Did you miss me? I’m back! It has been a long summer. I’ve traveled a lot and I’ve learned a great deal. For one thing, beach trips with boogie boarding, sand castles, and family are more fun when you just go with it. Recovering from the pounding the surf inflicts on my body is taking longer each year, but the fun is well worth it.

I’ve learned that traveling 15 and a half hours, across the Mississippi (twice), and into the mid-west is a beast. While I could probably do it in one day, I broke it into two. My family thanked me. Something about the grouch factor being significantly less.

And, I’ve learned that I’m not nearly the tough guy I thought I was. I’m not stoic, I’m not strong, and I’m not indefatigable. In point of fact, the only thing machismo and I have in common is … well … I like cheese.

Today's post is from my very first Guest Blogger, Brooke Ryter.

Welcome to another in a series of posts on “Reblog Sunday.” Here is were I recycle content I have posted elsewhere. Reasons vary. It could be that I believe it is important, touching or funny. Or, it could be that I’m lazy. I’m leaving that decision as a exercise for you, gentle reader.

Today’s offering was originally a Guest Blog at Letters To People Who Won’t Read Them on May 17th of this year. You’ve been there when the left lane bandit selfishly keeps you from your destination, when the cell phone talker brakes your forward progress to a crawl, when the NASCAR wanabees try trading paint with you. This post is for them; the inattentive drivers.

This could not have happened at a more inconvenient time. I’m going to be (even more so) out of the loop for the next week or so. It seems I have done myself some damage while getting ready for Thing1’s graduation. I’ve managed to to over-stress and inflame (because just doing one of them wasn’t enough – classic over-achiever) my right trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus (yeah, I had to look it up too) muscles. I'm knotted up like an over-wound rubber band.

First off, and before I forget, many, many thanks to Melanie Marttila over at Writely Goodness for manominating It was a Dark & Stormy Night ... for The Versatile Blogger Award.

Thank you Melanie! I mention her name so you will know who to blame in the future. I must say, I feel like I imagine blue ribbon cattle feel; outstanding in their field.

Seriously (if I can be taken at face value), it is quite an honor, especially since it is bestowed by a peer. I wasn't sure who was reading my ramblings, outside of friends and family, so it’s encouraging. Yes, I have been encouraged and will continue (the last spoken to embarrassed spawn).