For Richer or Poorer ... In Sickness and in health.... I DO!

When we said those words just a short 13 years ago TODAY, I'm sure, neither my husband nor I would have imagined that we would have to deal with all that we are dealing with right now.

When you say them, you know you're going to have some ups and downs. However, you hope, pray, & dream you never have to deal with the inferior of those vows.

It's comforting to know since we are "in sickness", I have a husband who has stuck with me during the worst we have seen so far.

Yes, it's been a struggle for us both these past 13 years. However, we ARE still together.

What pains me at this moment is that I do not have the ability to be able to celebrate our day, with him the way we should. I can't even get out to get him a proper gift or card... So, this is why I write this blog.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Dear Hubby,
I love you so much that there are times that words can't describe it. You mean the world to me and if I had these past 13 years to do over again, the only thing I would change would be the stuff that causes either of us heartache & headaches. (No pun intended.)

You have been such a comfort, especially these past couple months.

I am so honored to be your wife and so grateful you have stuck beside me through all of our struggles.

I know that we still have a long road ahead of us in the "sickness" part, however, I would not want any other to be at my side, than you.
Thank you... I love you & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

(P.S. I'm not leaving this open for replies... it's just one of them types.) ;o)

It's chilly but, I'M LOVING IT

I really should be working on my hubby's dirt bike club site and my own (non blogging type) personal site (no link yet)... but since I hadn't blogged in a few days... I thought I'd drop one off before I get busy working.

Now I was distracted long enough that I forgot what I was going to blog about! LOL!!

So, let me talk about this photo I've included here...

This is of the Crimson Maple tree right outside my kitchen window. (Can also be seen from the big picture window in the living room.) It's just so lovely every year that I think this year I'll take photos of each stage as the leaves begin to open for the season & post them here so you can share in it's beauty.

I have The Weather Channel (TWC) on in the background, as I often do, & they're talking with Severe Weather specialist Dr. Forbes on how the "tornado safety guidelines" from the Red Cross has changed what to do when in a car when a tornado hits... I have to say I'm shocked they're now saying staying in your vehicle is safer than getting out & going to a ditch... If you can't drive AWAY (not run from it) but away as in an opposite direction!

Here's the bullet points they put up...

1. Stay in vehicle, crouch down below windows.
2. Get in to ditch ONLY if shelter or vehicle is unavailable.
3. Abandon mobile homes.

Now, I have to say... staying in your car is risky, because of flying debris could come through (not just the windows but if it's powerful enough... through the metal!) However, it does seem a bit wiser in the fact if you stop & get out... you may not have time to find a ditch, let alone get into a position with your head covered, fast enough before the tornado hits.

Anyway... just wanted to share that since I'm a TWC nut! ;o)

Speaking of... They have a special series starting May 10th about tornado chasing, called Vortex 2. Mike Bettes is going to be broadcasting LIVE during the chases. I'm looking forward to it. It ought to be quite interesting. Check out the video preview of it, in the above link.

One more thing before I go to tweak hubby's site... I have found a little item that makes a the PERFECT cup of decaf... In my opinion! One of my flights I asked for decaf & that's what they gave me. I was needing more singles at home & to my delight, Wal-Mart carries them in a six pack for just 98 cents!!

Well, this ride has come to it's end. *Reaches up to pull the emergency brake.*

Toodles & *HUGS*!!

It's a TRICK! (not of the "magical" variety!)

Hi all... I've been busy working on a website for my hubby's motorcycle club... With the help from Kitty (THANK YOU VERY MUCH, by the way!!), I was able to finally make it public!! WOO HOO!!

So, when you look at it (link above)... please let me know what you think... Not bad for my 1st full site from scratch! (Meaning using only html codes!!) (In my humble opinion.)

Anyway... I was checking my email when I saw this one from my dad... & I felt compelled to share it with everyone.

It's a trick that everyone (not just the ladies) should be aware of!!!

A Serial Killer or Rapist's TRICK

Know what money you are carrying. You will see why as you read. Be
sure every woman is aware of this M.O.  Share it with your wife and
daughters.

Know what money you are carrying...This was the first I have heard
of a scheme like this..... I wanted to pass it along.  Be safe!
Something very serious to pay attention to.

Criminals are coming up with craftier, less threatening    methods
of attack, so we have to be extra cautious.

Read on...

I live in Alexandria , VA , but I often work in Lafayette , LA,
staying with friends when I'm there. As you know from America 's Most
Wanted TV program, as well as the news media, there is a serial killer in the
Lafayette area.  I just want to let you know about an 'incident' that happened
to me a few weeks ago, and could have been deadly.

At first I didn't go to the police or anyone with it because I didn't realize how
serious this encounter was. But since I work in a jail and  I  told a few people
about it, it wasn't long before I was paraded into Internal Affairs to tell them
my story.

It was approximately 5:15 a.m. in Opelousas , La.  I had stayed with a friend
there and was on my way to work.

I stopped at the Exxon/Blimpie Pie station to get gas. I got $10 gas  and a
Diet Coke. I took into the store two $5 bills and one $1 bill (just enough to
get my stuff). As I pulled away from the store, a man approached my truck
from the back side of the store (an unlit area). He was an 'approachable-looking'
man (clean cut, clean shaven, dressed well, etc).

He walked up to my window and knocked. Since I'm very paranoid and
'always looking for the rapist or killer,' I didn't open the window.  I just asked
what he wanted. He raised a $5 bill to my window and said,

'You dropped this.'  Since I knew I had gone into the store with a certain
amount of money, I knew I didn't drop it.

When I told him it wasn't mine, he began hitting the window and door,
screaming at me to open my door, and insisting that I had dropped the
money!

At that point, I just drove away as fast as I could.

After talking to the Internal Affairs Department and describing the man
I saw, and the way he escalated from calm and polite to angry and
volatile...it was determined that I could have possibly encountered the
serial killer myself.

Up to this point, it had been unclear as to how he had gained access to
his victims, since there has been no evidence of forced entry into
victim's homes, cars, etc And the fact that he has been attacking in the
daytime, when women are less likely to have their guard up, means he
is pretty BOLD.

So think about it...what gesture is nicer than returning, money to
someone who dropped it?????

How many times would you have opened your window (or door) to get
your money and say thank you....because if the person is kind enough
to return something to you, then he can't really be a threat....can he????

Please be cautious! This might not have been the serial killer...
but anyone that gets that angry over someone not accepting money
from them can't have honorable intentions. The most important thing to
note is that his reaction was NOT WHAT I EXPECTED! A total surprise!
But what might have happened if I had opened my door? I shudder to
think!

Forward this to everyone you know...maybe they can be as fortunate
as I was!

P.S. Ladies, really DO forward this to EVERYONE you know.  Even if
this man wasn't a serial killer, he looked nice, he seemed polite, he was
apparently doing an act of kindness, but HE WAS NOT A NICE PERSON!!!

Men, send it to all the women in your life. What you do today is important
because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.  Make it a good one!

Please forward to anyone you think might benefit from this story.

That's all for now. Take care, BE SAFE, & Toodles!! :)

Hubby's Birthday

Start:

Jan 27, '09

What am I to get him???

Fay has arrived

We are FINALLY getting some much need rain here in Mid Ohio... thanks to the remnants of TS Fay. Thankfully though we are not getting the downpours & rough weather like some parts are. (My hearts, thoughts, & prayers go out to you folks who are!!)

With Fay almost a memory, all eyes now turn to the next storm... GUSTAV... please, if you're on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico... please stay tuned to the reports. There is no telling yet which way he's going to turn... yet!

Well, tonight hubby & I are going to the movies. He wants to see The Dark Knight in the theaters. So, maybe I'll have a review for you in a few days. (Hmm... I never did the review of Hancock, did I? I will have to keep that in mind!)

That's it for now!
P.S. Sorry again for being so quiet last week... I sure hope I didn't worry anyone... besides my dad! (He called me Friday, making sure I was ok, because it had been since the Friday before since I last blogged here on The Rambling Train! He doesn't see the R.E.D. ... sorry to worry you Dad!)

Later!!

Bath day...

Today my good friend from high school (Passion Wolf) came over to help me give the doggies a bath. We usually take them to the groomers... but we just haven't been able to afford that extra expense... however, I think they're going to have to go to the groomers the next time because they are both in need of a trim!! (When Passion Wolf arrived, Coleman wouldn't stop licking her... until she put him in the tub for his bath! LOL)

So, what's with the picture of the car?? Well, that's my hubby car... today when he got home from his "mini vacation" he received an email that he's now an official member of a Mustang Owners "club"... Anyway, I just wanted to share the picture of his "toy" with you.

FYI - Opal Frost is a little rare color... He said he was wanting to paint the majority of it scarlet (red) (so it would be Scarlet & Gray for the OSU Buckeyes)... however, he found out that the Opal Frost is an unusual color. So, now he's just is adding scarlet stripes & etc to it. He even has a OSU helmet head on the top of his antenna. LOL

Well, the email invites have been sent to a few & calls have been made for "The Celebration at the Farm" on the 5th. To do lists have been made... & I have the formal invite ready to print... If we can get them out tomorrow. If not, no sense in printing & making copies, because it probably arrive in time.

Ok, this train has been derailed (due to tiredness)... so talk to you tomorrow!

Going back to sleep...

Ha! I finally have a reason to post this little guy!  Anyway... a quick note before I lay down for a little nap...

I am a bachelorette for the next 24 hours or so! Hubby has left for his little "mini vacation"... Actually he's been on vacation since he got home from work on Tuesday! (Much deserved & well over due for him!!) He was going to go to the Ohio Hog Rally the past 2 days... but since it was raining he didn't go. Today, he left just before Noon to go to a town called Lima (pronounced LYE-MA... not LEE-ma as some have been known to say!) (about 2+ hours west of here) for the flat track races that are held every year at this time. (Motorcycles.) It's a type of thing that would bore me to pieces.

If he had left when he planned, he probably would be at the hotel already & wouldn't have to worry about the rain... however, since he took his sweet time watching the weather & packing the Harley... I'm 99% positive he met the storm head on. & Depending on at what point... he's probably soaked. (Though he said he was going a route to where he can pull over.) But hey... that's his prerogative! LOL!! Hopefully he was able to pull over in time to don his rain gear.

I would have posted a picture of him on his Harley... but I can't find the one I snuck of him a while back. (He doesn't like his picture taken.) If I find it, I'll update this posting.

Anyway... I had awoke after only 5 hours sleep & so I'm having a hard time concentrating & keeping my eyes open. Ok, ok... some of you may say 5 hours is good... but not for me... with my condition, I need at least 8 hours... if not more, to be able to function at full potential. So... I am going to lay my widdle head down & relax my eyes. Then since I'm by myself, I'll probably be blogging some more... As a matter of fact, I think my next blog will be about my Webkinz collection... because I received another one today. (That makes 5!!)

UPDATE: I just received a call from hubby... he's in Lima & at the hotel safe & sound! A bit wet... but safe! He even said had he left an hour earlier he would have missed all the rain & been in his room as it came down. Oh well... he will have a nice ride home tomorrow... At least that's what it looks like! :)

Well, I think I just heard a little thunder & it's getting darker by the moment! ... so I best get the doggies out before it starts pouring here! Coleman hates the storms... he tries to bark & chase the thunder away... & if we don't get him out, sometimes he has a little accident from being so scared... Sunny... she sleeps through it all... most of the times.

Talk to you all later! This ride has reached it's destination!

So THAT's why they call them slippers! :)

If you read my review from a little bit ago, you'll know that hubby came home & was upset that I was not lying flat on my back...

Which is fine, because 15 minutes or so before he got home the pain started getting worse again.

Don't worry... I'm on my back now... I had hubby hand me $HIBA with her unplugged running on the battery.

I'm also laying on a heating pad! It's feels good.

When I got up this a.m. I wasn't TOO bad... but then I must have done something in all the moving around... because by the time he got back in from taking the dogs out... I could hardly move!

I sent that quick review & hibernated $hiba.

Around 4:40 I called the pharmacy to see if Dr. called in a prescription yet. Sure enough, they had... but no one from the office called. So, I had to call them back because they called in Tylenol 3... Which I can NOT take... something about the Tylenol I will end up with what is called "rebound" headache... meaning that soon as it starts to wear off, I will end up with a worse headache.

So, they called me back & said they called me in some Vicoden! Which hubby just came back with...

& I just found out that Vicoden (Hydrocodone) has ACETAMINOPHEN... that's Tylenol. Ok, now I'm confused why the Dr. prescribed it after me telling them, I can't take Tylenol!! Maybe they thought I'll be so loopy I won't notice the "withdrawal" headache!

Now that I'm on my back & laying on a heating pad... I'm doing a lot better than I was an hour ago.

It's been a long 24 hours! At least I have some pain killers!

As for GOING TO the doctors... he must not be too worried.. because they didn't say they needed to see me.

I have to send out a special thanks to Lil Angel Wolf for sending a message to the SA participants about the birthdays this month... Also for prayers / good thoughts requests for not just me... but also for Denise...

She is having surgery tomorrow to remove a lump from her breast... then they'll probably biopsy it. She is very scared... So, please click on her name & drop her a quick thinking of you message... either PM or her guest book! :)

Also, I have started a group of candles for her... this is a great site! It's lighting a "virtual candle". You can even include a message as to what it is for.

To get the group I created, this link. There is no sign up or download required. They stay lit for only 48 hours... so don't forget to go back & light another one in a couple days! She's going to need our prayers for at least a week, I'm sure!!

If someone wants to start a group for me, that's fine... but I really don't want to take away from Denise's need prayers & thoughts! :)

By the way, she's having a birthday on Monday!! :)

Oh... my friend Passion Wolf (whose b-day is THIS FRIDAY) told me... "No more slippers on ice... they're called slippers for a reason!!"

Well, that does it for this stop!! Time to disembark now! :)
(On your way out... why not, stop by Passion Wolf's & Denise's pages to leave them a birthday wish! I've made it easy for you... their name above is a link!) :)

I think I'll take a pain killer now! LOL

I've been told...

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

To get flat on my back by my hubby... He just got home & said I'm not helping myself by sitting up straight.

So to keep peace... I'm going to lay down.

Later all! :)

Very quick update!

Nope, hubby didn't have to go.... YET! Though I hope the next one to go to California is ME!!! I'm anxious to go see my Daddy!

Just thought I'd give an update. More later!

P.S. Have you signed up for Secret Valentine yet? Just about closed to sign up! :) :) :)

Hubby is safe & sound

Well, he made it back in one piece! And this time he has his luggage! (When he went to Russia, they lost it for a day!) LOL

Anyway, he may have to go back to California as early as THIS THURSDAY!!! Oh my! I guess someone called them from the plant just as they were about to board the plane. They said that the machine they installed was not working.

I'm not sure what all the details are... but from what hubby says is that they had it running fine... then they started doing stuff & he had to change some programing & then they didn't get to see how the changes went. Something like that.

I just know I maybe making another trip to the airport in a couple days. Though this time maybe for only a couple days! :)

Just thought you'd all like an update! :)

After the bad thunderstorms we had last night & Coleman trying to bark it away 1/2 the night... I'm exhausted! So... Good Night! :)

glitter-graphics.com

Hubby HOME from California!

Start:	Feb 5, '08 4:00p
End:	Feb 5, '08 7:00p

Looking forward to it! I miss him dearly!! :)

Taking a break... sort of... (& Secret Valentine note!)

I just wanted you to know that I may not reply to your messages as quick as I normally do...

Hubby is leaving for California (for work) very early Wednesday morning. So, tomorrow (Tuesday) I'll be trying to get all the laundry complete.

Then while he's away, I am going to TRY to get my house organized... like I was supposed to do while he was in Russia.

I have been warned... NO REMOLDING!!
Not just by hubby... but also by Mama Di! LOL

If you were not a regular reader back in September when hubby was sent to Russia for 10 days for work... I had told him I was going to clean house (like a spring clean)... but instead I pulled the carpet out of my kitchen & then my mom was inspired to help me paint the kitchen. I thought for sure he'd be as excited as we were... but, it did not go over well.

Even if it had been received well... I made a vow to myself... I will NOT be pulling anymore carpet! It's not only is a pain... but cleaning up is as well!

I'll still be around in the next week... but I won't be posting... Unless I come across something that I feel must be shared. (Knowing me... I'll be posting something every day, still! LOL)

One more note... I am also excepting sign up for Secret Valentines! Click here for Cupid's Arrow's (aka Secret Santa's Elf... aka... ME!!) site. There you will see what it is all about!! :)

Take care & I'll talk to you all soon!

Hugs & Smiles, Lady Harley!
P.S. What do you think of my dazzling picture? It was created especially for me, by a friend on glitter-graphics.com! I'm lovin' it!

How to tell if...

How To Tell If Your Feet Stink

(Thanks to my hubby... from an email he sent me! LOL)

Hubby to California for work

Start:	Jan 30, '08 05:00a
End:	Feb 4, '08 11:45p

I need to do some MAJOR cleaning, while he's gone!!!

If all goes well, I will be going to California some time after he returns... to visit my dad!!!! I'll be ready by then for some warm weather!!! :o)

Boogity Boogity Boogity - Let's Go Racing

For me football season is over... (except for the Super Bowl)... On Saturday, the Steelers lost their Wild Card game. Tonight, the Buckeyes lost the BCS Championship game. So now I turn my focus toward the countdown of the Daytona 500 & the start of the NASCAR season!!

Winter has taken a hiatus here in Ohio. It was up to 63 today & tomorrow looks to be the same... (It's SO warm in the house that I have a small box fan running.)

HOWEVER, the forecast shows a cold front will blow in, with some major gusts (40 to 60mph). Late tomorrow we should be back into the 30's!!

glitter-graphics.com

Back into a writer's block as far as the book goes. But, I'll get there.
So, if I've not been writing my book or blogging... what have I been doing?

Well, when I haven't been sleeping, I've been playing "Pop It" on Pogo.com. It's a fun game... but the draw back is since I am just playing on the web it decides to shut down after several games. Oh & also after every game there is an "intermission" in which they have an advertisement that plays. I do have to say I don't mind the breaks... plus I know that's how they're making their money so they can offer us the games for free!

On the farm front, my mom not only is hobbling along with a broken foot... now she's battling pneumonia. She was in the hospital over night & was pumped full of antibiotics & given breathing treatments once every 4 hours, then sent home this evening.

When my sister called I thought I was coming down with the same kind of cold my hubby has been fighting with the last week & 1/2... but I think I've won my battle with sleeping so much this past week & today.

Anyway, I feel bad I didn't go stay the night with Mike. (It sounds like he had a good time with my sister, though.)

Actually I think it will work out, because tomorrow I am going to pick him up to get his shot (of Risperdal). So, I'll be able to help out that way.

With that said, I guess I best get to bed.

Friday 5 - Time Travel

I'm going to give Friday 5 a try this week! I like the subject & questions.

Time Travel . . . judging by the number of television series, movies, books created on the subject, each providing it's own twist on the subject, it is a fascination that has captured the imagination of people in all walks of life through the ages.

This week's Friday Five questions pose various scenarios within the theme of "Time Travel" . . . elaborate or not as much as you like.

1. You can go back and change an event in history . . . What would the historical event be, what would you change and what outcome would your actions have? This is tough... My friend Grandma Rosy took the one answer I would even think of... change 9-11-01 events.

My hubby said he'd go back to when Eve ate the forbidden fruit.

I am not sure I'd want to do that... So, I am at a loss for this one. If I think of anything, I'll post it in a comment below.

2. You can go back in time, but you can't change anything . . . where would you go? This one is a bit easier... I'd like to be at Princess Di & Prince Charles wedding... just seeing the glamour & tradition of it all would just something else! :) No, I wouldn't want to change this, because I think Diana needed to marry Charles so that her life would change & she would be able to do the good that she did.

3. You can visit the future, but you can't change anything . . . where would you go? I would like to see how my son, Mike, turns out... regular readers of my blog will understand why.

4. Who is the one famous person you would go back in time to visit? Since I already used Princess Di, I think I'll say something different here... I would like to visit Michael Landon on the set of Little House on the Prairie. Not sure why... I just had always admired Michael Landon (& NO this is not why I named my son Michael.)

5. You can be any person, past or present, famous or not . . . who is it and why? Oprah... when she is giving away her favorite things. Just to see the reaction on the audience members when they realize they were all getting one of them high tech refrigerators!

If you would like to participate in the Friday 5:

Copy the questions and post your answers to your blog,

Leave a comment on the page at The Friday Five @ Multiply to let others know your post is up so they can visit your blog...

Fun, easy, and no time limit.

Happenings

I know, I know... it's been a little while since I've really sat & gave you all an update... I've also realized I have not blogged about my Christmas parties... & something else, I can't seem to remember.

Well, I hate to say this but that's all going to have to wait at least a little while longer... at least for the evening... I was all psyched about blogging some updates today... but hubby came home from work... FOUR hours early... SICK AS A DOG!! (Where'd that saying come from?) And I am just plum worn out!

He sent me to Wal-Mart to get him some meds... & since I was there, I decided to use the gift cards I received. I ended up in the Christmas isle where all was 75% off! I bought 2 new stockings for about $1.50 each... elegant... black with sequins! And a few other decorations & wrapping paper & 1 very cute singing dancing thing. I'll try to take a video of it tomorrow & post it... 'tis cute! I'd do it now, but it's noisy & hubby is finally asleep!! (I hope he stays a sleep... he needs it!!)

Anyway, I think I was area for about 45 minutes... there ended up being about 4 isles of Christmas stuff. I kept going back & forth trying to decide what I'd get & what I wouldn't. I had 4 boxes of new lights for outside, but I ended up giving them to the cashier deciding I didn't want them. (Thinking I had over spent... but in actuality I could have gotten them.)

By the time I got home it was over 2 hours later... I thought hubby would be sound a sleep since he didn't call to see what was taking me so long. LOL... I was wrong! He was watching some stuff about Pink Floyd.

Ok, now that I am on a roll, I guess I might as well give you a couple updates.

The doctor's office called New Year's Eve & left a message saying the Thyroid uptake & scan I took after Thanksgiving came back normal. He wants me to come back in for a follow up... because I am still having trouble with feeling / being tired all the time.

As for the headaches, the neurologist may be right & might be related to the thyroid.... HOWEVER, I still think the ACM has something to do with it! He did say he'd like me to have a different type of MRI... one that monitors the flow of the fluid in the brain... only thing is we do not have the money to do this. I will talk with the family doc & see if there is something else to do.

Oh, I have started writing the book I have been talking about. Because of the recent problems with photo stealing & etc... I am going to wait to discuss it here on the web.

I will tell you this much, it's going to be a suspense Christian type novel. At least I think that's what it is. LOL...

Anyway, I have the prologue & 1st chapter complete... & working on the 2nd! I am writing it the old fashioned way... with pen & paper! (I also bought a new notebook today!) For some reason I tend to write better that way... though after a short time my wrist hurts. I ignore it & keep on writing.

So, if you don't hear much from me (in blogs)... just know I'm probably writing! :)



Oh my! No wonder it's cold here in the computer room (where the only heat is by a oil radiator heater) I just saw the temp outside... it's 10° F (Feels like -3° with the wind!) BRRRRR... But you know what... I LOVE IT!!! (& Yes we have SNOW, too... & it's soft glittery kind... so you know I'm loving it!!) It is definitely winter here!!! :)

Update about that photo stealer I mentioned earlier... It seems this lady has removed ALL the photos BEFORE Multiply could see it. (I knew I should have done a screen shot... NEXT TIME!!!) Anyway... HOORAY to all of you who posted a message and / or reported her! I think she got the idea! (By the way, Kanga wasn't the only one who had baby photos "stolen" & renamed.) Oh & this "lady" has as her welcome message (which is still there) "don't bring drama to my page because I don't have time for drama." Well, I say, then she shouldn't have started it!

I hope this 2nd day of 2008 was a GREAT day & I pray that your 3rd day in 2008 is even better!

P.S. My graphics are usually from Glitter-Graphics.com (unless otherwise specified.) Just thought I'd mention it since sometimes I take the text of it out... Though you should be able to click on the graphic to get the their page. :)

2007 MO-HOG Toy Run... (11-4-07)

For the past 21 years on the 1st Saturday of every November, The Mid Ohio Harley Owner's Group (MO-HOG) gathers at the local Harley dealership for the last "official" ride of the 2007 season. (Pictured, is my hubby, at our house, preparing to leave for the ride).

The destination is one of the most anticipated of the year... "Toy Time"  (a local charity that volunteers takes used bicycles & toys, restores them & then hands them out to underprivileged children for Christmas. They also welcome new toys to be donated.)

A month or so prior to the annual Toy Run, MO-HOG members collect used bicycles & toys, then drops them off at the dealership for storage until the big day.

On that day, they are encouraged to bring at least 1 new toy per rider.

This year there was an extra special push for donations. Late this summer "Toy Time" was under almost 2 feet of water. The unusual downtown flood destroyed nearly everything that was already collected.

After a FREE hearty breakfast, (pancakes, ham & eggs), 5 trailers of bicycles & toys, approximately 71 Harley's, & 2 police escorts lined up & started the rumble of engines. This is the only time in which designated members are assigned to block off the downtown streets during the parade down to "Toy Time".

Upon arrival, each person is allowed to tour the building. According to Hubby, the effects of the flood could not be seen.

Once the bicycles & toys are unloaded a special presentation from Mr. Hale (owner of Hale's Harley Davidson) is all that is left before heading out to a local establishment for social time & FREE lunch.

The cost of the ride is $10 with a new toy or $15 without. ALL monies are donated to "Toy Time". There is also a collection just before leaving Hale's. This year the club raised over $1400.

However, that is not all... customers of Hale's had the opportunity to add to it. All total, an additional $800 was donated from Hale's.

Furthermore, a poker run in honor of "Toy Time" presented them with an additional $2500!

According to the coordinator, he looks forward to this day with as much anticipation as a child does to Christmas morning, because MO-HOG members are one of their largest contributors. KUDOS to my fellow MO-HOG members for keeping up with this wonderful tradition!!

Being sick with bronchitis, I did not get to make this year's chilly, yet beautiful short ride. (Side note: to myself, I had planned a few weeks ago I was going to ride this year. (Last year & prior years (according to hubby) I had wimped out & rode down in my truck.) Since I missed it completely, I participated by giving Hubby a teddy bear for donation. (Some riders will strap teddy bears & other stuffed animals to their Harley.)

I am writing this article to encourage you to make some type of donation to your local Toy Time, Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child, Salvation Army, or whatever. PLEASE, help put a smile on a child's face & show them the love they deserve!

Many thoughts... Ok, maybe ramblings! LOL (8-28-07 entry #1)

I have several things to talk about today... Starting with this picture... I just think I need some chocolate to go with my mood! Why do I look so sad & why am I in a robe with Kleenex's all around me... No, I'm not sick, not physically anyway. I'm just really tired & worn out. I think it's just what I mentioned the other day... It's a bad ACM day... ok, not day... week! I've been feeling quite "down" for almost a week now.

My appointment to go over my thyroid blood results was to be last week. However, I had received a call saying the CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner) had a family emergency & they had to reschedule.

Thankfully my meds don't run out until the day after the rescheduled appointment!! Anyway, I have a feeling she'll be increasing the strength of my thyroid medication!! I was doing ok for a couple weeks... but now I am going back down! (I still think the ACM has something to do with it... I really need to get an expert opinion about this!!)

Anyway, I just thought I'd have a little fun with my avatar!! That's how I look sometimes in the winter! Cup o' tea & pink fuzzy robe! Comfy!! If it wasn't so stinking hot out, I think I'd be in my sweats still... but I actually got up & cleaned up! LOL... In case you're not a regular, or close friend, you'll know that's a feat for me some days!

Update... Hubby's hand is healing just fine! He took out his own stitches on Friday, because it was causing him pain. However, the cut was a bit swollen & he was upset he didn't have antibiotics (pills, not salve!). (Which, if you only knew him... he must have really been in pain to want meds!!!) Anyway, he had me set an appointment with the doctor from the ER (who they recommended he follow up with), & so he went today & the doc said it's fine. No antibiotics or nothing needed! (Except usual cleaning, putting Neosporin on it & etc.)

He's not letting it slow him down. Since he was off early today to see the doc, he's now out mowing the back yard. It was getting pretty high! ... I didn't do it because he complains when I do it... so, no more!

Except when he goes to Russia! Even then, I'll just be mowing with the riding mower & not going to do any trimming & etc! Hopefully he won't be gone that long... If so, I may have to break down & do it, or recruit one of my neighbors. .. who offered before I asked!! Great neighbors... wish they were the ones next door instead of one house in between us!! (Long story!!)

Speaking of his trip to Russia... He told me today they finally received their Visas! (not sure if that's the correct spelling or not... but you get the idea!). So it's any day now that he will be leaving!

I have made it known to my family, they can't count on me for anything, until he leaves... because I have to be "on call" to take him to the airport! Which I really don't mind! I don't want him to go!!!... but I'm actually looking forward to some alone time! Ok, i won't be alone... the dogs will still be here & I have all you!!! Besides he's going to be paid "handsomely" for this trip!!

Ok, next subject is FFL (Fantasy Football League)... just sending a quick thank you out to those who joined!! League is now full! It's now set to ready for auto draft. So, I probably will blog again once it's complete to let you know how it worked out for me!

Also, I have a separate blog started for my Princess Diana tribute. I am using the user name "Queen of Hearts" for this page.

If you want to become a regular reader, please feel free to invite me... however, PLEASE, personalize your invite to let me know you're from here!! Because I don't want to deny you if I don't recognize you.

Moving on... If you know me from Yahoo Answers, I thought I better let you know... It will become less & less of a distraction for me, (I hope)... at least for awhile... because I now will be concentrating on FFL & my Queen of Hearts site. Not to mention this blog!! Oh, & Nascar is about to go into "The Chase", so I'll might be starting a blog just for that, too! Yikes! Overload!!

Why am I even thinking of creating another blog? Well, because I need to put certain subjects I enjoy into one place so I can use them as examples when I "apply" for Pro Blogging jobs.

My egg has hatched!!
I will post a new blog in a few to introduce you to Puffy!!

One last note for this blog... I am going to stop highlighting all my blogs! I'm going to start doing a "week in review" (Starting Saturday, I think!) that will highlight each of my blogs. (The highlighted list only works 1/2 the time, for 1.... 2nd, my list is getting extremely long & I need to have certain blogs at the top!!... The ones about my memory block!) Thought I'd mention this, so if you start to see my list dwindling down, you'll know why!

Now time for me to go get things set up for the big introduction of Puffy!