Ttessa

Dot - private topic :)-->

Dot -

If you bought the oregano oil from your herb health shop, that is fine, as long as it is the blue label "North American Herb and Spice" brand.

This is the link with audio info -

http://www.droregano.com/

This link has better prices for the exact same product -

Put the word "north" in the top Search box (for North American Herb & Spice)

http://www.smartcart.com/nutworld/index.cgi

Dot,

Oh gees......My prayer efforts are renewed for you.

Yes, the wild oregano oil is effective and powerful. I hope you ordered the stuff from the link I sent to you, because other manufacturers don't certify theirs to be the 'wild oregano' .....and can and DO use oils from other herbs (rosemary, thyme for example) and call it 'oregano'. Same with the herb oregano that you buy in the grocery store - it's most usually a mexican thyme.

At least, that's according to the books I've read.....but it makes sense to me that different genus & species would vary in their healing properties. If you got the North American Herb & Spice brand, you can also take a drop or two under the tongue which will strenthen your natural immune system. It's strong stuff! Don't be too eager to 'taste it' with your tongue.

I've been using it rather successfully for a different problem that my doctor said, "I don't know" about!

Be careful about using silver for too long.....there are some scary accounts (google it) by a woman who took colloidal silver for too long.

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.

Dot - I'm praying with you.

Also - you might find this interesting:

Wild Oregano

I hope you can listen to the audio files. This doctor is all about boosting the immune system in our bodies to fight infections in our bodies.

GingerTea -

I'm sorta new to these oils, though I've been reading up on them. When you say, "essential oils" what exactly do you mean? I've found that for my peace of mind, "food grade" is a more acceptable rating.

Also, don't a lot of manufacturers of these oils play loose with the word "essential"? Doesn't the genus & species of the plant harvested have more to do with the healing properties than the plant's common name?

Wild oregano is pretty interesting stuff, too. More versatile than tea tree I think. Although I'd only trust the stuff that comes from North American Herb and Spice, because they certify the source.

only 9 days left until we meet for the Second Annual Southern Comfort Weenie Roast!!

Okay - I got the call this morning from Tim's Ford S.P.

Herb, our reservation has been moved to cabin #13 (as you previously ok'd).

XENA CAN COME TOO!

It happened!

I got the phone call this morning, that Cabin #13 became available - the previous reservation cancelled. So, our reservation has been changed to #13 - the Pet Cabin! Xena can come, too!

Thank you for all the prayers (big and small). Xena is a delight and we'll all benefit from her presence.

cuz you & Kit need more to do?

Just a JOKE!!!! :D-->

Thankyou, thank you Paw (and Kit) for all you do. This forum facilitates my healing and growth!

OK - just in case y'all missed this:

Everyone is encouraged to bring their #1) own bathtowels, and #2) a lawnchair or two (at least one for yourself, and extra for those who can't because they're flying or whatever.....)

OK - things are lining up nicely - my chauffeur ok'd Xena's transportation, too......

so - just one final detail:

Cabin #13 needs to become available!!!!

Shell -

I've got "The Dance" by Garth

also bringing:

Brubeck - Time Out

John Tesh - One Day

Dixie Chicks - Fly & Wide Open Spaces

Stan Getz

The Best of the Righteous Brothers

Rita Coolidge

The Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook (album, not the book)

The Bonnie Raitt Collection

Bela Fleck

David Sanborn

I wish I could find the Judds CD's and Santana :-(

Who will help me carry all this junk into the cabin? LOL