Ttessa

AHA! I got lucky. Playin around - I discovered that the Ctrl & Enter key combo, will active the OK button. Now I can see it all again Yahhhhooooo :D-->

Oh yeah - I already tried to reduce size of the Display Props window. It wont budge.

I feel so dumb. I changed my Display Properties from my favorite setting of 1280 by 1024 pixels to a (temporary, I thought!) setting of 720 by 480 pixs. Now the Display Properties window is so big, the OK button is off the page. I can see (and adjust) the slider that brings it back to the higher settings - but I can't see the OK button (which executes my choice). Is there another way to change the Display Props in Win98?

nm I think the smilies are screwed up except for these two.

Oaks, that was the Second Annual Weenie Roast. --> It was that easy, cuz it followed the First AWR (at the same place because it was successful). Lots of hours of research, phone calls, lists and planning went into the First one. Our Benevolent Dictator deserves much credit for making the final decisions (concerning location and dates) and for making reservations and for being the "Head". :D--> But anyone could do it, if you want to put the work into planning!

Good idea, Paw! Just one caveat - you gotta give allus crazee folk yer address - hehehehehe :D--> :D--> :D-->

Hopefull - Here's a recipe for Irish Cream Liquor that I got from a TC in Nashville in '95. (don't know if it's the one you wanted - but it looks good) Irish Cream Liquor (makes 5 cups) 1 ¼ to 1 3/4 cups liquor (Irish Whiskey, Brandy, Rum, Scotch or Rye Whiskey) 1 can Eagle brand sweet condensed milk (14 oz) 1 cup whipping cream 4 Grade A uncracked eggs 2 teasp. instant coffee 2 Tblsp chocolate syrup 1 teasp. vanilla extract ½ tsp almond extract Combine all ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth -OR- In a large bowl, beat eggs; beat in remaining ingredients until smooth.

Happy Birthday Mel. I'll toast ya, with some Jim Beam. I hope you have a great party!

Hmmmmm.... No one has mentioned yet - sudden inexplicable (usually untimely) bouts of extreme horniness. It's not ALL bad. In fact, I'm in the same camp with Valerie. HRT was never a consideration for me, since I've had blood clots before. But the flashes, sweats and other ugly effects were manageble for me. :D--> BUT what IS this occasional notion that all my as-yet-unrealized fantasies can manifest themselves? LOL

The Same Star" You see a single star, twinkling in a darkened sky, gazing...remembering...hoping, holding back the fear, alone with your rifle, silence... broken only by sporadic gunfire, off in the distance, another life...a world away, warmth there...love there... sadness here...sadness you can taste, and despair! A star shines there and here, there, it's lovers talking softly, here, it's danger from the light, the same star...twinkling there... dimming here...the same star, radiating it's serene message there and sending slivers of fear, raining down here, the same star... the folly of men...the glory of war, you close your eyes... the star has faded, you guard your post, you cry... and die a little inside... Sgt. Larry McEntee USMC 1963-67 Member...V V A Chapter 53 Mar6367@aol.com

The Things They Carried... They carried P-38 can openers and heat tabs, watches and dog tags, insect repellent, gum, cigarettes, Zippo lighters, salt tablets, compress bandages, ponchos, Kool-Aid, two or three canteens of water, iodine tablets, sterno, LRRP- rations, and C-rations stuffed in socks. They carried standard fatigues, jungle fatigues, jungle boots, bush hats, flak jackets and steel pots. They carried the M-16 trip flares and Claymore mines, M-60 machine guns, the M-79 grenade launcher, M-14's, CAR-15's, Stoners, Swedish K's, 66 mm LAWS, shotguns, .45 caliber pistols, silencers, the sound of bullets, rockets, and choppers, and sometimes the sound of silence. They carried C-4 plastic explosives, an assortment of hand grenades, PRC-25 radios with 25 foot whip antennas and their heavy batteries, knives and machetes. Some carried napalm, CBU's and large bombs; some risked their lives to rescue others. Some escaped the fear, but dealt with the death and damage. Some made very hard decisions, and some just tried to survive. They carried malaria, dysentery, ringworms and leaches. They carried the land itself as it hardened on their boots. They carried stationery, pencils, and pictures of their loved ones - real and imagined. They carried love for people in the real world and love for one another. And sometimes they disguised that love: "Don't mean nothin'!" They carried memories for the most part, they carried themselves with poise and a kind of dignity. Now and then, there were times when panic set in, and people squealed or wanted to, but couldn't; when they twitched and made moaning sounds and covered their heads and said "Dear God" and hugged the earth and fired their weapons blindly and cringed and begged for the noise to stop and went wild and made stupid promises to themselves and God and their parents, hoping not to die. They carried the traditions of the United States military, and memories and images of those who served before them. They carried grief, terror, longing and their reputations. They carried the soldier's greatest fear: the embarrassment of dishonor. They crawled into tunnels, walked point, and advanced under fire, so as not to die of embarrassment. They were afraid of dying, but too afraid to show it. They carried the emotional baggage of men and women who might die at any moment. They carried the weight of the world. And they carried each other. Author Unknown

http://www.vfw.org/amesm/origins.shtml Origins of Veterans Day In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as "Armistice Day". Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was "the War to end all Wars," November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WW II and Korea, Congress was requested to make this day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1973, a law passed providing interment of an unknown American from the Vietnam War, but none was found for several years. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from that conflict was placed alongside the others. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, The 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil. A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. National Ceremonies Held at Arlington The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays "taps." The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater. Every year the President of the United States urges All Americans to honor the commitment of our Veterans through appropriate public ceremonies. Permission is given to reprint or republish this article.

Jardinero - Funny piece above, BUT in fairness I gotta correct a few thangs. First, the county is NOT dry where the State Park is - otherwise folks couldn't have gone into town to get more beer and more beer and more wine. And I heard tell, it wasn't a park ranger, but a local Sherriff that came. But I can't be sure, I wasn't there when the Bust came down. At the entrance of the park, everyone drove by a great big sign (at least 3 X 5 ft) that had the standard claim for most State Parks: "Firearms and alcoholic beverages prohibited". The Park rules are also on the web site. I AM sure that Herbiejuan didn't expect to have to monitor adult activities. Alcohol is commonly prohibited at most state parks. Tim's Ford is a beautiful state park, the staff have been extremely nice to us (last year and this year) and I doubt any other place can match the accommodations provided. A lot of research and consulting went on to find and select Tim's Ford. All in all - we had a great time! [This message was edited by Ttessa on September 24, 2003 at 13:15.]

Shell - It was a no-brainer for me NOT to go.....I still have 'trust' issues. But if you were willing to be led by men out in the woods, in the dark, after repeated requests (that's always a red flag, to me) ...I figured you were ready for an adventure. Since when did any of us 'independent' wimmins EVER listen to cautions, once we make up our minds to do something, anyway? (uhh - me included) :D-->

Heck Pawvio, Don't feel bad. There wharnt no bacon when I got there, either! And I stayed on grounds! Just a greasy paper plate with enough crumbs to know that 'somebody' had bacon! Those campers were voracious eaters. Hehehehe

We arrived at dark, about 8 or 9 p.m. Friday night, I think (I was too excited to look at my watch). I rode in Oenophile's car, who left his NC (Isabel territory) home Thursday. The most direct route for him, was right past my apartment, so he stopped and picked me up. The trip took longer than expected, to allow for a dog-relief/snack stop, a gas & ice & beer stop, one wrong turn, and successive turn around. He was a most patient and accommodating driver. When we got to the park, we drove to the tent-camping area first in case Hawk had arrived before us. But the circular drive around the tent-camping area was confusing, and we didn't see any GS'ers. So he drove toward the cabins. The plan was that Sudo would already be there, and have beef stew waiting for folks as they arrived. But, I couldn't remember which cabin number was Sudo's - so, we saw two men walking in the parking lot. Oenophile yelled out to them, "Hey! Are you Greasespotters?" I think they were surprised. They said, "Yeah!" Introductions all around - they were Rascal's husband and Oakspear (who had known each other many years ago). Then we finally got to Sudo's cabin - and the Most EXCELLENT beef stew! It was perfect. What a great cook he is! There were a few beers and some fine cigars there for the folks who wanted them and lots of laughs. A couple more folks got there, before we emptied the stewpot and then I went to the "pet-approved" cabin that we had prayed for. Eventually others arrived and everyone came to Herb's cabin and gathered on the back deck for cigars, Kona coffee, Jardinero's wonderful cookies & muffins , Bon Bons, and music. Paw brought an album of group photographs that he'd taken from previous GS gatherings. A few of us gabbed until 1 a. m. Breakfast was set for 9 a.m. Sat morning (there were some protests of the early time, but in view of the fact that children outnumbered the adults - we sort of agreed that they needed to be fed early). I was awakened at 5:15 a.m. (can you say, "crabby"? LOL). Breakfast was biscuits, sausage gravy, bacon, eggs, coffee and more gabbing, and laughter at the tent-camping site. Sudo entertained everyone. Kids and dogs did their thing. We all gathered folding chairs in a big circle and talked and ate. We took the group picture. Then I persuaded Sudo to shuttle me back to my cabin for a nap (4 hours wasn't enough sleep for me, the night before). The rest of Saturday was a blur.... but there was time for some sweet friendship and conversation and peaceful quiet on the deck overlooking the woods and the lake. I was gabbing with Herbal on the deck, when the door burst open by a playful, camera-armed crowd ( they all had a 'twinkle' in their eyes) who had planned to 'catch' Herbal asleep in bed. Aww fooey! Their plans were spoiled, 'cuz Herb was awake and planning to re-join the crowd. We all were just having a loose, fun time (and back at the bonfire area) we sat around in a circle and talked, played with kids & dogs and ate chicken noodle soup and ham sandwiches by Rascal. I don't remember much until the evening meal of the best vennison stew you can imagine! There were hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips too. And, did I mention a tiny sip (really!) of Kentucky White Lightening. The first highlight of the evening was Sudo who did a pole dance that was the funniest act you could imagine! It made everyone laugh.(You had to be there, to understand). The White Lightening hit me like a boulder - boinggggggggggggg. And I got sleepy, so went back to my cabin. I slept for a few hours, then woke up to the others returning to the cabin with reports of excitement I was thankful to have missed. (Someone else should tell those stories). Sunday came too soon, back to the campsite for breakfast - a humongous iron skillet full of gravy from homemade sausage and all the other breakfast stuff. I didn't know they made iron skillets that big! This one was at least 3 inches deep, and about 15 inches diameter full of big chunks of The Best Sausage and sweet creamy gravy. We all sat around the breakfast tables and gabbed until one-by-one folks headed for home. And the crowd dwindled. - - But not before I played a few games of poker with the kids over 10 yrs old (that was the cutoff age). It was extremely hard to leave that beautiful gang of fun, loving folks....... can't wait for the next time! [This message was edited by Ttessa on September 21, 2003 at 23:31.] [This message was edited by Ttessa on September 22, 2003 at 0:04.]

Okay - Here's the lineup (without kid's names - I know them, but will leave it up to the parents to ID them) from Left to Right: In front of the wagon is Rascal's famous boy. In the wagon are a boy of AHAT's, then Rascal is holding AHAT's daughter, and then the Waydale Baby is in the pink shirt) The Xena dog's butt, and Behind the wagon is a Rascal daughter, The Princess, then Rascal. To the right of the wagon are 4 kids of the Tribe and 2 of the dogs (a big one & a little one) belonging to the Tribe. Standing from left, are AHAT, behind her is Oenophile, next to AHAT is Sudo (less 50 lbs & sans beard), then Ttessa's face, Oakpear, the Dad of the Tribe, Shellon (holding AHAT's son), BOWTWI, Jardinero with her son, and behind is Paw, Littlehawk, and Hawk's son (some of the standing folks are standing on a 6 X 6 beam, that marked a tent site....other standing folks are lower on the ground behind that timber) My report to follow in the next post........ [This message was edited by Ttessa on September 22, 2003 at 12:04.]

In the five day forecast for Tullahoma, TN (nearby town to Tim's Ford State Park) the prediction for this weekend in as follows: FRI Partly Cloudy High 78 Low 49 SAT Mostly Sunny High 78 Low 49 SUN Partly Cloudy High 78 Low 54 OMG, THREE DAYS TO GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D--> :)-->

Bowtwi - It's all in fun. We're all beginners, everyone is welcome. But - the main thing is, do whatever you want to! 5 days to go!!!!!

Hawk - LOL It was nothing more than a diversion for the older kids while Mom laid down with the tiny tikes late that night after the cookout. My intention was to provide entertainment for kids while Mom got a chance to breathe. I like to make things fun for kids - while they're learning something. We played Draw Poker first, then 5-card stud and 7-card stud. Bring red ones (they're the highest, right?) and blue, and any other colors. Last year we played in our cabin, but I imagine this year it will be out in the tent camping area.....which is okay with me, as long as it's not hot & muggy & buggy. Only 6 more days to go!

Rascal - Thanks for the offer to use marshmallows. LOLOL I KNOW we could use anything (I'm the one who came up with matchsticks, last year). Poker chips would be the optimal way to learn more about money. And real poker chips would 'step-up' the excitement of playing, this year. But I've been dreaming this - and there is "something" temporary and falsly satifying about hearing the rattle of plastic chips falling on the pile. Also, poker chips come in several different colors to designate dollar amounts. I see this "poker game"as an opportunity in several life lessons. What I want to do is - give everyone a LOT of money's worth of chips (like 50 or 100 thousand dollars). "OK kids, the ante this game, is $50 (that's 2 of your yellow chips)" Abby and to some extent, Jessie were the only ones last year, that were reluctant to "throw" away their pretend-money. Abby actually winced when she was "required" to put in her ante. The boys were fast and loose with their matchsticks. (I thought that rather interesting LOL). It will all be FUN (I don't intend to lecture about money) - but, they will learn how fast it goes, how important 'stewardship is (even when you're "rich"), and how addicting and useless gambling is! And how counter-productive it is to gamble money. I know that Abbi, Ben and to a lesser extent Steven & Jess DID experience "an inkling" about some of these lessons last year. But the negative lessons - about gambling, and how quickly one can lose it - were all learned in a 'safe' environment. Remember? Each one of us all won at least one game. (that had to be God!) Everyone had a chance to experience "winning" and "losing"....and they had great fun when it was over- comparing who came out ahead, and who lost - and they all took responsibility for their own actions, and were satisfied. And, hopefully, like last year - their "ownership" of "thousands of dollars" will reinforce how temporal money is, and inspire their imaginations. Abbey was the first to voice - "If I had this much real money, I would........" Besides, the poker chips would just be more fun than matchsticks or marshmallows or pennies. Cathy - check your private topics.

NEED! Ifanyone attending has a bunch of poker chips, the kids and I would be really thankful to use them. The kids (& their parents) have already requested a repeat of the poker lessons. Last year we played with matchsticks as $. I've been looking in thrift stores for some old used poker chips, but haven't been able to find any. I want some poker chips this year, to make it more 'realistic' and fun for the kids!

DRIVING IN ATLANTA ATLANTA, GEORGIA (PRONUNCIATION: A LAN UH, JORJAH) Atlanta is composed mostly of one-way streets. The only way to get out of downtown Atlanta is to turn around and start over when you reach, Greenville, South Carolina. All directions start with, "Go down Peachtree..." and include the phrase, "When you see the Waffle House...". The only exception is Cobb County where all directions begin with, "Go to the Big Chicken...". Peachtree street has no beginning and no end and is not to be confused with Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Place, Peachtree Lane, Peachtree Road, Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Run, Peachtree Trace, Peachtree Avenue, Peachtree Commons, Peachtree Battle, Peachtree Corners, Peachtree Station Circle, Old Peachtree, or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. If you ask anyone for directions, they will always send you down Peachtree. Atlantans only know their way to work and their way home. Atlantans do not believe in turn signals. You will never see a native signal at a stoplight, to change lanes, or to merge. Never! Atlanta is home of Coca-Cola. That's all we drink here, so don't ask for any other soft drink...unless it's made by Coca Cola. Even then, it's still "Coke". Gate One at the Airport is 32 miles away from the Main Concourse so wear sneakers and pack a lunch. The doors on the trains in the Airport do not reopen like an elevator if you stick your hand out. They hurt. It is impossible to go around a block and wind up on the street where you started. The Chamber of Commerce calls it a "scenic drive," and posted signs to that effect so that out-of-towners don't feel lost...they're just on a "scenic drive". The 8:00 am rush hour is from 6:30 to 10:30am. The 5:00 pm rush hour is from 3:30 to 7:30pm. Friday's rush hour starts Thursday morning and lasts through 2:00am Saturday. Reversible lanes are not understood by anybody ...especially those of us who live here. Stay out of them unless you are looking for a head-on collision. "Sir" and "Madam" are used by the person speaking to you if there's a remote possibility that you're at least 30 minutes older than they are. "Sugar" is a more common form of address than "Miss." So is "Sweetpea". "Honey" is always used by Waffle House waitresses. Ponce de Leon Avenue can only be pronounced by a native, so do not attempt the Spanish pronunciation. People will simply tilt their heads to the right and stare at you. (The Atlanta pronunciation is "pahnss duh LEE-on.) The falling of one rain drop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules; so will daylight savings time, a girl applying eye shadow in the next car, or a flat tire three lanes over. If a single snowflake falls the city is paralyzed for three days and it's on all the channels as a news flash every 15 minutes for a month. All the grocery stores will be sold out of milk, bread, bottled water, toilet paper, and beer if there is a remote chance of snow, and if it does snow, people will be on the corner selling "I survived the blizzard" Tee shirts. If you're standing on a corner and a MARTA Bus stops, you're expected to get on and go somewhere. It is always Smog Alert Day. Construction on Peachtree Street is a way of life, and a permanent form of entertainment, especially when a water line is tapped and Atlanta's version of Old Faithful erupts. Construction crews are not doing their job properly unless they close down all lanes except one during rush hour. Atlanta's traffic is the friendliest around. The commuters spend hours mingling with each other twice a day. In fact, Atlanta's traffic is rated number one in the country. You will often see people parked beside the road and engaged in lively discussion. Atlantans are very proud of our racetrack, known as Road Atlanta. It winds through the city on the Intestates, hence the name. Actually, I-285, the loop that encircles Atlanta and has a posted speed limit of 55 mph (but you have to maintain 80 mph just to keep from getting run over) is known to truckers as "The Watermelon 500". Georgia 400 is the southern equivalent of the Autobahn. You will rarely see a semi-truck on GA400, because even the truck drivers are intimidated by the oversized-SUV- wielding housewives racing home after a grueling day at the salon or the tennis match to meet their children at the school bus coming home from the college prep preschool. The pollen count is off the national scale for unhealthy which starts at 120. Atlanta is usually in the 2,000 to 4,000 range. All roads, vehicles, houses, are yellow from March 28th to July 15th. If you have any allergies, you will die. The last thing you want to do is give another driver the International sign of ill will, unless your car is armored, your trigger finger is itchy and your AK-47 has a full clip.

1 I am in shape. Round is a shape. 2 Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand. 3 An optimist thinks that this is the best possible world. A pessimist fears that this is true. 4 Anything free is worth what you pay for it. 5 If it ain't broke, fix it till it is. 6 Never be afraid to try something new. Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. 7 People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them that Benjamin Franklin said it first. 8 One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds. 9 You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stopped laughing. 10 I plan on living forever. So far, so good. 11 Love is grand; divorce is a hundred grand. 12 Time may be a great healer, but it's also a lousy beautician. 13 Indecision is the key to flexibility. 14 It hurts to be on the cutting edge. 15 Age doesn't always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

8 days to go! Did I mention? be sure to bring: * a few bucks to go towards all the paper products and staples and incidentals that Cathy is bringing for us all. * bring a lawn chair so we can all gather together to eat a couple of meals together (probably in the picnic/ tent camping area). * your own bathtowel if you like to have more than a teatowel to dry off, after your shower.