Hi there, come on in.  Thanks, I really appreciate that.  You ... how was your Saturday?  Wonderful, I hope to hear.  Have a seat, I'll get us a couple of glasses of wine and then I'll join you.  Care for something to munch on?  No, I don't have any chips - unless you count the stale ones with the clothes pin holding the bag closed that I think I bought two weeks ago.  Yea, I probably should.  Except the trash can is full because I haven't bothered to empty it lately.  Oh, well.  I think there's some stuff in the frig that's still edible if someone has the nerve to wander into the twilight zone.

My head hasn't been situated on my shoulders  - you know, turn 'til it clicks into place - lately.  Sorry 'bout that.  Here's your wine.  What?  Oh, bother.  Are you sure you didn't ask for beer?  I know you didn't ... here, I'll switch with ... damn.  Two beers, no wine.  Good idea!  Cheers!

I need soft music, a comfortable place to sit, good friends to talk with and apparently a beer.  And something to eat, just remembered I haven't eaten all day.  Where's Grouch?  I'm way to lazy tonight to cook for you guys and far too scared to look in the frig.  He's braver than I am.  Oh look!  I found peanuts!  Want some?

Just a few thoughts ...

My 76 year-old mother finally got the cast off of her left arm yesterday.  She broke her wrist when she fell about six weeks ago; the second fall on that same night caused a huge gash in her right arm.  Not the first falls, not the first injuries or emergency room trips.  The stitches are gone, the wounds have healed.  She's fine.  Until she falls again because they can't seem to regulate her blood pressure.  Too high means a risk of stroke, too low and she gets dizzy.  I hope for the best and worry constantly.

Someone I love is in the hospital after a terrible car accident on Wednesday.  Concussion, stitches, internal bleeding and incredible pain.  My thoughts are constantly there since I cannot physically be.  I wait for updates and worry constantly.

Someone else I love is extremely angry with me.  There is value in the depths of the anger even while there is confusion in my heart as to the content.  My crime is simply that I have dared to write on TPM.  I dream of the day we can reconnect and worry that we won't.

So, I don't worry as much about the debate.  I don't worry as much about the "bail-out".  I don't worry as much about whether Palin winked too much or Biden smiled too broadly.  Sometimes real life just gets in the way of command central.  It reaches out to tap you on the shoulder ... then when you turn it slaps you in the face with all the strength in the universe.  Takes a lot to stay on your feet.    

Hi there, come on in.  You look exhausted ... get in here and have a seat.  I know what you like, so don't worry about it.  Just sit and relax awhile.

Busy evening of talk and activity.  So much to absorb and consider, where's the value as compared to the price?  Did we get our money's worth when we bought the bargain basement oil painting?  Perhaps it will turn out to be the purchase of a lifetime.  Or just a pretty picture to cover the hole in the wall.

Tonight?  The debate has inspired me, especially Gov. Sarah Palin (bless her heart).  It's not a hole, but there's this spot on the wall I'd really like folks not to see.  I've got a simple, pretty print I just bought for a quarter at a yard sale.  Hammer and nail ready - will you hand it to me?

Hi there, come on in.  Late again ... long day, how about you?  I know, I know.  Grab a seat anywhere you'd like, just save the ugly blue chair for me.  Every now and again sinking into it's softness and tucking my feet up is just the right medicine.  May I get you something?  Sure, no problem.  Be right back - throw on some easy listening music, will you?

I'm in a mellow mood tonight, no particular reason to speak of.  Not much to say.  The world is rolling around in my head like a bowling ball meandering down the lane.  Guess I'll wait and see where it ends up.  A strike or in the gutter?

Hi there, come on in.  How has your Tuesday been?  Grab a seat on the sofa and let me get you something.  I've a few thoughts about these last few days - go figure.  Ha, ha ... very funny.

What the hell is going on around here?

I love many people that I speak to on a regular basis and many that converse sporatically.  I appreciate thoughts from all sources and hold everyone in high regard - well, almost everyone.  Certainly those that interact with me here in this tiny spot that I occupy.  Yet I have to say that I am just a bit pissed off on this particular evening.  Has everyone lost their collective minds?

Yes, I am talking about us.  All of us.  Each and every tiny piece of us that we share with each other each and every tiny piece of each and every day.  Honestly, if we don't give a damn about each other why do we bother at all?  Hint, hint. (We do give a damn)   (Imagine that)  (Sshhh ... don't tell anybody) -

Stop being so rediculous.  Stop being so superficial.  Stop being so unnecessarily unnecessary.  Stop being unable to listen while all too happy to use your piehole.  Stop thinking of ways to stop thinking.  Just stop.

Yes, I am fussing at you.  Fuss back if you have a point and I promise I'll hear you out - get it?

 

Hi there, come on in.  Grab a seat on the sofa, it's waiting for you.  The lights are low but the music is pumping once again.  Do you mind?  A bit mellow tonight ... 'Blood, Sweat and Tears' ... 'Bread' ... 'Chicago' ... Old 'Bad Company' - yeah, that's smooth, too.

Those big speakers remind me of days gone by,  music left by the wayside.  Songs whispering  in our ears.  Shall we enjoy them once again?  Just between us ....