bowtwi

Greasy - Funny signature line! I wasn't allowed to see the second page of the article without registering.

MO - I think I can relate somewhat. I have two brothers and a sister. We all share the same mother, but have different fathers. We grew up as siblings, never using words like half-brother or half-sister. My sister falsely accused my little brother of molesting her daughter shortly after Mom died 28 years ago. I hadn't seen my little brother for 25 years when I found him just two weeks ago. He and I picked up right where we left off, as we always had been close. We talked on the phone daily that first week, for hours. This week we've spoken less, but are also emailing in between calls. We won't be separated again. He and my other brother are doing well also, but aren't spending as much time catching up as he and I are. He said he's calling me every day because he really wants to catch up as quickly as he can with me. With the other brother, he's taking it slower. He has his reasons. My sister has tried to encourage me to seek my birth father. I'm the only one of Mom's kids that doesn't know who their father is. I no longer seek him. One of the things I'm thankful to the way for is that while I was "with the way" I studied 1 John 3:1 and became very secure in my belief that unlike two adoptive fathers, God will never "sign away parental rights" to me. (That was back when independent learning was encouraged in the way.) HE is my father for now and all of eternity. My sister has never laid eyes on my 9-year-old daughter. I've come to realize that my sister is one of those people that's just not happy unless there is some major drama going on in her life. And I mean really major. The false accusations of our younger brother is a good example of the type of trouble she continually stirs up. My older brother and I have always stayed in touch and kept our kids close to each other. My sister's son has kept in touch with us since last summer when he and bow jr were reunited. They live in the same county in FL. Interestingly, the reunion between my older brother and I with our younger brother happened the day before the 28-year-anniversary of Mom's death. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. My advice to you is to take care of your own heart. Only allow as much contact as YOU are comfortable with. At this point, I'd say it's all about YOU. Good luck!

So... this was a work-related explosion and nothing whatsoever to do with the GreaseSpot? Is that what you're saying?

I remember a line like that from Officer and a Gentleman.

Not mine.

J darlin, ask and ye shall receive. While you were posting the above, I was posting more pics. I'll put some more up tomorrow - I'm not at home and I didn't get them all on the disc I brought with me, so I have to wait til I get home again, home again, jiggedy jig... Rascal has been nicknamed Darnkess in a bowl... Belle - you won't believe what I did! Turns out I left my bag with my camera at that hotel we stayed at. Imagine my panic when I went to get it to take pictures of Xena!!! We searched the back of the truck, once by flashlight and then again first thing in the morning right after you left for the airport. Rascal offered to keep the princess there while we went back to the hotel and those wonderful people had it and gave it back with all the CD's and stuff I had in it. That would have been a pretty easy "steal" to get away with, but they gave it to us. Chance gave the guy a $5 thank you. I cried when I saw my favorite traveling bag - the blue and white striped one with the Florida logo on it. Fortunately, all is well. I thank God. We saw 7 dead deer along the road on our 598 mile trip home. It was such a terrific mix of people. I miss you all already! I'm so glad I get to see Belle next month when we visit bow jr for Thanksgiving. If any of you weenies want a CD of the pics I took full size, just email me your address and I'll send them to you in the mail. (Did that sound insulting? I'm from the north and I can get in trouble saying "Good morning." I mean no insult. Weenies is a term of affection.) Or if you have high speed internet service, I'll email them (I have dsl).

Hmmmmm..., I wonder if I want to know which category I fall into. Probably not. I've posted some more pics in the Gallery - Hammie, if you PT me your email addy I can send you those pics of you...