It's such a great feeling when everything goes well and according to plans. It doesn't happened often, but when it does, it's something you just can't forget about. What a busy week it was, at least in my perspective being one who doesn't have much excitement going on in my life. It's the little things that stand out for me. It may not be that big of a deal for those of you who have lots going on, but when you've been laid up like I have for most of the year, anything is better than what I've been able to do up to this point. I've had my accomplishments in overcoming the loss of a leg...from learning to live and take care of myself with this new 'disablility' to getting a prosthetic, teaching myself how to walk again and starting life all over. Since getting back on my feet again, I've been looking for activities so I have something to do.
On Halloween night, my best friend, Scott invited me to his house to visit, hand out candy and have a bite to eat.
I left my apartment very early in the evening to find my strip, one of the most popular destinations in the city, jam packed with people. The large parking lot across the street was filled with vehicles. Children are brought from everywhere, including the suburbs, because Park Avenue is noted for its wealth and kids figure they'll get the best treats and largest hauls here. Though Scott lives less than a dozen blocks away, his is a more quiet neighborhood. Being a warm night, we decided to sit outside and decorated his porch for the occasion. Joined by his partner and their Pooper dog, we took our seats waiting for the children to start arriving...all twelve of them who showed up throughout the night. More adults going to a party at a bar across the street went by than trick or treaters.
We broke out the cocktails and the laughter began and we eventually ordered pizza and chicken wings to complete our porch party. The puppy proved to be our major source of entertainment, especially when I stood up and his leash got tangled around my feet. Down I went; the first time I've fallen since I got my new leg; tripped up by a dog. There I lay sprawled out on the floor. They immediately jumped to my aid concerned if I had gotten hurt. I was laughing like the fool that I am, uninjured, because of the humor of the situation.
As careful as I had been up to that point, a puppy was what finally did me in. Before departing late that night, we took down the decorations and the holiday came to an end.
Sunday was NASCAR race day; something I try to watch as much as possible as long as the event is aired on one of the major networks. Just as the green flag was waved, I received a call from an acquaintance from back in my hometown area who wanted to come up for a visit. He asked if I'd be watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that evening as it was featuring the Hill family from Geneva, New York, where he's from and the town next door to where I grew up. We made it into a homecoming night and held our own litte, private party. We broke out the beers and watched as the checkered flag dropped and the race was over. Following a featured program aired by one of the local news channels on the event, it was time to 'visit' home via national network television. I was feeling nostalgic and homesick, as I haven't been back to where I had spent most of my life in over a year since I moved away. Of course, I'm a sap when it comes to programs like this where someone who needs help bad gets the assistance they've been dreaming about. My tears started leaking and as I looked over at my friend, I didn't feel so alone, as I noticed moisture in his eyes as well.
Tuesday was the big day; not because it was Election Day, but because it was grocery day...one of my usual weekly highlights. Hey, I told you I don't have much of a life. How pathetic when a trip to the supermarket gets me so turned on. I really needed to pick up some items as I didn't shop the week prior; using my food money to buy candy and goodies to put together a Halloween treat basket for Scott. Again, the sap in me coming out in making sure, even if I don't get anything, that he's got something special for those special days.
After returning home and putting away my purchases, it was time to go vote. My polling location is the elementary school four doors behind where I live. No long lines...no waiting. I signed in and went right into the voting booth; my ballot was cast in under a minute and I was on my way. Knowing the candidate I was supporting didn't stand a chance, I didn't even bother watching the elction returns that night because I didn't really care if McCain or Obama won. It was unavoidable in getting that information on the next morning's news. The nation celebrated while I just rolled my eyes. I'll give our president-elect a chance, but it's going to be interesting to see what he does about giving me my equal rights and the same treatment as everyone else in this 'land of the free', even though I'm not entirely free as most others are.
While sleeping Wednesday going into Thursday, I got an unexpected late night visitor. It was after 2 AM when I was awakened by the sound of my front door lock being fiddled with. I'm a very light sleeper and the least little noise wakes me up. As I lay in bed, where I can see my door from, all of a sudden, it opened. I wasn't quite expecting that and gasped in startlement. I jumped up and didn't even care I was standing there buck naked. A male figure started walking into my apartment. You might know, my leg was across the room out of my reach to grab and beat this guy with if needed. I so wanted to see my name in the headlines the next day, 'Man armed with a leg fends off home intruder'. I asked him if I could help him. Great, here I am being nice to a burglar. It was the guy who lives across the hall coming home drunk and getting the wrong apartment. He's lived there for about a month now and really must have been trashed to make that kind of mistake. I knew I should have just stayed in bed to see if he'd join me. Damn, dashed my own chances. I can't wait until I see him sober to find out if he even remembers the incident. He's pretty good looking, too. Next time, I just might have to drag him inside and not let him go.
In between my business, I've been strolling my strip as usual enjoying the wonderful weather; our Indian summer. While all the sidewalk eateries had put away their outdoor tables and chairs for the season the week prior, especially when their licenses are good only until the beginning of November, most had hauled them back out for people to sit outside. Not one to miss the opportunity to people watch while enjoying some coffee, I made sure I took a break here and there at a couple of my favorite cafes.
There aren't expected to be too many more days where it's warm enough to do that until spring breaks next year. I wanted to take advantage of every chance I got. 
Today should be the final time this opportunity arises, as autumn weather is supposed to set back in this weekend. 
You know what I'll be doing later this afternoon...strolling the strip and sitting outside watching the people go by.
This all may not sound too exciting to you, but I've been loving it. It's been the first time I've had this much fun in one week since early last winter. It's just too bad it's all got to come to an end. Now, the year end holidays are on the way and I'm dreading them. Don't get me wrong. I get as pumped up for them as a child, but it's just not the same being alone with no one to share them with. I've been invited to Michigan to join one of my main Gather gals and her clan of kooks for Thanksgiving. What a trip that would be; both literally and figuratively. Too bad I can't afford the transportation costs to get there. I know I wouldn't want to leave and come back home. Scott may have a meal at his place, but I won't know until the last minute, depending on what his work schedule looks like.
The same holds true for Christmas and New Year. (Cookies always help lift my spirits!) No matter what my plans end up being, even if I have to spend the holidays alone, I can reflect back on the past year; what I've gone through and the accomplishments I've achieved. I can also take heart in knowing, though I may not be able to get together with everyone, I have people in my life who care; here on Gather and in the 'real' world...and I care right back.
On Halloween night, my best friend, Scott invited me to his house to visit, hand out candy and have a bite to eat.
I left my apartment very early in the evening to find my strip, one of the most popular destinations in the city, jam packed with people. The large parking lot across the street was filled with vehicles. Children are brought from everywhere, including the suburbs, because Park Avenue is noted for its wealth and kids figure they'll get the best treats and largest hauls here. Though Scott lives less than a dozen blocks away, his is a more quiet neighborhood. Being a warm night, we decided to sit outside and decorated his porch for the occasion. Joined by his partner and their Pooper dog, we took our seats waiting for the children to start arriving...all twelve of them who showed up throughout the night. More adults going to a party at a bar across the street went by than trick or treaters. We broke out the cocktails and the laughter began and we eventually ordered pizza and chicken wings to complete our porch party. The puppy proved to be our major source of entertainment, especially when I stood up and his leash got tangled around my feet. Down I went; the first time I've fallen since I got my new leg; tripped up by a dog. There I lay sprawled out on the floor. They immediately jumped to my aid concerned if I had gotten hurt. I was laughing like the fool that I am, uninjured, because of the humor of the situation. As careful as I had been up to that point, a puppy was what finally did me in. Before departing late that night, we took down the decorations and the holiday came to an end. Sunday was NASCAR race day; something I try to watch as much as possible as long as the event is aired on one of the major networks. Just as the green flag was waved, I received a call from an acquaintance from back in my hometown area who wanted to come up for a visit. He asked if I'd be watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that evening as it was featuring the Hill family from Geneva, New York, where he's from and the town next door to where I grew up. We made it into a homecoming night and held our own litte, private party. We broke out the beers and watched as the checkered flag dropped and the race was over. Following a featured program aired by one of the local news channels on the event, it was time to 'visit' home via national network television. I was feeling nostalgic and homesick, as I haven't been back to where I had spent most of my life in over a year since I moved away. Of course, I'm a sap when it comes to programs like this where someone who needs help bad gets the assistance they've been dreaming about. My tears started leaking and as I looked over at my friend, I didn't feel so alone, as I noticed moisture in his eyes as well.
Tuesday was the big day; not because it was Election Day, but because it was grocery day...one of my usual weekly highlights. Hey, I told you I don't have much of a life. How pathetic when a trip to the supermarket gets me so turned on. I really needed to pick up some items as I didn't shop the week prior; using my food money to buy candy and goodies to put together a Halloween treat basket for Scott. Again, the sap in me coming out in making sure, even if I don't get anything, that he's got something special for those special days.
After returning home and putting away my purchases, it was time to go vote. My polling location is the elementary school four doors behind where I live. No long lines...no waiting. I signed in and went right into the voting booth; my ballot was cast in under a minute and I was on my way. Knowing the candidate I was supporting didn't stand a chance, I didn't even bother watching the elction returns that night because I didn't really care if McCain or Obama won. It was unavoidable in getting that information on the next morning's news. The nation celebrated while I just rolled my eyes. I'll give our president-elect a chance, but it's going to be interesting to see what he does about giving me my equal rights and the same treatment as everyone else in this 'land of the free', even though I'm not entirely free as most others are. While sleeping Wednesday going into Thursday, I got an unexpected late night visitor. It was after 2 AM when I was awakened by the sound of my front door lock being fiddled with. I'm a very light sleeper and the least little noise wakes me up. As I lay in bed, where I can see my door from, all of a sudden, it opened. I wasn't quite expecting that and gasped in startlement. I jumped up and didn't even care I was standing there buck naked. A male figure started walking into my apartment. You might know, my leg was across the room out of my reach to grab and beat this guy with if needed. I so wanted to see my name in the headlines the next day, 'Man armed with a leg fends off home intruder'. I asked him if I could help him. Great, here I am being nice to a burglar. It was the guy who lives across the hall coming home drunk and getting the wrong apartment. He's lived there for about a month now and really must have been trashed to make that kind of mistake. I knew I should have just stayed in bed to see if he'd join me. Damn, dashed my own chances. I can't wait until I see him sober to find out if he even remembers the incident. He's pretty good looking, too. Next time, I just might have to drag him inside and not let him go.
In between my business, I've been strolling my strip as usual enjoying the wonderful weather; our Indian summer. While all the sidewalk eateries had put away their outdoor tables and chairs for the season the week prior, especially when their licenses are good only until the beginning of November, most had hauled them back out for people to sit outside. Not one to miss the opportunity to people watch while enjoying some coffee, I made sure I took a break here and there at a couple of my favorite cafes. There aren't expected to be too many more days where it's warm enough to do that until spring breaks next year. I wanted to take advantage of every chance I got. Today should be the final time this opportunity arises, as autumn weather is supposed to set back in this weekend. You know what I'll be doing later this afternoon...strolling the strip and sitting outside watching the people go by. This all may not sound too exciting to you, but I've been loving it. It's been the first time I've had this much fun in one week since early last winter. It's just too bad it's all got to come to an end. Now, the year end holidays are on the way and I'm dreading them. Don't get me wrong. I get as pumped up for them as a child, but it's just not the same being alone with no one to share them with. I've been invited to Michigan to join one of my main Gather gals and her clan of kooks for Thanksgiving. What a trip that would be; both literally and figuratively. Too bad I can't afford the transportation costs to get there. I know I wouldn't want to leave and come back home. Scott may have a meal at his place, but I won't know until the last minute, depending on what his work schedule looks like.
The same holds true for Christmas and New Year. (Cookies always help lift my spirits!) No matter what my plans end up being, even if I have to spend the holidays alone, I can reflect back on the past year; what I've gone through and the accomplishments I've achieved. I can also take heart in knowing, though I may not be able to get together with everyone, I have people in my life who care; here on Gather and in the 'real' world...and I care right back. 
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Comments: 71
Hussy.
He wants you.
So, do you want to keep to the same flavor for Christmas, or try something new?? (Ok, get your mind out of the gutter, I was talking about cookies! I am getting ready to bake again.)
Lucky you
sounds like you were a busy bee
if it helps any.....i also get excited going to the grocery store!
hugs to you and scott!
guess it would be nice if he were good looking!
Hope you have another great week
mooch
have a great weekend my friend
Glad you had a festive fun halloween! Can you imagine that guy stumbling on into your apartment oh that would have been grand lol!
Take care and have a beautiful weekend!
I get all fired up when I go grocery shopping, too, Rob ... Actually ventured out this morning when it was raining and snowing!
I have discovered, in my many years of living on this planet, that it's the little things that count and make life worthwhile ... like your visit with Scott ... and cookies, too, for that matter!
Take care darlin...lol.
It is good you had a nice week....*hugs my friend*
Here's to many more :)
Glad you weren't hurt!
It is pretty funny, and I'm sure you'll have more use for it in RL.
The holidays aren't something I look that forward to either, but I've adjusted better to my situation, and if you are here on Gather, I'll find and join you and we can banter through Gather and know we're really never alone if we don't want to be, it's a good thing, lol
Still cracking up though, can't reach the leg to beat him with it, so come up with the ever threatening, "Can I help you?" you're too much!!! =D
I would freak the hell out if someone came into our house. That's just me.
And who's this clan of kooks you're talking about? I KNOW you aren't talking about my family like that!
Thanks for posting to Halloween Through New Year's - we're celebrating the extended holiday season!
I can only ask when does all the hate in this great nation stop. We all bleed red!
Wish mine had actually been better, but ya know how that goes.
Keep tryig to find the good in things and sometimes they actually happen.