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FGM and Rags
 
November 12 at 10:51
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To the Mattresses 11-12-05
The phone rang yesterday afternoon and it was the Great Petruzzelli,in person, or at least in voice. We chatted like old friends, and discussed the forthcoming surgery. The date is set, it will be this Wednesday, and if all goes as scheduled I will be home again by Monday, sporting my new body modifications. I am feeling some new-found empathy for the Thanksgiving Turkey. The Great Doctor is in no hurry to hang up the phone so we chat a little longer. I decide to tell him that I am writing about my experiences and that he is the subject of my second installment. He sounds pleased nd endorses all your feelings here that this will be a very healing therapy for me. I also tell him about Andrew, and how I am no stranger to Loyola. I can not tell a story about Andrew without including the Terrier Club, and how they became a part of Andrew's short life, and how Andrew then became a part of many lifes of the TC members. I plan to send him directions to navigate through this website and to read the adventures that he is starring in. I know he will learn a lot about terriers, their attitudes, and how they will figure into my healing process.
So, I have several days here to prepare for the Big Day. What to do, where to start, so many things to organize and have in place.
Compliments to this group, I am working on my image that I will carry tothe operating room. First, I have to put my best foot forward and have my roots touched up, a haircut and then my nails done. You can understand this, the better we look, the better we feel. So, I must take these things into consideration while planning my schedule for the next few days.
Back to the operating room, now this is where I will need the help of all able terriers. My vision stars me on a nice white horse, with the Great Petruzzelli, on an even bigger and whiter horse, riding to meet the enemy, Black Cancer. Now, this is the best part, as someone suggested earlier, all the terriers are dressed in their kilts, sporting shields and swords, and very cute little tams on their heads. They are all ready to go to battle, and reared up on their little hind legs, growling, and snarling like nobody's business! If Mel Gibson is available, maybe he will join us, since he has all that battle experience from Braveheart! The windiest terriers, and I mean lung capacity here and not the other wind, will man the bagpipes and carry us right into the battlefield. At the endof the battle, all the nasty cancer cells will be dead and gone. The gentelest of our terriers, with Rags leading the group, will be licking my wounds and giving me head to toe kisses Hmm, maybe I had better have a pedicure too, and shave my legs.
Lots of things are going through my mind today, and one of them is what will I look like when this is all over? Our bodies go through so many changes as we age, and sometimes be don't take note, but live with the adjustment by buying different and often bigger clothing to
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FGM and Rags
November 12 at 11:17
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
accomodate these changes. For years, I always wore turtleneck sweaters, then one year, I noticed that the turtle part was also covering my chin. Somewhere, somehow, my neck had disappeared. Where do necks go? Compress? Retire? I am just not sure, I just know that all those turtlenecks found their way to the Goodwill bag, and were replaced with mock turtlenecks. So, what will happen to my neck now, scars on both sides, and a hole in the middle. Maybe my neck will stretch out again and I can invest in a few more turtlenecks to hide the evidence. Or maybe, scarves will be my new signature piece. Lucky for me, when Philip and Eugene went to Paris last year,they brought me an array of silk scarves. I haven't worn them much because I was never sure of the tying, although Philip says not to tye, just wrap them around and let them flow. Perhaps I will be the new Isadora Duncan!
Then, there is the rest of the body. I assume there will be significant weight lose involved, but where will things end up? As many woman out there, I always knew my butt was a bit too big, and then one day it wasn't. That's because my tummy caught up, and this new protusion made my butt look smaller. In other words, I was round in the middle. So, if my stomach disappears, will my butt still be big? Or will it just sag down and beg for lycra panties to pull it back up? And what about my new pink Olga full support bra? Will it still be needed, or will it find it's way to the back of my underwear drawer?
So many things to think about, so little time.............
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Lynda and the Minkies
 
November 12 at 16:20
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
How nice he called you, Bob....I'd go for the scarf option. I sometimes wear a couple I have and they look nice. I fold them so they look like a big bandana, put it on my neck then pull the ends back around front to hang...that looks fine and should do the trick for you.
You can scare kids by telling them you're Frankenstein's daughter and you just had your bolts removed....hehehe !!
Cram as much good stuff as you can in before Wednesday...all your favourites....and enjoy them that little bit more....
XXX.
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FGM and Rags
November 13 at 11:11
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Who is BOB?????
Some of you may have noticed that Lynda has referred to me as BOB on 2 occassions. Lynda called me the other day, all the way from Merry old England, and she kept asking for BOB, and I kept telling her she had the wrong number. Luckily, she said it was Lynda, and the Minkies, and I finally understood that BOB was really BARB!
So, now you know!
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 13 at 11:53
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Re: Who is BOB?????
Hehehe !! It was very funny, Barrrrrbbbbb.....
XXX.
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Casey
November 12 at 11:37
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb, I don't know whether to laugh or cry reading this, but what a wonderful writer you are.
I love the description of the army closing in on the cancer cells... brilliant!! Casey has a bid loud mouth so he can be a piper and Cedric of course will be licking your wounds to heal them.
We will all be there with you on Wednesday, to add to your strength in fighting this evil and we all KNOW you will be the winner.
love, hugs and westie nose licks, T&C-Boys xoxox
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The Oregon Girlies...
November 12 at 11:47
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Your doctor does sound like a knight in shining armor.
The Girlies are ready to do battle, You've seen what they can do to the mice, possums, and flies around here, they're a fearsome bunch.
On Wednesday please know we will be holding you very close in our hearts.
Let the battle begin.
xxxxBetty and the Girlies...
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Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
 
November 12 at 12:53
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb I think we need to see a picture of the Great petruzzelli just to make sure!
I will be thinking of you on Wednesday and hoping all goes OK as I'm sure it will.
I think your writing about the whole journey is brilliant.
jewels
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FGM and Rags
November 13 at 11:15
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Guy On Goggle
Hi Jewels,
Actually, you can see a picture of the Great Doctor, I just don't know how to make it happen here. If you go to google, put Guy Petruzzelli in, the first entry will be his with his picture. You can also read more about Loyloa Hospital. Now, I am sure someone here will be able to bring that picture here, so you don't all have to go goggling!
Sparkle kisses
FGM and Rags
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Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
November 13 at 11:58
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Re: Guy On Goggle
The Surgeon himself!
Jewels
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 13 at 11:55
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Here He Is
He looks a cheeky one !!
XXX.
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Jewels & Samuel MacTavish
November 13 at 11:59
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Re: Here He Is
Snap Lynda!
Great minds think alike! LOL
Jewels
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 13 at 13:38
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Re: Here He Is
How funny we were both here at the same time copying it for Barb !!
XXX.
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Macaroon
 
November 12 at 13:18
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Macaroon will be there in his kilt! It took two of us to hold him down so the vet could clip his nails!! There will be no holding him on Wednesday!
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Susan & McDuff
November 12 at 13:42
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Oh Barb, bless you - you are such a wonderful story teller, I am just sorry that is has to be about this. But you have such a great attitude and spirit! I think these writings of yours may be part of a future Oprah book club read! We're with you all the way!
Susan & McDuff (in kilt)
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Schooner and Annie
November 12 at 15:07
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb.. your courage is outstanding. I can only imagine what is really going on inside your mind.
Bless you and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers on Wednesday especially.
Keep that fiesty terrier spirit.
Hugs and sniffiekissies.
Schooner, Annie and Mummy
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Schooner and Annie
November 12 at 21:16
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
P.S.
Nursie Annie said she would do all she could to help.
Her sniffiekissies are very theraputic, so she says!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Pam and pups
November 12 at 16:10
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Well we have three terriers (or near-terriers) who are going to help.
Harley, who does the FRANTIC BARK--can lead the parade of those who are telling the evil cancer cells to "GET OUT!! GET OUT! GET OUT!"
Molly can help in sniffing them out and finding them ALL since she is the "Great Huntress".
Sophie will show them the road--she is, after all, a very polite lady but gets her point across.
3 more on board!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our Mom--well, she does the praying part and that is very important too (but we have heard she is pretty good at the snarling and growling)!
Pam and pups
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Geri & Emma
November 12 at 16:33
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb- Our thoughts will be with you on Wednesday as you begin your battle- one I know you will win.
Emma has her kilt all ready and, believe me, she can be feisty when needed.
Take care- you are a special person and we love you.
Geri
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john / irene Maxwell
November 12 at 16:51
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
You Write so well Barb Hope all goes well with the srgery we will be right there with you
john / irene Maxwell
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R-gang
November 12 at 17:37
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
I doubt that the Great Petruzzelli has ever had so many eyes looking over his operating table. from all over the world Terriers are watching over their Fairy GodMothers well being. I hope the good Dr P is a doggy person and understands R dedication to you. Maybe he needs a few of us out front of Loyola marking R territory while you spend a few days getting your wings energized.
Be strong FGM and we'll have R Paws together for you.
Woof
R gang
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FGM and Rags
November 13 at 11:16
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Wouldn't that be funny, to have terrier body guards surrounding the hospital grounds!
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Mary, Kelsey and Furby
November 12 at 17:38
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Auntie Barb,
count us in, we'd be there making sure all goes well for you even though we know it will.
Furbs and I, kelsey will be barking our heads for you. Wach bark is to tell the cancer to go AWAY!!!!!
Mom says you're in her thoughts and prayers, ours too!
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Sonny and Cayla
 
November 12 at 18:15
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Good luck on Wednesday and Sonny and Cayla will add their barks to your recovery.
Your doctor sounds like a very nice and dedicated physician. To call you on a Saturday!
My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Wednesday.
Alina
P.S. I laughed at the manicure, pedicure, shaved legs, roots touch up part. I always make sure that I take care of those things before going to the doctor. But remember because of general anesthesia they do take your polish off.
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 13 at 11:48
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
I've never understood why they do that...
XXX.
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Nessie's mom/Linda D
November 13 at 16:46
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
They want the nail beds clean to check circulation during the surgery..or something like that! When I had toe surgery, i was really bothered with "naked" toe nails!
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Lynda and the Minkies
November 15 at 01:28
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Thanks, Linda.
XXX.
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Maureen, Hamish and Maddie
November 12 at 18:17
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Dear Barb, Hamish says he can bark loud enough to be heard in Chicago all the way from Adelaide, and Maddie says her second name is Florence and she will join Ragsy's team of wee nurses. Our brave hearts are with you. And you, FGM, are the bravest heart of all.
Mum says that she had major surgery on her neck in 2001 and the scar is hardly noticeable now. It was a very scary business to go through, but now it is just a memory and that is how it will be for you. She says that you will learn scarf draping in no time, get Eugene to come and show you, not just tell you.
Hmm, Mum is sounding very bossy here, do you think she is spending too much time with us terriers?
Love, Maureen, Hamish and Maddie xxx
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FGM and Rags
November 13 at 11:19
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Scars and Scarves
We will both have neck scars? I think we have just formed another YaYa Sisterhood, You can recognize us by our scarves!
Sparkle kisses
FGM and Rags
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Cathy and Thistle
November 12 at 18:51
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb we will be with you all the way on Wednesday, Thistle is one of the best care givers you could know. As for those cells, you will feel much better once they are gone. I know what is going through your mind at times, but just remember, all those Christmas cards that will be coming to your house, each with it's own little thank you for our FGM, bet the great Petruzzelli doesn't see that many cards from around the world, so shows how special you are. Keep the good thought and the terrier attitude. We love you XXX
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ED
November 12 at 18:56
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Hey FGM!
I'll take the lead against the Black Cancer. As you know from previous experience, I don't wear a kilt. I wear my birthday suit with great pride and complete ingorance to fashion.
I offer terrier-tude plenty to lead a full blown, bloody assault on that scourge in your body. I'll go in biting and barking. I'll take no prisoners.
Dollface and I are praying for you and worrying about you. And we want you know if wishes and prayers count for anything at all, you'll come out of this like a cairn on a successful squirrel hunt.
Hope Wednesday goes wonderfully.
Your blond pal,
ED
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Kip
November 12 at 19:38
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
We'll all be rrright beside ya, for the whole journey!
Kip
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Maggie, Jake & Mickey
November 12 at 23:15
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Are kilts are ready and we are right by your side. Jake is armed and ready to do battle, Mickey is warming up his lungs for those bagpipes and loving Miss Maggie is ready to kiss you till you are all better.
Hugs, Kris & MJM
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Petey and the Wigglebutts
November 12 at 23:37
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
We'll join the terrier brigade...DJay has a mouth on him that just won't quit and gets very fiesty at bad things...so Black Cancer...WATCH OUT!!!! Petey is a good hunter and can sniff things out...Princess and Sassy will be there with very soft and gentle kisses. Beware...Sassy will butt you with her nose if you aren't paying attention.
Barb, you're in our thoughts and prayers and Dr. P better give you the best treatment ever...the TCers say so!!!!
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Cathy and Thistle
November 13 at 11:59
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Hey he has a grin like a westie don't you think, and twinkly eyes, we think he will be okay to operate on our FGM, hugs Thistle
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Jeni, Bonnie and Flora
November 13 at 15:07
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
All the best, Barb and we will be thinking of you especially on Wednesday. Flora is named for Flora MacDonald who nursed Bonnie prince Charlie, so she'll be there with the other nurses, and Bonnie has attitude so she'll be out with the kilts. All the best.
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Annie & E Gang
November 13 at 17:18
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
I was laughing and had tears also reading this Barb,you are an amazing lady..and and what a lovely kind face Mr Petruzzelli has and Ellie asks you to ask him if he is a cousin of hers with having a similar name!!!I had not the heart to discourage her wee thoughts!! and she says she will be up front in the battlefield on wednesday.
We will be praying hard and thinking of you each day.
Lots of Love and kisses from us all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Paula & Xander
November 13 at 17:51
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Barb, God Bless you. You are a wonderful lady and a wonderful story teller.
Xander has his Kilt all arranged and his bag packed to come and join the fight. He will continue to fight with all the terriers till all of the nasty cancers are gone. He promises to then lay by your side and does what he does best, remain a constant companion until you are feeling better again.
You are in our thoughts for Wednesday, hope all goes well.
Love
Paula and Xander.
xxx
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Paula & Xander
November 13 at 17:53
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Also we like the photo of the great Doctor. He has kind eyes.
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June & The Fl Boyz
November 13 at 18:44
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Great story Barb, you are so gifted.
Dr P looks like a very kind and caring person. So nice of him to call you himself, that tells me a lot about his character.
We will be thinking of you and praying for you on Wednesday.
Willie and Barney will be right there will all the other terriers cheering you on and chasing that ole cancer away.
Barney is a good loud barker !
Hang in there dear FGM, we love you and pray angels around you on Wednesday.
hugs and westie kisses from June, Willie and Barney
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Pam and pups
November 13 at 19:51
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
All right then. Everyone in line behind ED-------.
march, march, march, march, pee,
march, march, march, march, sniff,
march, march, march, march, pee
Tee hee.
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R-gang
November 13 at 21:43
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Wait for us...
ride ride ride ride....pee...ride ride
wagons....Hooooo!! to Loyola we Go......!!!
okay...Kilted Terriers take two for each entrance...at least 8 for waiting room outside surgery room. we gotta sit with FGF and Ragsy. sneak in under the table and growwwwl those icky cruel cancers oughta R FGM. sic em Terriers!!
there...that should do it.
We like Dr P's happy face. (huh? Dr P???) heehee!
I think he'll take good care of our FGM.
Sic Em Dr P!!!!
R gang
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Cheryl
November 14 at 09:46
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Oh, Barb! You had me rolling with laughter! What wonderful descriptions!
Now as for Dr. P -- wow! I'd want him on my side -- he not only seems extremely competent, but has kind eyes, a wonderful smile -- and who wouldn't just want to hug the stuffing out of him! I think you are one lucky lady to have him leading the battle.
Roo says he'll be there -- minus the kilt -- like ED, he likes to go au naturel -- and he saws a kilt would only slow him down and knows you wouldn't want that. He's also among the most vocal, so you can count on him to bark out those nasty cells.
And I am always with you with smiles and hugs and love -- I just wish I was closer to where you are, but I'll be there in spirit!
BTW, sorry you couldn't see the pdf file I sent you -- I am trying to get some color copies made and if I do, I will mail one to you with my pawtograph, too, of course!
Love ya very muchly!
Cheryl
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Max
November 14 at 11:30
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
Dearest Barb, we love all your updates, you dear woman! You know how much we are thinking of you, and I think its great that you'll look your best for the operation, that's the only way to do it. I had an operation 15 years ago and practiced a ton of yoga before to get myself ready, and I remember how I was laughing at all these people sitting in cold, hard, plastic seats before their operations, people of all ages wearing a skimpy "sheet" that opened in the back and little slippers, I was the only one laughing before my operation! I hope you can laugh, too, it seemed so funny to me! Max is sending his terrier-tude, and we are holding you in our hearts! xxxMarianne, Hans and Maxxx
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Lynne, Gus & Ben
November 16 at 11:52
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-12-05
We are all right there with you Barb! The boys will be on the battlefield in full scots battle regalia singing:
The Highlander Scallywags Flee 'cross the criss-crossy crags by the sea. In their hollows they shake, even coastal cliffs quake from the West Highland Warrior... Me!!!
Love, Lynne, Gus & Ben
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Joann, AZ Ya-Ya
November 16 at 22:23
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-14-05
Barb, I LOVE your saga! Forget going back to work in September... You have a new career as either a writer or a stand-up comic! Start collecting that pension, (do Ilinois teachers get a pension?) and use the dough to hire an agent! Heck, I'll be your agent; I'm dying to leavve the classroom as well. I want to retire and collect my penson too!!!
Seriously, I have never felt farther away from my friends than I do now. Illinois is no small jaunt from the Grand Canyon. I hope that I can still claim to be a Ya-Ya, perhaps "in absentia"? I think of all of the birthdays and holidays that I have missed!
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Joann, AZ Ya-Ya
November 16 at 23:33
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Re: To the Mattresses 11-14-05
Reading this has been great fun. I laughed until I sprang tears! Daddy Bruce heard my guffaws and had to leave the TV room to see what was so funny. I even made Sadie bark, and she doesn't bark even when she needs to poo!
Journaling is extremely therapeutic, and I recommend it to anyone going through something that they just can't explain or is beyond their control. It gives one some sort of control over the situation while the "pen is in one's hand." You, my dear, are a master journalist, a sage.
As far as that food thing goes, you know I hear you! I have been comforted by lasagna and sweet sausage sandwiches since the first Christmas I can remember. But you know what Weight Watchers says:
"Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels". We'll just see about that !
As you and your TC legions go forth into battle, know that your allies (all over the world, I understand) are with you in our prayers and ever-positive thoughts!
Love you, Jo
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