Sunday 22 March 2009

Des Says too much sometimes

As some of you know, Des, my father, is one funny man.

He was my guest blogger a few times but he got sick and wasn't able to continue posting. He then told everyone who asked, that I had banned him from my blog because he was way funnier than me and I couldn't handle the competition.

Well he is right. He is funnier but I'm way more humble.

He still comes up with blog ideas and he and his 86 year old sister have long phone conversations about stories for 'my' blog. He has a list, he told me, should I run out of ideas. I'm too scared to look because the pair of them have long memories and they are bound to incriminate me in some horrific way or other. It is strange how long the blog tentacles extend sometimes, isn't it?

Humor is a wonderful quality to have and it's something you don't need to lose with age.

Des has shown me that people who can laugh at themselves, the situations they find themselves in and their misfortunes have a far easier passage through life. He has a unique perspective on life despite what gets thrown his way.

The nature of his health these days means that he has his good days and his bad days. A few weeks ago I took him to the National Museum. He was in his wheelchair. When we arrived a guy came up to us and asked Dad if he wanted something 'better' to drive.

An electric chair.

He jumped at the chance and flew around the museum like some teenage hoodlum who had just got the keys to his first car. I was literally chasing him around the building! He said he was doing me a favour as I needed the exercise.

Today was another good day so I decided to take him out for dinner. It was a spur of the moment decision so I didn't make a reservation and thought we would just take our chance.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the Maitre'd told us we would have a 30 minute wait for a table. My father, with a dead pan look on his face looked up at the Maitre'd and said, "Oh, that's a shame because I am 82 you know and I may not have 30 minutes". We were seated straight away.

I may take him everywhere with me now.

Laugh and the world truly does laugh with you. Or, in my father's case, the world is usually left speechless with gaping mouths before it realises that he was in fact joking.

He really is some guy. Do you think he might leave me his sense of humor in his will?

85 comments:

  1. Good morning! Just checking in and getting caught up on my blog reading! Happy Saturday!

    OMG, I think I love him. That last line about not having 30 minutes made me laugh out loud.

    Give the old fart a kiss from me.

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  2. Oh, this is so great! And I love the last line, too! I may try that before too long, afterall he's only got ten years on me!! What a great father you have and that is such a blessing as you know. Please give him a hug and a kiss for me, too!

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  3. Ooops! he's only got six years on me! I'd better watch it!

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  4. Oh, I love him too! I'm surrounded by miserable old people. Those people are incredibly hard to love. Believe me on that one. And two of them are Leon's parents.

    I told him to just shoot me when I get that miserable.

    And of course he jumped at the chance to look at me and say, "So, now would be a good time then?"

    Asshole. lol

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  5. Oh, and I think you should post his list of bloggables for those of us to are used up and can't think of a single thing! I'm so desperate I'm posting about my 15 year old's love life! How sad is that?

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  6. I'm sure he would leave you anything you want, but you don't need someone else's (albeit VERY funny) sense of humour, you have your own unique brand that fits you perfectly.

    @Rhonda(2nd comment): Scary territory!!!

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  7. Your Dad is great! I loved the response at the restaurant. Hehe. You DO have your father's sense of humor and I'd love to see the list he created!

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  8. Lilly, I think you have inherited Des' sense of humor :)

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  9. Your father is priceless! I love old people with a sense of humor. We tend to take everything way to seriously. Even though I usually don´t come up with such great responses, as your father did, I enjoy hearing people who do.
    I agree with Rhonda, I would love to see that list of blog ideas they came up with.

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  10. I fell in love with your dad when I read his first guest blogging. What an incredible guy! It's obvious that he is a very intellectual, humorous and probably very handsome man. He's already passed all those gifts on to you. I had to chuckle imagining him hot rodding through the museum.

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  11. Hope you don't mind - but I'm in love with your dad!

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  12. Hope he gets as much of a kick out of reading our comments to him as the two of you gave to us in your post!! I have a feeing he won't need to "leave" you his sense of humor, he has most definitely rubbed off on you :) I think you are right, take him with you, from now on, always take him with you!

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  13. LOL Lils! He is a hoot! I like that he got you all into the restaurant more quickly! I think you should take him up on his blog idea list - let him choose the Top Ten!

    {hugs} Juls~

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  14. My grandparents are the same way.

    I tell them to come on down and visit.

    They reply, "We don't make plans, we don't know how much longer we will be around. We don't even buy green bananas anymore."

    They are 81 and 84. Their health is good, but they are content sitting in their chairs and chitchatting about the good old days. I love them so much and hate to think about them not being a phone call away.

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  15. p.s. Rhonda's hubby sounds like mine! hahahaha ...

    When I asked Mart years ago if he'd ever divorce me. He said, "Nah. I'll just shoot you and bury you in your piano out in the back yard..." LOL! He's such a romantic!

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  16. Lilly,

    The title of your blog post is incorrect. Des should actually be saying more. There is an entire population of bloggers waiting for a post from him on your blog....

    I am absolutely smitten with the idea of Des and his older sister, discussing and advising you seriously on your blog. Thats where you got your consulting genes, in case you were unaware. :-)

    I think you should have an additional section on your site called Third Umpire, and have all of Des's ideas listed there.

    Is Des following Women's Cricket ? India just beat Aus for 3rd place in Sydney in the Womens World cup... It might interest him to know that we are having national elections in a month here, and the IPL Cricket thing is scheduled at the same time. Instead of worrying about issues relevant to common man, there is this tussle going on between the government and the IPL about providing security to the teams. I think even the govt has become cricket crazy here.

    Please convey my respectful regards to Des.

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  17. Great not to grow cynical as you grow older.

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  18. Lilly, I guess humor is in the air. Check out my last blog post from a couple of days ago - I think you'll enjoy it!

    And, I LOVE a good dead-pan sense of humor. "Oh, that's a shame because I am 82 you know and I may not have 30 minutes." Too damn funny! Kudos to him and his sister for keeping a list of blog ideas for you. Don't be scared to check them out - I bet there are some real gems there!

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  19. Laughter is the best medicine. It has always worked for me. Great to hear you and your dad spend some wonderful time together. I enjoyed reading about his new chair too..watch out Jimmy Johnson, Des is heading your way.

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  20. I can see where Des gets his sense of humour Lilly.
    I'd have LOVED to see you two at the National Gallery. And I'd have LOVED to share the artworks with you both.
    I'm sorry Des is not so spry on some days, but what happens on others could even things out. Ask the waiter!
    June also in Oz

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  21. Your Dad sounds a great fella, Lilly! Cherish every moment you have with him. I wish mine was still here with me.

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  22. "Oh, that's a shame because I am 82 you know and I may not have 30 minutes". --- HILARIOUS!!! Sounds like you have a wonderful and affirming relationship with your dad... treasure it!

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  23. I am totally in love with your dad. What a lovely gift he gives to your family. Laughter to me is the greatest gift we can ever share. And I'm pretty sure you already got the sense of humor from him....so you might want to hold out for something else in the will!

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  24. He has a zest for life, that's for sure! ANd, that is truly admirable!! You must be so proud to have him as your dad!!

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  25. Oh my, if he is like that now I can only imagine what he was like when he was much younger. It just reaffirms to me that people's personalities do not change at all the older they get if they don't want them too. Life may get tougher in some ways but it doesn't mean you still can't enjoy yourself. Go Des, you need to get yourself one of those electric chairs and hit the road...with Lilly chasing after you. I agree, its a great fitness program.

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  26. What a wonderful post! Your dad sounds like a very special person. I love both of the comments you shared.

    I can see where you get your sparkling personality from, Lilly! God bless and may your dad have many comfortable and happy years ahead of him.

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  27. I think you've already inherited it!

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  28. I think that is the one thing he will not have to leave you Lilly! This is so funny. I needed a good laugh tonight and this was a good one. I love the part where you are chasing him around and he said you needed the exercise.

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  29. Thanks everyone for your comments. He is not for sale yet but I could hire him out, he he. Some days I can't keep up with him! I think you are either born with great energy and a positive spirit like that or not.

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  30. oh my gosh that is so funny! I love your Des stories
    I am on the way to "jail" tomorrow to see my dad and I might take him out for dinner and i am so going to tell him to use Des' line! LoL

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  31. @ Mind of a Mom - hey thats good and I look forward to catching up with you about how your visit goes. He must have been behaving lately has he?

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  32. Lilly you got his sense of humor and if he leaves you with his I'm going to stop writing my blog because then you're going to beat my ass down with your super powers of humor, for sure. I love your dad he's so wonderful and your so lucky to have him.

    My dad he's just a giggalo dammm...what the hell am I getting out of it but alot of maybe gigging and bad dates...take care of Des.

    Huggs
    JB

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  33. Lilly your Dad is just great. It must be fun to be surrounded with people like you and your Dad.

    Besides all the fun and humour that is oozing out of this post; I am impressed by the wonderful relationship that you share with him. How many people care enough about their old folks the way you do Lilly ? Your Dad is blessed to have a daughter like you and that too, who has his sense of humour.
    I hope he has healthy days ahead and keeps his wit intact. aamen

    I am going to go back to archive and read your older posts, if I may.

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  35. @ JB - I cant find your blog anymore, where is it?

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  36. What a wonderful story . . . I so love it that your dad and his sister share stories about your blog! I love it that they even know what a blog is! Thanks for sharing.

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  37. OMG, how cute! Des is adorable! How lucky you are to still have him around--enjoy every minute you can with him. And you're right, humor is something that stays with us no matter how old we get, God willing. Thanks for such a cute post--looking forward to hearing more of this sweet old guy!

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  38. Hi Des.,
    I see Lilly is still denying access Can't you get in league with your sister and threaten a touch of blackmail, or a demonstration or a lock out or even a hunger strike?
    I think you look great in the the electric chair and would make a good pin up
    Do you think I could crib some of your ideas ? Love the restaurant ploy and must try it.
    I hope the good days are outnumbering the bad.I think we are sent bad days so that we really appreciate the good and can go haring round museums at a great lick and get up to all sorts of mischief
    Are you free anytime ?
    I hope you will be allowed to write a post soon.

    love to hear from you,
    Love Barbara

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  39. Your Dad sound like someone I would really enjoy hanging out with.

    An Arkies Musings

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  40. Lilly, I do believe you already have a good portion of his sense of humor. You can't get the rest until you can compete with his age bracket, LOL.

    Des may need some flames for that chair, and perhaps a pit crew. I bet he would try to soup up any powered chair he got. Next thing you know he'll be entering all the races.

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  41. Yer dad sounds way fun. You are so lucky to have him!!!

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  42. Your post brought a huge smile to my face. Your father has a wonderful outlook on life.

    By the way Gran Speaks sent me over. I'm so glad she did.

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  43. Your dad is fabulous Lilly!! The part about him riding around fast on his motorized chair had me bent over. I guess, because I do the same on my scooter and its SO FUN!!!

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  44. Oh... he IS fantastic... and yes my dear... you already have his sense of humor.., better ask for something else...

    My Father is 70 this year, and I don't think my Dad is as spritely as your 82 year old Papa.

    What a neat man!

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  45. Do take him everywhere you go.
    I'd love to be able to do so with my dad...
    So he isn't humble, he is funny as hell. :-) Who needs humble at 82?
    ~Mary

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  46. Dear Lilly ... I don't think you have to wait to 'get' his sense of humor ... you were born with it. Have a wonderful week!

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  47. He sounds like a hoot (and a treasure!)
    I think maybe you've already gotten his sense of humor :)

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  48. Someday you should make a video of you chasing him around in the scooter!

    You could set it to "The Benny Hill Show" song.

    Des, you are a sharp as a 25 year old.

    Peace - Rene

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  49. Wow, I'm comment #51. You sure know how to draw a crowd, Lilly :)
    Your dad sounds fabulous! You are so lucky to have a dad like him and he's definitely passed his goodness down to you! You always make me smile and I thank you for that more than you could know.
    Keep being your Fabulous Self!

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  50. I love your Dad...... Your words touched my heart . may god bless you !

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  51. Lilly you are both priceless !
    May God bless Des with plenty more 30 mins.

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  52. Hi Lilly,

    God bless you Dad, may he have a lot more 'thirty minutes' full of doubled-up laughter. And don't worry about that legacy - he's alreday gifted it to you way back.

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  53. Thanks all for your comments he is going to have a good laugh when I read them to him.

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  54. Lilly, I suspect that your father has been "leaving" you his sense of humor (as has mine!) for a very long time now -- one of many gifts that only gets bigger the more you use it.
    You're a lucky woman.
    Pearl

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  55. oh yeah i agree with everyone who says he already gave you his sense of humor. more than that--he gave you a wonderful parent. thats the greatest gift of all i think...is being parented by an awesome human being.

    i would have died had i been the waitress when he said that! lol

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  56. I'm picturing him in that electric chair and laughing my head off. I love it. Des is so awesome.

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  57. Your father sounds wonderful. And kudos to the restaurant for seating him right away!

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  58. A lovely post!
    I'm hooked, and will join from my home computer. Just wanted to say "Aloha & thank you for joining my blog "Walking in Waikiki"
    Cloudia

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  59. oh man..I love your dad..ask him if he'd like to come to texas and have some kolaches..

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  60. @ yellowdog - what the hell are kolaches - I'm coming over to ask you that.

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  61. Great post! Made me laugh. I too have a Dad with a great sense of humour who keeps coming up with ideas for blog posts. Gotta love em!

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  62. How wonderful this post is! Lilly, I love it so much. I am reminded of the times I shared with my dad and what fun we had. He lived with me for the last couple of years before we lost him. It was a sight to see, him going down the walk pushing his oxygen tank to the car. How great memories are. You are so blessed to have that relationship with your father, the makings of some beautiful memories for you to cherish someday. Take care, my friend.

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  63. I'd have commented sooner on this Lilly, but due to recent circumstances I had to think very carefully about what I was going to say. Parents are a joy and your dad sounds like a wonderful guy.

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  64. Hi Lilly,
    You definitely already have your Dad's sense of humor. Oh, how I laughed so hard, reading the part about the restaurant scene. I'm getting into the age, so, I have to remember this and try it when the time comes.

    Please extend my best wishes to Des and also to your mom. It sounds like you've been spending lots of quality time with him. That's very good. I'd be so interested to read more of your Dad's and your Aunt's ideas for your blog.

    Tasha

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  65. This is such a sweet post honouring your Dad and his sense of humour. May he be around for many, many years to come shedding laughter in your life and enabling you to get the best seats at any restaurant in the country!

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  66. hahahaha ADORE your father. He has passed down some WONDERFUL traits to his daughter!! =)

    **BIG HUGS**

    Hope you are having a good week.

    Love ya!

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  67. I love that line he used on the waiter. So funny! What an interesting man. I'm looking forward to his posts, if you let him ;).

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  68. Errr...Lilly, you DEFINITELY got his sense of humour down already!

    LOVE this:"My father, with a dead pan look on his face looked up at the Maitre'd and said, "Oh, that's a shame because I am 82 you know and I may not have 30 minutes". We were seated straight away.
    I may take him everywhere with me now."

    I hope I'm even half at spritely at hs age adn man, he has a good head of hair for his age, don't you think?

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  69. I love him. What a sweetheart! Wish I could shake his hand and get to know him.

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  70. I love what he told the host! What a hoot!

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  71. Oh bless his fuzzy heart! He sounds delightful. What a lucky girl you are to have such a charmer for a Dad. I think he is amazing and his outlook on life touches my heart. I can only imagine how proud you must be.

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  72. Lilly i loved this article. My dad is 85 and i must say your story sure got me to thinking about Dad and I. After mom died in 2007 we have become like new friends, instead of dad and son. He is a character as is your dad. I seem to learn something new from him everyday now that i did not know or had forgotten. Keep up your great work here. I am one of your biggest fans, even though i don't comment alot.
    Your ol hillbilly friend
    Gary

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  73. Well, this explains a lot! LOLOL!!! Now I KNOW where you get your outrageous humor from and your great big heart! I am so glad your Dad was and still is like this. He is an unbridled wild hoot! I would adore him as much as I do you. I just know it. I already just LOVE him. The world needs a lot more people like him. Hugs, Robin

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  74. Your post made me smile. Your whole BLOG makes me smile. I'm glad I came back. Didn't leave for any reason other than to find myself a bit. I think I'm on my way there.

    And for what it's worth...I blogged tonight. (YAY!!!)

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  75. Des had a good laugh at all your comments. Thanks so much for them an dall your wishes for him. It made him smile. And yes Barbara as you are his adopted daughter he will be back.

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  76. Oh I just love your dad! I might of married younger, but I perfer older (wink, wink).

    You really need to let go of that ban and let him blog ;)

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  77. Lilly;
    I think your dad has already given you his gene for humor. You write so beautifully and I only wish that I had a smidgen of your talent.
    Now the scooter your dad was riding looks like the one I have.. Your dad and I could race...he sounds like a wonderful wonderful man!

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  78. This is the first time I have visited your Blog, but in reading about you and your Dad, I would say you already have been given his sense of humor. :-)

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  79. Tell your father I said hello from way over here in North Carolina.

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  80. Thanks Dwayne will do, and lovely to see you dropping by.

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  81. That's great - Des is great. His comment "I'm 82 you know and I may..." is terrific. (I may use it even now)

    I love it that you call your father Des...I called my mother Christina as you know. It means you see them also as a person and not 'just' a parent.

    xhenry

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  82. What a great post! Thank you! And a big kiss to Des. xo

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Thanks for your comments.