If Wishes Were Horses...

Since 1628.

@Ineeddentures Nope my people came from Sweden. I had used that expression for a long time but never knew where it originated.

@Vikingswest1 Aye. I'm guessing you were around then Haha Sorry

What is it that's preventing you from going back to Latvia? Your health? That bum knee? Funding? No idea about employment and housing once you get there? The fear of taking risks? I really believe that for every creeper out there, there are ten good people. It's hard to trust though, I know what you mean. But you never know, good people could pop into your life. Cats are a real good consolation prize. I have my dog Blue here with me

@Vikingswest1 right now the plan is to get through the hot summer and then see about a cat in the fall and then make other decisions.,

@RasmaSandra Yes. It's even hot here kitty corner from you in Washington State. A week ahead of 80's and possibly 90. That's unusual here. It usually is a couple of hot days here and there, not like this. I wish you luck in this heat

@Vikingswest1 Three cheers for you! Hep, hep. hurray! Hep, hep. hurray!, Hep, hep. hurray! I love your indomitable spirit! Keep going!

@Jenaisle I felt that if a sick little girl could be positive, darn it, I could too.

Not long ago, I was in the hospital after an emergency surgery. I was in bad shape. I had sepsis, got MRSA, had a dozen abscesses that ruptured, a hernia, a blood clot in my lung and breathing difficulties. I was thinking that I wasn't going to make it. That this might be "it." One afternoon, they were wheeling me somewhere to run tests. I only vaguely remember those days. I was pretty sick. We got to the elevator and when the door opened, there was this sick little girl. Her hair was gone, her skin was pale. There were tubes in her arms, in her nose, in her tummy. Her leg was in a cast. A bright pink cast. There was that moment of uncomfortable silence as the doors slid shut. I turned my head and looked at her. She smiled and said Hi! I might get to go home next week. I hope you get to go home too. A little girl, sick with cancer comforting me. The doors opened. I managed to choke out a good luck as she said goodbye while waving at me. The orderly looked at me and I asked, is she going to be okay? She said I'm not sure if she will even go home next week. I swallowed hard, nodded and looked away. Silence the rest of the way. I struggled with it all afternoon and it just struck me as so unfair that a little girl had to struggle through such a monumental catastrophe. I cried in my hospital bed praying for that little girl that night. When I was cried out, I promised myself that no matter what, I was going to remain positive. That I was going to heal. I was going to get up and walk. That I was going to do everything in my power to make myself better, stronger. I was released from the hospital and I walked to the car. I was unsteady, I was unsure, but I made it. I was going home.

Very nicely said. I have been on a journey of struggles but I can see a light now at the end of the tunnel. I have some work to do but I'm committed. I choose moving forward. Very nice to see you again.

I hate when that happens. I once paid for the few items a lady was trying to buy when her card wasn't working. She said I was a nice guy. Truth? I just didn't want to wait in line, lol.

@JudyEv I just found a library at YouTube and listened to the songs you mentioned above. I recognized the voice. I have listened to this artist before. I just can't yet place where and when. An Australian folksinger. Received the Member of the Order of Australia. Where will his farewell tour take him? Across Australia or across several countries?

@Vikingswest1 He is in his early 80s and has had treatment for cancer. I think it is just an Australian tour. My favourite would have to be 'A Reason for it All' with John Monroe.

@Vikingswest1 He lives in Australia now - has done for years. We used to have small concerts on our little property and he has sung there three times. He has put out some very emotive songs - commenting on society foibles, etc. He wrote 'No Man's Land' and 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda'. You might know these but perhaps not. We hope to get to his farewell tour in September.