Laughter, Always the Best Medicine

I'd like to think the majority of the lines on my face tell a story of laughter over the years.

Don an I have a comfort zone as far as teasing, laughing, and joking. We can easily find humor in most situations, whether appropriate or not. [smirk]

Some of those stories aren't repeated because they translate to a "you had to be there" kind of tale.

This one may fall in that category, but even as I type, I can't help to reinforce these laugh lines a bit more.

Don and I have an on-line store.

[Not PicYourFetish, there's nothing for sale there, just visuals]

Recently, we were listing golf wind jackets. I took the photos and decided, meh, fresh out of the package they were wrinkled, they didn't show that the sleeves roll-up and button, and didn't quite do the jacket justice.

I decided it would look better on someone for the photo ... a model.

"Oh Dahhhhhnnnn"

I recruited him with promises he'd have final say. [Mhm, right]

So, I had him put one on. I rolled up one sleeve and lead him out onto the balcony for his photo shoot.

I'd like to post the out takes, but really, they have been deleted. Here's where I'm being kind, but only because I've learned over the years paybacks are a bitch!

After I settled on the pics and used them in the ads, and published them, I got the giggles.

I began dissecting the photo and laughing until I thought I'd pee mah pants.

[Enter the feeling this is one of those "ya had to be there moments"]

I give you the cliff note version ...

Here we have Don, a former Sears model, I'm sure, wearing the jacket, one sleeve rolled up to show how it buttons.


Right hand placed as such because the first few photos had him unconsciously placing his hand in his front jean pocket with all fingers in except the middle finger, whereby flipping off the photographer!

His left hand at first was resting comfortably on the front of his leg, fingers slightly curled inward, in a relaxed position until I realized it was way too close to "center" and he was looking more like a rapper just about to grab his crotch.

He moved it ... so now we have an "ex-deli-lunch-meat slicer" that sliced off all his fingers just below the last knuckle.

I'm thinking he has a career change coming!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yes, laughter IS a good medicine. Last Wednesday, Dons father, was taken into ER and ended up having triple by-pass open heart surgery. As the family waited on pins and needles for the next 3 days, the amount of humor that came out was the key to everyone keeping it together.

"Seriously Uncle Dan, did you have to give Bailey a wet willy just as she was saying good-by to her Grandpa before they wheeled him into surgery?"

"And Cindy? We all thank you for the hilarious antic of accusing someone of taking your car keys while we were all out to dinner ... only to exit the restaurant an hour and a half later to find your car unlocked, keys in ignition, and still running in the parking lot!"

"Darren? The nurse explaining there had to be a bowel movement before leaving was directed towards your father, but we were all glad her directions moved you."

Don Sr. had everyone smirking as he "innocently" described how the nurse had to shave him and how he now sports a Mohawk! I think that opened the community brain storming for a new business, with Brad as CEO ... "Manscaping" ... by Brad Scissorhands.

Casey handled cooties like a champ and Cheyne had his Grandpa joking about the "pajama" pants he wore to visit him.

Even Don's mother Janet didn't miss a beat with her endless fast thinking. She realized with his driving restrictions, she'll be at the wheel and they could end up at the casino on her whim!

Don's father is doing so well, he'll be released to go home sometime today.

Janet? Get your nickles ready ;)

Don and Janet - Truly a Love Story

Don's parents 50th wedding anniversary was August 26.

As I explained in my last post, Don and his siblings planned a surprise party for them. It was this past Sunday, over two weeks after the date. Although I suspect the element of surprise was spilled, the excitement and enjoyment was felt by everyone all afternoon.


I haven't known his folks long, but they are the kind of people that you warm up to almost immediately. Janet has the quickest, funniest, innocent comebacks to anything dished out. Don makes a great straight-man, sidekick. Don, aka "Waldo" has an uncanny ability to disappear into any situation only to pop-up in the most humorous ways.


I could go on and about their accomplishments in life, their trials and tribulations of raising kids, owning and operating a huge farm and produce business, all while dealing with life's ups and downs.


The true testament of love, devotion, determination, respect, appreciation, loyalty, companionship and friendship was witnessed on Sunday. The volumes of photo albums documented their 50 year road together thus far. Their children and grandchildren are the living links to future generations. The many friends and extended family that joined in the celebration, confirm what is apparent, Don and Janet have touched many lives and are loved by a community of friends, family, neighbors, and past employees.

I look forward to celebrating with them the next milestone!

Congratulations!

Armada MI 2009 Fair

Just as we entered the gates, the first thing that hit me was the smell of manure.

The Armada Michigan, 2009 Annual Fair was in full swing.

We walked through the 4H area and smelled checked out some of the animals. Elle Mae Clampett and I have DNA from the same gene pool, so of course I loved (and wanted to hug) every one of these adorable animals. How can you raise them from a baby only to sell them to slaughter? I guess that's why I'm not a farmer.

Then, we headed over to the area where the demolition derby had already begun. Don's father and brother were in the packedlikesardines grandstand with Don's three little nephews. We made our way to them and ska-weeeeeezed in between the other sardines.

My-oh-my, what a riot! We all picked our "winning cars" and it began. I was so into it, I forgot Don's dad was sitting right there, forgot my "sweet lady demure" and began shouting rooting for my car! My car #77 came in second place.

Nothing like the Armada Fair Queen and her Court throwing beads out into the grandstands during the demolition derby!

Off to the beer tent. Wow, just wow. [said the city girl] Look at the size of this tent! They had a great band and one dancer. One, one handed cowboy dancing 'till the cows come home. The mechanical bull had a few giving it the ole I've-got-a-few-beers-in-me confidence try.


As we left through the gates, the first thing to hit me was, I had quit smelling manure 5 minutes into the night.

When's the Romeo Peach Festival?