Pal Rip
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1386 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Oct 7th, 2024 02:03 am To My Beloved Pal:
This is my first time posting at the Ralphsite but for the last 10 years I have posted daily at Rainbows Bridge. Pal my beloved mini-dachshund who was with me for more than 16 years. I lost him on August 25, 2014. It has been a long time but my life has never been the same. I have gone on and a few months after I lost Pal, Taz came into my life and has been with me ever since. I love Taz with all of my heart but he and I have never been as close as Pal and I were. After I lost Pal, I feared that as time went by I would forget about him so in order to remember him I started to post messages to him every day. It is now a habit of mine. I am so glad to be a member of this forum now. Thank you. |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1387 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Oct 8th, 2024 12:01 am To My Beloved Pal:
On August 25, 2014 I saw you for the last time and since that time I have been posting messages to you on Rainbows Bridge every day. Now I am on the Ralph site but I am sure that you will still know what I am writing to you. I miss you and I love you and you will always be with me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1388 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Oct 8th, 2024 11:23 am To My Beloved Pal:
This autumn weather is so beautiful here in Connecticut. This was always the favorite time of the year for you and I. This is my third day on the Ralph site. I just want to thank everybody who is involved in running this forum. It is such a big help fore someone like myself who still wishes to keep the memory of my beloved Pal alive. Thank you. |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1389 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Oct 9th, 2024 10:52 am To My Beloved Pal:
The first thing that I do in the morning is take Taz outside to pee and then I sit in front of the computer spilling my thoughts to you. When I do this I somehow feel like you are still with in a small way. I have been doing this for more than 10 years. It is now part of my everyday life. Thank you for listening to me and for always watching out for me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1390 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Oct 10th, 2024 12:20 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I feel so bad for all of the people who are affected by Hurricane Milton. I pray that no lives are lost and that property damage is minimal. I also pray for the safety of all of the four-legged companions down there. It seems like every every major storm there are some furry companions that will become separated from their human companions and thus became homeless. Hopefully those separations will also be kept to a minimum.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1391 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Oct 11th, 2024 12:27 pm To My Beloved Pal:
For the first time in the last six months, there was frost on the ground this morning. It was only a few weeks ago when the temperatures were in the 90's. It will not be long until the snow is here. That is the beauty of New England weather, we have four seasons.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1392 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Oct 12th, 2024 12:39 pm To My Beloved Pal:
The television stations have started showing the Christmas movies non-stop. It is not even Halloween. It seems to be too early. I love the holiday season but the way the start so early now I will be tired of it before Thanksgiving.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1393 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Oct 13th, 2024 06:29 pm To My Beloved Pal:
It has been more than two months since Taz's back surgery. After the surgery he developed an infection and he was in the hospital for three weeks. He is slowly getting back to normal. I really feel that when things looked the bleakest for him that you were watching over him to see that he would recover just like you are always watching over me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1394 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Oct 14th, 2024 10:44 am To My Beloved Pal:
I was out yesterday in the beautiful, autumn weather and I started to remember all of the good times that you and I would have this time of the year. We would go to the apple orchard. Dan was just a little boy then and you, him and I would pick apples. We would always buy some apple cider and your favorite part was the apple fritters and the apple cider donuts. I would always share mine with you. The apple orchard is no longer there. Now a development of houses sit on that land but the memories will always be with me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1395 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Oct 15th, 2024 11:05 am To My Beloved Pal:
I went to a college basketball game at the casino last night so Taz was left alone in the house for a few hours. When that happens he gets very angry at me so he was up barking all night long. There is a Krispy Kreme donut shop in the casino so I did bring donut home for Taz. You used to loved Krispy Kreme donuts. 20 years ago there was a shop only two miles from the house so you would get those donuts while they were still hot. That donut shop is no longer there. Now it is an urgent care medical clinic.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1398 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Oct 16th, 2024 10:53 am To My Dearest Pal:
Just a couple of months ago I was complaining to you about how hot it was outside. The temperatures would go up to 95 degrees every day. Now when I wake up in the morning the temperatures are in the 20's and there is frost on the ground. That is the way the weather is here in New England. You never minded how the weather was. The time time that it bothered you was when there was a sudden change in the temperature. If the temperature was in the 90's one day but only in the 50's the next day, you would be bothered by that.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1399 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Oct 17th, 2024 10:13 am To My Beloved Pal:
Two weeks from today is Halloween. Back when you and Dan were both young, I would have the house decorated for Halloween. I also always carved a jack o lantern to put out front. You and I always took Dan out early to trick or treat on Halloween night because we wanted to be home in time to give out the candy when the trick or treaters rang our doorbell. You loved seeing all the children dressed up in their costumes. The house is not decorated these days and Dan is a grown man but I still give to the candy on Halloween night.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1400 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Oct 18th, 2024 12:03 pm To My Beloved Pal:
This weekend the carnival is in town. It is only a half a mile from the house. You, me and Dan used to walk down there every year. You and I would watch Dan go on the rides. Your favorite part was the food. You always loved sharing an ice cream with me and Dan would always share his French fries with you. You loved seeing all of the carnival lights at night. It has been many years since I have visited the carnival but this year I might take a walk down there and look at the lights and remember you.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1401 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Oct 19th, 2024 09:59 am To My Beloved Pal:
I am getting ready to run the Hartford Marathon this morning. I started to run marathons not long after you came into my life. When I would return home after running the 26.2 miles you would be so excited to see me. That was so long ago and I am alot slower now. I am almost 70 years old sand this will be my final Hartford Marathon. All good things must come to an end.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1402 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Oct 20th, 2024 02:19 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I just returned home from Sunday Mass. I usually attend the Saturday Vigil Mass but yesterday I was running a marathon so I had to go to Sunday Mass instead. Even though I do not consider myself to be a religious person I always attend Mass because 50 years ago when I was a teenager serving in the Army in Vietnam I promised that I got out of there alive I would never miss Mass after. I kept that promise for more than 45 years until Covid caused the Churches around here to be closed down for many months.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1403 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Oct 21st, 2024 11:05 am To My Beloved Pal:
The leaves are staring to fall from the trees. Pretty soon I will have to start raking. You would always be outside with me when I would rake the leaves. I would rake them into a pile and then you would run through that pile, messing it up so I would have to rake them all over again. I would pretend to get mad at you but you could always see right through me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1404 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Oct 22nd, 2024 11:20 am To My Beloved Pal:
On August 25, 2014 you and I saw each other for the last time. I always feared that as time went by that I would forget about you. That is why I started to post messages to you every day, for 10 years on Rainbows Bridge and on this forum. I will never forget you but my fear now is after all these years that you have forgotten me. I worry that when I cross over to the other side you will not know who I am.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1405 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 10:44 am To My Beloved Pal:
Taz is almost completely recovered from his back surgery. The surgery was hard enough on him but then he developed an infection which left him in the hospital for three weeks. No more jumping on chairs and sofas for him. From now on the room with the furniture in them are blocked off for him if I am not there. You never jumped on anything in 16 and a half years but Taz has been jumping on furniture ever since he came here. During his hard time when he was not doing well I know that you were watching over him and me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1406 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Oct 24th, 2024 12:28 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Tomorrow is my birthday. I stopped celebrating my birthday 50 years ago when I was 18 years old and far away from home serving in the Army. I like celebrating the birthdays of others but not mine. Even though I do not celebrate my birthday I started to buy a small ice cream cake for you and I to share on my birthday. We both loved ice cream. After you left 10 years ago I stopped buying the ice cream cakes. You would be surprised to hear that I eat very little ice cream these days. That just happened with the last few months. You and I would have ice cream every night. I guess everything changes in time.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1407 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Oct 25th, 2024 12:20 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I raked some leaves yesterday as they have started to fall off the trees. You remember hoe I always complained whenever I had to rake leaves? Last year I had to hire someone to do it because I was still suffering from the broken leg that I sustained after I was struck by a driver who was texting and I was in a cast that covered my entire leg for three months. This year I was happy to be out there moving around once again.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1409 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Oct 26th, 2024 12:24 pm To My Beloved Pal:
This is the Saturday before Halloween. This was the day when the businesses in town would give out candy to the trick or treaters. When Dan was a boy I always took him out on this day and you always came along with us. One year I actually dressed you up in a pumpkin costume but you did not like it so I never did that again.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1410 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Oct 27th, 2024 08:18 pm To My Beloved Pal:
We are coming up to the anniversary of the October snowstorm. It happened on October 29, 2011. 20 inches of snow fell. The leaves were still on the trees and the weight of the snow caused the branches to fall onto the power lines and we were left without power for two w weeks. The gas stations that were still open had lines of over an hour as people were buying gas to fuel up their generators and the restaurants that were opened had people waiting for more than two hours. Luckily for us we just drove 40 miles down to our house at the shore. It was 65 degrees there. I shoveled snow in the morning and mowed the lawn in the afternoon. That here Halloween was postponed until the middle of November around here.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1411 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Oct 28th, 2024 09:50 am To My Beloved Pal:
When I wrote to you yesterday I spoke about the October 2011 snowstorm. The entire year of 2011 was a year of extreme weather. In January of 2011 we had over 100 inches of snow in that one month alone and in August of 2011 Hurricane Irene hit us knocking out the power for four days. The extreme weather continued past 2011, because in October 2012 Hurricane Sandy hit us and in February 2013 we had a blizzard that left us with 40 inches of snow. Weather like that would always make me nervous but you were always so calm. Nothing ever bothered you and your calmness would make me feel better.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1412 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Oct 29th, 2024 10:29 am To My Beloved Pal:
Halloween is only two days away. I have bought all of the candy to give out to the trick or treaters. You loved Halloween. You and I would go out early trick or treating with dan and when we returned home we would all hand out the treats. You loved seeing the children in their costumes. Back in those days there were not many children living in the neighborhood but these days there are alot and now Taz enjoys seeing the chlldren in their costumes.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1413 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Oct 30th, 2024 11:08 am To My Beloved Pal:
Tomorrow id Halloween but it will not feel like it outside. The temperature is supposed to hit 85 degrees on Halloween which will be the warmest it has ever been on October 31st here. Normally the average high temperature for this time of the year is around 50 degrees. That means that alot of children will be out tomorrow night trick or treating. I look forward to giving out candy.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1416 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Oct 31st, 2024 12:16 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I am just getting everything set up for the trick or treaters who will come tonight. I have bought alot of candy to give out and I have a pumpkin outside the door. I am sure that there will be many trick or treaters because we are having summer type weather. I will have to keep Taz in a separate room but he does not it when someone rings the doorbell.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1417 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Nov 1st, 2024 11:01 am To My Beloved Pal:
It was a nice Halloween. The weather was beautiful and about 50 trick or treaters came to the house. Last year there were a few more but back when you were with me we never had more than 20. Taz does not it when the doorbell is rung but it was only for one night and now everything is back to normal.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1418 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Nov 2nd, 2024 11:16 am To My Beloved Pal:
Last fall after I was hit by the car and suffered a broken leg, I was laid up for three months, stuck in the house, unable to enjoy the autumn season. I felt bad about that but this year I have made up for it. For the last two and a half months the weather has been the best. Hardly any rain and the temperatures have been summer like. It has been an enjoyable autumn season for me this year making up for everything that I missed last year.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1419 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Nov 3rd, 2024 12:15 pm To My Beloved Pal:
After a two weeks with temperatures in the 80's, this morning actually felt like November here in Connecticut. The temperatures were in the 20's and there was widespread frost. When I took Taz outside to pee, he was confused by the sudden drop in the temperature. At this time of the year we could see snow at any time. I will have to get the snow shovel out.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1420 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Nov 4th, 2024 11:23 am To My Beloved Pal:
The leaves are falling off the trees so that means that I have alot of raking to do. Even though I had most of the trees in the yard cut down the trees in the neighbor's yards have alot of leaves and they blow into the yard. You would always be out there with me whenever I would rake leaves. I would rake them into a pile and then you would run through the pile messing it up so I would have to rake them all over again. I would pretend to get angry with you but you always saw right through me. I miss those days so much.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1421 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Nov 5th, 2024 10:46 am To My Beloved Pal:
It has been almost two months since Taz had his back surgery. He is doing so much better now. He is almost back to being 100 percent. I have to make sure that he does not overdo it and I have certain rooms in the house blocked off now to prevent him from jumping up on chairs and sofas. When he was first injured I questioned whether I should subject him to back surgery. He is more than 10 years old. Now I am so happy that he had the surgery when I look at him in the house.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1422 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Nov 6th, 2024 10:26 am To My Beloved Pal:
Another 80 degree day is forecasted today. This feels like summer. It should only be about 50 degrees this time of the year. We have had such beautiful weather since the middle of August. I started to take Taz out for short walks once again. This is his first time out since his back surgery three months ago. He is so happy to be moving around again and out of pain.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1423 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Nov 7th, 2024 12:32 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I have to have tests done today on my kidney. I did not know until I was 60 years old that I was born with only one kidney and eight years ago that one kidney started to fail. At that point the Doctor told me that without a transplant or dialysis, I would be dead within six months. Being in my 60's at that point I decided to not do anything and just pass away peacefully. I made all of my final arrangements, said my goodbyes and prepared to enter hospice care. Here I am all these years later running marathons and living an active life. I am so glad that I made the decision that I did then.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1424 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Nov 8th, 2024 12:01 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I am so grateful that The Ralph Site exists. I have been coming here for the past month. I posted on the Rainbows Bridge forum for more than 10 years but in the last few months what was a site for those of us grieving the loss of your beloved four-legged companions became the site of some ugly political discourse which was totally unrelated to the original purpose of it's intention. Thank you so much for giving me a place where I can still post my messages to Pal on a daily basis.
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1425 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Nov 10th, 2024 12:14 am To My Beloved Pal:
I just returned home from running a marathon today. When you were with me I would only run one or two a year. This tear I ran 18. I am almost 70 years old now and I run those to sat in shape. Also the weather here is so beautiful in the spring and fall and I want to be outside as much as possible.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1426 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Nov 10th, 2024 10:02 pm To My Beloved Pal:
This week Taz has to get his rabies shot. He should have had it two months ago but he was recovering from his back surgery. I remember your final rabies shot. It was only a couple of months before I lost you and you still were not feeling well from the oral surgery that you had a couple of months before that. The rabies shot set you back in your recovery. I really man sorry that I put you through that. You were more than 16 years old and and that point you were not leaving the house. I am sorry that I put you through that painful experience.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1427 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Nov 11th, 2024 10:44 am To My Beloved Pal:
Today is Veteran's Day. As is my tradition on this day, I will get my free donut for Veteran's Day at Dunkin Donuts and I will share it with Taz just like I would always share my donut on this day with you. I usually just get a plain donut. Tomorrow the town is planning to have a Veteran's reception and I will attend that. It was 50 years ago when I served. I was so young then and even after all of these years I am still upset by the way we were treated then when we returned home from Vietnam.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1432 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Nov 12th, 2024 10:51 am To My Beloved Pal:
It finally feels like November outside. For the last two months we have been having summer type weather but this morning it is cold outside with widespread frost on the ground. Taz was surprised when I took him out to pee. He is used to the warm weather and the sudden cold temperatures surprised him. It will noe be long until the snow comes.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1433 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Nov 13th, 2024 10:23 am To My Beloved Pal:
Now that it is cold outside I do not go out for my run/walk until later in the morning. Back in the summer when the temperatures would hit 95 degrees I would be out at the crack of dawn. Now I wait a few hours until it begins to warm up a little and it is light outside.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1434 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Nov 14th, 2024 12:14 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. When you were here, every holiday was a big event. I would cook alot of food and many people would be over for dinner. It would be alot of work and a long day but you liked seeing people and you loved me sharing my dinner with you. Things have changed so much in these last 10 years. Dan is down up and living on his own and because of my health issues I cannot eat very much. The work also got to be too much for me so these days I do not really celebrate the holiday. I just stay home with Taz. I actually like the holidays better now than I did before. Things are much more quieter and easier now.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1435 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Nov 15th, 2024 12:07 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Taz had his rabies shot yesterday. He was supposed to get it in the summer but his back surgery delayed that. He is suffering the after effects of the shot today. He is acting lethargic. I will be home watching over him today. He is always there for me when I am not feeling well so I will be there for him.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1437 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Nov 16th, 2024 12:07 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Taz is recovered now from feeling the after effects of his rabies shot. It is going to be a nice day today so I am going to a college football game. The school is not very large and I did receive my Master's Degree there. Veterans are getting free admission to the game today so I figured that I will go also it is only about five miles from the house so it is convenient.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1438 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Nov 17th, 2024 12:33 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I went out to the mall last night to buy some See's chocolates as Christmas gifts. The local See's is only open during the holiday season. When I came home I remembered that when Dan was just a boy I would buy Lindt chocolate bars to put in his stocking. On two Christmas seasons I did that and when I got home I put the chocolate in another room. They were in a box. On both of those occasions you found where the chocolate was, got it out of the box and ate the entire bar. I called the Vet but because Lindt chocolate is pure milk chocolate you never even got sick. After that whenever I would buy chocolate it would go onto a shelf where it was out of your reach.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1439 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Nov 18th, 2024 11:07 am To My Beloved Pal:
It was 70 degrees yesterday so I put up the outside Christmas lights. By the end of the week the temperatures will not go above freezing so yesterday was the perfect day to do it. When both you and Dan were young I would put a big tree up in the house but now I just have a small table top tree with the lights already on it. I do not do very much decorating these days.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1440 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Nov 19th, 2024 10:56 am To My Beloved Pal:
Back when you were with me, you and I would always visit the nursing home a few days before Thanksgiving and again at Christmas. The people residing there were happy to see some new faces and they loved seeing you. I kept up that tradition with Taz until Covid hit. Since those days the nursing homes do not let people come in like they used to. I miss those days but now I am older than many of the people living in those homes.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1441 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Nov 20th, 2024 10:42 am To My Beloved Pal:
The holiday season is almost here and we are still not together. I miss you so much. Eight years ago when the Doctors told me that I was suffering from kidney failure I was told that me kidney would totally shut down within six months. I was actually happy to hear that news because that meant that I would be with you again. I am still here though. Since then I suffered the fall that broke eight ribs and was struck by an SUV that actually left me clinically dead until CPR was performed and I am still here. I pray every night that I will not wake up the following morning but when the morning comes I am still here. I have lived a full life and I just want to cross over and join you at the Rainbow Bridge.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1442 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Nov 21st, 2024 11:01 am To My Beloved Pal:
We are going to have heavy rain today before it changes to snow as it turns colder. We have not had any rain in the last three months and the weather has been summer like. This makes up for last fall when I was struck by the SUV whose driver was texting. Between the head injury and the broken ankle and foot, I was stuck in the house for three months with a cast on that covered my entire leg. This fall has made up for everything that I missed last year.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1443 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Nov 22nd, 2024 12:24 pm To My Beloved Pal:
We had heavy rain yesterday with strong winds so the yard is now full of leaves. You remember how I had the big trees in our yard cut down many years ago but one of the neighbors has trees in his yard and when the leaves fall they come into our yard. That is not that bad but when we have hurricane the branches of trees that are that big fall unto to the power lines knocking out our electricity for many days. People will spend money on everything else except their trees and that can cause so much damage.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1444 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Nov 23rd, 2024 12:12 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I am so thankful for TheRalphSite. I am still able to post my messages to you every day and that makes me feel like you are still here with me. On Rainbowsbridge.com I would have to spend an hour or so every day responding to people who posted on my thread. Now I can just post my message to you and not have countless numbers respond to my postings.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1445 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Nov 24th, 2024 09:17 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Yesterday was the Saturday before Thanksgiving and as always I volunteered at the Thanksgiving food collection drive. The cars drove up and handed me what they were donated. Many turkeys were donated along with other types of food which will be distributed to needy families in the area. This is one of my favorite things that I do every year. When the weather was nice you would stand outside with me but yesterday you would not have been able to do it. It was very cold, windy and rainy all day long.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1446 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Nov 25th, 2024 10:59 am To My Beloved Pal:
The weather forecast is calling for a possible snowstorm here in Connecticut on Thanksgiving Day. I do not have anybody coming over to the house that day so it will not affect me. I am running a race early that morning but that should be before the snow arrives. Hopefully the snow comes after people have gone home after their Thanksgiving dinner. It is a big holiday and I want to see people enjoy it.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1447 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Nov 26th, 2024 10:35 am To My Beloved Pal:
The snowstorm that was forecasted to hit us on Thanksgiving Day is now just projected to be just heavy rain with gusty wind. Hopefully, people will not lose their electricity when they are cooking Thanksgiving Dinner. We are supposed to get heavy rains today also on top of the three days of rain that we had last week. I am not complaining though because for three months we had the nicest stretch of weather that I have ever witnessed in my 70 years.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1448 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Nov 27th, 2024 10:28 am To My Beloved Pal:
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. When you were with me it was a big day for us. I would make a turkey with all the sides in addition to pie for dessert and there would be many family and friends over for dinner. It was alot of work but you liked seeing people. Those days are long past. Because of my kidney failure my Doctor wants me to be at least 40 pounds below my normal weight so I cannot eat vey much these days so those big dinners are no longer for me. Now Thanksgiving is just Taz and I. I will run a 5K race early in the morning and then Taz and I will watch "The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on television followed by "The National Dog Show" and then some football. It is still Thanksgiving so I bought a frozen dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing and gravy and that will be the holiday dinner for Taz and I. I actually enjoy the day much more now than I did when all the people would be over the house.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1449 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Nov 28th, 2024 10:51 am To My Beloved Pal:
I am getting ready to leave the house to run the Thanksgiving Day 5K road race. It is raining hard but after running/walking 18 marathons this past year, 3.1 miles will be a breeze. Usually on Thanksgiving night I like to walk around the neighborhood looking at the houses all lit up for Christmas but with it being raining this year I will just stay home with Taz.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1450 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Nov 29th, 2024 12:11 pm To My Beloved Pal:
I did not celebrate Thanksgiving yesterday. I ran the 5K race early in the morning and the weather during the entire day was cold with heavy rain and I was not expecting anybody over the house so it was just another day for Taz and I. Holidays mean nothing to me anymore and I really hope that I do not live to see many more of them.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1451 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Nov 30th, 2024 12:13 pm To My Beloved Pal:
When I was younger I loved the holiday season with the bright lights and all of the holiday parties. I would get so down when January came and the long, cold, snowy winter was here. Now it is the opposite. I get upset during the holiday season. Maybe after 70 years I have seen too many holiday seasons. Now I look forward to when January gets here and everything is quiet.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1452 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Dec 1st, 2024 12:23 pm To My Beloved Pal:
The temperature outside is 18 degrees. It has not been this cold since the middle of last February. I am heading out for my walk now. I go out every day. Usually I go 12-15 miles a days but I have some things to do this afternoon so I will only do eight miles this morning.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1454 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Dec 2nd, 2024 11:13 am To My Beloved Pal:
We are forecasted to receive our first snowfall of the season on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. We are forecasted to get about three inches of snow which is not much for us here but it is the first one of the year and then the temperatures are not even expected to get out of the teens for a few days after that. Winter is here. The snow shovel is out. Here I am at 70 years old still shoveling the snow. Remember when I bought a snowblower? I used it a few times but I never liked it so I sold it. Shoveling is good exercise for me.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1455 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Dec 3rd, 2024 11:17 am To My Beloved Pal:
Yesterday I bought a new phone. When you were young not many people even had their own computers and there were even fewer cell phones. So much has changed since 1998. Even in the 10 years since you have been gone so much has changed from a technological standpoint. I always have been the last one to adapt to anything but in this day and age I really do not have any choice.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1456 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Dec 4th, 2024 10:24 am To My Beloved Pal:
When I took Taz out this morning there was a light coating of snow on the ground. It was the first of the season for us. Tonight we are forecasted to get an additional three inches. Just a month ago the temperatures were 85 degrees. The weather has changed so much since you were here with me. Back in those days snow started to fall in late October-early November. Now winter comes later. It is going to be cold for a couple of days but by next week it is supposed to go up to 60 degrees once again. The days of when you would want me to put you on top of those high snowbanks are long gone now.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1457 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Dec 5th, 2024 12:34 pm To My Beloved Pal:
There ia some heavy snow coming down outside now. We are forecasted to get around five inches before it stops. I will go outside to shovel as soon as it does. This will be a stay to stay home.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1458 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Dec 6th, 2024 12:41 pm To My Beloved Pal:
The snow on the ground looks so pretty before Christmas but after that I cannot wait for winter to end. You and I went through some big snowstorms together. In January of 2011 we had 100 inches of snow in that one month alone. It seemed like we had a storm every other day. The worst blizzard though was in February of 2013. We had 40 inches of snow in that one. Snow was falling at a rate of six inches an hour. Every two hours I would have to go back outside to shovel. I was up the entire night because when I took you out in the morning I did not want you to have to walk outside in the heavy snow to pee. I also always shoveled a path on the lawn for you to walk around in.
I Love You,
Joe |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1459 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Dec 7th, 2024 12:18 pm To My Beloved Pal:
When you and Dan were both young, I used to bake so many Christmas cookies. I would spend two weeks just baking them to bring in to work and to give to family and friends. You would always stand next to me the entire time because you wanted to eat some cookies too. You hated waiting for them to cool enough for you to eat. I always gave you milk to go along with your cookies. Not long after you left I was diagnosed with kidney failure so I cannot eat very much anymore so the cookies are a thing of the past. I wished that Taz got to enjoy the same experience like you did. For a few years I would buy some Christmas cookies from the local baker but I do not even do that anymore.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1460 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Dec 8th, 2024 12:26 pm To My Beloved Pal:
This past Friday was Dan's birthday. When you and him were both young that was such a big day. I would get a cake for him and he would open his presents. Because his birthday was so close to Christmas, the tree would already be up. When you saw the tree and Dan's presents there you thought that it was actually Christmas Day so I would always have to buy a present t for you to open up also. Then we would have cake, which you would enjoy. On Dan's birthday this year he stopped over to the house and I ordered a whipped cream and fruit cake from the bakery. I gave him his presents and he shared a piece of his cake with Taz.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1461 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Dec 9th, 2024 11:12 am To My Beloved Pal:
The Christmas season used to be so busy when you were here with me. Between the shopping, decorating and baking, in addition to a steady stream of people coming over to the house you and I were constantly on the go. I also was still working during those days. Now with me being old and retired, the holiday season is really not any different than the rest of the year for me. Even though Taz and I are home by ourselves these days, I actually like it better now. Things are so much slower now.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1462 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Dec 10th, 2024 10:51 am To My Beloved Pal:
After last year after I was struck by the SUV and spent 79 days in a cast that covered my entire leg and walking with crutches, I was upset that I missed the entire Autumn season. This year more than made up for it. Until a month ago the weather was summer like with no rain at all and I really did many things. Running marathons, going to concerts and sporting events and attending fairs and carnivals, I was on the go for more than three months. Now things are slowing down but I am happy that I got to experience the beauty of fall in New England this year.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1463 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Dec 11th, 2024 10:25 am To My Beloved Pal:
Only two weeks until Christmas and three weeks until a New Year is here. When you and Dan were young the holiday season was always so busy. I remember your first Christmas so well. I had never had a dog in my life before so I did not know what you were thinking. On that first Christmas morning Dan was opening up all of his presents. I had not bought anything for you. I could tell that you wanted to join the fun and open your presents too but there were not any. I then went out. The only store open was 7-11 and they only thing that I could but there were some tennis balls. I bought them and wrapped them up when I came home and gave them to you. You were so happy to receive a Christmas present. After that I always made sure that there were presents for you under the tree.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1464 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Dec 12th, 2024 12:20 pm To My Beloved Pal:
The heavy rains and winds from yesterday have now ended so I will be able to get out today. It is very cold though but it is the middle of December. Last night Taz and I watched "Scrooge" on television. You and I used to always watch it together.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1465 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Dec 13th, 2024 12:22 pm To My Beloved Pal:
On Christmas Eve when you and Dan were young, Dan always left cookies and milk for Santa Claus. I had to make sure those cookies were out of your reach because you would eat them. Also I would have to block off the room where the Christmas Tree was because that night you would have unwrapped all the presents that I would put under the tree that night. You loved unwrapping presents even more than getting the presents themselves.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1466 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Dec 14th, 2024 12:57 pm To My Beloved Pal:
We are in the middle of some very cold weather here but it is December so that is normal for us here. You were born in Minnesota in February and you spent your first few months there so cold, winter weather was something that you were used to. In the summer I complain when it is very hot and in the winter I complain when it is very cold. At least we do get to experience all four seasons here.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1469 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Dec 15th, 2024 01:20 pm To My Beloved Pal:
It is 10 degrees outside as I am ready to leave for my daily 12-15 mile walk. As long as it is not snowing I will go out. It is good exercise and it gets me out of the house. When I get home Taz will be there waiting for me just like you used to me and then maybe I will watch some football.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1472 - by Pal Rip >> Mon Dec 16th, 2024 10:46 am To My Beloved Pal:
Christmas used to be so busy here when you and Dan were both young. I feel, sorry for Taz because he never got to see a little boy grow up in the house like you did. Taz has had a quiet life with just him and me and he has never gotten to experience some of the same joys that you did. On the other hand though you never had undivided attention on you that Taz has had on him.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1473 - by Pal Rip >> Tue Dec 17th, 2024 10:58 am To My Beloved Pal:
I was out in the cold on Sunday volunteering for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell and now I am feeling sick. I still have to volunteer at the toy drive this Saturday., I would like to deliver meals on Christmas Day for those who cannot get out of their houses but I have to be careful to not overdo it. You taught about the good feeling that you get when you help someone in need but as I am now almost 70 years old it is getting harder to do as much as I once did.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1474 - by Pal Rip >> Wed Dec 18th, 2024 10:12 am To My Beloved Pal:
One of my favorite times of the holiday season was when you and I would visit the local nursing home. We did that at Halloween and Thanksgiving also. The people residing there would be so happy to see someone come to see them and they all loved seeing you. After the pandemic came the nursing homes stopped allowing people to come in unless they had family there. I really miss doing that.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1475 - by Pal Rip >> Thu Dec 19th, 2024 12:55 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Even though it is very cold we will not have a white Christmas this year. We had a few of those when you and I were together. One year we had a blizzard on Christmas Day. People were supposed to come over to the house for Christmas dinner but the weather was too dangerous so we had everybody come over for dinner the following day. One year we had a blizzard on Christmas night but at least the weather was okay during the day. Now we usually start getting the big snowstorms here after Christmas.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1476 - by Pal Rip >> Fri Dec 20th, 2024 01:07 pm To My Beloved Pal:
Christmas week was always so exciting. Dan would be on vacation from school and I always took that week off from work. You were not used to having people at home with you all day long but you loved it. It was sad on January 2nd when I would go back to work and Dan would return to school. Now every day seems the same to me.
I Love You,
Joe
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1477 - by Pal Rip >> Sat Dec 21st, 2024 01:34 pm To My Beloved Pal:
When Dan was little, he would leave cookies and milk for Santa Claus on every Christmas Eve. I had to make sure that the cookies and milk were out of your reach because you would have eaten them. In those days I would have a big Christmas dinner with many people over. Those days are long gone and Taz and I just spend Christmas by ourselves after I get home from delivering meals to those who cannot get out. Taz went through so much this year with his back surgery and I am so glad that the is home with me so I bought a rib roast that I will cook for him and I to eat on Christmas Day.
I Love You,
Joe |
| Joe Slepski |
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Posted by: Pal Rip |
Posts: 78 - Joined: Mon Oct 7th, 2024 01:53 am
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#1478 - by Pal Rip >> Sun Dec 22nd, 2024 12:55 pm To My Beloved Pal:
We are in the middle of an arctic cold spell. The temperatures are not going above 10 degrees today. Yesterday I volunteered at the toy drive and I was able to walk to the Saturday Evening Vigil Mass but today I will stay in the house all day. At least with all of this cold weather we will have a White Christmas as there is some snow on the ground.
I Love You,
Joe
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