Friday After Thanksgiving

-Good morning everyone and welcome to our blog.  I’m Warren and my partner is Steve and we would like to welcome you – on this Friday after Thanksgiving, 2008.

-Our weather this morning out in the back yard is partly cloudy and 28 degrees … certainly a warm up from some of the temperatures we have had in the past week or so.

Color weather radar at 5:15 a.m. shlows that conditions over Minnesota are clear this morning and there is no preciptation – which is a good thing if you are one of those early shoppers who are out there battling the elements to get those special gift items at a reduced sale price.

Today’s north land weather forecast for our back yard and surrounding area is:

Partly cloudy. Highs 28 to 33. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

All in all…it looks like a half way decent day.

-It goes without saying that good friends are certainly hard to come by – and I have to say, I’m very blessed to have not only good friends but friends who are good – I can’t begin to “thank you” for the emails and comments posted on the blog about the loss of my dog – Buddy.

I’m not going to dwell on him, but only to say he was a “good companion” and I’ll miss him dearly.

The house this morning, as it did yesterday morning – has an unusual calm and quietness about it – the fact is Buddy’s very presence is gone and believe me I can really notice it.

Again – thanks guys for contacting me or posting a comment on our blog – I truly appreciate each and every one of you and the words you shared with me.

Finally … concerning Buddy – special thanks to my partner Steve who called me several times yesterday after he found out about Buddy’s passing – to console me, listen to me cry and talk about Buddy – thanks pal for being there for me.

Steve said, I should be comforted to know that Buddy passed away in familiar surrounding – our bedroom and with the person Buddy knew at his very side – and for that, yes I am thankful.

Thanks pal, I love you and I miss you so very much.

-The photo above is of the dog … normally a week of so after Thanksgiving we would put up the Christmas tree (which we will do this year) but of course the dog (Buddy) won’t be here to help as he usually did – as seen in the photo above.

-So did you guys survive the big Thanksgiving dinner day?  I sure did … even with the passing of my dog – I did prepare a turkey, and some of the trimmings.

I hate to say it, but by the time it was all prepared and I was ready to eat – my appetite was just about completely gone.  I did eat a small amount of turkey – about three finger size pieces, some potatoes and other items – but my appetite just wasn’t there.

I was really tired, as I had not slept since two nights before last – so all day long I was just dragging my butt.

I actually went to sleep last night about 9:30 p.m., after Steve called from his sister’s home – where he was staying.

I was so tired and just dead on my feet – that I knew it was time to hit the hay – so to speak.

I woke up at 4:55 a.m. and actually I’m doing pretty good this a.m.

When I came out into the kitchen, of course the dog – Buddy wasn’t there – so it took me a few seconds to realize what was happening – again.

But now, I’m sitting here doing the blog and the reality of life has hit me and I’m alright.

-Glancing at some news … MillerCoors has joined Judy Shepard in support of the Matthew Shepard Foundation (MSF) and its continued commitment to ensure that addressing hate is a top priority in our schools and workplaces. MillerCoors, a national sponsor of MSF, announced it will match 100% of the first $10,000 in donations through the Campaign to Erase Hate website, www.MatthewShepard.org.

“Through our ongoing commitment to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, we hope we can be part of the solution for erasing hate in our society,” Doug Sanborn, MillerCoors brand manager, LGBT, said. “Through this matching funds campaign, we hope to raise awareness and raise crucial funding needed to equip individuals with the necessary tools to discuss and address hate issues,” he added.

Judy Shepard is the mother of Matthew Shepard.  Matthew Shepard was brutally murdered in Laramie Wyoming over 10 years ago because he was gay.

Photo Duluth News Tribune Sports

-The Gobble Gallop 5K run was held yesterday morning here in Duluth – as part of Thanksgiving Day.  As you can see we got some snow yesterday and the streets here in the Duluth area are ice covered and slippery.

But you have to hand it to those guys who braved the elements and got out there run – way to go guys.

-Things we’ve read…

• More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.
• Diet Pepsi was originally called Patio Diet Cola.
• The word ’set’ has more definitions than any other word in the English language.
• Pluto is NOT a planet.
• Maine is closer to Bermuda than Florida!

-I’m not sure whether or not Steve will be coming home today or tomorrow.  He did hint in a text message to me  last night that he’d probably be coming home today – but I was not 100% clear on that – so I’m kind of up in the air on that one.

Steve, as you know went home this Thanksgiving to be wiith his mom/dad/sisters and family in west south central Minnesota – which is about a four hour drive from here, where we live.

-As for me on this Friday after Thanksgiving – well to be honest I’m not exactly sure of what I am going to do.  I know after I finish the blog here, I’ll have some breakfast – then shower and get dressed for the day.

But the remainder of my day is open – I really don’t have a thing planned – so I guess I’ll just have to “wing it” as they say.

I might drive into the city, but I really hate facing big crowds at the stores and mall – so that probably isn’t going to happen.

So on this Friday – enjoy your day guys – I know I sure plan on it and also your holiday weekend. Remember to be good and also to be kind today.

Again thanks for your emails and positive comments – I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

-Until next time…