Michele

ROFLMAO! Touche! About 4 responses up I had the same thought... Ciels- Michel ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For me, my names are: According to the Red Book of Westmarch, In Middle-earth, Mischievious Wood-Elf Elven Name Possibilities: The root name suitable for feminine and masculine is: Novandúnêiel Novandúnêien Novandúnêwen Hobbit lass name: Pearl Grubb from Bree Dwarven Name: Gralin Tombboot This name is for both genders. Orkish Name: Ufurk the Maimer* This name is for both genders. *In the past, I have been guilty of bad choices in sexual partners; However, I have never "furked" a Maimer. Ever, ever, ever! Sigh, personal attacked from a cybername site. I just can't win, can I??? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Another story, similar in vein and tone except detailing the adult ~male/female ~ relationship after a civil war/world war is "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood. Extremely disturbing, and very interesting at the same time. BTW, I ran a detailed search for you, Jess, but was unable to locate the text. Sorry... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, the guilt.... Heal fast, feel better, and know I'm thinking of you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Valiant Prednesone Zyrtez Atarax. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

and then your tag line... Something extremely humorous in the juxtapostioning of those two lines... Yes, Justin, it is a great memory. One of the things I tend to lose when I am depressed is my "value" to others. Because of that, during those times, it will be very valuable for me to remember there is someone who thought enough of me to bring me out for a vacation; there have been others who've done kindnesses to me (my gear, FlyingFerret's gift, notes, etc...) these make me realize I am loved, and I am valuable to people. This is a great reminder of that, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, sweetheart! You be safe as well...keep my numbers handy, and know that I can't wait to see you!!! Hugs! Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I've always waited longer than "the day I feel better"...be patient, the sky will wait for you, you know? I would hate to see a post from you about how you've ruptured your eardrum, or had serious sinus pain, etc. So be patient, spend the weekend healing the body, and then go back into the sky healthy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jan, I feel like I'm in the middle of "Goldilocks" Some photos are too small... Some are too large.... But none are just right! ROFL! Well, I tried, right? And yes, I will rely on those pix, and the many many hugs stored in my memory when things get a little rough.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Day 4... OK, so I may have said something inappropriate when Gabe was listening. Sinker and Muenkel and I had been joking about me going to Mass, the church exploding, holywater boiling, general heretical destruction...but little pitchers, as they say, have big ears.. We dressed and went to Mass, which was a great experience. Very interesting homily, and great feeling there in the church. After Mass, Gabe kept looking from me to a basin of water, very curiously. He came over to me, tugged on the hem on my shirt... "Minelle" says Gabe, "God loves you". "Gabe, thank you" says me, "that makes me feel good." "I know because that's o.k" he says, pointing at a basin of holy water. I of course cracked up. Breakfast was pancakes and eggs, made at the Sinker residence. We decided that Andrew Jackson's plantation was the place the three DZ.commers would go for the afternoon, and promptly took off. We had a great time at the plantation, learning all sorts of history and seeing the slaves' quarters was a haunting experience. It's hard to see history in front of you, of a time period which I as an american am none too proud of. But by the same token, it was how life was lived then, and fascinating in that sort of odd sense of doubling over - time slippage. We saw where one of the slaves had been buried in the garden near Gen. Jackson and his wife, and their house was really beautiful. We saw damage that the storm I "danced" in had wreaked, and got back on the road to get home. BBQ chicken and dinner time, and then early night because Muenkel had an early flight. Day 5...running around, shopping, spending time with this incredible family, and not wanting to come home...bittersweet and poignant, missing my kitties and my home, but also not having yet had my fill of this special family and beautiful town...(NOTE: For some reason, these photos saved too big. I will work on them...if I can get them resized, I will follow-up post them..) But home I came. When Dad picked me up at the airport, he didn't say "Hello"...he said..."I haven't seen you look this good or relaxed in years. " Mission accomplished, Sinker. Thank you for a wonderful experience, know you are missed, and that you are indeed blessed with such a gentle and loving wife and most amzing loving kids. Muenkel, I never expected to say this, but I miss you, too...even if you can't drive. Hugs to all, and thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I needed this, more than either of you realize. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

More day 3 photos... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Day 3 Burgess Falls hiking... What a gorgeous spot on God's planet. The falls were tucked away into the countryside, and in the hieght of summer, I had not expected such green and lush environs. The trail was about 3 miles back and forth, and because Lori just had a baby, she was not up to making it down to the bottom of the falls. Sinker and I and his two incredible children (Hannah 6, and Gabe, 4 1/2) did go down to the bottom, leaving Muenkel with Lori on top. Climbing down slippery rocks, feeling the spray from the falls dusting my face, I could think of no-where else I would rather be - good friends, intense scenery, away from my life. How perfect that time was. At the bottom of the falls, it was cooler (well, it was relatively cooler...), and I watched the kids throw rocks into the water. Loud but peaceful as we sat there, I watched a purple butterfly flit around. Sinker spotted a family of turtles poking their heads out of the water, and I could feel the pressure in my life lift away. Climbing back up, everyone was tired, but I could've done it all again. Lori and Muenkel had gone back to the cars, so Sinker and the kids and I hotfooted it back, where we picnicked in the trees. Muenkel let me drive the Jag back, and then everyone but me took a nap. I just changed shirts. Muenkel had a horrid headache, so he elected to remain in the hotel for the evening. Which means more Jag time for me..... I bought KFC for everyone at dinner, and then Sinker and I drove around town, just relaxing and talking. We went to the municipal airport, and got a good look at a few really cool airplanes. Because everyone was wiped out, and because we were going to Mass the next morning, we called it as an early evening, and back to the hotel I went... More on Day 4... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Day Two... So of course I had wanted a storm, but was not anticipating the humidity which would accompany it. Having flown over the storm front, and knowing it was headed east, I was pretty sure I would get it. Friday morning was spent meeting Sinker's incredible wife and most wonderful children, hugging, lots of cuddling Monica the 7-week old, exploring the treehouse, and hanging out in the backyard until it got waaaaaaaaaaaay too hot. Eating lunch was an experience for Muenkel, having never eaten a corndog in his life. (Beer!!!) We were then sent away from the house to tour the city and run errands. I got some gorgeous photos of foliage like I am not used to seeing (not included, because they are just trees, after all...), learned about Cicadas and their most fascinating noise. Muenkel and Sinker laughed at me because I was intrigued by deer grazing on the lawn of the Country club's golf course, and teased me because I was surprised to see cows and boats in the middle of the farming acres which lay in the middle of the city. I met some mosquitos - they grow them the size of small school busses, and try to knock you down when they land on you. BBQ'd brugers and hotdogs for dinner, and then the wind picked up. Sinker and I went into the backyard to watch the wind circle the trees, and I could smell the storm coming. Again, not knowing how strong this storm would be, I kept pestering Sinker to let me know when the rain started. He kept laughing at me... After dinner, Muenkel and Sinker went out to the Jag, and the kids and Lori and I made ice cream and got out Muenkel's birthday cake....and when they came in, we surprised them with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday dear Tit, and, as we were eating, the rain started. Muenkel was presented with his birthday cards from the kids and the gift from Sinker and us (an Alti, engraved), and then I bolted for the outside of the house. I should have known better - none of the natives nor Muenkel elected to come out with me.... Whooping and hollering at the storm, feeling the winds accelerate and lift my braid off my back, feeling the rain - warm, pelting, enormous - I see the lightning streak across the sky. Booming thunder answers my calls, and I turn in circles. I am under the carport, so am somewhat protected, and just absorbing the intensity of the night, feeling the weather, smelling that smell of rain and ozone.... And then came in, drenched, because it got a little hairy for this little SoCal kid.... More on Day 3.... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So, despite wanting to share every moment with you all about my vacation, if I were to do that, it would take up so much bandwidth and bore you all to tears. So I shall hit highlights, and photos shall accompany them. Travel there, Day 1... The plane was delayed out of LAX by several hours. First, the plane we were going to used got used by the folks who had an inflight emergency, hard parked on the grass strip, and deplaned using the slides. I didn't know what was going on, or I'd've taken photos of that...then, after losing our plane and crew to the other flight, we ended up assigned to a plane, but there was no crew available. Once we got both crew and plane available, and after having switched gates 3 or 4 times, we had to walk out onto the tarmac to board the plane from the rear (it was an MD80). Seems the ramp broke. Once we were airborn, the captain (a cool chick!!) told us we had to wear our seatbelts the entire flight, because of a line of thunderstorms which stretched across the country. Despite some serious evasive maneuvers by our pilot, we ended up going through a "low" spot in the storm...I was seriously wondering if this was a bad day to be flying! LOL...(NOTE: Cloud photos were taken from about 29K, through the window of the plane; there is a gorgeous one of the center of the storm, but it saved too big...oh well). Ended up deplaning late, saw Sinker sitting patiently outside my gate, dropped my stuff, and leapt on the guy. Met with Muenkel, and flung him around a little, just to prove I could. Muenkel had tripped coming off the plane, and had twisted his ankle, but was fine. Rented the Ja, hit the drivethru, made it to the hotel, sorted out the problems, and got settled about 1 am.... Day two on next post... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(Deuce, you beat me to it!) Happy Birthday, Chris...Many more, and all of them better than the last! And here's to good friends, good times, and lots of percocet!()...and of course, a pearl white Jag to drive that has decent speakers. Happy Birthday Hugs to you - forty of them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Remember, I am a black belt. Does someone need an asswhomping? I can be there in 8 hours if I drive, 2 hours if I fly (what with the TSA and all...). Other than that, know you are getting a cyber Limpet Mine hug, or, as Sinker calls them, a body glove hug...and know you are loved - most hugely loved by many folk. Should you need an ear, I am here to listen... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

oh, babe, I hate to go... C'mon, everyone! Sing! "Leaving on a Jet Plane" Words and music by John Denver "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go, I'm standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say good-bye. But the dawn is breakin', It's early morn, The taxi's waitin' He's blowin' his horn, Already I'm so lonesome I could die. So kiss me and smile for me, Tell me that you'll wait for me, Hold me like you'll never let me go. 'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again, Oh, babe, I hate to go. There's so many times I've let you down So many times I've played around, I tell you now they don't mean a thing. Ev'ry place I go I'll think of you, Ev'ry song I sing I'll sing for you, When I come back I'll bring your wedding ring. So kiss me and smile for me, Tell me that you'll wait for me, Hold me like you'll never let me go. 'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again, Oh, babe, I hate to go. Now the time has come to leave you, One more time let me kiss you, Then close your eyes I'll be on my way. Dream about the days to come When I won't have to leave alone, About the times I won't have to say: Kiss me and smile for me. Tell me that you'll wait for me, Hold me like you'll never let me go. 'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again, Oh, babe, I hate to go. I'm leavin' on a jet plane, Don't know when I'll be back again, Oh, babe, I hate to go." Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My hard deck is still 2200. If I am under an uncontrolled main, I will cut away at that point. Because of this, and because I jump a Spectre which habitually opens slow (from throw-out to checking alti +/- 1000 feet), and because I choose to pad the deployment altitude (body corrections, slipped hand, whatever...) by about 500 feet, I regularly pull at 4000. That allows me to check "there, square and controllable", and assess the issue should there be one present; take corrective action should there be one, or decide to cut-away. It doesn't allow me to participate on 20-ways, but I'm not ready for that, anyway. I have always - always - had my pull alti respected by those who I jumped with. On a 6 way (my largest to date), not one person had any issue with it. Had there been an issue, I would have backed out of the jump, and done a 2way or solo. Pulling high is a separate issue, but a great topic of discussion. I have done it several times, and will continue to do so. I always inform manifest, and also generally remind the pilot of my pull alti if it's higher than "normal". Stay within your comfort level, and gradually start bringing it lower when YOU are ready. It's your bottom under that canopy, so do what you need to do to handle potential difficulties. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good Luck!! (Um, where are you going?) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sinker and I both have valid credit cards...and valid licenses, and cleaner driving records. You actually used yours. (And now, back to the 27 v/m work messages I have to return!!!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope. Chalk up your not hearing it to your minimal hearing loss. Lori, Michael and I did one of those double/triple takes and tried very hard not to laugh at that...but he definitely called you Tit. And in keeping with Chris' new name, I am soooooooo tempted to post an unattractive pix of him...I won't because I am equally unattractive in that pix, but the temptation is there.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And they rented it to you...Mr. Percocet Yew Nork Driver... BTW, last roll is being developed right now, so Pix will be up tomorrow... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, well, you all forgot to wear the chauffer hat. If you had, I wouldn't have bugged you so much about being allowed to drive it. But those speakers were terrible, Chris. Just blechy. Crank a good song, and get distortion at 10. whomever put those into that car should be shot. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I didn't mean to imply you were, SunnyOne...just relating my experience (small as it is) and my perspective on how to handle things. When I sought some advice from an instructor, it was because I was unsure of myself, and wanted him to talk to her. He told me I could handle it myself, wanted me to handle it myself so that I could learn about how to do it, and let me know he'd be around should it degenerate into an argument...but his presence wasn't needed. And yes, I think you've stimulated thought as how to handle the situation when (not IF) it occurs to someone else, and that is a good thing! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

oh, poor kitty.... Mondo kitty vibes from Charlotte and Essie, and of course me....hope Shadow heals fast! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~