Words to Live By

Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid it will never begin.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Making The Most of a Bad Trip

I won't get into all the details of my trip back east here, but I will say that after being married to my wonderful husband of nearly 12 years that he knows exactly how to help me do anything. He knows exactly what my needs are at all times, and he knows exactly how to soothe my soul.
A trip to Massachusetts would not be complete without seeing Joker. Again, I won't go into details, but he made this trip easier on me in many ways, and is a true brother. He attended my mother's wake and funeral and I can't thank him enough for that. And I also can't thank him enough for my Blackstone Valley HOG sweatshirt!
A little side note here: Blackstone Bill, who has left comments on Joker's blog and is a member of Blackstone Valley HOG, asked me if Big D wanted a Blackstone sweatshirt (Joker only gave me one, and I wasn't giving it up.) So I told him he would love one. Now, I'm thinking that he's going to send us one, or something. Blackstone Bill takes off his Blackstone Valley sweatshirt and gives my husband the shirt off his back. The folks of Blackstone Valley HOG totally ROCK! They will literally give you the shirt off their backs! Thanks Blackstone Bill! And the folks at the Boneyard were top notch. What a great place to have a few beers and some grub.
I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful comments I received on my last post. You have no idea how those comments helped me through that most difficult time. My soul is still in the process of healing, but is definitely on the mend.
We had a couple of nice days (weather-wise) while we were back there, after all the necessary things were out of the way. So we decided that a ride was in order. (I really needed a ride.) We borrowed Joker's Grey Lady, and off we went with Joker, and our friend Savina, to the Boneyard. Where else?
Here are a couple of pics...
It was starting to get cold and rainy, so we left the BY after lunch and headed home. After a nice nap, we got into the cage and went back to the BY. It was a much-needed release after the hellacious week I had. And if you're ever at the BY...the Caramel Apple Martinis sound really good, but they're really SOUR. ;)
I also wanted to send a quick shout-out to all the folks of Blackstone Valley HOG: Blackstone Bill, Tracy & Fred (love that rim-job, Fred!), Sherry and others whos names escape me right now. These people were awesome. I hope I can see them all again someday. Not so much for Honda Jim and Ted (he has some self-proclaimed special talents).
One more thing...if I was EVER entertaining thoughts of moving back to my home state, this trip removed those thoughts. It was cold, damp or rainy the whole time. And wearing a helmet SUCKS!

15 comments:

Dean "D-Day" said...

Thanx for posting an update. I've been thinking about you.

Glad to hear that Joker was there to pay his respects and help ease the pain. (Was this really ever in question?)

With a great man by your side you'll get through this. HOWEVER, always remember that I'm here if there's something you folks think that I can do for you.

L&R
XO

"Joker" said...

Thanks for the kind words Ann, but as Dean said, being there for you guys was never really in question. I've been so busy I haven't had the chance to update my blog yet, but I hope to get our Boneyard pics up there soon. I'm soooo glad you guys enjoyed yourselves, and Blackstone Bill giving BigD his sweatshirt was about as good as it gets.

It's actually cleared up from the monsoon we had yesterday, so D & I might go riding for a few. Of course, they're saying the rain's coming back sometime this afternoon. Go figure. Glad you got home alright. TTYL & XOX

Big Daddy said...

I can't thank Joker and the blackstone crew enough for the help this week.
I am honored to be among their chosen friends.

BlackstoneBill said...

Ann thank you is not needed. To be there for you and Big D, or any other motorcylist, in need is an honor for me. Be it a handshake, a hug, or the shirt off my back, I consider it a privilege, an honor, and responsibility, to our unique culture and community. I know that if the tables were reversed, you and BigD would be there for us.

Mr. Motorcycle said...

NOW THAT'S WHAT THE BROTHERHOOD OF BIKERS IS ABOUT!

GYMONR said...

Thanks for the post…it reminds me why I like riding motorcycles
Big Al

Paula said...

The camaraderie sounds amazing...so glad you had so many there to lean on in a time of need.

Kim Thomas said...

I've been thinking of you often. Big D sounds like an amazing guy. You are lucky!

Learning to Golf said...

I echo the other comments. I will continue to say a prayer for you family Ann.

Joker is a class act and Blackstone shows what true Biker Spirit is all about. I salute them all and I personally thank them for supporting you in the hour of need.

I hope we can get together when all is settled back here at home.

Queen B said...

I, too, have been thinking of you. I can't imagine the pain and grief you must be dealing with, but it is phenomenal that Big D is well equipped to take care of you. That is a very important quality in a man!

Baron's Life said...

Welcome back Ann...It's good to see ya and Big D back on your feet and with us...!
Joker and BlackstoneBill are what this riding community is all about. God bless them always.

FLHX_Dave said...

What it's really about. Glad that you were able to have some time to unwind.

Don't have much to say except that I have thought about what you are going through many times since your last post. Hope that counts for something.

Time will do it's magic so hang in there. Soon you will only be left with love and the good times to remember.

Whoooooooooooooo!

Lady R (Di) said...

I too am glad your back, I've missed your comments sprinkled all over our blogs. I'm very glad you were able to be home with your family. It sounds like you come from a very close one, as do I and for that we can be grateful.

As far as the Bone Yard goes? I'm extremely jelly! I would love to take a visit to the BY some day. I keep saying it will happen, I just have no idea when.

Joker has told us time and time again, what a great bunch of folks are in his HOG chapter, and your visit is proof.

Bikers giving you the shirt of their back... doesn't get any better than that!

Thanks Big D, for being there for Ann and helping her through a difficult time. Like she said, you know what she needs and your good medicine for her. I don't care what anybody says... your a good man! Give yourself a big hug from me.

WooleyBugger said...

Good to see you back on here Ann and Big D, I'm really at a loss for words but you've experienced the side of brotherhood that any people will never see or have and most can't understand.
You all have my upmost respect.
Ride on, ride free and ride long.:>)

B.B. said...

I know I'm late for this post, but I'm glad JOker was there to be the friend you needed, it doesn't surprise me in the least.