,

They sat us at a table near the fireplace

Could hearit crackling, nice and warm, the atmosphere was great,

Not long at all, we did wait,

We had fabulous service by a manager Michael and Daniel, a server, whom gave
us the VIP Treatment they went way above,

And in Bob's review of the Restaurant, it, they did love!

We began with drinks, bob had beer and Tara a gin and Tonic Darrell a
mudslide and me White Wine, a Chardonnay

It was a good start, to the ending of our visit, the day.

We then had appetizers, Tara, zucchini, Darrell Tortillas soup; I had fried
bread in cheese Fondue

For Darrell and I, these, were something new,

Bob had crab cakes,

For our entrees 3 of us had Ribs and Tara, the rib eye steak,

Good decision, we all did make.

With the ribs we got fried corn, and the steak, Asparagus the servings were
large indeed,

And though, dessert none of us did need,

Research we did do,

By, then, we definitely were full, when we were through,

the dessert menu we had to see and something we had to try

And later that evening unfortunately, we had to say goodbye.

I don't recall what we had for dessert but remember it was delicious,
excellent,

And we enjoyed the time that was spent,

Together, the 4of us,

We should keeping touch more and family and friends spend more time
together, we all must.

Saturday, Bob and Tara left early for Boston, and Darrell and I took it easy
Sunday, work I had to go,

And sometime that day, I did prepare for our Desert Café Show,

We dedicated part of the show to Phil and Family,

It's a stressful and sad time, not easy,

Our condolences we do send,

And in the hospital this week, is a friend,

She has pneumonia and our friend's Dad has been in the Hospital as well,

And these days, very busy at the Hotel.

We are getting ready for the PGA golf Tournament and of course the Big
game,

The groups and guests are different, but much of the work is the same

Some days, not interesting, tasks mundane

And this coming weekend we will be expecting rain.

Other days and weeks, it's an exciting place to be,

And Darrell and I tookit easy today too, spent it together, he and me.

Also, a close friend, finding work to be a challenging time,

Things right now, are not fine,

We are not doing great another family member in the Hospital too,

Yet, with family and Friends we all somehow make it through.

The Funeral for Phil was today

And later tonight, music we will choose to play,

For we will be very likely replacing Jeff tomorrow night

And hope all our family and friends are doing alright?

Today, with family in Boston, wish we could be there,

And this KDd for you all I do share. ,

Coming Up on the Desert Cafe for Monday, January 21 at 22:00 UTC

Hello Everyone,

 

Don't miss another Desert Cafe coming up at 22:00 UTC (2:00 PM Pacific, 3:00 PM Mountain, 4:00 PM Central or 5:00 PM Eastern time) on Monday, January 21!  For most of you, that's tomorrow afternoon!  Karen's sister and brother-in-law came down for a short visit, and we'll be talking about that as well as possibly playing some audio footage from our trip to the Desert Museum in Tucson.  Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we'll be playing a speech of his during the show.  We'll also be dedicating a portion of the broadcast to Cousin Phil's family after his untimely passing away.  If any of you would like to have your comments, dedications or requests played live during the show, you are cordially invited to dial 206-350-2621 to record a message.

 

All of this and your favorite music will be aired on ACB Radio Interactive.  Simply visit http://interactive.acbradio.org to listen to the show!  See you all there!

 

Best regards,

 

Darrell and Karen Shandrow

Today's KDd: Smokey House,close call and trip to Tempe Market, an outside Mall

Its Saturday January 12 Th at 1; 46,

On is, the XM radio, listening to the 80's mix,

Haven't been home long,

Playing is a song,

By Whitney Houston, "Emotional, Not "moment in time"

Hope your all well? doing fine?

We were out and about, now, in the house, here its cold,

And later in this KDD, a serious, but funny story will be told.

It was a busy week at work, many groups staying with us at our Hotel,

And most days, just about every room rented, we did sell,

Examples, company's of telecommunications or ones here for a medical
conference,

And my weekend is condensed,

Just off one day, today, and tomorrow, I do return,

And the story we will tell, will have you concerned,

Yet, you will hear about it it, soon, in this dose,

And in the kitchen, have a pot-roast, in the crockpot,

And haven't been reading a book, with a good plot,

Not reading much lately , listening to music more,

And we just came back from having Breakfast and going to the Target store.

Yesterday after work, we listened to Jeff, your desert skies show, as we
most often do, every Friday night,

So, that is why, No KDD, I did write,

We have fun hanging out; we relax and unwind, Darrell and Jeff, talk teck,

And last night, the driver, had witnessed a wreck

Just a fender bender, not like the fatal accident on university Drive,

And he had us on the air live,

And we made pizza, shortly after home from work, I did arrive.

Now, we cook every week, alternative techniques we use, this we can do,

And other daily living tasks, too,

Normally, all goes smoothly, no issues do arise

But, last night, we had a surprise.

Darrell had placed Pizza bites in the oven and watched the time,

That part went well, just fine,

However, when, he took the tray out of the oven, a few fell down, into the
oven, off the tray,

And did something next, that was not, okay.

He took our large oven mitts and attempted to find the lost Pizza, while the
oven was still very hot,

A solution, he sought?

So, he thought?

Yet, he accidentally touched the heating element the mitts he did singed,

And one would think, he would have cringed?

That, he would burn his hands?

The mitts are ruined, they were smoldering understand,

We turned on the fan, on the stove above,

And later, came down, our neighbors whom live above,

And, we then, had a great deal of smoke,

And a little later, it made us cough and almost choke,

We opened all windows and both doors

And good thing we were not sleeping or sipping a beer like Heineken or
Cores,

It was not "Miller Time",

And I did not have a glass of wine.

This all happened after we ate, did dine.

Soon, we smelled the smoke, off went the smoke detectors we know, they work
grate, that, we do know,

We were chatting with Jeff on the phone, and outside we did go,

To get some fresh air,

And our story, our problem, on the radio we did share.

He also played a song for us to make a joke, light of the situation,

While, Debbie Hazelton, talked Relationship connections on the mainstream
station. lol

Just before the call, I had sprayed Vanilla air Freshener, Darrell said, it
smelled like we were roasting Marshmallows, like at a campfire,

And it could have been much worse, may have been a bad House Fire.

However, keep one thing in mind, we acted fast,

And we have cooked on the stove and oven, Thousands of times in the past,

And we never had an issue like this before, and it can, and does also
happen to those whom do have full sight,

So, Those of you who read this, try not too worry,alright?

Tara?, Mary Beth?, Tina?, Mom? and Dad?

Under control, the situation we had,

Be glad, we were on top of it,

Yet, its still a little Smokey and we had to toss the oven mitts

In the dumpster, threw them away,

And when, we were out, bought Fabreeze today,

So, we can spray,

And the Smokey odor we can alleviate

As I sit and write this, Darrell is recording a demo of the ID Mate,

A new product we received as a present from my Parents, a wonderful gift,
will have much use, yes indeed,

And something a Blind couple like us, we definitely do need.

Anyway, our fire story I will continue there is more okay?,

As music Jeff, did play,

I was having trouble breathing, choking, and I did hyperventilate, so, I
went outside, later, I was okay,

And Darrell tossed trash away.

However, we did not realize, my voice would be effected, went from sounding
like a woman, to more like a man,

As we had blowing were the fans,

When, he had us return on the air he said its Darrell and Karl, not
Joe or Dave,

Commented maybe, I have a mustache and should shave? Lol

And have you heard of that Comedy show called Cave?

Cave Men to be exact?

Yeah, Jeff, often teases me, gives me flack.

Sometimes, sensitive I do get,

Yet, that is how things are, since 3 years ago, we met,

He is only joking, so, its alright, he is a very dear friend,

And sorry, not many KDD's this week, not much I did send.

Now,its 3;30,

And I have housework, have a kitchen that is dirty,

That needs my attention,

And maybe, last night, we shouldn't have mentioned?

We are fine, really, things are alright,

Like I said, we were not chugging down several Bud Lite's,

And snoring away,

We were wide awake , listening to the great music Jeff, you did play.

We took action and were quite alert,

None of us, Darrell, Dougie , and me were fine,, we did not get hurt,

And though, it still smells, Everything is fine,

Yet, I should now, get off line,

Get off the net,

Before we went out this morning, the A. C we did set

We went out to Breakfast to the Village Inn and Target we went,

So, that is how our Morning was spent,

But, time is slipping away, it does tic,

After housework, maybe, we will watch a flick?

And just relax this evening, so need to go, okay?

You all take good care and Have a wonderful Saturday,

BTW, on this Day in 1987,

My first Dog Guide Topper was born, he is now, in Rainbow Heaven,

I got him in July of 88,

He was very special, sweet, loving and great

He was a Black lab, lived to be 15 and died in 2002

And I miss him and other four legged friends too,

He, Chanel, Reilly I will never forget, many memories I have, I will
always recall,

For now, stay well y'all,

Everyone,

And now this 4 page KDd is done.

Make the Relationship Connection on ACB Radio Mainstream

We are pleased to announce a brand new show coming to ACB Radio Mainstream. "The Relationship Connection" will first air on Saturdays at 02:00 UTC, that's Friday evening at 9pm Eastern, 6pm Pacific and every four hours throughout that broadcast day.  Below is a message from the show's host, Debbie Hazelton telling you more about this brand new show.

 

So much of the time we assume that the word relationship refers to an intimate or romantic kind.  But what about all relationships that impact our ability to make effective choices regarding intimacy and close relationships?

 

In this two hour show, we will discuss numerous aspects of the things that contribute to and deplete from all types of relationships, and how we can make choices that benefit the relationship connection we have from within ourselves to include everyone, near and far.

 

This will be an interactive two hour show, with some guest speakers and the ability to call, email  and participate live.

Today's KDd: Relationship Connections

It's now Monday January 7 th at 8; 46,

I am sitting here sipping flavored coffee and listening to Debbie Hazelton's
Good Energy Mix,

Here on Interactive, ACB R I, a great way to start a Monday, and Darrell
and I will bring you the tunes later today.

Debbie will be bringing a new show to Mainstream, at 2 to 4 UTC,

On Saturday's it will be,

During the same time, Jeff has his show, the Desert Skies, Friday nights
here in the U S A,

We will have to record one of them on Replay,

So, we don't miss anything,

A program about relationships she will bring.

Marlaina had her as a Guest on her show last night, it was great,

Not sure, what will be the date,

Yet, it's a good beginning to 2008.

Debbie spoke of what she would want to accomplish, what she would like to
achieve,

Her thoughts, what she does believe,

To be many of the relationship issues for those of us who are blind,
especially for those whom are young and may feel isolated and alone

Darrell and I called; spoke to Marlaina and Debbie on the phone.

We suggested the name of the program could be the" Relationship connection",
both, thought that was a wonderful name for the show,

And they mentioned how I like to tap my toe,

To dance,

And Debbie will chat about more then just love and Romance,

So, it will be on the air soon, it could make your Friday night, Saturday
morning better,

And they played Dancing Queen by Abba for me and Debbie discussed her
Newsletter,

Think I will subscribe to this,

Her new program, you will not want to miss.

Somehow, Marlaina and Debbie were chatting about Coffee, and Debbie
commented about the show being called the Hazelnut hour,

And Marlaina, said her best ideas are inspired while in the shower

There is some truth to that, I am creative when, I am trying to awake,

The creative juices flow, the formation of the KDd's just take,

Then other times, I have writer's block,

And today, in the café, will not just play just rock,

Hope you will join Darrell and me there?

And another thing, that Marlaina and Debbie did share,

Is a book or an article called," who you are, is where you were when", this
intrigues me, does it you?

And something else they said too,

A change in attitude does not come until there is a significant emotional
experience, this I do believe,

And I hope in 2008, my goals I will achieve?

Thirteen years ago,Today, is the day when Darrell and I met,

And the year, I began to surf on the net,

This was the day I flew to Denver, in more ways then one, it changed my
life,

Who knows, that lunch at Wendy's we would make a connection and years later,
I become his wife?

Well, it's after 9, and I need to go,

Have more housework to do and later, our show

So, will again, write,

For now, take care and hope your day is more then just alright. ,

Last KDD: 1972,Marlaina and when Darrell and I met

Its still Sunday January 6 TH, around 4 O'clock,

We just came back from a walk, went around the block,

We did not go passed the neighbors whom have dogs, I am still afraid, get
scared,

hope my mega dose, you red?, and Like what I shared?

This morning, we listened to Kim's " Blast From the Past",featuring 1972,

And after writing the dose, Housework, we did do.

Back then, I was 7, going on 8, in the third grade

And before the walk, Pizza for lunch,we made.

My life then, was going well,

I finally learned how to swim and ride a bike,it was Purple,with a bell,

A horn and a white basket with flowers and then,the patterning program, I
did end,

And letters I began to write,my Grandma, they I would send.

Guess, with all that Physical therapy, much,in 7 years,I did then improve,

And 3 years later, we did move,

To Canada, but then, lived in Upper Saddle River,one of my favorite
places,

And on the patterning program even then, had crawled and had running
races,

And worked on the education component of the program, , benefited much,
did I,

Back then,I was very shy,

And some said, I was a little squirt

At least then, I did not play in the mud and eat dirt,

Like I had done at age 4,

And housework, I have to do more,

Today,

As well as compile music to play,

For tomorrow's show,

Later tonight,will order Chinese,

And on our walk, the weather was nice, 60degrees ,

With a light breeze.

It will be 13 years tomorrow January 7, 1995, that Darrell and I met,

In Denver ,on the scene,, I did arrive,

I also met Tina, that day, in 95,

So, tomorrow, its kind of a special day,

And a song, to remember that day,on the show we will play.

Its almost 5, need to go, so, I must run,

For now enough writing, for today, I have done,

Remember, those of you who listen to Marlaina,she will be on in an hour
tonight

Her Guest will be Debbie Hazelton,so join us, and this is all now, I do
write.

Don't Miss the First Desert Cafe of the New Year

Hello Everyone,

 

You won't want to miss the first Desert Cafe show of the New Year on ACB Radio Interactive.  We'll be playing three hours of your favorites from the 1950's through today, along with some lite chat and, perhaps, even a little technology news thrown in for good measure.  Karen does not have to work tomorrow, so both of us will be in the house for another exciting show! 

 

We now have a brand new voice mail comment line.  You are all invited to dial 206-350-2621 and leave your comments, dedications or requests before or during the show for prompt playing on the air.

 

The Desert Cafe airs at 22:00 UTC (2:00 PM Pacific, 3:00 PM Mountain, 4:00 PM Central and 5:00 PM Eastern time) tomorrow, Monday, January 7.  Visit http://interactive.acbradio.org to listen to our show and all the other excellent programming found only on ACB Radio Interactive!

 

See you there,

 

Darrell and Karen Shandrow

KDD: Mega Dose, Our Vacation and Happy New Year

Hello Everyone,

Finally, this wicked long mega dose is complete and here for all of you to
read. Its 10 pages. lol Wow! My apologies for not creating it sooner,
for not writing each day, for not having separate daily doses, as Jeff,
you suggested, but, you all know how it goes, when your on vacation, there
is so much to do and so little time. Somehow, it is all integrated into one
huge one. lol However, I think I did my best to give you a recap of our
trip back home. Let me knwo what your thoughts are,if any. For now, Happy
Reading.

Its Sunday December 30, at 10; 08,

This is the date,

Two more days of this year,

Again, as I sit here,

I am having coffee, not wine or beer.

Sorry, I have not written at all on our vacation,

And it's a Sunday morning ritual to listen to the interactive station,

To Kim's show, the Blast from the Past",

And our vacation, went very fast,

Today is our last day,

And I am waiting for a grocery delivery from Safeway.

We had a great time in New England,

And last week, Dan Fogelberg passed away, wrote many songs, some of which
were "Auld Lang Syne", "Leader of the Band",

And "Longer",

And I have one New Year's Resolution, to improve my relationships to make
each stronger,

Some will take more work, you know?

And when in Boston and New Hampshire, there was snow

None fresh and fluffy on the ground,

And this time of year, many gain a pound,

Or two, three, or even, 10 or 8.

Thursday the 20 TH , the day we traveled, we arrived to Boston very late.

On Thursday the 20 th, our flight was scheduled to takeoff at 4; 10,

But in reality, around 6 o'clock was when,

WE were delayed almost 2 hours due to snow,

And on Christmas Eve, we did a special Interactive show,

Yet, I will tell you more about that, later, in this dose,

And my family, they were a great Host,

And Hostess,

And December the 27 TH , we headed back West.

Anyway, Friday the 21 st was our first day,

And we did not go sledding that day,

My Nephew and Niece's , school, they had to go,

And Darrell and I were going to prepare for our show,

However, we slept in late, until about noon, snoozed away

We were up until about 3,

Since, our flight arrived late, and there was a traffic Jam at 1 am, in the
Airport,

And this KDD, will not be short,

a long one indeed,

Will we make it up for, the fact that you had nothing to read?

While a week we were gone,

And tomorrow, I will have to get up before Dawn,

Both of us, work we will return,

And Tara and Bob, their family room, stood, a Christmas tree, Perhaps a
"Douglas Fern"?

Or a Spruce"? I know, it was a Live one

And it will take awhile before this will be done,

Their Tree was real, not an Artificial one,like we have here,

And tomorrow, will the New Year, will you Celebrate? And have a cup of
cheer?

On Friday, the 21 st, after the kids came home from School their tree we all
did decorate,

And our grocery delivery, we still do wait,

Someone did call, said, some drivers did not show and it will be an hour or
two,

Before our groceries we will get,

And all week I was not on the net.

We arranged candy canes and ornaments, some made of wood,

And Tara made chocolate chip cookies that tasted delicious and good.

And in the background, Christmas music played on their stereo,

As we systematically placed handmade ornaments around and in a row,

On each branch,

Had diet soda with the cookies, not vegetables with dip, flavored ranch,

Listeners requested Christmas Carols on the air,

And Highlights of our trip, Here I do share.

We stayed home for Dinner, Tara and Darrell made spaghetti and meatballs,
salad and French Bread,

All of us, it Fed,

Darrell made it from scratch, not from a can, not Paul Newman's or Ragout,

And how are things with you?

Darrell got a chance to use the garlic press,

And he did a great job, we did not make much of a mess. lol

Later that evening, we drove to Harvard to watch a Christmas show,

We did go,

It was cold and the wind did blow.

It was a pretty good Play,

And it was a good ending to our day,

It was called the Christmas Revels , was pretty good it wasn't borin

They danced and sung songs , the language was foreign,

So, most of the skits and songs , we did not understand though, all,
attempted to sing,

And tomorrow night, the new Year, we will ring,

Ring in 2008

We will stay home and celebrate,

Will not go to a New Year's Eve Party or hang out in time Square, in N Y
C

It will just be Darrell and me.

The skits and songs were from Macedonia, it was interesting

And I love to spray air freshener, of pine and Evergreen.

After the play, went home,nowhere else we did go

Listened to the rest of your Show Jeff caught the last Hour,

Did not listen to Steve Bower,

When, he was off the air we called him, me, Jeff, you did tease,

Because, I was having two glasses of white wine, cookies, and crackers
with cheese,

For our while, us, three, did chat,

In Tara and Bob's living room,on a comfy sofa , we did sat,

Then, after, bed we did go, called it a night,

The day was great, definitely, more then alright.

Saturday Morning, the 22 nd,again we slept in, about 10, think we had, egg
sandwhich's,not French toast,

And for lunch, Darrell and Tara made Pizza, not a chicken roast,

He made it from dough, and added cheese and pepperoni, made from scratch

And I baked cookies, a few dozen , more then one batch.,

We just sat around and hung out, nowhere we did go

And late in the afternoon Darrell, Jo Anna, Bobby, and Katie, went and
played in the snow,,

While I sat in the rocking chair, by the fire, listening to Christmas music
on the stereo,

And Christmas gifts upstairs, Tara continued to Wrap,

And fortunately, no one had a mishap.

They all had fun in the snow,

First, another town , they did go,

To go sledding, but it was quite crowded, too many people on the hill

Yet, Darrell and the kids, did not get their fill,

They came back home, and went sledding in their back yard,

And for years now, I haven't sent out Christmas Cards.

They had more fun and said the conditions were better , , had a great
time,

And think for now, will get off line,

Will continue this later, going to watch a movie, the time is slipping
away

Want to make the most of my last vacation day,

So, will go, will definitely, write more soon, okay?

Its now, Thursday, January Third,

And I know, since Sunday, I have-not said a word,

Its now, 8;35,

And around 6 O'clock, from work I did arrive,

Here, I am relaxing, and Jeff, we were just chatting with you, for a
little while

And I don't have to get up at 4;30 to take dial,

The Pony Express Cab,

And I am sitting here , sipping regular Tea, not diet Pepsi or Tab

And tomorrow, much I will not do, nowhere I will go,

But, Jeff, we will listen to your show.

Now, to continue on with this mega dose , that I am hoping to create
for you friend,

Hoping to complete it by the weekend.

, Saturday night,had a very nice dinner, at the Woodland Club, not long the
service did take,

Think, Bob and I had Seafood and Darrell and Tara Steak?

No!, Tara had Seafood I think too?

Who knows?, and cares lol , just know, we had a great time and were stuffed
when we were through . lol

, but my portion was large, so, took the rest to go,

Darrell had steak, potatoes, New England clam chowder? I don't exactly
remember you know?,

Bob had fish and Darrell tried lobster bisque for the first time, ,

I had linguini with lobster, very delicious and Cesar salad, tasty it
was a ton,

Do recall, Tara had Gin and Tonic, more then one,

Goodconversation , we had fun.

Bob and I had Wine and Darrell, had something called mudslides, they are
alcoholic, but to him, they taste great,

We all kind of felt like we were on a double date,

And we did not stay out late.

Later that night, we went to a Christmas party at their friend's house, not
too far away,

There, Christmas music did play,

All the people seemed nice but strangers to us, Darrell and me, so, our
time there , was okay

Tara had a great time, and longer she did stay,,

We met a few people, had a drink and little to eat,

And everyone thought Dougie was cute and very sweet.

For us, it was too crowded, we like small groups, and around strangers I am
shy,

So, after about an hour , Bob, Darrell and I, said goodbye,

And we drove home and left Tara there to hang out with her friends, longer
she wanted to stay,

While at home, the kids, their computer games they did play.

Tara got home about midnight and we all chatted some more, for an hour or
so,

Then to bed we did go,

Even the kids they were up, all of us chatting, 9 year old Katie too, it was
crazy,

And Sunday, the 23 rd, we all were just lazy,

We were planning on going to go to the Science Museum , but did not make
it there,

Later, we did go out, went to Harvard Square.

Instead, we sat, had breakfast and chatted and watched a show on Polar
Bears,on the Discovery channel,

Would have loved to have sat in my Pj's that were velvet and flannel,

We just hung out spent time together,

And later, went out, light rain was the weather.

Later in the afternoon, we went to Harvard Square , took Tara and Bob to
Lunch and did some shopping

I wasn't hungry then, but, did have a peppermint Patty with cool whip for
topping,

That is a hot chocolate with peppermint shnops , it was very good,

And at a store, Tara and Bob bought me a Harvard sweatshirt with a hood,

And Darrell a Harvard t-shirt as well,

And we all browsed other things, like the Arts and Crafts, they did sell.

The rest enjoyed their sandwich's at the Grindle's Den,

Around 5,is when we got back home, that was when.

We were going to order in Chinese, or have something like ribs, but about
7, my friends came over Lynda and Drew

So, plans changed, that we did not do,

They ate before they came, so we all noshed on cheese and Crackers,

And earlier in the evening, Bob watched the Patriots ,not the Packer's,

We also had grapes, wine and Ice tea,not sure whether, they were red or
green.

While they all did chat, their kids, Isabel and Irene,

With Katie Did play,

And about 4 hours, they did stay.

Irene is 2 and Bell 6.

its now, Friday, January 4, listening to XM Radio, a music mix,

You may remember them, my friends from College and Lynda sung at our Wedding
The "Wedding Song and the Rose",

And I know, this KDD will take forever, for

me to compose.

I was exhausted that night,

And I will do my best to write,

Tara and Lynda had a chance to get to know one another,

They both live in Boston, and are stay at home Mother's.

Tara once had loved to be in theatre and Lynda continues this,

Both Lynda and Drew, I did miss.

They are the only ones I keep in touch with anymore,

That was long ago, over 14 years, Bradford College it was about 20 minutes from New
Hampshire, the beach,the shore,

Lynda majored in Creative Arts, Drew Natural Science and me, Psychology,

They both graduated before me,

Not much of each other we do see.

And lost touch for quite awhile, until I found them again, online through
a mutual friend,

And who knows when this dose I will send? lol

Monday Morning, Mary Beth picked up Darrell and I,

So, to Tara and Family we said goodbye.

It was an hour or so to New Hampshire ,to Mary Beth and Todd's, there, he
and the girls were, 10;30, we did arrive,

It was a nice drive.

We just hung out and watched Emma and Marin play,

Only one night we did stay,

Emma is 4 and marin is 2,

Not much we did do,

I finger painted with the girls while Darrell prepared for our show,

Have not done that since about Kindergarten you know? Lol

I painted their names and drew a Christmas Tree,

Was pretty good , considering, I can't see lol

We broadcasted on Interactive, Later, that Christmas Eve,

And who knows when, this, you will receive? lol

For that day, Monday, the 23 rd,it was not called the Desert Café but the
Winter Café in New England,

Where, there is white fluffy snow, not palm trees and sand.

Hawaii, I have never been,

And our show it was from 5 to 8 eastern, not until 10,

Some of our time spent ,Darrell captured Audio,

And if you listened to our New Year's Eve Show,

Then, you heard some of it on the air,

Part of our vacation we were glad we could share.

Christmas Morning, we were there, watching Emma and Marin open gifts from
Santa and we opened a few,

They are so adorable and cute, Marin 4 and Maren, 2.

Marin can't really talk, but Emma is a chatterbox,

And have the TV on now, our cable company is Cox.

Emma was so excited as she opened her gifts, like the water table, Rockets
and a Teeter Totter, and a hard hat,

And while we were there, did not at all see their 4 cats,

They love Dougie , he, they did pet,

And on Christmas Eve, we were live, Broadcasting on the net.

Emma and Marin were jumping on the bed, like it was a trampoline like all
little kids do,

And MB and Todd ordered Pizza, we all ate, during the show, halfway
through,

And after, Mary Beth gave the girls Baths, she calls it Tubby time ,

And later that night had a piece of a Yulelog with herbal tea, not beer or
wine.

After their baths, Mb read them a bedtime story, " Twas the night before
Christmas " and before that they said bye on the air, a little, Emma did
speak,

Visiting with them all were one of the Highlights of our week,

She spoke to Santa on the radio and mentioned, on Saturday, she got big,
that she grode ,

And I guess, I amin creative mode?

Yes, on Thursday the 20 th Marin and Saturday the 22 of December, Emma
grode, grew, both had Birthdays, Christmas just a few days away,

And from what MB said, she liked the music we did play.

After Mary Beth red the girls a book,

Time Darrelland I took,

While MB fell asleep reading, we spent time with Todd, he, we really don't
know

Fast, the day did go.

Later in the evening we chatted for awhile and I massaged her feet,

Then, her and Todd, arranged the gifts under the tree, though, they were
beat.

Todd usually assembles stuff , for him, this all comes with ease,

And MB put together stockings, I am sure, filled with lots of little toys
and chocolate, not cheese,

Not like in mine, I like Laughing cow, Munster but mostly cheddar,

And more then presents, I love the stockings better. lol

As I said in a few verses above,

Christmas morning, we did love,

It was great to be there with the kids, and hear the excite mention their
voice,

It was an excellent choice,

To spend it with them so, we could get to know the girls and Todd more,

The girls are small, growing fast, long, Emma won't be four ,

Midday, Tara picked us up there, Tara, Bob and the kids, from Boston, they
drove down,

Mom and Dad live 2 miles, in the same town.

WE opened gifts there too and hung out, did not discuss much politics,

And we had dinner Reservations at 6.

We went to a place called the Country farm inn ,Pretty formal, had a 4
course meal, that is where we did dine,

We all had a very nice time.

Most of us, had steak, Bob the salmon ,Dad ordered a bottle of wine, Bob had
beer,

And we all discussed, them all visiting us here,

We also got into a chat about writing Novels and taking a cruise,

We did not discuss weather or much news.

The shrimp with garlic wine sauce was very good and I tried Mom's Carrot
soup, and we all had Dessert, it was excellent,

And we chatted about what it would be like if Darrell was president,

What he would do,

The dessert was very sweet and scrumptious, perfect portion, not stuffed,
when we were through,

After we got home, cards, we did play,

It was a good ending to Christmas Day.

We played a hand of UNO, we had a deck in Braille,

We weren't upstairs, surfing the net, or reading ,writing E-mail.

We were playing a game with Bobby, Jo Anna, Katie and Dad,

A fun time we had,

The next day, we lounged around and spent time together,

Warm was the weather,

Mom made breakfast for us all,

And we received a few phone calls.

Early in the afternoon, we went in the hot tub outdoors,

And then, took a steam shower, warms you up and cleans your poresJ lol

Mom and Dad have a hot tub off their deck, and it was outside 40 degrees,

In the tub, about 101, it was not snowing, there was not a cool breeze,

It was very nice, when I got in the tub, it was 96,

And we did not listen to music, not a mix.

We chatted and hung out instead, had, coffee with some alcohol,

And later, Tina did call,

The coffee, had Brandy, not Bailey's Irish cream, my parents did not have
any of that,

And a couple hours in the hot tub we sat.

Tara, Darrell and I,

And a few hours later, we had to say goodbye

To Tara, Bob, the Duffy gang, fun we all had,

Late in the day, it was just Darrell, me, Mom and Dad.

It's now, Sunday, January 6, at 10; 32,

And I really believe this KDD will soon be through? J lol

Listening to Kim's Blast from the past, a week ago, this dose I began,

After you read this novel, you may not be a fan?

Of my KDD's anymore?

And Kim's now playing the Theme from the show Mary Tyler More,

And that was a favorite show of mine,

And hope your week was fine?

The year is now 72; I was 7 going on 8,

For me, life was great,

I will tell you more about my life then, at a later date,

Yet, I am here, to complete this Kdd,

To you, from me.

As I said, the story continues now, on Wednesday, December 26 , in the
Evening, home with Mom and Dad,

We had dinner, a pretty good time we, 4 had,

Mom made a homemade Turkey Dinner with stuffing, two kinds of potatoes and
peas

And for dessert later, we had French vanilla coffee and a piece of pumpkin
pie, not cheesecake or Danish with cheese,

The peas I mixed in my mashed potatoes,

And I think this is one of the longest KDd's I have ever composed?

If I did not blend my vegetables, like peas and spinach in my potatoes,
would not eat them at all,

And later that night, after our dinner conversation, Jeff, us, you did call.

Thursday, the 27 th, the day, we did leave,

And I am amazed, because, this Kdd, you will finally

Receive.

We had a leisurely breakfast with my folks and Packed home, to go,

And as we were packing, it began to snow,

Five inches on the ground, fell,

And our trip home went pretty well,

At least the flight,

I think I will end here, way too much I did write.

This is already 9 pages, quite long indeed,

Hope this, you all did read?

And like what I did create?

Hope your day is great?

I had a very long,stressful and extended work week, today and tomorrow is
my weekend,

And later, again I will write my friend,

One last thing I like to add, Happy New Year,

And now, have to go, Housework to do here,

And post this, to my blog,

After housework, hang out with Darrell and Dougie Dog,

Prepare for Tomorrow's show

And what else, don't know?

Until then, my friend, take care of yourself,

Best wishes in 2008, for happiness and good health,

Make the most of each day, your goals, hope we all will achieve,

And here you go, this dose , you now, do receive.

Nethugs message: New Year's Recipe

Take twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are thoroughly free
from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them
completely
from every clinging spite: pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness;
in short , see that these months are freed from all the past; have them as
fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep
for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so
many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a
time, as follows:

Into each day put twelve parts of faith, eleven of patience, ten of courage,
nine of of work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of
the rest), eight of hope, seven of fidelity, six of liberality, five of
kindness, four of rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the
salad,
don't do it), three of prayer, two of meditation, and one well selected
resolution. If you have no conscientious scruples, put in about a
teaspoonful of
good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a
heaping cupful of good humor.

Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a
fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with
quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain.

Written By: Author Unknown
Submitted By: Ellen F.

May the New Year bring
you much Love and Happiness.

'Peace on Earth'

Nethug Message a New Year's Prayer

Hello Everyone,

This is the first post of 2008. My apologies for not writing much last
month. I was quite busy with work, Christmas shopping and getting ready
for our Trip back home to New England.
Speaking of our vacation, I am in the process of completing a KDD in which
it gives a synopsis of our time spent with my Family over Christmas. I had
intended to either type the KDd's or record them on Darrell's DS 50 each
day. Yet, you know, how it goes when visiting with family especially over
the Holidays. We lost track of time.
I am hoping to post that KDd by the end of the weekend. Right now,its 6
pages and I am on day 6 of 8. :) lol...
Meanwhile, I am passing on some wonderful nethug messages. enjoy. BTW, I
posted 346 KDD's to my blog for 2007, Not bad considering, I began blogging
in mid April of last year and I only posted the best KDd's from 2006. That
is almost a years worth. lol..
Do take care and Happy New Year. Look below.

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist,
your gastro-enterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your
podiatrist, your
psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not
fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol,
your white
blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.

May New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your
beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the
environment
quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than
anything else you might ordinarily do that night.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you
delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind
to your
blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish
dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have
been watching,
and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous
amounts for charity.

May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse,
your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your
nurse,
your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.

And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in
every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every
lover's
kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

Written By: Rabbi Jacob Pressman - Submitted By: Nina E.

Happy New Year!

The Cafe Returns to the Desert for a New Year's Eve Special

Hello Everyone,

 

Get ready for a special New Year's Eve edition of The Desert Cafe starting at 22:00 UTC (2:00 PM Pacific, 3:00 PM Mountain, 4:00 PM Central and 5:00 PM Eastern time) tomorrow, Monday, December 31! We'll play some edited audio footage from our recently concluded trip to New England, where we visited Karen's side of the family, along with music to inspire you for a brand new year. Karen will be working, but she'll call in during the broadcast. Visit http://interactive.acbradio.org to hear the show exclusively on ACB Radio Interactive, where your listening is our business!

 

Happy New Year!

 

Darrell and Karen Shandrow

Mountain Wings: After Christmas

Hello Everyone,
My Apologies for not writing while Darrell and I were on our vacation in
New England. I will do my best to write a KDD tomorrow. It will be a
mega one. :)
For now, do take care and look below. The New Yearis just a few days
away. I am sure most of you will appreciate this.
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#7360 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

After Christmas
================

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

~Author Unknown~

Read this issue before you become too worried about afterwards.
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/7239.htm

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/7360.htm

The Christmas Eve Winter Cafe in New England

Hello Everyone,

 

We hope all of you and your families are enjoying a festive, happy holiday season and wish all of you a merry Christmas. Coming up at 22:00 UTC (2:00 PM Pacific, 3:00 PM Mountain, 4:00 PM Central or 5:00 PM Eastern time) we are bringing all of you a special treat. In addition to your favorite modern and traditional Christmas music, you may hear from our nieces and other relatives here in New England. We may also bring to you some sound seeing from the Christmas Revels, sledding and possibly other fun surprises along the way. Of course, we'll have all your favorite holiday deserts and other yummy treats in the virtual cafe. You definitely won't want to miss this special Christmas Eve show.

 

We hope you and your family will join us and our family in the cafe coming up in approximately 3.5 hours from now right here on ACB Radio Interactive. Simply visit http://interactive.acbradio.org to listen to the show.

 

Merry Christmas,

 

Darrell and Karen Shandrow

The Desert Cafe

 

 

 

Today's KDD: Soon, Leaving on a Jet Plane and Boston there is Rain

Its Thursday December 20, at 9;22,

How are you?

Just thought I would write one last message for you,

Before we go,

Before we land in New England, where there is snow,

Still have some last minute things to do,

And then, we will have to shu.

Suitcases are packed and then lunch we will have before we get on the plane

And from what Bob said last night, in Boston, they had rain.,

Hope your Christmas is Merry and a safe one,

Hope its filled with joy,peace and laughter and fun,

Do take care relax and do play,

And have a great time,if you go ride on a sleigh,

Or if you spend time with family and friends ,hope you enjoy, your time
together,

And stay warm if your in the cold blistering weather

Should go,not more I should write,

Need to run, and we will arrive in Boston late tonight

It is 46 degrees in Phoenix,67 for the high here, 45 for the low

Need to make breakfast, so have to go,

Take good care and stay well, have a great day,

And don't forget, listen to us in the virtual Café,

On Christmas Eve,

And this is the last message you will receive,

From here for a little while until tomorrow night,

And for now, this is all I have time to write.,

Nethugs Message: The Gift

Hello All,

I love this one Especially, from the stack of nethugs message I have posted
here. I wish I could compose a KDd, that is just as creative and poetic.
Oh, well, my work, style is definitely unique. :) lol
Well,its almost 1 a.m and we have our suitcases packed and I even got some
housework done as well. I would have liked to have gathered music for our
special Christmas Eve Show in the Winter In New England Cafe. We will
select some in the morning before our Friend Alice arrives. We will be
going to lunch and then she will be taking us to the Airport.
Hope you all can join us from my sister's Home and spend partof your
Christmas Eve in the virtual Cafe? That would be great. We would love to
see you there.
WE will be spending most of our time in Boston visiting my Sister Tara and
her family. Right now in Boston it is 30 degrees, light snow. Tomorrow
the high will be 38 and the low 23. Friday will be 20 for the low.
Yikes! :) lol
Further north, about 90 minutes in New Hampshire where my Folks live and
other Sister Mary Beth all live it will be colder. Right now, there, in
New Hampshire it is 25 degrees. Tomorrow,or today it will be 32 for the
high and 20 for the low. Friday it will be 33 for the high and 10 degrees
for the low. Oh, man, I am going to freeze. But, I am looking forward to
the visit with my entire Family.
Take care,stay well and look below at this nethugs message titled " The
Gift"

The Gift

Christmas season is among us -
and shoppers are on the fly,
running around like crazy,
looking for gifts to buy.

So many things to look for -
as they glance down on their list,
pretty bows and wrapping paper,
to cover all those gifts.

So many toys to choose from,
for little boys and girls,
computers, games, and pretty dolls,
as their heads begin to whirl.

Got to get a Christmas tree -
to decorate so well,
and ornaments and tinsel,
and lots of shinny bells.

An angel for the tree top -
a crib scene on the floor,
stockings on the window sill,
and a wreath to grace the door.

Lights to put onto the house -
for all the neighbors to see,
and mistletoe to hang above,
so kisses will be free.

Looking for that perfect gift -
it seems so hard to find,
to give to that special someone,
who lingers in your mind.

So out the door and to the store -
and to the Mall again,
got to find that perfect gift,
to give to that dear friend.

Finally tired and all worn out -
and about to fall apart.
But if you look - it's always been,
right there within your heart!

A gift that money just can't buy -
for it comes from God above,
a gift to cherish for a lifetime,
it's called the "Gift" of love!

So if you can't find what you're look for -
it won't be on your list.
You'll have to search from deep within,
to give someone the "Gift!"

Written & Submitted By:
Deacon Steve A. Politte (
DeaconSteve)

Merry Christmas!

Nethugs Message: Merry Christmas my Friend

What shall I wish you for Christmas?
This season of joy and delight
The sound of carol songsters
On a starlit Christmas night?

What can I wish you for Christmas?
What is the thing you desire?
Is it health, wealth, or happiness
Or the warmth of a Christmas fire?
What can I wish you for Christmas?

To give all the joy I am able
A merry time with good, true friends
Around the fare of a Christmas table?
So much I would wish you for Christmas
Yet only my greeting I send
For all that I have to offer
Is the sincere heart of a friend.

Written By: Author Unknown
Submitted By: Brenda E.

Nethugs Message: Recipe for Christmas Joy

1/2 cup of Hugs
4 teaspoons Kisses
3/4 cup of Smiles
4 cups of Love
1 cup of Special Holiday Cheer
1/2 cup of Peace on Earth
3 teaspoons of Christmas Spirits
2 cups of Goodwill Towards Men
1 Sprig of Mistletoe
1 medium size bag of Christmas SnowflakesMix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles, and Love
until consistent.
Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth,
Christmas Spirit and Goodwill Toward Men.
Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart where it
can be stored for a lifetime, for it never goes bad!
Serve as desired under Mistletoe, sprinkle liberally with
Christmas Snowflakes
It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas
carols and family get-togethers.
Serve to one and all!

Written By: Author Unknown
Submitted By: Tracy L.

Wishing You Joy and Happiness for the Holidays!

Nethugs Message: Christmas is Remembering

Christmas is remembering...
The road to Santa Claus,
The blessed time of childhood
That meant so much...because

It held the tinseled magic
Of fairyland array,
When all the world was laughter...
And life was only play.

Christmas is remembering...
A tree ablaze with light,
The family gathered closely
And knowing deep delight.

Exchanging gifts and sharing,
The gaiety and song
That star the festive season...
Each time it comes along.

Christmas is remembering...
Our friends who're far and near,
By giving and receiving...
A season always dear.

The mistletoe and holly,
As scarlet tapers glow,
The Christ Child in a manger...
So very long ago.

Written By: Author Unknown
Submitted By: Rosa E.

Heartwarmers: The Memory Tree

Your morning thought for the day:
Hark the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born king."
Peace on Earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
-- Charles Wesley, Christmas Hymn

This is our last Heartwarmer for the year. Thank you for your
wonderful patronage and loyalty. This is indeed the best online
community in the world! We love having you as a member.
Heartwarmers really does change lives.
We round out the year with a touching Christmas story called The
Memory Tree by Michael T. Smith. Do each of your tree ornaments
spark a memory for you too?
Heartwarmers will be taking two weeks off for the holidays.
We'll miss you! Next Heartwarmer in your mailbox on January 9, 2008,
"the good Lord willing, and the creeks don't rise."
We wish you the best of health and happiness. Please be safe on
the roads. And Happy New Year too!
MEMORY TREE
by Michael T. Smith

I pulled the boxes of ornaments from the closet and prepared
myself for a trip into the past. No photo album can bring back as
many memories as my box of ornaments.
Like a picture, each ornament contains a memory. There's the
box of wooden ones, handmade and painted with care. Within the
assortment is a small man on skis, a mouse on a swing, even Santa in
his sleigh.
I remember when my Georgia and I had bought them. It was our
first Christmas as a married couple. We hung them on the tree and
dreamed how our future children would love them.
I picked up a ceramic Santa. My aunt gave it to me when I was
four. He holds a tiny box in his hands. There's a tear in its
wrapper -- a tear caused by a boy who couldn't contain his curiosity.
A tiny brass bell is next. My brothers and I had fun with this
bell. We took turns hiding it in the tree. The others had to find
it. We played "Find the Bell" until mom yelled at us for shaking the
tree to make the bell ring and reveal its hiding spot. Mom knew how
much the bell meant to me. The year I had my own family, she gave me
the bell. I played the same game with my own children.
I picked up a pretty red ball. When our daughter was two, we'd
put Vanessa down for her nap and decorated while she slept. We
wanted to surprise her. When we finished, I sat back with a glass of
eggnog and waited for her to wake up. I can see her now -- running
from her room, fully charged and ready to take on the world. She was
five feet from the tree before she looked up and stopped. Her eyes
opened wide. Her jaw dropped open, as she emitted a small cry of
delight. She walked forward, raised her hand, and touched a red ball
-- the ball now held in my hand. She turned to me. Her eyes
reflected the colored lights.
"Daddy, what is it?"
"It's Christmas, Sweetie. It's Christ's birthday. We're going
to celebrate it."
Her sparkling eyes, hanging jaw, and soft skin made me hold my
arms out. She ran into them and gave me a hug that could have melted
even Scrooge's hard heart.
I picked up a cracked green ball, a veteran of the first time I
allowed my kids to decorate the tree. They hung all the balls on one
branch. When they turned for another, I quickly moved the one before
it to a better spot. I laughed when they told Grandma they decorated
all by themselves.
Near the bottom of the box, I found a brass plaque. It brought
back a special memory. It has my son's name and birth date on it.
Justin was supposed to be a New Year's Eve baby, but he decided he
wasn't going to miss Christmas. Justin was three weeks old, when we
took him to the Christmas Eve service at our church.
That night, our minister explained to us the real meaning of
Christmas. As she spoke, she wandered down the aisle and stopped
beside us. She reached down and asked, "May I?" I nodded and handed
him to her. She lifted him into her arms. She was quiet as she
walked back to face the congregation. Turning, she held my son high
and said, "This is the real meaning of Christmas. The birth of a new
life!"
She cradled my son as she spoke, but the ringing in my ears
prevented me from hearing her words. Tears glistened on my cheeks,
as she walked around the sanctuary displaying my son to those
gathered for the Christmas service. The room was empty of everyone
but her and my family.
Overtaken with emotion, I reached out and hugged Georgia and
Vanessa to my side, and thought, "This will be a Christmas to
remember."
In 2003, I pulled the ornaments out again. Justin and I were
not going to be home for Christmas that year. We were going to spend
Christmas with friends in Ohio, but I wanted Christmas to be the way
it always was. I wanted Christmas to be the way Justin remembered.
Georgia died two months earlier. Justin and I were alone in New
Jersey. Vanessa was in Ohio. It had to be the way it was before --
the perfect tree.
The ornaments -- the memories -- had new meaning that Christmas.
The memories of her death were raw, but the tree overcame them. A
tear trickled from my eye. Good things may pass, but their memories
hang on.
Last year, I hung a new ornament on our tree. It was one I got
for my new wife, Ginny. It's a penguin. She loves penguins. This
year, I have one she gave me to hang. It's a glazed ball with a
penguin dressed in an Ohio State football colors, my favorite team.
New pages have been added to my album. I hang my personal album
for all to see, sit back and relax. For several weeks, I search my
magical tree, until I find my special spot. I don't know where it
is, but I know it's there -- a spot where light shines perfectly on
one or two balls and reflects off a length of tinsel. It's perfect
in every way.
I lock my eyes on it and enjoy its beauty. I relive my life.
It's there for all to enjoy. I invite you to share it with me. Look
at the ornaments. Flip the pages. Share my life. It's my memory
tree.

-- Michael T. Smith <mtsmith at qwestonline.com

http://www.heartwarmers.com

Mountain Wings: The Waves

I really liked this Mountain Wings message and thoughtit was quite
profound. Also, the other night, when, I was listening to Delilah, she
said something I haven't forgotten either.
When there is vision and no action, its just a Dream. and when, you just
act, and there is no vision, its a nightmare. Think about it. Look below,
hope you all find this message to have as much meaning as it did for me.

#1229 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------

The Waves
==========

Recently we were running short on e-mail capacity as we
reached our subscriber limit. Now we are on an a-mail plan with
more capacity and much excess. Such is life. . .

One moment you have shortage. . .
The next you have excess. . .

One day you have nothing to do. . .
The next you don't have time to get it all done. . .

One day the refrigerator is empty and you are hungry. . .
The next you have a half eaten meal in front of you and you are
stuffed. . .

One month you've got money to spare and you wonder what to buy
The next you've got a bounced check. . .

One moment you are full of energy and can't go to sleep. . .
The next you are drained and can't get up. . .

One day you are the center of attention. . .
The next you wonder if anyone knows you are alive. . .

It's the waves of life.
They carry us up and down and all around.

Money, friends, your body, your relationships, your job, and the
rest of the list, they all vary. They all go in waves.

It took me a while to really understand the statement,
"The Kingdom of Heaven is Within."

No commercial can show you that.

Commercials make you believe it's in the jazzy new car or the
big screen TV. Yes, those things can thrill you for a moment,
but it's only a wave. After a little while, the thrill is gone.

I have always recognized that if money and things brought happiness,
then all rich people with things would be happy.

It isn't so.

We easily see how poverty can cause unhappiness, but we are
deluded into believing that money solves all things.

Life is full of stuff. I wouldn't trade my life with anyone,
it's one of the most blessed that I know, but it's still full of
stuff. One thing after another, one challenge after another,
one situation after another, day by day, never-ending . . .

It's the waves and there is no stopping them from the outside.

You can only calm the inside, so that like a submarine, you ride
deep beneath the waves.

Though a storm is raging, you are at peace.

Most are tossed and turned by waves.
Some like the sub, ride deep beneath the daily storms in peace.
Some simply surf the waves and have a lot of fun.
Some drown.

You can't stop the waves; it's the nature of the ocean of life.

You can only choose which method you will use to handle them.

You can be tossed like most.
You can drown like many.
You can surf and have fun while you can, but even a surfer gets
tired and there's nowhere to sleep on a surfboard.

To ride comfortably beneath the waves requires a ship containing
breath that is not our own.

That ship. . .

. . . is not crowded.

Peace - Be Still

~A MountainWings Original~

Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/1229.htm

Today's KDD: Hyatt's Holiday Party and preparing for our trip to New England

Today is Tuesday December 18, at 6; 41,

And on this day, my vacation begun,

It finally began,

And this morning and this afternoon, errands, I ran.

I have needed a vacation for quite some time,

And hope you are all fine?

And that your Christmas shopping is complete?

And the day after tomorrow, we are traveling to Boston, to snow, not too
ice and sleet.

Our 4.36 hour flight going there is direct, a straight shot,

And we chatted with my folks tonight, in New Hampshire, they have 2 feet of
snow, that sure is a lot,

And more of the "white Stuff ", they will be receiving,

And 4 o'clock in the afternoon we will be leaving,

Arriving in Boston at 11 o'clock at night,

And sorry, lately, again, much I did not write.

I have had to work the last few days though it has been slow at the Hotel,

And went to Hyatt's Christmas Party with my Friend Alice and Darrell last
night, as well.

Alice is an employee there,

That is where we met, a good evening, the 3 of us, did share,

Did spend,

And how are things for you, Friend?

The Buffet was delicious and great

But, we did not stay their too late,

We did stay for the awards presentation and heard what the future is for our
Hyatt,

And the party definitely wasn't quiet,

Some staff very enthusiastically gave their fellow co-workers much
applause

And this afternoon, took Dougie to get groomed, including trimmed his nails
on his paws.

For their hard work and dedication, some staff, they did get much praise,

I certainly, don't receive much support these days,

Yet, some do for a job well done,

And so, I really did not have much fun.

However, as stated, the buffet was excellent; they had a huge spread,

Not sure, how many, it all fed?

But, they certainly had enough an assortment of everything,

And Christmas songs and other music, they had, some did sing,

And dance, cut a rug,

Wished each other Happy Holiday's and gave each other a hug.

They had prime rib, lamb, potatoes and pasta all in variations,

And they had a seafood and sushi stations,

They had mashed potatoes, garlic bread shrimp cocktail and spring rolls

And garden salads, on separate plates, not bowls,

They had dozens of desserts, 3 tables in length , chocolate, one's with
fruit and some with cream,

And most sat together, in their" clicks", those, who work on their team,

Or have not seen in a long time,

And they also served beer and wine

I only had one glass,

And we are really looking forward to going to New England, both New
Hampshire and mass,

I also had a cup of coffee last night, de calf,

And hope on our trip, their be lots of good times and much we will laugh.

WE will do our best to send you a KDd,

Or something from Darrell and me,

Each day,

It will be in text or in some form, in some way,

It may be an audio file,

Or in my unique Karen style,

In a KDD, sent to my blog,

I will tell you about the trip to the Science museum or about Dougie Dog,

Playing with my Sister Tara's Dog, Oliver, they call him Olli,

He too, is a Golden Retriever, not a Shepard or a collie.

Those too, playin the snow,

Or will write about the Christmas party we will go,

Saturday night,

But, the first post will be about our flight,

Or visiting with Mary Beth and Todd and their kids on Christmas Eve,

Each day, hoping, something you will receive.

An Hour now, has passed,

The time is going fast,

We still need to pack, much to do,

So, soon, this KDD will be through? lol

Yet, I think tonight, I will relax, tomorrow get an early start,

And then Thursday afternoon, Phoenix, we do depart.

It will be so very nice, not have to think about work at all,

Or have to answer any calls,

Though, I am sure, the phone will ring, don't have to take a single one,

Just distress, take it easy have fun

That is such a good feeling, you don't know. maybe you do?

Hope you all have a Delightful and safe Holiday too,

So long and good night to you all,

And to all,

A good night,

Check the blog like on Friday, hopefully by then, something I did write?
lol

For now, do take care, and God Bless,

And now, I am going to chill and get some rest.

Today's KDd: Christmas Shoes and Uncle Sal's

It's now Monday, the 10 Th of December at 8; 39,

Here, I am again having a big mug of coffee, not another glass of white
wine,

Attempting a KDD to write

And Darrell and I saw a cute Movie on Lifetime last night,

Called "Christmas Shoes" and another one after, both, happy endings they
had,

Though, the first one was a bit sad

And made me cry,

And later, we will broadcast on ACB R I.

We accomplished a little more this weekend,

And how are you friend?

I am trying to get into the Holiday spirit and be Merry,

And recently we chatted with our friends Jeff and Kerry.

Tonight after we do our show,

Uncle Sal's Restaurant for dinner we will go,

With our Friend Marian, herein Scottsdale,

And it's raining, drizzling, there is no hale,

No ice or snow,

in the background, listening to Christmas music on our XM radio,

And I really should go,

I do have to create the play list, compile some music for this afternoon,
for Darrell to play

While, behind me at his day job,he sits working away,

And we hope you all have a great day,

And do hang in there,

And later, tomorrow more I will share.

Last KDD for Today: Walking on a Thin line and old habits die hard

It's Sunday, December 9, here I do again write,

And really do wish, our hearts could be light,

And all our troubles wereout of sight,,

We will soon be visiting Family, whom is dear to us,

Its, our Fate,

Thursday, December 20, is the date,

But, nothing more I am really able to discuss at this stage,

Worried about many, Darrell's Mom, sick with a cold at her age,

And for Family and friends in situations that I can't do anything about,
its out of my control, God can only help, those who help themselves,

And unlike very recent years, I am not a busy little elf,

I am not browsing the net, shopping away, placing items in my cart,

And yesterday, was the first day, we did start,

Our Christmas shopping, for the children, not most,

And in 11 days will be flying to the East coast,

We aren't at all ready to go,

And I too wish there would be snow,

Darrell though, wishes for feet of the white stuff, so he can play

And I send thoughts and prayers to those close to me, your way,

Those whom are struggling, issues where you think there is no resolution,
too much stress and tension,

There are answers, solutions right now, here, they I will not mention,

Sometimes, during a crises, the bad times, changes we need to make,

Steps we need to take,

And its during these times, we grow,

Learn the most you know?

I am not a church goer not religious, yet, when I need, I do pray,

In my own way,

I have been doing much more of that because; I don't know what to do,

Don't know how to assist them through,

Or if I should at all,

Should I write? even call

I don't want to be intrusive but, do want to provide my support,

Life is way too precious, too short,

Feel like a trapeze artist on a tight rope,

Want to help those I care about, assist them to cope,

With whatever there troubles,

Don't want to make it worse, make it double,

There is a fine line between showing support and caring

And giving advice and solutions sharing,

And I also know, bad habits are really hard to break, we are all so set in
our ways,

I wish, I could say, this was all a phase,

But, its not, and no one can change unless, they want to change within
themselves,

Whether it be an issue with their health,

Something that affects their family and friends,

A personality trait? Something hurtful someone said? if one did not make
amends?

If someone did not apologize?

Blow an issue out of proportion? Way out of size?

Have lost their temper? Went over the top?

Again, bad habits are hard to stop

Yet, it's not a hopeless case,

It's not a waste,

One can change a bad habit for an new one, in 28 days, that is not very
long wouldn't you agree?

Yet, at times, it's been difficult for me.

I feel so helpless; I can't do a bloody thing for any of them, not a single
one,

By me, it can not be done,

Until, unless, they want my help guess, for now, will keep a low profile,

None of this makes me smile,

I am quite worried indeed,

And later, more of the novel, "The Darkest Evening of the Year" I will
read,

Again, I really must go,

Do more housework and plan for our show,

Yes, Tomorrow afternoon,we will be in the café,

All Christmas music we wil play,

For now, you all take good care of you and your Family and Friends, have a
good day.

Today's KDD: An Update on us and finding outlets to cope with stress

It's Sunday, December nine,

Hope your all well? doing fine?

I know it was 2 weeks ago today, that a KDD was last written,

And here in my PJ's and slipper's I am sitten,

Drinking a mug of Coffee and not listening to Kim but Barry,

And we hope your Holiday will be Merry,

Filled with Joy and Happiness, you know?

And spoke to My Dad yesterday; they have a foot of snow,

And my Niece's and Nephew were out playing with the sleigh,

And Barry, songs from 1970 music, he does play,

And I think I will turn the Christmas music back on, I don't as much enjoy
this mix,

And don't have many memories of 1970, for I was only 6.

My apologies for not writing at all

I have not composed any KDD's, and not many I have called,

Darrell and I have been under much stress,

Still exhausted, though, getting rest,

It's the emotional kind,

Much on our minds

And we have had a heavy heart,

So, often, nowhere I knew where to start,

Did not know what to say,

It was just a struggle to just get through the day.

And still is, it's been a difficult year, especially, the last few months
that past,

Can't believe how fast,

How time goes

And maybe today, a KDd for you all I will be able to compose?

Some of you whom read my blog, that visit my site,

Know, we have not been alright,

I am experiencing changes at work, there is much pressure, better, and they
are not,

And reading a novel, haven't really gotten into the plot,

The other night, another Dean Koontz book, I begun,

And last night, we went to a Christmas Party for the NFB of Phoenix, it
was okay, kind of fun,

I chatted with a couple people I knew,

And Kim isn't doing her show, because she has the flu

She has a bad cold,

And business is very slow at work, not many rooms sold.

Can't say much, about things that are happening there,

That is one of many reasons, as to why much I have-not shared.

Also some of you know Darrell's Sister Michelle,

Has not been well,

Has had cancer she lost the battle last week, past away last Thursday,

Right now, not much we can say

We are both still grieving,

And a Dose, you may all actually be receiving,

Especially for Darrell, it has been hard, a difficult time,

And last night, at dinner, I had two glasses of wine,

I needed to relax and so did he,

And here you are, this KDd.

Our thoughts and emotions about Michelle and my work situation, we just can
not convey,

And I should go soon; I have things to do today,

I am behind in everything from Christmas shopping to housecleaning,

And the Holiday's this year does not have much meaning,

I can't get into the spirit of the Holidays

In many ways,

Just physically and emotionally drained, we both are feeling under the
weather,

And I am looking forward to spending time together,

With my Family, just can't get into the Holiday Season,

I know, we have a reason,

And things will be okay? as they say, " This too will Pass",

And we are mostly excited about going to Mass.

In addition to work and Darrell's sister, his Mom is sick; she is 80 years
old,

Has a respiratory infection, a very bad cold,

And we have Family and friends that are going through difficult times of their own,

I know, for many, the Holidays are depressing some feel alone,

Very sad, isolated and that they don't belong,

That everything is wrong.

I don't feel that way,

Just find it hard to get through the day,

As I had said,

And sorry, no daily doses for days there was nothing for you to have red,

Nothing to read, no update,

We are not doing great,

Unfortunately,

Darrell and me,

And this may be it? in today's KDD?

Its now, 10; 21,

I do have stuff I do need to get done,

Again soon, I will try and write

More I will post to my sight,

To my blog,

I will do my best, so you will know what is happening with Darrell, me and
Dougie Dog.

For now, take good care

And hang in there,

If you're going through a difficult time

And life seems very unfair,

And overwhelming, say a prayer,

Or two,

Whatever you need to do,

What works for me, may not work for you

And try and not feel alone,

Talk to someone, on the phone,

In person or jog your thoughts like I do,

Find an outlet, to help you through

Listen to music, exercise, go for a walk,

Read a good book, chat with a friend, do talk,

Find that social network, there is always someone whom understands your
situation can identify,

And earlier I said, I had to go, was saying goodbye,

Yet, here, I still am, that is often the case,

Just wanted to send a reminder, take it one day at a time, yourself, do
pace,

Be good to yourself,

At times like this, think of your mental health,

And what's best,

Try and relax and get some rest.

I am now, heading on my way,

For now, take good care and have a great day.

Michelle's Memorial

In Loving Memory Of

Michele Yvonne Sinnock

He Only Takes The Best

god saw she was getting tired
and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around her
And whispered, "Come with me."

With tear-filled eyes we watched her
suffer and fade away.
Although we loved her deeply,
we could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands put to rest.
god broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

Born
July 20, 1957
Champagne, Illinois
Entered Into Rest
November 29, 2007
Tonopah, Arizona
Visitation
12:00-4:00 (P.M.
Sunday, (December 2, 2007
Menke Funeral Home
Sun City, Arizona

Concluding services to be private.

Author Unknown