Not saying goodbye but.....

[doug]

Hey folks..Just wanted to tell you all that I'm going to have to become a occasional visitor to the forum.
As my knee has progressed, I find myself spending less and less time sitting with the laptop.
School for my 14 year old will be out this Friday..He has great plans for the summer which will entail me being on the go pretty much constantly.
Besides, I need to get my butt up and about so I can loose some of the weight I've packed on these last couple of years. Easy to put on but a bear to loose it. Especially since I like to cook so much.
I have really enjoyed my time with all of you and cherish the support, prayers and friendships we've developed.
Like the thread title, I'm not saying goodbye, but I just won't be here on a daily basis...
But you never know when I might just sneak up and throw the monkey on you!!!
Later friends,
Doug

[JenniferG]

Hey Doug, So glad you're feeling good enough to get going with life. I've noticed all of you who were here when I came, Gat, patti, you, skeet, NP, have slowed down in posting. I've noticed myself as I progress and do more things everyday it's less on the computer. beacuse I didn't have a job to go back to in the real world I'm on more than and can check in... Probably similar to what you had. I'll miss you and thanks for all the experience in recovery and laughs and a few good cooking tips. sad to see the change but the whole reason to have the surgery was stop hurting and start living! Right? Best Jen

[Rowdy66]

Won't Say We Won't Miss You But I , For One, Am Really Happy For You. Life Is About Change And Sounds Like There Are Some Good Changes For You This Summer. I Know First Hand How Important It Is To Build Memories With Our Children, That Really Is The Only Legacy We Can Give Them That Lasts Or That Means Anything. May The Gentle Breeze Of Summer Be Always At Your Back And Healing Warmth Of The Sun On Your Face, Just Remember To Wear Sunscreeen. Will Be Looking For Your Occassional Posts. Rowdy

[Jamie]

Doug, thanks so much for the support and especially for your wonderful sense of humor these past few months. Getting to know you has been fun. Your stories are priceless!! I understand about the need to move on with life. It is starting to happen to me too and I think it's the way things need to be. Each of us has a life to live and it is just a blessing that new knees allow us to do that. I wish the best for you and your family. .....Jamie

[JenniferG]

Crying yet?!.........................

[Pattipoo]

Pucker up baby...were you gonna leave me with no bye shugah????
Heck, I might just drive over and visit you RIGHT now!!!

It's been a blast, Dougie.....you were the first to tell me to GRAB ON TO THE POTTY AND HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE when I was having "issues"!!! LOVE to you, doll! We'll keep up by email!!

Hugs and Hugs and MO Hugs!!!

[doug]

Well, that hiatus lasted all of two hours...yes, I was crying as I typed it. Like I said, I'm not gone, just moving around more.

[Skeet]

I know the feeling. It's like graduating from college and leaving all your buddies. You say you will keep in touch... but will we?? I sure hope so.

Good to hear from you, Patti! I was starting to worry about ya! Here's hugs for both you all - big ol' hugs and maybe even a kiss on the cheek! Love you so much!! (Still using my transculent mineral powder - thanks to you I know how and I know what a kabuki brush is).

All the best,
Skeet

[Pattipoo]

I won't say goodbye either because I check in ever so often....we KNEW we'd get back to our hectic lifestyles....which ain't half bad that we can handle a hectic lifestyle again thanks to these new kneesals, right?!!!

Well....at least I've taught you how to apply makeup, take a poop AND smell like a grapefruit!!! (remember, ladies, men LOVE it!!!)

Dougie...don't be crying...you don't look good with a snubbed up snot bubble!!! Ha Ha

smooches

[dw6928]

Best of luck Doug! Patti, you have the most colorful use of language I have ever encountered. You are a veritable riot and I am sure Doug, like many of us, have benefited from your wonderful sense of humor during our most painful moments (toilets included) during the "dark, early days" post-surgery.

[Pattipoo]

Wayne....your two sweet!

(wink)

uh...I mean YOU'RE TOO SWEET!!!

(If you only knew that I can't do any better with the language thingie....you should be pitying me!!)

[dw6928]

Pity is not a word that I would attach to you Patti!

[Skeet]

But I bet she can play it up right nice when necessary... she's a southern belle, after all :) My hubby says we all have a great pout...

[dw6928]

Skeet, you are a long way from the South in Oregon.

[Skeet]

True, but I grew up in Texas... and although you can take the gal out of Texas, you simply cain't take Texas out of the gal.

[dw6928]

I travel several times a year to Dallas (for the last 20 years) for the Intl Lighting Market and Texans are truly like none others. I have genuine affection for the people and the state. And everything is big including the state flag you see flying everywhere!

[Skeet]

I remember prior to Lyndon Johnson when there was a sign as you crossed the Red River going to TX from OK. The sign said "You are now leaving the United States and entering the great state of Texas". When Lyndon became president, he made them take it down... I grew up in Freestone County (home of Sam's BBQ) outside of Fairfield. It's about 90 miles SE of Dallas and 40 miles E of Waco. I miss home so much!!

[Skeet]

And we have the best "don't litter" signs ever - Don't Mess with Texas!

Ever heard the phrase One Riot, One Ranger anyone?

[dw6928]

and the most dramatic state flag! and some of the greatest steak houses and bbq anywhere.

[doug]

Just In Case And While We're On The Subject Of Loosing Touch, How About Everyone Agree To Meet Back On Here Janruary 1, 2009 With An Update?

[Skeet]

It's a date - top of the forum at midnight on New Year's Eve!

[Skeet]

Just added it to my Outlook calendar.

[Pattipoo]

will do!..............

[doug]

Patti, to bring up an ole phrase, "you ain't right".
Do you realze that midnight for Skeet is 3am our time??? Now this old rooster will try but I was thinking bout at least having the sun up when I said "hey". I'll try but I'll sound like the old days on the dope.

[Josephine]

Well, I'm delighted for you both as well but



but




but




http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/0307crying.jpg

I shall miss you terribly!


http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Humor/Cats/CuteKittyHug.jpg

[Skeet]

And we will miss you terribly, too! I'm hoping sometime to get to our plant in Dublin and maybe some visit on a stopover at Heathrow! Travel is halted for now, but I'm not giving up hope!

[gatiger]

I love you all......................that is all.

[Skeet]

No, that ain't all..... say it ain't so! You in for New Year's??

And Doug, I could go for earlier - like 9pm my time. Just sayin'

And you'se right - she ain't right.

Love and Kisses!

[gatiger]

I told y'all a long time ago that I was more addicted to this board than any of the meds. Kinda like a 'first love', ya move on, but ya don't ever forget. Patti, I will always love ya shuga. Skeet, Beachy, I swear, one day me and the wife are gonna hit the west coast in a big way. Doug, Fl. aint that far man. Everyone of you guys have touched me and meant more to me than you will ever know. In a perfect world we would all get together and have drinks and laughts, hugs and kisses, but damn y'all, this world aint perfect. I love y'all and there will always be 'something' here for each of you. Josephine, God bless you, m'lady. Without you none of this would have ever been possible. I feel like [I] have friends all over the country and I know that God's love and His plan has never been more evident than what I have seen here the last few months. I'll check on you guys from time to time, but hey, life is callin and I gotta go. May the Load bless you and keep you and give you Peace.

Patti, dollin shuga baby, this aint that bullsh*t kinda love, its real.............just sayin.

[doug]

O.K....It's a deal. Sign on at 12 midnight Eastern time New Years Eve.

[Pattipoo]

You KNOW I love it when you call me dollin shuga baby!!! Boy, you make me SO proud to be southern!!!....I loves the way you tawlk, man!...makes my little heart get to beatin and all!

I'll keep up by email, Gat....You've been a dear!!
I'm not leaving, though!!....I'm too nosey and I've got to keep up with Rowdy!!

Drive that big bike on up to North Carolina!!

[doug]

True, gotta coach Rowdy.

[1jt@atime]

You crazies better not go away completely! I've gotta second knee to go in just 12 days!!!! Have fun this summer! Karen

[beachcomber]

Hey now--- so not fair to do all this "goodbye" stuff while I am at work! But I am feeling the same thing as I am recovering from this 'scope. I am looking forward to summer, healing, and moving on with my life. This morning was the best I have felt in a long long time----- both mentally and physically.

I'll be in and out too--- checking in and seeing what people are up to.
I do want to say that this has been a true lifeline for me the past 5 months and I don't know how I would have kept my sanity without it. You have all been treasures in my life---- truly gifts from God at a time I needed you most.

Thank you my friends--- God bless--- stay in touch--- and keep those monkeys under control! (You do realize that one day many of us may be back for the other knee---- what a hoot if it ended up being at the same time again! LOL!)

[Josephine]

O.K....It's a deal. Sign on at 12 midnight Eastern time New Years Eve.

Ya promise, big guy? Momma will be very upset if you stand us up.

[Skeet]

If he doesn't log on... we'll have to have him arrested or something.. see life from the other side of the badge!

Patti, I don't think I've shared what I call my kids... little sweet potata bugs. Or dumpling. And I've gotten strange looks and a couple of comments at work when I forget and call someone shuga. I sure hope someone gets out west or I get back south east! And Jamie I just might make it to KS! Relatives in Ransom, Ozawkie, and Berryton.

[Jamie]

Just In Case And While We're On The Subject Of Loosing Touch, How About Everyone Agree To Meet Back On Here Janruary 1, 2009 With An Update?

What a GREAT idea, Doug! I'm in!!! Knee reports and photos from everyone, okay??? ....Jamie

[Jamie]

If he doesn't log on... we'll have to have him arrested or something.. see life from the other side of the badge!

Patti, I don't think I've shared what I call my kids... little sweet potata bugs. Or dumpling. And I've gotten strange looks and a couple of comments at work when I forget and call someone shuga. I sure hope someone gets out west or I get back south east! And Jamie I just might make it to KS! Relatives in Ransom, Ozawkie, and Berryton.

Skeet.....would be GREAT to have you make a pass through Kansas. A real hug would be THE BEST!!! And you know, we all WILL have to have a Final Four Playoff date to cheer the Jayhawks on again. They will be in the F4 along with Patti's boys, I hope! That was fun!

[Skeet]

Where are you again, Jamie?

[Jamie]

Where are you again, Jamie?

We live in Olathe which is a suburb of Kansas City.....we live just off I-35 about 5 minutes.

[beachcomber]

Jamie,
I might be visiting my sis in Smithville MO this summer.... I'll let you know if it works out and maybe we can meet up...have new knee--- will travel!

[Josephine]

By the way - I have talked with Ron - NeNeez - once in a while and he is doing just fine. His new life has made forum activity a low priority too, so that's another one on the road to normality. Woo Hoo!!

[Rowdy66]

Jaime, can't believe you live in Olathe, KS. I used to own the DQ there on Rogers Road and raised my kids down the road in Roeland Park, KS. Also owned th California Fruit Market on Rainbow Blvd and 43rd. Now that was way back in the day, I have since moved to AZ and been here almost 20 years ago so you're talking another life time.

Hey, one of the worst things about this forum is the fear of losing you guys. Each and everyone of you has been a blessing. Not only have you been a great support but you have shared some of the moments in my life that I will never forget and regardless of how much time passes you all will remain in my heart and in those memories, so thanks to each and everyone of you. Rowdy PS Guess I am just not ready to say see ya around.

[Jamie]

Boy, Rowdy.....what a coincidence!!! It always proves to be such a small world. I don't know how long it's been since you were in Olathe, but it has GROWN!!! We moved here in 1984 and it has gone from about 25,000 people to 100,000. Amazing....and really busy roads now!

[1jt@atime]

Rowdy, I grew up in KC and went to Westport High School not so far from 43rd and Rainbow! I left in 1981 when I got married. Jamie and I realized she worked at the Marine Corps Finance Center the same time as my sister and also went to the same college as I did, though at diferent times.

It is a small world.

[Nursepair]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can't do this to me. I've been offline for almost 2 weeks because my computer got a really tricky virus, and when I get back finally you are all saying goodbye!! I am howling now. I am going to miss you all so much. It has been awful not being able to look at this forum at all. I understand about getting back to your lives of course thigh. My mum is still here until Tuesday nigth so I won;t be on much until then I guess.

Just got back from a Barry manilow concert in Toronto, it was great!! Fantastic guy opened for him, Brian Culbertson from Chicago, any one know him? Just bought his album, Getting Back to Funk.

Also took mum today to a Jazz & Blues Festival we have here in Orangeville every year. Then to our grandaughters third Birthday party, before seeing Barry. Sitting in the close seats was a problem as I still don't have enough bend. Get to see surgeon on 24th June, think I will be having that MUA.

I will be checking as many threads pout as possible next week that I have missed. Where did the photo site go?

Love you all very much. Will keep checking in and keeping in contact with those of you whose email addresses I have. It's a date on Jan 1st if I am near a computer.

Love and ((((((((((HUGS)))))))) to you all, Sue xoxoxo

[Josephine]

Calm down, Sue - calm down - that was on the 28th May and they've been posting here as much if not more than they ever did before!

You saw Marry Banilow? I saw him in London some years ago. You know that bit where he gets a fan up on stage to sing with him? I remember there was a woman in the audience with a big placard. It had a BIG nose drawn on it and the words "PICK ME!!"

eeeuuuwwww!! Gross!

But it worked and she had the time of her life. She could also actually sing which was a novel change!

But have you ever noticed how the ones chosen are almost always good lookers? I understand his team go out in the audience before the show and look over the talent. And the lucky girl is chosen before the show even begins! One roadie is designated to go stand behind the chosen girl so Barry knows where to bestow his favours. This info from the friend I went with - she and her band of fellow fans used to hire big camper vehicles and follow Barry around on his UK tours. They did that for years and there was little that went on behind the scenes they didn't know about.

He gives an awesome show tho but! Good value for money.


As regards the photo thread, we now have an extra forum called Lifestyles and all the chitty chatty stuff was moved in there (here!). If you look at the top, you'll see this thread is in there too.

[JenniferG]

Hi Sue, glad you are back. Missed you lots! Doug is still here. He was just kidding and Patti too. Skeet even ref has been chiming back. And there is a whole crew of new! Even some hippies now!

[beachcomber]

Welcome back Sue---- missed you and your wonderful cheerful attitude and hugs! Take it easy!

[Jamie]

Welcome back, Sue....I think you'll still find all your friends here. They can't leave....we're all addicted and there is no cure. But then....with such great folks to talk to, who wants to be totally cured anyway???

[doug]

Well I wasn't kidding, I thought I would be posting less. With school out, my son is keeping me going.
Barry Manilow, It is interesting when you see the public side of some folks and then see the other side. I had to do some security years ago for him when he came to Tallahassee. If things don't go exactly as he likes, his majesty throws an absolute sissy hissy fit. He doesn't want any one to see him before he walks on the stage...just sayin'

[Skeet]

That's too bad. I like Barry Manilow. My husband and I used to go see John Denver every year (our weekend away from the kids) until he died. Then we went to see Barry the next year. They both put on a good show. Guess we only see that side of them.

[Josephine]

The only person I would travel to see now is David Soul!

[Skeet]

Well, I guess so, Jo! Heck, so would I and he doesn't even know I exist. That is one of the most heartwarming stories and told us all so much about who you are. That's part of why we love you so much!

[*gmac*]

Hey what about the Beach Boys? We saw them last year for the third time in almost a thirty year span. The band members have changed (I think Mike Love was the only original member) and his son Christian was part of the group. If you closed your eyes you heard the EXACT sounds you did in the sixties and seventies. Just awsome.

[Jamie]

I'm with you, gmac. The Beach Boys music IMMEDIATELY takes me to my happy college days....carefree, meals and place to sleep taken care of, and fun, fun, fun 'til my Daddy takes my Mustang away (but he never did - I still have it!).

[Josephine]

Amen there! aaaaah ..... the sixties!

"God Only Knows"
"Good Vibrations"
"Help Me Rhonda"
"Barbara Ann"
"I Get Around"
"Sloop John B" (I only just figured what a sloop is - better late than never!)



<edit>
oooh - had to run and put on my LP! Haven't had my record player on for years!

Gotta go - need to do some dancing!

[doug]

Their music is timeless. My 14yr old loves the Beach Boys. They sang some of the BB songs in his school chorus.

[JenniferG]

Doug, I knew you weren't kidding. I'm sure your thoughts were busier with son, less posting. That will probably be true to some extent for all of us in the summer who have graduated to "back to life and beyond". Somewhere around 9-10 weeks I started thinking I'm spending too much time sitting... i've got things to do.

[doug]

Exactly...I plan to do some long overdue work in the garage or yard but he heat is driving me back inside. Plus, I'm trying to avoid driving unless I absolutely have to. Of course I just had to go to my new favorite place, Costco. I'm going to have to hide my membership card from my wife..

[JenniferG]

There is a chain grocery around here, Price Chopper, that has been running a deal, for every $50 you spend you earn 10 cents off per gallon at the local Sunocos. Used to be a good deal, but lately the Sunocos per gallon price is 10-15 cents higher per gallon any way, so the savings is not that great and the actual cost of the savings is built in to the price. $4.23 vs. $4.34 where I noticed today. So if I have saved my credits to 70 cents or more per gallon, great, (like I can go that long between fills or want to spend that much on groceries.) But the reality is I get to 20-30 cents per and that's not too grand... If you just stay home you don't burn gas and you don't shop for the unescessary.
My time has been consumed with packing/cleaning/sorting. We just got back from Home Depot to get a new vanity for the bathroom to make things pretty for selling.

[ship4]

I'm with you, gmac. The Beach Boys music IMMEDIATELY takes me to my happy college days....carefree, meals and place to sleep taken care of, and fun, fun, fun 'til my Daddy takes my Mustang away (but he never did - I still have it!).

When I was able to go for walks, I would listen to the Beach Boys album, Made in the USA. It is great for walking and gives a variety of speeds to walk. I am looking forward to the day when I can walk to it again!
Thanks for the memory.....
Best,
Crystal

[westexas]

Had to bring this thread back at least for the time being......

Doug,
We are all thinking about you and your mom....Hope she is doing o.k. and that you are being a GOOD son... Let us hear from you....KNEES AND HIPS.....Patty

[Josephine]

Yes - too right, Patty.

[Weezl]

Doug, See ya around! You'l be back to see what's up every now and then. That's where I'm at too. Haven't been back for awhile and I had a question so I came back and saw a lot of the same old faces and a lot of newbees that could use our experience. So I check in now and then and probably not very much either but I remember how helpfull this site was to me and I hope I can pass it on. Happy trails! MsWeezl.