Spring Has Sprung

Some new pics from around

my parents house.

Seasonal Bliss

Waiting buds spring forth

abundant and new.

A sign of promise and hope.

Renews vigor and faith.

Seasonal bliss.

White blooms, pure and glorious.

Soon to fall

like snow

quietly, lightly.

A turn of time.

Another tick of the clock.

It all begins again.

Collectively we sigh.

Absorbing the beauty before us

while it last.

Clutching the memory

to sustain us

against a coming winter's wind.

Monday Tease

'Cause he's pretty...

Health Care Reform

It passed.....guess it did freeze over!

Saturday Tease

Enjoy the beautiful weather with friends!

What Type of Man Turns You On?

Your result for The What type of MAN turns you on Test...

Action movie star

You scored 80% masculine, 59% athletic, 55% exotic, and 56% refined!

You love a manly man and you don't have time for boys. You like someone who looks exotic and who takes care of his body and hygiene. That is a good idea in case you are trying to eat jello shooters off of his beautiful 6 pack. Someone like.....Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgium's hottest export. But let's face it, the whole point of this was to look at a bunch of hot guys. If you liked what you saw, please rate my test!

Take The What type of MAN turns you on Test at HelloQuizzy

Sport Oops!

Not so much of an "Oops"

as a "Wow"!

Happy Birthday

This is me and my best friend

in 1989.

Today would have been his 45th birthday. I still miss him and think of him often. It's hard to believe it has been ten years since his passing. I still remember the day I met him. We were almost inseparable from that day on. We worked together. Partied together. Hang out together. Vacationed together. We were together so much, many people thought we were a couple. We could finish each other's sentences. Knew each other's taste and dislikes. He was like the brother I never had. Rest in peace my friend.

Friday Night Ramble

There was a time when things were good and many when it was bad but through it all I survived which was more than I thought I could do at the time or even wanted to. I've fought hard, won a few and lost a few battles. I consider the scars marks of character. Most are invisible. They shape who I am. Whom I've become. I wouldn't have it any other way. My humor and optimism remains intact. My sense of accomplishment great just for getting through this journey. I have my plans, my goals. My course set. Soon I will reach my destination, fulfilled and ready to tackle the world again. It hasn't been an easy life though easier than some I imagine. Despite all the bad, I consider myself lucky and blessed. I may rest but never give up. The world owes me nothing but I owe it everything I am and will be. Therefore I will give it my best.

Friday Tease

Are you staring yet?

Thursday Tease

So hot, I'm burning!

Update

Whew...My mother is home and resting comfortably...hasn't had any problems and hasn't had anything for pain except two asprin for a headache! She is amazing! So were the great doctors and staff at the hospital! So are all of my wonderful, supportive friends here on Blogger! Thanks to everyone! Life is good again!

Wednesday Tease

I need to take the road less traveled...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Have a safe and happy

St. Patrick's Day!

Surgery Today

I'll post when I can. About ready to leave for

the hospital. Thanks for every one's support.

Update

My mother's surgery went well. She had her first at 12 noon

and the second at 2pm. She went through both and

recovery very well. She was moved to a private room

at 6pm. My father and I returned home

while my sister will stay the night.

We will go back tomorrow. Depending

on how she feels, she may be allowed

to come Thursday afternoon.

Tuesday Tease

Spring is in the air!

Sport's Oops!

What is in that cup?

Ripe Fruit

I am like a ripe fruit
ready to be plucked
from the tree of life.
To be enjoyed.
To be savored.
Behold my sweetness.
My firmness.
My intoxicating aroma.
I'm palatable.
Good for the body
and for the soul.
Come, taste me.
Hold me in your hand.
Feel the weight of my flavor,
waiting to be devoured.
Hanging within reach.
Beckoning you.
Tempting you.
Ready for the picking.
I am yours to enjoy.
Just the two of us,
becoming one.
I am at my peak,
I am ready.

Update

My mother's surgery is Wednesday. I'm nervous. She is ready to get it over with. Everyone is. I worry too much about everything. I'm sure she will come through it just fine. I do wonder about her self image. She has always been rather buxom. They are gonna do reconstructive surgery so I don't think it will be much of an issue. But you never know till afterward. I think my biggest concern is the recovery period. Infections, pulling something lose, or heaven knows what else could happen. She isn't suppose to lift anything over 5 pounds. Hopefully she will listen to what the doctor says. She will have a brief rehab to help get back in working order on that side. She is tough and a trooper. At almost 71, she is in average health with minimum issues for her age. I just hope something this major doesn't become the catalyst for her to start heading down hill.

I appreciate every ones kind words and support, your thoughts and prayers. My readers have come to replace the "real world" friends that I've lost. Between the well wishes on Blogger and FaceBook, I have felt more love than I have in the last ten years. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.

Monday Tease

Ready to go to work?

What Part Of a Fairy Tale Are You?

You Are the Fairy

You are charming, cheerful, and a little bit magical. You make other people's lives better. You are a bit eccentric at times, but you truly care about people in your own way. You are hyper and restless. It drives you crazy to sit still, and you are usually the first to leave any event. You are unpredictable and flighty. No one can guess what you'll be up to next ... or where you'll be!

What Part of a Fairy Tale Are You?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Morning Giggle

Jane Fonda is good for felines too!

Date Update

Yesterday and this morning, the fella that asked me out has posted about a coffee date with someone else. I didn't comment on his post. He later deleted it. I won't post on this morning's either. He hasn't commented on my postings as well. Could the magic be lost so soon? I realize it was only an invitation to dinner, not marriage. I don't assume anything more than that. As usual, my expectations were too high which lead to this disappointment. If it works out before, or even if, we have our date, so be it. There is nothing I can do to change it. My first priority is to see my mother through her surgery and recovery, which he knows about (and also had not commented on). My second priority is school. The money issues are still there as well. I wouldn't expect him to wait on someone he never met. It may be a missed opportunity for both of us. Only time will tell. Right now, I can't do anything or say anything. I don't want to come across as bitter or jealous or needy or desperate. So I will say nothing and hope he has more substance to him than it currently appears.

What's Your Love Profile?

You Are Alluring

Your positive traits: You're quite the charmer. You've got the wit and attitude to attract almost anyone you meet. Out spoken and honest, any date knows how they stand with you. Fearless, independent, and willing to try anything twice - your dates should expect the unexpected. Your negative traits: You tend to be vain, and you expect your partner to feed that vanity often with complements. Hot tempered and impulsive, you've occasionally ended things ... only to regret it later. You're obsessed with being the best, most loved girlfriend or boyfriend your sweetie's ever had. Your ideal partner: A risk taking, free spirit like yourself - who can keep up with your latest wild child antics. Someone stylish, attractive, and fit... who can keep you attracted for months. Is hard to get - and lets you pursue things. You prefer to be the chaser, not the one being chased. Your dating style: Wild, unpredictable, fun, and daring. Your ideal date may involve a couple motorcycles or naked skydiving. Your seduction style: Honest and direct - you have no need for romance or much foreplay. Show off. You like to show your lover how you're the best ever. Ambitious. You often like to go all night - or aim for multiple orgasms. Tips for the future: Start to believe in second and third chances. You don't have to dump them so fast. Savor the process. Sometimes the best part of falling in love is taking things in slow motion. Let go of comparisons. If someone's with you, then you've already won. Stop worrying about exes. Best color to attract mate: Red Best day for a date: Tuesday

What's Your Love Profile?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

One, Two, Three...

I'm slowly tackling the crap in my spare bedroom/exercise room. Yep, it is time to tone and tighten. After losing 60 pounds, the last 25 has been problematic. Mostly because I can't eat properly as I was before. The downside of my mother purchasing groceries for me and sending home too many leftovers. My weight has hoovered around 192-195 for too long. I was hoping to loose the weight then exercise to tone it all up, but I'm tired of waiting and given current circumstances, that may be longer than I care to.

It's hard to believe that I was once in killer shape. I wish I had pictures of me back then but I didn't have a good camera then. I do have references! At any rate, my goal is to get back into the same shape I was at 40. I want my abs back! And my tight butt. My biceps seem to not be as big as they once were. Everything else will just tighten up.

My old measurements are also my new goals, and are as follows:

• 32 inch waist
• 44 inch chest
• 15 inch biceps
• Flat abs
• Tight butt
• Only one well defined chin

When I get this mess sorted out, I will resume my usual workout schedule of every other day for an hour. Hopefully, within 45 days at most, the 25 troublesome pounds will be gone! Wish me luck!

Ultra Dave 2.0

Given my proclivity for list and my lack of them for a while, I figure it's high time for another one. With the impending date, if the fella hasn't been scared shitless by now, that is to take place somewhere at a date and time as yet to be determined, I figured I would list some of my favorite moments. Caution: If you aren't romantically inclined, you may become nauseated.

• 
  
  A romantic dinner with candle light at my favorite restaurant, 300 East. We ordered the same thing, had a couple of drinks and spent 3 hours just talking and making goo goo eyes at each other. The night ended with one of the most sensuous kiss that left me weak in the knees and my head in the clouds for 3 days.


• 
  
  A surprise birthday treat from my ex to a newly open restaurant. No candles but great conversation and food plus dessert. The gesture was so unexpected and sweet coming from him, I just fell deeper in love with him. Later that night was incredible too!


• 
  
  This one isn't really a date, just an event with my ex. On a Sunday afternoon, he showed up with a box of roses. He handed them to me at the door and walked away. He got another box from his car. And then another. And another. In total, 144 roses, 12 dozen. I was feeling light headed after all that. (He worked for a florist wholesaler and these were to be dumped. It's the thought that counts, right?)


• 
  
  Once, my first ex and I were invited to dinner at a friend of his. The dinner was great. The company and conversation sparkling. Afterward we retired to the living room to sip our cocktails in front of the fire. I sat on the floor with my head on his knee just staring at the flames and thinking how lucky I was to be with him. Sigh.


• 
  
  A guy I went out a couple of times with prepared dinner for us at his place. He was a superb cook. The food was amazing. He had lite candles, dimmed the lights, turned on some nice music. Afterward, we cuddled up on the couch to watch "Latter Days". When the movie ended, we each had a look of amazement on our faces. I'll never forget that shared look or experience.

That's enough for now. I'm getting misty eyed recalling all the great moments I've been blessed with. I hope my readers have had their share of them as well.

Friday Tease

Welcome back, weekend!!

Thursday Tease

Stuck between a rock and a hard place?

Sport's Oops

This looks more like foreplay...

*Amazing*

Thank you all so much!

A Worry Wart Worrying

This time next Wednesday, my mother will have had her surgery. As the day draws closer, the more concerned I become. I worry about her. I always seem to think the worse is gonna happen. Like she won't wake up from the anesthesia Or she will go into cardiac arrest while they are operating. Or she will get one of those infections at the hospital that antibiotics won't cure. Or once she is home she will injury herself even worse in a fall. I worry about a lot of things, none of which I have any control over. I'm concerned about my father and how he will deal with all of this. How it will effect his health. So far both seem to be taking it in stride. My father has told me of his concerns about all the above as well. I guess when your parents reach a certain age, you fully realize that the inevitable will happen and wonder what it will be that causes it. That's where I am now. Anything that happens, I can't help but wonder if it is the beginning of the end. I'm not sure if there is much I can do about it. I try not to dwell on it. It makes me crazy that it is yet one more thing I have no control over in my life. Of course, the stakes are a bit higher than what to wear on a date or why someone isn't as obsessive over me in return. So that's where it stands. A whole lot more waiting and worrying and wondering. We all will be glad when it is over. I'm certain my mother feels the same whether she lets on or not.

Dave 101

I have some questions about the guy that asked me out. I'm a bit confused about a few of his actions on Facebook. Obviously, Facebook isn't the best way to tell how a person behaves in real life, but I do think if offers some clues. The first day Chris exchanged a multitude of comments and emails. Now we don't. What changed, I have no clue. Should I be worried, most likely not. He succeeded in getting me to say yes to his invite. I'm just curious as to where the enthusiasm and flirting went. He has deleted some post that I commented on. One of them I understand why because of comments his friends made and his response. I take it as an apology of sorts for his response to them that I thought included me. The second deleted post has me puzzled. Yes it was the middle of the night, 3 a.m., and maybe I was a little too flirtatious with my comments. Hopefully he will respond to the email I sent this morning and clear that up. I guess my thing is this; If you have changed you mind, for whatever reason, then say so. If you haven't, then do your best to keep up. I lose interest quickly otherwise. I realize I have more time to sit at the computer than someone who runs their own company. I realize I have higher standards than most people in how to interact with others in a polite, well mannered way. But honestly if you can spend time playing games on a social network site, then it requires no more effort to click "Like" on a post or to click "Poke" or even to type a few words for a comment or email. Those show interest and consideration. The very reason I do them to the majority of my friends. I may not always have the time for in depth emails or comments, but I can let them know, I'm thinking about them. Now granted maybe he is shy, which didn't really seem to be the case, or maybe, as I feared, my intensity has frightened him. Either way, I guess I had hoped for a little more effort till we actually get to the dinner date. So gentle readers, is this all in my head? Am I expecting too much from him or anybody for that matter? Could I be scaring him with my actions? Let me know. I really would like your opinion on this.

Homework

I swear if it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. I'm having a devil of a time trying to get this last assignment submitted for my online class. I tried till about midnight last night to find a way to turn it in. No luck. I emailed the instructor, yet again. I'm going a bit early in hopes that a computer in the library will have the program I need installed to get this uploaded. Over the weekend I got a virus through Facebook and did Restore Point. It took care of the virus problem, but it obviously didn't contain the other program I had been using for this class. Ugh! Always something!!

Odd Couple

There is someone for everyone
or so it seems.
I see it all the time.
I look at the odd couples
and wonder;
what drew them together?
Was it fate?
Was it lack of choice?
Is it the potential they see?
They are seemingly happy,
certainly more than me.
They have something I covet.
Something I long for.
I hope it is yet to be for me.
I don't look down upon them.
I actually stand in awe.
For in their mismatched coupledom,
they have achieved;
something that eludes me,

something that inspire me,
something that gives me hope.
That the same thing may
one day happen to me.

Tuesday Tease

Nice Glutes!

Just Be Myself

I took this Saturday. Chris requested a pic, why, I'm not sure. This one I didn't send and choose one of my almost smiling ones instead. I've often heard to "just be yourself" in these instances. I found myself thinking about that after my little photo shoot. I'm always myself, though I would have a hard time trying to define "me" to someone else. I'm not much on talking about myself. I'm sort of a private person. You couldn't tell from all I publish on my blog though. There are still parts I keep private about myself and family, even here and on Facebook. I prefer someone to have to work to get to know me, just as I do them. I don't mind being asked questions, there are few I wouldn't answer. I just won't go on and on about myself in any detail. Now, after I've warmed up to someone, I'm an open book. I hold little, if anything back, much to the chagrin of my few remaining friends.

I recall the first days and weeks and months, after I met my last ex, Greg. I still recall tidbits of our conversations, from way back on December 2, 1989. I recall many of our talks. We would talk to the wee hours of the morning about anything and everything. It's one of the things I miss about our relationship. We were great at communicating, the good, the bad and the ugly. That may be why we lasted through all the crap for 10 years.

Now I found myself wanting to hold back when I meet people. I'm not sure if it's because I'll scare them, overwhelm them or bore them. Weird. Greg and I split 10 years ago and I haven't had many face to face conversations since that were as passionate or engaging as ours. I tend to think it is me. I've changed. The world has changed. Communications certainly have. It seems conversation is a lost art.

I've never been much of a phone person. I guess the pay as you go phone I have will keep it that way for some time to come. Mostly I interact with people online, through email or chat. That has it's draw backs, but it's better than nothing. I tend to open up more after I've built a rapport. I try to not be so intense, but it is my Aries nature. I just try to keep it in check.

When dinner happens with Chris, I need to remember a few things. First, breathe. Second, be myself. Third, don't worry. Fourthly, don't jump his bones. Fifthly, don't interrogate him.

I should do fine. Just like riding a bike, right?

A Dream Before Waking

A new day awaits,
hidden behind the moon and clouds.
The sun hunkered down behind the horizon.
The birds still sleep.
A hush over the land.
But in my mind,
the wheels do turn.
Spinning incessantly with ideas,
with hopes and dreams.
Wonderment at what will be.
What the dawn will bring to bear upon me.
In the quiet solitude I ponder.
The who, what, when and where.
A direction, a course to follow.
My mind plays out scenarios,
flashes images teasingly before me.
I smile at the ones of you.

Empty Streets of my Life

You ever have a period in you life when you just wanna bust out? There are no physical restraints holding you, but you still feel trapped, either by circumstance or commitment. That's the way I have been feeling lately. Not sure what to do about it. Not sure if there is anything I can do about at the moment. I realize that school will help alleviate some of this once I'm done in May. I realize the economy is improving even if it is at a snail's pace. I know that at some point everything will finally be over that is going on with my mother, and helping my father. I look forward to that day. I long for that day. That day can't come quickly enough.

The trouble is all the stuff in between. Maybe I'm just being selfish, but I miss the life I use to have. I miss going out to eat. I miss renting movies. I miss having a full tank of gas in the car. I miss doing my own grocery shopping. I miss everything I'm not able to do now .I miss living my life. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to have done all of it for my family. I'm certain they appreciate it. They have always been there for me and this was a chance to give back. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But I do wonder if they realize the effect it has had on me the last 2 years?

Giving up my job. Giving up my new car of 6 months. Passing on invites. Staying at home, week after week, month after month. Not having regular phone service. Not having spending money. Delaying starting back to school. Etc. Etc. Etc. Having to rely on my unemployment till it ran out. Having to rely on them for every little thing since. All of this takes a toll on someone who has worked to improve them self mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially. It is devastating to start from scratch. When I even get that chance.

This latest event with my mother's breast cancer made me realize something I absolutely hate to admit. I'm scared of being alone. If something were to happen to both of my parents, that is exactly where I would be. My sister lives far away with her own family. I've had no time to rebuild friendships after losing so many friends. The only people I know are previous co workers or friends from before my last ex, twenty years ago. I have not dated anyone seriously in 10 years. I have not been with anyone in 5 years. My computer has truly been my life line these past few years. My saving grace. Still, it doesn't replace flesh and blood interaction.

I guess my point is I want to live again. For me. For myself. I want to be able to pursue my interest. I want to go and do. I want to work and have money again. I want a car I purchased. Sadly, I know this isn't possible. My mother still has her surgery coming up. My father is slowly declining as he ages. I still am not finished with my pitiful certificate. The economy still is in the toilet. Unemployment is still high. I'm still well dressed, well accessorized trailer park trash.

And yet I'm still hopeful. I still think it will get better. I still believe that everything will work out. I still have faith that my life will turn out just like I hoped. It just won't be today.

Food For Thought

The scariest thing about the unknown is the worrying about what you don't know. ~ Ultra Dave

Poem Feedback

Howdy y'all !! I'm wanting to add a few more poems to my web project site. I need your help in deciding which ones to do next. I've created a list below with internal links to make them easier to find. If you have a second, click and read them, then post the corrosponding number in the comments. I'm looking for the top five. Those that I've already added to the site aren't included. Thanks so much!!

1. Without You
2. End of Me
3. All For You
4. Ten Years
5. New Day
6. Forever Yours
7. Winter's Morn
8. Happenstance
9. Unknown Joy
10. Fabulous Squared
11. Succumbing Bliss
12. I Melt
13. Reward
14. Hope Held Out
15. Mindful Repose
16. The Cusp
17. In Your Eyes
18. Draw Down The Moon
19. After Glow
20. What Love Was
21. Sweet Dreams Baby

Daddy Update

Thank you all for your kind words! It really means a lot!!! The results of the scan showed the spot was gone!!! Great!! They have know idea what it was or where it went, but I'll take it and be happy!! One less thing to worry about. My mother also had been told that she will not have to take chemo after her surgery on the 17th!!! We are excited about that too!!!

Now if I passed my midterms with anything above 85 I will be very happy!! Also, a cute fella has been flirting with me on Facebook!!! What do I do now? It can only get better if I win the lottery tonight!! I purchased my ticket just in case my luck holds out!!

****He just asked me to dinner!!! I think I may faint !!!****

Evening Giggle

Daddy Update

My father goes for the results of his scan tomorrow. If you recall, I mentioned last year, the doctors had found a spot on one of his lungs. This is to determine if the spot is still there and if it has grown or changed in any way. From working with him, I can tell not all is well. Whether it is from that spot, his asthma, or just aging, remains to be seen. I've noticed his stamina isn't what it use to be and I've seen him use is inhaler a lot more than he ever has. I can tell he is a little worried about it, though he won't say much. Right now he is focused on my mother. I'm worried about both and hoping for the best possible outcomes for each.

Wednesday Tease

Yum

School Update

Had the midterm exam in one of my classes today. Honestly, I wasn't that well prepared. My head just wasn't in it. I'm sure I got a decent grade but I'll just have to wait and see. I'm glad that the business plan counts for 40% of the grade in that class. I've been gathering info for it. I've refined some of the ideas and tossed others. Once it is done, if I can find a way to post it, I'll share it with y'all before it is submitted. Thanks to all of you who have expressed an opinion or idea. It helps.

Advertising Art

Look for...the union label....

Food For Thought

Underneath the charm and humor, lies a wise, old soul and a heart of infinite love.
~ Ultra Dave

Monday Tease

I could use one of these around the house...

What Popular Career Are You?

You Are a Doctor

You are a total brainiac who isn't content to just be smart. You want to do something with your smarts! You'd like to change the world or at least change lives. You feel like it's important not to waste the gifts you've been given. You may cure cancer or simply make a few people healthier, but you will rest well knowing that you've made a difference. You're the type of person who does the right thing even when no one else is watching. You're very ethical.

What Popular Career Are You?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

Morning Giggle

The rare goat tree...