I love this photo! I love the colors in it. I love old barns. I love the fact that this old barn has weathered many storms.
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I briefly lived in Omaha, Nebraska. For the first two weeks I resided there, my mother and two siblings and I lived in a rented mobile home until my father procured our permanent home in military base-housing. Those two weeks ended my childish faith that all was safe and controlled by my parents' power. Previously, the only way I knew it had stormed the night before was because the ground was still wet and my mother would ask, "Did you hear that storm last night?" During those two weeks we were pelted with driving rain, hail, lightening and tornadoes. The metal roof of that trailer magnified the noise and I was terrified. I seldom slept but didn't realize the danger of residing in a trailer during tornado warnings (it was 1977). One of the tornadoes tore up the downtown area, destroying buildings and blowing out most of the windows in the public library. We could see the storms approaching us from across the flatlands as if it were the dust cloud around a cartoon fight replete with dust and lightening. The colors of the storms were incredibly like the human body after an intense beating, blues, blacks, peculiar greens, pinks and purples, yellows; all the colors of a 'bruise' rainbow. The lightening was unlike any other I'd ever seen. It didn't arc across the sky in an eerie electical ballet with fingers reaching from cloud to cloud. It shot straight down as a sword to declare this spot conquered by the storm. The thunder was amplified without any hills or variances in the landscape to dampen it's ferocity. My husband wonders why I am so fearful and feel so vulnerable when it storms even now. As I get older I find the possiblities mounting for disaster rather than diminishing and realizing that so far, storms haven't claimed me as a victim. I don't feel safer, rather, I feel blessed that my family has been spared.
There's no place like home, there's no place like home..... I half expect Toto to come running through the field! A really dramatic and engaging photo. It has mystery, ambiguity and contradiction, qualities that I look for in a great photograph. The old barn looks like it has landed in the field, like some sort of alien ship in disguise, because of the light colored weeds surrounding it.
This is as awesome as the elephant-god photo. But here it is the impending doom (notice the funnel-cloud in the distance at right)choreographed with the powerful shadows and bright orange flash in the distance at left that seem ready to obliterate Aunt Em's old dilapidated, lean-to barn. The white washed barn in such lush grasses under such heavy skies really makes it seem as if Chicken Little knew something we didn't.
It is scary beautiful and also brings to mind..... "Auntie Em, Auntie Em"......:)
I like this pic with its terrific colors, texture, and mood. Great job Charlie!
"Auntie Em! Auntie Em!"
What a beautiful photo. I love the contrast of the dark clouds with the lighter skies in pink to the right and orange to the left. the dead grass around the barn nicely off-sets the dilapidated structure from the lush green of the growing field - spectacular. Now, if I were there, I'd run for cover, because that looks like a tornado sky...
Think of all the stories this barn could tell if only it could talk!
Great Pic!!! It looks like the barn is sitting atop a cloud, or if it just landed, a poof of dust.
How can nature be so deadly in its beauty?
The barn and the weeds around it look scared. I have an aunt whose name begins with 'm'. I call her 'Auntie M'. Guess where she lives... Kansas. I'm so freakin clever it scares me.
My monitor is on the fritz. The clouds look blue.
suzanne - what a poetic description! Neosho - My mom would say "Don't worry about the thunder .. it's just the angels bowling..." My memere (grandmother) would have us unplugging all the electrical appliances in the house!
It is a beautiful picture and let me start the game....do you see the face of a bald man near the top? And surely, Mickey, you must see the beautiful horse's head. God! I love clouds!
A bit ominous...But what a beautiful photo. Nice job, Mister Riedel.
wow this picture is amazing... at the same time it gives me the creeps, you almost expect johnny depp to pop out of there anytime soon.
A goodie.
Wow. Great photo. My money's on Ma Nature in this one.
Gorgeous picture! Reminds me of my childhood; I can feel the cold winds blowing at my hair.
It is a striking photo. Did lead paint kill the grass around the barn?
I had lunch with Mango today....we chatted about all of you.....i am to kiss Tony on the cheek for her, give Bayaga a hug, tell Krista she is funny as hell and wish the rest of you a big Texas HOWDY.....Mango is great, if my girls turn out have as good as this young lady did, i will be blessed.
Sparky....I agree it does look like it is landing in a poof a dust or maybe even preparing for take off? The pic makes me think of how terribly fragile our lives are no matter how strong our little empires we have built seem. We are really no more secure than that little barn. There are greater forces at work and life can change in a moment. There is howvever something very noble and good about the effort.....I'm rooting for the barn!!!
What a great photo! It tells so many stories! With some of them being told well by Suzanne and Larry. Good Job!
This scares the heck out of me... if I saw this storm coming, I would be heading for a storm shelter. Surely people living on the plains like this have storm shelters??? I would hope. And yes, it does seem like this barn landed and there's a puff of dust around its base. I almost expect to see the ruby red shoes! Yesterday afternoon, me and hubby walked up the road to see how the neighbor's were doing... they were having a crew tear up an old trailer right across the road from my daughter's house, that used to be the neighbor's uncle's abode. As we were standing there, we could see clouds like these above, yet not quite so menacing looking, off in the distance, moving our way. All of a sudden the wind picked up and debris from the old trailer started blowing everywhere, and we had a heck of a time helping them try to cover some stuff they were trying to put plastic over that they had removed from the trailer! The adult daughter started running all around trying to find her "Toto" (a little poodle)! Then, Tony and I started running down our road to get back to our house, as the rain drops started and lightening too... it so reminded me of The Wizard of Oz' opening black and white scene! LOL...
Having lived in the MidWest all my life (Tornado Alley),including Omaha Suzanne, I find this photo completely fascinating!! I am one of the weird ones who truly loves thunderstorms.....and old barns!!
"Hoe Down" cancelled due to impending structural failure.
Gotta love the latest Amazon book reviews. LOL
Has anyone else seen a green sky? I saw it in West Texas. I was told it meant hail. LSD doesn't count.
anndee - yes, i see a horse's head, a jumping horse, and a sleeping fox. anyone else...?
That photo fascinates and scares me at the same time. Awesome.
NEOSHO Here's one for you. These "farming" images always remind me of this song. Driving down a corduroy road, Weeds standing shoulder high Ferris wheel is rusting off in the distance Left alone to get gigantic Hard, huge, and haunted A generation so much dumber than it's parents Came crashing through the window A raven strains along the line of the road Carrying a muddy, old skull the wires show their approval Off down the distance I remember, I remember buffalo And I remember Hengelo It would seem to me I remember every single f'ing thing I know If I die of Vanity, promise me, promise me That if they bury me some place I don't want to be That you'll dig me up and transport me Unceremoniously away from the swollen city breeze, garbage bag trees Whispers of disease, and acts of enormity And lower me slowly, sadly, and properly Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy
Kevin, my friend, it saddens me to know that you have reached a new low. I got an sick feeling when I read your post, and after investigating, my fears were confirmed. I have always liked you and respected your opinion, even though you got downright nasty once. I know you were provoked. This move was seemingly unwarranted. Poor judgment, I hope.
For Sale: Open floor plan, open air design, skylights throughout,good neighborhood, close to schools and shoping.
This is SUCH a butiful photo!!! i love the colors and i love this barn! MickeyMass, i saw the horses head and the jumping horse, i didnt see a sleeping fox but i did see a flying bird.
Pat, green skies don't mean anything really other then a strong storm is very near. I have seen all sorts of skies and those green ones are not ones to mess with though. This picture is beautiful and honestly not all that scary looking considering I am a big fraddy cat when it comes to storms. Now the Mammatus clouds I saw over my house not to long ago, now those are very creepy and beautiful looking.
Ray, I was not at all familiar with that one; so I went to Amazon to listen to a sample. The style is reminding me of someone that I can't quite put a finger on. I like this picture. People think I'm loopy for going outside for a little look-see when the storm sirens sound. Things seem so different when a nasty storm threatens, colors are brighter and even the grass seems more alive. The wind and the moisture in the air can carry the scent of honeysuckle right past my nose. Sometimes the air does go green or orange or a shade that can't decide between the two. When it gets close enough that the thunder makes my ribs rattle against my lungs and I can hear the sizzle before the lightening strikes, it's time to go inside-but I resent it.
This picture is spectacular. Even if it had no relevance to current events I could imagine it framed and hanging on a wall somewhere. And the nostalgic feel of an old barn like this very endearing. Gorgeous. And I see a 57 chevy with ET for a head and Thing 1 and Thing 2 for arms.
NEO - Nice picture you painted there. And I agree, storms have always done that for me, too.
WOW! I had to do a double take on this one.... :D I was like is this a painting or a real picture...!!
Isn't there a warning label on those blue pills about making your vision like this for four hours? I see a girl with kaleidoscope eyes...
This is a great picture. My husband and I love it when the thunder storms start rolling in to Texas.
I agree Neo---I resent it when I am forced off my front porch---but you can always feel that buzz---they air begins to vibrate and the colors dance like jewels running before it----I like when the old buildings take on the characters of faces. I see a whale--just above the roof and a open set of false teeth--- a lovely picture Ray---is this a Ry Cooder song----he has done so many different styles over the years---I can't keep up with him---just know that he is a great guitarist
Into this house were born Into this world were thrown Like a dog without a bone An actor out on loan
MTfromLA... I'm with you, re: your comment May 26... Kevin... what do you think to gain by all this? Let it drop, man! I too like and respect you, yet the comments directed at you know who is uncalled for! OhioBob and CMan... too funny! (the "I see" comments) I can't see a dang thing but menacing clouds... oh wait! I can make out two banshee-looking figures, with mouths open! Even more menacing-looking! LOL...
andee, mickey, You know I see all those things!!! But it also looks as though there is a ghostly figure of an old man in the second window and maybe a child in the doorway... oooo I just got chills!
woah buddy that's awesome, i hope all had a good holiday, i was thinking about all of you!
I LOVE this photo. I'd like a print of it. I'm doing my study/office/sunroom/bedroom in storm pics. On another note; I wanna have lunch w/ Ducky. I'm gonna save my pennies to fly out and have a Happy Meal with you!!
CMan...Not sure, Never really paid attention to the commercials.
Thanks OhioBob!
Nice host Charlie!Awesome colors! Kind of scary looking...A lonesome cry...that's what the old barn makes me think of.
Beautiful colors. Looks like a puzzle picture.
Ray, my man...cool lyrics. Who was that?
looks like that patch of lawn around the house could use some rain.
Picture yourself in a boat on a river, With tangerine trees and marmalade skies Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly, A girl with kaleidoscope eyes. Cellophane flowers of yellow and green, Towering over your head. Look for the girl with the sun in her eyes, And she's gone.
MT--I think the key word you used was provoked. I also think that if you knew the whole story you wouldn't be so quick to judge my actions. However, like lots of things in life, people believe what they want to believe. I can only do what I know best to do MT, and that is to make people laugh, and shed light on the worthless hacks in society that spread lies. If you don't agree with my methods, I can respect that. However, I didn't start this whole ordeal, and as you said, I was provoked into it. Therefore, please place the blame on where it really belongs. Thanks.
NEOSHO, you've got me smelling the honeysuckle. Great description and it makes a little homesick for my childhood home on the farm.
I see the aftermath from Chuck Norris's latest gas attack.
Hope it has a basement!
Whatever happened to "JesusLover"?
There's nothing better than watching a storm building energy as it tries to sneak up on you. This photo captures that exact thing.
AP----I knew their was a reason you liked me----Ok---I have selected Gettysburg for you to spend your time---I love that place---see if you can stay at the http://www.dobbinhouse.com/innrooms.htm They actually have a 12 acre farm that you can stay at that is located on the Round Top battle field---but you have to stay a week---it is awesome---you can feel the battle calls in the whisper of the trees----The Dobbin House was built in 1776 and the food is great---and it is within walking distance of the park. Check to see if they are having a concert the night you are at the park. Be sure to see the Eisherhower Home---You and the wife can take the guided bus tour--it is about 4 hours (I think) and has a guide---25 per person---if you hire a guide---it is 55 for 1-6---we had a great guide one year---The Amish food in the area is great---if you drive near Hershey Pa---roll down your window---Hmmmmmm---and check out the train ride---(I have g-kids) just google Gettysview and the train ride will come up---their is one that does some of the battle fields--- and all the females in my mom's family have the middle name Lee---
I guess the photo is apropos for the topic. I said my piece; I'm out. Good luck Kev.
Isn't there an olive branch around somewhere? I wonder if someone would pick it up... Men of reason and character recognize the frailties of humanity that exist in all of us, and possess an inherent ability to overcome the passions of ego...and forgive.
if we're doing song lyrics for this pic, what about Eddie Rabbitt? I heard this one for the first time in probably 10 years this morning on the way into work - lightly drizzling outside, of course: Well I love a rainy night I love a rainy night I love to hear the thunder Watch the lightning When it lights up the sky You know it makes me feel good Well I love a rainy night It's such a beautiful sight I love to feel the rain On my face To taste the rain on my lips In the moonlight shadow
Robert..This is a stunning photo! Considering how many storms this old house has survived over the years it's probably the safest place around.
Though it looks like a barn, this is actually that box Pandora opened.
I like the silent defiance in this photo. *Sorry for making a serious comment directly related to the picture.
OhioBob... thank you, well said! We should all learn to forgive and forget. Sometimes it isn't easy to forget... but forgive, definately! This is my favorite quote, maybe because it's my husband's: "When man understands and accepts his responsibility to every other man, when he shines that ray of light on every other man, only then will he have enough light to see the face of God." Copyright: Tony DiGiovanni - December, 2000. That's my "dog"!!!!!!
MickeyMass: Wow...you called your grandmother Memere!? Us, too. I thought that the name was a french one...but as I can tell; maybe not! I guessing Mass...for the state? Neosho: Awesome picture you've painted in my mind...love the colors and I can surely smell the honeysuckle! Yep...I do the same thing...I love to sit on my porch when bad weather comes...my scary safe place. Can't we all just get along?
Ok, my turn to "see what's in the clouds". I see Ben Hur.
Bayaga/Bull Song is called Hundreth Meridian by Tragically Hip a very popular Canadian band.
Kajun - my dad's family was French-Canadian (3 generations removed?). There is quite a large French-Canadian community in southern Mass and RI. So I grew up with some french expressions - mostly family endearments, etc. (Of course, being american kids, my sister and I shortened Memere and Pepere to Mem and Pep....).
Kevin is a coward.
This reminds me of the shed in the movie Twister with Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Grab a piece of leather and hold on tight. Eventhough this picture is scary, I would take my chance against the storm before going up against the bugs in the basement.
Beautiful colors. When a photo can conjure up such a feeling then you know it's a hit...good job, Charlie!
Looks Like Dorthy is about to leave Kansas
Man, all you people who claim to 'see' things in the clouds are just loopy! Besides, it's CLEARLY a puppy dog, facing to the left.
No, wait...there's two puppy dogs in there!
Kevin...Don't walk through life with a perpetual wedgie...let it go...life is too short!!! SouthernLady...Damn that is good! Let me guess Tony can cook!? (stuffed artichokes..real homemade meat balls and spaghetti sauce) Kajun...The answer to your question lies in the yin and yang that make up the life force...love/hate..happiness/sorrow..pain/pleasure..War/peace - One can't exist without the other.
More song lyrics for you from the great state of Oklahoma... "The thunder rolls And the lightnin' strikes Another love grows cold On a sleepless night As the storm blows on Out of control Deep in her heart The thunder rolls...."
KayfromPCreek - love those lyrics, but I can't place them. Could you reply-post with song/artist? KenInAnchorage - C'mon, you don't see the 57 chevy? Oh, wait...puppy dogs, you're right. How'd I miss that?... Again, GRRRREAT photo. It draws you in.
earl... you got it, hon! He's an excellent cook. His older brothers, one just passed away recently, used to own 'Little Italians' restaurant in Metairie, LA, a few years back. They were the originators of the Sicilian Pizza, that's now know as thick crust pizza, in our area of the country! Tony must come by it naturally! Oh, and he has a nephew who's Executive Chef at Arnauds in the French Quarter. (gotta brag!) And yes he can make some mean stuffed artichokes! Personally, I like to add finely chopped ham to them when I make them. Not to brag... since I had the best teachers in the world, my mother-in-law and father-in-law, but I consider myself a good cook, too! Ciao!
SL: Wow...Dog is God spelled backward...how deep is that? Yep, he's definitely Italian...I'd love to try some of his spaghetti and pizza. Italian is my favorite...I bet Olive Garden wouldn't stand a chance! How did you manage that? Awesome quote! Earl: Yes, you're right...I guess I'll be the yin in life...and you can be the yang. Ha! I love this blog! I learn so much from you guys! I do wish people would stop fighting! It makes me sad...
KenInAnchorage - Silly man! Two puppy dogs? You don't see Ben Hur? I'm depending on ya man! Side with me!
Kevin, it is now necessary to use LOL if you are indeed saying something funny. The point is that no one is laughing.
Earl---Tony also does windows---The SL told me so herself---you should see her wonderful family----in fact Sl---if you don't mind---forget having the seals lick the purple sucker (though I hate giving that up)---send tony with the Stuff Artichokes--
Ohio...It's Garth Brooks song, "Thunder Rolls"!!
Cman and Oregon...fun Beatles reference! Has anyone seen "Across the Universe"???
Hey Kajun... funny story: When I was 15 (Tony was 14), was sitting on my front porch in the St. Thomas Projects in N.O., and a great friend was sitting there with me. I saw two boys walking towards us but they went into a house a few down from us. I asked Vincent, "Who was that with Julio, cause I'm gonna marry him one day!" This thought came out of the blue! Of course, Vincent thought I was nuts! But how true did that turn out... it was Tony! He was such a cutie, I didn't think he'd even look at me twice!!! Six years later, we got married!
Kay - Great song. Garth is a good ol' boy from the Southwest who did alright for himself. The words fit this pic very well.
MickeyMass: Wow that's very interesting...us Cajuns generate from Nova Scotia...and have hundreds from Canada visit the Acadian Village in Lafayette annually. It's wonderful when they come down here cause it gives people like me a chance to brush up on my cajun french...they speak very close to ours. Now, when people come from France - I'm lost! Ha. I like Mem...wished I would of heard that one before I came up with Ma-Mi last month for my new grandbaby to call me. I think I fit Mem better. Oh well...he may call me something alot worse by the time he can speak. Ha.
The barn looks oddly defiant. I love it.
Southern Lady--Since you asked, what I hope to gain by this is satisfaction. Satisfaction knowing that the reviews I give to a hack writer's crappy novel on Amazon and other places effect him financially. He can spew whatever lies he wants to about me, but it won't cost me a dime. LOL I can't wait to review his future titles. :0)
And just as a reminder to all, I would like to polish off this great fib that Tony told ALL of you back on March 9th of this year. This guy can't even go 3 months without breaking his promise to you. You can also click on my name in blue and it will take you to the page mentioned, then scroll down to the March 9th listing. If only Tony would have kept his word, we wouldn't be in this situation. Any of you who know me can absolutely trust that I have NEVER posted using another blogger's name, or made up name. I have always been very forthcoming about my views and have had no reason to hide behind others. As far as the whole sick accusation about Victor goes, this truly concerns me. Victor and I have been friends for a little more than ten years. It is absolutely ludicrous to suggest that he somehow doesn't exist. Any of you who even toy with this insanity should be ashamed. The sickness on this site has grown exponentially and I admit that I have added to it. I promise to everyone here that I will no longer initiate, respond to, or refer to any posts by my "friend" from Texas.
It's stunning.
This guy is obsessed; bordering on psychopathic. Unabomber like stuff. Or maybe Jeffrey Dahmer. Somebody check the basement.
Notice Any characters from this blog are inventions of the imaginations of their creators. Any similarity to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any such relationship should not be implied or inferred.
kajun - ahhh, i'd love to brush up on my french! most of my french-speaking relatives have passed on now. my son takes french in school, so i get a tiny bit of practice! if your grandbaby hasn't started talking yet, it's not too late to choose to be "Mem"!
Thank you Ray---I will look them up on youtube---my favorite music store of late-----
I love the contrasting colors in this picture! Everything is so rich and bold and stands out spectacularly.
Ed - does that mean that I am my own imaginary friend? ;-)
Who's this Tony and Victor Kev and a few others have been talking about?...or do i not wanna know?
Just, that's what I was thinking even before his last post. Kevin, so that's the type of person you are? To take satisfaction from putting other people down. A lot of people might take pleasure in thinking about what they could do to potentially mess with the life of someone else, but to actually carry it out is another thing. I sense a whole lot of jealousy.
Wow, outstanding photography. It is a breath-takingly beautiful image. The lighting is perfect. Congratulations, be very proud of this shot. Cilla
Howdy! I miss being able to join in on here. Lunch with Duckie was a blast. She's beautiful! Anyway, I miss ya'll! Oh, and, uh, i like the picture, too. Yeah.
MickeyMass: Bon Jour Mon Amie. Good Day My Friend. There listen 1. Ha. You're right...I guess Mem is not too late! I think I'll take it! Thanks! SL: Wonderful story...teary eyed on how sweet it was. sha...ladies just know! I wish I would of known who I would of married...because I picked some bad apples along the way...haha.
What a great photo. A little old barn sits quietly on the ground while above it the sky is filled with the scene of a furious battle about to unfold between the gods.
To Pat in Texas -- about the green sky - when I was little growing up in Texas I thought that was what "Greenwich Mean Time" meant because it was mean tornado weather anytime there was a green sky and I've only seen green sky when the bad weather potential was highest -- the science behind it is that it's due to a combination of ice crystals and particulate matter suspended in the air, in other words dust and debris picked up by strong updrafts. It's wicked beautiful -- does anyone know what kind of filter the photographer was using?
I think photoshop does a terrific job.
it takes a brave soul to forgive....it takes a coward to hold on to the past and not move on. Brewers, the only thing I can tell you for sure is that Tony, aka, justsayin' is one of the best men i have never met, and I have nothing nice to say about Kevin.
I see this one is the leader of the vote for The Week in Pictures. I love this one, but I voted for an underdog; Coulda, woulda, shoulda.
Brewers - hun, you just don't want to go there. Here's a beer.
Brewers... you really don't want to know, I respectfully bowed out, many, many blogs back. Let's just say that sometimes you need to know when enough is enough, before you lose whatever respect that you may have gained with the people you share the company with, in this Blog. Personally, I like a lot of the people here...and Life is too short as it is.
BrewersOF--Victor(aka SgtAirborne or Cupcake) was an alleged special forces member that Tony made up in his imagination. Tony also goes by TonyinCheyenne, JustSayin, Jordan, IranianinAmerica, and I'm sure a list of others. If that wasn't bad enough, he tried to pass off to the kind folks on here that Victor was actually wounded in combat. Reasons of which still escape me other than it was a sick way to fool people into giving out sympathy and prayers to a fictitious person. I caught him in his lie by doing a bit of my own research, along and some great help of a few others on here. I will thank them anonymously so they too won't get sucked into his abyss. We are where we are today, in my opinion, because Tony wants people to feel sorry for him, so he can feel important. He has made a habit of it by wanting people to give him sympathy for everything. About Victor; about Jordan when they argued; about the big bad KevinfromBedfordTX who was mean to him; and about everyone and everything else that doesn't 100% agree with his far left views on life. Life sucks pal, so move on. I tried to do so, and Tony sucked me back in. Therefore I did what I knew would leave a permanent scar across something he holds dear, his writing. Not that my review was far from the truth, but still. I hope this answers your question.
I'm impressed. It looks very other-worldly - in fact it is ... I visited Kansas once ... it was quite different. But that's another story. This photo is amazing.
This is my first time posting comments about the pics on this website. I hope it's recieved well... Growing up in central Nebraska, just north of Platte River, I have seen many abandoned barns and houses with a similar back drop...this picture is beautiful in its simplicity. My unlce has a farm a little north from here, nesteled in the hills that he grew up on when his family immigrated from Polland. There are barns like this scattered in the area. My aunt, just down the road, taught in a one room school house, grades K thru 12, up until it was closed about five years ago. It too will become an abandoned building like the one in the picture that could tell a million stories. I have loved watching storms like this since I was little, my grandmother would always have to yell at me to get inside when storms were coming because I wanted to sit on the porch and watch the clouds and lightning. . . I've seen two tornadoes "up close"... by that I mean I was in a car on the highway and it was in the corn field across the street. My brother was in a corn field with another uncle who also farms and they watched the tornado touch down in a neighboring field... It is an amazing sight. We have been lucky in my area that we have only suffered primarily from damaged trees and minor repairs when tornadoes have hit my area, unlike some areas in Kansas and Missouri where entire towns have been leveled. I love these storms in a praire, but I can only wish they would stay there, they can't do much damage in an open space...
Ed..the voice of reason. We would be lost without you!
What a gorgeous picture. I live in Kansas and people talk about "ugly" Kansas. This picture (even with the ominous cloud in the background) shows that threating can be beautiful.
My father (b. 1908) was born & raised in Utica, KS - @ 40 mi from this pic. He knew the power of nature and he taught me to respect it. This pic says it all.
I will say amen to that and pass the Sam Adams---AP Jess---very nice---welcome---each year for my birthday---my husband always gives me an unusual gift----he has me a list---for my 65th it will be trip with the tornado hunters----I am really looking forward to that one
Brewers, The long and short of it is this: Thinks were said, that couldn't be un-said; things were done, that couldn't be un-done. Two men stepped up to a line, and each forced the other to cross. (one, more than the other, IMO). They both can be genuine, and charming, in their own right. Judge them separately, and for yourself. welcome Jess... and other newbies
Amazing what imaginations we have. Some turn that toward good; others turn it toward hate. The great thing is we get to freely choose which course best fits our soul. Hate is tantamount to leprosy. It tends to drive people away in disgust.
Allright, I can't stand it any longer. I have a confession to make. Judge if you must. I go by other names. I'm sorry. I have a few and some of you might recognize them. I become a different person based on which name I'm called. Some people have heard each and every name, while others only know me by one or another. I'm coming clean. I can admit to the following names. I apologize for nothing. Mom Hun Margaret Gigi Murphy Aunt Gigi Aunt Mom Babydoll 2nd base, batting 2nd, #22 DinoGirl Killer I never wanted to hurt any of you. While I'm at it, I may as well just tell you the rest of this painful truth: I... gulp .... am imperfect. I know, I know, it's a tremendous shock to you all. But it's true. I have made mistakes, been wrong and I've even gotten drunk enough to puke twice in my life. I called in sick when I was perfectly healthy on two occasions. I have returned library materials overdue. I have failed to rewind. I have told friends that they didn't look fat in certain pants that were clearly a mistake. I even once wore a navy sock and a black sock with black shoes because I couldn't find the other black one. For those and other injustices, I am prepared to suffer.
Great composition, great eye Charlie. Truly shows the power waiting to burst forth. This is one I'd blow up and hang in my home. Thank you.
At last! A great big-that's why I'm here-belly shaking-knee slapping-laugh! Thanks, Margaret. We needed that.
Margaret, you just earned all ten thumbs-up from me. Saaaaaa-lute!
This is a step back in time - I could swear I saw that barn back in 1950 when we used to play in the fields. Only then, it was a cornfield. Parts of Kansas, like parts of the Dakotas, seems to be flat ground covered by a huge bowl-shaped sky. {Which, I suppose, is why the earlier inhabitants called it Big Sky Country.) Until I saw this photo, I hadn't realized how much I missed the place.
Margaret- I was okay with all of it UNTIL the overdue library materials thing. I'm going to have to think about that one.
Margaret--Nice, very nice. Not as good as your Cat's in the Cradle, but right up there. On a side note, I now know 2 people nick-named AuntMom. The other one I met while living in Arkansas, however I don't think it was a nick-name. LOL What's that I smell......Ahhhhh someone is trying to write again, bless their hearts. LOL
Margaret - that was great! I'm still chuckling! :)
Hey Margaret, I want to know what happens when someone calls you BabyDoll.
Well...there ya go.....game over. Girls win and Margaret gets MVP....bring on the trophy.
the photo is fake because you have dead brush around the barn bright green grass everywhere else
Frank - going with your statement that the photo has been shopped in some manner, I have one question. Why in the world would someone photoshop dead plants into a picture? Seems to me that, if you were going to photoshop anything in this photo, you would make the dead grass green. I'm not saying you are mistaken, I'm just wondering. Also, it is possible for dead grass (or whatever) to mingle with green grass, to which my backyard can attest. Margaret - That was profoud. I loved it.
Margaret, hasn't anyboby called you "Maggie"? Or called you that and lived to tell about it? I'm with Ed on the BabyDoll question.
Frank- The barn is sitting in the middle of a WHEAT field. Not grass. Look closely at the green, you will see individual wheat stalks as they appear before the heat and wind of June weather dries them gold and ready to harvest. The brush is actually fireweed, died and dried over the winter(and not from lead paint suzannehansonky) and on the way to becoming tumbleweeds once the wheat is cut and the incessant Kansas wind can take it. The farmer, like all farmers around here (I live 50 Miles from Ogallah, where this pic was shot) has planted as close as possible to the structure to maximize production. My farmer father used to plant so close to a little-used dirt access road that over the course of 5 years, it went from two to one lane. But I digress. The storm in the background of this picture passed over my town later that evening and the tornado sirens sounded five times. The clouds were dark and deep blue-gray (no, Ed, your monitor is NOT on the fritz) the air (not so much the sky, Pat and Pat) had a green cast, which intensified the natural colors, and made it all look surreal. This storm line dropped six inches of rain on us in two hours. I have to remind myself that only dwellers of tornado alley states and storm chasers have seen these effects so often that we are nonplussed when someone questions the existence of that which we take for granted. Note to the photographer Riedel: this photo is a marvel of timing, location and light. Don't let anyone's ignorance detract from that. Note to Margaret: thanks for putting it all in perspective.
frank and Krista Maybe the colors are photoshopped. The weeds around the barn are just that, whatever grows naturally. The green plants are a crop that has been planted and cultivated.
I have friends that lost their homes in the "flattened" photo of Parkersburg, Iowa. I went on this site to see some of the pictures, and found this one, which is stunning. That is exactly what Iowa skies look like right before the "CATS and DOGS" start coming down. In reference to the green skies...that's usually never good either. What was even more shocking to me than the photo was all the immature bickering that goes on between "Kevin" and "Tony". Craziness...who cares? Everytime I go on a message board there are usually a couple of people on their throwing pot shots and "one-ups" on each other to stroke their egos. You've never met this person, you live thousands of miles away, so who gives a rats as$. Experience what those poor people affected by this crazy worldwide weather are going through, and then maybe you would have a valid reason to spew misery on everyone. Margaret...loved the post. Luvin the photo
Frank, that's not grass; it's wheat (althogh I suppose wheat is a species of grass). In any case, although I can't say what was or wasn't edited, I'm a native Kansan, and the scene looks perfectly natural to me. Dry tumbleweeds blow up against, get engtangled, and collect around anything that stops them (fences, buildings, etc.). The farmer here obviously cultivates at a distance of several yards around the house, which, along with the tumbleweeds, leaves a mix of last growing season's dead weeds and this year's mix of volunteer wheat and weeds that survived herbicide applications.
...This is one of the most spectacular pictures I've ever seen...yes; there is a God..only He could create something so awesome and give the gift to someone to capture and to share with the rest of the world. Thank you so much for sharing.....
Ralph!
This photo is amazing. It reminds of something Gregory Crewdson would have done, all that is missing is a few men in yellow raincoats standing around randomly.I love narrative pictures. I watched storms like this roll in while i was in Afghanistan. They were amazing and frightening all at once. You could literaly watch them Run down the mountains onto the desert plains, almost like an avalanche, where they would run from bright white snow to these dark muddy rains. they could pick up so much dust that it would seem half the world was charging you on horseback. I never saw a tornado there,(I did in Indiana) but the winds would blow 60-70 mph. once we watched our port-a-johns fly off through a mine-field never to be seen again.One was blown all to sh*t, (pun intended.)We had to strap them to a semi-trailer to keep them in place. Frank: I can assure you this photo is real. it may be altered, almost all professional photos are, but it is none the less a real photo. Is a painting any less real if the painter paints it, then looking at the finished piece decides to tweak the colors a little? or does that make it a "fake" painting? Tony and Kevin: I will not enter your dissagreement or presume to lay blame to one or the other, but let me say this: If you are looking for a fight just walk into your local bar, pick the biggest guy in the place, and slap him while saying unbecoming things about his wife and mother. ( i have personaly done this, and while it was quite painful, you will have a much better story to tell your grandkids one day when they ask you why you have no teeth.) or better yet join the military. I can promise you that after about two weeks in a foxhole together you will be best friends. I have very fond memories of men that I hated before combat time. Which ever you choose, this really is not the place to prove your manhood, nor does it do so with any efficiency. Margaret,AKA "The List": How DARE you wear mismatched socks. I must have your address, as I am forming a firing squad as we speak! As for the name we put on your tombstone, I am rather hoping you go with 2nd base, batting second, #22.I love it. To all the regulars, I hope I am welcome here, and if so i hope to hang around. i have been surfing these blogs for about a month or two and have come to respect many of you a great deal, Ed you are truely a profound individual.
Marg--WOW!!! You've only puked twice?!?!?! Awesome... My confession for today, I've only blogged under the BrewersOF name.--MickeyMass, I know it's confusing, my blog name is BrewersOF, my team is the Athletics, long story. Go A's!
Thanx to Annnndeeee, Mickey, Special K, Mel and Laurie. I accept this trophy on behalf of all the wicked-smahht gals on here. Go Wings! Boyd: nobody who ever called me Maggie, Marge or Peggy didn't require dental work immediately thereafter. Ed: only one person calls me BabyDoll, and he is 6'3 and 250. And good things happen to him when he does. Neo, I paid the fines and have always donated money, books and time to my library. Am I forgiven? ET: the worst part about wearing mis-matched socks was that when my friend pointed it out, I scolded her for being a crackhead, knowing damn well they didn't match. Brewers: Yes. Twice. The first was my first time drinkin, age 18. Beers were a buck and I walked in with a twenty and out with no memory. The second was when my mom had a stroke. Some times, there just aren't enough rocks.
Welcome to the blog, ET!
Hola ET, and welcome.
Margaret-always.
Margaret... you are forgiven, hon! That was toooo funny... Oh, and I too have worn a blue and a black sock with black shoes and black pants... there... Phew... that was painful!
OOps forgot... ETphonedHome... sorry, welcome! Uh, you have been in here before, haven't you? That sounds very familiar! Welcome all newcomers!!
ET.....welcome home
Margaret! You are truly an amazing woman...I appreciate your honesty except for not returning your library book on time...now you know that's just bad, bad, bad. And what?? Perhaps causing the Fashion Police to work overtime...oh no! I'll give you five woopings for that! Here you go, spank, spank, spank, spank & an one to grow on.
Margaret...I always knew you were an old softie at heart! I never forgot the comment you made many moons ago. It was the photo of the lone tree in the middle of a frozen field? Your simple comment was hauntingly profound - It spoke a thousand words.
How can I make this in to my XP windows screen background?
Margaret...From what I can tell, you are a fiesty and very proud Irish Lady, who has an honesty that can sting like a scorpion, and a sense of humor that can set us back on our haunches, either from laughing or from the shockwaves. You also show us your passion in your beliefs, and then turn around and show us your "Teddy Bear" side. I agree with Kajun...Amazing.
Welcome to the blog Jess and ET! Great group here...anything goes. Always have your flip flops and beer huggers ready at any time...oh and maybe a life jacket 'cause sometimes the party is at the lake. Boating can be dangerous...so always come prepared. Oh...and if you cook...bring food! WELCOME! CHEERS!
Margaret - You are a many-faceted lady of great character and integrity...and all that other good stuff AP said. And it takes a lot of courage to admit you did all those terrible things! ;-) I'd have a drink with you anytime (no puking, I promise).
ET--Don't know if your suggested course of action would work out too well, since I usually am the biggest guy in the bar(6'2", 245lbs). LOL As for the military, been there, done that. I don't know how the foxhole routine would work out though since I would be the only one in the foxhole while Tony was off somewhere AWOL, like he previously has done. That is of course if he was even in the service. We all know how he likes to make up stories. LOL Welcome though, and glad to have you on board.
SL I did leave 1 or 2 posts in april but kind of wandered off for awhile. I intend to stay put this time tho ;)
Margaret, I am more curious about the "DinoGirl" nickname....
Charlie is my son-in-law and has been taking great pictures for years, but this one is awesome. Charlie, you've outdone yourself with this photo. It's beautiful and scary at the same time. I grew up in KS and have seen storms roll in over the prairie but this gives me chills. I used to teach landscape painting and to get the effect with these colors and subject matter in nature is not easy. When I first saw the photo it took my breath away. Charlie has the eye and patience to get wonderful photos like this. He always amazes me with hs talent. Keep up the good work! Love, mom & wayne
No, Kevin would definitely be fragged before he made it to the foxhole (fighting position). 245 lbs my @ss. Try 300, at least! The man loves his bacon!
Leslie ... as they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You should be proud!
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Tony must have been looking into the shower window of some other guy's house if he saw a 300 lb. man. What a perv. Not that I'm judging his lifestyle of course, that would be wrong. On a side note, wasn't Wyoming where they filmed Brokeback Mountain? LOL By the way, it would be kinda hard to "frag" a guy from where ever it was that deserters go to wouldn't it? JustSayin' is all. LOL
This is a beautifully haunting photo. I'd like to capture this picture too if someone knows how to do it without loosing the quality. You all are too funny! I love it! I only get the chance to check out this photoblog site once a week (when the bosses are off playing golf) so I feel that I miss so much of the party. Kind of like that girl that wakes up after a long night to find that she is wearing someone elses clothes.
You guys are too nice. Kajun, Earl and AmPat... I oughtta.... Ok, DinoGirl... Dino Cicarelli played for the Red Wings for a while. Not a huge scorer, or a huge man, for that matter. Only about 5'9 or so... BUT with one important distinction that I, at 5'2, idolize to this very day. He would fight absolutely positively anybody at any time for any reason. His nickname was "Little Ball of Hate." And my softball jersey is and has always been the same as his: #22 Someone tried calling me a derivation of "little ball of hate" but after I broke his nose, he stopped.
O.K., Margaret... I vote for "Little Ball Of Hate" for your new nickname!!
ET - Take me to your leader.
Love it
I still like "aret" better... giggle!
Margaret! You fiesty lil' momma! Broke a man's nose?! How funny...I bet he didn't laugh though. Way to go! Put dem men in der place...
I love this...the colors and ambiance are outstanding...we need more beauty like this in the everyday world. Or perhaps we just need to learn to find the beauty in the everyday world.
Must be sad to be such a pariah on this blog. What a pathetic and lonely life. =(
FreedomFighter...I agree with you, people do need to learn to see the beauty set before them, It's there, you just need to be able to see it...When I was a Commercial Fisherman, they gave me a "Handle", they called me "Spice", short for "Spice O' Life", because I could see the beauty in everything set before me. My best friend once told me that he wished that just once, he could look through my eyes, so he could behold the beauty that my eyes could see and that he could not...My wish to all the people in the world is that they too, could have this "Gift". I've never been to Alaska, would love to go there one day, the beauty there must be absolutely awesome.
Okay, I've just about had enough of you two... if you don't behave, we're gonna have to put both of you in the Time Out corner, make you sit there hugging, and then make you say, "I love you!" 'Kay???!!!
I think that I can speak for any rational person and say that a anyone who can find the time(and need) to lie to complete strangers and make up fictional stories about our brave servicemen, would top the list of pathetic and lonely. A person would have to have a lot of free time on their hands to be so elaborate with their lies. A kind of guy who has probably shunned every person in his life, and knows how to be intimate with a bag of cheetos. LOL
LAL
I'm not rational by any means, but if anybody tries gakkin' my bag o'Cheetos, they're getting a broken nose. Unless it's the skinny, crunchy ones. You can have those. Blech. HOWEVER AND FURTHERMORE.....I, THE QUEEN, SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED, HEREBY DECLARE THE FOLLOWING: Not another word from Kevin about Tony or vice versa. Failure to obey will result in public shunning. We will all stop talking to the offending party and we will fart in his general direction. And I, as Queen, acting as the Little Ball of Hate, will bust out my nunchucks and get to whoopin' up on both of ya'll.
When I was turning the pages and this picture appeared, I literally just stopped and stared in awe as goosebumps ran through my body. I've always been fascinated with storms but incredibly fearful of a tornado, like this storm could (or possibly did) produce. Everything in this picture evokes a powerful emotion. The old isolated barn that has weathered many a storm, the amazing beauty of nature, and the impending danger. I would love to have this photo on my wall! Awesome job Charlie.
Margaret: LMAO!! You are one trip after the other! AP: I've been told that same thing...but funny how many think that I'm a push over for trying to see the better side of things. We're all given a gift (Life) and more people should view it that way. Live each day like it's your last...I just feel that life is tough enough without having too many a-holes in it! So, a-holes to right and jokers to left here I am...stuck in the middle...
Kajun...Glad to see that I am not alone. Too many people cannot see the beauty out there, maybe they just need to open their eyes, because it is there, oh yeah...It's there.
That's why we live here. It keeps us humble and in touch with reality.
Margaret--no deal...Start farting in my general direction, because I will never let this fued die until the hack goes away. Just Sayin' I think I will start using that as my new ending.....JustSayin. It means that it is my opinion, that in the grand scheme of things, "JustSayin" means absolutely nothing. Kinda like the guy who came up with it. JustSayin'.
One of the most awesome pictures I ever seen! Beautiful colors, great old barn.
Ok, crew. You know what to do.
This is a great image! I wonder if this is an high dynamic range image (HDRI). This is a great and fun photography and image editing technique. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_dynamic_range_imaging
I want this picture as my PC's wallpaper. Completely amazing; beautiful and scarey.
AP: Dang skippy it is! I appreciate the fact that some people are just that way...always seeing the good 'cause Lord knows there's enough bad in plain view. Cheers!
Kajun... AP... I know just what you two mean. I guess I have the gift as well, if that's what it is... I can look down at the grass and if I spot a teeny-tiny yellow flower, I will stop anyone who may be with me and exclaim, "Oh look! How pretty." I can be driving along and - circumstances permiting it - sway on the road to avoid hitting a butterfly, why? Because it's so beautiful. An old person walking down the street... there's so much beauty in them, along with wisdom and experience, that's just wonderful! Just a few small examples of what I view in life as beautiful. Wait... one more... even those "Little House of Horrors" tall, most people call ugly, weeds that grow along the highways and byways, if you wait long enough, they too are beautiful once they bloom! Okay editors, enuf! I doubt anyone will come this far back to read this anyway!
I did.........
Me too.
me too......and i see the same beauty SL
I did, again...and I still agree, SL..
knock knock
Who's there.....
"whey" "whey who?" "wheyyyyyy back is good (and I knew it would be you (or SL)" :)
Great Photo
Ok, that's it, I'm never, ever, coming this far back again.
that is pretty, it was recently 95* where i live and the day after there was a thunderstorm--the setting sun illuminated the thunderstorm clouds, it was nice
Maybe just for a quick peek...
"ssssshhhh" don't tell anyone else I'm here...
I SEE TERRY, EVERYBODY. RIGHT THERE! IN PLAIN SIGHT. TERRY KEEPS COMIN' BACK.
Wow, what a piece of artwork this is!
Hey Terry, you're a good sport. I'm headed to Sturgis (first time!) in less than two weeks. Last time I went to a rally Ms. Conservative here came back with a tattoo...guess I'll try to behave myself this time. Ok, so what's new on your end? Margaret is cracking me up too. Glad I came back and checked. :)
Aw-jeepers creepers, Margaret, now everybody gonna know where I've been hiding..jk. Bikerlady, First time huh, what took you so long? You won't be disappointed. However, before you go, I hope you already have someplace to stay in mind, because the town of Sturgis and the entire surrounding area turns into a real mad house during bike week. It goes from 5000 residents to 500,000 people almost overnite. Townfolk even move out of their homes, just so they rent them out for the rally. I've been to the Sturgis rally 6 times, the last time I was there, sorry to say, was 5 years ago, and every year about this time I get a mighty hankering to go back for all the grazy people and the stuff to do. Too be honest with ya, there are just too many things to list for someone to see and do in and around Sturgis, but whatever you do don't forget to stop in at Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower. Are you riding there, or taking a four/wheeler, like in car? A tattoo, huh, well if you're ever going to get another one, this is the place to get it, because some of the country's best tattoo artists come to this particular event just to satisfy all the demands of the bikers and assorted gawkers wanting body art. Every year I stopped at the ralley I had trailered my bike behind my motorhome, and camped in one of the National Forest Campgrounds, but I was usually going to be on the road for more than a couple of months at a time, so that was what worked out best for me. What are you going to be doing, if I may ask.
Hey Terry, good to hear from you. Glad you have awesome Sturgis memories...I'm looking forward to the same here. No hankering allowed -you should join us! We're biking all the way ... going an Idaho/Montana route, so we can hit Yellowstone. We're headed down with some other folks on bikes and we'll be mostly tent camping. We booked tent sites, or rather, the right to pitch a tent at one of the Sturgis campgrounds, staying one night at Devil's Tower. The grand plan is to stage from there and catch all the local sites and I can't wait to see it all! Terry, for various reasons, mainly work and family concerns, I've never had a two-week vacation in my life and it almost (not quite!)feels decadent. Guess Sturgis is as good as place as any to feel that way huh.:) I'm sure it'll be good for the soul. I don't know where you're at, but do you do any local rides or rallies there? What bike do you ride?
bikerlady, right now I live just outside of Chicago, in one of it's butt-to-butt suburbs, and I've owned quite a few bikes over the years, starting out in 1960 with a 1957 Triumph TT, and progressing ever upwards from there. My latest, or I should say my last bike, started out as a 1200 ci Harley Davidson basket-case, which I bought so that I could completely design my own skooter from scratch the way I liked it. This was back in the days when mototcycle accessories and after market frames and the likes were really just starting to take the motorcycling world by storm. Alas, after years of ongoing modifacations to the bike itself, and riding, or trailering the bike to many places that most people only dare to dream about, let alone ride, a rather severe work related injury to my lower back ended my motorcycle career. So now my oldest son still rides the same bike down in Phoenix Ariz., and he constantly kids me, that it still attracts many compliements to this very day. Your trip sounds just wonderful, and I just wish that I could meet up with you guys in Sturgis, because I know you're goung to have a really great time. Do you have any special route that you are planning on riding, and is it set in stone, because if it's not, and you're willing to take some alternate routes, I have a few that will definately make your heads spin in their beauty and solitude. Just perfect for the weary soul, and just perfect biking roads thru wonderland. There is one road in particular that I'm thinking about that comes out of Yellowstone Nat. Park and heads towards Devils Tower that really should'nt be missed. There's also a good chance you've already heard about them, but either way, be as decadent as you can be with your bad self, because I'm sure you've certainly earned every bit of it, and deserve to have a wonderful and safe trip. Remember, keep the rubber side down, and watch out for those damn four-wheelers. Anyways, please keep me informed with all the details, because you're right, it brings back a lot of great memories, and I'm just lovin it.
Hey Terry, I loved your post...thanks for sharing and thanks for the big 'ole smile this morning! Hmmm, the Chicago burbs huh? I've only flown over those and my only visit there has been to your famous airport. I must get out more huh. I've spent a great deal of my career in the natural resource field, and so my adventures with family and work, have been off the beaten path, so to speak. I'd love to visit the windy city. I've always fancied myself a "city girl" but have never been one. Go figure! I looked up a site this morning showing Triumphs and found a cool one showing vintage bikes. Awesome site and saw a '57 too. Also love the Harleys and glad your son can enjoy yours. (love a pic) Sorry to hear about your back though Terry, but it seems to me you do quite well there. I like your spirit...rock on. When you mentioned your son enjoying your last bike and the rides you had, it brought back a flood of memories and a feeling of connection with you (even though I don't know you!) My dad used to ride Harleys and my brothers and I idolized that about him, yet for some reason he couldn't hold it all together and he and my mom divorced when I was five...unfortunately, he never played a significant role in our lives from that point on. Still, one brother and I relate to his spirit via bikes and music ...his two passions. 'Nuff on that! Just, your son is lucky. Our Sturgis adventure starts next Wednesday and it's loosely mapped out as far as routes go. I know we'll be going thru Broadus (I joke that town is named after me;), MT after Yellowstone and then on down into South Dakota. A couple in our group have been before and I know they've ideas. I'd love to hear yours too. Ok, twist my arm...I will have to cut loose and be my "bad self" in Sturgis so I've juicy stories to tell the grandkids some day! ;) "Look, there's grandma in body paint"....great huh! lol. Ok, now I'm getting long-winded, but you opened up the floodgates mister!Love to hear more of your adventures please Terry. Also love the photo on this blog, and it seems more than appropriate for soul rejuvenation thoughts. p.s. Rode through Mt. Rainer Nat'l Park in WA a few weeks back...talk about spectacular! Cheers.
bikerlady, you're not being long winded at all, at least I don't think so, and I'm so sorry to hear that you lost out on someone that could have and should have played such an important part of your formative young life. At least you seem to have been able to hold on to some of those fond memories of your short time together and with him being part of the family as a whole, and God bless for that. I can only relate to "your" situation from a parents point of view, because I wound up in that same sort of situation myself with my own 2 sons. My first wife and I were married fairly young, when we were both just barely 18, yeah, young and foolish, then two years later, when we were both still trying to grow up ourselfs, we were blessed with our first wonderful son, Timothy. Shortly after that, 18 months later, out pops another wonderful bouncing little boy, William. Both the boys were just great and a true joy to behold, however as much we both had tried to seek an alternative, the division between us as their parents just kept growing and growing. She was a died-in-the-wool homebody, and I was raised to love mother nature and the wonder of the world around me, sometimes a little too recklessly,..[her words]. Needless to say, she hated my motorcycles with a passion, even thou she already knew I was an avid biker and an outdoorsie kind of person long before we had ever meet. We wound up staying together for 10 years, and sadly when we finally divorced, my sons were 8 and 6. However, the one promise that I made damn well sure of keeping, was that I was not going to miss out on my two sons and their young lifes as they grew up. To this very day, my first wife and I are still reasonably close and keep in touch, and my two sons have grown into admirable men of their own and devoted fathers as well. But enough about me, this post is supposed to be about Sturgis 2008, and how the infamous BikerLadyfromOr, went totally wild in South Dakota, and found herself another....well, we'll just leave that to the more imaginative bloggers out there, won't we. Anywho, The first road I'd like to tell you about is the one that comes out of Yellowstone Nat. Park's northeast entrance. From the grand loop road, in the park itself, at Tower Jct., the road snakes thru Lamar Valley and then onto Silver Gate and Cooke City, and be on the lookout in Lamar Valley, it's loaded with elk, bison and wolfs, the four legged kind. Some really great Golden trout flyfishing too. Not as good as the Madison river for flyfishing but real close. Anyways, the Lamar Valley road turns into route 212 once it leaves Yellowstone Park proper, and eventually leads all the way to Cody Wy. This is probably the least traveled entrance/exit to the park, which is just fine with me, but this road has been considered as one of the "Top Twenty scenic roads in all of America" by the U.S. Travel Bureau, and take the word from someone that has either driven or rode on some of the best, you'll just love the scenery and the serenity of this little jewel. The other entrance/exit out of Yellowstone is at Fishing Bridge, and it runs straight into Cody also, which is the more popular route, but my money is on the northeast entrance road 212, for the ride of a life time. Once in Cody, take routes 14-16-20, they're all the same road, heading west to Greybull, at Greybull keep following 16-20 south to the town of Worland and the route 16 turnoff leading to Ten Sleep, and Buffalo Wy. From Ten Sleep eastward, the road runs thru Bighorn Nat. Forest, which is totally spectular, and it also has quite a few campgrounds along the way. You'll wind up back at interstates 25 and 90, in Buffalo, and just a short hop, or skoot from there, you'll be in Devils Tower, and ready to party your little heart out or at least until the cows come home. Now who's long winded? And just don't get me started on one of my very favorite states, and it's sweetheart of a mountain called Mt. Rainer. I used to do a pretty fair amount of expedation type climbing in my day, and I climbed to the summit of that spectular little jem know as Mt.Rainer the year after Mt. St. Helens blew her top, and still remember all the brown and orange ash fallout covering the icy summit. It was something to see. See, I told you not to get me going,.........Anyways, Cheers to you also, and keep me posted.
Hey Terry from the burbs, Ok, so yeah, you may be a teeny-tiny long-winded as far as this blog site goes, but I love it, so please don't stop. I'd enjoy keeping ya goin' all day long, if you allowed. What an interesting life you have...thank you for sharing with me and I'd bet my bottom dollar there are other pervs out there enjoying it as well! Yep, I stand by what I said earlier-your sons are lucky. Ah, dang it Terry, can't say a thing about what you posted regarding my childhood, except "thank you"...(deep breath) otherwise, I will just be a big emotional crybaby. Let's see, I've NEVER done any expedition climbing and have to swallow down a fear of heights, BUT, I can see you on the oh-so-very spectacular Mt. Rainer. I wonder if a man in the Chicago burbs has explored more of the Pacific Northwest than I have?? Hmmm, I have rafted the Snake River (seen it?) through some kick-a** rapids and danced a fine two-step on a narrow trail while perched on top my trusty, but edge-lovin' horse in the Wallowa Mountains (been there?). That horse-dance was one of those "holy crap, what was I thinking" moments! I prefer two wheels to four legs, but horses are beautiful creatures. Hmmm, I'm not too worried about other bloggers coming this far back to give me ideas for Sturgis! He he...guess, I'll have to get into trouble on my own! I'll have to drink a toast to you though and, hmm, do what the girls do in Sturgis ;). Oh yeah, did I mention the t-shirt contest my two girlfriends and I have going? Terry. I printed out your suggested routes so I can share with the gang. Thanks so very much. Your descriptive prose has me fast forwarding a week, on the bike, wavy hair blowing in the wind...away from the reality of this office chair and fan. Hmmm, I'd opt for the road less traveled (Lamar Valley/212) as well, if I can work that out. Our group is very flexible and laid back, so can't wait to see how it'll all go down. Hmmm, guess my lame knock knock joke hasn't ended up so lame afterall. Reminds me that one of the best things I enjoy about living (aside from the obvious ;)), is how something extraordinary can come from the ordinary. I'll keep ya posted on the trip, if you like. Ciao!
Hey bikerlady, no, you didn't say anything about a t-shirt contest, will it be legal, and does it have anything to do with water? Now I'm just kidding you of course, but it sounds very interesting and I'm all ears. Or in this case eyes. So give me a hint. Yeah, since you guys are already going to be in Yellowstone, and if you get the chance, I would definately give the 212 route a whirl comming out of the park, because you won't be dissapointed. It is only just slightly longer than if you take the more southern eastern entrance leading out from Fishing Bridge, and into Cody, but it's certainly worth the time and both routes eventually wind up in Cody anyhow. Okay, so it's Sunday night in Chicago, and just about 10:00, and my grandkids are all nestled in between their comfy sheets dreaming about fuzzy lions, fluffly tigers and mighty beasty bears, Oh my, and somewhere over the rainbow in the vast secluded confines of the greater northwest, carefully lurkes an impatiently waiting birerladyfromoregon, who's soon to be dreaming about an upcoming adventure off into the land of Oz, and little tiny bikerminchkins. Well you get the idea. I've been watching the weather for next week, and it definitely appears that you're going to have some pretty fantastic biking days to look forward too, so everything on that end looks really good, well actually really great. So it's Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday you're back on the road again. I'm sure you can hardly wait, and I'm extremely jealous of your upcoming advanture. So anyhow, if I don't hear from you again until you leave, have a really great time and definitely enjoy the scenery along the way, but be really cautious of the wicked witchs packin fiesty little monkeys. And before I forget again, little tattoo's in secret places are the most fun, so choose very carefully little one. Ciao! ;)
One more thing bikerlady, Live to ride and ride to live. :p
Hey TerryStuckInChicago, i AM going crazy here...lol and you've got my number about the impatient part! I It's 10 AM out here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and I'm glad someone is checking the weather, because I haven't been! I've a ton of work here to do before I can go anywhere, so I should be doing that (blah blah), yet I had to come back here and sneak-a-peak to see if you'd written anything to me, and, to my sheer delight, you did just that for me. Careful, I'll get mushy on ya. Guess I should behave though, if I must. :) Must be fun to have the grandkids there with you huh. Kids have a way of keeping the "wonder" in us all and we get to look at things anew....what a blessing. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Guess i get to be a kid a bit soon too!!! Ok route 212 it is! I'm pretty certain that'll work out as I've talked to 1/2 the group here in town; remaining folks coming in tomorrow night. Since you asked so nicely, I will maybe tickle your imagination a bit and tell you about the t-shirts ... my two g/fs and I challenged each other to "doll up" some grey men-style T-s; using our self-appointed nicnames (don't ask mine!). Hey, if you can't make fun of yourselves, who can? I am gunning for THE BEST T-shirt prize too ... my scrapbooking tools have come in handy on this one! Nice what eyelets, scissors, punches, sparkles and more bling bling can do for a plain ole t-shirt. Now about the wet part .... don't THINK so!! ;) Ok, well, maybe it will rain, so i can't count that possibility out. :p Hmmm, now I am thinking about tatoos and secret places. You are "bad" and distracting for my lofty work-hard-before-play mode. Lol, but i love it. Tat ideas welcome! ;) Bye for now Terry.
Terry, I love the "live to ride and ride to live" motto. That could apply to so many passions in life. I feel bad you can't ride now though; yet here you are, reaching out and sharing my joy. Since you're doing that, I will just have to channel that positive vibe back at you and when I'm winding through Yellowstone and along 212, I'll be thinking about the man back in the Chicago burbs and how he felt experiencing the same ride; only a few years back.
Hey there, bikerlady, who's impatiently waiting and has all the right in the world to gloat; normally right about this time of the year, I would be starting to pack up all my gear and toys into my motorhome for my annual trek to Yellowstone Park and the great beyond. However over the past several years I have been spending my time helping my youngest daughter tend to her two sons, who are 13 and 7 years old, and who are only two of my 7 grandkids, while she further develops her ever expanding business career and attends additional college courses two nights a week. Ya see, after my second wife and I divorced, now this was fifteen years ago, mind you, I sold my house, lock-stock and barrel, and went out and bought myself a real spiffy motorhome in which to travel the world at large. Or at least as much of north America as I possibly could. And since I was again single, and traveling quite alone, I was able to trailer my bike to every place I had always wanted to see, sometimes for the umpteen time, and to have the luxury of being able to have a comfy spot to crash in for the night, and no mater where I found myself at the time. So by the beginning of August, I would start packing my motorhome for the first leg of my journey, which after 10 years in a row, I would always start by making Yellowstone Park my first stop, for usually a month or so, before I would start getting all antsy all over again and start looking for some other unexplored part of this great counrty of ours to make my own. I would usually leave town sometime near the end of August, timing my trip to coinside with the Labor Day weekend, and all the vacationers going back to work and school, and therefore allowing me the most enviable privilage of all by having most all of Yellowstone to myself, and sans most of the annual 3 million plus mading crouds associated with this wonderful park. So once I had my monthly or so fill of the park, and most of the surrounding mountains and valleys of South Dakota, Montana, and yes even the Snake River in Idaho, it was usually getting around to the first of October, or so, and by this time the temperatures in the northern latitudes were starting to get pretty chilly up in the higher elevations, not to mention the occasional early snow falls that I've so often been pelted with. So that was my sign to start heading south, SLOWLY. And from there it was anybody guess as to where or in which direction I would find myself heading to next. It usually went, "Utah sounds good, but so does Colorado and Arizona", I would mutter to no one but myself. So yes, it's a wonderful life, and in the most wonderous and beautiful country in the whole world. But now I'm ramblig again, and taking up all your time when I should be trying to get that elusive "nickname" of yours out of you. Gimme a hint, and I promise not to tell anyone else. It'll be our little secret, I promise. [hee hee] Anyways, you have a great trip, and be careful, because there's a boogeyman lurking behind every mountain and dale, and who's just waitng to see what kind of tattoo you're going to be getting next. [or where..jk] God speed, to you bikerladyfromOR, and hang on tight, because lifes journey is truely a most wonderous adventure.
Pssssssssst Terrrrrrrrrrrry, the explorer, I am still here! I'm enjoying our Terry/Bikerlady mini-blog within a blog. Oh, and by the way, I am so certain we'll have great secrets here on this blog. hehe. So with that in mind, I will just have to give you a hint on my biker chica "nickname"...ya ready? XXXXlicious. You will have to figure out the first 4 letters, or if not, wait upon my return. Don't go anywhere! I plan to be back on the 13th...so please come back and visit with me awhile then or I will be crushed, dejected and utterly adrift if you don't. It's really cool you get to spend time with the grandkids and your daughter. I can't think of anything better in life. Can you?? And, I love your adventure stories! Coming from a workaholic here, your life is enviable. Sounds like you've made some great choices!!! Curious Terry, what sort of "spooks" have you encountered along your travels, or, mostly good times? Ever feel particularily close to God or something greater than you while out there in the wild-blue-yonder? I believe you have, based on your descriptions thus far. I know I do when i put myself out there. Something for you I like ... "I fly a starship across the Universe divide And when I reach the other side I'll find a place to rest my spirit if I can Perhaps I may become a highwayman again Or I may simply be a single drop of rain But I will remain And I'll be back again, and again and again and again and again." Viva la Sturgis
psssssssst Terry, 2,700 miles later, I am back. Are you??? Had just an amazing time. Must i join the real world again?
Hi there, tannedbikerlady, I really wasn't expecting to hear from you until possibly tomorrow or sometime later, but I'm real glad to hear from you early. WOW, 2,700 miles in just over a week and a half, can you even still walk? Just kidding, because I can still remember exactly what it used to feel like when I used to do that same kind of riding. Now tell me the truth, was it only just all that amazing, or was it "Truely flat-out fantazmagorical", and you just don't want to rub any more salt in my overly envious wounds. LOL Okay now, take a really deep breath while you're getting back to the daily grind of the real world, and tell me all about your trip. PLEASE, because I'm absolutely dying here to hear all the details and the finer points. And I do mean all of it, youngladyfromOR, who's happily tanned on top of it all.
Hi there yourself alovelyshadeofgreenTerry! Purely delightful to see you've come back just to sit and shoot the breeze with me awhile. Very nice and I'm lovin' the "fantazmagorical" word too! And hey, since you called me YOUNGladyfromOR, you will get the details ad nauseum. May as well kick back! Eight of us headed out through the backroads of Oregon and Washington via 12; taking us through Lewiston, Idaho and on into Montana. We stayed the night at Lolo Hot Springs, but it should have been "cold springs" because it was fricken' cold that night and I shivered in the tent all night ..temps below freezing with frost covering the bikes and every other exposed surface. What a way to start out on the very first night huh! At that point,I was thinking biking/tent camping was for the birds or at least crazy folks. Absolutely beautiful riding weather and we enjoyed the fantastic scenary ..spending the next night in Harlowtown, MT in one of those ideal hotels for bikers...cheap, clean enough and bike next to door. Kicked back under the shade of the covered walkway and shot the breeze. Hmmm, I admit to some soreness at that point thought and the hotel was a nice relief. Then on to Devil's Tower via 94/59. Somehow I couldn't get my way for traveling via 212, so that will just have to be another time! Devil's Tower was beautiful though and again, near perfect riding days. Gawd, then on to Sturgis. OK, that is flat-out craziness...we stayed five nights there and enjoyed the night life and several dayrides ... we did the Badlands, Custer Park, Needles, Mt. Rushmore and spent a day goofing off in Deadwood. Everything was soo touristy and seems as though even bikers can be full of themselves with who has the most chrome, coolest paintjob, etc, etc. A lot of superficial stuff going on. Don't even get me started on the dude on the bus bragging about his 20-something girlfriend's recent b**b job. Trying to be careful here so i'm not censored, lol. But all-in-all, great fun and absolutely wonderful rides. We even survived a pretty good wind/rain storm one night at Katmandu. Picture "moi" trying to anchor down one end of the tent while rain is coming in at us horizontially and the sirens are blaring through the valley. Oh, and the batman-style ponchos were a bust for the bike. Let's not go there, but needless to say, I ended up buying additional raingear. So much for saving on space. By the time we were ready to head back, my butt was well adjusted to riding the bike and it became a breeze. Decided hair fussin'/makeup not so important too. lol. On the way back, we spent two nights in Cody, WY so we could enjoy one last kick-back day before riding back home. Made it from Cody, WY to Oregon in one day, so while the ride through Yellowstone was beautiful, we were in the fast-track mode and so not near as many stops or detours, as you can imagine. Something like an 18 hour ride that day. I had a bit or urgency coming back, as I'd found out in the parking lot of the Rapid City Harley dealership I've cancer (dang that biopsy anyway) and so now I've surgery next week and well, a new journey is beginning for me. While riding back, I really experienced the joy of living in the moment ... the sunshine on my face and the sheer delight of just being out "there". Wouldn't change a darn thing Terry. p.s. I think one of my fav places was "The Jersey Lilly" in Ingomar, MT. A throwback to another era and I remembered my mom talking about going to rodeos there as a kid. Fun to re-live that with her. p.s.s. Wanna take a quess on how many bodypaint colors there are? Lol and I think it's A LOT based on what I saw. hehe. Now YOUR TURN. I love how you spin your words across the page.
Hmmmm, it seems real evident to me that I've got a "superbly tanned, rainbow bodypainted little bikerladyfromOR, who has a decidely strong inkling for wanting to be Judge Roy Bean's main squeeze", on my hands. Well, Miss Lilly, you naughty little devil you, it's time to fess up. Is it going to be me or him?.......Hmmm, On second thought, maybe that's just a way bit too long for a greeting, but you get the idea, I hope. Anyways, It sounds like you had a really great time scooting around the country side, and that you were quite able to take all of those "gray" days in stride, good for you guys. And I have to agree with you, that sometimes traveling and camping while cruising on your scooters can be a bit trying at times, but I think you'll also agree, that for those of us true bikers out there, there is no greater feeling of total freedom in the world. And if you don't believe me, just ask anyone of those "Ladys" I'm sure you saw biking thru Sturgis topless, and that should answer that. JK...I think... To be honest with you, I really didn't think that you would be able to make enough time to travel the length of route 212 thru Yellowstone, but that's okay, it will just give you another excuse, if need be, to make it back to Wyoming in the future. And to be honest, using that kind of stragedy has always been one of my sure fire ways to make sure that I would always go back to a spacific area when I've been traveling. You see, I've always left at least one or two spots on my list of things to see totally undiscovered, and that way I would always have a valid enough excuse to return to the same location in the future. Now Devils Tower Nat. Park definately rocks, and from what I remember, vagily, was that that little bar that's located just on the outskirts of the park itself really cooks on most nights during biker week. And from what I actually do remember about that little joint, was that it was always loaded with a ton of bikers from around the country, and suprisingly enough, if you able to catch one or two of them between their rounds of shooters, some of them could almost talk coherently. lol... Now Badlands Nat. Park is almost surreal in it's apperance, wouldn't you agree, bikerlady? And I would just love to be sitting there right now with my feet proped up and a brew in my hand in front of a roaring fire in any number of the many campgrounds in Custer Nat, forest wouldn't you? And right about now, I'm wondering if there's going to be enough room to chisel another bust of our next president on that Mt. Rushmore monument. Hopefully not, but that's just me. And lets not forget the town of Deadwood, what a total hoot that place is. Now for something a little more disheartening that's going on with you. I'm very sorry to hear that you've got something as serious as cancer going on, and if you let me, my thoughts and prayers will definately be with you every step of the way. I know there's not an awful lot that I can say or do that might help in lifting your spirits right about now, but rest assured that I will be here to listen if you need someone to lean on, so don't hesitate. Just remember, there is always hope for those of us who have a positive attitude in life, and to me you seem to be one of those special few who deserve extra special attention right about now, so try and keep your chin up as best you can, young lady. P.S. Okay, okay, it's time to spill the beans, what's your nickname, I tried everything clean that I could think of, I think, and I'm still hopelessly stumped. And as far as the body paints are concerned, right off the top of my head, I can easily think of several thousand different color combinations that I would just love to try out. But that's just me again..... You take care now, dear, and we'll talk some more later on, okay?
bikerlady, I hope that last post of mine sounded okay to you, it's now well past one o'clock in the morning here, and my spelling and sentence construction skills definately go straight out the damn window right after midnight, sorry.
Ter-rrrrrrrrrrry, it's 4:30 am and I've already read you post 3 times ... your post is just what the doc ordered and it's all good!!! I know I'll read it several times over. Ok, I am giggling here, as we enjoyed the biker bar you mentioned at Devil's Tower (it's up for sale now though) and the Badlands was my absolute favorite place...surreal, yes!!! Interestly enough (in my book), Oregon has a place called the "Painted Hills" and it's somewhat similar. You should visit sometime. For me, there is someething magical about those places. Needless to say, the only refrigerator magnet I bought was one from the Badlands, ha!! You hit something right on the nailhead with biking too...a sense of freedom. I tell you what, I could have easily stretched out that time period and explored more of the States, but as you know, "real life" tends to bite one in the a** too. No complaints here though. Ok, I will put you out of your misery regarding the nic ...I'd almost forgotten, but there is no way you could have gotten it anyway. ready? You sure? Alrighty then ... (don't laugh now) "Applicious". I'm such a goofball but you're a good sport and it's started me laughing again and not yet 5 am. :) We will be banned from this spot Terry, lol. pssst, I did not brave the bodypaint art for myself as I think i'm 10/20 years past that artform, but I found so much of it very artistic and colorful. I loved the hot bikes for that reason too. In my overly-active imagination, I next came to Sturgis on my own bike (a Sportster for me, thank you very much), with a knock-out, tripped out paint job designed by yours-truly. I am easily entertained! lol. Terry, thank you so much for your encouragement with the other stuff going on with me...man, I'm on the fast track with that, but my mind is in the right place. Surgery next week, and we'll see if chemo/radiation follows. Uck, but I am one strong mamma and whatever will be, will be. hugs for your encouragement. 'Nuff on that 'except, yes, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and my spirits are high. Hmmm, may slip back under the covers awhile yet this morning, but my early morning coffee sure taste sooooo good. Talk soon and take care too please. I will start getting attached to my blog buddy. What an unexpected surprise and gift to me, you are.
Hmmmm, Applicious,...Okay, that'll work for me. So it's going to be AppliciousbikerladyfromOR from now on. Just yummy and completely delicious sounding if you ask me. Now as far as that quaint little bar located outside of Devils Tower is concerned, and if memory serves me right, Applicious, that joint has been up for sale every time I have been thru that area. It seems to go thru new ownership every year or so, and for some reason or the other, I'm really not too suprised considering the tiny niche it has carved for itself and the relatively short season it has to endure. Before I go any further, Apple, [if that's okay to call you],I'm real sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your last post, but I was kidnapped last weekend to go flyfishing and canoeing with my youngest son and his two kids. We went to upper Wisconsin for a couple days to try and give my grandkids a better feel for what it's like to do some real serious flyfishing and tent camping,[air mattress for me], and which will hopefully lead to doing some fishing out west. Ya know like Wyoming and Idaho, and possibly something like The Snake River up in your neck of the woods. Ya see, all of my kids, and now my grandkids, have been taught from a real young age to truely appreciate nature and all it has to offer, and coming from rolling stock, namely me, to take every opportunity they can to travel and see this wonderfull world around us. Ahhh, the scent of the open road is certainly alluring, don't you agree, Applecious. Since you're in the mood for spilling the beens, there seems to be one other thing that I have to ask you since were on the subject of body art; was there any consideration, and is there now, any sort of new tattoo that you want to talk about, HUH HUH, you can tell me, it's OK, I wont snicker too much........I know, the thought was there, but the need wasn't. That's exactlly the same lame excuse I used every time I wanted to get another one myself, but didn't....Oh well, maybe next time. Now as far as us getting booted off this forum for reasons known only to the editors at large, [besides the inuentos that might be derived from from that cute little nickname of yours, that is], there have been a whole lot of other meaningless dribble coming from some of the other so called regular poster's out there for a long time, and a lot more hurtful at times, than anything you or I could possibly spout to each other that could cause alarm, [accept graphic descriptions of new tattoos in screat places, of course], so don't fret your Applicious little self. hehehe. Now you never did tell me which day you were going to have your surgery, so I will just start saying my prayers for you right now, Applicious, and it seems that you have your head screwed on nice and tight for a positive outcome, I know I certainly do. Well, it's about high time for me to let you go for tonight, and for me to start looking for my cuddly teddybear and special blankie and bed, so have a good night, Appliciousblogbuddy, and keep up with all those positive vibes, because I can feel the power of them swooping all around you, all the way over here in Chicago town. [hope my spelling was ok, because I didn't check, oh well, next time]
Just to keep everything on the up and up, Applicious, I just love the shot of the old barn nestled way up there in the clouds above us, striking don't you think? Better?
Terrrrrrrrrrrry, here we are waiting for another journey for me, only this time it's surgery (thursday 7 am)...jeezalfriday, it'll be your turn to go on a journey next. Although, you did go on one with the kids/grandkids. (Everyone uses an air mattress, come on!) Fantastic you could enjoy with your family and I feel the same way about appreciating nature...can I be a rolling stock too? Do you have to be old for that? Will some gypsy blood here help my cause? Haha and so kidding. If this missive is rambling, it's because i'm on some pretty good pain meds; we're talking good stuff. lol. I will have to write when more clear-headed as I really, really, really enjoy our blog friendship. And ok, I won't worry about the protocol for posting here, unless otherwise directed, I guess. Hmm and lol. One of the main reasons I don't post much at all is because so many folks preferred to be mean-spirited and my personality couldn't handle it. Some really nice folks those and the concept/implementation of this website is awesome. No tats or lasting thoughts of tats at Sturgis. Not one in our group got a tat! Another time will be the right time. Ok, I am so rambling, so will say good-bye for now dear Terry and let you know how things have gone after my surgery. appley bikerlady.
U p & U p works for me. haha. The pic is one of my favorites though and oh my gawd, I want to float in the clouds too. Striking, indeed.
I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you, SweetApplicious, and I'm sure everything will turn out alright in the end, MissyBikerladyfromOr, or is it AppleCupcake, now? [Damn, I'm just so easily confused]
Hi Terry! Well, a quick, sweet note, to a sweet man ... I've made it through the worst of it ...survived an 8 hour surgery and back home recouping and feeling restless already. ha and good thing i got a lot of bike riding in earlier huh. Big hugs from your biker lady friend. Now let's hear your adventures as mine will be limited for awhile to mostly my my imagination. Ok, so maybe the sidewalk out front holds SOME adventures for me too. hehe. psst. I kinda like AppleCupcake tooooooooooooo. And, hey, if I can confuse you on names, wonder what other mischief I can get into to confuse you even more! lol and I doubt much! On a positive note too, Doctors have a good prognosis for me, so I'm dang skippy happy about that! Cheers my friend...to love, life and laughter.
Hmmmm, my dear Bikerlady, I've posted two replies to your Aug. 26th. posting, and neither one seems to have gone thru. Now what's up with that, Editors. Both of them were relatively clean and with a rather limited amount of profanity, JK. Anyhow, my dearest AppleCupCake, I'm really glad everything came out as you had hoped, dispite the ordeal of you having to go thru with an 8 hour surgery, Now just as you said, it's time to sit on the front porch and soak up the scenery for a while. I would love to be able to relate some of my travels adventures to you, but my list is just too damn long and extensive to start without me knowing if they're going to be posted or not. So I'll just finish up with this short post to see it it goes thru. Here's to your good prognosis, DearApplicious, and to your love, your life and your joyous laughter, and may they all surround you forever.
Hi TerryAgain the Chicago Man, no worries about earlier posts, but how frustrating anyway. I knew you didn't forget me...lol. Really made my heart skip a beat though when I read your post. Hey, that is tame right? hehe. I am trying to be lazy and do all the right things here, but good gawd, confinement is a killer. Which leads me to the profound statement "I would not do well in a prison setting; so I'd best mind my p's and q's." Ok, so not that bad, but honestly, I can't wait to be more my normal self again. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts and wishes too. Every day I am growing stronger and also more determined than ever to lead a life "well-lived". Cheers my friend and please do regale me soon with adventure stories soon as I'm going out of my mind hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. sincerely "applicious"
Well I'm real glad my last post went thru, AppleciousLady, because I was beginning to suspect that I might have pissed of the Editors somehow. LOL So we're boared now are we, and it's been only, what, just about a week. And it's probably been the longest week you've had in a while, I'm sure. Tell me this, YoungBikerLady, just how long did the doctor say you have to be layed up, and are you mobile enough to be able to get out of the house for a while? Because I agree, if you have to stay put in one place all the time, it can become rather stressfull on the nerves, and especillay for some one you that might be used to getting around a whole more. I remember being in the same situation some years ago, I had shattered my left ankle while I was in the middle of a downhill ski race in upper Michigan. I belogned to a ski club from here in Chicago, and we were making our first apperance at a downhill event which was being held by regional ski club from the upper peninsula of Wisconsin. On my third run, I crashed big time about half way down the bottom section of the run, and wound up with my left foot pointing in the exact oppsite direction I was originally headed in the fist place. Needless to say I was headed for the same sort of confinment you seem to find your self in today, accept my confinment entailed being bed ridden for over a month, and then another 5 months locked up in a drab old white plaster cast that went from the tip of my toes to the crotch of my upper thigh. Needless to say, me and my frikin cast were not on speaking terms when we finally parted our ways. Then there was that other time when I had a 500lb piece of pipe fall across the arch of my right foot while I was at work...need I go on, CupCake? Just take a deep breath, Dear, and put your feet up for a while, because before you know it, all of this silly nonsence will finally be over with, and you can get back to the everyday world around you. If I were you, I would try milking it for everything it's worth for a while, because I'm real sure you deserve a little bit of a rest every now and then. Cheers to you, my Applicious friend, and be sure to take real good care of the little CupCake first. I almost forgot, have a good Labor Day weekend, YoungBikerLadyFromOR, and we'll chat later on.
Dear Terry Always Cheers Me Up, Ok, I had to re-read your post several times, each time making me giggle and laugh. Ah, you know me already. I am such the impatient sort, and so uh huh, if you can handle 6 months, I guess I can handle a month or two! I've had a couple little setbacks (mainly due to my need for mobility, i think) so have another doctor's appt. today. I'm hoping she'll be much happier with me today. This is the first time in my life I've faced confinement (did i tell you I've a traveling job too, right?) and so I am adjusting and slowly liking some of the finer things of a slower pace. For one, I haven't seen so many family and friends in such a long time and being home all the time makes me available to that. For two, fall is my favorite time of year, and already the scent of it is in the air. Yummy! How's that for the sunnyside up! Oh, the only skiing I've done has beeen associated with taking the kids up on the school bus for ski lessons and joining them. Ha! My g/f and I joked about us looking like tweedle-de and tweedle-dum (sp). I'm sure you miss it but have great stories and memories to share. Fun to visualize you racing too. Hmmmmmmmm, if a 500 lb. anything fell on my foot, I'd still have a blue streak following around behind me. No thank you!! I'm glad the editors allow posting "way back". I may have to follow-up on another pic with one of my famous knock-knock jokes though .... kidding, maybe, kinda! I hope you had a great Labor Day Week-end too. I think for me, if my Doctor's appt. goes well today, it'll be a good week as I am feeling stronger every day. sincerely, cupcake (ok, so i like that one)
Dear Apple/CupCake, BikerLadyfromOR, who's seemingly at half speed, [boy, now that's a mouthfull], It's really good to hear that you're feeling a little bit better, and I hope you get a "Two thumbs Up" after seeing your doctor today. And no, I didn't know that you were a Traveling Business Lady. Tell me now, is that some kind of code you use for being a being an undercover super spy of some sort, and another reason you give everybody for all the frequent flyer milage you rack on your credit card statement every month?...I kinda thought so. lol But seriously, what kind of traveling job do you have, if you don't mind me asking, because my very vivid imagination is running completely helter skelter with thoughts of you crusing around the beautiful state of Oregon in some tricked out red convertable and selling Hot Bikerchick Leathers. Hmmm, now thats a thought. You could probably make a real killing doing something like that.....maybe when your feeling 100% we'll talk it some more....jk Yeah, I've had my fair share of accidents in my day, and I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've spent layed up in the hospital for one thing or the other. Some of my closest friends used to say, that in my younger days, I just ran too close to the edge of sanity for my own good. Like mountain climbing in Washington state, Colorado and British Columbia, whitewater canoeing and rafting in several different states, and then there's always that old "Biker/hippie/dude" thing that seems to gets my goat, and makes me wonder if they're really not right about the whole damn thing. It just makes me laugh when I think back about all the close calls I've had and all the times I got busted up attemting some of the hairbrained things I've actually done in my past. Oh well, fond memories all. Anyway, CupCake, just keep your prety head up and your patients at bay, because before you know it, all this nonsense will be over with, and you'll be able to tip toe thru the colorful fall leaves like a pro. Ahhhh yes, the smell of a forest in fall can't be beat. It's one of my favorite times of year also. So it was a hot 94 degrees here in Chicago today and devilishly humid, so the grandkids swimming pool is just going to have to make do until the cool of fall comes any closer for me..........lol YourBikerBuddyTerry [hmmm, BikerLady in a hot red convertable, sounds real good to me]
Should I be starting to worry....?
Terry, don't worry yet ..only minor setback, but am getting better every day and i loved your post. Will post more tomorrow and get you up-to-date!!! I am okay, but had some bad reactions to some prescription meds. Off them now and feeling like my ole self again! yahooooooo. What a roller-coaster ride this has been. More tomorrow, my friend and please smile! :) Care to yahoo?
"Whew", you really had me going there, BikerLady, and I'm glad you're okay. I'll look forward to hearing from you tomorrow or whenever you get the chance...
Dear Terry, I could write through the most intense physical pain, face the big C, and deal with it all, or so i thought, that i've ever had to experience ..but when i slowly started getting off the hard drugs ... first morphine, then percecet, then vicodin (who says you can't experience withdrawal for a short period of time of drug use???), i found my physical, spiritual, mind were disconnected somehow and i couldn't write ...i've been crying for an hour just to get to this page and the courage to put my hands on the keyboard and write. Two well-meaning friends gave me journals ...both blank still, and this is extreme effort and i am shaking. I have only been able to write for menial stuff, and for me, writing to you has been anything but that and such a pleasure too. Seems as though I was much better equipped to handle the physical side of things rather than the impacts of having my body manipulated for 8 hours by 3 surgeons ... that seemed to play with my mind too and nobody warned me about that and so it's been a journey i've had to research and face it and try to figure it all out, often on my own so i don't freak anybody out. The nightmares had been horrific and for me, i can face any physical pain much easier than the mind games. I've new emphathy for mental illness (can't even say those two words but here i am saying it). Thankfully i was well-grounded before all this and working through it all. Sooooo, I am a strong person ...and all my friends and family here think that is the case, but guess you know differently now. sheesh huh. I hope this finds you doing ok on your end and that you haven't given up on me/our friendship and you read this soon as i am impatient, lol. I've missed our writing back and forth and even reading the other blogs and keeping up on current events ... can't wait to get back to all that soon. Sorry i've worried you ... i am slowly coming out this very dark place and even breathing easier as my fingers fly writing to Please consider dropping me a note at pnw_gal02@yahoo.com so we can call as that would be much better for me at the present moment. Hugs and thanks so much Terry. Through all this experience ... with myself, family and friends, you've been there too. Thank you for that and your writing buddy will return in force soon. Now smile, and write back ...here or my email. I've missed you.
I'm real glad you're back, and I missed you too. I'll be sending you an email right away......
Terry, I'll write to you soooooooooon ... for some reason, you are the lucky one to get my highs and lows. Hehe and how'd you get that lucky straw anyway? I am back to work part-time ... more laterz.
Hi there, little CupCake, I see you're back peeking again,......
Ahhhhhhhh Wolfie ...I am sooooo busted! Yeah, pretty much just lurking around though. Lol and thanks for the big ole smile ... I wondered if you'd peek back here once in awhile too. Such creatures of habit, we are!! psssssst, one of these days I will get my swagger back (is that like mojo?) and surprise the heck out of ya on this blog... hmmm, may have to test that bravado soon! ;)
CupCakeSchmuckCake?, It's been so long since I've seen a good swagger or even a decent mojo, that I've forgotten what it's like, so please do... [Any better, editors?]
Oh dearie me yrreT, now i'se gotsa to live up to dem dar words! Runs and hidessssssssssssss. ;)
CupCakeDuckCake, are you still hiding?
Uh huh yrreT ... I seem to be tongue-tied these days and dunno why. Wanna check? hehe. ;)
Terry, could ya check the 9/6 photo for me? Thank ye.
Hell, yes, CupCakeChicCake scoot yourself right on over here, and let me take a much closer look...
Twitches my nose. DONE!
BikerLady, if you mean what I think you mean, that's exactly what I've been thinking about since I haven't heard from you, and I hope everythings OK...
Terry, been having a few lil medical probs, but nothing serious ... will write to you! Hugggggggggs and Happy Halloween too.
I finally found the shot you were talking about in the first place, CupCakeWitchCake, and I told you before I get easily confused all the time, so just try ignoring me when I get all worked up over something I shouldn't, it's just my overly imaginative mind at work...boohoo, boobees...
yrreT, oh I see you recovered quite well!!! Pffffft, I could never ignore ya...don't wanna, na uh, you're stuck with this annoying buzzzzzzzzzzzz around your head. hehe and i can't believe your last post made it through the filters. Bad, bad, bad, lol ;)
Peak-a-boo, I see you....
I be hidin' wid da big bad star trek meanie yrreT. ;)
You made me lol with that one, ydalrekib, and I never realized my name spelled backwards sounds rather Star Trekie or even Romulan in origin, but your name spelled backwards also looks out of worldly too....
yrret, check out the 11/13 photo ... this is why i shouldn't post! I am too sensitive for it. Sheesh huh. p.s. you're right about our nics spelled backwards being very out-of-this-worldly!!, but i was referencing another photo and giving you a HINT. lol. ;)
You could never be, bikerlady, and I'm racking my brain here trying to figure out what your hint might be. I think I've gone thru almost all the recent pics, and I still haven't come up with anything even remote, so.....
...and I didn't see anything wrong with your comment, Dear, it sounded straight from the heart.
Hi Terry! Happy B-day and T-Day week! I hope you have a fabulous week ... afterall, it's you're time in the sun this week. Ok, you aren't discombobulated, rather, I am vague, as I know you enjoy a good mystery. Lol and let me give you just ONE more hint ... find the rock star. ;) Thanks for your support regarding my recent misadventure in trying to blog here on more current pics. I humbly appreciate it.
I'm a little late in thanking you for those birthday wishes of yours my sweet, bikerlady, dose this mean I don't get those paddy whacks you were promising me? Hmmmm... But I did find the rock star easy enough, my Dear, but for some reason I just can't seem to make a connection, maybe I'm just too dense.
Well hello there yrreT, hope you had a fabulous birthday! Can you believe it's December already? Well hey, since you didn't get your b-day paddy whacks .... why not give them to me instead 'cuz I've a December b-day and I bet you won't be so remiss. Lol, didn't say there was a connection on the rock star guy ... i just wanted your delightful self to comment tooooooooooo.
Be very careful of what you wish for, bikerlady, because once I get my hands on you, you'll come to wish everyday was your birthday, so don't tease....
OMG yrreT, i just now read this and laughed so hard, i almost fell off my chair at work here. Hehe and I ain't afraid of da big bad Wolf!!! Hmmm, now I suddenly can't wait for my birthday! Lol ;)
