Friday, June 11, 2010

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BILBO? or "IV'E BEEN EVERYWHERE (even Mtn. Grove, Mo.)



They exploded across my back like fireworks on the Forth of July spreadin' burning embers of blisters that played connect the dots with my body leavin' lunar craters in their wake. More huddled on my chest nestled between the 'twin peaks' Alfred and Drooper. (Don't ask...Hubby named 'em...been that way since the beginning of time.) Like ants on a log they traveled up the back of my neck and into my hair. Others popped up on my face like acne outbreaks of an awkward pubertal french fry eatin' teen who hasn't washed his fourteen year old face with soap in days. Swelling invaded bands around my body leavin' bruises like I'd gone eight rounds in the ring with Danny Lopez. It all started five weeks ago with a nasty virus and a wrenched back that took me down like a two hundred pound lumpy muscled quarterback. By the end of the week I'd shaken the virus and beaten the backache when I was hit with a savage case of shingles. These things have ravaged my body now for four weeks and have just been everywhere. Kinda like Bilbo the little traveling garden Gnome who belongs to the Dirt Princess. I was sure glad to see him and was desperately needing some major help 'round the Ponderosa.

I had promised to instill some well valued work ethics in this smooth operator who had become quite the Casanova playboy. He is a garden gnome and really did need to get back to his roots. The first thing the little Don Jaun did after his arrival was to check out the cottage garden for any saucy little fairies. Then he threw on his sexy shades and grabbed a tall glass of iced tea to lounge out at the bistro set. Well this Ozark farm chick will have none of that! I'm sick and need all the muscle I can get 'round here so I handed him a shovel and he loaded up a wheelbarrow full of mulch. Golly gee, I almost lost Bilbo when he fell in a mole hole in the rose garden. After rescuing him he was on to the next job. The corn field needed a good weed sprayin' so Bilbo hopped on the big blue tractor and went to work. He later climbed to the upper field to feed and count the Soul Sisters, a group of heifers who had never seen the likes of the miniature farmer. Needless to say, little Romeo was plumb tuckered out. Arisin' early the next morning, 'cause that's what we do on the Ponderosa, I put Bilbo on the lawnmower while I kicked back to enjoy the fantastic view. That's when it happened.....total revolt. Tuckered testy Bilbo jumped into the fountain for a cool dip and insisted on real vacation. He even threatened to pack his bags before sunset, saddle up Tiger the Wonder Dog and head out over these hills and hollers.

Just like Johnny Cash sang in 1959 and my singles, Bilbo can sing "I've Been Everywhere" man. If you would like to host Bilbo's vacation please leave a comment tellin' him why you would like him to visit your garden and follow the rules below. We'll throw your name in a flower pot and select Bilbo's next destination then I'll pack his bags and he'll be on his way!!!

RULES
#1) COPY & PASTE these rules into your post on Bilbo if you receive him. The post must be titled WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BILBO: (your city). If everyone copies the rules, then the person you send it to will know what to do. If each post is titled the same, we can keep track of Bilbo and follow him on his adventure. PLEASE do not forget to copy and paste these rules into your post if you receive Bilbo.
#2) In order to participate you MUST leave a comment on the post about Bilbo with the blogger that has him. That blogger will draw names from the people who left comments on that post. Once the winner is selected Bilbo will be on his way to see your garden.
#3) When you receive Bilbo please take a photo (or photos) of him in your garden as well as a photo of yourself with Bilbo.
#4) Rules are linked to http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/ . Please leave a comment on The Dirt Princess' page so she can keep track of him and let other bloggers know where Bilbo is, and post where bloggers can see his latest travel.
#5) Please try to get Bilbo out the door as quickly as you possibly can. If at all possible please try not to keep him more than 7 days. We want to get him to as many places as we can in 6 months.
#6) Bilbo will travel for 6 months, April 21, 2009- October 21, 2009. If you have Bilbo at the end of this 6 month time frame, you will ship him back to the Dirt Princess at http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/.
Of course he has passed his expiration LOL!
#7) When Bilbo arrives back with the Dirt Princess, there will be a great post letting everyone know where Bilbo has been, when he visited as well as links to the bloggers posts that had Bilbo.
#8) There will be a list enclosed with Bilbo for each blogger to sign once they receive Bilbo. That list will be sent back to the Dirt Princess.
#9) Should anyone have any questions please contact Dirt Princess at
#10) The blogger that is has possession of Bilbo is responsible for shipping him to the next blogger. Please handle him with care. He is ceramic.
#11) Bilbo may be shipped to countries outside the United States. We want everyone to join in on the fun!
#12) If you would like to throw in a little something with Bilbo to ship the next blogger, please feel free. Add to the excitement. See what Bilbo brings you when he arrives at your door step.

78 comments:

  1. I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh you poor dear, I hear shingles are the worst. I do hope you are all healed up real soon! Nice that Bilbo came to visit :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Nezzy,
    You sure had a rough go of it girl!
    I so hope your on the mend. What a rotten deal those shingles. We've all missed you in bloggyland and hope that your back up and running soon! I have to say you sure are looking good despite those nasty things.
    Happy Weekend,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Before you had even finished the description...I knew it was shingles. I had them when I was 12 years old. It was the most painful thing in the world. I felt like my nerve endings were on fire. Hope you're feeling better and that Bilbo has been doing his share around the house. Can't wait to see his next adventures.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nezzy, I've been wondering where this mountain chick has been hiding. It sure sucks about the shingles. I am glad that you are feeling better. Bilbo is to cute! : )

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad you are feeling enough better to tell us about Bilbo's adventures. It sounds like you wore him plum out. Keep healing, Nezzy. You have been missed.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You poor thing.....you have had a tough time lately. I do enjoy your writing, keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mountain Grove! I don't know why that did not connect...I was looking at puppies in Mountain Grove! I could have helped you in the garden.

    Glad you are better. Delightful post. As for Bilbo, I think I have enough lazy males around here.

    Keep on getting better.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've known several people who have had the shingles; they all say how awful they are. I'm glad you are feeling better. We just came back from vacation in Hawaii. I bet Bilbo would have liked it there.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ohhhhhh, Nezzy! That sounds terrible! I'm so sad to hear you've been dealing with those awful bumps! Better get on the mend because summer and gardening time is here!

    Blessings,
    Tammy ~@~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nezzy, Nezzy, I have missed you so much.
    I am sorry that you had such a rough time of it. But it seems you didn't lose your sense of humor.
    I love Bilbo---laughed and laughed at this!
    Will show to Mr. Ken when he wakes up from his
    "sfter work" nap.
    Again---It is so good to have you BACK!!!!!!!!!

    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh,I do hope you are getting better.Shingles are a real painful pest. Must be the season for them I have another friend you has them on her face and in one of her eyes. Prayers and blessings coming you way for a speedy recvovery.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good to have you back and hope you are through with those shingles for a long, long time. It hurts just to read about them.

    Looks like Bilbo's had quite a time himself!

    Lucy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mountain Grove Mo?! We used to live there until a few weeks ago when we moved half way across the country.

    So sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. hopefully the shingles will clear up real soon!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Misery!!! Bless your heart. I do feel for you. I have never had shingles but I understand they are so painful. Glad you are back to posting

    At least you had Bilbo to help you.

    Maxine

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sorry about the shingles. Yikes. Rest well and clear up soon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. OHHH NEZZY! I am so sorry to hear you have been suffering from shingles!!! I had hoped it was just daily living that kept you off the blogosphere!

    I so hope you are feeling much better now! And I also hope those wretched things just never visit you again. Btw, Bilbo is awful cute ;) haha

    ReplyDelete
  18. I hope, I mean I REALLY hope that the fact that you are posting to this extent, means that you are on the mend BIG TIME! I know you were miserable...I mean really MISERABLE!

    I am hoping you never have to go through this to this extent again! Ever!
    Love to you, Nezzy!!
    Mona

    ReplyDelete
  19. I, too, am sorry to hear about your attack of the shingles. One thing I have decided is I WILL get the shingles vaccination in January when I turn 60. Hopefully I won't have that virus before then. I will keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I missed you, Nezzy! So sorry to hear that you had the shingles. Boo, shingles!

    Good to see you're back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am so sorry to hear you have been ill. A virus and a wrenched back at the same time is enough to handle. But shingles to follow that is just too much. You did a great job with the pictures. Hope you are completely healed soon.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have had shingles and they are no fun...Hope you are lots better

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've heard of shingles and they sound so awful. I'm praying you will feel better soon. Hang in there and take it easy. xoxo Susan

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nezzy, I am sooo sorry you have been down with such rough case of shingles, plus the virus and back ache to boot! I am praying for you friend and for a full and speedy recovery! Much love to you! Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  25. So glad you're feeling better. Sounds like you've been through the ringer!

    ReplyDelete
  26. And here all along I thought you were off playing with grandbabies and having fun on the Ponderosa too busy to blog. I am soooo sorry Nezzy. Shingles are the worst and so painful :-( Sending hug and good wishes that you are feeling 100% again soon.

    Hang in there,
    jj

    ReplyDelete
  27. Glad you've successfully overcome the fierce attack of Mr Herpes Zoster virus on your back.
    After reading about the nasty shingles, the adventures of Bilbo were a comic relief that brought a smile to my lips. Thanks and feel well!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nezzy I am so happy to see your post!!! Sorry about the shingles and the other health stuff. I wanted to email you but I just figured you were very busy. Hope you are feeling much much better. I'm gonna pass on Bilbo, got my hands full with Suds Bunny!!! Take care Nezzy, thinkin about you :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, Nezzy...you KNOW you've been in my prayers...I'm so very, very sorry that you've been so sick...you know that, too! But even in the worst of it your humor and wit are indomitable!! Love, love, love this post! You are toooooo hilarious! And laughter, after all, is the best medicine...you'll be doing better soon, I expect...but I will continue to pray for you! Love you! Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  30. You've definitely been missed! So sorry to hear you've had shingles. I've heard of several people getting that lately. Rest up and Heal girl!!! Prayin' for ya!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Nezzy! Oh, girl I hope you are on the mend now. Looks like you are getting that little Bilbo into some good work there. He needs to get back to his roots and I knew you would help us. But I am concerned that you were brave enough to let him drive the tractor. LOL! I love Bilbos new hat!
    Get well dear lady.
    Lona

    ReplyDelete
  32. I was wondering where in the world you were. I can feel your pain and I hope you are feeling better. I had really bad hives and was in the ER at 4AM today. Totally exhausted from the meds and they are sort of fading off of my twin peaks and also my buttocks as Forest Gump would say:-) Oh honey I could not sit down yesterday at all:-) No bra from me so I am bouncing to my knees:-) Think it was the cobia fish or else a sting ray at the beach who stung me or who the heck knows???? I wish you sunny days. I am on too much benedryl to read the Billbo rules today:-)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Nezzy, It is encouraging to hear from you! I have missed you, please take good care of yourself..those shingles really are the pits..I hope you will be better than new soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've been wondering what happened to you Nezzy! I am so sorry about the shingles. I've had them twice in my life and they are no fun.

    I'm hoping Bilbo gets to go somewhere very exotic - although I cannot imagine anywhere better than Missouri!

    Deanna

    ReplyDelete
  35. Ugh! Shingles are bad! I had them around my eye and it's like the nerves never fully recover and the brow bone is still sensitive. Maybe I shouldn't tell you that... Glad you still have your sense of humor! And I hope you really do have a Bilbo helping you out.

    ReplyDelete
  36. OHHH! I had wondered what was going on over your way. So sorry to hear you have been feeling so bad. How miserable. Hope you recover fully, soon.

    Love ya, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh, MAN, you are one heck of a good sport. You poor thing!!! You must be better now, since I see you're blogging again, thank heaven!!! Just in case, I'll say a prayer for you tonight :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. my mom had mentioned that you had a bad case of the shingles so i've been praying and checking your blog for an update. i'm so glad you're feeling better! as for bilbo, north dakota is nothing compared to missouri but i'm sure we could show him a good time. send him on up. :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Shingles sounds terrible... get well soon :))

    ReplyDelete
  40. You poor baby! I am just getting over the shingles myself so trust me when I say. "I feel your pain!"
    <><

    ReplyDelete
  41. YIKES....you have been pretty sick indeed. Hope you are doing much better!! I wondered why we hadn't heard from you in awhile.
    I bet the Gnome had a great time on your farm.
    looks like he was a little spoiled...even though you tried to make him work

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh, hahahahaha! That's the funniest Bilbo story! Reminds me of Flat Stanley. So sorry about the shingles. God bless ya, girl! Sending Get-Well-Soon wishes!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Rats Nez. Shingles suck! Hope you are all over 'em soonest! I'm glad you are well enough to mess w/ your 'puter.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Just found your blog and I like your spirit! Hope you feel great again soon!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Good afternoon--

    Hope this finds you feeling a little better.
    I forgot to tell you that Mr. Ken and I would love to have Bilbo visit the great state of Kansas!

    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  46. I was so anxious to read this post; I've missed you! But I cannot get this post to load for some reason. All I see are names, even in the comments. I'll try again tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I loved your story!!!!Your blog is always a joy to read.
    Sure sorry about the shingles and hope they leave soon.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Yowza! Miserable for sure! I hope you are feeling back to normal again! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Once was enough having those nasty 'visitors' ... & for no rhyme or reason. I'd rather not be joined by them again ... as I am sure you feel the same. Do take care & get better, sweetie.

    I am dealing with allergy/mold issues right now.

    Huggers, Marydon

    ReplyDelete
  50. Glad to hear you back in blogland -- it is no fun to be under the weather especially when it is painful! I was so excited to see this blog entry when it came out but didn't get a comment written -- it seems that happens more and more lately... Busy busy or somebody is always waiting for their turn on the computer... You take care!

    ReplyDelete
  51. We have a Bilbo that lives nextdoor... he is a 3 legged cat. He is also quite naughty and spends a lot of time in my garden. Maybe the two would make good friends, no?
    Have a wonderful weekend, and hope you are feeling better.
    *kisses* HH

    ReplyDelete
  52. Been wondering where in the world were you? So sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Shingles stink! Soooo painful. So sad to think of spunky you with such a debilitating illness. Hard to even move without agony. I soaked in a warm baking soda bath for weeks because it was the only relief.
    Heal fast, my lady. I'll be thinking of you.
    Bestest thoughts,
    Joanne

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hope you are feeling better....Trying to catch up some blog reading...
    Hope you will stop by for a visit. I have a guest post from my son this weekend...Happy Sunday

    ReplyDelete
  54. So glad to se you're back but owie shingles as an adult I've heard is very painful. I hope you continue to recover well!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Just checking in on you...Love you! Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  56. Better late than never!

    I was so sorry to hear about all your ailments, but in true Ozark Nezzy spirit, you didn't let it keep you down for long!

    Shingles - that's a dirty little word. My mother SUFFERED with them last year, from May through December. She was so miserable she missed my daughter's wedding in July. I saw the sores on her body - it's something I wouldn't wish even on Osama Bin Laden.

    (Well, maybe on him.)

    Li'l old Bilbo sure worked hard for his vacation on the Ponderosa. I hope old Hop Sing cooked him up some real good vittles while he was there; from the looks of his round tummy, I'm bettin' he ate quite well!

    I think Bilbo would be eternally grateful to spend some time here in Tennessee. He'd be right at home with my little garden angel; they look to be about the same size. She has concrete arms that she can wrap around him in case of rain. No, on second thought, he'll probably enjoy an occasional shower, coz lemme tell you, it is HOT here in Tennessee this summer - we're expected to break our 100 degree record temp today!

    If Bilbo enjoys butterflies, he'll be happy amidst my impatiens and vincas. Deer will visit him at night, and the new puppies will play with him every time they go outside. I may even persuade my son-in-law to loan me a couple of HIS gnomes for Bilbo's entertainment. Believe me, he's got a yard full of 'em, much to daughter Ariel's dismay!

    Hoping by now that you're feeling on top of the world, and do talk with your doctor about the shingles vaccine; I read in an ad that shingles can reoccur at any time, so the vaccine is recommended even for people who have already suffered through it.

    ReplyDelete
  57. What a great story teller you are, Nezzy! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Bilbo's visit to "the Ponderosa". And, if he'd like to visit Indiana, I'd be glad to host him. :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. I thoroughly enjoyed his visit with you! How wonderful! He is going to have the MOST fantastic stories to tell me when he comes home!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. i'm sure he had a wonderful time playing on your farm!

    i know that i would :J

    ReplyDelete
  60. Great to see Bilbo again! I have been following him round the world since he visited Buckingham Palace with me here in London last year! Great sunhat and shades Bilbo! Look forward to seeing you again soon!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Are you back on top of your game? How are you feeling and HOW you threw in the Bilbo thing, I have NO idea. :)
    What a time you must have had.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hoping you feel better and get as healthy as Bilbo looks!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hope you are doing better! Love, Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  64. (((Nezzy)))) Sending hugs and prayers! Hope you are doing much better by the time you read this!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi Nezzy, I just realized that I hadn't seen any new stories from you. I've been away from the computer alot this summer so I guess I just missed this post.

    I hope you are feeling better. I am praying for you girl.

    You really are a great story teller, I don't think Bilbo would find my place near as colorful :) hahaha.

    Hang in there, I keep checking in on you.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Nezzy, Just checking in on you gal..I hope you are OK..darn shingles..I hope you had a good fourth of July:)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Nezzy,
    Are you ok over here girlfriend? I hope your over the shingles and just out having a wonderful summer. Hubby and I leave on vacation this Friday and I just wanted to stop over and say hi and wish you well my friend.
    Take Care and hope your feeling ok.
    Enjoy your summer.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  68. I actually went to high school in Mtn. Grove, MO so this cracked me up. :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. Well..dear friend..I am not at all surprised that you had another minor breakout. With your energy level..it is going to be a huge undertaking to get you to SLOW DOWN and relax.

    So...thought for the day... :) EASY DOES IT...
    lovinhugs to you,
    Mona

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'm so sorry to hear about what is going on! You relax and anything I can do to help with that please let me know. I miss you!
    xoxo
    SC

    ReplyDelete
  71. Oh Miss Nezzy, I have sure missed you! I will continue to hold you in my prayers as well as my heart ;) Get Better!!!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Just wanted to pop in real quick and tell you that I hope you're feeling better!! The blogosphere is a much lonelier place without you around!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Oh my goodness, you are killing me here with the visual imagery!!!

    I'm so sorry for your pain, and to laugh at it to boot. But you sent me over the edge with Alfred and Drooper. Let it be known here and now that if my hubby refers to either of my girls as Droopy in any form of the word there will be heck to pay. You're a good sport. Sorry you've had to endure a bout with shingles!! I hope you're feeling back to your old self. Thanks for the chuckle.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Oh dear, Nezzy. I hope you are feeling better very soon! I'll be saying a`prayer for you.

    ReplyDelete

Yippie Tie Yie Yay, I'm so glad you popped in. I adore, cherish and covet your comments. Even though I love seein' my name in lights I am an award free blog. Thanks for visitin' ya'll!

Related Posts with Thumbnails