Over the past few weeks, I have struggled with visiting other blogs and my own writing. Experience tells me that’s a sign of needing a blog break. Besides, I normally take one in the September-October time frame. So, the stars are aligning for me to take a blog break, thus I’m hitting the Pause button.
Most of my blog-break time will be Level 1 – Total Abstinence – however, I will creep a bit of Level 2 as I hope to write a little during that time. (For those needing more information about the levels of blogging breaks, click here.) To help separate myself during the break, I’m turning off my notifications. Meanwhile, my comments are On because I will be phasing myself into break oblivion.
Regular series as Monday Morning Entertainment and Satire Bits gave me a chance to share bits from my personal life, which many seemed genuinely interested. Now that those series are no more, so is my personal sharing – so going into the break is a good time for an update.
After my year off, I didn’t return to the handbell choir, but my wife still plays. They recently played this version the Led Zeppelin classic – Stairway to Heaven. (Consider playing it as your background music while reading).
My golf game started the season with a bang, but then I hit a 6-8 week spell of what I described as my worst golf in 30 years. However, I righted the ship.
For those who miss my list of monthly, weekly, and daily celebrations, I promised to provide my main sources – and here are the top 2 – this one and that one.
Embed from Getty ImagesBallroom remains part of our life. You may recall that I doing a tango routine for a showcase event at a private studio. It’s not with my wife, but she approves of my partner. It’s been an interesting experience, but because of the time commitment, I’m not sure if I would do this again. Nonetheless, here’s the song – which is a tad fast, so we slowed it down.
I continue volunteering with ballroom dance for those with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. It’s a very rewarding experience, and I try to attend most of the weekly events. Unfortunately, this year I’m going to miss their competition, the event started my interest. (Remember this post?)
I recently started serving as a volunteer in an English Second Language (ESL) program for adults. It’s off to a good start. Regardless of their individual reasons for being in the US, each of them wants to improve their proficiency in English.
However, our season of ushering at plays is underway. We recently saw The Secret Garden, and young artist (Caitlin Cohn) in the lead role impressed both of us. We are curious to see how far she climbs on the ladder to stardom.
I’m a Christian who believes in Interfaith dialogue and efforts – both within Christianity AND between different religions. The Friday’s Interfaith ceremony at the 9-11 Memorial in NYC was very moving!
My initial plan is to stay away 3-5 weeks, but time will tell. I encourage you to visit bloggers you may not know -the good people listed on my Sidebar and those on the Blogroll page – especially the New Acquaintances section. Regarding all bloggers listed today, I hope to reorganize them in the future.
To lead you into my break, here are several videos for you to enjoy. Take your pick – a singing two-year old, a singing comic, today’s comics doing their version of a classic routine, or a major hit from many years ago that still sounds great today.
Wishing you all the best and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Enjoy your break, Frank. Wow, you’re a busy guy. I can’t even keep up with all your posts. It’s always a tough balance. Don’t worry, the blogosphere isn’t going anywhere. Have fun and relax.
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Amy,
I’ve been going through a business-than-normal time, so I haven’t kept up (which bothers me) … so I realize others can’t keep up either. Your comment about not keeping up made me laugh because I post less than I did. 😉 Meanwhile, I continue to believe blog breaks are good! …. and I’ll report when when I return to posting.
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See, I don’t even see how you’ve cut back. That’s just me. Just doing the best I can. 🙂
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🙂
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Readers….you really should listen to this version of Stairway to Heaven! It’s excellent!
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Hooray … someone listened! … and thanks for encouraging others.
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My pleasure, Frank. It’s worth the listen!
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I did, too, Amy. It’s great!
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Yay! It was beautiful!
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Enjoy your break. I look forward to your return.
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Debra,
Thank you … and I will look forward to return to your posts from that special location of yours.
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Enjoy yourself, Frank
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Derrick,
That’s the plan … besides, blogging breaks are good.
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Enjoy your break, Frank. It sounds like you will be very busy, but I hope you return and return refreshed. Good luck with all of your many projects and activities!
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Merril,
I like staying busy, so temporarily removing blogging break my routine is a good thing … after all, blogging breaks are good.
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Yes, it all sounds good! 🙂
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Enjoy your Blog Break Frank I completely understand, I’ve been bouncing around between three and four for quite a few weeks now, summer is just so busy for me, canning and all. Plus, it seems, if all the paperwork checks go well, middle child will be leaving for South Korea in a few weeks to teach ESL also. So I am trying to wrap my head around that one, oh how I will miss her, and the blogging posts she gives me, lol. Enjoy your rest Frank.
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Catherine,
It is the canning season, so I’m sure you’ve been busy. Wow .. Middle Child going to South Korea … and an experience she will never forget. Best of luck to her.
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Hi Frank! The handbells playing Stairway to Heaven was beautiful! Sounds like you’ve been very busy with quite an eclectic personal life! I think it’s great that you are part of the ESL program. My son is going to El Salvador to teach English to orphaned children for a week when school lets out. I know it will be a life-changing experience for him. I hope you have a great break even though you will be missed! See you when you return – and don’t be a stranger in my little corner of the sphere, okay?! 🙂
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Kelly,
So far, I’ve enjoyed being a volunteer tutor in an ESL program. Most of the time I’ve worked one-on-one, and I enjoyed the people and the challenge. Meanwhile, your writing is always wonderful, so I look forward to returning – especially since I’ve been negligent in reading (which bothers me) … Better of luck to your son – and it will be an experience he will never forget.
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I think so too – he will live with the kids! He’s sensitive, so I know it will be hard when he has to leave them, but who knows where experiences like that can lead. Thank you for the lovely compliment. I’ve been having trouble keeping up lately as well, but you do the best you can and I certainly understand those things. And I agree that breaks from everything are a good thing! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather as well!
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It seems you son’s emotions will be like a roller coaster. How long will he be there?
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For just a week! Seems like it should be longer, to me, but the program is very well structured and has been around for years. So I guess we’ll see!
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He’ll be fine … and it will help him in the long run.
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I’m sure it will – thanks Frank!
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… and thanks for the kind words earlier.
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I love how you’re involved in so many things, Frank. And the new volunteer work sounds very fulfilling. Enjoy your break. You no doubt have plenty to keep you busy!
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Carrie,
I’ve done the ESL gig twice, and so far so good. 🙂 … Involvement is a good thing, and there is no shortage of opportunities! … Meanwhile, hooray … blog breaks are good.
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Your volunteer work moves me Frank. We are in the Texas Hill Country this weekend interring my eldest sister Candy who was Downs and lived a very long time. She was a joyous spirit and brought all of us a reminder of unfettered love.
Enjoy your break and thank you for the wonderful videos.
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Val,
My volunteer time with the Down group is a year now … and I enjoy it a lot. A tip of the cap to Candy … and peace to your family.
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Candy had a long life, full of love and laughter. We are all good, thank you.
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A long life full of love and laughter … which sounds like she was an example for all of us.
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My sympathies, too, Val. It’s hard to lose someone you love.
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Enjoy your break, Frank. I dropped the ball on our collaboration, but have resolved to get that done during your break. With fall here and my art show commitments over, I have more time for creative endeavors, so be looking for an email from me. All the best! Cathy
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Enjoy your blog break, Frank. You’re definitely not going to be idle by the sound of things. 🙂 Love the Hollies track. I remember dancing to this song in my ‘long, cool’ era. 🙂
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Have a great break, Frank!
I loved the Fallon bit. Many years ago in my acting days, I did the “Who’s on First” skit. (Mine was the Jimmy Fallon part). It was one of the hardest bits I’ve ever done — partly because it is all in the timing, and partly because everybody knows it, and is trying to figure out how you’re going to make it my own. Ours was an OK version, I think. But it made me realize that the old guys were the masters. Even these guys — some of the funniest in our time — weren’t as good as the old guys. Abbott & Costello were brilliant.
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Elyse,
Great perspective about the skill of the masters. I’m with you as gotta love the Fallon bit. Great that he got others involved.
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Oops — I forgot the other part of my comment.
I can’t believe you’re taking a break now that I have time to read blogs again! Auntie Em, Auntie Em, come back!
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Elyse,
The break is in order. Besides, time has to be allotted for determining the next musical!
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I had actually noticed a perceived drop in enthusiasm around your blogosphere interactions lately, as if it was starting to become a bit of a chore. Enjoy your break, and your many other life pursuits!
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Alisha,
Yep … I simply haven’t been able to get around as much as I like – and that’s in the equation leading to the break. Then again, I usually take one this time of year. Thanks for the kind words and for your kindness.
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Have a wonderful break. You deserve it.
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Dance,
Many thanks.
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Good rest, good re-create, good change of pace….all good, as you say.
I worked with ESL for many years. It’s extremely rewarding!
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Cynthia,
Definitely all good! … and thanks for the ESL encouragement.
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Enjoy your break, Frank, and enjoy life. You have so much going on that it sounds like you need one. The videos were great. Thanks for sharing them with us. 🙂
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Robin,
As I’ve said many times, blog breaks are good. Thanks. 🙂
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Frank, Happy Holidays, bon voyage!
ah… Long Cool Woman…. Cool! Think I’ll wear a black dress tonight!
All the videos were fun.
Stairway To Heaven with bells… interesting!
The best, though is your tango music by Martynas, amazing & have the best & most fun dance!
🙂 🙂
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Resa,
Glad you enjoyed the musical selections in this post … which is quite the variety! A black dress tonight? Hmmmm … what’s on the schedule?
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Dinner with friends!
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Dinner with friends means wine too. 😉
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🙂 Yes, wine will be there. For sure, it will be red wine to go with my black dress! 😉
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An excellent combination … have a good time.
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😀 😀 TY
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🙂 … Because it’s the day after, did you have a good time?
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I had a great time! Thank you, Frank!
Looking forward to a Tango post…maybe? 🙂
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Hooray for a good time. Only a slim chance of a tango post … but this one can at least hold you over. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/on-tango/
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Frank, you have so much going on, it amazes me that you fit in as much time for blogging as you do. Plus, your comments are often priceless. I completely understand your need to take a break. Hey, I’ve been on an extended one since May, I’m on such overload. I wish you a hole-in-one on your hiatus and take a break from your break to share that tale, should it happen!
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Lame,
We like to stay busy with things we like to do … but we find a balance in life, thus also have time to do nothing.
As you know, I’m a blog-breaks-are-good believer – so I knew a fall break would happen – thus just a matter of when. Hope your bout with craziness is going OK.
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It does come through that you’re busy with the things you like to do, so at least it’s a good busy. Things are going to get even crazier over here in the weeks ahead, but I’m mentally prepared (I think/hope).
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Hang in there … be strong … and give yourself on occasional beer. … How was the NYC Film Festival?
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Thanks for the advice. The NYFF opens tonight with “The Walk”! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR1EmTKAWIw ($100 a ticket) Milton and I will be there in the cheap ($20) seats! We’re psyched!
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Interesting trailer … enjoy!
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It’s also in 3D. That should wreak havoc with Milton’s vertigo.
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… and I imagine you know how to needle him just enough.
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He’s got it bad. I don’t needle when it’s happening. He got a hardcore attack of it last spring when we saw “An American in Paris” on Broadway from the rafters. He could not look down at the stage until the lights lowered. Fortunately, the show was so terrific and he was so mesmerized, he completely forgot about it … Until intermission and the lights went back up. Then he was okay again for the second half.
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Have a great rest Frank. I will miss you though.
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John,
Many thanks … and you are one of the good ones!
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You deserve a break–enjoy. I stumble into breaks without really planning them–your way sounds so much better. Thanks as usual for the videos, especially “Who’s on First?” Delightful! When you wander back to posting, it will be like Christmas morning for us–but the anticipation is fun too. Be good to yourself!
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Patti,
For me, I find planned breaks better. Of course, the unexpected emergency breaks understandably happen. Nonetheless, I’m one who believes in announcing the break so those who care don’t worry if something happened. Glad you enjoyed this unique version of “Who’s on First?” …. and many thanks for the kind words.
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You do realize of course that you are going to be missed, don’t you?! But you also know we agree on blogging breaks. I may be taking one as well [at least for next week].
It’s been a long time since you added a handbell link and it was really nice listening while reading. Enjoy your break, my dear friend and …get back refreshed and happier! 🙂
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Marina,
I haven’t added many handbell links because I’m not as familiar with the tunes as I was when I played. But who knows, maybe I can get some ideas. Nonetheless, glad you enjoyed the rock classic on handbells.
Many thanks for the kind words. I’m humbled by the small but special band of loyal readers here – and the special relationships that have developed.
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Have a great break and thanks for my favorite comedy routine!!
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George,
Thanks … and glad you found a video to enjoy.
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I ways enjoy Abbott and Costello.
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You’re a good man, Charlie Brown. Enjoy your break and see you on the other side…
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Cayman,
Thank you kind sir … and wishing you and the Dolphins all the best.
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Oh dear Frank!
You are a busy bee.
BTW – Once upon a time – I used to work at a community college – as an (ABE/GED)/ESL Testing Coordinator. I liked meeting all sorts of people from different parts of the world. Before that – I took on a part -time job – last min request to take on a beginning ESL class. I had a blast.
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RoSy,
Thanks for the ESL encouragement! So far, so good. The last part of the class involves small group discussions, and that’s been interesting. Meanwhile, staying busy beats sitting around. 🙂
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You’re welcome.
True that!
{Hugs}
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Frank, You take ALL the time you need. I have plenty posts of yours to read while you are gone. HUGS Sarah
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Sarah,
Oh there’s plenty to read. Heck, I wouldn’t know where to tell you to start. Here’s a start. Aim for one post in each Category on the sidebar.
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Good idea.
I love going to visit you. I can get lost there for hours.
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Remember, I have already started at the very beginning. With your first few posts WAY BACK WHEN.
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Lots of stuff … I started during the 2008 election as a politics and sports blog … then branched out.
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You really branched out. LOL
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Just a little 😉
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Your Level 1 blogging break (with some creep into Level 2) is well-deserved and no-doubt will reap many benefits. I look forward to a full report on the nature of your gained insights, and to which ends of the earth you went to find them.
BRAVOS for volunteering with ballroom dance for those with Down Syndrome and other disabilities, and for the English Second Language (ESL) program for adults. Pope Francis would highly approve.
I really enjoyed the recording of “Stairway To Heaven,” although I can hear a bass guitar and drum set fitting well with the handbells in Ron Mallory’s arrangement.
Glad to hear that after you secretly and foolishly worked for 6-8 weeks this year to add to your game what I’ve been telling you it would take for you to become a 5-7 handicapper, that you regained your senses (“But I coulda been a contenda!”) and returned to the “See the ball, Hit the ball” formula that got you to your PREORDAINED 10-12 handicap lot-in-life.
P.S. The BGSU campus was awesome! So was the Falcons beating the Purdue Boilermakers!!!
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Tim,
Glad you had a good trip to my old campus, a special place in my heart. Meanwhile, thanks for the support and kind words.
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I forgot to add that thanks to your driving range session, I am now prepared to provide “verification” that I’m no longer one of Marlon Brando’s “. . instead of a bum” 20 handicappers.
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But … have you cancelled your subscription to Golf Digest (or whatever magazine you get)?
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i can remember many spring/summer/fall stretches during which my putting was nothing but 20-footers hitting the back of the cup and tee shots hitting the back of a cart on a parallel fairway. then the next week would be pitches that land and stick within a foot of the cup and fairway woods that land and stick within the middle of a sandtrap. easy come, easy go, and that ain’t just a bobby sherman song.
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Rich,
Golf is a tough game, and as I like to remind others, there is a reason why we aren’t seen on TV during the final rounds of the tournament – thus why we play in weekday leagues.
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but that’s why i like the US Open. higher rough and fringe make things a little tougher, usually.
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Watching the US Open is my favorite … but I root for the course, thus hope the winner is above par.
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zzzacktly. makes them look a little more human. and an occasional thrown club helps too.
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I think 2016 is at Oakmont … my favorite.
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I absolutely loved you playing the handbells, but I’m still happy you are ball room dancing. Recently, I had to cut back on what I was working on because it wouldn’t allow me to focus on the things I really needed to. Oh and by the way, I’m sure your golf game is amazing :).
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Kia,
Golf game is OK, but like anything, it’s relative. Meanwhile, dance does continue, and I still enjoy listening to handbells … actually attended a concert yesterday!
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For a guy taking a break, you still managed to reply to every single person who commented! Cracking me up …
I’m right there with you, Frank. I took a somewhat unexpected and involuntary break last week and was completely detached from WiFi, to boot (out to sea for my brother’s destination wedding). And it was very good to get that break. I love writing, but life does seem top heavy right now. I hope when and if it becomes necessary (which it very well may), I will have the courage to make the choice you have and step back for a bit.
Enjoy every moment! See you in a while.
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Erik,
Oh yes … still in the phasing out stage as I’ve been replying. Not visiting much and will stop commenting soon. “Blogging breaks are good” is a worthy mantra, Although I will stay away from my little corner of the world, I’m hoping to make some writing time … on the other hand, my focus is on being away … and then when I return, I will probably phase in by starting with some visits before posting.
Congratulations to our brother on his wedding. Sounds like a destination wedding on a cruise ship. Great idea, so I hope all went well.
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Enjoy your break I tend to take impromptu breaks too. I come and go. So take your time off and we’ll meet up in the future.
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Kim,
Many thanks for the kind wishes. I tend to plan my blog breaks … well, at least semi-plan because there are times that can fall upon one that demands a break. In this case, it’s simply my fall blog break.
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You have many really engaging interests, Frank, and I don’t know how you do it all and still maintain such a dedicated schedule of writing and posting. I think you’ve definitely earned a solid break, and although you’ll be missed, I like the idea! I hope you feel the benefit. 🙂
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Debra,
Thanks for the kind words and the support you’ve given me for many years. I’m starting to ease my way back into the scene.
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Enjoy your break, Frank. You will be missed. Come back well rested and full of pithy things to share. (Love your “life after retirement” list–it gave WW and me some ideas to pursue.) All the best.
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E-Tom,
Starting to get back into the swing with responses. Hope all is well at the new digs, and hi to WW for me. Remember, don’t watch the next GOP debate!!!!!
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I searched for you today, as I have just replaced my old computer, and with emails flying hither and yon during the change-over, thought I had somehow “blocked” your new post announcements….By now you will be well into your blogging break and I would like to wish you many happy days, away from your computer, enjoying the “real world”. And looking on the bright side, this will give me an opportunity to catch up on some of your previous posts! Best wishes to you, Frank. 🙂
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Joanne,
Thanks for thinking of me. Blogging break is winding down as I’m starting to make myself seen little by little.
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Breakfast with BB this morning. That’s a happy friday!
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Rich,
I missed it for a good reason, but I’m happy you caught the treat.
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it was a morning fill-in, then a regular afternoon shift, so a double feature.
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A double feature? Wow! You were a lucky guy!
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