Hey Portia -- it was really nice to log on after a few months and see your bright self here. You always make me smile (and think, but when I think I have to go lie down lol). Yes, I guess Echo and Acapella were one in the same (funny how fast the grey matter fades). The quiet after the turmoil of NGuest(s) feels sort of how it must feel after a haunted house has been cleaned (remember the little dwarf lady?). N's like bad spirits can only get in if there is an open portal.
Yes, a 6 minute conversation in 3 years ... not bad. I don't think my blood pressure rose at all. I must admit to a couple of hard swallows but that's about it. It was meaningless -- I have become more emotional in a telemarketing call. I doubt she will call again though, I'm sure her Nmentality is thinking "well, I have done the 'bigger' thing -- I called her first, now it is her turn to try to be a good person and return the call so I can start beating her up again."
Ain't gonna happen. I am loyal to this girl first, from now on -- the rest of my life belongs to ME.

I will tell you that she called my son first and he called me to tell me she was about to call. Later that day he told me some things she told him and they were more lies. She is gonna go to her grave lying about me. Even at this late day I had to set him straight on a couple of things -- I protected him from her wickedness, shielded and hid her abuse to me, all his life, so even though he knows a lot about it now, it is still shocking to believe a mother would tell such lies about her own child; i.e., therefore, there must be a little bit of truth to it. Well, I had to set him straight on those specific things she said that day to him. If I had to recant each and every lie she tells about me, it would devour all my time.
You know, I watched Mrs. Reagan's children love and comfort their mother this past weekend and how dignified and courageous she was. Then I remembered how awful my mother acted to me during the time of my father's death and all I am going to say is the woman has not a bit of class, such a human pig is she.
Thanks Portia for the big 0 analogy of a circle of Hugs ... that's nice ... sort of like other big O's
Well, I am still angry, I just don't spend as much time on it as I did. I have lost 20 pounds and colored my hair and I'm strongly considering a 2-week tour-vacation of the western U.S. -- my husband doesn't want to go, so I would be going alone (well with about 30 other people).

Somehow it seems appropriate, since I have felt alone most of my life.
Thanks for your anger on my behalf sweet Portia -- I bet you could reach across that big pond and yank her hair a good one.
Seeker, you are still a keeper in my books. Keep those poms poms bouncin' girl -- you are needed.

I intend to hang around if only to get pumped by you.

I would say that I will remain quietly in the background, but even though my family rendered me voiceless, I do have a big mouth.
Phoenix -- you are out there California cruising in your little convertible. You go girl !!! Keep the sunblock on and don't wear one of those long scarfs -- remember Isadora Duncan ... !!!!
Later y'all ....... and Dr. G. -- thanks for keeping this place going. It has helped more people than you will ever know ....
