kidsmoke

That's precious, Robin. And thank you, and Evonne, for your understanding about the superglue. I really don't get it on my face all that often.

Sounds like a sports team, I know, but it's just more weird weather: http://www.kirotv.com/weather/15023235/detail.html Stay safe, Dreamin' Judy, and any others in the area! Those of you being hammered by the storms in the southern states, stay safe too. Looks like Mississippi & Alabama are taking a beating. I like that the woman who was walking her dog and got blown across the street grabbed onto a cyclone fence. How appropriate.

Yay!

I can't begin to compete with all you knit-wits, since I'm still trying to figure out how to hold the needles and wrap the stringy stuff around....it might be awhile before I have anything to compare to your works of art! But I really like this little frame that Alissa and I made, from tiny seashells we'd gathered all summer. The photo shows my 3 getting soaked beneath a pier last August. Good times! We won't even mention the superglue-on-the-tongue-and-lips-incident that accompanied this crafting adventure. (What, you've never bitten on the end of the tube when you were running out &am

I'm sure Nat is somewhere laughing and pleased! Her spirit will live on here at VC.

So good to see you around!

I'm so far beyond stunned that I've just been sitting here for the past hour crying, unable to organize my thoughts enough to even post. Alissa keeps handing me tissues, hugging me, and reminding me that we'll meet again, in a better place. I do believe that, but it's hard to remember in such a sad time. Natalie, sweet girl, I trust that wherever your soul is now, you are aware of all the love we all feel for you. You did so many wonderful things with a much-too-abbreviated life! I sit here now, typing, with my 3 tinfoil sculptures gazing contentedly down from the shelf beside me, where they

We love you anyway, old gal. PS - Make Rob buy you some half-gifts on your own half-birthday, March 9th. Suggest half a diamond necklace. Belated birthday hugs to your mom, Kate!

Oh, same here, for sure! We need another concert get-together, soon. Damn, we had such fun at those shows, despite nearly freezing to death!

I'll explain once more, Dunja dear.....on a half-birthday, the celebrant is whatever-age-and-a-half. So for Tom and Brennan, both born on January 5th, their next half-birthday will be 6 months from now.....July 5th. On that date, they will get half a cake, along with some goofy, summer-ish gifts (beach toys, flip-flops, stuff like that) that have EITHER bows, OR wrapping paper, but never both. See? It all half-makes-sense!! Besides, having a January 5th birthday, they kinda get lost in the shuffle of the whole Christmas craziness, so it's only fair that they celebrate again half a year lat

Oh, opinionated, would we? I too hope this album lives up to expectations!

Yes, it's true....my boys are born exactly 4 years apart. Brennan held out until 10 minutes after midnight so he could be born on Tom's 4th birthday.

Yep, now Tom can come to all those 21+ club shows! He'll love the Mitch coupon, Evonne! AND LET'S NOT FORGET, IT'S BRENNAN'S BIRTHDAY TOO......He's 17!!!......Will you all please pool your money and buy him a car? The boy just wants to (drive).

I know. Me too. When Buzz is really contented, he just glows with it. He'll often just lie there purring loudly to himself. He's a great cat.

You got it.

I've already read the first 2 chapters of the book...fascinating stuff! And I think I'm about to have some chocolate, having demonstrated restraint for an entire half-day.

Jen, YOU are my secret Santa? I need to write your new address into my book....didn't recognize it! Good Santa-ing, girl! And no, that is my own dear cat Buzz, who finally grew into his big ears. He's almost 18 lbs. now!!! Time to cut back on the treats.

January 3, 2008 Buzz:"Holy cow, look what my secret Santa sent me! Tissue paper to lay on!!!" kidsmoke: "Um, Buzz dear, that chocolate is mine! Buzz: "Possession is nine-tenths of the law you know. And I sometimes have a wild mean streak. I wonder if now might be one of those times?" kidsmoke: "Cats don't care for Brazilian pink peppercorns, you realize." Buzz: (sighing as only a cat can) "Fine, but I'm going to need to be bought off with some turkey-flavored cat treats and a few of those limon chips that I like to lick all the seasoning off of. Deal?" kidsmoke: "You got it.

I have yet to receive, too....but then, I love late Christmas gifts! Plus I'm easy to buy for because I just love gifts, period. It is, after all, the thought that counts. That's the truth.

Nice work! I wish I could draw but alas. And that "Red Eyed and Blue' is terrific stuff!

Edie, sweetest, all my love to you and Scott and Jake. It's clear from all you've told us that Jerry was a really special person and lived a wonderful life with much love in it. What blessings to everyone who knew him! It sounds as if his influence on Jake was powerful. I'm sure Jake won't ever forget him. We had an elderly neighbor who had that sort of an influence on Brennan, and even though she's been gone for about 7 years, she is still very precious to Brennan and still influences his outlook on the world. These wonderful people make an impact that's forever. You are raising an amazin

Yeah Rob, and speaking of thanks for all your work, be watching your mailbox this week.

Love and warmest wishes to Lammy, who deserves all the best! Cheers!

May your day and your year be all sparkly and bright!

Great, now you guys have got "Spider Pig" stuck in my head again.