Back to Life, Back to Reality

The labor after Labor Day is probably the most bitter dose, especially when you've taken a vacation from the entire rat race for 5 days. I've not been around really throughout my days off, as I elected to take a break from reality, blogging and anything serious for the whole duration of my time off. I needed it, seriously. I'm not going to apologize then, for my absence at any of the blogs, and if I have missed anything important... I had to get away... I'm back. I will do my best to catch up to you all soon.

Hopefully, everyone had a good weekend. Those of us who were celebrating Labor Day, I trust you enjoyed a nice time whether you were cooking out, taking a trip somewhere fun, or just hiding out, like myself.

Dad's birthday cook-out went very well Friday night. My family seemed to enjoy being together, and most of us were in attendance... which is rare and nice. I got a good many photos from it, but looking back I still didn't get enough, but it was hard to get around with my camera because with most of our family together, it has become a pretty big crowd so it's noisy, distracting and as most of you know, I am a self-professed easily distracted person! I did the best I could though, and hope I was not the only one taking photos anyway.

I'll share a couple shots of my Dad, hamming it up for his 80th Birthday, and I think he looks pretty darn good for 80... he still has a silliness that I think is essential for thinking yourself young (which is something I need to try to work on and hang on to, with my fears about aging and all).

Dad "Hams it up" for the camera


Dad sits down to rest a moment, giving me a handsome smile

Then here is a really cool spider that my mom has hanging around outside, she's quite striking and as you can see, she's put a lot of work into her little abode, and has a nice bug collection going on for her expectant family...

Our very own "Charlotte", with her egg sac waiting patiently

I don't like to get too close to spiders, but I do respect them, and I am all for their benefits--they eat more bugs than you know, so that is a good thing!

So it's Tuesday, but it feels like a Monday. I'm still a little foggy, but I'm trying to wake back up and get into the swing of things. Hope you guys are able to do the same... So we begin, September! Cheers!

"AJ"

PS: Oh, before I forget, my wonderful friend FourDinners, did a fantastic Podcast of his Drunk Punk Radio show for me, called "AJ's Bedtime Special"; he packed in some really cool tunes (go listen if you have time!), and a bit of a 'raunchy' bedtime story that he did just for me as I am a huge fan of his radio voice and his delightful british accent. 'Ta again to you Mate!!' ;) And keep that ticker in tick-tock tip-top shape! We can't do without you!!!