I Miss You Folks Already!

~ OldenGray

Travel VW

Hello Good Blog People,

Just to let you folks know that I will be away for some time as there are urgent personal matters that require my wife and I to return to Canada. Our house in Texas will be sold but we do not have a place in Canada so are not sure when we will be back online. Over the next two weeks, we pack up and drive from Texas to western Canada. We did let our dog “Doc” know that we are going on vacation. He is a blind and deaf senior dog and loves going in the car, especially on vacation!

The one thing that I will surely miss is reading many of your blogs. I did not know much about blogging before January, this year, but have been brushing up as I stumbled along. By “We”, I mean you folks who interact on a regular basis and even those who pop in every once in a while. This is a such a wonderful community of fabulous people who make it worthwhile. So many fun and friendly people who bring a variety of viewpoints and styles out into the open.

There are several of the folks who got close by mistakenly making comments and hence opened some wonderful long distance banter and friendships. There are many who make random comments and those who do not make any comments. Each and every one of you are all valued equally (Yes Richard Ankers…even you :o). To see the many hits (a nasty way to call reading) that arrive each week, is truly heartwarming. I will miss all of that networking, in as AnnMarie (anntogether) would call it, the “Little BlogCabin” :o)

Each one of you keep writing and bantering back and forth as you normally would! No matter what you do, have lots of fun, doing what you love doing, which is writing from the heart and soul. For this reason I look forward to logging back on to see every one of you doing well!

For those of you who pray, please do so if you can for my aging mother and father as they are going through some difficult health issues. They are in their late 80’s and their health is becoming rather delicate, especially my mother who is now on dialysis, as of this week. They just need a little boost. If you do not pray, but believe in sending nice thoughts, that would also be great!

Okay, all of you be good! If you aren’t, maybe write a poem or flash fiction (we will know it is real) about your adventures.

Don’t you folks bother Millie Thom too much, because she is busy writing Book 3, and after doing a splendid job of books 1 & 2, the 3rd book has to be fantastic. Lillian (the Home Poet) can be bothered a little bit as she is only taking some poetry classes to hone her already great poetry. Ritu (But I Smile Anyway) just got a new job and is a mum of two children and is busy as ever. Let her know she is valuable so she can keep working as hard as she does. I could go on for a long time but will close out by addressing, super hero AnnMarie (anntogether) you may have seen her wild and colorful super hero costume on her blog) and her wonderful family who support this zany but wonderful school teacher lady!

Good night all! Thanks for reading this far. There will be a test, when I return :o)

Respectfully,

Alan McDonald
OldenGray :o)

40 thoughts on “I Miss You Folks Already!”

    1. Thank you kind sir! We will stay safe on the long drive as I won’t let Doc drive at this time, because his hearing is not so good. Please pass that along to that Richard Chap! :o)

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  2. Ah, my friend and co conspirator, Sir Alan – I bid you a safe journey and wish nothing but the best for you and your lovely wife. If I really was a super hero, I’d give you my cape to pass on to your folks. I’ll keep them in my thoughts. I don’t know what I’ll do without seeing your smiling words in the morn. Who’ll remind me how important it is to wear safety goggles? I sure hope I don’t poke myself in the eye in your absence. ;)
    So truly, may everything work out the way you need it to. You’re marching on to Canada armed with a powerful sense of humor and a selfless heart…onward, my friend.
    No worries here, we’ll keep the place tidy for you.
    am:)

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    1. Now, if co-conspirator is not a one of the highest and finest honors (honours) to be bestowed upon any one individual, especially coming from you young lady, then I could not think of another honor worth accepting :o) Such a shy super hero you are! Stephanie, Doc and I already feel your colorful cape warming our hearts as we wrap things up at this end. The nice thing about super hero stuff is the fabulous elasticity properties. We can already feel its strength and know it will also cover our backs on the journey forward. If it is okay with you AnnMarie, maybe we can cloak mom and dad with it to bring some sunshine to warm their hearts for their journey and that way they will know that you hold them in your kindest thoughts! They will be happy with that! I promise to press it when we return it back!

      Yes, safety is important. Better to look like this ” :o) ” than to look like this ” .o( ” after bad things happen to ones vision. I am confident that given you remembered this valuable safety tip that you will tap yourself on the shoulder every once in a while as a reminder to yourself. If anybody comments on this possibly odd looking action, just let them know it is all about safety, and they too should remind themselves every now and again. They will understand! However, make sure that if somebody steps on your glasses (even if it is you), that you are not wearing them at the time .o) ouch…my…eye…

      Know that the march on to Canada AnnMarie will be with your very kind words as noted above, stored in our hearts for the entire journey.

      Okay young lady, you best take your pencils out and make some beautiful drawings and poems as you always do! I am confident that you will head up the tidy departmental stuff while I’m away. Take care young lady. I decided to use “young lady” several times because you did say it would always be welcome. Look after your family. You may have to turn their pictures on the wall the other way because it looks rather peculiar for them to be out of tune with a super hero! :o)

      Respectfully,
      alan oldengray McDonald :o)

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      1. Well, I’ll just save my words for when you land.
        Shortened version: thank you, too kind, too generous, good luck, all will be well, drive safely, take care of the lovely Stephanie, the wondrous Doc, the folks, and of course, the captain (you, Sir) on your journey…may all work as it is meant to :) Happy Landings, my friend. :)
        am:)

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  3. I’m missing you already, too. Take care of yourselves in Canada. Family must always come first, in whatever you do, and now is the time to be with your parents. Prayers and nice thoughts will be sent in their direction. WordPress will still be here when you are ready to return.

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    1. Dearest Millie,

      So sweet of you Millie, especially since they mirror my feelings! We will give it our best shot. Family is the strongest link in the chain of life and one worth protecting. Many thanks for your prayers and nice thoughts. I am sure they will be working for the folks and look forward to seeing the results when we get there.

      After reading the professional review on your second book Millie, definitely set the tone for book 3. Such powerful imagery and thoughts about how well book 2 went. It is not very often that one sees a professional reviewer get themselves so wrapped up that they are already standing at the front of such a line waiting for the next book to arrive. What a wonderful review. I am half way through Shadow of the Raven and Stephanie is starting Pit of Vipers once the dust settles here. You make sure that you give it your best go at continued writing so the momentum carries through as you’ve proven so well at performing.

      I look forward to returning to see how you and the many others are doing. Take care dearest Millie. Look after your family! :o)

      Sincerely,
      alan mcdonald

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      1. Dear Alan, I’m really touched by your wonderful comment. But, right now, you must concentrate on moving home and being with your mum and dad. Thoughts of blogging and books can stay on hold until you’re ready to handle them again. I was really moved by your plight – having to make the upheaval so quickly, before you’d even found anywhere to live.
        I’ll be thinking of you all and hoping everything goes smoothly. My prayers will be definitely be with your poorly parents, especially your mum at this time. Look after yourselves – and I hope you find somwhere to live very soon.
        My very best to you all,
        Millie

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  4. Wishing you and your wife safe travels as you journey back here to The Great White North. Many nice thoughts will be sent in your direction and we’ll look forward to your return.

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    1. Thank you very much Karin! Ah, The Great White North… what a lovely greeting back to the homeland! Your kind thoughts will help illuminate the snow shoes and sled on their journey north. We only have the one dog for the sled, so I will have to pull it the long part of the trip. Doc will like that because he loves going on vacation. We will have to get him a toque when we arrive. This is his first trip into the north.

      Take care young lady and thank you again for your kind thoughts! It will be wonderful to return…

      Respectfully,
      Alan McDonald
      the old gray haired Albertan

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  5. Oh my……hard to read this post this morning. Like others, I am missing you already. Safe travels to you and your lovely wife and Doc too. You’ve become a special friend in this unique cyberspace – one I’ve looked forward to chatting with each day. Most definitely prayers will come your way for both you and your folks. Shifting the caring role with aging parents is always a loving challenge….trust me, if you just turn your head a bit each day, you’ll feel the angels along the way.
    Take care my friend….we’ll carry on and be absolutely delighted to see you reappear!
    lillian

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    1. Lady Lillian,

      Well, I too am already missing so many good people, of which you are truly one fine lady. I’ve never been much of a garage guy, but waking up and going into the den (home office) was a treat every day. Checking comments first was always the best to see what wonderful thoughts and fun things arrived from the special early birds. That started each day off just right! The other end of the day was entertaining as well, with many good cyber friends across the pond would be waking up and getting the lovely banter started from over yonder.

      Holly was kind enough to rebook me in for her September class. I was so looking forward to participating with you for June. I wish you a lot of fun in this area as it clearly shows in the strength and delicacy of your written works. Your poetry sings in such a beautiful way.

      What beautiful words “If you turn your head a bit each day, you’ll feel the angels along the way”. May I ask where those words came from? I put it into Google and you were on top of that list with your comments to this blog. Amazing how that works!

      Do keep a little eye on AnnMarie as she is young and possibly prone to making decisions that young people make, sometimes placing them in hot water. It may not be more than lukewarm water but if nothing else, please make sure she is wearing proper protective eye protection :o)

      Okay dear Lady Lillian. Take care of your loving husband, the handsome gentleman in some of your photos, as well as yourself. I look forward to seeing your new works upon return!

      Respectfully,
      Alan McDonald :o)

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      1. Hope you trip is going well. Somehow, I am just seeing your reply now. So glad Holly accommodated….she is one fine person so am not surprised at all….and I am her perpetual student so will be with you in September for sure :) “Angels along the way”…..those are indeed my words….words I’ve used many many times since I almost lost my husband/life partner October 14, 2013. He is a walking miracle — and it truly is because there were so many angels along the way.
        Stay well my friend…miss you more than you can know…loved having coffee with you in the morning in this special cyber place. Looking forward to having you rejoin us…..best wishes to you and the family. I’m certain your folks will feel the calm much more easily with you there.
        lillian

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  6. Alan, You have helped me out on several projects that have helped me immensely. I have always enjoyed our bantering back and forth. You and your family will be in my prayers. I hope your folks begin to feel better. Please don’t be a stranger. Best of luck to you!
    Mick

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    1. Mick, it has always been my pleasure. You are one of the most amazing vocal banterers of all time given your razor sharp tongue and wonderful personality. All the best with your move into your new place in Texas. Your prayers are truly appreciated Mick, and will surely help. I will try not to be a stranger and you do the same! Remember, there is to be a test when I return. I cannot pick you out as a favorite by giving you any hints as to which blog messages will be included on the test! Enjoy reading Mick :o)

      Alan

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      2. GREAT to HEAR DEAR! And I just wrote a chapter book on your site. Well, I would still like your books. I’ll catch you back on your site. Thanks for improving my day and hopefully yours remains on the up side! :o)

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  9. We all come to that time when our parents need us. I had my moments quite a few years back and they seem like yesterday. Just you being there for them will lift their souls. Safe travels. Love lasts forever.

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  12. You are moving closer to my part of the world, up here in MN! Unfortunately, not as good as it will be until this winter. Hope you packed some warm clothing. Come winter, you’ll need it! Hate summer!
    Jeanette Hall

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    1. Yes, just west of east. We tend to take the Helly Hansen just in case. Stephanie showed up behind me when we came to Texas and in the shipment was a 48″ shovel. Good planning as we almost needed it one day down here :o) Oh my, I love the warmer weather. Everybody have their own flavors! Ok young lady. take care of yourself and no more nose dives .o) ouch…my eye…

      Best wishes,
      Alan McDonald
      OldenGray

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    1. Thank you very much Shivangi. So sweet of you to say. You take care and keep on writing. Make sure that Millie is being good while I’m away .o) ouch…my eye…

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  15. Bon voyage to all three of you. I certainly will miss you and you’re writing. I will have been away and will fly back June 31 in the pacific west of Canada. Where about west will you be locating. I am on Vancouver Island. Will look forward to see you back on line. Be well

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  17. Just dropping by again to say I hope all is going well with you in Canada….and that Doc is faring well also. Miss you in this cyber world….but most importantly, just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you and send good thoughts your way.
    lillian

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  19. Don’t know if you ever check since signing off? But did want to wish you a happy and healthy 2016 — I hope all is well, or at the very least calm and doable, with your family. Miss your words, your charm and your humor.
    Best wishes, Alan!

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