Thursday 9 December 2010

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.

50 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the two deserved awards, Gary. I'll look up the sites you passed the awards onto.

    I hope you start feeling better. At least you managed the strength to tappity tap on the keyboard for a bit.

    'Dogging' and 'gang banging' are two things I've never really engaged in but I'm always willing to "try my hand at it".

    You knew I couldn't pass up saying something about the topic you so eloquently presented at the start. :)

    Take good care now, my friend. I hope you've at least been able to get some amount of sleep in the last few days.

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  2. Oh no - you have the flu!!!! :-(

    Please rest, take honey and lemsip and rest some more and have some soup!! I swear by soup!!

    Penny's doing a grand job looking after you blog so don't you worry now!!

    :-)

    CONGRATULATIONS with your awards!! yay!!!! And thank you for sharing these facts about you. I am in AWE that you are a champion egg and spoon racer!! Fantastic!!!!

    1969 was a great year. Cos I was born, innit!! Ahem!! :-)

    Please rest now! x

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  3. Congratulation on the well deserved awards. Now, turn the heater up, and get yourself well. I’ll have a whiskey on your behalf, if that helps?
    The enigmatic, masked blogger

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  4. Thank you very much for the award Gary. I will need to post it on my page over the weekend. It has cheered me up after a bit of an odd day :0)

    Hope you start to feel better soon, I had gorilla flu recently so you have my sympathy, look after yourself!

    Mrs M

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  5. Get well soon old thing. I am going to follow Mask's idea and toast your health with a vat of cognac. Cheers.
    By the way; how come you are an expert on dogging?
    Just wondering.

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  6. Sorry to hear you've been under the weather, Gary.

    Isn't it typical when someone asks how you are for them not to listen! Would it take a loss of limb or perhaps a third eye for them to recognize you're actually not well. People of today. Give me strength...

    Anyway, now that's out of my system - congrats on the awards! Can't think of a more deserving soul.

    Hope this finds you 'much better' :)

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  7. Oh my.. oh me oh my.. Not only did you get some well deserved awards, you gave ME one.. Oh Gary, as a new bloggerrette, I am beyond thrilled..

    Honestly..jeezus, see you made me cry....:-)

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  8. Gary! Double Congrats there!

    I was enjoying your writing as usual, and you still write beautifully, my friend, despite the flu ('time flu by..', see?)

    Then I came to the Honest Scrap and was innocently scrolling down and ... wow! I teared up, Gary, I'm so touched by your kindness. Thank you ever so much.

    For the flu Clarinese (Loratadine) works for me. Plus plenty of juice and rest, of course. Hope you get well real soon. Thank you again, my friend.

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  9. A great poem by a friend of mine:
    http://hpicasso.blogspot.com/2010/12/bloom.html

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  10. Congrats on the awards and glad to hear you didn't pass out in yellow snow

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  11. Awwww Gary, sorry you've been under the weather!! Yuckaroony! Penny did a fabulous job for you, you'll be pleased to know! Hope you're on the upswing. And thanks for passing along the supah-fly award! I am humbled...AND SUPER DUPER EXCITED!!!!! WHOO! HOO!! (so much for humility, huh?) LOL! Feel better, eh? Healing vibes comin' atcha from across the pond!

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  12. Gary- Wow. You've had quite the roller coaster. I'm glad you're feeling better and then some. You write from the heart and that's cool. You can virtually toast yourself. Cheers!

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  13. Hi Gary, sorry to hear that you are feeling so unwell, hope you feel better soon.
    Congrats on your well deserved double award and also, many, many thanks for passing one on to my humble self. I will endeavour to be a worthwhile recipient!
    Keep smiling,
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  14. In spite of you being ill, I thought this was so clever and funny. Be well soon.
    Congratulations on the awards!!
    Peacefully, Dixie

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  15. Aw Gary, congratulations on the awards! I hope you get well soon. It's rainy over here in Malaysia, so it's cold but I'm positive the cold winter of Canada is much much more chilling. I heard the snow there is very thick. What do you guys do in Canada while it snows? I hope when you feel better you'll share with us some insights about winter in Canada. It seems interesting to me. I could Google it, but it won't be as fun as reading your lines! :)

    Here's a box of rose-scented tissues and a cup of sugarless tea.

    Take care, my friend!

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  16. Gary, I hope you feel better soon! Congratulations on the awards. You did a wonderful job on passing them along! I love the descriptions you wrote about your friends. :-)

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  17. Hey Gary! I hope You get well soon, that's very thoughtful of you to receive the amigo award even when your too ill for that!!

    I will definitely look at those blog you passed that awards onto...

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  18. Hi Gary,

    How terrific to get two awards when you're under the weather, or in your case under a ton of snow! Congratulations on both and I'll look forward to checking out some of the blogs you mentioned. In the meantime, I too swear by soup (particularly of the chicken variety with some garlic, ginger and lemongrass for good measure) Honey and lemon tea are a great chaser. Feel better soon.

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  19. Hi Kelly,
    Hey thanks for the congratulations. I'm sure you will find those sites a most interesting read.
    I'm a bit better, dude. Although, I think Penny should take over, permanently. 'Arf, arf!'
    Hey, in regards to 'dogging', all you need is a vehicle and a remote location 'parking lot' and you're good to go..
    Strange how I knew you would feel the 'urge' to respond to 'dogging' or, what the heck, a bit of 'gang banging':-)
    I'm still exhausted and feel bad I've not been as proactive on other blogs as I'd like to be. So, look out for a visitation, real soon.
    Thanks for your kind words, Kelly.
    With respect, Gary

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  20. Hi Old Kitty,
    I've had the flu. I'm still spaced out from it all. I've had some 'Lemsips' and yes indeed, some cream of chicken soup:-)
    And Penny. I think she has got this desire to completely take over my blog. Whenever she 'writes', my hit count goes way up. Maybe I should get the hint lol
    Thank you for the congratulations. Very much appreciated. And to think I've never lost an egg and spoon race. I'm so proud!
    You were born in 1969? That must be a typo. I would have reckoned more like 1989. I was 15 in 1969, but please don't tell anyone:-)
    I shall try and get some rest. Thank you for your very nice wishes.
    Have a lovely weekend.
    In kindness, Gary x

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  21. Hi Masked Friend,
    Thank you for the congratulations on my awards. I really am flattered by it all. Which reminds me, you have received another award on your thought provoking blog. Must get around to visiting you and leaving one of my deeply profound comments:-)
    I've got the heat up and, by all means, have a whiskey and think of just how awesome I am. Sorry, I can't believe I typed that lol
    Have a peaceful weekend.
    With respect, Gary.

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  22. Hi Mrs Midnite,
    You are most welcome for the award. Thoroughly deserved. It gladdens me to know it has cheered you up after a bit of an odd day.
    I'm slowly getting better, thank you. I'm sorry to hear you had gorilla flu. That sounds nasty.
    You take very good care of yourself and stay warm.
    Kind wishes, Gary:-)

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  23. Hello Sir Tom Eagerly,
    I've been rather poorly. In fact, good Sir Tom, I have missed you and your legendary comments on my shy and humble blog. Sir, your return, is a welcome tonic.
    And speaking of a tonic; may you revel in joyous celebration as you drink your way out of a vat of Cognac and toast my good health.
    Good health to you, sir.
    An expert on dogging? Quite right. Why else would I have purchased another car? lol
    In kindness, Gary :-)

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  24. Greetings Wendy,
    Thank you for your kind words. I'm slowly returning to 'normal'. Whatever that is:-)
    It is amazing just how much some folks actually listen, rather than anticipate. Today I received a call trying to sell me some different broadband. The lady who called had woken me up. 'How are you?' she asked. 'I'm very tired', I replied. 'That's nice', she said...
    Thank you very much for the congratulations on my awards. You are too kind.
    Thanks for such flattery. May you have a peaceful and positive weekend.
    With respect and good wishes, Gary:-)

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  25. Hi Lynne,
    And well deserved 'bloggerrette' you are! It was my pleasure to give you one. Wait, that might be misinterpreted. Someone pass me a shovel lol
    May your tears of joy inspire you to delight us, even more, with your truly superb writing prowess.
    Happy writing and keep feeling the power of the written word.
    Have an awesome weekend.
    With respect and kind wishes, your way, Gary :-)

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  26. Hi Grandpa,
    Many thanks for the congratulations. 'Time flu by' and time flu by as I flu though the writing of the posting:-)
    My good friend, you are a most notable recipient of the 'Honest Scrap' award. Your informative and delightful blog has most assuredly charmed me. For that, kind sir, I am most grateful.
    Thank you for your advice on the flu. I have been taking plenty of fluids, trying to rest and have been having the occasional sachet of what is called 'Lemsip'. I think the main thing is to not assume one is over the flu and get caught on the flu rebound. Rest is best.
    You are most welcome for that award and I shall endeavour to visit your excellent site, fairly soon. Strength willing.
    Have a peaceful weekend in Malaysia.
    With respect and peaceful wishes, Gary :-)

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  27. Hi Lynne,
    A wonderful poem by your friend and thanks for making me aware. I have left a comment on the site and I hope my comment was bordering on somewhat, slightly okay. Or, something like that.
    Cheers, Gary :-)

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  28. Hi Wolf,
    Thanks for that. 'Watch out where the huskies go and don't you eat no yellow snow..'
    Go Canucks Go!
    Take care, man.
    Gary :-)

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  29. Hi Michelle,
    Hey, hey, I'm under the moon and over the weather. WTF?
    I'm a little bit better now, thanks. And Penny did a fantastic job in my absence. I know I should be pleased, but I'm kinda' jealous of the little bitch lol
    Y'all so like totally deserved the award eh. Rejoice Michelle! Scream it from the rooftops! Tell the whole fucking neighbourhood just how SUPER DUPER AWESOME y'all is!
    Thanks for the healing vibes coming from across that lil' ol' pond. It's working and I'm almost well enough to do a whole bunch of exclamation marks for like completely yippee yi eh dramatic type impact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Take good care of your good self, Michelle.
    In kindness and peace, Gary :-)

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  30. Bonjour Samantha,
    For sure. Roller coaster ride and that urge to puke out of the compartment and soak the poor folks below. Okay, I'm kidding.
    Speaking of 'toast'. I have noticed that watching a toaster toast, makes time slow down. I know, this comment is proof positive that the flu is still with me.
    Like you, dear lady, I endeavour to write from the heart. I was truly flattered that you bestowed that award upon my shy and unassuming self. I thank you. May your weekend be filled with smiles and peace.
    Cheers, Gary :-)

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  31. Hi John,
    I'm a bit better now, thank you.
    Thank you very much for the congratulations. You, my friend are most deserving of the award. Your blog is an informative and pictorial delight. I have some friends up in the NE of England who have been reading your wonderful blog.
    Enjoy the award, John. Here's hoping you are having a lovely weekend.
    In peace and kindness, Gary.

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  32. Hi Dixie,
    Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful comment. I am starting to feel better, thank you.
    Thanks for the congratulations. That is most appreciated.
    Dixie, I'm so pleased to see you have been posting up some wonderful blogs again. I am so heartened by this.
    Please take very good care and have a peaceful and pleasant weekend.
    With respect and thoughtful wishes, your way, Gary :-)

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  33. Hi Shanaz,
    Hey, thanks for the congratulation on the awards. I'm sure, what with all the well wishes from you and the other good folks, I will be 'right as rain', fairly soon.
    Yes, you get a fair amount of rain in Malaysia. Did you realise that 'Grandpa', lives in your beautiful country?
    Now then, winter in Canada. Well, when I lived in Vancouver, winter was usually not that cold. A few flecks of snow and Vancouver grinds to a halt. Most of the rest of Canada, does get some very cold, snowy weather and observes Vancouver with bewilderment.
    The rest of Canada, basically gets on with it and a bit of snow does not stop them from getting on with their everyday lives. Okay, they all stay indoors and watch ice hockey eh. lol
    Of course, being in England, the snowy conditions have caused absolute chaos. So, not much change from my times in Vancouver, then. Maybe I could do a story comparing the two countries and how they adapt, or don't, to a bit of cold weather...
    Thanks for the box of rose-scented tissues and a cup of sugarless tea.
    Very kind of you.
    In peace and a used autographed handkerchief, your way, Gary :-)

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  34. awww... wishing you pawsitive wishes for a speedy recovery..

    xo

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  35. Hi Sharon,
    Thank you. I'm sure I will be better, quite soon. Thanks for the congratulations on the awards. I appreciate that.
    I'm glad you like the descriptions of those fine bloggers. They were all worthy winners.
    Hope you are staying warm, Sharon.
    In peace and kind wishes, your way, Gary:-)

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  36. Hi Kamila,
    Thank you for your kind wishes. And thank you so much for that Amigo award. I was very honoured that you forwarded it to me. I felt really bad that it took me three days to acknowledge the award from you.
    I hope you find those other blogs an interesting read.
    May you continue to find positivity through your wonderful blogging.
    With respect and positive wishes, Gary:-)

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  37. Hi Rebecca,
    It was well cool getting those awards. Ice had to make sure that those two fine bloggers got acknowledged as soon as I was well enough to bravely crawl up to the keyboard and start typing with my nose. You snow what I mean? I have no idea...
    Yes indeed, by all means and a snowmobile, please do check out the awesome winners.
    You swear by soup? You look at a bowl of chicken soup, garnished with garlic, ginger and lemongrass and let out some profanities..well holy fork, sorry, spoon....
    I've never been 'chased' by honey and lemon tea, but it seems like a good idea. Seriously, yes seriously, I do enjoy the medicinal qualities of honey and lemon tea. I really do appreciate your suggestions and kind thoughts.
    I hope you staying warm and taking very good care of yourself.
    Peaceful wishes, your way, Gary.
    Must go now...I'm off to smoke some 'lemongrass'...far out...:-)

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  38. Hi joanne,
    That's really sweet of you and thanks. I'm nearly almost somewhat relatively okay.
    Pawsitive wishes right back atcha'
    Gary
    ox

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  39. Congratulations on the award... I saw your link from Kamila's and well, I decided to drop by..

    Kamila and I recieved the same blog award from a common friend, Myke.. I still don't have a published post for the Amigo award.. But surely, it's already in the drafts folder. Hehehe...

    Anyway, just dropping by here.. Get well soon, Gary! =)

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  40. That the specialness of an online community, people recognized goodness when they read it. Your blogs are entertaining, sure, but there's a quality that supersedes humour. Your words resonate. Thanks for all you write, Gary. Merry Christmas! Glad you're recovering. Hugs to Penny.

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  41. Hi Leah,
    Thank you very much for the congratulations and well done to you receiving the same award.
    I'm very flattered you dropped by and linked into my site. I shall come and visit yours.
    Thank you for your well wishes. That is much appreciated.
    I hope you have a peaceful week.
    Kind wishes, your way, Gary :-)

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  42. Hi Joylene,
    Thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful and encouraging words. I am most flattered by what you have written.
    I feel very much a part of this wonderful online community. I do try to be an integral part of it all. And, I'm heartened to know that my words can resonate. That is a most rewarding outcome.
    Thank you for your continued positive interaction, Joylene. It means more than any words could describe. May you and your loved ones have a peaceful and positive Christmas.
    I'm slowly getting better, but must try to continue to take it easy. I wish. I shall pass on your hugs to Penny:-)
    With respect and admiration, your way, Gary.

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  43. Hey! I hope you feel better soon.

    In the mean time, I gave you yet another award back at my blog.

    Misha :-)

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  44. May I offer my congratulations, as well, Gary! I can tell you are greatly appreciated in the blog world. As this is my first visit, I was more than pleased to discover these interesting facts about you. Really good writing!

    Give my regards to Penny, Gary...and I hope you feel better soon...

    Blessings,
    M.D.

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  45. Hi Misha,
    Thanks for your well wishes. I'm beginning to come around a bit. Almost back to my usual silly self.
    I shall duly come over and gratefully accept the award you so kindly bestowed upon shy and humble me:-) Thanks Misha.
    With respect, Gary.

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  46. Greetings Mattie's Daughter,
    Thank you so much for your thoughtful words and the congratulations. It is very much appreciated.
    May I just say that your Mother has been wonderful inspiration to me and her kindness is very much cherished. Her writing and poetry are a wonder to behold.
    I shall pass on your regards to Penny. I'm getting better, thank you. Here's sending the both of you peaceful and positive wishes.
    In kindness and much respect, Gary

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  47. HI to you my dogdarstly friend
    May you sneezes abate
    and you nasal passage clear as quickly as the great British traffic are stopped by the snow
    May you sleep well until the fever subsides;
    but until the fever goes may you dreams be full of many pleasant thing none of which involves dogging
    For it is so much better to do than to watch

    Hope you are better soon
    regards
    K

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  48. ps many congrads on your awards and for the sharing of info it nice to put a story to a face

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  49. Greetings kerrie,
    I'm just about all cleared up now, thank you. Hang on a second, 'achoo'..um excuse me:-)
    And, oh no, I've heard that we are getting a bit more of the white stuff. Yikes!
    Sleep? I remember sleep. In fact, I dreamt about it, once.
    I thought that 'dogging' was also a participation sport. At least, that's what I've been told:-)
    And doing it. Well, me thinks I have regained my virginity.
    Thank you for your well wishes, kerrie. I hope you are well and staying positive.
    Kind wishes, Gary :-)

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  50. Hi again kerrie,
    Thank you for the congratulations on my awards. I am but a shy and humble guy. I think I'm so not worthy.
    There's plenty of stories on my face. Actually, the stories look more like a 'roadmap'. lol
    Cheers kerrie.
    With respect, Gary :-)


    ps many congrads on your awards and for the sharing of info it nice to put a story to a face

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.