If you consider me a friend, please read this!

[southlandshari]

And I hope that means every last one of you will click on this sometime today!

:loveya:


I wanted to tell you about something that absolutely warmed my heart yesterday. I took my daughter and my nephew to my small town's annual Christmas parade. Truth? I didn't want to go. I rarely have a Saturday when I don't have something I HAVE to do (work, soccer, etc...), and this struck me as optional.

I am so glad I went.

I forgot how silly and charming and sweet these events in little towns can be. Everyone and their brother was there. And most of them were in the parade in some way. There were the usual entries, the high school marching band, the girls from all the area dance studios twirling their batons and turning cartwheels, the homecoming queen and her court riding in convertibles on loan from the local Chevy dealership and driven by young men in lettermen's jackets and with no neck.

But then there were the things that defied expectations - there was a man who looked like Keith Richards (on a bad day - eek) on roller blades, wearing a Cat in the Hat topper and circling around for no discernible reason. There was a John Deere tractor pulling a little cart with seven little old ladies on it. I have idea who they were or why they were in the parade, but they looked like they were having fun, so we shouted "Merry Christmas!" to them, too.

Who knew so many people of all shapes and sizes in my little town could ride a unicycle? Wow. The funniest was a guy who would race towards the crowd, waving his arms and yelling "woah, woah, WOAH!" as if he was out of control until the very last minute. I still laugh thinking about him.

Anyone who owns a golf cart seemed to have gotten an slot in the parade, ditto anyone with a car built before 1970. All the local radio stations drove their vans in the parade, as did a local IT company, strangely.

I totally got a lump in my throat when about 20 Marines, in their dress blues, walked by in front of the Toys for Tots truck full of new toys for kids who might not have anything under the tree otherwise. I waved and said thank you to them. It isn't their fault they have an asshole for a boss.

My absolute favorite part of the parade, though, was when the bus from an assisted living community rode by, the residents of the facility all dressed in red and green and waving and smiling out the windows. Then the bus stopped, just past where we were standing, and an Elvis impersonator who had been standing on the corner jumped on and rode away with the old folks!

:rofl:


I know this all may sound totally ridiculous and hokey, but being a part of that goofy community tradition yesterday really meant something to me. And because all of you mean something to me, too, I just thought I'd share!

Have a wonderful day, my friends.

:grouphug:

[matcom]

1. great story!

and we ALL should step back and enjoy the little things this time of year!

:loveya:

[southlandshari]

17. Aha!

I KNEW it!

I knew you were a big ol' softie underneath that big bad wolf routine of yours!!

:rofl:



:loveya: back atcha.

[texas1928]

2. I miss that small town traditions.

I always loved the horses and riders. and Santa riding the local volunteer fire truck throwing candy. It was great fun.

[southlandshari]

19. LOL - Santa riding the fire truck at the end of the parade!

I wonder how many towns' Christmas parades end with Santa throwing candy from the top of a fire truck? I know ours does!

:D

I was surprised there were no horses in our parade this year, very unusual. We had lots of dogs dressed in Christmas sweaters (that always baffles me and seems to humiliate the dogs, but maybe that's the good influence of all my animal rights friends here talking!).


:hug: for the holidays, darlin'!

[WillParkinson]

3. That is nice....

And I'm really glad you had a good time!

[southlandshari]

20. Thanks!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if the sense of quiet happiness I felt after joining my community for that parade yesterday would translate well into a post here, but I thought it was worth a shot!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

:D

[asthmaticeog]

4. Sounds like you live in a pretty cool little town!

:hi:

[southlandshari]

22. You know, I really do.

This is the same town I ran away from as soon as I graduated from high school, and didn't look back for nearly 20 years as I lived literally all over the world.

Fate and circumstance have brought me and my new family back to my old stomping grounds, and I am realizing more and more that I am who I am in part because of (not in spite of) this itty bitty town in the much-maligned Deep South, so small it only makes it on the map because there is a college here. Hell, when school is out, the town's population is cut in half within 24 hours!

Good people here. Good community. It gives me hope. And reminds me of what is real in life, and what should be nurtured and valued, you know?

AND - my after-parade glow probably helped me through reading about your little experience yesterday with that rat without too much lasting trauma!

:rofl:



:D

[merh]

5. Wow, what a great experience.

Thanks for sharing this with us and reminding us that the simple things can bring us such joy.

Merry Christmas to you and to yours! :hug:


:loveya: more! :hug: :pals:

[southlandshari]

24. I wish you could have been here with me.

And you know you are ALWAYS welcome "up here" in central Alabama, my sweet friend!

:loveya: more, and that's that!


I spend so much time here on DU - the upside being that I make fantastic friends like you and so many others. For me, though, there is a pitfall I have to work to avoid in the form of letting life here assume a higher priority than what is right in front of me in real life. I don't know if anyone can relate to that, but I know it is a struggle for me.

What are you doing for Christmas? Me, Mr. SLS and our girl are going to be on our own - any chance you would consider coming up and spending it with us?

:hug:

[merh]

32. Let me know in advance when the next parade is scheduled

and I just might make it up there. I know all to well that balancing act you reference. I have had to battle the same things myself. Now, post Katrina, I find an escape from the frustrations of the real world here, especially in the lounge, an escape that gives me comfort and provides a much needed release. The love and support of so many help me when my struggles get to be too much.

I appreciate the invite at Christmas, I will probably be spending it with my sis and her family. They like to coddle me too, sometimes too much, but they mean well. Thank you for asking. :hug:

And a wonderful DUer has sent me Christmas decorations so my femansion will be festive for the season. I will take photos and brag on that kindness when I have decorated.

Your love and the love of so many here has helped me more than you can know, more than I can ever express in words. How great is it to have this place when feeling almost defeated, dejected and angry? I can come here and laugh and carry on and love and vent. I can go to the other forums and rail against the injustices down here and ask for support and get it.

DU is very special. I wish folks would realize how important it really is and would celebrate the successes and the humor, the love and the spirit that make this place so special for so many of us.

I :loveya: more! :pals: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

6. Yup - you just described Christmas in Algoma.

Our parade was last night. (I didn't go, still trying to avoid bronchitis) Our church had a wagon, pulled by horses, and filled with members who sang Christmas Carols in the cold winter air. Very Norman Rockwell, actually.

Thanks for sharing, Shari. :loveya:

[southlandshari]

25. Norman Rockwell!

The very human spirit his paintings capture - that's what I felt yesterday.

And I gave my inner cynic the day off and just enjoyed believing there was hope for all of us for a day. Know what I mean?

:hug: to you sweetie!

[SeattleGirl]

7. You could be describing the parade in the town I grew up in!

I love that stuff! Thanks for sharing it. We all need some goofy community traditions, I think!

[southlandshari]

28. So you know!

And I'll bet you always left them feeling warmer and happier than you did before the whistle blew and the parade got underway, yes?

:D


No spanking on this thread, but know that I'm thinking about it, my naughty partner in crime!

:loveya:

[SeattleGirl]

30. They still have that parade every year!

I actually kind of miss not being able to see it, but I don't usually go for the holidays until a day or so before Christmas.

And I agree -- no spankin' on this thread! Would you settle for a :hug: ?

[ForrestGump]

8. I like it

:D

I love those kinds of things. One thing I miss about where I lived in the South and when I lived in the far boonies elsewhere.

[southlandshari]

31. ROFL!!! Elvis really IS everywhere!!!

:rofl:

The kids got a kick out him riding away on the retirement home bus, too. My nephew is ten, and he said, "Shari, what do you think Elvis is gonna DO to all those old people?!"

Ack! The dirty thoughts I had for a moment hurt my head!

:rofl:

I didn't know you lived in the South. Did you know that "Forrest Gump" is my all-time number one favorite movie? I don't care that it was mainstream and a brazillion other people liked it. I love every minute and every line of that movie!

:loveya:

[ForrestGump]

43. Watch "Bubba Ho Tep" for the answer to your nephew's question

:-)

The alternate answer being that, like the alien pods in Cocoon, he has rejuvenating powers. It sure works for me. I don't feel a day over 53 and I'm...wait a minute...I'm not even a decade close to being 53...that can't be right. Oh, well, it's still good.

And I'm with you (NOTE TO HER FELLOW MODS: not in the biblical sense -- I repeat, NOT in the biblical sense -- so please don't lock this thread and strip her of her mod gear). I loved the film the first time I saw it and still do, every time. Way high on my list of all-time favorite films, and more repeatedly-watchable than some of my other favorites-among-favorites (when I first saw Apocalypse Now, in the early '80s on a rented tape, I watched it three times, back to back, and I really think that ill-advised act of cinematic devotion permanently affected my psyche. On the plus side, by the third time I did understand most of Marlon Brando's monologues -- unfortunately, I also understood Kurtz' motives and penchant for depriving people of their heads. :o

I'm better now, really.

Anyway, who cares if Forrest Gump is "commercial" or even "tritely manipulative," or whatever, it's a brilliant concept executed flawlessly with some groundbreaking effects that did actually enhance the story, and driven by some fine, fine acting talent. Never bought into the myth that it was a right-winger's film, a myth promulgated both by those on the conservative Christian side who claimed it as their own and by those on our side who don't think Che would have liked it. Yep, I'm with you and Forrest...the other one (NOTE TO HER FELLOW MODS: nothing kinky going on here, either). :-)

And that's all I have to say about that. :D

:loveya:

[southlandshari]

49. Oh my. Hello. I think I love you.

(Note to fellow mods: this is the kind of love - for now, anyway - where we keep our clothes on, ok?)

:evilgrin:



Um. Your post...

:applause:


And...

:loveya:

A lot.






















:hide:

[ForrestGump]

64. In the words of David Cassidy -- while he was still with the Partridge

Family, I think -- :loveya:

:D










(REBUTTAL NOTE TO HER FELLOW MODS: That's what she thinks) :P

[southlandshari]

78. You again?

:woohoo:

Tell me about that sig line pic. Because if that is Forrest Gump in the background, and Selma Hayeck with the little black dress and handcuffs (both are items I own, btw), we are definitely a match made in heaven!

:rofl:





















:blush:

[ForrestGump]

82. I'm right where you last saw me, still waitin' for that bus

:D

And, yes, for clarification...



;-)


Handcuffs? :scared:

[southlandshari]

88. Life is like a box of chocolates, yes?

:D


The handcuffs make you :scared:?






























That's ok. I don't really own a pair. I just seem to have acquired a rather naughty reputation in the Lounge that I now feel duty-bound to uphold...

:hide:

:P

[ForrestGump]

93. In that case, I'm going out ot b uy handcuffs

:D

'cos you never know when they'll come in handy.

I don't know how these naughty reputations get started. :shrug:

I mean, I can attest to you being no more racy than any other young southern woman who can't pronounce her "y'alls" and who keeps her collection of velvet-covered ping-pong paddle arranged alphabetically on racks, rather ironically next to THE actual rack, in her basement dungeon, alphabetized by the alliterative letter representing the sound each makes when briskly applied to bare skin.

And I'll go to the end of my days proclaiming that, too. :P

There, that should at least get the DUers with faulty or outdated vision prescriptions off your back

[southlandshari]

96. Um. Er. Ah....

Very few people can make me :rofl: and :blush: at the same time...

:D



And that's all I have to say about that.

;)

























In public, anyway.

:evilgrin:

[ForrestGump]

101. A modest moderator. A modesteratrice. That's you.

:-)

Personally, I don't know why people think you're naughty.












*snarfle*




*keeeeewawa*








Sorry., I tried, but I just can't keep a straight face. That's right -- this is my gay face.



What? You've never heard men, before a significant challenge, say "well, time to put on my gay face"? :shrug:

Happens all the time. Ever since Alexander the Great. :P

[southlandshari]

103. Define significant challenge...

:P

[ForrestGump]

106. Hey! You! Stop jacking this thread!

:P :P :P

[southlandshari]

121. I'll stop if you stop...

:evilgrin:

[ForrestGump]

137. Oh, yeah? I dare you to.

:P

[southlandshari]

145. Watch it! I brought you into this world, darlin',

when you were bumped out by the spam filter yesterday.

I can take you out of it, too!


:evilgrin:




























Of course, I would never do that. I'd be burned at the stake by an angry mob of Lounge lizards who consider you their king.

That, and I might even miss you if you were gone. A little.

;)

[ForrestGump]

158. Um

:scared:

Then I suppose it'd behoove me to do whatever yu want me to do.

I repeat...whatever you want me to.

In the interests of self-preservation.


Use me.




















:P



:hug:

And thanks again.

I said...

Thanks again!!!

:D

[southlandshari]

166. LMAO!!

Use you?

:evilgrin:



But not in public, darlin'. You've already told everyone about biting my pie - I think anything else would be TMI for sure!

:rofl:




















Damn. You made me answer you again! :hide:

[ForrestGump]

177. Nyeh-nyeh...madeja post

:P

I'm just an innocent piebiter.... :D

[southlandshari]

180. You fiend!

:P

[Wapsie B]

9. That was a great story.

Sounds like the Christmas parade here. :)

[southlandshari]

34. "Man can alter his life by altering his thinking"

Is that a new sig line for you? I never noticed it, but wow! Powerful!

And it speaks to me here, because I left that damned parade yesterday feeling hopeful. Feeling that if I believe change is possible, and I see that there are so many everyday humans who do still have community spirit, that we might just turn the tide in the country yet.

:hug:


Now the question is - has your town's parade already taken place, and if so were you there? And if not, do you plan to be there when it does?

;)

[Wapsie B]

57. Yes it is a new sig line.

I've done some reading of the author of that quote, William James, aka the father of American Psychology. There's something about him that speaks to me. The self-help gurus and motivational speakers have made good livings essentially copying his work.

Yes I believe that change is possible within all of us and within our country. But it has to start in each of us individually first. :)

I believe the Christmas parade here is next weekend and unless its bitter cold out I've gone to it. It's a great display of the same things in your parade.

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

10. Living in the smallest town,

I know exactly how you felt. It's good and warm. :hug:

[southlandshari]

42. You grew up in a small town, too?

I'll bet the holiday traditions aren't all that different in your part of the world than in mine. They all involve people letting down their guard and putting aside the stresses of work and politics in the interest of common ground, yes?

:hug: my sweet friend!


























P.S. Thanks for your help with my frustrating computer issues. I will try to email you later tonight! :loveya: and your lovely wife, too!

[Call Me Wesley]

45. I live in a small town ...

approx. 300 inhabitants here. Pretty rural.

But I grew up in a town next to Zurich (was a neighbor to Thomas Mann), so it's mostly I moved from the biggest multicultural city within Switzerland to the smallest catholic-driven town. :)

Sometimes it's just meeting one another in a time, like you described, when the stresses and everything don't matter. Defintely yes.

I'll reply to your email ASAP. I'm sure we'll work it out.

:hug: and thank you for being.

[LeftyMom]

11. That sounds like fun Shari

Your story made me smile. :D

[southlandshari]

44. I thought about you yesterday, LeftyMom.

You and all the other very cool people from the VAAR forum I've gotten to know here in the past few months. The only animals in the parade were a bunch of dogs with Christmas sweaters on. I've always thought of dressing up pets as silly, but none of them seemed worse for the wear on the whole deal. I just remember thinking, "If one of my veggie friends were here, they could tell me if this is a good or a bad thing for those puppies!"

:D


Thanks for the reply, darlin'. I'm wishing you and yours a wonderful season of peace!

:hug:

[LeftyMom]

55. I'm glad you thought of me

but I'm hardly a dog expert, so I'd probably have some sort of really valuble insight like "that looks stupid."

Thank you for the good wishes, I hope you have a lovely holiday. :hug:

[Floogeldy]

12. I feel your joy.

:)

[southlandshari]

51. And that joy just went into overdrive...

now that I know it made you happy, too, my friend!

:hug:

[johnnie]

13. Very Cool!

I like the part about the Marines. My father was in charge of Toys for Tots here in Cleveland when I was a child so that brings back some memories. Those dress blues are so cool.

I wish I was in a town like yours sometimes. Maybe one day I'll get there.

[southlandshari]

52. Hey, sweets!

If you wish you were in a town like mine, what's stopping you?

I admit I'm feeling rather inspired this afternoon, but seriously, why not pick up and move if you aren't happy where you are?

Life is TOO short, my friend. Figure out what your dream is, and follow it! The BEST things in my life are a result of the biggest risks I've taken, for what it's worth!

:hug:

:hug:

:hug:


:loveya:, johnnie! Feel free to visit my little town anytime if you are looking to relocate!

[flordehinojos]

14. yesterday, as i pondered about PEACE this bush torn Christmas 2005

a friend sent an e-mail the end of which said,

Peace in Your Heart is the true meaning of Peace

it seems the parade yesterday brought that gift to you!
and you in turn, have shared it with us.

:)

[southlandshari]

60. You hit the nail on the head.

I haven't felt at peace in a long time - nor do I believe I should for any significant period of time as long as there is human suffering as the result of my government's actions. But it is silly to deny moments of hope when they do occur - that's what I was reminded of yesterday.

That's why I really reveled in the pure and unexpected feeling of peace I had at that parade. It is hard for me to experience peace without guilt sometimes. There is so much change still needed in the world - even in my own community. But if we can't feel peace at times, when it is right in front of us, it gets tough to keep the activist battery within charged, you know?

:hi:

[flordehinojos]

108. so many of us are having the same struggles in terms of reconciling

Peace, and Christmas, against the horrible actions of GWB, his lies, his war, his killings ... I found this Advent Credo by Father Berrigan. I don't know if any of it may be meaningful to you. Some of it is meaningful to me: (and if this is not an appropriate reply, you may, please, delete. (thank you)
ADVENT CREDO

It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss --

This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction --

This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever --

This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.

It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world --

This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers --

This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.

It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history --

This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ -- the life of the world.

[southlandshari]

113. That is wonderful!

You understood my point exactly!

Thanks for sharing that. It is my faith that compels me to speak out and to act in the interest of peace and justice for all of God's children. I realize others here have different motivations, and respect our differences greatly. But for me, what you have shared has deep meaning this Advent season.

:hug:

[flordehinojos]

122. thanks ....

:)

[In_The_Wind]

15. Thanks for sharing this with us.

It brought a tear to my eye. You've described one of the wonderful parts of small town life. I've seen a local parades like that and it always made me proud of my neighbors even though I didn't know most of them.



~ southlandshari

[southlandshari]

62. Hi Joanie!

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I love your Christmas smilies - and now I'm finally in the holiday spirit so I can really enjoy them!

:loveya:

[Texasgal]

16. That's awesome Shari!!

Thank you for reminding us about the spirit of the holiday season!

[southlandshari]

68. I feel blessed.

Not only to live in a community where people still find joy in little traditions like a Christmas parade, but also to have this wonderful DU community to share that joy with!


You know I :loveya: you, girl!

:hug:

[djeseru]

18. Thank you for sharing this!

I love that feeling. I got to experience it the first time in ages when I moved to a small town a year ago.

I couldn't make the parade this year but thanks for giving me the chance to wander through yours...

[southlandshari]

70. You are most welcome!

This was my first Christmas parade since coming back to my hometown in Alabama a couple of years ago, so I know what you mean!

I'm so glad it meant something to you. I thought this thread would sink like a rock, but apparently there are a lot of us for whom this stuff resonates!

:hug:

[eyepaddle]

21. Hey Shari! That sounds great!

:hi:
:grouphug:

[southlandshari]

23. There you are!!

:loveya:


Seeing you here reminds me that I forgot to mention the hundreds of Cub Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who marched or rode trailers in the parade.

I have this notion you might have been an Eagle Scout.

Even if you weren't, you should take that as a compliment, darlin'!

:hug:

[skygazer]

26. This is one of the things I miss about living in a small town

In my hometown (3000 miles away from here) of some 800 people, we have a tiny hospital. It has about ten rooms and two operating rooms and when you walk in the ER, the doc on duty says, "Hi, skygazer, what did you do now?" and you're immediately taken into an exam room.

Every year in August or so, there's a community fair to raise money for the hospital. There's an auction, and booths selling crafts and homemade goodies, there are jugglers and contests for the kids, etc. There's even a parade of all the babies that have been born at the hospital which opened in the 60's maybe.

You know everyone there and everyone knows you. It's fun and silly and comforting.

I'm glad you had a good time. :hug:

[southlandshari]

36. Exactly!

I guess I can admit that there was something warm and comforting about knowing so many people in the parade - and in my daily life here in general. In a small town, you can't help but know people by name and what's going on with them. Like the old "Cheers" theme song... "where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came..."

:thumbsup:

[KitchenWitch]

27. That sounds very wonderful!

Our "parade and festival" season is sadly, over, until summer. Unless you want to count the St Paul Winter Carnival.

We may go to DT Minneapolis to see the Hollydazzle parade...if we can find a warm night to do so.

[southlandshari]

75. A confession.

If I lived where you live, I'm not sure I would have made the parade.

:hide:

Seriously - how cold is it up there now? It was 74 degrees here this morning. We're expecting storms tonight, but still...

Here's a :hug: to help keep you warm, darlin'!!

[flamingyouth]

29. That's a great story, Shari

Right now, there's a couple in my store who just moved up here from Birmingham three weeks ago. I thought of you. :D
:hug:

[southlandshari]

76. .....

I did the "...." thing in the subject line because I couldn't come up with anything that didn't sound sappy. You have been such a good friend and a wonderful mentor to me in the mod forum, and I appreciate you more than you know.

I am a little overwhelmed at how my little Christmas parade story has resonated with so many people here, but very happy that others find the same joy in the little things that I do!

:hug:

lets make that a double, for you...

:hug: :hug:




:D

[Oeditpus Rex]

33. Hokey

is good. :7

Here, it's called "Lights On" — not a parade, but a street fair with the same kind of warm fuzzies shari describes. Around 6 p.m., someone throws a ceremonial switch and all the holiday Christmas lights downtown go on.

The other big one is the Saddle Horse Show Parade, and, as you'd surmise from the name, it does have horses. Lots of 'em.

Shoot, around here, we still close down the main drag for the homecoming parade. I love that. (Too bad, though, that the kids don't know what "homecoming" means anymore. You never see a class from the past honored nor its alumni invited "home," and that's sad.)

Who would've thought so many of us live in the same small town? :7

(We've also got the Independence Rally every July 4 weekend. After all, this is "the birthplace of the American biker.")

[southlandshari]

79. ROFL!!!

:rofl:

You know you almost got a :spank: for that subject line, don't you?

Wait a minute. That's probably what you were going for, wasn't it?

:rofl: some more!


Seriously - this small town stuff ain't so bad, is it? And I totally relate to your thoughts on "homecoming". Back in the day (she says from her creaky old wheelchair) homecoming meant just that. Alum (high school or college) were all over the place, and everyone waxed nostalgic about days that weren't as good as they were hyped to be that weekend, but never as bad as some would like to believe, either.


Great to see you, sweets!

:loveya:

[WCGreen]

35. REminds me of all the parades I was in when I was

either running for office or working with someone who was...

The local suburban communities all have 'em here in Cleveland...

It was a swell time...

I loved the fact that a small town flavor could exist among the hustle and bustle of a county where over 1.5 million people home...

Every city had their characters, of course....

Most political figures just waved and tossed tootsie rolls...

We wanted to get out and have fun....

I always made sure we had about a dozen kids all dressed in my Green TShirts...

We would pass out ballons...

Also, we would squirt the kids along the parade route with Green Silly String....

I remember I squirted some kids with the silly string and accidentally hit this older woman... She glared at me and said I would never vote for a candidate who shot stringy stuff at the voters... I went up to her and offered her my hand and said, well with the way government in this state has been going over the past decade, maybe you should....

It's too cold to do that here at Christmas Time... So I appreciate the jog down memory lane...

[southlandshari]

40. Green silly string...

:spray:

:rofl:



What an awesome story, in an awesome post, darlin'.

:loveya:


:hug:

[WCGreen]

41. People remembered that for a very long time.....

Aren't you the silly string guy....

[El Fuego]

37. :)

That's awesome. You're probably wondering "Where did all these people come from?" :hi:

[southlandshari]

80. I absolutely LOVE it when I can type "LOL"

and really be laughing out loud at the same time! Your post did that for me!

:D


That thought did cross my mind, truth be told...

:hide:



:hi:

[bigwillq]

38. What a great story!

Thanks for sharing! :hi:

[southlandshari]

95. Hey! A fellow sports fan!!

I'm glad you liked it!

We haven't crossed paths lately, but if memory serves, you are a sportswriter, yes? Or at least a fan, like me...

:hi:

[supernova]

39. Small town activites are very nice

:D

Great story, SS. :D You could have described my little town's parade. I played the flute, so I spent a lot of my school years marching in that same parade. :-) Some years it was very nice weather; some years it was really cold. :scared: And I won't mention the hip flasks that some of us carred when we got to high school. ;-)

Glad you had a wonderful day, Shari. :hug:

[southlandshari]

112. A band geek!!

I LOVED bank geeks - mainly because they weren't geeks at all, stereotypes be damned! Who else carried hip flasks in the Christmas parade?

:rofl:


The most interesting and cool people at my high school were in the band. Sounds like we would have gotten along famously!

:hi:

[ghostsofgiants]

46. I normally curse living in small towns

I lived in one all my life, but you're right, they can be pretty fun sometimes. Sounds like a fun parade.

[southlandshari]

114. I couldn't get away from mine fast enough after high school.

And I still find it ironic that I am back here in that same little town, now looking at raising my own daughter on my old stomping grounds. It is kind of cool how perspective can change over time, you know?

:hi:

[Redstone]

47. I'm a sucker for small-town stuff.

I know EXACTLY what you're saying.

This stuff is the real America.

Redstone

[southlandshari]

116. ...

And I am a sucker for you, darlin'!

:loveya:

[Rowdyboy]

48. Small town life in the south is a story in its own right......

Beautiful story. Our Christmas Parade is also neat, with just a slightly diffent cast of characters.

[southlandshari]

118. Hey Rowdyboy!

I'm glad you appreciate your local Christmas parade. I admit I saw it as more of something to endure than something to enjoy - until I was there, laughing and smiling with hundreds of other people from my town!

:D

[Guy Fawkes]

50. Bah humbug.

I still hate christmas.

But it does sound like you had a good time.

[southlandshari]

53. ROFL!! I've got to log off for a while, but....

I do so with a smile on my face, knowing that, whether you want to admit it or not, your inner grinch softened up a little bit when reading this thread!

:woohoo:

I'm right, aren't I?

:hug:



I'll be back later - this thread is a happy place to be, and I hope it stays that way in my absence!

:D

[seemunkee]

54. I live in a DC suburb that still acts like it is a small town

We have a parade, car show, bike charity ride, fishing derby and fireworks every spring. It's nice and the whole town is usually involved in something that weekend.

[southlandshari]

119. That's cool!

A sense of community can be found anywhere - small towns haven't cornered the market, that's for sure!

:thumbsup:

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

56. Wow, my dear Shari....

What a wonderful story! You definitely brought the tears to MY eyes...

Thank you so much for sharing it today......

And, BTW, I consider you one of my dearest friends here in the Lounge.....

May it ever be so, my dear!

[southlandshari]

123. Miss Peggy, you are one of the kindest people I've ever known!

:hug:


I don't open a post or a PM from you without first smiling because I know whatever is on the other side of the mouse click will be sweet and genuine and full of warmth and good cheer!

:loveya:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

125. And I feel the same about you, my dear Shari.......

Blessings on you!

:loveya: :hug:

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

58. Thank you for sharing that sweetheart!

:hug: And of course I'm your friend! :hi:

[southlandshari]

127. Glad you liked it!

Because you know I :loveya: you, darlin'!

:hug:

[flvegan]

59. Great story, and I know exactly what you mean.

I came from a very small town up north. You could have been describing one of our town get-togethers...

[southlandshari]

104. I'm so glad you read this.

And you are so right - this could (and undoubtedly did) take place in any number of small towns all over America this weekend.

:D

It was just nice to feel a real, tangible connection to other humans Saturday morning. I know I'm not the only one here who spends nearly every waking moment either working, taking care of other people (or doggies) in real life, or interacting with friends on DU in whatever free time is left.

I don't take anyone here for granted - you of all people know that - but I was happy for the reminder that there is real value in not losing sight of the community you actually live in and those who share that dot on the map with you.

Big :hug: for you.

[wildhorses]

61. Shari, I recommended this page because you have written

about the "BEST" of our country and for what it stands. You have stated simply and eloquently what it means to be American. Thank you for reminding me and thanks for being you. :pals:

[southlandshari]

66. Thank you!!!

I am overwhelmed at the great replies to this thread - it seems we are all still capable of enjoying a moment of happiness and hope, despite our shared concerns about our government and its impact on our country and the work in general.

I am honored you considered this worth a recommendation for the Greatest page. And, as always, I am so happy to call you my friend!

:hug:

[DanCa]

63. And you have a wonderful day my most favorite of mods.

:hug:

[southlandshari]

128. awww...shucks!

:blush:

You know the feelings are mutual on this end!

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

65. Community and family

and a time to enjoy what you have and not think about the big world around you. What a wonderful time and your descriptions made it so vivid. I'm glad you had a chance to get "grounded" by the real and the extraordinarily ordinary occurrences of life.

:hug: my Hell's Belle!

[southlandshari]

131. Lizziegrace!

How are you these days? Any better?

I knew you would appreciate this post - glad to see you around today!

:hug: right back, my Hell's Belles co-founding friend!

[Maddy McCall]

67. Shari, that sounds wonderful.

It's great to see such a diverse crowd participating in the parade.

Our parade here was largely boycotted by business owners because the stupid town council decided to disallow candy-throwing. Santa always rides the fire truck at the end of the parade, and, rebels that we are, firefighters' kids and Santa threw candy while the firefighters escorted the truck by walking beside it...as we always have.

Our parades in the past have been like your town's parade. I hope we can recapture those traditions instead of having our parade dwindle to nothing.

:hi:

[southlandshari]

132. They banned candy-throwing at the Christmas parade?

:wow:

:cry:

That just sucks! Santa brought up the rear at ours, high atop an orange and blue fire truck, tossing sweets out as he rode by.

Damn. You're coming to our parade next year! Maybe the GRITS can even have a float!

:hug:

[TOhioLiberal]

69. Southlandshari...

...thanks so much for the tale. It almost seems like I was there too...

And lest you think I am a big softie (I am of course!) I give you this:



Happy holidays!

[southlandshari]

133. Thanks!!

I love that image - it's headed for my photobucket account now!

:hi:

We big softies hafta stick together, right?

:hug:

[Heidi]

71. Kicked and nominated. (nt)

[southlandshari]

142. Girlfriend!

I'm so glad you liked this, and honored you nominated it!

:hug:

[BlueIris]

72. Yay! I got to be the fifth person to rec this thread!

Hee!

[southlandshari]

146. I'm so glad it was you!

:hug:

[auntAgonist]

73. thank you for sharing that...

So much that I'm reading these past few days has brought tears to my eyes, so yeah, i'm sitting her crying, but it's tears from the heart. I miss my small town in Ontario and the hokey santa parade. I miss the love and genuine caring I knew there. I have much to be thankful for .. I need to NOT feel sorry for myself.

thanks you my friend.
:hug:

[southlandshari]

147. No - thank you!!!

Your reply just recaptured the warmth and delight in the simple things in life for me, days after that parade. What a wonderful way to start the day!

Thank you, my friend!

:hug:

[hickman1937]

74. Dammit, you almost made me cry.

At the last minute I managed to stop the tears by typing this post. I wish I could have been there.

[southlandshari]

148. Awwwww....I'm sorry!

I've actually cried from some of the responses on this thread. I'm such a softie. But I will admit that there are times in my life where I've lost sight of what is really important, you know? For some reason, that parade really shook me up (in a good way).

:hug:

[liberaltrucker]

77. Not hokey at all, mon amie

I miss the parades and celebrations we used to have in Carbon Hill. Your post brought back some very fond memories. The USMC does God's work in the Toys for Tots campaign:cry:. Oh, and when was the last time Keith Richards had a GOOD day?:rofl:

[southlandshari]

86. Yay! My fellow "hell yes I'm a liberal from Alabama, want a piece of me?"

partner in crime!

:hug:

I'm so happy to see you here tonight - I was hoping you'd read this thread. I knew you would be able to relate.

Where are you tonight, darlin'?

When are you coming this way again? We didn't make a football game together, but I've got b-ball tickets, too. Just let me know!

:loveya:

[liberaltrucker]

90. Black dress and handcuffs, huh?

Nah, don't wanna get locked:rofl: I'm freezing some important parts off in Green Bay, WI. +7 right now, but gonna bottom out somewhere near -5. I'll PM as much in advance as possible when I get thataway. :loveya:

[ChoralScholar]

81. WOW! What are the odds

that you and I got to see the exact same parade in two different locations?

I took my wife (elfrangel) and little boy to the parade yesterday. Our first one in this town. It was much bigger than in previous towns we have lived.

[southlandshari]

87. That is very cool.

What is really neat about this thread is the realization that not only did millions of everyday Americans (regardless of their faith or religious identity) watch and/or take part in annual small town Christmas parades, a lot of us are right here on DU together!

:toast:

elfrangel is your wife? I haven't seen her around lately, but hope I will soon! I remember when she first started posting. Please tell her I said hello!

:hi:

[ChoralScholar]

91. Yes she is...

She hasn't been around much... since we moved up into the Ozarks, she started back on her nursing degree and has been super busy.

[merh]

83. Since I consider you my friend

and since I love you more, I decided to read this thread again and post another reply!

It sounds like you had such a lovely day, I enjoyed reading it just as much the 2nd time.

I :loveya: more and more! :hug: :pals: :loveya:

[southlandshari]

89. You are so much more than a friend!

Despite the fact you continue to taunt me with this idea that you could actually :loveya: me more than I :loveya: you!

:rofl:



So, are you coming for Christmas or not?

;)

[merh]

92. Uhmmm, read post 32

And how can you love me more than I love you if I love you more than more? :loveya: m.o.r.e. :hug:

[AlienGirl]

84. That's so cool!

Sounds like it was quite an event!

Tucker

[southlandshari]

153. Hey you!

:hi:

It was a lot of fun!

[Wetzelbill]

85. a friend.... with college football

benefits?

Sure, I think of you that way. :)


I like goofy fun traditions like that. It sounds sappy, but if a person doesn't think to much about how foolish all of that stuff actually is, they can just have a great time. Glad you enjoyed yourself. :)

[southlandshari]

165. Of course.

You had to ask?

:loveya:


And I agree completely with your thoughts on just letting go of how silly or lame something might be to others and enjoying the moment for what it is.

:hug:

[Awsi Dooger]

94. What does this have to do with college football?

Must be some form of primitive cryptogram, although that's still probably giving you too much credit.

Anyone who owns a golf cart? That's like anyone who owns one of those flashing gizmos that tells you when your table is ready.

I think you're in a slump.

[southlandshari]

97. Me? "In a slump"?

Ooooo...how easily they forget who their friends are...

The Christmas parade has nothing to do with college football - that's just Bill hitting on me in a way he knows I can't resist! ;)

But how could you take such a shot at me, your steadfast NCAA football co-fan, consistent USC supporter, and willing pupil - it was you who gave me the tools necessary to resist the urge to ever again say "Southern Cal" when referring to your team!

:cry:

[Wetzelbill]

98. Looking for a slump buster?

:)

[southlandshari]

102. Already got one - a sweet talkin' ex-rodeo ridin' cowboy...

Sound familiar?

;)

[Wetzelbill]

105. shore does ma'am

:: tips hat ::

[liberaltrucker]

99. It ain't Southern Cal

It's USC-University of Spoiled Children. On edit-courtesy of an unidentified UCLA DUer.

[Awsi Dooger]

100. I post without smilies

So it's up to you to figure out when I'm laughing like hell with my tongue firmly planted. Actually, the tone of the writing is supposed to imply the missing smilie, so obviously I flunked bigtime.

Slump is a relatively tame word. You got off easy.

[Awsi Dooger]

140. southlandshari I loved your thread!

That's what I was trying to say, gosh dang it. I opened by asking what it had to do with college football to show I was messin' around. Obviously I blew it. Now I need a bath.

[southlandshari]

157. LOL!

:hug:

Wait a minute, you did take a bath didn't you?

:P

[regnaD kciN]

107. Back in 1966...

There was a John Deere tractor pulling a little cart with seven little old ladies on it. I have idea who they were or why they were in the parade, but they looked like they were having fun, so we shouted "Merry Christmas!" to them, too.

...my parents and I were spending Christmas vacation in Spain. On New Year's Eve, we decided to rent a car and drive up into the mountains around Valencia.

Well, as you can probably guess, we got lost.

And wound up, briefly, in a small farming village in the middle of nowhere...right in the middle of their "Three Kings" parade. Well, we were behind a whole bunch of marchers, riders on horseback, and so on, but there wasn't another car in sight. (It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn that no one in the village owned one -- or had ever seen one before.) So, it was assumed that we must be part of the parade; maybe a demonstration of "new-fangled technology." Everyone was waving to us, so we waved back as if we were participants, and continued in the parade to its end, then drove off.

[southlandshari]

151. That is a GREAT story!!

Thank you for sharing that here!

I've done a lot of traveling around the world in places like the village you describe. I am smiling just thinking about you and your family caught up in that parade. Sometimes just being a tourist is spectacle enough, you know?

:D

[Clintmax]

109. That's WONDERFUL, Miss Shari!

I love it! And it's very heartwarming! I wish I had been there. Thank you for sharing with us! :hug:

[southlandshari]

162. Thanks, Clint!

I'm pretty psyched that I could bring some happiness to the happiest person on DU!

:loveya:

[EFerrari]

110. That's so cool.

All of our friends remind me of the out of control unicyclist.

:hi:

[southlandshari]

167. Hahahaha!! You must have cool friends!

That was one of the greatest parts of the day, watching that guy and all the people in the crowd gasping and jumping away or reaching their arms out to break his fall!

:rofl:

I was thinking that he must be a cool guy in general.

:thumbsup:

[s.Leah.s.]

111. Awww!

Were you in my small town on Saturday for our parade? Your experience sounds quite a bit like mine. We also had a combine with garland and a wreath. No horses though since their horseshoes tend to make them kind of slippy slidey on the street. We didn't have the Cat In the Hat but we had quite a few harley's. Of course my very favorite harley was my ex-brother-in-law's. They have a side car that Annie uses. I remember the time I wanted to take a ride to see what it was like in a side car. I had to fight Annie for it.




Oh, did I mention Annie is their yellow lab? I really did have to 'fight' Annie in order to ride in the side car. Even after I won she decided she was going too. We had already started down the driveway when Annie launched herself into the side car with me. Ooooomph! She weighs almost as much as I do since she has this treat addiction. Matter of fact it was her treat addiction that proved her undoing for that particular ride. My ex-SIL bribed Annie out of the side car and off of me with a bacon-bacon-bacon treat.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

126. Good morning to you, my dear s.Leah.s!

WELCOME TO DU!

Enjoy your stay in our crazy, addictive little village.......

And just so you know.....the Lounge is the living, beating heart of DU!

:hi:

[southlandshari]

187. Thanks for sharing that story!

I thought I had already said that, but I don't see my earlier post here.

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Shell Beau]

115. Sounds wonderful!

I love those kinds of events, especially in little towns. I am really appreciative that I come from a small tight-knit community. :hug:

[southlandshari]

168. Fellow GRIT!!

I knew my southern girlfriends would get this immediately. You know exactly what I am talking about!!

:hug:

[kick-ass-bob]

117. Our parade sounds a lot like that one - and we have

about half a million people in our town!

I love our parade, as hokey as it is sometimes, but I missed it this year - Mom got to take the kids though.

:hi:

[southlandshari]

169. I knew you had a softer side, darlin'!

I know that sense of community can be captured in larger settings, too. Glad you've experienced it!

:D

[Midlodemocrat]

120. Great story!!!

Reminds me of the year that my dad was the 'Santa' in the firetruck. I still get choked up thinking about it.

[southlandshari]

170. Awwww....wow.

I've just been cruising along on this thread, enjoying reading and replying to other people's Christmas parade experiences, and whammo! Your one line response choked ME up, too!

:hug: my sweet friend. I'll bet that is a wonderful memory for you!

[LaurenG]

124. Thanks for the reminder

Slow down, have fun, celebrate often, it's the little things... Thanks

[southlandshari]

171. It was too good not to pass on.

And that is exactly the feeling I left with Saturday. Slow down, have fun, celebrate often, enjoy the little things.

All the big stuff is just a compilation of little things, anyway, yes?

:D

[Arugula Latte]

129. Even though I live in a city (Portland), we have a wonderful parade

here in a nearby neighborhood. It is like a small town parade, and lots of people know each other from schools, community centers, etc. The entries are things like people walking their dressed-up dogs and people who staff the local wine shop riding on the back of a flatbed. Plus, the crowd has the added benefit of being overwhelmingly liberal. The highlight is always the band made up of middle-aged guys and gals (complete with 55-year-old cheerleaders in skimpy skirts). It's great.

[southlandshari]

172. That sounds awesome!

A lot of it sounds like ours - apparently anyone willing to pay the fee (which can't be much) can ride or walk (or skate, unicycle, etc) in the parade! I love the band you describe, cheerleaders and all!

:thumbsup:

Doesn't this stuff make you smile?

:D

[fight4my3sons]

130. That was great!

Our little village had a Christmas tree lighting in the village common the other night, right behind our house. It was lovely.

[southlandshari]

173. The Christmas tree lighting sounds very nice.

A lot more peaceful than our parade, but every bit as soul-stirring. Maybe more.

:hi:

Thanks for sharing on this thread. I hope others will share their town traditions as well!

:D

[EstimatedProphet]

134. Well you have a wonderful day too!

Yesterday was a good day for us too-we went to Cleveland to a hookah bar and a comedy club with Asmaticeog. Had a great time! Haven't laughed so hard in a long time!

[southlandshari]

174. EP!!!!!!!!!!

:hug:

That does sound like a most excellent way to spend a day!

You know we have hookas at my house of every shape and size - no, people, not for THAT!! But enjoying one in the open air in public with friends is great!

:hi:

[jane_pippin]

135. Aw, that's great! That was nice to read. Thanks for sharing it.

Now you've got me wanting to tell about our parades. (so I will):

I live pretty close to the parade route in my town and I try to go to them when I can. I don't know what it is but the whole thing gets me all teary eyed.

I love seeing everybody out together, (people watching the parade shouting out to their friends, cheering for our congress person/assorted elected Dem officials, booing the Republican officials--yelling out complaints to both, delicious beer being passed around, etc.)

And the floats are so lame--I love them. Half of them make no sense whatsoever but that's why they're great. Lately we've had a flatbed semi-truck contraption carrying senior line-dancers in back who dance to Proud to be an American. (Ok, I hate the song, and I'd lay bets that they're freaky freep types, but the old people line dancing overblown patriotism float cracks me up.)

You know what kills me though? When the vets go by and only one or two people take their hats off or put their hand on their heart or whatever. I mean, people cheer and clap, but there's only a couple older guys in the crowd taking off their caps.

Ah well. Parades. Here's to 'em. :toast:

[southlandshari]

175. So it's not just me!!

You get teary-eyed over these silly things too?

:hug:


I find it fascinating - and inspiring - that so many of us who know how bad things are in so many ways for our own country can still be touched by things like the annual Christmas parade. It isn't a religious thing, it is a community thing, a ridiculous, overblown but still charming way folks can come together and just....be. For an hour or two.

It is enough to give me hope.

:D

[Bullwinkle925]

136. What a wonderful Christmas story..........

It makes me nostalgic for the innocent days when we thought this country was indeed a good one.

[southlandshari]

176. I'm glad you liked it!

I know this country isn't a good one in many ways, but I remain steadfast in my belief that there are millions of us who inhabit it who are good, who want good, and who are willing to work for good.

:pals:

[Bullwinkle925]

179. Thank you sweetie-pie.

I try to keep the faith. Difficult to in these dark, trying times.

Wonderful people such as yourself on DU keep me going.


:hi:

[Lex]

138. Glad you had such a great time Shari!

My SO went to our medium-sized city's Christmas parade on Saturday and we loved it.

I took my digital camera and a got severel cute shots of kids and floats and stuff.

We had a blast! Glad you had one too!


Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Etc.

[southlandshari]

154. Long time no see!

I wish I had brought a camera to that parade. Terrible mom I am, huh?

:hide:

A holiday :hug: for you!

[xmas74]

139. I gripe about my small town yet I don't know if I'll ever

actually leave it. My town is famous because of a dog(yep, a dog). We have quirky characters wandering the street every day. They'd never hurt you but they do cause people to stare at them.
We have parades like the one you described. My favorite is the Fourth of July parade. There are no floats-just children dressed in red, white and blue w/ bright decorations on their bikes and wagons. They ride around the courthouse square three times and then end the parade. No candy, no floats, nothing else.
We have block parties every spring, summer and fall that are encouraged by the city. We have festivals for no apparent reason. And there is a queen for every club, every sport, every group and every occasion.
That is why, no matter how much I bitch, I'd have to think long and hard about leaving this town. It's a charming place to live. Small town friendliness yet close enough to a city to make life easier.

[southlandshari]

178. Absolutely awesome post!!

You are a great writer! I could totally see, hear and feel your town in that description.

:thumbsup:, darlin'. Way, way up!!!

:toast:

[GrpCaptMandrake]

141. That's the kind of thing

that makes small town living worthwhile. Well-expressed!

"Green Acres we . . . are . . . there!"

[southlandshari]

182. I agree.

Except there were no pigs in our parade!

:hi:

[chknltl]

143. I enjoyed your story Shari

This is true Americana here, thank you for sharing.

[southlandshari]

181. That is great to hear, especially coming from the person who

nominated me for Supreme Court Justice!!

:woohoo:


I promise never, ever to crack my whip at you again, darlin'!

:D





unless, of course, you want me to... ;)

[LaraMN]

144. That's awesome! I like the parades that local political figures attend.

I love seeing people in the crowd get riled up, especially during election years- it feels like I'm among friends if I find a good, enthusiastic pocket of Dems!

[southlandshari]

183. LaraMN - I hope this gave you a smile!

:hug:

Thinking of you a lot these days. Sending lots of good holiday karma your way!!

[Beer Snob-50]

149. I also love these small town local parades

I have marched in them the last 5 or 6 years with my sons for one of the local boy scout/cub scout troops. It is a blast!

[southlandshari]

150. First, I LOVE your username!

:thumbsup:

Been meaning to tell you that for a while, just didn't cross paths with you on any threads lately!

I feel bad I forgot to mention all of the scouts that were in the parade (I mentioned this in another post upthread). That was one of the best parts - all of these happy kids (and their parents who are involved with their troops) waving and smiling, just reveling in the holiday spirit. I remembered that feeling for the first time in a long time watching them.

:hi:

[Beer Snob-50]

152. thank you concerning the username!!

all the scout troops in our town (18000 people 4 boy scout troops and 4 cub scout packs) participate in the various parades. some have their own floats (we don't yet). i just keep the boys in somewhat formation and tell them to have a good time.

[BikeWriter]

155. Thank you for sharing your day, Shari!

[southlandshari]

185. You are most welcome, my friend!

A brazillion holiday :hug: for you!!

[Taverner]

156. Did the Elvis impersonator look like he was hunting mummies?

And if so, was he accompanied by an African American JFK?

Seriously - you have a wonderful day too!

[ForrestGump]

159. This one hunts mommies

But enough about my sexual predelictions...

[southlandshari]

186. You again?

Ok, ok, I'm really just covering up this...

:blush:

[southlandshari]

184. Eek!

:rofl:



:loveya:, California!

[Jamastiene]

160. Where do you live?

I must admit, that sounds way more interesting than any parade I have ever seen. The ones we have here are short and usually involve a dead deer head on a float at some point because of a local football rivalry against some team called the "bucks." The cheerleaders do look so happy dancing around doing their cheers around the dead deer. And they call me mentally ill? Something is wrong with this place, I tell ya.

Hmm. That gives me an idea. Maybe I should petition the next town over and talk them into changing their team's mascot into the republicans. Maybe the floats will have bloody repub heads on them from then on. Hmm. :evilgrin:

Sounds like you had a great time. I wish I could see something that cool here. I can't imagine this bunch of puritans ever loosening up enough to allow an Elvis impersonator or a Keith Richards does the Cat in the Hat on rollerblades routine. Sounds hilarious.

[southlandshari]

161. Alabama

We're a lot more fun around here than the stereotypes would have you believe!

:hi:

[bliss_eternal]

163. Thanks for sharing--

southlandshari!

Always good to see posts from you!

:hi:

[southlandshari]

164. Thanks, bliss!

What a sweet thing to say!!

I'm glad you liked it - you and a bunch of other folks. I am enjoying reading all the replies here and finding out that there are a lot of us who love the simple things in life!

:hi: and :hug: