FYI ... This is my letter... I need to still proof read it & add pictures... If you'd like to come back once I put the "updated" on it... that's fine. (I'm even going to turn off the comments until I have it complete.) Just wanted to be sure I "turned it in on time."
Thanks for understanding. :)
***********************
Tickets Tickets... get your Tickets ready, for it's time to take a trip on The Rambling Train. (Family & friends who are not passengers yet, The Rambling Train is the name of my blog.)
Hop aboard for the train is about to leave the station for a nice long long ride... It won't be 100% smooth, but the bumps along the way are minor ones.
I, Lady Harley, am your conductor urges you to hold on with both hands & remember... The name of this train is The RAMBLING Train!!! (You've been fair warned!) LOL!!
Destination: A year (2008) in review... with a little from 2007 & 2006 to boot!
************************************
The Rambling Train has spent many sleepless nights & pulled out many early mornings to take her passengers for a ride, in 2008. With stories from the past, creations of fiction, useless facts, trivia & word games, even a online gift exchange.
My dad, who lives in California, being one of them passengers has heaped the coal into the stove to keep the engine rolling on to create more stories. (He praises me every time I post one of my creative stories.) Other passengers (my friends) have done the same as well.
Oh, but this is just the beginning of the ride... I guess we should start back from....
The 1st day of 2008, the train took it's 2 main passengers (Hubby & I) to a town about an hour or so south to see his kids. Though his son was working we did get to spend a little time with his daughter BT. She's a beautiful, intelligent & talented almost 16 girl at this time. (Can't get over that she will be 17 THIS year!!)
The following day I rode to get some cold medicine for hubby & ended up coming home with a few Christmas decorations at 75% off! They were stored until the next Christmas.
Later in the month the train stayed at the station while we watched some winter shows. (Including the Barrett-Jackson Auction & the return of a favorite of ours: LOST!)
However, Hubby, being the sports enthusiast he is ended up missing the Super Bowl in early February due to being sent to California for work. Thankfully we have a DVR, so, he was able see it in it's entirety, when he returned. Upon his return, he brought back some Clementines from the company he was installing a machine for. They were wonderfully sweet... oh so sweet.
This was not the 1st trip he had to go on for his job... back in September of 2007 he became a world traveler. Destination: Russia! Thankfully it was only a 10 day trip. He ended up taking Planes, Trains, & Automobiles to arrive home.
(Side note: Hubby works at a small company where he makes automated (robotic) machines for other companies / factories. Then goes to the company, to install and / or repair. Things like egg carton printers. I'm amazed at his intelligence in this field. So far his longest treks have been to Russia & California. Though there are a few around her in Ohio that he travels to as well. There was talk of sending him to China, however, one of the bosses ended up going. He even thought he would have to make a return trip to Russia... alas, his visa was expired. So, he lucked out.)
Now let's get this train back on track & to the year 2008. (See why it's called THE RAMBLING TRAIN??)
After Hubby's trip to California I began to prepare for mine adventure out west to see my dad for his 70th birthday in April.
*Reaches up to pulls the emergency stop.* Let's back this train up a couple months... actually it's at this point I need to give a little recap from 2006 for those who haven't been on The Rambling Train before. (re: meaning we haven't talked to in years.)
I'll be brief... In Oct 2006, I had lost 10 years of my memory (due to a stress induced black out... which I (not officially been said by a doctor, but I can't find any other reason for the black out) have found to be from a condition I have called Chiari Malformation, aka: CM. I actually was born with it... but it's only detectable with an MRI. This is something I will have all my life as well. In short my brain stem is too large & it hinders the flow of the brain fluid... creating pressure... which in turn creates a multitude of symptoms. For more information, please see my blog (or call me).
This memory loss, resulted in me loosing my job I had for over 4 years. (I couldn't remember it, & they did not wish to retrain me & do as the doctor recommended... put me with a different supervisor.) There is quite a bit more to this, but I do not wish to delve that far into the past... Feel free to call, write, or email me for a link (info) that explains it all in great detail.
Just so you know, I have had a few memories return here & there... but still nothing significant. Researching my medical history & composing certain stories for my blog, has triggered several as well. Still, a huge gap looms. It can remain, far as I'm concerned... I'm focusing now on the future & what memories I've made since! (& Those from before the gap.)
Staying at home & wait for memory to return or Long Term Disability to be approved (but was denied), I found myself reteaching myself how to use the internet & such. A lot has come back naturally...
Anyway, this is how The Rambling Train (as it is known as since late 2007) came into existence... Again, more has happened since this all started... & it's still an ongoing fight now with Social Security Disability. (But that is not for now.)
Back to the Future (well, past now) we go.
I mainly brought all that up because in February 2008 (whew, back on track now!) we decided that I would cash in my 401k from that job, since I would not be returning. Pay off the truck & what's left get me a new laptop. (I had been using our desktop, which I hogged a lot from hubby once I really got back on track! Then I was gifted an older laptop so as to give hubby the time he needed to do stuff on the computer.)
Our family (mainly me) became the proud owners of a brand new Toshiba A215 Satellite laptop. Several of my friends & I on the web have named our computers... helps with creativity for one. Two, it's easier to say a name... So, $hiba was born on Feb 21st 2008. It's an acronym... $heer Heavenly Inspiration By Ability (to hopefully gain me some income... hence the dollar sign for the S.)
Then the train was off her schedule to sleep. Many days and nights were long trips through the world wide web. It has been worth it, for I have gained many new friends (some very very dear to me) & I have regained the knowledge of website creating & have been taking it to the advanced level as of recent.
But then someone pulled the emergency brake on the train in March. As everyone was out voting (Primaries) and hubby was at the monthly Harley Owner's Group meeting, I was battling a typical headache. It was raining outside most of the day, but then turned to ICE! At one point, after dark, I looked out the front door and thought what a beautiful picture this would make.
After a couple failed attempts to get one from inside with the screen door propped open, I decided to brave the elements for a few moments... figured it would be worth it for the shot.
My feet had other things in mind. One step out the door & BOOM BOOM BOOM, down I went 3 ICY concrete steps. (Never occurred to me that even with an over hang the steps would be slick.) A friend told me: "That's why they call them slippers!"... yep, I was in my slippers! Anyway, with a bruised ego, a wrenched back, I made it back up them same 3 steps (holding onto the screen door) & was able to reach hubby.
Even though I still to this day have troubles, I've turned this into a blessing... I found my passion that I had been looking for years. I knew sort of I had a talent to write... but being held captive to my couch with only my computer & tv to keep me occupied... I began to create. I can honestly say I'm an author now... Though, only places I've published is on the web... SO FAR!!
That week we ended up in what I termed the "Blizzard of '08"! We had over TWO FEET of snow! I was loving every minute of it... from the couch that is!
Hang on, for The Rambling Train pulled into the station, a week later, to get a branding. Yep, I got my 1st tattoo. I wonder if it had not been for the pain pills I was already taking if it would have been more painful. Don't worry, this was not done with haste. I had been wanting one (for some odd reason) for a long time.
Things just worked out that I found exactly the image I wanted and a blast from the past (read: a dear friend from high school) offered to drive me to her trusted artist. Thankfully it was a small one, so it was over within a half hour. I still adore it... so, in my opinion, it was worth it. It's on my ankle & here's a picture...
*********************
Rambling on into April, as mentioned earlier, I took a trip to California to see my dad. This time, I made it through without being delayed in any airports. (A few years earlier I was stuck in Vegas over night, because the airport in Cali was fogged in. Thankfully I was blogging at this time & was able to refresh my memory of them details.)
Taking along $hiba, I kept the passengers entertained about my vacation. It was a joyous trip to see my dad & step mom again. Even though I took many days taking naps, they were still able to take me to the ocean, shopping, dining, & even to get some wonderful photos of the sunset on top of Black Hill Mountain.
My step-mom took me to some thrift shops where I picked up a few bargains. Including a beautiful watch for only $3. When at the grocery store, I picked up a bag of Clementines to bring back to Ohio. Oh so sweet!!
Full speed ahead now... Late spring, Hubby acquired a dirt bike. So much of his spare time (when not working) was going to the club to ride, race, or to a meeting. He is joined by a best friend & his friend's family. More power to him, I say. I can't get on my own Harley right now, let alone a dirt bike. He has a blast & has come home with that good exhaustion feeling.
********************
In the later weeks of June I spent most of my time helping my mom organize our big family reunion on the farm. I made parking signs, lists of things to do & to get, & emailed invites & updates.
July 5th arrived & over 150 people had joined us at the C.A.T.F. (Celebration at the Farm). We couldn't call it a family reunion because there were just as many friends as there were family memebers. Being a huge success, I have a feeling we will be doing it again this year. Plus we have a better handle on what to do & what not to do.
This is my mom & her siblings.
******************
Hold on to your hats, this train is about to go even faster...
A week later I almost stepped on a baby bird while bring in our 2 dogs from doing their business. (How is it I've just now mentioned them... they are my babies!! Coleman & Sunny.) Anyway, I scooped up this little one with a paper towel & searched for the nest. I could not find it, so I called my mom... This poor little thing, it hardly could move around & it was steaming hot out.
Mom told me to call the vet to see what could be done & they told me about the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. I ended up driving him over there & learned they are the ones who takes care of such little guys like this. (Oh, I had named him Harpo on the drive... because he would try to squeak, but you couldn't hear him.) They took him from me & showed me what they do. The ladies there were very nice. Unfortunately Harpo did not make it through the night... & it was not for the lack of effort on their part. He had gone home with one of the girls.
It just instilled in me how amazing God is in creating and timing is. Though this little one was not alive long... he still was not alone as he would have been had I not seen him in our drive. It was worth a try, in my book at least.
Late July we had a scare with Grammy... she had technically died... however, she came back to us. One, I think it was so she could make it to her 90th birthday in December... & 2 as a neighbor put it... "She got up there & saw her bed wasn't ready. So, she said 'Fooey on you! I'll be back when my bed is ready!'" She is still with us to this day... she is now past her 90th birthday & working towards that 91st one!
*********************
This picture is of Grammy, my sister Gina, Mom & my other sister Renee. (I'm taking the photo.) This is from the day I had my first TimTam... oh... what's a TimTam? It's a chocolate cookie (biscuit type) cookie with soft chocolate in the center. It's an AUSTRALIAN treat! I had them shipped to me by a very dear friend from Australia. I am HOOKED on them!
**Flips the switch** / side note... Target is selling them here in the USA for a limited time! They are in a white package by Pepperidge Farms... So, if you see them in the cookie aisle... you best snap them up... if I haven't already!! Hee Hee!!
Hurricane season was in full swing, along with Nascar... but before we knew it, Pre-Season Football started. Which meant Hubby was back on his computer trying to get his players in order for the Fantasy Football League LIVE Draft at one of our friends. This year they needed an extra team... so, I jumped at the chance.
It's always a hoot when you get about 12 football fans (nope, I was not the only female in the league!) together in a (finished) basement to draft who they think will score them the most points throughout the season.
Even though I supposedly had the WORST draft team in the leagues history... I ended up with THIRD PLACE!! Not bad for my 1st year doing a live draft & 2nd year in this time of a Fantasy League.
Hubby had scored the most points of all the league... however, since it was a head to head type, he ended up in 7th place. We won't mention who ended up beating him in the playoff's to send him to the consolation round. (*giggles*) ... Oh, but he got revenge on me in our Nascar Fantasy League... tackeled me to the ground & ran off to grab the championship trophy!
********************
At some point my son, Mike, sort of moved off the farm into a little efficiency apartment of his own. (It's on the 3rd floor of a house that my sister Gina & her hubby Aloys owns.) I say sort of, because even though Mike is 19 years old now, he is still in high school & has to stay at the farm to get on the bus. (If Mom doesn't drive him in.)
Anyway, in early September, I ended up having a "pillow fight" with him. He had left his pillows at the farm & had returned back to his little place & wanted me to go get them. Well, since I was going to the farm the next day for an event at my childhood church, I said I'd pick them up then. HOWEVER, he would not get them until he could clean up his apartment & give me a few bags of trash.
Thus ensued the "Pillow Fight"... I held them "ransom" until he finally called me, about TWO WEEKS later, to let me know he had trash ready to be picked up. I thanked him & his pillows were safely returned to him. (Lesson learned, I had only hoped!)
In between that Hurricane IKE barrelled on through Mid-Ohio (as a Tropical storm)... leaving in it's wake a multitude of downed power lines & tree limbs. Once again, our home was spared. We never lost power (though flickered a few times.) or any tree limbs. I even was able to get some cool video of the strength of the winds. (If you're an internet user... send me an email & I can send you the links.)
Needless to say though it was scary, it was really interesting to have been able to watch all the coverage of this powerful storm. If it were not for the technology that we (as a nation) has to prepare us.... I do believe I would have been more scared... probably would have found a way to sleep down in my basement (unfinished & small) until the storm had passed.
Fall finally entered the scene & brought cooler temps. Though we had days were it seemed God was toying with us as it would hover around 80 to 90 degrees some times.
Of course, football is in full swing & Nascar is winding down. (Just like this train.) Leaves were turning colors & the days were getting shorter.
We (the world in general) lost a very notable legend... actor, Paul Newman. I only mention this, because I saw the blog I did as I'm scrolling through to remember items of interest. Them blue eyes kept staring back at me. What a wonderful, talented man he was.
As I said this train is about to reach it's final destination... (Remember... I did warn you at the start of the name of this train!!)
Around the bend The Rambling Train came upon 10-16-2008, (2 years from when I lost 10 years my memory.) On the following night I saw a moon big & orange. Not quite full, but it was a great reminder that it was the harvest season.
Then we round the corner to the dreaded Presidential elections. Let's just say I did make it to vote this time... Unlike back in March.
November chugs in & I entered a "Novel Writing Challenge"... To write 50,000 words in novel form. I actually didn't see the challenge until the 11th day. However, I made & exceeded the goal. The novel, is not complete, though. You never know, I might be able to get something published other than on the web!! :o)
We also had a new addition to our family, which I have eloquently named: Clifford..... The BIG RED TRUCK!! Yep, we have a new (used) truck. The one Hubby had was sold by his brother... when his brother was borrowing it. (Of course, it was discussed before hand. It's just funny though.)
********************************
Once again we spent Thanksgiving at the Farm, however, it was just a few of us... rather than the usual 20 to 30 people Gina would host. After the feast we played Scrabble, where Hubby & I beat the pants off of Aloys. Who is one of the best players I've ever seen.
Rolling on into December where we celebrated Grammy's 90th birthday, with a party. Many of her friends from the past showed up to give her wishes & "many more" blessings.
A week later, went to our church's 9th Christmas Euchre Party, where fun, food, & fellowship was had by all in attendance.
The wheels are slowing down.
Christmas arrived in a hurried about fashion this year, for us... but still we enjoyed the day. To my delight it ACTUALLY SNOWED on Christmas morning!! I was so ticked... because it looked like the night before it would be a brown muddy one. Even though the snow didn't stick around until the evening... I can honestly say we had a White Christmas! And I have PROOF!! :o)
We have braved the bitter cold already several times in the late fall & early winter. However, living in Ohio, brings about some odd weather. The other day it was near 60 degrees. Yet today we are back to 25. Next week by this time, we may be lucky to reach the teens!
Hey... what you going to do when winter comes? FREEZE, I always say! Well... actually, hide under my blanket with my one dog Sunny at my chest & the other, Coleman, at my feet!
Well, that does it folks. The ride has now come to almost complete stop. As you disembark, remember to have a WONDERFUL, SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
For more ride on "The Rambling Train", please go to...
Toodles all & **HUGS**
After a much needed break... I am here to tell you that I may not be on much this weekend. First off Sunday is the Super Bowl... & as you all know, I am a big Steelers fan! So... I be watching for sure!!
