AFTR's Daily Commute

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Oct 20, 2013 4:15 am

"He ain't heavy........he's our brother"

DEAR ABBY: I have two sisters and three brothers, ranging in age from 52 to 69. All of us except one are comfortable financially.

The exception is our brother "Jerry," who is homeless. He lives in a park and does odd jobs. He owes money for old student loans and probably back taxes, so he's hesitant about finding a "real" job and having to fill out a W-4 form. I believe he uses alcohol and marijuana, but not often.

I am the only family member who is in contact with him, and I give him money occasionally. The others may not be aware of how bad his living situation is. I have no room for him in my house because my adult daughter and grandson moved in.

We are not a close family, although we have no animosity. Should I send an email or letter to my siblings about our brother? Should I ask for suggestions on how to help him? How should it be worded? -- SENSITIVE SIS IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR SENSITIVE SIS: The answer to both questions is yes. Your message doesn't have to be long or fancy. If I were writing it, I would put it this way: "Are you aware that our brother Jerry is homeless, living in a park and surviving on odd jobs? This is a disgrace to our family. Do you have any suggestions about how to help our brother?"

People who live on the streets (or in parks) usually have more problems than unpaid student loans and back taxes. There is often a significant mental health or substance abuse issue. My suggestion would be to involve a social worker in steering your brother toward the help he needs to get his life back. If there is money involved, wouldn't it be more wisely spent that way?

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:14 pm

"I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes."

Yves Saint Laurent

The most iconic denim looks of all time - MSN Living

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 3:41 pm

"Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallows Eve.... And on this fatal night, at this witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving. The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon."

Kim Elizabeth

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Oct 23, 2013 1:55 pm

Today..........I'm just showing off my grandchildren

:-4:-4:-4

and some food for thought on happiness:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/07/04/ ... o-live-by/

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 1:57 pm

October 24, 2013

Leo (7/23-8/22)

The people you encounter today are going to love loving you. Everyone who thinks you're cool is ready and raring to let you know it. Accept compliments graciously, because you'll get lots of them. But try not to let it go to your head. Vanity is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but it's something to indulge in with careful consideration.

:wah:

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Oct 25, 2013 1:36 pm

So sad. Can't insert videos......again.

Post by **LarsMac** » Fri Oct 25, 2013 3:28 pm

Try removing the 's' from https://...

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 4:27 am

LarsMac;1438702 wrote: Try removing the 's' from https://...

Okay...I'll try that. Thanks!

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 4:28 am

Thanks again, LarsMac!

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 7:08 am

A little Halloween fun.........

Post by **LarsMac** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 7:58 am

What fun. Thanks, AFTR

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 5:04 am

Part 1

Yep..yep..yep...............Forum Garden does exist at Yoville on Facebook because of yours truly.

Can you pick out yourself?

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 5:07 am

Part 2

Forum Garden at Yoville

:wah:

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:28 pm

Word for the day:

Hallothankmas (noun) : A three month celebration that is a combination of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hallothankmas is a product of retailers selling items for all these holidays at once, usually at the beginnig of October, effectivly combining them together.

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Oct 29, 2013 3:50 pm

Just some photos I took this past Saturday afternoon...............

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 1:37 pm

I never believed in things that I couldn't see

I said if I can't feel it then how can it be

No no magic could happen to me and then I saw you

I couldn't believe it you took my heart

I couldn't retrieve it said to myself what's it all about

Now I know there can be no doubt

Chorus:

You can do magic you can have anything that you desire

Magic and you know you're the one who can put out the fire

You know damned well when you cast your spell

You will get your way when you hypnotize with your eyes

A heart of stone can turn to clay

And when the rain is beating upon the window pane

And when the night it gets so cold when I can't sleep

Again you come to me I hold you tight and the rain disappears

Who would believe it with a word you dry my tears

Chorus

And if I wanted to I could never be free

I never believed it was true but now it's so clear to me

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Oct 31, 2013 1:37 pm

Quotes About Halloween

Loretta Lynn

We used to go around tipping outhouses over, or turning over corn shocks on Halloween. Anything to be mean. :wah:

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Nov 01, 2013 2:43 pm

AFTR forgot about us yesterday...........................

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Nov 02, 2013 4:54 am

This is why mom's usually sing lullabies to their babies:

:)

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Nov 03, 2013 3:58 am

So we set our clocks back one hour last night and I'm up one hour earlier this morning wide awake........... :wah:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/22/world/day ... ?hpt=hp_t2

Good Morning!:)

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 4:53 pm

During this month of "thank yous".....

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Nov 05, 2013 4:28 pm

After Halloween ghost stories......

White House ghost stories

:yh_flag

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:08 pm

Turkeys get alot of attention this time of year. Let's see some chickens.....

Charismatic chickens strut their stuff – CNN Photos - CNN.com Blogs

:yh_chickn:yh_chickn:yh_chickn

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:25 pm

November 07, 2013

Leo (7/23-8/22)

Today, combine your passion for travel with the huge burst of organizational energy that's buzzing in your brain. Get to planning your next adventure! Start doing some research and let your traveling companions know that you are kicking things into high gear. Get their input and ideas, too -- it's very important to keep this group outing a group effort! But there is no denying that you're the right person to be in charge. No one can wrangle up all the details as well as you can.

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AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Thu Nov 07, 2013 3:55 pm

Thanks for the memory of Frank Sinatra's golden voice & the beauty & verve it brought to the world. I truly loved this man.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 3:53 pm

Husbands as Best Friends:

Yahoo Shine - Women's Lifestyle | Healthy Living and Fashion Blogs

Do you agree or not?

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Nov 09, 2013 6:00 am

Dear Abby: My beautiful wife and I were a team for many years. She was the brains and I was the brawn. She took care of business matters, taxes and household duties. I did the repairs, vehicle upkeep and took care of the lawn and our garden. She was a computer whiz, while I remained computer illiterate. As we advanced in age, I made preparations for my demise. I had everything perfectly planned. Then the unexpected happened. My wife died suddenly. I was devastated. Then I realized I was also totally lost. She had gone completely paperless. I had no knowledge of anything. Some things were filed in the computer and others in the filing cabinet. I didn’t know her email address, any account numbers and no passwords. All business transactions stopped completely, and my credit rating plummeted. It has been a year since her death and I’m still trying to get everything corrected. Please remind your readers that the word “assume can be a real meanie. — Somewhere In Texas

Dear Somewhere: What a sobering letter. Usually the surviving spouse is the wife who was left in the dark. I’m glad you wrote, and I hope your letter will be a wake-up call to couples about sharing information.

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Nov 10, 2013 6:00 am

The ravages of strong weather in another country....

Super typhoon slams into Philippines

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Nov 11, 2013 3:14 pm

In honor of Veterans Day:

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

My husband, my older son, and my father.........all as young soldiers. :yh_flag:-4

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Nov 12, 2013 3:18 pm

Today, let's go to a vintage drag race:

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:42 pm

Dear Abby: With the holidays approaching, a reminder is in order. People, don’t forget those thank-you notes! I don’t mean an email, but a real, honest-to-gosh thank-you note sent through the mail.

I can’t tell you how many parents comment on the absence of this display of etiquette. Good manners are never out of date. They are noticed and appreciated. — Elinor in Surprise, Ariz.

Dear Elinor: Not a day goes by that I don’t receive letters and emails from readers who are upset enough to write because they haven’t received a thank-you note for a birthday, graduation, wedding or holiday gift they sent.

Some of the writers said they are so hurt and offended that they will stop giving gifts because they were left hanging, wondering if their gift was ever received. The problem might be that many parents no longer insist their children practice this courtesy, so the kids never learn how to do it.

Chief among the reasons that thank-you notes aren’t sent is that many people don’t know what to say. They think the note has to be a long, flowery composition when short is more effective.

Keeping a notepad handy when opening gifts and immediately taking a moment to jot down the first thought that comes to mind is helpful. For example: Do you like the color? The style? Is it something you had been looking for and couldn’t find? Is it a special homemade treat? Mmmm. Write it down.

How to Write a Thank You Note | How to Say Thank You | Hallmark

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:53 pm

Since I've never been to California, I thought I'd ride along with this guy:

Come along with us.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:42 am

Well, I've gotten this close:

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:32 am

The tobacco farm: Where America’s story started – CNN Photos - CNN.com Blogs

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 2:58 pm

DEAR ABBY: My elderly mother was recently placed in a nursing/rehabilitation facility. After several months of observation, I would like to offer an open letter to those who work in such places.

"Dear Caretaker,

"It is true I have grown older. My body won't do what it used to do. My eyes aren't as bright, and sometimes I have trouble finding the right words. But I do have a name, and it's not 'Honey' or 'Sweetie.' I have experienced much, and I have learned much. Your history books are my personal history. There is a lot I could teach you.

"You don't have to shout; I will tell you if I can't hear you. I have known great love and great tragedy in the years I have spent on this earth. I have spent decades learning to take care of myself, and it's hard having to rely on others.

"I need your help, but please don't talk to me as if I were a 2-year-old or a puppy. I'm too polite to say so, but I see when you roll your eyes or heave a sigh that says you'd rather be anywhere else but with me. These are my final years, and I've worked a lifetime to get here. Give me the dignity I deserve. All too soon, you will want the same." -- DAUGHTER IN ANDERSON, IND.

DEAR DAUGHTER: Your letter carries an important message. But please remember that the staff in nursing homes work long hours, often for minimum wage, and they all may not have been properly trained in caring for elderly and dementia patients. The work is hard, and the facility may also be understaffed.

It takes a special kind of person to do this work, and many of them deserve medals. However, if you feel that your mother's care is not up to par and that her dignity is not being respected, you should discuss it with the director of the facility.

I'm sorry...I disagree with Abby here. There is no excuse for not treating the elderly with dignity and respect.

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Post by **LarsMac** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 3:35 pm

along-for-the-ride;1440850 wrote: DEAR ABBY: My elderly mother was recently placed in a nursing/rehabilitation facility. After several months of observation, I would like to offer an open letter to those who work in such places.

"Dear Caretaker,

"It is true I have grown older. My body won't do what it used to do. My eyes aren't as bright, and sometimes I have trouble finding the right words. But I do have a name, and it's not 'Honey' or 'Sweetie.' I have experienced much, and I have learned much. Your history books are my personal history. There is a lot I could teach you.

"You don't have to shout; I will tell you if I can't hear you. I have known great love and great tragedy in the years I have spent on this earth. I have spent decades learning to take care of myself, and it's hard having to rely on others.

"I need your help, but please don't talk to me as if I were a 2-year-old or a puppy. I'm too polite to say so, but I see when you roll your eyes or heave a sigh that says you'd rather be anywhere else but with me. These are my final years, and I've worked a lifetime to get here. Give me the dignity I deserve. All too soon, you will want the same." -- DAUGHTER IN ANDERSON, IND.

DEAR DAUGHTER: Your letter carries an important message. But please remember that the staff in nursing homes work long hours, often for minimum wage, and they all may not have been properly trained in caring for elderly and dementia patients. The work is hard, and the facility may also be understaffed.

It takes a special kind of person to do this work, and many of them deserve medals. However, if you feel that your mother's care is not up to par and that her dignity is not being respected, you should discuss it with the director of the facility.

I'm sorry...I disagree with Abby here. There is no excuse for not treating the elderly with dignity and respect.

You never met my mother-in-law.

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 4:04 pm

What a sad way to end up. Hope I die before I get (that) old.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:53 pm

Which version do you prefer?

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 2:46 pm

Got this from the Utube---

Video featuring Catherine Deneuve. 1965 "Repulsion" Director. Roman Polanski.

I kept thinking "That doesn't look like Marianne Faithfull, that looks like Catherine Deneuve." Glad I checked!

Nope. Didn't care for the song with the scene. Never thought Ruby was crazy before.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 3:54 pm

I thought that was the French actress in the video as well, Anne. I prefer the Rolling Stones version myself.

November 20, 2013

Leo (7/23-8/22)

You better hope the road you're on doesn't come to a fork, because with the mood you're in, you'll be standing there for hours trying to decide which way to go. In other words, decisions aren't exactly your forte at the moment. What's worse is not that you can't make up your mind, but that you don't want to listen to anyone else's opinion about what you should do. Don't wallow in indecision rather than admit you need help, or you might just be standing at the crossroads for a long, long time.

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along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Nov 21, 2013 2:34 pm

Forever young......But if they were still living............

What John Lennon, Bob Marley & Kurt Cobain Would Look Like Today

Post by **LarsMac** » Fri Nov 22, 2013 9:09 am

AnneBoleyn;1441146 wrote: Got this from the Utube---

Video featuring Catherine Deneuve. 1965 "Repulsion" Director. Roman Polanski.

I kept thinking "That doesn't look like Marianne Faithfull, that looks like Catherine Deneuve." Glad I checked!

Nope. Didn't care for the song with the scene. Never thought Ruby was crazy before.

Yeah, I was a little spooked by the video, but it sounded like Faithful was trying really hard so sound like Jagger, as well.

I prefer this version, myself:

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Nov 22, 2013 3:39 pm

I was thirteen and at school when I heard the tragic news. Disbelief, shock, then sorrow drifted quickly through the classrooms. Classes dismissed, and at home the same. Television on perpetually and we were watching the news unfold. Death in black and white. In a way, a death of innocence.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sat Nov 23, 2013 5:54 am

Don't move.............some more places to go to on the net:

50 Best Websites: 5 You May Not Know - Video - TIME.com

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 5:40 am

Is watching the parade part of your Thanksgiving tradition? Fro me, it used to be.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons - CNN.com

Post by **LarsMac** » Sun Nov 24, 2013 10:45 am

Used to be. But it has become so commercialized and the people babble so, and I just don't have time, anymore to sit down and watch.

A few years back I traveled to New York to do some training for IBM the week before T'day. I was staying at a hotel not far from Herald Square, and had the evenings to myself.

Got to watch the preparations for the parade. At night, they block off the street in front of Macy's and light it up, and all the people doing a routine for the parade do their performance then, it is recorded, and played on TV during the parade. That way, they don't have to stop the parade for each performance on T'day. Something I didn't know until then.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 2:45 pm

I didn't know this either, Lars. You are right about the commercialism and the babble.

****************************************************************

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

~Joyce Kilmer, "Trees," 1914

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AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:42 pm

I had to memorize that in elementary school for Arbor Day.

Con6tY5efs · Post by **Con6tY5efs** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:14 pm

What do you like to do on a long drive.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:10 pm

Con6tY5efs;1441521 wrote: What do you like to do on a long drive.

I look at the passing scenery and just enjoy the ride.

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I just felt like hearing this again: