ALPHABET SOUP

Concrete Angel by Martina McBride

2012-01-23T12:09:00.003-06:00

This video and song by Martina McBride is hard to watch without bringing tears to your eyes. How can someone physically or mentally abuse a child. Drinking, drugs, mental illness are sometimes given as the reason...but there is NO reason.

Concrete Angel

Odd Facts You Didn't Know about 7 Iconic American Products

2012-01-23T10:36:00.001-06:00

Odd Facts You Didn't Know about 7 Iconic American Products
Source: Reader's Digest

1. PHILADELPHIA BRAND CREAM CHEESE was made in New York........American cream cheese was an attempt to replicate the style of French neufchâtel cheese as it was made in the 1800s. Cream cheese was first made in 1872 in New York State by dairyman William A. Lawrence. Eight years later, the enterprising cheese distributor A. L. Reynolds packaged the cheese in foil wrappers and called it Philadelphia Brand because the public associated the City of Brotherly Love with high-quality food products. To this day, Philadelphia cream cheese has a monopoly on the cream cheese market.

2. GATORADE DOES HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH "GATORS".......In 1965, a coach for the Florida Gators college football team and one of the university's kidney specialists came up with a concoction of water, salt, sugar, and lemon juice to keep the school's football players hydrated and energized while playing football under the hot Southern sun. Two years later, Gatorade was marketed nationally and has since netted the University of Florida more than $90 million in revenues.

3. SPAM STANDS FOR SOMETHING!......In 1937, in Austin, Minnesota, the Hormel Company developed the first canned meat product that did not require refrigeration. Made of chopped pork shoulder and ham (a cut from the pig's buttock and thigh), it was marketed simply as "Hormel Spiced Ham." The public's response was anticlimactic. Other companies developed their own canned meats, and Hormel's product was soon at risk of getting lost in the shuffle. To save the day, a decision was made to offer a prize to the person who could think up a catchy new name. The winning entry was "Spam". Several versions of the name's meaning are in circulation — the two most credible are: It's a blend of "spice" and "ham," and it stands for "Shoulder of Pork and Ham." What is known for certain is that Kenneth Daigneau, a Broadway actor — and the brother of a Hormel vice president — submitted "Spam." As the contest winner, he was given a prize of $100

Today Spam is iconic. It is still an inexpensive source of protein that can stretch a budget; yet it is "famous" enough to have spawned fan clubs and cookbooks. It is known (sometimes by reputation and sometimes by taste) by Americans of all ages. As is fitting an icon, its packaging was accepted into the Smithsonian. And if you travel to Austin, Minnesota, you can visit the Spam Museum, opened in 2001. You will be welcomed by a variety of interactive and educational games, exhibits, and video presentations, all singing the praises of Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam.

4. WHAT DOES THE FRISBEE HAVE TO DO WITH PIE?.....The Frisbie Pie Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, sold pies. Local college students used the empty tins (embossed with the words "Frisbie's Pies") to play catch. In 1948, Walter Morrison and Warren Franscioni found a way to capitalize on this free toy by creating a plastic version called the Flyin' Saucer and later renamed the Pluto Platter Flying Saucer. (This was after the alleged UFO sightings in Roswell, New Mexico.) When the founders of Wham-O bought rights to the toy and renamed it Frisbee, sales truly went out of this world.

5. WHAT IS A CHICKEN NOODLE IN CAMPBELL'S CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP?........"Chicken with Noodles" soup was a variety introduced to the public by Campbell's in 1934. Despite the fact that it is now considered a mainstay comfort food, sales back then were slow — until the product's name was misread during an episode of the popular Amos 'n' Andy radio show. Once listeners heard the words "chicken noodle soup," consumer interest was captured. Folks began to call Campbell's to ask about this "new" soup. Wise to a good thing, the company quickly dropped the "with" and the "s" and renamed the soup to match the blooper that raised its sales.

6. WHAT DO NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOTDOGS HAVE TO DO WITH DOCTORS?......In 1916, Nathan Handwerker started his own hot dog stand in Coney Island, using an all-beef recipe developed by his wife, Ida. He charged 5 cents because he wanted his product to be affordable. The public stayed away, reasoning that if it was so cheap maybe it was horse meat! Nathan devised a creative solution: He hired people to stand and eat in front of his place wearing lab coats and stethoscopes. He then posted a sign reading, "If doctors eat our hot dogs, you know they're good!" It was this type of moxie that enabled him to build his stand into a hot dog empire, and create a brand name that is recognized around the globe.

7. MARSHMALLOWS USED TO SOOTHE SORE THROATS .......Today a marshmallow is a spongy treat cooked over campfires. Up until the mid-1800s, marshmallow candy was used medicinally. Doctors extracted juice from the roots of the marsh-mallow plant and cooked it with egg whites and sugar, then whipped it into a foamy meringue. This hardened and the resulting candy soothed children's sore throats. Eventually, advanced manufacturing processes replaced the root juice with gelatin, which eliminated any healing properties.

And YES folks, these products are still MADE IN THE U.S.A.

100 Years from Now.......my legacy

2012-01-19T10:07:00.002-06:00

..........................100 Years From Now.......

It will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or what kind of a car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child...

Grandma

Cash at Home

2012-01-17T18:32:00.000-06:00

Authored by Rickey Combs

Someone in my neighborhood told me about Stream Energy but I waited a long time to look into it. I was glad I did when I finally got around to it though because I ended up saving some good money and I knew it wouldn’t be long before I had switched all our utilities over. I realized we were just leeching money into the ground between energy and our security system and the cable and all that so I did a whole home audit and made some changes. I cut a few things too like the landline because we never use it and I don’t think anyone in the house would have noticed if I hadn’t have told them. I think it’s important to stay on top of your financesbecause companies will take as much money from you as they possibly can and that’s no way to live, you know? I really wish I knew better but at the end of the day it’s all about saving a nickel here and a dime there for me…

To Women Over Forty ,,,Thoughts by Andy Rooney

2012-01-16T14:55:00.005-06:00

Andy Rooney says:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over forty most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over forty will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, “What are you thinking?” She doesn’t care what you think.

If a woman over forty doesn’t want to watch the game, she doesn’t sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it’s usually something more interesting.

A woman over forty knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of forty give a hoot what you might think about her or what she’s doing.

Women over forty are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won’t hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it’s like to be unappreciated.

A woman over forty has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn’t trust the guy with other women. Women over forty couldn’t care less if you’re attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won’t betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over forty. They always know.

A woman over forty looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over forty is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They’ll tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one! You don’t ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over forty for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of forty-plus, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some twenty-two-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize.
For all those men who say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free,” here’s an update for you. Now 80 percent of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little sausage.

By: Veronica Kavanaugh

Grandma Miller's Hats

2012-01-01T13:44:00.005-06:00

Years ago when my children were newborn babies, we didn’t leave the house without putting a baby hat or cap on them. We were so afraid that they would get chilled and catch a cold. Baby hats or toddler hats were usually handmade out of soft crocheted or knitted yarn. I remember the one my grandmother made for Lisa, our first daughter….Grandma was from Denmark and did a lot of knitting for the grandbabies in her family. When we were ready to bring Lisa home from the hospital, grandma was there with a dainty pink hat knitted with very tiny knitting needles. It fit over her head and covered her ears… actually it was closer to a skull cap. It had a little puffball on top and Lisa looked so cute in it.

Grandma Miller has been gone for many years and the knitted hats she made for our babies are only memories. I really hate seeing many new mothers carrying their babies around just wrapped in a blanket…nothing to keep their heads warm. Plus, their little toes are peeping out of the blanket…what! No booties! The babies are bundled up pretty well in winter, but as soon as they enter a store, off comes the blanket. Hellooo, some stores are drafty and in summer, there's air conditioning to worry about.

I guess the lack of baby and toddler hats isn’t as important in many areas, but we live in the Midwest….spring and autumn can be chilly and winter downright cold. It makes me feel like saying to the mom “your little one should have a hat to keep her head warm”…..since I don’t know what kind of reaction that would bring, I keep my feelings and thoughts to myself.

What is Beauty?

2011-12-25T09:42:00.000-06:00

What Is Beauty?

It's not about the lines on the face or the gray in the hair - it's about the wisdom behind them. Rather than lamenting the passing of the years, celebrate what you have achieved, learned and earned, for your benefit and the benefit of others.

Ref: Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging

Every morning when I look in the mirror, I resent the lines in my face, the double chin and 25 lbs that I've accumulated over the years. I look for the person I used to be, the one who could ride a horse, play tennis for hours , hike and was considered to be a pretty girl with long eyelashes and dimples. I want to be her again....but it will never happen.

Then I think about my friends, people I grew up with, went to school with and enjoyed life with. So many of them have passed away, are in bad health, or are living a life that they never planned on, some in nursing homes, some in assisted living.

I have nothing to complain about....a few wrinkles, a few pounds what are they compared to a wheel chair, cane or being bedridden for the remainder of my life.

FX is great

2011-12-18T10:41:00.002-06:00

Guest post written by my buddy Hans Hale

I found a direct tv movie list online and I made it my personal mission to watch all the movies on it. I know that sounds crazy but a few years back I decided to watch all the movies on the AFI Top 100 list and I was already about 60 through that and some of the DirecTV movies overlapped so I knew I needed a new strategy. My husband and I really like watching the “best films” of all time and you know, at the end of the day for some reason I feel less stupid watching movies all the time than TV. At least with old movies you know you’re absorbing something cultural and significant and I can’t exactly say the same for every episode of Jersey Shore I’ve watched, you know what I mean?

If there was ever a show that should be struck from the earth it’s that one and I can’t wait until they cancel that monstrosity so the rest of the world will stop looking at America and thinking we’re all like that!

English or Western Tack and Apparel

2011-12-08T18:32:00.031-06:00

I’m a horse lover through and through.. Growing up in Nebraska, and having a friend who raised Shetland ponies and horses, I spent a lot of time grooming, riding and cleaning up after horses, ponies, colts and an occasional donkey. I rode Western, meaning my saddle had a wide front swell and saddle horn (if I planned to rope any steers, I’d have something to wrap the lariat around) and leather covered wood stirrups.

I always admired those who rode English and wore what was termed proper horse riding attire (I wore Levis jeans). I tried riding English once and found myself so off balance that I nearly fell off the horse. An English saddle is flat with little metal stirrups, a big change from my Western saddle. I was used to leaning into the swell and whoops, there isn't one on an English saddle. You lean forward into nothing and find yourself face down in the horse’s mane.

There is also a big difference in Western and English tack and how the horse is trained to respond to the rider. The bridles are not the same and most horses who are ridden English do not neck rein…one rein is held in the right hand and one in the left. A slight tug with the left rein and your horse turns left, tug with the right rein and it turns to the right. A Western trained horse will “neck rein”…the reins are held in the right hand and moving your hand to the left will cause the right rein to press against the horses neck, indicating to the horse that it is to turn to the left …when you move your hand to the right, the left rein presses against the left side of the neck and the horse turns right. The horse responds to a neck rein when it has learned that a light pressure of the right rein against its neck on that side means for the horse to turn left and vice versa. Sounds confusing but its really not.

A horse show brings out the very best horses and English riding apparel, the riders are often dressed in hunter shadbelly, a tight formal-looking jacket with tails. Dressage apparel usually consists of a black or very dark jacket, generally a shadbelly, and tight white breeches, tight high boots and a dressage helmet or a top hat. Dressage classes are beautiful to watch. Such grace and elegance in both the rider and the horse.

Horses are My First Love

2011-12-08T07:33:00.000-06:00

Back when I was a pre-teen, horses were the love of my life. Now that I'm a grandmother, I have passed that love onto our youngest granddaughter. "Becca" is 14 and loves to ride....luckily we have friends with horses! Our friends also have 3 goats......playing with the goats is fun, but nothing compared to playing with the horses.

Dogs I have owned and loved

2011-12-06T09:50:00.000-06:00

The first dog that lived in our home when I was a kid was Rex, a Heinz 57 variety of cocker spaniel and traveling man. Rexie was mostly black and brown with tan eyebrows and muzzle...I see a lot of dogs with that combination so the traveling man was very popular with the ladies.

My own first dog was a collie given to me by a boyfriend who I eventually married. Danni was a purebred, an offspring of two show dogs. Danni didn't have the large white ruff around his neck so was not considered show quality and his price was affordable. He was a sweet, good natured dog but had wanderlust....when we moved to a new house in the suburbs without a fenced in yard, Danni wandered off.....we always hoped that he found a good home.

When our second daughter was about 2 years old, we decided to get another dog....prior to this, a friend had given us a pony...a little white spotted mare. Since our suburban neighborhood was rapidly filling with new homes, we no longer had space for a pony so traded her to a farmer friend for a bassett puppy. Lazee Dazee was the family playmate and followed our girls whereever they went. Dazee died when she was 8 years old.

Our family was growing so we bought a larger house and moved again...by this time we had 3 children, 2 girls and a boy. And wanted another dog. Freckles was found at our local animal shelter...a combination of cocker spaniel and we think terrier. She was also a very prolific little dog....she had evidentally had some dealings with another traveling man because several months later she had a litter of 6 darling little black and white puppies. About this time we decided that 3 young children, a dog and 6 puppies was too much for me to care for, so my mom graciously volunteered to take Freckles and her brood. Freckles lived out her life in luxury .... spoiled to the max.

When our last child, Nancy, was 3, we were given a German Shorthair Pointer....a beautiful dog. His name was Argang's Dark Shadow and he lived with us until his death at age 13. Shadow was of the "traveling man" variety...if he could climb the fence, slip out the gate or get out of the door, he was GONE!. The kids would run after him yelling "Shadow, Shadow" and he'd tuck his tail between his legs and run....but he always came home. Shadow passed away in his sleep at age 13.

After Shadow passed away, I said "NO MORE DOGS" but of course no one listened. Our son was 16 and had just passed his driving test...he had a license!!.. so the first place he went was the animal shelter.

I was happily cleaning up in the kitchen when the phone rang....a lady from the shelter. She said that Jeff was there wanting to adopt a dog...since he was still under our roof, she said she couldn't let him have one without our permission. I asked what does the dog look like, what kind is it? She must have been very anxious for Jeff to have the dog because her description was a little vague...."well, its white with black spots and we think it is a terrier.." Yep, it was white and black alright, but about 8" taller than any terrier. We had Duke for nearly 10 years.

Finally our children married and moved into homes of their own. And, we were dogless. But not for long. Our youngest, Nancy decided that we needed a pet, so brought over a darling little cocker spaniel puppy....golden brown with a WHITE topnotch....his name was Copper Valley Flintstone. One look at those liquid brown eyes and we were hooked. Fred is 14 years old and is my husband's constant companion.

The last member of our doggy family was a Keeshound named D. B. Kuper....Kuper was one of our son's four dogs. When Jeff moved from the country to the city, he could only take three of the dogs with him. Kuper needed a home...ours. Luckily Fred and Kuper knew each other and Fred was willing to share his home and yard....not his doghouse however. Kuper knew that the doghouse was forbidden territory and never went in. They were good buddies until Kuper died of cancer.

Ole Fred is not in the best of health, he doesn't see well and is hard of hearing (so is his owner!) or has selective hearing....hears when he wants to. He has a small tumor which is being watched. We dread the day that Fred passes away, but realize that it will not be far off.

Fred will be our last dog....I cannot handle my heart being torn apart piece by piece when our sweet, beloved dogs die. Each of them lives in my heart and memories of them will be with me always.

Post script: Fred passed away on September 1, 2011. He had been ill for a while and one night, he curled up in his bed and went to sleep. We hope that he will be waiting for us with the rest of our beloved dogs at the Rainbow Bridge.

How to Ruin a Car Thief's Day

2011-12-04T18:14:00.000-06:00

A few precautions will make your vehicle less attractive to car thieves. It takes less time for a professional thief to break into your car, start it up and drive away as it does for you to walk into a store, buy candy bar, pay for it and watch as your car leaves the parking lot. Car thieves never pass up an opportunity to make a quick buck by stealing a car and they work weekends, nights and holidays.

The following tips can help your car become a less inviting target and slow down, discourage or actually prevent car theft.

1. Park in plain sight -Thieves prefer to work out of sight of people and electronic recording devices, so leave your car in a well-lit, populated area.

2. Take your keys---always - Car theft is often a crime of opportunity, so shut yours off and pocket your keys even if you're only ducking into a convenience store.

3. Don't hide your keys anywhere within or outside the car - Thieves know all the hiding places you do, and probably a few more. Those magnetic key holders are BAD ideas.

4. Use a variety of methods to slow would-be thieves - The more prevention methods you have the harder it will make a thief work to steal your car. Put on the emergency brake, turn your wheels hard to the left or right, set the car in "park" or in gear to make it more difficult to be quickly towed.

5. Disable your battery if parking long-term - A thief won't spend the time trying to start a car with a possible dead battery. Yank one of the cable wires to your battery if you're leaving your car parked at an airport or anywhere where it will sit unattended for more than a few days.

6. Sign valuable parts - Put the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the inside of your trunk, inside your doors, on your sound system components and any other pricey parts thieves like to chop.

With foresight and preventive measures that don't take much time, you can help ensure you'll never have to experience that unique nausea familiar to anyone finding a grease spot where their car was parked.

Dealing with Business Software

2011-12-01T10:38:00.009-06:00

Many companies find that dealing with the software development process can vary from vendor to vendor. Software is not always consistent with each other making it hard to compare the values. What is needed is a company specializing in technology which gives you up-to-date information and software development which will integrate with other software systems and manage software vendors. This is particularly true with offshore purchases which can make it difficult to understand who is delivering what product. Vendor management is just as important as software development. The development process often varies from vendor to vendor. This makes it difficult if not impossible to obtain accurate and consistent figures, making it difficult to compare the value that vendors are delivering to your organization.

Companies realize that the cost of maintaining software is roughly about half of the average IT budget. And it is rising every year. Another cost of software development is labor…..how do you optimize that? How do you find a company to help identify waste and inefficiency through software when so many software use different metrics.

BlueOptima is a company offering solutions to address these challenges. Their technology is finely tuned to allow you to view up-to-date metrics which are automatically drawn from your existing software.

Just a Reminder

2011-11-17T14:32:00.004-06:00

Those informative little boxes on the right side of this blog are inviting you to "come and shop"....click on them and you'll be taken to that particular item. They are up-to-date and keep up with what's new in books, clothing, jewelry and miscellaneous items you may be interested in.

I'm Not a Cigarette Smoker...are YOU?

2011-11-16T11:03:00.002-06:00

Cigarette smoking has steadily been losing popularity with the general public. Actually, cigars and pipes are not seen as much as in the past either. They, in most cases, are no longer socially acceptable. Oh yes, there will still be those who “need to have” cigarettes or even a cigar several every day….no matter how it affects their health, how it annoys those around them that do not smoke, and the fact that the nicotine could make your teeth turn yellow (my opinion). I noticed a “cigar bar” in our local mall…one can only imagine how smelly that place is….sorry cigar smokers, I don’t care if they are expensive Cuban cigars (which I think are/were illegal in the United States), they still stink!

I’m not a smoker, never was, and never plan to be…but, IF I were, I would seriously think about using an item that contains no tar, no tobacco, no ash and has no smell. There are products out there. An American made smoke juice that allows a person to smoke anywhere, bars, airports, offices and even in your home is made in Wisconsin with USA made ingredients. They are much cheaper than buying cigarettes and are acceptable to the non-smoker.

Just think!!! No more standing in the cold or rain outside your office building smoking on your break. No more getting nasty looks from people standing next to you on the subway because your expensive suit and coat reeks of cigarette smoke. No more dates being turned off because your breath is offensive.

The benefits are tremendous!

Our Hawk Visitors...can you identify them?

2011-11-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

This beautiful hawk and friend visited our garden yesterday morning. When I looked out of our kitchen window, it was sitting on the back fence just looking around. After a while, it dropped down into the grass, hopped around for a second or two and with a leap was back onto the top of the fence. We watched this early morning display from our kitchen window … but somewhere between looking out the window and pouring myself a cup of tea, another bird appeared on the fence. I don’t know if bird #2 was on the ground and #1 went down to give it moral support and encourage it come up and see the world from the fence top or if it flew in from somewhere else.

We don’t know what type of hawk this is and would like it identified if you know. Thanks to images on Google we think it might be a Groshawk or possibly a red-tailed hawk. Bird #2 seems to have a lot of fluffy feathers…...it may be a fledgling and is just learning to fly. Bird #1 could be a parent or even a sibling.

We watched them for about 15 minutes and then decided to get closer for better photos. I walked to about 15 feet from the fence and the smaller bird #2, took off. It had very large wings, easily 3 feet or more from tip to tip. It flapped it’s wings several times and glided to a tall tree in another yard. Bird #1 sat patiently while I snapped a few more photos, then raised up, flapped it’s wings and took off, landing next to it’s friend on the neighboring tree.

The next morning, I went out to get our newspaper, and there sat bird #1 on the fence again. It stayed for a half hour or so, and then flew away….probably never to visit us again. But we enjoyed the visit…and wonder if there is a nest (probably a really big one) somewhere in the neighborhood. Also made a mental note to keep an eye on Fred, our cocker spaniel and Oakley, our granddaughter Jennifer’s little Westmoreland Terrier when we babysit her next week. The birds may have a problem getting chunky ole Fred off the ground, but Oakley would be a prime target.

Four Dogs is Too Much

2011-10-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Our oldest daughter Lisa and husband John have three dogs…..we are the designated dog-sitters whenever they leave town. Last week it was a trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri. They brought Nikki, the Gordon Setter, Cody, a supercharged Brittney Spaniel, and Oakely, our granddaughter Jenny’s Westmoreland Terrier over for the weekend. Plus, they brought their new extra wide pet gate and dog kennels for the big guys. Thank goodness for the pet gate. The two big dogs are used to being outside, but we have had thunderstorms every night and neither of them like thunder boomers at all. We had to bring them in and close them into the family room with the bigger than usual pet gate.

Oakley just trembles when the thunder claps shake the house. If you’ve ever been in Nebraska during a thunder storm, you’d know why. We have a leather tufted sofa in the family room and she spent the evening curled up next to me. I don’t like thunder either, so we trembled together. Oakley has a new haircut and she hates it….she looks awful. She had wandered into a patch of cockleburrs while at our river cabin and between the burrs and sand, she had to be whisked off to the groomer. They SHAVED all her hair off…the burrs were so tangled and matted in her coat that she could not be groomed and shaving was the only alternative.

While in KC, the kids were looking for some antique white bar stools to compliment their newly made wet bar. They didn’t find any, so are in the process of scouring the internet for them….you know the internet, you can find just about anything. We enjoy keeping their dogs, but hopefully they will do most of their shopping on the internet and keep travels to a minimum. Our dog, Fred, puts up with them, but his patience is wearing thin.

For Heavens Sake! Don't Do what I Did!

2011-10-21T19:15:00.004-05:00

OK, usually I am fairly intelligent and guard my credit card numbers with care. But, I fell for this ad on the internet. You’ve seen it lots of times both on the internet and on TV. A before and after photo of someone, often from your own area, (really doubt that) who has lost 25 or more pounds by taking a special berry … usually in any form. The berry diet is probably a great help in losing weight (although I haven’t as of yet) and has many genuine, honest sellers. This did not happen to be one.

The scam is the “try it free” offer. I clicked on “try it free”, gave my credit card number for postage and handling and off it went. Unfortunately I did not read ALL the fine print on the site…be careful...if it mentions their monthly recurring billing….GET OUT… I should have clicked, clicked, clicked all the links until I found it.

I got my first bottle in about two weeks. A few weeks later, I received another bottle (I honestly thought the company had made a mistake and sent me two bottles instead of one) When my credit card statement arrived I was in shock! WOW! I had a charge of $79.95 plus four Foreign Transaction Fees! Several weeks after that, I received a bottle of colon cleanser.... I didn't order any colon cleaner????? I called my credit card company wanting to know what was going on!

The Bank of America representative was very helpful, telling me that this scam happens often, you have to carefully read those Free Offers. The berry scams and many others offer a free trial of their product, but they ask for your credit card number for postage and handling. Stupid me, I typed it right in.

Somewhere in the fine print, they tell you that if you cancel within 14 days the free trial item is yours. If you do not cancel within 14 days,you will automatically receive a new bottle each month. But, you receive the first bottle shortly AFTER the 14 days have passed, and whoops, you are now in their system and your credit card is billed, in my case it was $79.95 plus four Foreign Transaction Fees.

I called my credit card company, Bank of America, immediately and said...."what is this?" The representative said to call the number shown on the credit charge and tell the person who answered that I wanted everything cancelled and to ask for the agent’s name, ID number and a confirmation of cancellation number. He said that often there are other companies attached to these “free offers” and more things may arrive. However, I would not be responsible for any charges made after the date I cancelled the account (which I didn't know that I had)

I called the phone number listed on the statement and had no problem canceling my “account” and as the BOA representative suggested, asked for the agent’s name, ID number and a confirmation of cancellation number. Obviously from her voice and pronunciation, I could tell this person was not from the U.S. - I asked where she was located and was told that she was "in Florida" but would not say anything else.

Just to be safe, I cancelled that BOA account and was given a new account number.

Now I sit and wait for my next statement….and mentally call myself many unkind names for falling for the scam in the first place.

My Mom the Rockstar

2011-10-20T16:31:00.002-05:00

Guest post written by Derick Burks

I love my mom. One of the greater joys in my life has been to watch her to continue to stay active in her ‘old’ age. I put ‘old’ in quotes, because she would kill me if she ever thought I called her that! That’s right- I’m 59 years old this year, and am still afraid of my mother! She has handled her age with such grace, and at her birthday last year, was still laughing with the rest of us and keeping up her end of the witty conversation. She also loves to play tennis. I’m so proud of her for how she has kept her health and mind sharp over the years, and it is a testament to the fact that she has always taken care of herself and been smart about her decisions.

Last year, I went to Home Security alexandria to feel more at ease about her living at home alone, but she has done so well on her own that I feel like she could be her own security system! She will continue to take on this old age thing by storm, and she’s such a positive example in my life!

#1 Favorite Colorado Hiking Trail

2011-10-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

Posted by Cindy Ervin 9/9/2011

#1 favorite hiking area - Pawnee Pass Trail from Brainard Lake Rec Area to the Continental Divide – 4.6 mi. one-way. Elev. 10,520’-12,550’. Near Ward, Colorado.

This really is one of the greatest hiking trails in this world. Even if you can’t make it to the top, every step you take is worth your while. I love the trail because it is constantly changing with forests, meadows, waterfalls, lakes and streams. It climbs through aspen glens into conifer forests and then up above treeline through snowfields and rocks along cliffs with incredible views. It is a very strenuous all-day hike in some serious altitude, but if I can do it, then you can too.

It is a very popular hike, despite being outside the national park. If you arrive after 8am like we did, the lot will be full, and you will have to park your car an extra half-mile down mountain from the trailhead, making your total hike 10.2 miles. I’ve always had breathing difficulties, so we hiked slowly (9 hours), but it was absolutely the most fantastic hike. Jeff liked it best too, even though we had to keep stopping to let all the other hikers pass. Most hikers do not go all the way to the pass, though, so the crowds thin with each step, as does the oxygen.

The high trail does not open until mid-July and is best hiked after the snow melts in mid-August. It goes through pure, pristine wilderness. There are absolutely no roads here. You can hike the whole 15 miles all the way over the Continental Divide to Lake Granby if you can find someone willing to drive the 115 miles around the Rocky Mountains to pick you up on the other side. Many people actually do it.

A patch of Rocky Mountain Columbine grows on a rock outcrop above treeline on the Pawnee Pass Trail.

2nd Place - Lone Duck Campground - Cascade, Colorado

2011-10-18T09:42:00.002-05:00

I'm not a fan of private campgrounds, but Jeff and the kids really liked it here! The kids both ranked it #1.

Mountainous, yet within minutes of big city life in Colorado Springs. Michael loved the heated pool. Cierra loved the showers. Jeff loved the 24-hour arcade full of his favorite old games. Everyone loved the free wi-fi access and electricity. There is a fishing lake and playground. The campground is small and not too crowded (even when full). The owners are super friendly, and they cook a pancake breakfast (for a small fee).

Private campgrounds are always a little more expensive. They have tightly packed, small spaces and are much less scenic than the public parks. The stream here is tiny and overgrown. The mountain views include the backyards of old houses across the river. The Campground is a little tricky to reach, and GPS is wrong. Directions are on the website (or call).

Green Fishing Gear - Help Our Planet

2011-10-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

S.A.F.E Green fishing gear ...no, its not green in color, but using it will keep the planet green.

Why do you care about using fishing gear that is environmentally safe? You only fish a few times a year and many times you return your fish to the lake....no matter that it's mouth is so badly damaged from your hook that it will probably die anyway. And those wiggly, squishy plastic worms...they won't do any harm. Do you want your children and grandchildren to enjoy hunting and fishing in years to come? Think about these facts.

When lead sinkers are lost through broken fishing lines or other means, they kill birds and fish...it's as simple as that. Loons, swans, ducks and geese eat them expecting them to be FOOD, and are poisoned. Eagles and other birds ingest lead by eating fish that have swallowed lead pellets. Maybe you or your family will eat one of those fish.....how do you think your body will react?

Plastic worms don't break down and often cause blockages in the intestines leading to a fish's death. Estimates suggest that soft plastic fishing lures and worms are responsible for as much as 20 million pounds of plastic left in fishing waters every year. (do you remember that torn plastic worm you tossed into the lake?...it's still there)

Try these alternatives......

Tru-Turn J-Hooks

These "cam-action" hooks do a great job of hooking fish on the outside of the mouth. The long shank makes it easier to remove the hook. Just use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pinch down the barbs on the hooks. You’ll catch fish and it will make it easier to take them off the hook.

Daiichi Circle Hooks (2 sizes)

Circle hooks are a great choice for fishing with live or dead bait for larger fish like bass, catfish, walleye, pike or saltwater species. You don’t set the hook - the unique shape of these hooks automatically catches in the corner of the fish’s mouth almost every time to make for easier release, and eliminating deep "gut hooking" of the fish.

Water Gremlin and Bullet Weights Tin Split Shot (4 sizes)

Water Gremlin and Bullet Weights are tin split shot that is pinched onto your line. The "wings" on each weight allow them to be removed and reused. Tin is an inexpensive alternative to lead, which is toxic....tin is not.

Dr. Drop weights (3 sizes)

Dr. Drop weights are also lead alternatives which use heavier non-toxic metals. You ‘weave’ these onto your line, which eliminates pinching or crimping the line. Their shape helps them slide past snags underwater.

Bullet Weights worm weights (2 sizes)
Bullet Weights worm weights slide on your line, and are put on before adding the hook. Fish won’t feel the weight when they pick up the bait, and the bullet shape slides through snags. You can put it above a split shot to add more weight and keep it away from the bait, or let it slide right down to your hook.
Northland Nature Jigs (3 sizes)
Northland Fishing Tackle makes many alternative jig heads.
A jig head helps prevent fish from swallowing the hook - something many fish are notorious for doing. There are countless molded baits designed to be placed onto a jig head.
FoodSource Lures earthworms or mealworms
FoodSource Lures makes biodegradable molded baits to use instead of traditional soft plastic lures. FoodSource lures are molded protein, so not only do they catch more fish than plastic lures, they are biodegradable and digestible. Plus, they are easier to keep than live bait.
Wooden float bobbers
Wooden bobbers are a biodegradable alternative to plastic bobbers. These floats will last a lifetime, but eventually break down which is better for the environment. Plus, because they float upright, it’s much easier to detect the bite of fish who take the bait from the bottom. The wood float will lay on its side, letting you know that a fish has hit from below.
Bioline Biodegradable Fishing Line
Bioline Biofilament is a 100% biodegradable fishing line; the environmentally friendly alternative to monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing line. It is made out of biodegradable polymers which are not only eco-friendly, but also allow Bioline fishing line to retain 100% of it's strength for a period of 10-12 months on your spool. It can be purchased in line strength from 4 lb to 20 lb., has low visibility since it is clear, has high UV and abrasion resistance, excellent knot strength and superior casting distance.

Bioline biodegradable fishing line breaks down naturally in the environment in approximately 5 years (compared to up to 500 years with monofilament line) and is comparable in performance to conventional fishing lines.

YES! you can make a difference!

From a Crabby Old Lady

2011-09-28T06:47:00.000-05:00

When an old woman died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in North Platte, Nebraska , it was believed that she had nothing left of any value.

Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made And distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Missouri .

The old woman's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas Edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this little old lady, with nothing left to give to the world, Is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Lady

What do you see nurses? . . . . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . . . . .When you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman. . . . . . . . . . Not very wise
Uncertain of habit. . . . . . . . . . . . With faraway eyes?

Who dribbles her food . . . . . . . . .And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . . . . .The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . .A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . . . . . . . .Lets you do as you will
With bathing and feeding. . . . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking. . . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse. . . . You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding. . . . . . .As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten. . . . . . . With a father and mother
Brothers and sisters. . . . . . . . .Who love one another.

A young girl of Sixteen. . . . . . . .With wings on her feet.
Dreaming that soon now. . . . . . A lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at Twenty. . . . . . . My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . That I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . . .And a secure happy home.
A woman of Thirty. . . . . . . . . . .My young now grown fast
Bound to each other. . . . . . . . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . . . . . . .Have grown and are gone
But my husband's beside me. . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play . . . .'round my knee
Again, we know children . . . . . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . . . , My husband is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . .Young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . . . . . . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman . . . . . . . . . And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . . .Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . . . . . . . Where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young girl still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . . . . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . .I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living .. . . . . . . Life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . .Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . .That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . open and see.
Not a crabby old lady . . . . . . . . . . . . .Look closer . . . see ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!

PLEASE SHARE THIS POEM
The best and most beautiful things of this world can't be seen or touched. They must be felt by the heart..

My Dad - the jackrabbit hunter!

2011-08-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

This photo is from a long time ago, probably in the late 1930s - back when I was a kid and my dad and his buddies were dedicated jackrabbit hunters in rural Nebraska. In the 1930's hunting was a necessity, the depression was over but money was scarce. Rabbits, pheasants and ducks were plentiful and free.

Gas was something like $.25 or less a gallon and our old Model T Ford didn't use very much....great gas milage. Dad would get his little group together and they'd leave early in the morning for their favorite hunting spot about 10 miles away. They'd hunt for whatever came across their path....and was in season. Dad was a stickler for obeying the law....no pheasants or ducks out of season. However, rabbits were another story....they were fair game all the time.

Jackrabbits are distant cousins of those cute little bunnies that hop around the yard and would show up at Easter dyed pink, yellow or blue. Jackrabbits are the big mamas....and we ate a lot of them. Usually fried or in rabbit stew.

I believe they would be on the gourmet food menu now.

Loving Adventures!

2011-08-26T08:37:00.001-05:00

Author: Joseph Sandoval

I love a good adventure but moving to Texas has been one heck of a challenge. I’d never really spent much time in the south before so it’s taken me more than a little while to get adjusted to things down here and my waistline alone is showing it! I think I’ve gained about 10 pounds since being here if only because they’ve got the best barbeque in the whole world. I like the people a lot and they’re terribly friendly but since I’m from New York I had no idea people could honestly be so nosy when it comes down to it. That one lady at the grocery store came up to ask where I got my roots done and another to ask me if I was new and if so, if I’d been to Texaselectricityproviders.Com yet? I love how nice they are but when it comes to privacy you can’t really have a whole heck of a lot here in Texas! I guess that’s something I’ll eventually get used to.

The Jackalope (Midwest version)

2011-07-20T10:35:00.000-05:00

Sooooo, have you ever heard of a jackalope? My dad, a determined rabbit hunter used to talk about them all the time. I think one of his never-fulfilled fantasies was to finally see one. They are most common, or at least were, in western Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. As with many other of nature's oddities, they are nearly extinct.

Jackalopes are said to be a cross between an antelope and a jackrabbit.....how they managed to procreate is still a mystery.

I haven't thought about them in a long time...but, yesterday my hubby and I had lunch at the Texas Road House in Omaha, NE (part of our "see Omaha between CWS baseball games plan). There, mounted on the wall was a big ole long-eared jackalope....6" antlers held high. Most of the jackalopes have small pointed antlers but occasionally one comes along with a full rack....it's mother probably had a liason with a white tail deer instead of an antelope. You can tell if its a true jackalope if it has long ears, probably 5 or 6 inches....

For the actual history and a drawing (very good likeness) of a pair of jackalopes, click on this link: Jackalopes..true or a hoax.

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

2011-07-16T22:33:00.004-05:00

I have been experimenting with my own homemade laundry detergent....and the verdict is in.......its FANTASTIC. If you or someone in your family is has sensitive skin and often has problems with detergents...itchy, dry, scaly skin (thanks to the many additives added), try this do-it-yourself laundry soap.

It's so super easy to make and CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. You use WAY less soap and I am really convinced it works better than store bought detergent! Here is the "recipe" I found in a daily e-newsletter I get (everydaycheapskate.com) The items were easy to find ... look in Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart's laundry area.

1 5.5oz bar Fels Naptha soap
2 cups washing soda
2 cups borax

Use a cheese grater to finely grate the bar of soap. It takes grease stains out of clothes even those that have been there for a while.Use up to 3-4 Tablespoons or up to 1/4 cup for a top loading machine....less if you're washing baby clothes, lingerie or items that are not "that" dirty. Front loaders you can use 2-3 Tablespoons. It rinses out better and leaves your clothing (especially your bathtowels) softer. This also makes a great pre-wash treatment…just dampen a little, rub it directly onto the stain and let sit for a few minutes then toss it into the washer with the rest of the laundry.

I'm sure that these ingredients are much less harmful to the environment and ground water than the laundry products pumped full of additives and chemicals.

Search Engine Optimization...What is it?

2011-06-20T08:13:00.001-05:00

WebiMax isn’t exactly a household word. Well, not in my household anyway. But WebiMax is one of the best, if not the #1 search engine optimization (SEO) in the world.

One of the areas where WebiMax excels in is Pay Per Click marketing. You’ve probably participated in a few yourself…you see a product or service advertised on a website. You’re interested so you click on it the site owner receives money and you buy the product. It sounds like money in the bank..both the advertiser and the site owner win. But, it takes a lot of knowledge to make the process work well. What keywords should be used, how and where to place these Pay Per Click marketing ads. WebiMax can make your PPC stand out using search engine optimization.

Then there is social media…Twitter, Facebook, YouTube to name a few. A few keywords can make your site a winner, a runner-up or just a plain ole loser. It depends on the knowledge and expertise of the site. WebiMax is a leader in creating Social Media Marketing. When done effectively and correctly, Social Media can be one of the best and workable ways to build brand awareness and then customer interaction. Social Media posting can slip brief bits of information, current photos, videos (think UTube), events, calendars, feedback, comments, and others into a blog, Twitter, or Facebook and suddenly you have hundreds if not thousands of potential customers. Search engine optimization can do it for you.

Six Tips for Safer Salads

2011-06-09T07:57:00.004-05:00

Salads based on greens, particularly dark leafy varieties such as spinach and kale, can be a good way to get your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vegetables. However, as a recent contamination outbreak in Europe has shown, the contents of salad can sometimes be a source of E. coli and salmonella. Help minimize your risk of exposure to pathogens with these steps:

(1) Always rinse packaged greens, even if the package states “prewashed.” Greens that look fresh, especially greens in plastic, can still harbor bacteria. Loose and unpacked greens should be washed three times under cold, running water to remove sand, dirt and any bacteria that may be present.

(2) Don't purchase greens that are past their “best-if-used-by” date.

(3) All vegetables and fruits should be scrubbed under cold, running water before being used.

(4) Do not put raw bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts in your salad - they aren't really all that healthy and the risk of toxins, E. coli or salmonella from these sources is high.

(5) If using tofu in salad, purchase it in packaged form only - avoid buying it in bulk out of open barrels, which may harbor unwanted organisms.

(6) At a salad bar, make sure that the vegetables are well chilled (kept over ice) and that the food is properly shielded with a sneeze guard or hood. Avoid any items that look old or dried out.

Ref: Dr. Weils Safety Tip

Home Safety is Important to us...and you

2011-05-26T20:57:00.001-05:00

We are a middle class, middle income family and we can’t afford to have our home burglarized or broken into. Ken has a large collection of model trains, and many are worth in excess of $500.00 per engine. Plus we have a new TV set, a fairly decent computer system and odds and ends that we wouldn’t want to lose. Our choice for a dependable ADT system is home security Maricopa. This Home Security System gives us what we consider to be invaluable to our peace of mind by guarding our home from intrusion and burglary, flame outbreaks and carbon monoxide emission…plus many other threats to our security.

Although this sounds strange, we discovered this ADT system while watching our favorite program on Direct TV. There was just a little blurb about home security and what this system can do…and we decided that we needed to look into it. It is not as expensive as we thought it would be. And they really have a well-maintained response system in case of problems.

Industrial Strength Custom Labels

2011-04-30T20:18:00.001-05:00

Once in a while you need to find industrial strength custom labels that you can be sure will hold up under demanding circumstances. Elements like wind, rain, and heat can often become a problem for many labels that are applied to industrial machinery, equipment and vehicles. They dry up under desert heat, crinkle when extreme cold makes metal shrink or dissolve under torrential rain.

Data Graphics Inc., with facilities based in Mount Dora, Florida, has been delivering superior custom nameplates, overlays and labels since 1984. Their state-of-the-art printing equipment can print your custom label in 7 to 10 business days after they receive approval of the artwork.

Mount Dora, Florida provides an excellent environment to deliver nameplates, overlays and custom labels based upon your needs. . No other nameplate or overlay company will work as hard to win your business and keep your business for years to come. Data Graphics Inc. is trusted by many companies in the manufacturing, aerospace, telecommunications, medical and military industry to provide high quality custom labels.

Model Trains

2011-04-26T08:37:00.002-05:00

Trains are like magnets, you can't help but look at them. Unless you've been closer than being stopped at a railroad crossing or seeing them from a distance, you have no idea how big they are. And, how fast they travel.

Many people are killed in train/car accidents for that reason..."I don't want to wait for 100 trains cars to go by, I'm in a hurry....so, I'll beat the train to the crossing" Some times they do...many times they do not.

Ken and I went on a 9 day train trip from Chicago, making a round-about journey and going through, Nebraska, Colorado, Nevada, California, Oregon, Montana and back to Chicago. When we were going through a portion of Nevada, nothing around for miles...we hit a truck.

The young pickup truck driver decided to either try to beat the train to the crossing, or just was not paying attention to his surroundings, which BTW were perfectly flat, no trees, nothing. There was no way he could have NOT seen this enormous train coming down the track. Plus, the engineer was frantically blowing the whistle.

He almost made it. The Amtrac engine hit the back end of the truck and spinning it around, flinging it off the track. We all held our breath, fearing that someone had been killed, praying that wouldn't be the case.

The young man obviously had his guardian angel with him. He was not hurt but his truck wouldn't be going anywhere for a long time.

What to wear for my Valentine's Day date

2011-04-25T08:08:00.001-05:00

This is a guest post written by Heather Stephens

This is the first time in years that I've had a date that's actually on Valentine's Day. I've always thought that it's a little cheesy to have a first date on the holiday, but this is actually a second date, which actually might put even more pressure on the two of us. So I really want to make sure that my outfit is perfect for the date. We'll be going out to eat and then to a movie, so my outfit needs to be something that is comfortable to sit in for a few hours.

I've been getting ideas about what to wear online with my satellitestarinternet from fashion blogs and websites. I want to look a little bit nicer and pulled togethe! r, especially since my date has a great sense of style and wore a really nice looking outfit that was still pretty casual on our first date together.

But I think I've finally figured out my Valentine date style. I'm going to wear this loose A-line black skirt that's kind of high wasted with black tights, black ballet flats and then a solid colored long sleeve shirt. I think it looks a little special without being too special or uncomfortable.

Home Address Signs – Classy Idea

2011-04-21T09:30:00.008-05:00

One of the classiest ways to show off your new (or old) home is with a personalized address plaque on your front door. An address plaque is an inexpensive home improvement project that sets your home apart from others on your street.

There are so many address plaques available that it is hard to decide which one to choose. The signs are crafted from rust-free recycled aluminum so they will l-a-s-t. Many of the signs can be created as either wall mount or lawn mount.

If you are a Harley Davidson owner, there are address signs or lawn plaques made especially for you. An Officially Licensed Harley-Davidson plaque made of hand-crafted, rust-free recycled cast aluminum will bring the HD spirit from the road to your home.

House address plaques come in a variety of shapes and sizes; round, entry or door, Artisan metal or vertical and if desired can show your family name.

Whitehall address signs and plaques are USA products made in Michigan and California

To Watch TV or Not Watch TV

2011-04-17T21:17:00.007-05:00

It is getting close to spring…no more snow. The only thing that is worse than snow is the constant rain that comes with spring…..but you know, April showers bring May flowers. We have a fenced-in garden area in our back yard that we grow some beautiful plants. It’s fenced because our beautiful flowers are constantly threatened by little bunnies….about the only thing they don’t seem to enjoy is Marigolds. I do like Marigolds, but not a whole garden full of them.

I watched a great show on gardening on Satellite TV…I’m a sucker for new plants, and these were as pretty as a picture. The new iris that was being described is one that blooms more than once in a season. That was always the bad thing about iris plants, when blooming season is over, nothing but green leaves the rest of the summer. The iris was varying shades of gold, white and black fading to grayish tan. It reminded me of Tahitian or island artwork.

Direct TV is full of interesting programs ... we aren’t football or soccer fans, although I do enjoy watching tennis or baseball once in a while. Direct TV gives me many choices. I feel that if I’m watching something that gives me new knowledge and insight or something that makes me think, I’m not completely wasting my time. Watching TV, like being on a computer, is what you make of it. You can totally waste your time, or you can learn while you enjoy.

50 clues to a great marriage and relationship

2011-04-11T13:04:00.000-05:00

How many of these promises do you keep? When you stood at the altar before God and all those witnesses, you promised to love and honor your spouse.....but sometimes the little things get lost in the daily shuffle of life.

1. Start each day with a kiss
2. Wear your wedding ring at all times
3. Date once a week
4. Accept differences
5. Be polite
6. Be gentle
7. Give gifts
8. Smile often
9. Touch
10. Talk about dreams
11. Select a song that can be "our song" (ours is The Twelfth of Never )
12. Give back rubs
13. Laugh together
14. Send a card for no reason
15. Do what the other person wants before he or she asks
16. Listen
17. Encourage
18. Do it his or her way
19. Know his or her needs
20. Fix the other person's breakfast
21. Compliment twice a day
22. Call during the day
23. Slow down
24. Hold hands
25. Cuddle
26. Ask for each other's opinion
27. Show respect
28. Welcome the other person home
29. Look your best
30. Wink at each other
31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way
32. Apologize
33. Forgive
34. Set up a romantic getaway
35. Ask "what can I do to make you happier?"
36. Be positive
37. Be kind
38. Be vulnerable
39. Respond quickly to the other person's request
40. Talk about your love
41. Reminince about your favorite times together
42. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy
43. Send flowers every Valentine's Day and anniversary
44. Admit when wrong
45. Be sensitive to each other's sexual desires
46. Pray for each other daily
47. Watch sunsets together
48. Say "I love you" frequently
49. End the day with a hug
50. Remember that unkind remarks can wound deeply and may never be forgotten

We've been happily married for 53 years... I can honestly say that we keep almost all these promises ... except #3, #14 and #43 are sometimes missed.

The Steam Team of Texas

2011-04-02T10:14:00.002-05:00

The Steam Team of Texas

If your car has leather upholstery it probably has not been cleaned since it was first installed. The chemicals used in tanning leather only protect the leather for a certain period of time…not forever. The responsibility of keeping it soft and flexible is yours.

The Steam Team can bring back the look by car leather cleaning in Austin. Dirt and grime which have accumulated on the surface must be removed and the oils be periodically replaced, usually about once every year.

And, don’t forget the car upholstery cleaning in Austin. Once the leather is cleaned there are various pieces of car upholstery that need work also. Your car is probably the 2^nd most expensive thing you own (your house is #1). You are just not smart to let the upholstery continue to accumulate dirt, dog hair or odors from smoking, etc. Once a year have your vehicle thoroughly cleaned, leather and upholstery, by the Steam Team of Texas.

If you were unfortunate and suffered water damage to your vehicle either by flood or torrential rainstorm, it needs to be cleaned. Otherwise you will have a musty odor that will not go away. By having the right equipment, and understanding the principles involved in the water and fire damage restoration in Austin, the Steam Team can save you hundred of dollars.

Blue Sky Scrubs are the BEST!

2011-04-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

Blue Sky Scrubs are the BEST!

If you’re in the market for new hospital scrubs in spring colors, Blue Sky Scrubs are the best ones on the market. Blue Sky Scrubs is always adding new colors to their scrub sets. Years ago, nursing uniforms and scrubs were only offered in ceil blue (which, to me, always looked old, worn and faded) but now come in pink, chocolate, lilac and navy blue to name a few. Two styles of scrub tops and scrub bottoms are offered for women: the Original and the new Simple Scrubs. Both styles offer the same slimming fit and use the same high quality fabric.

Blue Sky Scrubs has expanded its medical uniform items to include lab coats. They also offer, and actually began by marketing scrub caps. The luxury scrub hats quickly became a must-have accessory for doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists, veterinarians, and other medical professionals worldwide. They are not sold in stores - they are only available online at blueskyscrubs.com.

The Blue Sky lab coat is one of a kind. The coat is constructed of a sturdy, wrinkle-resistant, teflon-protected 100% cotton that is trimmed with slate gray or white piping. It is designed with plenty of pockets so the coat can hold papers, pens, stethoscopes, and whatever else the busy medical and nursing professional may need.

My Moonflower Garden

2011-04-02T08:03:00.000-05:00

My moonflowers are growing wild! I thought they were nice, gentile little bushes that flowered for a year and then died off. Wrong! This year they came up from the root of last summer's plant and they were off and running. We have them planted along the side of the yard and the bushes are nearly 5 feet high and spreading.

They have trumpet shaped flowers as large as saucers and have a fragrant aroma. Once they are finished blooming, they produce a large 3" in diameter seed pod that is vicious....full of spines and when they dry, they get hard and remind me of those mines that were used in WW2 to sink ships. You do not want to fool around with them unless you're wearing gloves, leather preferred.

They are self seeding....when the pods dry, they burst open and dozens of little seeds are released. This spring, little plants have shown up in areas of the yard that were nowhere near the mother plants. They like sun, the flowers bloom at night (I think) but are in full bloom in the morning and early afternoon. (husband calls them the "one night wonders") By afternoon the flowers have begun to wilt...some die but other hang in there until the next day.

Spring Wanderlust Is Almost Here

2011-03-04T09:26:00.004-06:00

We’re getting “wanderlust” again….this time we’re thinking about a holiday in Barcelona, Spain in the Spanish region of Catalonia. We’ve seen photos of this beautiful old European city and have been researching holiday apartments in Barcelona.

Barcelona’s center core has everything that old world cities are famous for….outdoor markets, restaurants , shops, museums and areas where you can sit, have a cool drink or hot coffee and enjoy peoplewatching. The best time to take a Barcelona break would be over Easter, when a whole range of Saints feasts spring up throughout the city. The Barcelona Grand Prix and the Barcelona Jazz Festival in December are also magnificent times to make Barcelona your destination.

August is the busiest time in Barcelona, but be aware that about 10% of shops and restaurants will be closed from mid-August to early September (the owners go on vacation too…probably to the USA). But, there will be plenty of tourists - Barcelona also has a beautiful beach. Accommodations will usually be cheaper and since the majority of Spaniards go on vacation in August, business is slower and hotels will be offering lower prices.

The Barcelona Tourist Office has many booklets and books, providing useful information on when to visit, what to expect in the way of weather, available tours and opening and closing times for museums, churches and other attractions.

If you are interested in finding holiday rentals in Barcelona or other places in Europe, contact HomeAway Holiday-Rentals - they have many rental self-catering apartments to show you.

Don’t do what I did!

2011-03-02T19:01:00.001-06:00

OK, usually I am fairly smart and guard my credit card with care. But, I fell for this ad which appears frequently on the internet and TV stations.

You’ve see it lots of times. A before and after photo of someone, often from your own area, (not really) who has lost 25 or more pounds by using Acai Berry … usually in any form. The Acai Berry is probably a great help in losing weight (although I haven’t as of yet).

The scam is the “try it free” offer.

I clicked on “try it free”, gave my credit card number for postage and off it went. Unfortunately I did not read ALL the fine print….actually there was so much that what I needed to know was not easily found. I should have clicked, clicked, clicked all the links until I found it.

I got my first bottle, and also my credit card statement…WOW! My free bottle cost me $79.95 plus four Foreign Transaction Fees! I called my credit card wanting to know what this was for…Health-Cleanse?????

The Bank of America representative was very helpful, telling me that this happens often, you have to thoroughly read those Free Offers. The acai berry free bottle, free skin cream, free ANYTHING offer a free trial of their product, but they ask for your credit card number for mailing charges. Stupid me, I typed it right in.

Somewhere in the fine print, it reads that if you cancel in 14 days, nothing happens and the free trial item is yours. You receive it shortly AFTER the 14 days have passed, and whoops, your credit card is billed, my case it was $79.95 plus Foreign Transaction Fees. And you are now on their "idiot" list and will receive bottles of acai, creams or other items every month if not more often.

I immediately called the phone number listed on my credit card statement. I had no problem canceling my “account” and asked for the agent’s name, ID number and a confirmation of cancellation number. My Bank of America representative told me to tell the agent that I wanted everything cancelled….he said that often there are other companies attached to these “free offers” and more things may arrive. He said I would not be responsible for any charges after the date I cancelled the Health-Cleanse account. Unfortunately, another bottle of pills had arrived while I was on vacation.

Just to be safe, I cancelled that BOA account and was given a new account number. Ha, I was too late, another bill from Health-Cleanse had shown up, the date was before my cancellation date....so I was stuck paying another $79.95 plus Foreign Transaction Fees.

Now I sit and wait for my next statement….and mentally call myself many unkind names for falling for the scam in the first place.

A Business of Your Own

2011-02-26T11:06:00.001-06:00

A Business of Your Own

I think at one time or another, the idea of starting your own business has crossed your mind. In this uncertain economy, the prospect of losing your job is scary. At least it is for our family. I have been looking at various business opportunities on the internet, but so far nothing has jumped out at me and said “here I am, the opportunity of a lifetime”.

I do know that before I start, I will need help with spreadsheets, templates and other downloadable products. I am selling items on various auction sites, but that’s not exactly a business….its work, but not too profitable.

While wandering the internet I did find help with downloading ebooks and other items designed to help a “small business” owner. It provides templates, income spreadsheets and even a facebook guide. The free newsletter provides monthly success tips, tools and discounts sent directly to your inbox. Best of all, it is free and you’ll receive a free bonus ebook.

Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force --- they're OUR songs

2011-02-18T19:15:00.000-06:00

The Fourth of July is always a sad time for me......I remember when I was 8 years old , my brother was serving aboard the USS Fulton, a sub tender during World War II. We had a small flag with a blue star sewn on it hanging in our front window, although I didn't really know what it represented, I know my mom would get tears in her eyes whenever she looked at it. She said it was "for Bobby".....

The BLUE STAR FLAG was a symbol of love, pride, hope and grave concern. It also became a symbol of what Americans at home could do to increase a mother's chance of seeing her son's safe return: rationing, working in factories building needed materials, and even reminding all at home that "loose lips sink ships". The Blue Star Flag, visible from the windows of many houses up and down any given street in America, symbolized a pride in the commitment of America's youth and a reminder of the gravity of the entire war effort.

We prayed every night that Bobby would be safe and come home to us.....and he did.

Bob was my oldest brother and my hero. I loved school...spelling was my forte. Every week we would have a spelling test, and I always proudly brought home my paper with a big 100% on it. Then each Saturday morning I would write a letter to Bobby and enclose my spelling test. I don't know how long it took for my letters to reach him, but they did. Bobby would send me a return letter(s) with a dollar bill inside....my reward for the 100% papers.

Our school Principal, Irma Grace Riley was a great believer in school assemblies. I went to Edward Rosewater School in Omaha, NE and every Friday the classes from kindergarten to 8th grade would assemble in the school's big hallway and together we would recite the Pledge of Allegiance and we would sing.

I know (and remember) every verse to The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Over There, The Caissons Keep Rolling Along, and all the patriotic songs she could find. Many of my classmates and teachers had fathers, husbands or brothers stationed "over there" and we were honoring them in our own little way.

The Fourth of July reminds me of what our brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers fought for....and I cry for those who died keeping us free. Listen to these songs.....listen to the pride in the voices and the determination in these words.

http://www.thefoxnation.com/culture/2010/06/07/watch-marine-stuns-crowd-tea-party?page=1

AND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_LYLx6FOWY&feature=related

Back to School - Winter Break is Over!

2011-02-09T10:37:00.001-06:00

Back to School- Winter Break is Over!

Guest post from: Steve Delaney

Preparing the kids to go back to school after we had a two week long winter break was a bit of an ordeal. With 4 kids in two different schools, we had to adjust our schedules greatly after so long with not having to go to bed at a certain time, or with having to get up early. The older kids in high school started going to bed a few hours earlier to prepare themselves, as they have to get up the earliest. We do try to stick to a general time for bedtime during the holiday, but what with all the parties and celebrations, it can definitely get out of whack.

During this time, I made sure to keep up with the chores and housework, along with setting my HOME SECURITY alarm system. I didn't want a huge mess to deal with when all the kids were back in school- I wanted to have a couple days of relaxation, to tell you the truth. So I got the kids to help me the last few days, with cleaning up the toys and decorations and getting the house back in order. That way, we had everything ready for when morning came, and we were all able to get ready with minimal fuss. As much as I enjoy the holidays, I do enjoy the quietness the house now has to offer me!

Sports or Concert Event Tickets

2011-02-07T08:27:00.005-06:00

Need Sports or Concert Event Tickets?

Ticket America has long been our favorite place for buying sports tickets online. We’ve bought tickets to see the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers from Ticket America and have been very pleased with the seats and with their service.

But, our newest venture in buying tickets online is buying concert tickets …actually I didn’t know that Ticket America even sold them. But, here they were, Concert Event tickets, and Concert tickets.

Our 3 year old grandson loves anything that has Barney or the Sesame Street guys in it. We found that going to Concert Tickets on the Ticket America site opens up a whole new world of online ticket buying. Concert Tickets, in alphabetical listing, tells you where a child’s concert or show will be held, city and date. Same for teenage concerts….I haven’t heard of 99% of the artists, but my older grandkids haven’t heard of 99% of the bands and singers that I enjoy.

Whatever type of concert you prefer, Ticket America has tickets for them. And, they are safe and guaranteed.

Souvenirs that Bite!

2011-02-03T14:45:00.000-06:00

PREVENTING BED BUGS by Dr. Andrew Weil M.D.

After more than 20 years of near extinction, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) now seem to be everywhere in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now regards bed bugs as a "major problem." The reason for the big uptick seems to be increased international travel - these pests are hitching rides in our luggage. The good news is that bed bugs don't transmit disease - they're certainly unpleasant to have around, but they don't pose an immediate health risk.

You may have a bed bug infestation if:

You see the bugs themselves - they are oval, flattened, brown, wingless insects that are about 1/4 inch long.
When you get up in the morning you have red welts on your skin.
You see blood and orangish-brown spots of bug feces on pillows and sheets.
There is an unpleasant, pungent odor in or near the bed.

To prevent an infestation, try these measures:

When traveling, check behind hotel bed frames and under mattress covers for orangish-brown fecal spots.
When you get home, wash all your clothes in hot water and store suitcases in a plastic bag in a hot car trunk or attic.
Use a mattress cover designed to suppress bed bugs.

Getting rid of bed bugs isn't easy, as they seem to be developing resistance to most natural pesticides. If you have bed bugs, get professionals to handle the extermination, and ask them to first try pumping hot air into your bedroom - bed bugs can't survive extreme heat.

I just happened to think of this....if Mr. and Mrs. _________ were taking a plane back from some 3rd world country or even from a cruise, they might be bringing these little fellows back with their carry-on luggage. You know, the bag that's stuffed next to yours in the overhead storage bin. Oh yeah, the bag that has sat on the floor of how many rooms, airplane terminals, and tossed in with bags from around the world!

The "wash everything" idea is a good idea. I usually only wash that which had been worn....but the clean clothes have been sitting on the hotel's bed, hung in the closet or put in the convenient hotel drawers go straight into my own closet or dresser drawers. Ugh! souvenirs that bite are definitely not the souvenirs I had planned to bring home.

Child's Train Engineer Cap, Bandana and Whistle Age 3+

2011-01-05T13:12:00.005-06:00

Have a little train enthusiast in the family? Our 3 year old grandson Andrew loves his train cap, bandana and of course the wooden train whistle. He does his best to sound like a train whistle but he needs a little more ummmmpth when he blows!

I have two engineer train hat, bandana and whistle sets for sale....one with a red bandana and one with blue. They are new, never worn or blown.. The bandanas are triangular and are 29" x 19" x 19". They are one thickness since the square bandanas doubled over made it too bulky for a child.

The Engineer's hat is adjustable in the back to allow room for growth! The wooden whistle is 6" long.

The set costs $12.00 including postage. Contact me at jeanjb@cox.net if you would like one.

Words Women Use

2011-01-02T08:05:00.000-06:00

While in Charleston, S.C. our tennis team visited many, many great eating establishments. One of our favorites was Hyman's Seafood Restaurant at 215 Meeting Street.......where we found these words of wisdom......along with some delicious food and fun-lovin' waiters!
*
(Men! this is for you!....it will warn you about future arguments you can avoid if you remember the terminology)
*
WORDS WOMEN USE:
*
FINE...This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
*
FIVE MINUTES...If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
*
NOTHING...This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "Nothing" usually end in "Fine"
*
GO AHEAD...This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.
*
LOUD SIGH...This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".
*
THAT'S OKAY...This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
*
THANKS... The woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say "you're welcome"

Whats Wrong with My Dishwasher!!!

2010-12-25T12:54:00.000-06:00

Something was wrong with my dishwasher....my drinking glasses were coming out cloudy, the silverware and flatware had some sort of gunky coating and my aluminum pie tins turned nearly black. I blamed the glasses and silverware on my dishwasher, it is getting older and maybe wasn't doing it's job. But couldn't blame the aluminum pie tin problem on the dishwasher. And, I did not have this problem previously.

I scanned the internet for "dishwasher problems" and guess what.....its my dishwasher detergent. I had used Cascade, Finish and Kirkland for years, both in the powder form and the newer gel. My glasses were sparkling clear, the pie tins stayed their shiny aluminum color and silverware had no spots or gunk. But last week I ran out of detergent so I bought a huge box of Cascade at Costco.....when I started using it, my troubles began.

The silverware and dishes came out of the dishwasher coated with a whitish film almost scale. I can scratch it off my clear Pyrex bowls with my fingernail. The glasses were so murky and foggy that I was ashamed to have my kids see them much less drink from them. I thought that the dishwasher's rinse cycle was not working or that the sprayer arms had been caught on something and couldn't rotate. Luckily, I had not called the appliance repairman, but that was going to be my next step.

More research on the "murky, scaly and not clean dishes" gave me my answer...... laws banning phosphorus in soaps by July 1, 2010 had been enacted. The Soap and Detergent Association, a trade organization that represents North American manufacturers of cleaning products, stated that they would be phosphorus free by that deadline.

Obviously phosphorus is the cleaning agent in dishwasher detergent that cleaned and made the dishes clean and sparkling....and its now gone. Don't believe the hype that Cascade is putting out....your dishes will not come out sparkling clean and totally food free with the new product.

I have tried several ways to get my glasses sparkly and silverware gunk free and the only way I have been able to do it was to re-run the dishwasher rinse cycle with a cup of vinegar The vinegar seems to cut through the foggy gunk. Its not perfect, but at least I'm not looking at murky drinking glasses (they are still foggy but not as bad as before) and funny stuff on the silverware (am undecided about that) Yesterday I bought a box of Lemi-Shine...its supposed to remove scale, etc. from dishes....I'll let you know how it works.******

Want to read some user comments....... http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98723206.tip.html

And, I took the big box of Cascade back to Costco for a full refund.

I believe that we should find ways to protect the environment, but manufacturers must be able to come up with something better than this.

Follow up: After using Lemi-Shine ONCE in my dishwasher, the change in my dishes, flatware, utensils and glasses is amazing....my glasses are squeeky clean and coffee cups no longer have dark stains on the bottom (yes, I am very slow about putting used coffee cups into the dishwasher, they may sit overnight with cold coffee in them).

And, Lemi-Shine has NO phosphorus...therefore is environmentally friendly. Hello Cascade, Finish, Kirkland manufacturers, if Lemi-shine can do it, why don't you?

Navy Peacoats and Air Force Bomber Jackets

2010-12-10T22:20:00.005-06:00

Do you remember those old bomber jackets that were so popular back in the 1960’s? Well, they morphed into motorcycle jackets. I saw one on Ebay that sold for over $400.00---of course, it was a bit worn since it was actually from WWII and had a painting of Betty Grable on the back. This one had fur around the collar and was lined so was probably the type pilots and airmen wore. I remember a movie with Clark Gable playing an airplane pilot during WWII…he really looked good in that jacket!

The navy had recognizable jackets too….their heavy blue six button coat was known as the “peacoat”. The name peacoat comes from the type of material that the coat was made of. It was called Pilot Cloth which eventually became shortened to “P” jacket and then “Peacoat”. Peacoats are the “in” thing in ladies’ fashion. Tommy Hilfiger has a neat red one that has the six button front….and Roxy has a short version that is very classy. They are hard to find in your neighborhood stores so your best bet is to hunt online.

I live in Nebraska and our winter is just beginning…..snow and below zero temps. I’m not looking forward to shoveling snow again or being stuck in a snowbank trying to get out of our yard. I’ve been haunting the internet for something really warm. My first choice is an Big Sky Walker coat by Tommy Hilfiger….warm with a detachable hood.

Crawdads, Crawfish & Mudbugs - spicy snacks!

2010-12-01T15:22:00.000-06:00

When I was growing up in 1948 Nebraska, one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning was to go "crawdadding" with my dad and his friends.

Hmmm, you don't know what "crawdads" are....well, lets see, in the south they are called crawfish, the eastern United States folks call them crayfish and some parts of this great nation refer to them as mudbugs or yabbies. But in the central and western areas, they are just plain ole crawdads….miniature lobsters.

I loved to go with them. We’d hop into Dad’s old Model T Ford and the guys would discuss where the best spots would be. Dad had his favorite places, depending on how much rain we’d had. Since he was the driver, we’d usually go there.

Crawdaddin’ wasn’t involved, took absolutely no talent and was a great way for us kids to get wet and muddy without being yelled at for doing it. Mom would scold Dad for letting me come home covered with mud and smelly pond water but all she’d say to me was “don’t come into the house with those muddy clothes on”.

I can still remember the feel of the squishy mud between my toes and the prickly thrill that maybe we’d get our toes pinched by a wandering crawdad or some fish would "get" us. Occasionally a small water snake would be sunning itself on the shore and would slither into the pond…..it took a whole lot of persuading to get me into the water after seeing one.

Once we arrived at the right pond, dad would hang a piece of beef liver on a string tied to a piece of wood....then he'd toss it out into a pond or slough (a muddy body of water). They'd throw out 10 or more floating tidbits and wait for a few minutes for the smell to attract the crawdads. They hung out fairly close to shore, under debris hiding from fish, raccoons and other creatures that lived in the area. They were the favorite food of whatever fish happened to live in the pond and had learned the art of self-preservation.

The crawdads would swim up and grab the liver with their big claws. We (the kids) would wade out, pick up the wood and slip a homemade net under the crawdads and occasionally would find some 5 or 6 inchers....we'd really get excited if we happened to get those big ones! Then we would come back to shore and dump the net into a gunny sack.

Once we got enough, a whole sack full, we'd head for home and empty the sack into our old claw bathtub filled with salty water. (on Saturday nights, I also was dumped into that tub…after Mom had scrubbed it out)

I was between 8-10 years old and loved to play with the crawdads before they turned into lunch! I’d look for the biggest ones and tease them to get them to open their claws. Had my fingers pinched many, many times.

Once they were cleaned by the salty water and rinsed, Mom would cook batches of them in her big soup pot….she’d add spices and whatever else was necessary to give them a spicy flavor. They turned bright red and the smell wafted through the open windows and sooner or later the whole neighborhood would smell the spicy crawdads cooking, bring their beer and we'd have a party! (the kids didn't get beer...don't remember what we had)

Thanks for letting me share my memories…..

Where Did Our United States Jobs Go??????

2010-11-29T08:44:00.000-06:00

This was sent to me by a friend who lost her job in August. She had worked at the same place for 15 years....but no longer. Her company could not compete with the foreign imports...many of which were actually American companies who chose to have their items made overseas.....cheaper? I suppose so.

But in a way, we, as comsumers are also to blame. We want the best bargain, i.e. cheapest, items we can find....who cares if John, Helen, Tom or Doreen, American citizens, will lose their jobs....obviously we don't.

Is this you?

John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN ) for 6 am. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG ). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRILANKA ), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE ) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA).

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA ) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO ) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) turning off his radio (MADE IN INDIA ) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY ) filled it with gas (FROM SAUDI ARABIA) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day of checking his computer (MADE IN MALAYSIA), John decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL ) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE ) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA ), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.

Do you see anything WRONG with this story? You should.

Your Pot of Gold....Don't Miss Out!

2010-11-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

Gold is not only a precious metal, it is the world's mark of excellence. Kings revered it, misers hid it, rich people collected it and the Olympics reward it to their champions. Even foxey Irish leprechauns collected and protected their little pots of gold.

The Gold Standard is the heart of America’s economy… we have tons of gold bullion buried in the vaults at Fort Knox backing up our paper money.

Is it too late for you to buy or own gold? Not really. Is it a smart thing to do? You betcha! At this time one of the safest investments you can make would be in gold coin or gold bullion. Although the price of gold can fluxuate, it will always maintain its value over the long term. Remember that pot of gold coins at the end of the rainbow?

Think about putting some in your pot.

An Almost Home Invasion

2010-11-23T19:53:00.000-06:00

Several months ago I wrote about an attempted burglary in our neighborhood. Well, it’s happened again. The owners had gone out for the evening, their two small children were being watched by an adult babysitter. The sitter was upstairs putting the children to bed when the Home Security alarm went off. A few minutes later the telephone rang….it was one of ADT’s Home Security Systems professionals asking if they were alright and saying that she had called the police.

She then stayed on the phone with the sitter, telling her and the children to stay where they were, behind the locked bedroom door and trying to keep her calm until the police arrived. Luckily ADT’s Home Security Monitoring is a 24/7 monitoring system, if not, who knows what could have happened to the sitter and children. And, luckily ADT has offices in 48 states plus Washington, D.C.

The police found a broken side window and a stocking cap…there was blood on the window glass so the alarm probably scared the burglar and he cut himself. So far, he hasn’t been caught…but…now the police have his DNA on file. Its only a matter of time.

Our New Cabela's Store W-O-W

2010-11-22T14:25:00.000-06:00

I love to fish! When I was growing up, my folks and I would make our annual pilgrimage from Nebraska to Minnesota for two weeks of fishing bliss. We stayed at resorts on Leech Lake, Woman Lake and finally Ten Mile Lake. Dad loved to fish for northern pike and I was "hooked" on casting for bass....Mom preferred to sit in the middle of the boat, secure in her life preserver jacket and troll for anything with fins.

We lived in Nebraska, not exactly a fisherman's paradise. At that time (1950) the only tackle stores in the vicinity were Sears Roebuck or Montgomery Ward. But, no more!

Cabela's has built a mega store on the outskirts of Omaha....a place of awe and wonder! Need a boat, Cabela's has it, how about a tent camper, its there. Fishing gear, guns, camping supplies you name it...you'll find it.

Any lure you can imagine has a home at Cabela's....even some that are so big you wonder what fish would even DARE to attack it. Rods, reels, line, motors, boats, Cabela's Fishing Supplies are endless, and, you can even eat an exceptionally good meal in their in-house restaurant!

Dad and mom have been gone for many years, but whenever I enter the Cabela's store, I wonder what my Dad would think of it.. actually, no I don't have to wonder, I know....he'd be speechless.

Vistaprint Can Do It !

2010-11-06T15:28:00.008-05:00

What a great site I’ve just found! It’s called Vistaprint and whatever “vista” you are looking for Vistaprint can do it for you.

Vistaprint can take care of your business cards plus 1,000's of items you’ve never even imagined a “printing” company could do.

Need a special birth announcement for that long-awaited baby or the little one you are adopting? They can create one that is perfect for your family….want to add a photo? No problem, they’ll do it.

How about a mouse-pad with your pet or maybe just YOU on it? How would grandma like a photo cup with her cutest-in-the-world grandchildren’s photos…even if she doesn’t drink coffee, she’ll show it to all her friends.

Car magnets, fancy personalized stationery, your name on a dozen pens.…all those things that you’ve seen and wondered “where did they find that???” Well now you know!

And, Vistaprint is reasonably priced….but best of all, they have SPECIALS…..

Hello Ebid Bonanza and BooCoo.....good-bye Ebay

2010-10-11T15:20:00.003-05:00

After several years of selling items online, I have decided to close my Ebay store. Ebay has changed their policies, resulting in higher listing and final value fees for sellers. I am a small seller, I do not have stacks and shelves of merchandise and although it was once fun and a little profitable to sell items, it no longer is. Remember when Ebay first started...."sell those unwanted items in your basement, attic or clothes closet" Its not that way anymore....the big merchandise sellers have taken over, and many of the "sell your unwanted items" sellers have been left behind.

Three new auction sites are on the market. I have stores on each of them.

Come over and have a look!

MJs Closet

Starchilds

Le Boicour Boutique

If not, you'll never know what you're missing

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History Exam....How Well Will You Do?

2010-10-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

Everyone over 40 should have a pretty easy time at this exam. If you are under 40 you can claim a handicap.

This is a History Exam for those who don't mind seeing how much they really remember about what went on in their life.

*** Get paper & pencil & number from 1 to 20.
****Write the letter of each answer & score at the end.

1. In the 1940s, where were automobile headlight dimmer switches located?
a. On the floor shift knob.
b. On the floor board, to the left of the clutch...
c. Next to the horn.

2. The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle had holes in it.. For what was it used?
a. Capture lightning bugs.
b. To sprinkle clothes before ironing.
c. Large salt shaker.

3. Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters?
a. Cows got cold and wouldn't produce milk.
b. Ice on highways forced delivery by dog sled.
c. Milkmen left deliveries outside of front doors and milk would freeze, expanding and pushing up the cardboard bottle top.

4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance?
a. Blackjack
b. Gin
c. Craps

5. What method did women use to look as if they were wearing stockings
when none were available due to rationing during WW II.
a. Suntan
b. Leg painting
c. Wearing slacks

6. What postwar car turned automotive design on its ear when you couldn't
tell whether it was coming or going?
a. Studebaker
b. Nash Metro
c. Tucker

7. Which was a popular candy when you were a kid?
a. Strips of dried peanut butter.
b. Chocolate licorice bars.
c. Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside.

8. How was Butch wax used?
a. To stiffen a flat-top haircut so it stood up.
b. To make floors shiny and prevent scuffing.
c On the wheels of roller skates to prevent rust.

9. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to your shoes?
a. With clamps, tightened by a skate key.
b. Woven straps that crossed the foot.
c. Long pieces of twine.

10. As a kid, what was considered the best way to reach a decision?
a. Consider all the facts.
b. Ask Mom.
c. Eeny-meeny-miney-MO.

11. What was the most dreaded disease in the 1940s and 1950s?
a. Smallpox
b. AIDS
c. Polio

12. 'I'll be down to get you in a ________, Honey'
a. SUV
b. Taxi
c. Streetcar

13. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pony?
a. Old Blue
b. Paint
c. Macaroni

14. What was a Duck-and-Cover Drill?
a. Part of the game of hide and seek.
b. What you did when your Mom called you in to do chores.
c. Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. What was the name of the Indian Princess in the Howdy Doody Show?
a. Princess Summerfallwinterspring
b. Princess Sacajawea
c. Princess Moonshadow

16. What did all the really savvy students do when mimeographed tests were
handed out in school?
a. Immediately sniffed the purple ink, as this was believed to get you high.
b. Made paper airplanes to see who could sail theirs out the window.
c. Wrote another pupil's name on the top, to avoid their failure.

17. Why did your Mom shop in stores that gave Green Stamps with purchases?
a. To keep you out of mischief by licking the backs, which tasted like bubble gum.
b. They could be put in special books and redeemed for various household items.
c. They were given to the kids to be used as stick-on tattoos.

18. Praise the Lord , & pass the _________?
a. Meatballs
b. Dames
c. Ammunition

19. What was the name of the singing group that made the song 'Cabdriver' a hit?
a. The Ink Spots
b. The Supremes
c. The Esquires

20. Who left his heart in San Francisco ?
a. Tony Bennett
b. Xavier Cugat
c. George Gershwin
----------------------------- -------------------------------
ANSWERS

1. (b) On the floor, to the left of the clutch. Hand controls, popular in Europe , took till the late '60's to catch on.

2. (b) To sprinkle clothes before ironing.. Who had a steam iron?

3. (c) Cold weather caused the milk to freeze and expand, popping the bottle top...excellent way to get original "ice cream"

4 . (a) Blackjack Gum.

5. (b) Special makeup was applied, followed by drawing a seam down the back of the leg with eyebrow pencil.

6. (a) 1946 Studebaker.

7. (c) Wax coke bottles containing super-sweet colored water.

8. (a) Wax for your flat top (butch) haircut.

9. (a) With clamps , tightened by a skate key, which you wore on a shoestring around your neck.

10.. (c) Eeny-meeny-miney-mo.

11. (c) Polio. In beginning of August, swimming pools were closed, movies and other public gathering places were closed to try to prevent spread of the disease.

12. (b) Taxi , Better be ready by half-past eight!

13. (c) Macaroni

14 (c) Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. (a) Princess Summerfallwinterspring. She was another puppet.

16... (a) Immediately sniffed the purple ink to get a high.

17. (b) Put in a special stamp book, they could be traded for household items at the Green Stamp store.

18. (c) Ammunition, and we'll all be free.

19. (a) The widely famous 50's group: The Inkspots.

20. (a) Tony Bennett, and he sounds just as good today.

SCORING

17- 20 correct : You are older than dirt, and obviously gifted with mental abilities. Now if you could only find your glasses. Definitely someone who should share your wisdom!

12 -16 correct: Not quite dirt yet, but you're getting there.

0 -11 correct: You are not old enough to share the wisdom of your
experiences.

The Love of Tailgating

2010-09-29T18:35:00.005-05:00

The Love of Tailgating Guest post from: Kent Lara

Tailgating is one of my favorite activities. I do it almost any time I can. It's always great to get a group of friends together and go out tailgating before the big game. In fact, I love it so much that I've extended the places I tailgate. Now, I tailgate at just about every event I go to.

The most frequent places that I tailgate at are football games. I love to go eat and party early before it's time to root on the team. It's the same way for baseball games, too. Not only that, but I've also been known to tailgate at college sporting events, and even rock concerts. It's such a great time to pull down the tailgate, grill some food, and have a couple of drinks with friends before the show starts.

Before I head out to a tailgating event, I always make sure to grab the food and drinks, as well as set the home security alarm (San Jose Audit). Once there, my friends and I make hamburgers, hot dogs, and have some potato salad. We have some drinks, occasionally play some games, and then go cheer on our team when game time arrives.

Super Without the Power

2010-09-24T19:04:00.002-05:00

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

Batman is the best superhero simply because, in the purest sense, he isn't one. Let's face it; he doesn't have laser vision, he can't fly, shoot any insect related substance out of his anatomy, or lift up over-sized objects with the strength of one hundred men. In that sense, what most people consider superability is obviously lacking.

If it came down to the wire and Batman was pitted against the likes of Superman, The Hulk, or Magneto, he would probably not prevail in the end. With this major issue against him, why do I consider him my favorite? First of all Batman does not let his lack of super power stop him from doing what needs to be done. He compensates through ingenuity.

What another superhero can do via natural means, Batman can do via gadgets and technology. There is a learning curve and before he can effectively do something super he has to practice and refine the techniques. Personally I think that makes him a more worthy superhero. He earns the title instead of being born or genetically altered into it. When I flip on direct tv miami fl and there I see him perched on rooftops poised to swoop down on Gotham's criminals, I appreciate that he does so knowing the limitations of his human self. That is what makes him a superhero.

Shopping for Back to School Supplies

2010-08-11T08:54:00.001-05:00

Guest post from: Denver Stephens

Today, it's off to Staples, Office Depot, and then Wal-Mart for school supplies.

Staples usually runs ads for freebies which come in handy when you're shopping for 5 kids, so I hit them when they open their doors. I need notebooks, paper, red/blue pens, erasers, glue, binders, markers, crayons, pencils, protractors, and 3 backpacks.

Last year I made the mistake of shopping for school supplies without the kids. Won't do that again! All I heard for the next week was, "Mom, no one carries this kind of binder, I wanted the green notebook, not the black one, and what were you thinking when you bought folders in yellow, green, red, and blue?" Actually, it didn't dawn on me that kids in grade school paid much attention to the color of folders. When I was in school, you were lucky to get one folder, let alone every color in the rainbow. Guess that's old-school thinking!

Anyway, as much as I dread the thought of it, I'll take all five with me, set the dsc home security near Omaha prior to leaving for the all day shopping spree, shop till we drop, do the McDonald's thing for lunch, and spend the day hanging out with the kiddo's.

The Young and The Restless is a Great Show

2010-08-06T07:33:00.004-05:00

Author: Joyce Mccall

My all time favorite television show is the Young and the Restless. I have been watching this show for over twenty years. Every day I watch this show on my direct tv spanish channels.

One of my favorite families featured on this show is the Newman family. Victor Newman, a multi billionaire, is the head of this family. Victor has been married numerous times on the show, but he always goes back to his first wife Nikki. Victor and Nikki have two children together, Nicholas and Victoria. Nicholas and Victoria supposedly help their father run a business called Newman Enterprises....most generally, they manage to cause Victor one huge headache.

The other main family on the Young and the Restless is the Abbott family. The head of the Abbott family was John Abbott who recently passed away. His children, Jack and Ashley run the family cosmetic business called Jabo Cosmetics.

On this show the Abbott and Newman families are always in the middle of a conflict. Both families compete in both their business and personal lives. Jack Abbott was once married to Nikki Newman and Ashley Abbott has been married to Victor Newman many times. These marriages have not helped the bad feelings between the families.

I keep watching the show to see what problems they will have this week.

Lemon Heads

2010-07-27T07:14:00.001-05:00

Although they have absolutely no nutritional value I cannot sit for more than two hours at a movie without my lemon heads. If you looked me when I ate them I bet you'd absolutely die laughing. I can't really handle the whole sour aspect of them but I love the sweet aftertaste they give. I suppose it truly is a bitter sweet snack food.

Every Friday I have the night to myself at home and pick out a good movie to watch on the direct tv satellite. Last Friday it was She's Just Not That Into You and this Friday I think it's going to be one of my favorite Harry Potter films. All I know is there is at least one bag of lemon heads with my name on it. Perhaps I will even go through two bags because the Harry Potter movies sometimes last much longer than the traditional two hours.

I think I get my lemon head craving from my mother. She always seemed to have a bag when we went to the movie theater and as a child I'd always ask for just one more about a thousand times. Eating them reminds me of her and that gives me a great sense of comfort.

My Day at the Theme Park

2010-07-12T10:51:00.001-05:00

My grandson had been begging me to take him to the amusement park nearby where we live ever since it opened a new roller coaster with all kinds of corkscrews and sudden drops. Lucky for us, Will’s just tall enough to ride on big rides like that and I’m a runner that’s in much better shape than most of my other friends my age.

I finally agreed a few weeks ago to take him as a treat for doing so well in school this year and we waited in line for almost 30 minutes to ride the coaster – and we went on a Wednesday! As we were climbing the first hill, Will tried to tell me something but no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t hear him. And he was strapped into the seat just a few inches beside me. The other passengers didn’t seem to have that much trouble hearing, so when I got home I researched hearing aids.

I think I’m almost ready to make a big purchase so next time I’ll even be able to hear my own screams as we plunge toward concrete.

2010-04-02T09:55:00.001-05:00

OUTSTANDING NEWS FROM BIG CRUMBS 9/18/2010

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BIG referral commissions plus BIG cash back. Now, you have the best of both worlds with BigCrumbs .

Invite your friends to join as your referral....they receive money back and so will you.

Taking a flight....check here for weather

2010-02-21T08:16:00.006-06:00

This is an interesting site....fun too. Run your curser over the airport you want to know about and you'll see up-to-date weather conditions, temperature, dewpoint, R.H. wind, visibility, clouds and altimeter readings.

Airport Weather map

It may tell you if the airport is closed due to weather conditions, but I'm not sure about that.....however, winter is not over yet....

Have TV set Will Travel!

2009-12-07T13:36:00.011-06:00

Goodbye beloved Direct Satellite TV….we’ve been transferred!

Its snowing today…not just a little, its about knee deep now and more to come. Oh well, nothing is nicer than a white Christmas. Unfortunately, it will be our last for a while. Looks like we'll be leaving our home for some quality time down South! But have TV, will travel.

Direct SatelliteTV has been my lifeline to decent TV viewing up here in the North Woods… but we’ll be moving to a warm (read that as HOT) climate this spring. The good thing is that we will be able to get Direct Satellite TV in Florida…or we can even get Direct SatelliteTV in California. We’re not sure exactly where we will be going just that we can leave our snow boots, skis and ski masks here.

We’ve really gotten accustomed to watching football and other sports (tennis is #1 for me) and having them come in so clear that you can see the lacing on a Miami Dolphin football. No matter where we go, we can count on Direct TV to bring us HBO, Starz, Showtime and Cinemax plus local television channels....no matter if we’re in Florida or California

Or even if we end up watching Direct Satellite TV in Texas!

Haircut and Super Bowl for one price!

2009-11-29T19:22:00.014-06:00

A new sports bar has opened in our area….it’s a dandy….red, white and blue décor and the best hot wings I’ve found. But, it’s got other things going for it. Maybe your sports bar or business could profit by some of it’s ideas….for one thing, it has Commercial Direct TV instead of regular cable TV like 99% of the sports bars in the area.

Directv Business has programming that you can’t get with cable….your customers or clients will choose to be in YOUR place on game day instead of that “other” place down the street. If your business is a bar, restaurant or a hair salon (yep, my hair salon has the Direct TV business channel in the waiting area) Direct TV will bring you and your clientele the best sports, entertainment and news available anywhere. And when you bring in the crowd, your cash register will cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching.

Still looking for Direct TV for Business? DirectTV offers MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, March Madness, the bowl games, NFL Sunday Night football….or soccer, basketball, baseball, horse racing, pro-wrestling and just about any other sporting event this planet has to offer.

Professional Trade Show Ideas

2009-11-29T10:00:00.005-06:00

Are you one of the talented or creative few who sell items at trade shows? Or is your company looking for a way to increase sales? Professional trade show booths showcase products, ideas and information.

Soooo, lets say you sell handmade, original silver and gold jewelry…you’ve decided to go big-time and bought space at the big Arts and Crafts Festival in your city. You want your space to look professional, special and something that would tempt buyers to stop, look at and buy. Once you have your trade show booth, the next items to think about are table skirts….they are fabric, attach around the perimeter of a table using clips and in some cases, Velcro. Choose a color that will show off your items…you can have the drape imprinted with your logo or name. Now your booth is starting to take on a Look-At-Me attitude.

You can really make your booth stand out by using banner stands to catch the eye of a potential buyer and Pipe and Drape as a booth divider. You don’t want your customers to wander over to the next booth without really looking at yours. The longer they are in front of YOUR items the better your chances are for a sale.

Hey Phoenix, Need a car?

2009-11-26T23:58:00.005-06:00

Hello Phoenix! Got some great news for people in your area who are looking for good used cars. Ok, so some of you may have less than perfect credit or maybe no credit at all. But, you still need to have a car. Not only that, you need a car that you can rely on…and a company who will stand behind their sales.

DriveTime, a new online website, has created a new way to locate good, safe, used cars. Plus, Drive Time does 99% of its own financing … and considers financial aspects that most banks and lenders overlook. All you do is fill out a short online application…click SEND and in about 2 minutes you’ll know whether or not you have been approved for credit with DriveTime.

Drive Time sells only reliable, trustworthy vehicles that have been put through a 53-point inspection process. They will work with you to lower your interest payments and improve your credit score. There are five Drive Time locations in the Phoenix area and they are willing and able to help you find a car you will be pleased with.

What TV Provider is Right for You?

2009-11-23T22:48:00.005-06:00

How do you know what television provider is right for you? Did you know that you have a choice? There’s a lot of them out there to chose from. If I don’t give a hoot about football, soccer, car racing or any other sport why have (and pay for) a Sports Channels Package?

MyTVoptions is a Satellite Directv system which gives me an option…I can choose what TV provider has the channels I want.

Direct TV will show you how to choose the TV provider that fits your needs. Click those that are important to you…. HD, SPORTS, DVR, MOVIES, LOCAL or INTERNATIONAL channels. Direct TV will let you skip the ones that aren’t.

I wanted the Digital Video Recorder Service, the Premium Movie Channel, Complete Local Channels Listings and The Best in High-Definition TV. Next step, I typed in my zip code and let MyTVoptions DirectTV show me the way. How easy is that!

The Craftsman pliers walleye!

2009-11-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

Our son-in-law, John Paul is a semi-professional walleye fisherman, is on the TRACKER fishing team, past President of the Nebraska Walleye Association and a really good fisherman. He frequently appears at sports, boats and vacation shows in the midwest giving demonstrations, showing off the TRACKER boats, etc.

ESPN had already taken shots of John fishing and catching walleyes, but after viewing the tapes, the producers of the show wanted more footage of John casting and "setting the hook" etc. So, he and our daughter, Lisa, went to a nearby lake to tape. John, figuring this would be a quickie, put a weight and lure on the line, cast out and promptly gave the rod a good pull - setting the hook.

Unfortunately, what he set the hook into was a sunken tree limb - snap went the line and the only "lure" that John had taken onto the boat. He hadn't planned to actually fish so didn't have his tackle box on this "trip" - result--no other lures.
But our John is a resourceful young man - he took a pair of pliers from his back pocket and attached it to the line. Ok, so far, so good. He cast the pliers out and they made a nice ker-plunk as they hit the water. Then, John had his hands full!

The pliers opened up and gave him more of a fight than most walleye's do - they dove, swerved, bent the rod, went under the boat as the opened pliers were reeled in. All this time, John is laughing like crazy, not expecting this kind of action at all. Lisa is filming this from shore and is laughing so hard she was having trouble keeping the camera level.

John managed to land his Craftsman (pliers) and they presented the tape to ESPN (but didn't tell them about the big strike...they just let ESPN assume that they released the "fish")

The end of the story is that John has some of the best fishing action he has ever had on tape. The ESPN people will cut and splice shots of him casting and "setting" the hook, "fighting" the fish (pliers), and then show him bringing in and netting a nice walleye that he had caught when the ESPN guys were with him.

If you ever see John Paul from Nebraska on the sports network (ESPN) and he is casting out and battling the best fighting fish you ever saw, you'll know "the rest of the story".

John made me promise not to tell this story - but you guys won't say a word will you!!!!!

My TV wishes have been answered!

2009-11-11T10:15:00.013-06:00

We live in the “sticks” - actually our area has very little decent TV reception….but we do have TV. Prior to moving here I was (and still am) a soap opera junkie.

What!!! I can’t get The Young and the Reckless OR All My Children!! Well, I can, but even beautiful Erika comes through as grainy as an old hag. But DirectTV Satellite TV to the rescue.

We now have the Direct TV Premier Package (the Ultimate TV package) It is wonderful! Over 265+ channels including, ta dah, all of the major sports events, great new and classic movies plus 12 FREE Pay Per View movies.

My very favorite feature is the Directv DVR. I can record two shows at the same time (soap operas of course). It doesn't use tape or CD’s and I can program it to record my shows if I’m not home. My husband can record one “wonderful” sports event” while watching another. The instructions say we can follow NFL action, keep tabs on players (Hello Fantasy Football!) and tune in to stats and scores. He hasn't tried that yet.

Have a look for yourself (P.S. I don’t work for the Directv company – just love my TV reception!)

No More

2009-11-11T10:11:00.002-06:00

We live in the “sticks” actually our area has very little decent TV reception….but we do have TV. Prior to moving here I was (and still am) a soap opera junkie. What!!! I can’t get The Young and the Reckless OR All My Children!! Well, I can, but even beautiful Erika comes through looking like a grainy old hag. But DirectV Satelite television to the rescue.

But, we now have the DirectV Premier Package (the Ultimate TV package) It is wonderful! Over 265+ channels including, ta da, all of the major sports events, great new and classic movies plus 12 FREE Pay Per View movies.

My very favorite feature is the DVR… I can record two shows at the same time (soap operas of course). It doesn’t use tape or CD’s and I can program it to record my shows if I’m not home. And, my husband can record one “wonderful” sports event” while watching another. The instructions say we can follow NFL action, keep tabs on players (Hello Fantasy Football!) and tune in to stats and scores.

Have a look for yourself (P.S. I don’t work for the company – just love my TV reception!)

How Much Car Insurance is Enough?

2009-11-08T14:30:00.002-06:00

If you own a vehicle, car insurance is the first thing on your mind when your teenager starts driving…..that and buying lots of aspirin. Getting car insurance quotes can be a tiresome and not-much-fun way to spend an afternoon….especially when you’re scouring the telephone directory looking for an agent. Then there’s the paperwork…over and over again.

Our neighbor has two teenagers…both drive. They both started out with nice cars, not new, but in excellent condition. Mike spent hours looking for an agent who could give him a decent rate, and considering the kid’s driving records, that wasn’t easy. But, he found a great way to find the insurance he needed and could afford…. American Car Quotes.

Its simple. Type in your name and your state, answer the questions on the form and let American Car Insurance do the rest. They will forward the form to the appropriate car insurance companies in your area and they will contact you…by email, telephone or however you want…No muss..no fuss.

FREE Credit Reports

2009-10-23T00:31:00.000-05:00

I'm on a tangent...don't fall for anything that is offered for FREE....there's usually a catch somewhere.

Shortly after my experience with the FREE ACAI BERRY mess, I had planned to get my FREE credit report just to see shape my credit was in...so clicked on FreeCreditReport.com.....you know, the one with the goofy guy whose credit was trashed...by the time I figured out which one of the ads was for the FREE one, my patience was at an end, and I said..."nuts to this whole thing"

This is the official site.....annualcreditreport.com

The Federal Trade Commission has received many complaints from consumers who were misdirected from the official centralized site. Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

The one thing the FTC should do is remove all advertising and marketing by the credit bureaus before, during and even after the process of getting a free credit report. It’s a pain to have to worry about identity theft or mistakes when checking your credit report. People should be able to get their reports and exit the Web site without having to go through the sales pitches. Why give the bureaus a commercial crack at all?

If the FTC really wants to end consumer confusion, annualcreditreport.com should be completely commercial-free.

I'm not Imelda Marcos!! I don't like shoe shopping!

2009-10-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I find to be a necessary evil are SHOES....shoes have never been my vice, I've left that honor to Imelda Marcos. What I have is a closet full of tennis shoes, golf shoes, hiking boots, knee high boots (yep they are OLD) and an assortment of plain ole shoes....loafers, sneakers, flip flops, sandals, and ugly things that were at one time "in".

They huddle in piles, depending on their importance in my closet, and how often they're needed. I have 7 pairs of tennis shoes...some look good but the soles are too worn, some were cheapies and are totally worn out (those are considered 'yard shoes')...they look awful but I might need them "someday". I mark them so that, in a hurry, I grab a left and a right and the same brand. I have one good pair of tennis shoes that I use when I play "competitive" tennis.

My hiking boots will never hit the trail again....when they did, I got blisters. The knee highs have such high heels that I get a nosebleed just thinking about wearing them. I do have several pair of dress shoes, wedding type and a flashy gold pair that I wore on a cruise. And, one lonely pair of rain boots....heaven only knows why I bought those in the first place. All in all, I've decided that my life revolves around black and white...thats mainly what most of my shoes tend to be.

I do need shoes....and, I'm cheap, I want the best price I can get and sometimes that means online purchases. I found an online site that guides you in buying shoes on line (clue: find a shoe style you like and look for it here) It lists names of stores that carry just what you've been looking for. Example...look for running shoes...sports shoes, dress shoes.....they are all there.

Hulu - TV and movies on your PC

2009-09-17T14:37:00.000-05:00

You're watching your favorite TV show and the commercial comes on. Its Alec Baldwin and he's mocking the audience's addiction to the very shows he creates as a fictional network executive...ie. he's an alien and will soon be slurping up your brain like jello since you've turned it into goop by constant TV watching. ( "an evil plot to destroy the world."

I admit, I couldn't figure out what was going on....call me slow. Now I know...its Hulu...!!!!!

Hulu is an online video site. The Web site allows viewers to watch thousands of episodes of TV shows for free, from current hits such as "Family Guy" and "The Office" to old favorites such as "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "I Dream of Jeannie."

Hulu's simple design, expansive catalog and no cover charge has elevated it to one of the most popular Web sites for watching video.

Late last month, Walt Disney Co. signed on as an equity owner of Hulu, which has nearly 150 content partners. That gives the video site even more star power with the addition of ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," and cable hits such as ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place."

So, if you're bored with the current crop of TV shows and long for the days of "Outer Limits", "Saturday Night Live", "Simpsons", new and old movie trailers, plus feature films and more, visit Hulu ....its well worth the price (since it's F-R-E-E)

Tighten Those Facial Muscles!

2009-07-27T08:31:00.003-05:00

My mom used to say that in order to determine a person's age, look at their neck and throat. There is nothing nice or pretty about a crepey looking neck or throat with loose skin hanging around. These exercises will help relieve and prevent a double chin, loose skin on the neck and throat area and will also assist in toning these muscles.

Some people might think that a double chin is simply excess weight manifesting itself - but guess what - it also is the result of loose skin and terrible muscle tone.

Spend a few minutes each day doing these exercises...you'll see the difference in a few weeks. Remember, flabby muscles didn't happen overnight.

I do these in the morning usually in bed....before doing any facial exercise you should apply some lubricant to the area around the muscles being exercised. I make a quick trip to the bathroom and put lotion or water on my face, then back to bed!

I tend(ed) to have droopy eyelids, these exercises have tightened up those muscles. This exercise is easy. It's done by just winking one eye at a time, and holding the wink for a second, and then repeating the movement. This exercise will definitely not eliminate the fine lines under your eyes but it will make them less noticeable. I do about 30 reps.

My favorite exercise, and most relaxing one is: Press your fingers onto your temple area and slightly pull them back. This puts tension on the muscles that surround the eyes, and it also prevents lines around the eyes from forming as you do the exercise. With your fingers giving resistance to the muscles around your eyes, close your eyes tightly. You will feel these muscles working strongly as you hold the contraction perhaps a second or even more . Do as many repetitions as you feel comfortable with. I usually do three sets of twenty reps.

Another one that I like, (and can do anywhere) is simply raising the eyebrows. Look straight ahead and raise your eyebrows. It will definitely help to Smooth Frown Lines

Again, this is the easiest exercise you can do. Practice this one every time you're stopped at a traffic light or while your sitting at your computer...(I'm doing them right now)

This exercise will get rid of any bagginess around the lower eyelids and will may get rid of any hooded upper eyelids too. But improvement will take time. Don't believe those optimistic statements about rejuvenation in a few weeks. Muscles and skin take time to respond.

This will tighten the muscles in the neck area getting rid of the infamous "turkey wattle". You can do this either sitting of standing...just tilt your head back, press your tongue into the roof of your mouth. This tightens up all the muscles at the front of your neck. Now bring your chin down toward your neck while still holding the tongue against the roof of your mouth. That's all there is to it. Again do it about 20 times.

I am 71 but look like I'm in my early 60's

River Over a River

2009-07-18T08:16:00.005-05:00

Even after you see it, it is still hard to believe! Water Bridge in Germany . What a feat! Six years, 500 million euros, 918 meters long........now this is engineering!

This is a channel-bridge over the River Elbe and joins the former East and West Germany , as part of the unification project. It is located in the city of Magdeburg , near Berlin . The photo was taken on the day of inauguration. To those who appreciate engineering projects, here's a puzzle for you armchair engineers and physicists. Did that bridge have to be designed to withstand the additional weight of ship and barge traffic, or just the weight of the water?

Answer: It only needs to be designed to withstand the weight of the water! Why? A ship always displaces an amount of water that weighs the same as the ship, regardless of how heavily a ship may be loaded.

You can make Money at home

2009-05-18T08:40:00.009-05:00

Making money at home....Nope, I’m not talking about a “get rich quick” scheme….you do have to work a little. These are three of my favorites.

1. Ebid is an auction site similar to Ebay. However, Ebid has zero listing fees, 5 free photos on your listing, a low 2% final value fee and you can have up to 5 stores of your own…no charge. My store is MJ's Closet

2. Big Crumbs …BigCrumbs is free to join, and to start using it you simply need to login to the BigCrumbs site through JeansJeans and use their links to retailers to shop, rather than going directly to EBay or the retailers' page.

BigCrumbs is completely FREE! It costs you nothing to join so you can’t lose! You not only get money back on your own shopping, but you get cash back on the shopping of everyone who signs up under you. And it never costs you a dime! You just keep collecting money. Forever! It’s a win/win situation.

I use BigCrumbs every time I shop, both on Ebay and on the listed stores. It only takes a minute to sign up ...and its free. I travel a lot and use Travelocity for airline tickets and hotel charges....It’s amazing how much money is deposited in my PayPal account every month. It just keeps coming and coming.

3. eCrater, an up-and-coming site that is slowly gaining popularity. More of a store where you see something, you buy it and it's yours.

4. Ebay...the tried and true online auction house. I have recently opened a new store Finally Foundit Collectibles I offer New & Used items including: dishes, jewelry, collectibles, children's wear, maternity, womens wear, books and a wide variety of other items. One stop shopping for all your needs. Mark us as a favorite and come back often as we list many items each week. AND, purchases in this store will qualify you for BigCrumbs refunds. (be sure to join BigCrumbs by clicking on JeansJeans )

3 Ways to Make Money at Home

2009-05-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

Making money at home....Nope, I’m not talking about a “get rich quick” scheme….you do have to work a little. These are three of my proven favorites.

1. Big Crumbs …BigCrumbs is free to join, and to start using it you simply need to login to the BigCrumbs site through JeansJeans and use their links to retailers to shop, rather than going directly to EBay or the retailers' page.

BigCrumbs is completely FREE! It costs you nothing to join so you can’t lose! You not only get money back on your own shopping, but you get cash back on the shopping of everyone who signs up under you. And it never costs you a dime! You just keep collecting money. It’s a win/win situation.

I use BigCrumbs every time I shop, both on Ebay and on the listed stores. It only takes a minute to sign up ...Put BigCrumbs on your desktop..as a reminder to start there. I travel a lot and it’s amazing how much money is deposited in my PayPal account every month thanks to using Ortiz or Travelocity for airfare and hotel charges. It just keeps coming and coming.

2. Ebay...the tried and true online auction house. I have recently opened a new store Finally Foundit Collectibles .

I offer New & Used items including: books, glassware, Home Decor, model trains, S&P shakersPlus clothing items : Tee shirts, jeans, toddlers and pre-teen, women, teen girls, men, teen boys,

Mark us as a favorite and come back often as we list many items each week.

SPECIAL ***Buy TWO (2) $6.99 or less Tee shirts listed in my auctions and we will ship both for $6.00*** (must buy both today)

3. Adsense….if you have a blog, Adsense is a no-brainer way to make money. Once registered, Adsense will put google ads on your blog….like the ones to the right of this page.

You can choose the size and placement. Each time a reader (you) clicks on one of the google ads, the blog owner (me), gets an amount of money deposited in their Paypal account. . If you write about pets, the ads will be for pet related items, flower articles usually have ads for gardenting sites, etc.

Each time your account reaches $100.00, you will be paid. So, the more interesting your blog, the more clicks, the more money you receive.

You can't ask people to click on the ads, you just hope that if they like your article or blog, they will click on at least one of the ads.....How simple is that!

Stages of Life - yours and mine

2009-05-01T14:57:00.000-05:00

Old age slowly creeps up on you....from childhood to middle age and then to old age. You look in the mirror and wonder where the time went. I'm on the 3rd step from the bottom on the "over the hill" side! BUT, I'm still here!

First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. (I'm there!)

Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. (movies for one)

Third ~ Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. (I agree 100% --except that I do tint my hair--)

Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. (I flunked algebra..we'll not talk about that)

Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. (mainly leaks)

Sixth ~ I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. (a long climb but I made it)

Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. (don't agree with this....I liked being young)

Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. (many memories to reflect on)

Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. (like an old shoe?)

Tenth ~ Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf (yep)

And finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old. (laugh and the world laughs with you --cry and your tear ducts dry up)

I'm going shopping !!!

2009-03-23T14:39:00.008-05:00

Shopping, shopping, shopping for light fixtures. Not my usual way to spend an afternoon but beats watching old movies or soap operas.

And, whats closer to a women’s heart than SHOPPING! Usually we’re involved with looking for shoes or clothing, but once in a while we get the chance to redecorate a room (maybe two!). Our 50th anniversary is coming up and its time to get some new light fixtures for the living and family rooms.

I’m rather lazy, so instead of driving to 3 or 4 stores looking for new lamps and a big ole “pool hall” light for over the pool table in the family room, I’m trying online shopping (saves on shoe leather but can be really addictive!) My friend Amy told me about an online shopping site that has EVERYTHING I am looking for with....one click .

My husband is retired from the electrical business, so is in charge of finding several choices of hanging lamps for over our pool table. Fortunately, he is computer literate enough to know how to find things on the internet. (he’s also pretty good at using a credit card to pay for them).

I, on the other hand, always try to save time and do it the easy way ... shopping from home on my computer. Preferably on a site that finds everything for me, and lets me choose what stores I want to visit. If I want indoor light fixtures, I can find them. If I want a decorative Tiffney lamp or something to light up my desk, it’s there. And, when you have access to many, many stores, you have a great chance to save money. Just compare one store with another and go for the best deal.

Well, I'm off to the world of online shopping.......wish me luck!

Driftwood horses.....beautiful sculptures

2009-03-18T08:58:00.008-05:00

I found such an unusual site today....I cannot believe that these wonderful sculptures are made of driftwood. It only goes to show that what one person's (or nature's) throwaway can be someone else's treasure.

The sculptures remind me of Thestrals, the skeletal creatures about the size of a horse, with a reptilian hide, white eyes, and leathery black wings from the Harry Potter movies.

I went to the artist's website and found answers to the questions that I had...

What are the hooves made from?
A Copper, more specifically old immersion tanks.
*
Q What are the legs made from?
A Fiberglass resin steel and wood.

The legs and hoofs look so real that I wondered if this was a hoax .... but it is not.

Of course, anyone can pick up a piece of driftwood, but it helps a lot to have talent too.

Grandma's apron

2009-02-25T20:54:00.000-06:00

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. I know my grandchildren don't.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, while bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw. They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs was on that ole apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron--except love.

Have a Good Day! Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.......

Old Barns and People

2009-02-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

I have always loved old barns. Tired, weathered and sometimes forgotten, they sit patiently waiting for the next phase of their lives.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him that he must be crazy.

He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind.

The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray.
Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired.

Yet, that fellow called it beautiful. That set me to thinking.

I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn.

The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road.

He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young.

But the Good Lord knows what He's doing.

And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often people complain because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a new house. And someday you and I will be on our way to Heaven to take on whatever new chores the Good Lord has for us.

And we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

May there be peace within you today. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

And. . I do sincerely Thank God for my wonderful friends and family who love me even though I show signs of weathering.

For Nebraskans ONLY!!! Cold is a Relative thing!

2009-01-29T22:18:00.005-06:00

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING

65 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Nebraska plant gardens.

60 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Nebraska sunbathe.

50 above zero: Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Nebraska drive with the windows down.

40 above zero: Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Nebraska throw on a flannel shirt.

35 above zero: New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Nebraska have the last cookout before it gets cold (I've seen guys shopping in grocery stores wearing Tee shirts, Bermuda shorts and flip flops)

20 above Zero: People in Miami all die.
Nebraskans close the windows.

Zero: Californians fly away to Mexico.
People in Nebraska get out their winter coats.

10 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Nebraska are selling cookies door to door.

20 below zero: Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Nebraska let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Nebraskans get upset because they can't start the Snowmobile.

40 below zero : ALL atomic motion stops .
People in Nebraska start saying...'Cold enough fer ya?'

50 below zero: Hell freezes over.
Nebraska public schools will open 2 hours late.

(Yep, I'm from Nebraska and can vouch that most of these are TRUE sayings!!! -- especially the last one)

Larry the cable guy

2009-01-17T10:20:00.000-06:00

Larry the cable guy was on Live! With Regis and Kelly this morning. He was wearing his NEBRASKA tee shirt….good golly Miss Molly….he’s a Nebraska fan!!!

Yes, Larry the cable guy is a proud son of Pawnee City, Nebraska. He spent his early childhood there, but found that although Nebraska’s motto is “the good life”, a better life was in Palm Beach, Florida. You sure can’t blame him for that. Nebraska has tornados, floods, scorching heat and snow up the ying yang. All Florida has is a few hurricanes.

Larry, aka Dan Whitney, really isn’t a cable guy….thank heavens. I am a little picky about who comes into my house to fix my cable TV….big ole Larry would cause me to call Cox cable and ask for a young guy with manners.

Even though Larry deserted Nebraska in his early years (actually his parents moved to Florida, I doubt if he had much say so in the matter), he is a devoted Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and is often seen at Nebraska games. He is gracious with his fans and will frequently sign autographs and talks with fans after the games. He is probably lots more friendly if Nebraska wins…..the way Nebraska has been playing in the past few years, he hasn’t had much to be friendly about however.

Things you don't hear anymore!

2008-12-18T19:02:00.023-06:00

I had to laugh, I grew up with nearly every one of these sayings! Thanks Mom!

THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........

Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company after while.

Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter in the mail today.

Quit slamming the screen door on your way out!

Remember to pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.

Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.

Wash your feet before you go to bed, they are filthy from playing outside all day barefooted.

Why can't you remember to roll up your pant legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.

Don't you go outside with your good school clothes on!

Go comb your hair; it looks like the rat’s nest.

Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle..don't drink it up like you did last week.

Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.

Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.

Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!

You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.

There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.

Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.

You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.

Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.

Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile.

Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.

Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go, we are almost out of paper out there.

Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.

Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.

No! I don't have nine cents for you to go to the picture show.

Do you think money grows on trees?

Eat those vegetables, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.

That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs just don't come in the house.

Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!

It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.

If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.

Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!

When you go riding your bike today, don't forget to signal each turn. Left
arm straight out the window for a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop. Some guy in a car might run you over.

It is: "Yes Ma'am!" and "No Ma'am!" to me, young man, and don't you forget it!

Y'all come back now, hear!

And the all time biggie......WAIT ‘TIL YOUR FATHER GETS HOME!!!!!!!

A Mouse in my closet!

2008-12-12T11:19:00.000-06:00

Scratch, scratch, scratch...as I lay in my bed, I keep hearing sounds....not loud bangs and thumps, more quiet and subdued. But in my heart I know....there is a mouse in my closet! And, I'll bet his name is not Mickey! He is either in a box wanting to get out, or on the outside trying to get in. Either way, he is not welcome.

If he would have just gone about his business without making a sound (quiet as a mouse?), I wouldn't have known he was there, and wouldn't be planning his demise.

I don't generally have food in my bedroom closet, so will assume that he is planning to scamper into the kitchen later on tonight...or possibly my computer room! Both places are guaranteed to have pieces of popcorn scattered around the floor....except for the ones that Fred the Dog found before I went to bed. Fred the Dog is great at cleaning floors....he finds all sorts of goodies on my computer room floor...I like to nibble as I type...and I'm sloppy.

I poke my husband to wake him up..."there's a mouse in the closet".... "Hmmmm" as he rolled over the other way. "I SAID THERE IS A MOUSE IN THE CLOSET" At 2 AM I suppose I shouldn't have expected him to immediately get up and look for a mousetrap. But it was worth a try. Oh well, I know how to set a mousetrap. So I climbed out of bed, put on my slippers and padded my way downstairs. I was greeted by Fred the Dog and Kuper the Keezie, both of whom prefer to sleep downstairs in the family room......they have heard my husband snore and know that distance is the only way to sleep undisturbed.

"Hi guys, guess what, there's a mouse in the closet"....neither dog was impressed and didn't bother to get up, although they did wag their tails. The mousetraps were in a drawer in the laundry room......when we first moved here, we bought them by the dozen. This was a newly established development and the field mice had no place to go.....what could be better than relocating to a nice, warm, cozy house. I think we caught 27 of them that first year. Getting back to my mouse in the closet....I piled a gob of peanut butter onto the little latch thingy and went back to the bedroom. Husband was still snoring happily. I set the trap, thanks to the 27 opportunities I had last year, I was a pro at it.

The trap was carefully positioned near the closet door but not where "someone" would step on it on his way to the bathroom. That would have been a definite mistake. Then I went to bed....knowing that tomorrow, I will probably have to attend a mouse funeral.

Wrong....when I woke up and peeked over the back of the bed, the mousetrap was sitting there but no mouse. Disappointment and relief...I really don't like attending mouse funerals. This went on for a few more days...each night I would position the mousetrip with a FRESH gob of peanut butter. Each morning there it sat, undisturbed. But finally, hunger or curiousity got the better of him.

The mouse in the closet is gone.....sent away in a little box to be picked up and delivered to his final resting place...the city landfill.

The Magic Jukebox

2008-09-01T20:23:00.004-05:00

This is no ordinary jukebox (hey you youngsters, do you KNOW what a jukebox is?)

Back in the "old days" the jukebox was one of the most important items in a teenager's life (next to a car). We'd gather at what could loosely be termed a hamburger joint or malt shop, order up a hamburger with fries and, if you didn't have to watch your weight, a malt. Walk over to the jukebox, put a quarter in the slot and pick out 3 songs we'd been waiting all day to hear. Sometimes we'd dance, jitterbug, shimmy, or stroll....depending on the songs picked out.

Other times we'd just sit, holding hands and maybe sneaking a kiss as we listened to the romantic song that floated across the room. Ah yes, the good ole days!

There is a Jukebox on this site - but it is no ordinary jukebox. It will play all of your favorite songs from 1950 through 1982. Each year has a scroll or drop down box that shows all the great songs for that year. Most years have over 40 songs. Once you click on a song it will play and when it finishes it automatically plays the next song in the list and continues until it has played all the songs.

http://www.tropicalglen.com/

Lunch at the Olympics...

2008-08-22T09:06:00.035-05:00

Lunch at the Olympic Food Court......I've heard that the food was very good.....unusual but very good.

Anyone on line eat there?

The crunchy, deep fat fried creatures on a stick would probably be OK (with a sauce) but cow and horse soup, dog brain soup and dog liver with vegetables would be too much for my stomach to handle. They have faces.

Christian the Lion Reunited - As Seen on "The View"

2008-07-30T07:49:00.010-05:00

This morning, July 30, 2008, I watched a short video which had been featured on "The View"........ The Today Show's Meredith Vieira talked to John Rendall and Ace Bourke, the men who reunite with their lion Christian in that popular YouTube clip.

Do animals feel love for their owners? Do WILD animals remember the love they were raised with? This video is a beautiful example of a lion's love for the humans who bought him at a pet sale, raised him and decided to return him to the wild.

Remember.....love knows no boundaries, no limits and is endless

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=__UHSZHJ9LA
and
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25797678/#storyContinued

The music is so fitting to the story..."I'll always love you"

Memories

2008-07-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

You're listening to the radio when suddenly "that" song comes on. You know the one ....it was "your" song when you were dating that special person. You stop what you're doing and the memories come flooding back. I am back in high school, walking down the halls of South High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

I remember the joy of seeing my special guy and holding hands as we talked on the way to our next class. Somehow I knew that he was the "one"
*
We dated throughout high school and spent many evenings in his car, parked in "lover's lane" (with about a dozen other cars) and listening to Johnny Mathis, Pat Boone and other crooners of our era.
*
We've been married for 49 years and that song can still bring tears to my eyes. My special song is The Twelfth of Never by Johnny Mathis.
*
The Twelfth of Never

You ask how much I need you
Must I explain
I need you oh my darling
Like roses need rain
You ask how long I'll love you
I'll tell you true
Until the twelfth of never I'll still be loving you

Hold me close
Never let me go
Hold me close
Melt my heart like April snow

I'll love you 'til the blue bells forget to bloom
I'll love you 'till the clover has lost it's perfume
I'll love you 'til the poets run out of rhyme

Until the Twelfth of Never
And that's a long long time
Until the Twelfth of Never
And that's a long long time

(I'm crying ... this song always does it)

Do you have a special song that brings memories back for you?