Landracing Forum
East Coast Timing Association => ECTA General Chat => Topic started by: DahMurf on May 18, 2009, 07:15:14 PM
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For those of you who don't know, Al our starter was involved in a single vehicle motorcycle accident on his way to the track on Friday. Something caused his trailer to fishtail which got uncontrolable and ultimately threw him and the bike to the ground. He's been in ICU since Friday.
Todd & I spent a good part of the day with Al today. He honestly looked better then I expected with him being in ICU since Friday. We met his doctor today as well and got the low down. He does have 6 broken ribs. They are broken towards the back side and basically each bone detached and is sitting on top of its counterpart. As you can imagine the rubbing back and forth is causing extreme pain. Yesterday they fit him with a rib belt which about instantly provided him with relief and both the doctor and his wife said you could watch the color rise back up into his face. They weren’t able to do it any earlier due to concerns about the risk of putting pressure on his lungs so soon after the trauma.
Today's nurse was extremely pleasant and worked hard on his pain management. We could tell it was working as he was returning to his usual kidding flirting self. He still has bouts of muscle spasms around the ribs that lock him down with a bolt of pain but they're starting to lessen and come less frequently. He has rash & bruising down the left side of his back. The tips of his fingers have a lot of rash and a stitch or two. His knees have some good raspberries and his left knee has a small chunk missing which they threw a couple stitches in. All in all he looks pretty good all things considered.
Ironically they recently passed a law in NC that added further crack downs on the use of DOT approved helmets so Al not wanting to incur a ticket was wearing a ¾ dot helmet rather then the beanie “novelty” helmet we’re accustomed to seeing. This was good as his helmet was rashed rather well on the left side and the doctor fully believed that had he not had the protection of that helmet his head injury could have been severe if not fatal. He was also wearing his leather jacket and boots which protected him. He did have a raspberry on his left elbow but that was friction rather then road contact.
Todd went with his wife Lisa to look over the bike. It’s not damaged as much as Al feared. It’s got cosmetic damage and we’re not sure of the status of the front end but certainly not as banged up as it could have been. It’s up to the insurance company to decide if it’s fixable or totaled. They do have insurance coverage on the bike so we’ll see how it all turns out.
Lisa’s parents came down and are helping out with the boys for the week. Al will likely be in the hospital a few more days while they deal with his pain. He’s currently at:
Chatham Hospital
475 Progress Blvd.
Siler City, NC 27344
http://www.chathamhospital.org/
We delivered the card which most signed at the track and he greatly appreciated it but he’s a little too doped up to read clearly at the moment. I did tell him that the women missed the breast protection check and that nobody could do it (would do it?) like him! Guess that’s it for now we’ll post updates as we hear them.
Ooops, I forgot to add, here's a pick of Al with his gear:
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/narider/Family/100_1662.jpg)
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Deb
Thanks for the information on Al. I broke 3 ribs on the back side on a bike get off some years ago. The discomfort is unreal and spent 6 weeks in a chair with pillows to help take some of the pressure off. (not much) Our thoughts are with him and a speedy recovery.
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Al we love you man Now get yourself together . :cheers:
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Heal fast Al, we missed you at the starting line.
Thanks Deb & Todd for the info, and as always for your effort at the track.
Dean
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Heal up Al, I have had several broken bones..ribs are the worst next to the ones in your Vertebra/neck...
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Get well Al! The grid wasn't the same without you. Deb, thanks for trying to help with my shield fogging up. Didn't quite get the job done so I may be switching to a Fog City shield next time around, Either that or get a faster bike so I can hold my breath for a run! :cheers:
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Al, get well soon... we need you man :-D
Charles
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Al, if Deb and Todd are on your side, so am I. I understand the broken ribs. The physician at the hospital said to me, wherever you lay down tonight is where u will be for a while. He was correct. It hurts to beat hell. Just don't get Swine Flu.
Look at the date for the next Maxton race. That's how much time u have to get well.
FREUD
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Hey Al,
You're not fooling me! I know you just wanted a little peaceful vacation, this was all just a scam to lay around for a while :-D You better have have your butt (ribs, whatever) healed up and be back on the line to start me or I am not going down the course :evil:
Love You Man,
Wayne
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Thanks Deb & Tod for the post.
We are super glad you had that skid lid on Al.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well, and get on back - we love ya man !
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We miss you Al and you and the family are in our prayers. Get well soon as we want you back with us. A speedy recovery wish from all of us at TLN Motorsports.
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al, we al missed your sweet and sunny disposition this weekend even the sky rarely smiled. For the next year or so you won't want to cough, sneeze or even laugh much. We're going to kill on the laughing part though-- so get ready in every way.
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Sorry to hear about the accident Al. Heal up quickly and correctly. The Mile is a different place without you.
Thanks for the info Deb and Todd.
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Al, Sorry 2 hear about your misfortune buddy! Hope those ribs knit up well, and fast!! I expect you to get well before I get back from my Alaska bike trip!
Jack Broomall
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Al, all these folks are right. A weekend at Maxton isn't the same without you! Wish you all the luck in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Do what they tell you, heal up good, don't push things and take care of yourself. We'll see you when you are ready.
Deb thanks for posting this.
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Al, get well soon , we need you back to check us over before our passes.. Team Forstall/Knecum/DeLuca
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Al we all really missed you, it's just not the same with out you at the start line. Like Deb said, I had no one to check my chest protector lol. Get better you
Trilly
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I hope the recovery goes well for Al .. I've never met him
I am a long time motorcycle rider , please wear the safety gear.
Dress for the possible crash on a motorcycle , just like the land speed racers wear the safety gear for racing.
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Al we all really missed you, it's just not the same with out you at the start line. Like Deb said, I had no one to check my chest protector lol. Get better you
Trilly
Dan It will be up to you to control the volunteers.
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Thanks for the post Deb & Tod. I'm glad to hear how Al is doing. Get well soon.
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Deb ... We all appreciate you and Todd taking the time to visit Al ... the place isnt the same without him ... Joe
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So -- have you, Deb, or anyone else -- got an idea of what mailing address I should use to send something to Al? I don't know if I'd be better off sending to the house -- or to the hospital. I don't want to send it to Chatham City hosp. if he's transferring to someplace else in a few days.
Al, if you're reading this -- don't get excited, it's not that super-duper a surprise. Just something to let you know we're thinking of your sore self. Last time I threw a bike down the road I got five broken ribs, a broken scapula, and left some meat on the highway. I know pretty well how much that hurt -- and I hope to heck that you're able to shake it off very soon. Nancy and I send our best wishes for you and your family.
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Al -
What more to say than "Heal well and quickly - hopefully with minimal pain". Let me add my voice to those who said that you are missed. And I know your boys miss you, too.
And thanks to Todd and Deb for being good friends to Al and to all of us. I know he greatly valued your visit and we all value your post to let us know what's REALLY going on.
I'm SO thankful that the outcome looks good for the Ol' Boy - we DO miss you!
Dan
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Al, Do what they tell you .. don't push things.
Yeh, like that's gonna happen.
:-D
Al, take care buddy, we all missed you on the Starting Line. Get better and hope to see you at the June meet.
:wink:
Deb, thanks for the great information.
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Get well soon Al, your back up starter did a fine job, but there's no one that can do it like you. See you soon in the near future. Thanks to Deb and Todd for the updates.
Guy
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:-D Al, as one bike rider to another, man you are one lucky Dude. You experienced what we all fear as bike riders on the street. Hey man, my belts were loose all last weekend. No one can tighten belts like you. Get your ass back up and over to the meet. LOL We all Love You Man.
Street Rod Steve Car # 1946
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Steve said what we all feel ... everyone missed Al ... He discovered low tire pressure on my rear tire last year ... saved me from what could have been an embarrassing and painful moment ... Joe
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Al,
Hope there is a little bit of that surprise left when you get home. With your growing little ones I kinda doubt you'll get any. I hope you heal fast and hope to see you at the next meet.
Joel, Lucy and the boys.
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Al, you better get better quick, I want to see ya in June.... get well fast !
Mike M.
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Quick day old update on Al. We're waiting for today's call back from Lisa. As of yesterday they were intending to move Al out of ICU to room 1140. When we saw him Monday they had him on Morphine which seemed OK at the time. However, his night was miserable with a lot of pain and hallucinations. Lisa's not sure if it's the meds or the concussion that's making him confused where she's had to explain to him more then once why he was there. Tuesday night was pretty much a repeat. They were going to try to get him on some other meds Wednesday.
I have addresses for him but want to comfirm with Lisa which is best to use and if there's any new guess on how long he'll be in the hospital.
That's it for now, I'll let you know when I hear something new.
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Ooops, I forgot to add, here's a pick of Al with his gear:
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/narider/Family/100_1662.jpg)
when I was in the Golden Staph' Hotel last year they hooked me up to a suction device, it was electronic, it sounded like a fourstroke twin accellerating between gears.... ah those moments at 3am , loaded on morph, flat on my back , neck brace , all quiet except for braaaaaaarp , pause, braaaarp, pause, braaaaarp.....
Get well soon brother...........
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Update from Lisa, Al's wife:
Hey Debbie-
It's Saturday early early morning and Al wanted me to update you. We were able to bring him home yesterday late afternoon. Both he and the doctor thought that he would be more comfortable at home. But that's a big NOT! He's still miserable. But we're trying to keep him maintained with his pain meds.
They sent him home with oxygen and that seems to help some. However, we do not have the hospital bed that he was used to so, we're doing the best we can keeping him comfortable in the recliner. He says it "Sucks". I just could not imagine the discomfort he feels. He's still a little confused at times, not hard for him though! - just kidding. The pain meds seem to mess with his mind. He is kind of funny at times. I should have gotten a tape recorder. Anyway, I'm just glad I was able to bring him home. But I think he's going to work me to death taking care of him. Nighttime is still the hardest with the orientation and not knowing where he is or why he's got the problems he does. But we're seeing a slight improvement each day.
He finally got to see his bike yesterday. It's at our house. He's thinking he can fix it, but the insurance adjuster has already said it's a total loss. I was thinking that it would look worse than it was, considering the way he wrecked, to me it held up pretty well, but what do I know.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It means alot to all of us. He still has a long way to go. Biggest problem I'm going to have is getting him to RELAX and not do anything. Yeah, right. He's a stubborn one! If you hear any loud yelling, it's probably me going outside and letting off some steam. But I wouldn't have it any other way, I'm really glad he's still around to drive me crazy.
take care and thanks again for you and Todd coming by to see us.
Love ya, Lisa
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Thanks
terry
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What more can Deb and Todd do for the people of Maxton?
First Dave Owen. They are still supporting his wife.
Now Al.
Bonneville has had Cris and Ed Shearer. Maxton has Deb and Todd.
When there are awards, these two should be recognized.
They are friends that can't be repaid. What a lovely pair.
FREUD
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Thanks Freud that's sweet but this is family and that's what you do for family. ;)
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Latest update on Al.
He's home! Still dealing with the pain of course. Not sleeping much and still suffering some disorientation and hallucinations. I believe Lisa said they had him on some oxygen to keep his O2 levels healthy.
He'd be happy to hear from anyone that would like to call just remember this is Al we're dealing with and he lacks the good sense to moderate his phone calls and to not talk to the point of exhaustion so if you call, which you should, just remember to keep it short so he doesn't over do it. And remember, he can't talk without his hands so if tells you about the accident you can bet his hands will be flailing around further wearing him out! hehehe
Al & Lisa Freitas
6332 Foster Store Rd
Liberty, NC 27298
336-565-8028
Email: alfreitas05 [at] bellsouth [dot] net (you know the format replace the [at] with @ and [dot] with . and remove the spaces)
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Oh yeah, one more thing, a big thanks to Kimberly Beall (the Gate Keeper) & Bill Murphy (Rustang & prestaging this meet) for stopping by the hospital on their way home from the meet to check on Al. It was a great thing to do and Al really appreciated it!
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Thanks Deb, and Lisa for keeping us up to date with Al's recovery.
Keep the faith Al, our thoughts and prayers for a complete recovery are coming atcha.
Hats off to you Lisa, I am sure its a bit of a chore for you now.
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Let me add my "Get Better Soon" to the chorus. Al, take it easy on the nursing staff!
Dan
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I just got off the phone, talking with Al.
He is feeling NO pain (still on lots of meds) and was in pretty good spirits, considering.
The only things that get to him are; laughing, sneezing, coughing and hiccups.
His scrapes and bruises are healing pretty well and scabbing is starting, which is good getting air to some of those abrasions.
He managed his first real shower yesterday (whew !) and got a shave in, so his two week beard is gone.
He said he would try and get to the June meet, but wouldn't be working. Duh !!
All in all doing very well.
:-)
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I called Al this afternoon, but there was no answer. I left a message and will try again tomorrow. I'd like to get up there to see him, but don't want to intrude since he is at home. We'll see.
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You saying Al can grow a beard on that babyface? No way! :cheers: get well soon Al.
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Here's an update written by Todd:
Al's moving around better... still in pain of course and still a pain to Lisa of course (that's a good thing). There's (expectedly) more of a problem keeping him from doing things then worrying about what he cant do yet.
So the thoughts and prayers have helped tremendously, but please keep them in your mind as his sister (Dianne) died yesterday after a suprisingly (at least to us) short battle with cancer... his not being able to be there was alleviatted to some extent with a well placed and touching phone call just before her passing, and his little brother and older sister were there when she passed.
Dianne lost her husband about 5 years ago and their son Stephen was to graduate high school yesterday (yes, on the day he lost his mother), so please direct any prayers you can his way.
Dianne was cool as cool can get when we were kids, I always looked up to both Al's sisters and Dianne was a vibrant and beautiful lady (ok, a FOX as I considered her in my early teens) who always had time for me as a kid to bs or whatever.
Godspeed Dianne, I understand Ray will be watching out for Stephen down here as you and Mark do from above.
Al, my brother... I love ya and you know my whole family(which has always been yours) is thinking about each of you.
Mom, Dad, Crystal, Shelly, Craig and Todd (and each member of our families as well of course).
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Give him a little time -- but not too much. Nancy and I called Al the other day, just for a couple of minutes, just to shoot the breeze. He sure didn't sound annoyed that we called. He's getting better -- but he's still ready to hear from each of us.
You're in our thoughts, Al.
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Well he was good enough to answer my fone call. That bugger will make it. He's so determined.
Best wishes, AL.
FREUD
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I spoke with Al yesterday. He actually had been up and gone to the grocery store earlier in the day. (Not by himself!). He admitted that he had done too much and was really tired. He told me about his sister. As Al said, "If it ain't one thing its another."
Though tired, All sounded good. He said his is planning on coming to Maxton for the June meet, but will not be working.
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Hope to see Al at Maxton, maybe we can set up a recliner on the starting line and give him a bullhorn.
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Maybe Wild Bro can convert one of his old shopping cart/pit stands for Al. :-D
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From the ECTA Yahoo mail list. A cartoon get well card by Guy Smalley for Al.
(http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/11338661/hr/766516327/name/alsgetwellMA24966712-0003.jpg)
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Good cartoon ... Funny ... .... Course used to look just it ... but now the trees are gone from the west side of the course ... ECTA had them cut down over the winter when deer started hanging out in there ... Joe
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The deer wont move because of no trees.Too much food !
terry
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Gryphon may kill off the deer, but they won't stop Al.
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From Al in response to the cartoon...
Hey you rat bastard,You trying to hurt me? I think I rebroke my ribs laughing at the cartoon!!!!! I'm feeling better every day! More so when I see and hear from people Like Guy ! Thanks John,I Know you are just the messanger ! You guys made my day! Update on me? Knees have scabed over to let stiches disolve and hurt ,can not crawl around on them yet? They must be brused up? Fingers are healing well too! I took the stiches out of my pinkie,Hanging up on every thing! My most used finger? The right middle finger The new nail is growing back?Not sure if I will continue in hand modeling as some of that finger is on 421 somewere! Now to the part that FUCKING hurts! My rib cage! Iam still in recliner on my back! I have all ways slept on my side or belly! After the meds kick in I will get a good run of about two hrs sleep! I do get alot of naps in thought! The pain in the ass is when the ribs poping in & out! Yea that sucks you just can not find a postion that is comfortable! If you can judge the pain by the cost of seven days of pain meds ,$8,838.00 Then I think I was hurting just a bit? I just wanted to let people know how I am doing! I'm not bitching,I am glad that I can share this with the people that care! I am glade to be alive!!!!!!! I will see all at track this meet, I will be low key thats for sure! I am honored to be in this family!!! Thank you for all your support and caring, You HAVE and ARE making this recovery so much better! With much love, Al
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AL... I was sitting at a traffic light and looked in my mirror .I noticed my zipper sticking out . I thought of how you would tuck that back in for me. :cheers: Cheers buddy I will see you in September . The beer is on me.
Eric
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Al, glad you are doing better, glad you have such a good sense of humor...
From one who has been there done that !!! (met the pavement hard and fast)
Remember,, Pain Goes away, Broke Bones Heal, Skin Grows back and
CHICKS DIG SCARS !!!!
See you in two weeks,,,
Charles
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Your story is good enough that you won't have to make one up. If somebody asks about the scars on my hands (mostly from clumsy wrenching) I have to make up something, usually starting with, "Well, I was on Kilimanjaro with Hillary when.......".
Glad you're healing. Hope you haven't made life TOO unbearable for the Bride.
Dan
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... maybe we can set up a recliner on the starting line and give him a bullhorn.
WHAT ?
Are you crazy ??
:-o
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The bullhorn would work in reverse -- make his voice softer, not louder. I've heard Al at the line.
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Even if religion and prayer are not a large part of your life, say a prayer for Al.
The kids last day of school was yesterday and he's home with them all day.
If he could raise his arms he'd probably start drinking.
FREUD
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Freud:
Al's kids are pretty young -- to the point that I don't know if anyof them have started school yet. And add to the the fact that he's the stay-at-home type, I think, and sends his wife out into the commercial world -- so he's used to having the kids around. You oughta see him and the boys at the race track -- I think they ought to be charged to be together - they look like they're having so much fun. Al's the kind of dad that many folks wish they have/had.
Okay, Al -- you owe me big time for that one. Someone has to be nice to you while you're still laid up.
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... maybe we can set up a recliner on the starting line and give him a bullhorn.
WHAT ?
Are you crazy ??
:-o
I never said there'd be batteries in it. :-D
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hey everybody! long time reader.......first time poster. wife/support vehicle/pit crew/lunch chef/what-ever-else for FTF Racing (david pike and '35 ford).
just wanted to remind AL what we're all looking forward to (check out that stare-down, haha)...missin' your hugs, man! we won't be making it to maxton in june, so see you in september........
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Great photo of Al. Next -- see if you can find one of him when he's not in that cheerful mood.
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Al, I'm glad to hear that you are healing up to some extent. You take car my friend. See you soon.
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Great photo of Al. Next -- see if you can find one of him when he's not in that cheerful mood.
Here's Al in a better mood sitting in his OFFICE :roll:
(http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/86196008.jpg)
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New back ground :lol: for my computer
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New back ground :lol: for my computer
:-o Am I the only one disturbed by that statement?
:-D
Debbie
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man crush?? :-D
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Maybe the hot sun combined with Eric's dark bike, dark leathers, dark horse team name and a bit of heat mirage has created some sort or warped magnetism ??
or is it Man ga tism ? LOL
All in fin Eric
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At least it's not a crushed man problem!