Why do I do this to myself?? Yes took the hubby shopping because he felt that we needed to...apparently because "I" needed to eat. And since he's the "chef" (thanks to the "Food Network") he's got to come along, because I don't get the right stuff or I forget things..."No honey it's because you're smashed and can't drive!" You know the saying that you end up marrying your father? Damn Freud! Damn you to... It's bad enough having a backseat driver, nevermind him ranting about them not having his favorite style of canned beans in stock, or DAMMIT! No extra lean hamburger!! The furchildren's food wasn't in stock either...and "You don't need to go down the cereal aisle!" And as I try to multi-task and grab the needed items in order to shorten our visit in "Crabbyland", Apparently I wander off too much!---Wait a minute who's babysitting who here? At least we entertained a few people! LOL! And after blowing $130 and getting home, and diplaying the glorious bounty in the cupboards...."Wait a minute...Where's the salsa?!!!!!" I don't know honey, didn't you see it near the Woooster-shester-shister-shire sauce? Or was that when I diverted your attention to the "Things we don't need Aisle", or the "Can't find a descent steak priced under $10 anymore?" section? *insert various sarcastic remarks* Ahhh..we are two peas in a pod..just dodge the flying shuriken!

WOW he sounds fussy! My DH goes shopping with me once in a blue moon, and then he runs up the bill like it's no tomorrow, or he thinks that we will come under a nuclear attack and we will need the rations to tide us through... Don't you hate it when you get home and discover you forgot the one thing you went out for! P.S can he teach my DH how to cook and grocery shop... My DH gets very stress out in the kitchen, you would think that the Queen was coming to dinner or something. I actully think he finds it more stressful than work to cook dinner...then he forgets to load the dishwasher...sigh!

In my house, I do ALL the grocery shopping. DH gets NOTHING unless *I* buy it for him.... Bwaaaa haaa haaaaa..... the power! The ultimate cosmic power!!!!! Of course, it means that I never get a break. I'm ALWAYS doing the grocery shopping...

My DH and I go back and forth...sometimes I go, and sometimes I send him with a list. He's really good about doing the shopping when I need him to, although he likes to add "extra goodies" to the list...he has this thing about cookies...

Originally posted by Springie although he likes to add "extra goodies" to the list...he has this thing about cookies...

I have a thing about cookies too, especially chocolate chip cookies, or any chocolate cookies. Oooops! my tummy just grumbled...I wonder if I have any cookies in the house right now?

I just made cookies today. I ate some. And now I'm eating ice cream. I'm a baaaaad Swannie today.... (that's what diet cheat days are for, isn't it? )

I hope you saved some of those cookies for you kids and DH There is such a thing as diet cheat days? Hmmm! I guess that is what I have when I decide to use up a weeks worth of points in one night.

Originally posted by clouddancer I hope you saved some of those cookies for you kids and DH There is such a thing as diet cheat days?

Oh, DH and the kids got plenty too. They were shortbread cookies with Heath Bar pieces. Yummmmmm...... My diet is basically being REALLY good 6 days a week, and having one 'cheat meal' once a week. If I do that, then it's easier to be good the other 6 days, because I have something to look forward to, KWIM? I also have one cheat day a month, which is nice for birthdays, holidays, etc. Anyhow, it works for me.

If it works for you than go for it.

Originally posted by clouddancer If it works for you than go for it.

We'll just see if I can get back into my bikini when we go to Australia!

Go for it TJ!!!! Although you may want to watch out for all those UV rays. I think in Australia they keep covered up, to protect themselves from the sun. but you would probably know better than me with all my miss-informed knowledge.

Originally posted by clouddancer Go for it TJ!!!! Although you may want to watch out for all those UV rays. I think in Australia they keep covered up, to protect themselves from the sun. but you would probably know better than me with all my miss-informed knowledge.

They do... and we'll be spending a few days in the tropics at the Great Barrier Reef in the middle of the Australian Summer. But I plan on lots of sunscreen, and rash guards in the water.

I remember snokeling in the Carribean but usually I wore a t shirt over my swim suit for protection. But me being very fair skin, and my Grandmother having skin cancer made me very aware of the affects of the sun on my body.

Originally posted by clouddancer I remember snokeling in the Carribean but usually I wore a t shirt over my swim suit for protection. But me being very fair skin, and my Grandmother having skin cancer made me very aware of the affects of the sun on my body.

No skin cancer in my family, but we are all very fair and I do tend to slather on the sunscreen in the summer.

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Springie although he likes to add "extra goodies" to the list...he has this thing about cookies...

I have a thing about cookies too, especially chocolate chip cookies, or any chocolate cookies. Oooops! my tummy just grumbled...I wonder if I have any cookies in the house right now?

Do you like to have with a glass of cold milk? My DH LOVES chocolate chip biscuits...with a glass of cold milk. He acts like a kid when I buy them for him... You'd be his best friend if you offered him a choc chip cookie with milk...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer Go for it TJ!!!! Although you may want to watch out for all those UV rays. I think in Australia they keep covered up, to protect themselves from the sun. but you would probably know better than me with all my miss-informed knowledge.

They do... and we'll be spending a few days in the tropics at the Great Barrier Reef in the middle of the Australian Summer. But I plan on lots of sunscreen, and rash guards in the water.

You bet TJ 30+ sunscreen is ALL I use, forget 15+ it is not strong enough...Zink cream in fluro colours for the kids noses, they'll love it! Well it looks like it is going to be a very hot summer, it is very warm now for this time of year!

My DH and I share the shopping but he does most of the cooking. (I can cook he just spoils me). I too am fair skinned so burn rather than tan I tend to use the highest factor I can find.

If you Aussies are "fair skinned" then this canuck is "ghostly"! It doesn't help that I work the graveyard shift. I suppose I could look at it as having one less cancer-causing element in my life! The last time I went to the beach was in Florida early '90's. Even though I went to the tanning beds to get a precautionary base tan, I was slathered constantly in UV 15 and a layer of sand which stuck to me. Still the helpful southern folks would take one look at me and say "Guuurl yooouu gonna buuuurn! Yoou best git youurself some sunscreen!" I would have to show them my tanline from my bikini bottom to explain that this was actually a tan! When I do have a tan I basically look like I need a good soak in the hot tub..kind of beige-grey, taupe if you will. LOL! As for the hubby being picky...well no he just loves to push my buttons and it was working! He isn't a sweets fan like me. He's more of a sour fan, you know, the kind of candies that make your face pucker like an old man whose just taken his dentures out! Though he doesn't like salted licorice, which I love! Pickles on the other hand...the shopping cart would half-full of if I let him. So he's sour & pickley and I'm sweet & salty, but there is a common ground in garlic & curry!

I have had one potential skin cancer removed from the tip of my nose last year...(painful skin rotation I now have a very faint scare there) no sunbaking for this Swan! I don't want melanomas....you have got to be crazy to get Deliberately sunburnt! I think fair skin is beautiful anyway, tans only make you wrinkle faster...I stopped tanning in my teens...(natural dark skin is also beautiful...) When I get a tan it is a golden colour, but now I am pale, and I have healthy skin... I had a flyer in my letter box from a green grocer that delivers! I had my first delivery from him yesterday and it was great...cuts down on grocery shopping time for me! I like that man!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I had a flyer in my letter box from a green grocer that delivers! I had my first delivery from him yesterday and it was great...cuts down on grocery shopping time for me! I like that man!

I imagine it would cut down on the shopping time but if I did that I would never get out of the house. I also wonder about the produce they choose. Is it good quality? I don't want a delivery of veggies that look like they fell off the truck before they arrived at my house.

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Do you like to have with a glass of cold milk? My DH LOVES chocolate chip biscuits...with a glass of cold milk. He acts like a kid when I buy them for him... You'd be his best friend if you offered him a choc chip cookie with milk...

I don't do the milk thing myselkf, but DH does. So we have plenty in the house if your DH wants to drop on by! Hello Ivory Eagle! Come on in for some flight sims, fresh cookies and milk!

Sounds like your DH's will have a great time together in Australia. Drinking milk and eating cookies, instead of getting into the harder stuff.

Originally posted by clouddancer Sounds like your DH's will have a great time together in Australia. Drinking milk and eating cookies, instead of getting into the harder stuff.

I hope they do.... Ebony and I need time to talk Gatch!!!!

Put out a large dish of cookies and your DH's and children can sit around eating while you two go off and talk Gatch stuff.

Originally posted by clouddancer Put out a large dish of cookies and your DH's and children can sit around eating while you two go off and talk Gatch stuff.

It would have to be a BIG plate of cookies.... BIG!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer Sounds like your DH's will have a great time together in Australia. Drinking milk and eating cookies, instead of getting into the harder stuff.

I hope they do.... Ebony and I need time to talk Gatch!!!!

Oh you bet we do! when DH found out TJ's DH likes flight sims and sports cars....they have much to talk about! TJ we will have 2 days of fun in Sydney!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne TJ we will have 2 days of fun in Sydney!

I am looking forward to it!!!!!!

Originally posted by clouddancer I remember snokeling in the Carribean but usually I wore a t shirt over my swim suit for protection. But me being very fair skin, and my Grandmother having skin cancer made me very aware of the affects of the sun on my body.

I too are fair skinned and try not to be in the sun without a badanna to cover my head or a top that coves my shoulders which burn quite quickly and I know this from experience.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer Put out a large dish of cookies and your DH's and children can sit around eating while you two go off and talk Gatch stuff.

It would have to be a BIG plate of cookies.... BIG!

What? A big plate of cookies or a huge plate with big cookies?

I think when I eventually arrange to come to Oz I am going to have to arrange to meet you aussie girls out there. Just to see if you are as crazy in the flesh

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer Put out a large dish of cookies and your DH's and children can sit around eating while you two go off and talk Gatch stuff.

It would have to be a BIG plate of cookies.... BIG!

Is that the strategy TJ...I bring choc chip bikkies with me when i get to the Menzies!

Sounds like a plan, Ebony! And FB, you never know, I might make it up your way someday... we're thinking of taking the kids to Europe in Summer 2009.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Sounds like a plan, Ebony! And FB, you never know, I might make it up your way someday... we're thinking of taking the kids to Europe in Summer 2009.

Maybe I would consider joining you if you did. It would give me someone besides family and relatives to visit with.

FWIW, I do not consider visiting family a vacation. ESPECIALLY if it's the ILs. OTOH, CD, next time I visit my parents I'll try to get togetehr with you, They're not too far from you (in Waterloo).

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Sounds like a plan, Ebony! And FB, you never know, I might make it up your way someday... we're thinking of taking the kids to Europe in Summer 2009.

Can I be one of your kids!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun FWIW, I do not consider visiting family a vacation. ESPECIALLY if it's the ILs. OTOH, CD, next time I visit my parents I'll try to get togetehr with you, They're not too far from you (in Waterloo).

I don't either but I am being told I have to visit because my Gandmother is going to be 90 soon and I really should see her before the inevitable happens. I have been putting it off for sometime. The latest from the parents is find a friend who would like to go with you then you can have some "fun" while you visit. Like I have a friend who would like to visit all my wacky relatives.

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Sounds like a plan, Ebony! And FB, you never know, I might make it up your way someday... we're thinking of taking the kids to Europe in Summer 2009.

Can I be one of your kids!

Only if you come live in my house and insist on watching Eagle Riders every day.... (well, at least, that's what my kids are doing right now)

Originally posted by clouddancer The latest from the parents is find a friend who would like to go with you then you can have some "fun" while you visit. Like I have a friend who would like to visit all my wacky relatives.

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer The latest from the parents is find a friend who would like to go with you then you can have some "fun" while you visit. Like I have a friend who would like to visit all my wacky relatives.

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

I have not pitched the idea to anyone, my firends have family or BH. They do not want to go on a ladies only trip. Even if it meant free accomodations while we were there. Any NA's want to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh?

I do! But somehow, I don't think I'd be able to just take off....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I do! But somehow, I don't think I'd be able to just take off....

I wouldn't either, it would have to be in the summer for me.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer The latest from the parents is find a friend who would like to go with you then you can have some "fun" while you visit. Like I have a friend who would like to visit all my wacky relatives.

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

Let me think...go to a stressful job everyday or become a kid again and be forced to watch Eagle Riders...let me think! Tempting....

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

I have not pitched the idea to anyone, my firends have family or BH. They do not want to go on a ladies only trip. Even if it meant free accomodations while we were there. Any NA's want to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh?

I'm in CD!!!!! When do we go...I have always wanted to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer The latest from the parents is find a friend who would like to go with you then you can have some "fun" while you visit. Like I have a friend who would like to visit all my wacky relatives.

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

Let me think...go to a stressful job everyday or become a kid again and be forced to watch Eagle Riders...let me think! Tempting....

Just LMK when you decide to take me up on my offer.... Bwaaaa haaaa haaaaa......

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Let me think...go to a stressful job everyday or become a kid again and be forced to watch Eagle Riders...let me think! Tempting....

Just LMK when you decide to take me up on my offer.... Bwaaaa haaaa haaaaa......

I would have taken you up on the offer last week TJ. So I will remember this offer for next time.......

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Just LMK when you decide to take me up on my offer.... Bwaaaa haaaa haaaaa......

I would have taken you up on the offer last week TJ. So I will remember this offer for next time.......

So, I can expect to see you on my doorstep sometime soon, CD?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I'm in CD!!!!! When do we go...I have always wanted to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh!

When every you want Ebony, summer for me winter for you. Just fly through TO and I will meet you at the airport. If you are lucky I may be able to throw Ireland in too.

I'm sensing a Gatch roadtrip!!!!!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm sensing a Gatch roadtrip!!!!!

Sure, we will all go to Australia to visit Ebony and Maddy. Then move onto California to visit TJ. THen, is it Virginia to visit Springie? Then off to Ontario for a visit with SJ, Cloud and Kimi. Then we all head over to the UK to visit FB, Cep and Met. And last Romania to visit Amy taking us back through Australia again to start all over again. Did I miss anyone? Sounds like a plan. Of course I may have to give up work for a year to doo this, but oh the fun we could have.

Yeah! Japan...Let us all loose in the shopping districts!

Sounds great! But I was trying to find places where I knew people and we could stay accomodation free. Do you know anyone in Japan?

Sorry I thought we were fantasizing..My bad.. Let's get an amphibious yacht/caravan/private jet---painted like a yellow submarine. *come on you know the song*

I do know the song....

Originally posted by kimiko Sorry I thought we were fantasizing..My bad.. Let's get an amphibious yacht/caravan/private jet---painted like a yellow submarine. *come on you know the song*

Well..... it was part fantasy, part reality.

Originally posted by kimiko Sorry I thought we were fantasizing..My bad.. Let's get an amphibious yacht/caravan/private jet---painted like a yellow submarine. *come on you know the song*

The Old God Phoenix could do the job!

I love to bring fantasy into my reality!!!!

What I like even better is when fantasy becomes reality!!!!

I'm still waiting for the Eagle and the Condor to pop out of my Naughty fic and into my reality...

Originally posted by kimiko Yeah! Japan...Let us all loose in the shopping districts!

The Japanese produce the most beautiful silks and wool fabrics...let me loose in a fabric shop!

You can come here (if im in the mood)

Tengu, where are you from?

Originally posted by amyltrer Tengu, where are you from?

It's the magical mystery tour... to wherever Tengu's house might be...

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer

Sounds like a fun time! Is that how you pitch the idea to your friends?

I have not pitched the idea to anyone, my firends have family or BH. They do not want to go on a ladies only trip. Even if it meant free accomodations while we were there. Any NA's want to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh?

I'm in CD!!!!! When do we go...I have always wanted to visit London, Wales, Exeter and Edinburgh!

If you do come to london let me know and I will meet up with you all!

Should say I dont think you will fit in my small place though lol

We'll all cram in FB, and Gatchify your whole neighbourhood!

Originally posted by Firebird Should say I dont think you will fit in my small place though lol

We could always bring our Gatch sleeping bags or sleep in our wings on the floor. I have an Aunt in Ashtead, how far is that from London? Perhaps she could put a few of us up with her.

This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

*starts humming "Penny lane is in my ears...and in my eyes.." Let's start planning!

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Firebird Should say I dont think you will fit in my small place though lol

We could always bring our Gatch sleeping bags or sleep in our wings on the floor. I have an Aunt in Ashtead, how far is that from London? Perhaps she could put a few of us up with her.

If it is Ashtead in Surrey not overly far about an hour or so by train at most! I am not far from the river/parliament etc so there are a few places I can show you and worse case scenario there is a cheap bed and breakfast not far away.

Originally posted by Firebird If it is Ashtead in Surrey not overly far about an hour or so by train at most! I am not far from the river/parliament etc so there are a few places I can show you and worse case scenario there is a cheap bed and breakfast not far away.

*Cloud filps thruogh address book* Yep, That is the Ashtead I mean.

Originally posted by kimiko *starts humming "Penny lane is in my ears...and in my eyes.." Let's start planning!

So, you coming to England with me Kimi?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

Oh, what I wouldn't give to see England! Pack me in your bags, I'm going!

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

Oh, what I wouldn't give to see England! Pack me in your bags, I'm going!

Ooh.... Springie Does England... sounds like a Gatch porno flick!

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

Oh, what I wouldn't give to see England! Pack me in your bags, I'm going!

A free trips for Springie to Australia AND England. Hmmm! You may have to choose one free trip only. Personally, I would choose Australia. But then I have seen the UK already.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

Oh, what I wouldn't give to see England! Pack me in your bags, I'm going!

Ooh.... Springie Does England... sounds like a Gatch porno flick!

So whens the smut fic TJ????? CD are you still talking to me....I don't think Amy is at the moment... I apologize for killing the Owl off...

I have a friend in Newcastle in England...

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by Transmute Jun This is starting to sound like a real possibility!

Oh, what I wouldn't give to see England! Pack me in your bags, I'm going!

Ooh.... Springie Does England... sounds like a Gatch porno flick!

So whens the smut fic TJ????? CD are you still talking to me....I don't think Amy is at the moment... I apologize for killing the Owl off...

Of course I am still talking to you Ebony. I know it all works out in the end. (When Ken returns to his own timeline, I hope!)

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I have a friend in Newcastle in England...

So are you coming on our trip to England so you can visit with them?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne So whens the smut fic TJ?????

Uh.... I'm not sure I'd be writing a smut fic about Springie....

Sounds like this is going to be one wild holiday. Taking in everyones nearest place so we can drop in and visit

Condors Go Wild! Eagles Run Wild! Wild Swannies Take Advantage! All coming to a Gatchy vacation spot near you...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne So whens the smut fic TJ?????

Uh.... I'm not sure I'd be writing a smut fic about Springie....

Springie does London with the Eagle in tow....will it be illustrated??? Ebony keeps a straight face and cocks an eyebrow and waits for her answer...

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne So whens the smut fic TJ?????

Uh.... I'm not sure I'd be writing a smut fic about Springie....

Springie does London with the Eagle in tow....will it be illustrated??? Ebony keeps a straight face and cocks an eyebrow and waits for her answer...

TJ responds with an equally straight face. If Springie is willing to draw smut pictures of her with the Eagle, that's her busness. (not that TJ would mind looking at them... )