SWITZERLAND FORUM

[Emeritus]

With the Texans taking the season off, I'm trying to find other interests. I'm mentoring a couple of graduate students, but that doesn't take up much time until they are preparing their theses. I do a few things at my Episcopal Church, but they aren't time consuming. I'm trying to think of something new that I would like to learn to do, because I want to keep growing. The problem is that most of the things that I find attractive, I've already learned. I'm going to have to give it some thought.

[cklaurence]

You're like my husband, Em. So bright and so well-educated, yet always searching for more. Peter sold his airplane (his buddies were leaving the sport (and/or crashing). He went back to radio control airplanes--way bigger and more intricate than the ones he used to fly when he was in his early thirties; however, because the heat has gotten so much worse in the thirty or so years since he used to fly, and the others flying r/c were so much younger than he, he has backed off considerably. Next he bought a gun (for target shooting), which he enjoys. Problem is, how much time can you spend shooting bullets into a target before you get incredibly bored? Now he's decided to try canoeing... He's been reading up on the different ones available. He wants a canoe he can fish from, and a buddy to go with him. He's found tons of canoes, but none of his friends seem to be interested in that sport. Mind you, he still works full time!!!

I think as we get older and days grow shorter, we feel the need to fill in somehow to hold on to whatever is left. I know it's impossible and logic tells us there is nothing in the world that can make the party longer, it's just so hard to let go.

OMG, I'd be happy if my football team would just stay in the hunt, but that's just not going to happen. I was still a young woman when this 14-year streak started. So, I'm finishing my knitting--just Princess' blanket and my grandson's little itty bitty blanket (that's a real bitch to do because the stitches are so tiny), and then I'm back to full-time writing.

Well, steppin' down from the ol' soap box for now. Take care, dear friend and enjoy the weekend, c.

[Emeritus]

This is comical. Remember my wanting to take up something new to generate enthusiasm and take up my time? No sooner did I post that than people began to volunteer me for things. I've never been much interested in social things, perhaps because my mother was so involved with them. Now I find myself being drawn into them by people who know my weaknesses. For example, I've just been elected, in absentia, the president of the symphony society. My only previous involvement had been to give them a little money every year. I've been asked to do a project for the local history club which will require a lot of research. It is as if somebody decided that I would get into trouble with so much time on my hand, checked on my interests and then kept putting my name in the hat.

[cklaurence]

I think that's great, Em! You'll enjoy that stuff--especially the history project. It's great to have some diversion from our teams this year, and that's for damned sure. I'm glad you've been drafted into service so you won't have time to pay attention to the dismal state of football.

My Fins are once again the laughingstock of the NFL as everyone knows, and where I used to search for news about the Dolphins to no avail, now I can't turn on sports---radio or television--without hearing tales of that ugly story unravel. It's just such a clusterf*ck and it keeps on coming. Thank goodness my book has taken off (finally) and I've renewed interest in writing the sequel.

I guess you won't be around so often with all your new ventures. I hope you find some time to visit and keep me posted on what's happening with you...

[cklaurence]

With Em busy with other stuff, it's painfully quiet here. I wish I had someone to blog with regarding what's going on with the Dolphins. Maybe if I close my eyes and wish really hard all the old Swiss family will show up and this place would be bubbling and exciting as it once was...

[cklaurence]

Sadness --although they do say that silence is golden.

[cklaurence]

[size=150]I'm not quite sure why I bother to post here anymore--perhaps I'm still clinging to once was and hoping it will return. Whatever. Just thought I'd make note of the Dolphins holding out long enough to be another really awful team yesterday, and strangely enough, keeping us in the running for a wild card spot. I'm reasonably sure we'll lose that edge before the season ends though.

As far as the Incognito/Martin scandal--more stalling and pleas from Clueless Joe, who continues to whine that he never saw it coming. That alone, IMHO is reason enough to cut him off NOW...[/size]

[cklaurence]

Well, hello there. It's a good day for me. Results from the Miami Beach run-off election are in and for the first time I can remember, I voted for all of the winners. Cool beans, huh?

As far as football, the circus continues with the Fins. I really do believe they are going to play around until it goes away on its own. Well into the third week of the scandal and we know nothing more than we knew the very first day. NFL is "very involved" now--IMHO making sure it goes away by stopping the wheels of progress completely with their own (apparently) secret investigation. Really--it boggles my mind.

This strange season, loaded with scandals, injuries and tons of upsets brings new drama weekly. Fins won by the skin of their chinny chin chins this Sunday, the Jets were beaten handily by Buffalo and the Pats also went down this week.

Career-wise, I stumbled on the "Goodreads" review site that I never knew existed. Reviews there have not been kind to me and when some of the fans of MYSTERY OF JESSICA BENSON went over there and posted five-star reviews, they never showed up on the boards there. Go figure!!!

That's about it for now. Any hooverers are welcome to comment here (or not). Have a great day...

[cklaurence]

Just a short moment to stop by and make sure Switzerland doesn't rust from disuse. Hope all who still *hoover here today are having a wonderful afternoon. It's Thursday, so we get more football tonight. Not sure how I feel about this football every Thursday--for some reason it takes away some of the mystique for me. I can't explain it, I'm just sayin'...

[Emeritus]

Sorry that I haven't been around. I've been in Austin visiting my teenage grandchildren. They were adopted by their mother's second husband and are no longer named King, but they are my only blood relatives. It was their decision to make contact me over the objections of their adopted father. They just wanted to know more about their family history.

[cklaurence]

Your grandchildren are clearly smarter than your ex-daughter-in-law's husband (and your ex-daughter-in-law from what I can discern).

Maybe it's just me, but I can't begin to imagine anyone wanting to take the children completely away from a grandfather, especially one who has been left alone as you were with Tom's passing. The children clearly have more of Tom's genetic make-up than of Tom's wife. I understand the man adopting the children--a great gesture, seeing as though he will be raising them, but taking the kids from the flesh 'n blood grandfather is just plain cruel!

Needless to say, I'm very happy you got to see them, how they are growing and clearly care about you and Tom...at risk of step dad's upset. How many years had it been since you last saw them? Tell me all about the kids and how they are doing, please...

[Emeritus]

I wish that I knew more about them, ck. Daniel is 17, Joshua is 15 and Sarah is 12. Sarah was born after Tom was killed. Dan is the only one with any memory of his father - mainly that he was very tall and laughed a lot. Their step-father is a nice man and really loves the kids. It was not his idea that the children shouldn't have any contact with me. Apparently their mother didn't want any reminder of Tom. I'm beginning to wonder if she has ever accepted Tom's death. She seems to be determined to avoid emotional pain, even when it is necessary. The kids are kids, from a different world than the one that we were raised in. Dan reminds me so much of Tom that it hurt. Asked for my advice, I told them to never take themselves too seriously.

[cklaurence]

Great advice, Em. I can imagine it being next to impossible to get over someone like Tom. I fell in love with him when it was actually you! After all, you are the man that made Tom's life possible and raised him with the same standards and morals that you have.
I can't, however, accept someone who would cut a man like you out of your only grandchildren's lives. Her problems are her problems and should be kept between her and herself and perhaps a psychiatrist and/or psychologist. To think of how selfish she has been and what a loss for the children as much as for you. You have so very much to offer. You remind me very much of my dad and my husband. A wealth of knowledge and a zest for life--all great qualities to share with Tom's children, especially because he isn't here to share them. I know he would have wanted you to share in their lives and it would have made him sad to think that you would ever be cut off from them.

Sorry, I didn't mean to stand up on a soap box and go on so much, but I've always felt this way, from the first time you told me you weren't able to see the grandchildren. I certainly hope you won't let them keep you away now--I think they are old enough to have some say in it and seriously? I don't think they will allow you to remain separate any longer. As it should be!

Oh my. Your Texans and my Dolphins certainly aren't doing anything to make us feel good about football season. WhatAMess!!! Our coaches must be sharing methods. Neither team seems to have any heart in the mix...

[Emeritus]

I'm having a lot of computer problems. There seem to be conflicts between the operating system, both of my browsers and McAfee. I can't open anything without dire warnings, not even my Mail files. I'm going to be down while a guru cleans things up. I've always believed that McAfee is a virus, but it came with the computer.

[cklaurence]

I'm not really happy with my comp either, Em. I suppose a good cleaning would do it, but I'm also more and more annoyed by the glass covering on the screen. I need to get one with a muted glass because the glare blots out half of the letters. I'm always squinting and stretching to try and figure out what the letters are. I definitely don't want one of those damned I-Pads or the like. Just give me a nice lap-top, no frills.
I'll probably end up just getting this one cleaned up. All extra bucks these days are going to Peter's kayak. That's his latest dream and he already placed the order. He goes full speed ahead, lol.
Hope you get your comp fixed easily and at a decent price. How're your holidays going, Em? I know you'e big with dancing and t'is the season, right??

[kicks]

Yes, I would like to place an order for a pizza. I am thinking a large combo. Oh... and some wings. Make them hot. Do you have burgers or just pizza? I could really go for a double bacon cheeseburger.

[cklaurence]

HOLY MOLY GAZOLY!!!! Is that a voice from Swiss Family of yore? Be still my heart...

Oh, sorry. How unprofessional of me. Please forgive my over-exuberance on your entrance--it's just so great to see someone from the past...I just knew if I didn't close this place down, eventually the family would come home (If you build it they will come? or something like that).

Ahem. I believe I've regained my composure--

Will that be cash or charge, Mr. Kicks Sir?

[kicks]

Actually I have a coupon for a free Swiztzerland pizza. It expired about two years ago but I was hoping you might still redeem it. I'll pay cash for the wings and burger.

Hope all is well for you and yours CK. Its been awhile. I would post an icon but I don't see a Bronco one. lol

[cklaurence]

Okay, Kicksie--because you are the first of Ye Olde Swiss Family to return, I will honor your old coupon. Pizza's on Peace this time, but you'd best keep your eyes open over here for more free offers or you'll be paying the big bucks for the Swiss Pizza Specials.

It's great to see you, man. As you can tell by scrolling back, other than Peace (who has had no reason to speak up), it's kind of been a private blog for Em and me only. We certainly didn't plan it that way! It was the weirdest thing--one day this place was the buzzingest site on the Net and the next it was just the two of us...

How are things in your world? Still out in the wild west? Doing the old shots in hinies or working with the criminal element? I hope you're back to giving the shots--it seemed to be a much saner way of life.

[kicks]

Yes, I can see that its been pretty quiet in here. I think everyone has kind of fractured off into their own little corner of the world. I know most are over at Facebook. I posted a bit on the Old Fox Sports page there but its been about 2 years since I was last there. I've been posting on Fox a bit after being absent from there for about 2 years. I'm kind of like Rip Van Winkle taking extra long proverbial naps.

I left Arizona about a year and a half ago and moved east to Ohio. I won't get into too many details because its not as private here as you and Em think. lol And I decided to can the prison work. I have been back in medical for a number of years now. Not giving any shots per se, except maybe for fun on the side. Ha Ha. Hope your health is ok and there are at least more good days than bad days.

Thanks for the pizza. It was delish!!!

[cklaurence]

Wow--so you're an Easterner (sort of) like me now. Pretty cool, and I'm very happy to hear you are back in the doctor world (although you have my sympathies for not being able to see tushies on a regular basis !

It may not be sooooo private here, but I'm sure if people were *hoovering they'd break down and say "hey" every now and again, but we don't see any of that EVER. Sometimes even Em and I will go three or four days without a a saying hey ourselves. I often reminisce about how hoppin' this place was (I so loved it then). There were so many times (before I had my lap top) that I'd wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning, go downstairs to my computer in the family room and lo and behold there'd be a group of you (you specifically!) along with two or three of the others, the out-west group for the most part, laughing your asses off about this or that. I'd end up laughing as well, often for two or three hours. I never went to sleep depressed--of course I was much younger then too.

Once I started Switzerland, I left Faux forever. I wouldn't know how to get back over there if I tried. I see the people I want to at facebook, although it's not like it is here (past tense) where everyone was at the same place at the same time pretty much like conversing in real time. Have to go from "friend's" pages back and forth all the time, hippety hoppety all the time from one to the 'nother to see who is on and who is off and like that. I'll submit this now so you and Em (if either of you is sstill here) can see that I am too, and continue this saga on the next page...

[cklaurence]

Snow, snow, snow at all the games around the country. Here in Miami it's 85 and sun shining. BORING!!!

Hope everyone's teams are winning.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

[kicks]

85 and shining!!! Fine... rub it in CK.

[kicks]

Congrats on your win against the Steelers yesterday. That last play was crazy. They tried to do the music city miracle but not as spectacular. Or with the same results.

[cklaurence]

We're just uber-lucky, kicksie, that some sharp-eye referee was paying attention or it would have been over right then and there. Worse, if Tanny and Hartline hadn't been able to get Bonehead to throw the red flag (and it was a helluva mission getting him to finally do it!)-- we could have lost by two touchdowns instead of winning by a couple of points!!!

I guess Em is still having computer problems. I miss him when he isn't around for long periods...

[kicks]

For personal reasons and for your team as well CK, I hope the fins take down the Pats.

[kicks]

Perfect!!! Ask and ye shall receive. The fins will make a few blooper reels, esp that one where the holder gets smacked in the face but you guys did it. Hope you went to the game CK and enjoyed watching the Pats crash and burn.

[cklaurence]

[color=#808080]Thanks, kicksie--for all your good wishes. So many people hate the Patriots, true dat; the thing with me is my Fins have been the victim of more than one of their cheating chapters, going all the way back to the miserable snow blower issue, which no Dolphan will ever, ever, ever in a gazillion years forget! It was just so many ways from ugly. Now that Billibum has come aboard, cheating is a way of life for them, and because we play them twice a year (and sometimes more), perhaps I'm over-sensitive to their nasty ways...

How're your Broncos doing this season? It was the Broncs, right? You have Peyton, and he's having one of his best seasons ever, so you must be looking forward to playoffs in your near future, right?

I have very mixed feelings. I think I want the Fins to lose out the season for one reason and one reason only. I want Philbin gone. I actually want everyone from Ross on down gone, but Ireland and Philbin have done more to screw up my precious team than anyone else in the history of the team--not to forget the Bonehead that brought them to us--ROSS. If we do well the rest of the year, everyone is riding high and their jobs are all safe for next season. If we lose out, time to clean house...

I have to shower, although it's hard to leave this Green Bay/Cowboy game (cuz I would love to see Cowboyz get beaten too); but I'm pretty grungy from sweating out the long game today!!!!

Hugs and love, your Dolphin friend forever, c. [/color]

[kicks]

Yes. I am and always will be a Bronco fan. I bleed orange and blue. Which really freaks people out when I get a cut. lol

I remember that you were very frustrated with the Phins coaches and management. They have made some pretty big steps to improve but you would know more about the dynamics of the team than I would. The only thing that I have noticed is that they have turned the experience at the game into kind of sideshow event. I suppose having some celebrity ownership will do that. I saw a few "Fins up" signs. Not sure what that was all about but I am assuming that is also a part of that experience.

Sorry that this site has dropped off so much. I think a lot of it was because of the format change. I know, you had to do it because of something with the publishers (I think). Part of it is people fracturing off, as often happens in life, for whatever particular reason. The site doesn't free flow as much as before. Yes, it has more bells and whistles but when you are posting a comment and it takes you away from the page it somehow detracts. Its hard to explain. I am not a web designer. Anyhow, I hope people come back from time to time. It always good to see folks that aren't at Fox any more and this is a good place with a gracious host.

Hope all is well in the world. I hope my posting didn't chase Em off. He wouldn't admit to it but he might be a little put off by my posting style. I tend to joke a bit and get off track. But that's the way I am. He did post a lot at kicks korner but that might have been him humoring me. Who knows? He's a good guy as were many of the old Swisters. I think it takes a lot of ingredients to make a good stew. If that makes any sense.

[kicks]

Oh and a shout out to ABS and Joe. I think about them from time to time. Good peeps.