Time Flu By.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Penny for taking over and doing a bit of guest 'dogging', I mean, blogging.  'Dogging' is evidently a British euphemism for performing sexual acts in a semi-public place, often in a car, in a secluded car park.  This can include group sex or, if you like, 'gang banging'.  Voyeurism and exhibitionism are often part of this fun-filled festivity.
Anyway, I digress.  I've been extremely ill over the last few days.  I managed to crawl out of the house, ever so briefly.  I will now demonstrate the amazing listening abilities of some folks.  'Hi Gary, are you okay?'  inquired a neighbour.   'Well actually, I've got a really nasty case of the flu.  It feels like Woody Woodpecker is tapping on my skull, my eyeballs are about to pop out and I'm on the verge of passing out into that pile of yellow snow.' I responded.  'Glad to hear it', replied the well-meaning neighbour.
Okay, before I head back to bed, I thought it only right to thank two very kind 'doggers', I mean bloggers, who have bestowed upon, me, yes me, shy, modest and humble me, the following awards.

Kamila, at Basket of Dreams has very kindly forwarded on the 'Amigo Award', to me.  Kamila, I'm very grateful and very flattered that you considered me for this award.  If you have not checked out her site, I would highly recommend that you do so.  I am inspired by her determination to embrace a more positive life.
Now, I understand that I'm supposed to pass this award onto a few bloggers.  However, I'm, grateful to all my friends, or, if you like, amigos, in the great blogging community.  Thus, I forward this award to all of my blogging friends. I just couldn't single any out, this time.  I'm blaming it on the flu.  Thanks again, Kamila, happy writing and peaceful, positive wishes, your way, Gary.

And then there's this award.  The 'Honest Scrap' award, kindly presented to me by Samantha at  Life, Love and Living in France and Lettuce Head.  I wish to thank these two wonderful ladies very much for considering me for such a thoughtful award.  Now Samantha does a very clever, observational blog about an American living in France.  In my own way, I can relate to starting a new life in a foreign country.  Luckily, I did not have much of a language barrier.  All I had to remember was which side of the road to drive on.  I learnt fast.
And 'Lettuce Head' is a fascinating read about a young lady who states that she is a "...a late bloomer, full of love and laughter"  Ladies, I am truly honoured to have received the 'Honest Scrap' award.
Now then, according to the rules, I must state 10 facts about myself to properly receive this award.  However, being a rebel and having stating facts about myself, in another award, I'm going to cheat and only mention five.  I hope I don't end up in 'bloggers prison' and serve a very long 'sentence'.
Fact 1:  I have never lost an egg and spoon race.
Fact 2:  I went on a three day, one hundred mile walk, in support of the native tribes of the West Coast of Canada.  The walk was named 'Moccasin Miles' and went from Vancouver to Hope, British Columbia.   It was Easter, in the year 1969.
Fact 3:   I spent my honeymoon night in a 'halfway house' where my then wife and I spent time with two of my sister-in-law's, who were staying in a secret location for traumatised children.
Fact 4:  In the middle of June, 1998, I spent five weeks alone in hospital.  I nearly died from the self-inflicted ravages of the hell that is alcohol abuse.  I left hospital, a free man, never to drink again.
Fact 5:   I blog for therapy.  I try to convey my honesty and transparency to those who have flattered me by reading my postings.

I now forward this award onto five most notable bloggers.
1.  Lynne at, Bits of Paper and Glue,  has been a most wonderful discovery.  Brilliant poetry and thought provoking stories, await you at her lovely site.  I am grateful for her kind interaction.
2.  John at, Hedgeland Tales, does an informative and beautifully pictorial nature blog.  His site is a highly worthwhile blog to visit.
3.  Michelle at, Rantings of the Reckmonster, writes a very clever, sometimes witty, sometimes bitter sweet, but always honest blog at her highly admired site.
4.  Grandpa at, Life on The Farm, talks about tales of his life "from the tropical rainforest at the foot of the Malaysian main mountain range."  This is a fascinating read and Grandpa has most endearing writing style.
5.  And finally, this is a superb blogger that talks about her life in Scotland, in a clever, thoughtful and amusing way.   I do so hope you check out this superb blog at, Mrs. Midnite's Mutterings.


So a huge thank you to Kamila, Samantha and 'Lettuce Head' for the preceding awards.  These awards have been a real tonic during a time when I've not been feeling very well.
Apologies for this not being a particularly well written blog.  I could barely muster up enough strength to press my fingers on the keyboard.  Yes indeed, I was in bed for three days and time flu by.