10/30/10 - New BS Thread


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January 18, 2011, 1:52 pm: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2585407) for reference purposes.

May 16, 2011, 3:13 am: System Notice: This thread has been automatically renewed after reaching a post limit. Most of its content has been moved to this thread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2931499) for reference purposes.

BS thread RECIPES

Amaretto Fudge Cheesecake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=33836343&postcount=780) by MyFeetHurt

Angel Hair Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Garlic Chicken (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37351563&postcount=1059) by MyFeetHurt

ANZAC Biscuits (cookies) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39202105&postcount=2588) by akageorge

Apple Kuchen (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=32823339&postcount=592) by akageorge

Banana Nut Bread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=44265254&postcount=1089) by akageorge

Barley Mushroom Risotto (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=29310566&postcount=3048) by akageorge

Beef Stew / Pot Roast recipe (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=16011153&postcount=1904) by akageorge

Best Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31728282&postcount=282) by jmegirl

"Big Crumb" Coffeecake with Rhubarb and Berries (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30188334&postcount=3298) by akageorge

Black Bottom Cupcakes (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31011140&postcount=3607) by akageorge's friend Jeanette's grandmother

Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=32338205&postcount=481) by jmegirl

Brownie Hugs (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=26096440&postcount=1900) by akageorge

Buttermilk Pie (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30893872&postcount=3551) by MsGal

Buttermilk Pie (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30894064&postcount=3552) by MyFeetHurt Use a Graham Cracker crust instead. It is much better that way :)

Caprese Salad (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31953423&postcount=349) by akageorge

Cheese Grits Casserole (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=36711805&postcount=481) by MsGal

Cheesy Potato Chowder (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=34279691&postcount=821) by akageorge

Cherry Cookies (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=38907263&postcount=2390) by MsGal

Chicken Broccoli Pesto (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=35206459&postcount=1172) by akageorge

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=23092923&postcount=630) by akageorge

Chicken PiccaMarsala (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=38966605&postcount=2446) by akageorge

Chicken Pot Pie recipe (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=16033693&postcount=1987) by BeaglesDoItBetter Note: add peas! (1DollarOrLess :thumbup:, HawaiianDawn's hubby :thumbup:)

Chicken Tenders (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37115535&postcount=864) by MsGal

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=28292214&postcount=2769) by akageorge

Chocolate Eclair Dessert (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=26072104&postcount=1873) by MFH

Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31674550&postcount=257) by akageorge and a couple of websites

Christmas Saltine Toffee Cookie Chocolate Candy Pine Bark (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25766244&postcount=1690) by akageorge

Confetti Casserole (can be vegetarian or vegan) (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=22939541&postcount=589) by akageorge

Cow Rolls (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30720828&postcount=3492) by akageorge

Cream Cheese Chicken (crockpot and pressure cooker versions) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=46845290&postcount=1186) by akageorge

Crockpot Pulled-Beef Goulash (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=32149826&postcount=400) by akageorge

Easy Fresh Berry Dessert (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=20326077&postcount=1556) by akageorge

Fingerklatschen (Thumbprint Cookies) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=45951630&postcount=1158) by akageorge

Fresh basil cream sauce (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=22695753&postcount=517) by akageorge

Frog-Eye Salad (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31899553&postcount=342) by akageorge

Hot Buttered Rum (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31978529&postcount=356) by wormbutt

Hummus (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39036555&postcount=1797) by akageorge

KFC Coleslaw 1 (Harlan's Original Coleslaw) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=38887807&postcount=2363) by CVS_Lifer

KFC Coleslaw 2 (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=38889459&postcount=2366) by MsGal

Lasagne Rolls (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=27197131&postcount=2407) by akageorge

Mani's Israeli Hummus (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?p=18744231#post18744231) by akageorge

Mexican Pie (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=18264163&postcount=557) by jmegirl

Milk/Rice pudding (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=16180999&postcount=68) by Precious

Oatmeal Cake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=40394047&postcount=536) by iamnotaduck

One-Skillet Chicken Parmigiana (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=18264289&postcount=558) by akageorge

Orange-Cranberry Scones (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=45945464&postcount=1156) by akageorge

Patty C.'s Fabulous Mac & Cheese (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30188210&postcount=3297) by akageorge

Peach and Blueberry Crisp with Crunchy Cereal Topping (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31128598&postcount=85) by akageorge and eatbetteramerica.com

Pear-Almond Coffee Cake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=24844487&postcount=1356) by akageorge

Pepperoni Bites (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37545853&postcount=1369) by akageorge

Pumpkin Cheesecake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25266777&postcount=1461) by plgffl

Pumpkin Nut Bread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25304331&postcount=1474) by tn_native

Quick Rolls (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37088373&postcount=858) by akageorge

Sal's Atomic Rum Balls (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25332814&postcount=1500) by akageorge

Savory Spiral Christmas Tree (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=26096376&postcount=1899) by akageorge

Smashed Faux-tatoes (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=36019865&postcount=1668) by jmegirl

Soft Granola Bars (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37021383&postcount=1648) by tn_native (from "Baking Short & Simple", a Gold Medal Flour/Betty Crocker Kitchens Pamphlet, circa 1983)

Sour Cream Fudge (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=38915317&postcount=2397) by tn_native (from Better Homes and Garden magazine, Dec 1984)

Sour Cream Pound Cake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25258303&postcount=1454) by MyFeetHurt

Lemon variation (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25550158&postcount=1587) by akageorge

Southern Spoon Bread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39105543&postcount=2539) by akageorge's local paper's food guy

Spiky Hedgehog Cookies (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37124899&postcount=867) by akageorge

Stroganoff w/ hamburger (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=36705941&postcount=458) by iamnotaduck

Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=24809946&postcount=1329) by msgal

Sweet Corn Tacos (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=41342184&postcount=780) by opheliareborn

Tres Leches cake (or Cuatro, if you count the topping) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31033530&postcount=61) by akageorge (adapted from Relish magazine)

Turkey Scallopini Marsala (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=37259971&postcount=997) by akageorge

TV Cookies (Toffee Squares) (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=45953030&postcount=1160) by akageorge

Upside-down Shepherd's Pie (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=23992281&postcount=992) by akageorge

Weight Watchers 4-Point Chocolate Muffins (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpost.php?p=18744231&postcount=1973) by akageorge

White Chocolate Cheesecake (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=25639235&postcount=1656) by tn_native (from 'Just Desserts' by Karla Seidita)

Zucchini Pie (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=31677284&postcount=266) by fishmurdrr

:clap: Congrats! I saw your post, it's been 5 minutes or so, and no one has ripped you to shreds yet! :lmao: Kinda makes me wanna post mine...hmmm...will have to ponder how strong I am :lol:


BTW, I didn't get the Complete q you mentioned, so your scenario is useless to me, and not a MM after tax...can you please rework? THANKS

:lol: Peckerhead!!

:lol: Peckerhead!!

:lmao::lmao:

I've been very busy the last few days, so I've been out of the loop. Glad I missed all the sniping! Must be the heat! :lol:

Heaok, don't worry about the GPA. I don't know about your discipline, but in mine having a 4.0 would hurt you more than help (the thinking being that to get a 4.0 you take classes that don't challenge you, and they want people that will take risks and challenge themselves).

For other reasons I no longer want to be part of my department. They have become everything I hated about other departments and gotten rid of anything that was of value and set them apart. Instead of trying to rise from mediocrity they have decided to wallow in it and the new evil department head has decided to make it a department full of people that couldn't even get into med school. :(
Lupus, sorry your department has you desiring a jaunt to the hills (metaphorically, of course, not to the MTV "reality" show). I don't think the business field really cares about GPA, but I do.

Thanks, Heaok. I don't really get scared during tornados, but was stunned at my stupidity when it was all over. My male Corgi is my favorite, and there was just no way I would go to the basement and leave him up here alone.

As far as your GPA, that sucks! I got an Associate EE when I graduated HS. Got a great job, then went back to school at age 30 to finish up a BS degree. Since the EE was from a trade school, and Purdue would not accept the credits here in town, I decided to go Trine (Tri-State). They've since changed the rules, and all accredited schools have to take each others credits in IN. Anyway, I made it clear to the last semester for my business degree, and a butthead English Comp. 2 teacher blew my 4.0. I missed a class due to a family emergency, and he had a rule that if you did not turn in a paper the night it was due, he docked you a full letter grade. I ended up with a B+ in that class, and graduated with a 3.98. That's a real bummer when you work so hard to accomplish that goal, then one uncooperative instructor blows it for you. I feel for ya...that's a hard one to take.
I would have done the same thing re: the dogs to the extend that, when we've had sirens go off we have stayed put in out second floor condo since our neighbors are needlessly afraid of our big dog and complain whenever they encoutner her. We'd rather die in a windy vortex than risk having to deal with our board because someone said the dog looked at them and they got scared.

That sucks about your GPA. I graduated college with a 3.93 thanks to my one and only C in college alegbra, a B in history (the prof was actually getting events wrong and "correcting" my papers that way), and an A- in speech methods (which was also not my fault, they couldn't find me a teaching site in time for me to do all 3 lessons so I only got to do 2 and got graded down because of it). When I earn something other than an A (which hasn't happened since high school), I'll gladly take it. But this simulation is so flawed in nature, and one group is following a website that outlines how to beat it (which I consider to basically be cheating) so while we're doing well, we've only got a score of 70, which then becomes 20% of my grade (which is now a 91.3% thanks to the performance on the strategic plan for the last 3 years). I'm doing everything I can but I can't compete with a guide to winning.

It had it's ups and downs. I broke my ankle and possibly my wrist on Friday morning. The wrist was too swollen so they will re xray on Tuesday to confirm or deny. The ankle is a definite - broke the tibia.
Hope you heal quickly and painlessly.

:wave2: Dinner report! :eat:

Made roulades de boeuf ... AKA bracioli ... AKA involtini ... (or you could just call them cow rolls ... :coverlaf: )
You may have just provided me with the next main dish recipe for our HK cookoffs!

Okay, here's the recipe I use:
And you may have just supplied me with the next dessert recipe!

It's been so long, I'm not sure I remember how to work it any more. :coverlaf:
That's what she said!

:wave2:
Hi everyone. I was on vacation last week, needed to take some benefit time off work or I lost it as of the 1st so we went to madison for a few days. Had a really nice time minus a small allergic reaction to my chapstick compounded by some chlorine sensitivity...and the constant knawing feeling that I should be doing something for class. I'm really looking forward to being able to take a vacation without thinking about what homework I should be doing or books I should order for next semester, etc. 45 more days til that actually happens!

Hope everyone had a nice 4th and has a nice weekend this weekend.

Oh shoot, heaok, you reminded me - I never gave an update:

After the swelling went down they re=xrayed. The wrist is fractured also. I'm in a pretty, green, hard cast on the left wrist and a walking boot/cast on the left ankle. Ortho said since the ankle was fractured under the weight bearing area on the tibia, I only have to wear the boot for 3 weeks, but will have to wear a smaller stabilization brace that will restrict side to side movement for 4 weeks after. I got outta that one easy!

The left wrist is more confusing. It was the scaphoid. Bones need blood to heal. The scaphoid has the least amount of blood flow of any bone in the body (and also the hardest to get a good xray on - sometimes they can only find the fracture with an MRI). I may be in the cast 6 weeks or 6 months depending on how fast it heals. If it doesn't heal, it will require surgery and a pin.

I broke the same bone in my right wrist in 2001 (someone pulled out in front of our ambulance while we were running hot). I was casted for 3 months and it did heal. This will be the same waiting game.

:wave2: Hot hot hot ... whew! Even the brief rain didn't cool it off much tonight. I can understand the grumpies -- I'm one of them! :ranting: :lmao:

Sorry for those of you encountering the negatives. Hooray for those of you getting to do the fun stuff! And tn wormbutt, hope that wrist heals as well at least as well as the other one.

Saturday is my "necessary" pillaging day -- must get papers and milk, and have $20 Kohl's Cash to use by Sunday. I'm supposed to stop in at a graduation party and want to pack up a "goodie bag" as a gift, but after 2 hours running between my swag room (second floor, no A/C, about 85 degrees) and the cellar (where I was packing away my meds and other things that need to stay cool), gleaning items for 3 other people, I was so kerfuffled (and sweaty) I couldn't face any more sorting. :nono:

I made sandwiches for dinner (man, I wish I'd bought a few more of those Sandwich Thins before the Qs expired!) then went outside until after dark. Got something accomplished, although not what I set out to do. Finished it all off by watering the gardens, came inside, and heard ... rain! :lol:

I thought we were going to get a nice breeze, but that has disappeared now, so the fans are going full force. I fell asleep on the couch watching "Medium" and had to get up to put things away, throw a load of laundry in the dryer (towels, or I'd hang them out), shut down the computer and go to bed. So :yawn: good night ...

My brother and I would have killed for that sort of arrangement. The problem is not them not having the money (the expected family contribution was rather high, and they could have paid for it), just them having their priorities all jacked up. Poor I understand very well. Giving thousands to what I consider a bogus charity and then claiming there is nothing left to help their kids better themselves rubs salt in the wounds. Gas money implies there is some sort of car. I didn't get my license until grad school because they bought a brand new minivan when I turned 16, traded in the car they said they'd keep for me, then refused to shop around for insurance and I couldn't afford the $3k a year when they said I could only drive to work and the grocery store and I'd have to pay for gas to go get groceries!

Not having a car sucks. It made me pass up the grad school program I should have gone to, and it made getting jobs during college really difficult (my parents made too much for me to qualify for the on campus jobs). I want to help my brother avoid that. He has learned from his experiences and also wants to go to grad school so he'll never have to be this piss poor again.

I'm sure that there are many on this site who can tell you tales much worse than mine, and even worse than yours. Try not to be bitter. Life is short.

No car for me either when I went to college. I went to a college about 3 hours from my home. My Mom dropped me off in August and picked me up twice a year. Christmas and the end of the year. Had to walk, bum a ride, or if I had the money, take the bus everywhere I went. I once bummed a ride home for a few days to surprise my family. My ride dropped me off about 10 miles from my home. I called my house, my neighbors, my grandparents, everyone I could think of. No one answered. Ended up walking the entire 10 miles home carrying my suitcase. The surprise was on me. My family had gone camping for the weekend. I had to stay with a neighbor who kindly drove me the 10 miles back on Sunday to meet my ride.

I ate every meal for 4 years on campus in the dining hall since it was part of my tuition. I could call home collect once a month (these were the days before cell phones and free long distance). Otherwise I had to plunk quarters into a pay phone to call home.


My kids did have cars (if you can call them that). Pretty much junkers - but they served their purpose. They were responsible for their own insurance from the get go. Liability only was around 1200.00 a year for them until they turned 21 - then their rates dropped. If they couldn't earn a hundred bucks a month - then they didn't drive. The cars weren't worth having to carry collision insurance on.

I didn't have a car at school either and school was 2 1/2 hours from home. I worked in the cafeteria and in the placement office as part of my work/study program (paid for my books and my dorm room and cafeteria meals) and then worked at Walmart when I wasn't in school between quarters (no tomatoes please). My Mom and Dad would bring me to school at the first of the year and then pick me up when the 3rd quarter was over. Other than that, they never came to see me. I bummed a ride home when I needed to go home, as a guy in the county drove home to see his Honey every weekend. If I needed to go to the store, I walked. Big Star (closest grocery) was about 2 miles away.

I'm sure that there are many on this site who can tell you tales much worse than mine, and even worse than yours. Try not to be bitter. Life is short.

No car for me either when I went to college. I went to a college about 3 hours from my home. My Mom dropped me off in August and picked me up twice a year. Christmas and the end of the year. Had to walk, bum a ride, or if I had the money, take the bus everywhere I went. I once bummed a ride home for a few days to surprise my family. My ride dropped me off about 10 miles from my home. I called my house, my neighbors, my grandparents, everyone I could think of. No one answered. Ended up walking the entire 10 miles home carrying my suitcase. The surprise was on me. My family had gone camping for the weekend. I had to stay with a neighbor who kindly drove me the 10 miles back on Sunday to meet my ride.

I ate every meal for 4 years on campus in the dining hall since it was part of my tuition. I could call home collect once a month (these were the days before cell phones and free long distance). Otherwise I had to plunk quarters into a pay phone to call home.


My kids did have cars (if you can call them that). Pretty much junkers - but they served their purpose. They were responsible for their own insurance from the get go. Liability only was around 1200.00 a year for them until they turned 21 - then their rates dropped. If they couldn't earn a hundred bucks a month - then they didn't drive. The cars weren't worth having to carry collision insurance on.
I'm not bitter, I'm actually happy I learned to never trust my parents and got their names off my bank accounts with a quickness. Small price to pay to avoid a much larger problem later. I just hate seeing my brother having to put up with the same shit. Screwing up raising your first child is one thing, but you'd hope they'd learn a little something and treat my brother better.

May I whine for a moment?

Two weeks ago we found a hole in the house trim outside of the laundry room. We called the contractor that's supposed to come paint the house next week and asked if he could fix it. Turns out, the hole goes into the attic and is MUCH bigger than we knew. No water damage ... yet ... but must be torn out and replaced ASAP. I'm thinking, buy a canoe and wait?

A lawn expert finally showed up to diagnose my dying lawn yesterday. It's not moles, it's some kind of disease. They are taking grass and soil samples today and we'll know in a week what we are up against. Lawn guy said to be ready to pay out "big bucks". I'm thinking it might be cheaper to just bring in tons of gravel and never have to mow again. :lol:

The dishwasher died last night and flooded my kitchen. Appliance guy wants $70 an hour to fix it. IF it can even be fixed. This one is 10 years old, new one is at least $500. I'm thinking it would be cheaper to just up my teenage boy's allowances and teach them some life skills. :lol:

A/C kicked on during the night and started giving off a "funny" (bad) smell. A/C guy came this morning and said the lines were clogged. He cleared them and cleaned them out with bleach. A/C works great now but a tablespoon of bleach just cost me $163. :eek:

And last but not least ... my car, (my NEW car), is leaking oil. Leaked all over the garage last night.


If you ask me, this whole week is Friday the 13th! :whee:

May I whine for a moment?



If you ask me, this whole week is Friday the 13th! :whee:


Good grief! Yes - whine all you want! Sorry for your troubles. I like your thought process though - gravel lawn and teenage dishwashers! Hoot! Hope your day/week gets better.

I didn't have a car at school either and school was 2 1/2 hours from home. I worked in the cafeteria and in the placement office as part of my work/study program (paid for my books and my dorm room and cafeteria meals) and then worked at Walmart when I wasn't in school between quarters (no tomatoes please). My Mom and Dad would bring me to school at the first of the year and then pick me up when the 3rd quarter was over. Other than that, they never came to see me. I bummed a ride home when I needed to go home, as a guy in the county drove home to see his Honey every weekend. If I needed to go to the store, I walked. Big Star (closest grocery) was about 2 miles away.

tn_native - I can't imagine kids this day and time walking 2 miles anywhere.

As I was writing my reply - I couldn't help but think that I would never walk by myself 10 miles anymore. It probably wasn't the safest thing to do back then either, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

May I whine for a moment?

Two weeks ago we found a hole in the house trim outside of the laundry room. We called the contractor that's supposed to come paint the house next week and asked if he could fix it. Turns out, the hole goes into the attic and is MUCH bigger than we knew. No water damage ... yet ... but must be torn out and replaced ASAP. I'm thinking, buy a canoe and wait?

A lawn expert finally showed up to diagnose my dying lawn yesterday. It's not moles, it's some kind of disease. They are taking grass and soil samples today and we'll know in a week what we are up against. Lawn guy said to be ready to pay out "big bucks". I'm thinking it might be cheaper to just bring in tons of gravel and never have to mow again. :lol:

The dishwasher died last night and flooded my kitchen. Appliance guy wants $70 an hour to fix it. IF it can even be fixed. This one is 10 years old, new one is at least $500. I'm thinking it would be cheaper to just up my teenage boy's allowances and teach them some life skills. :lol:

A/C kicked on during the night and started giving off a "funny" (bad) smell. A/C guy came this morning and said the lines were clogged. He cleared them and cleaned them out with bleach. A/C works great now but a tablespoon of bleach just cost me $163. :eek:

And last but not least ... my car, (my NEW car), is leaking oil. Leaked all over the garage last night.


If you ask me, this whole week is Friday the 13th! :whee:

Dear Lord have Mercy who'd you piss off that put a hex on ya!? :lol: jk jk I feel for ya. I honestly thogught my week was hectic and going to drive me insane, however you win the crappy week award! I hope that everything works out and quick with the least money OOP :D

Good grief! Yes - whine all you want! Sorry for your troubles. I like your thought process though - gravel lawn and teenage dishwashers! Hoot! Hope your day/week gets better.

I'm trying to keep a sense of humor. :P

Dear Lord have Mercy who'd you piss off that put a hex on ya!? :lol:


That's what I'd like to know, too. :lol:

May I whine for a moment?
...snip...



Silver lining time:
You will not have to worry about small animals getting inside your roof/attic area anymore
I think getting rid of the grass is an AWESOME idea, and it sounds like you've been given a nudge. Replace your lawn with native grasses, etc. -- much much better for water conservation, much less work for you, and if you plan it right, it can look awesome
I love the idea of teaching the boys how to wash dishes. I can't tell you how much I love this idea. I'm serious. And maybe if they save their allowance increase from washing dishes, they will be motivated to buy YOU the dishwasher.
You don't have to worry about the A/C's mold/mildew getting you sick. My mother was sick for two years from mildew/mold that got into the central AC's filters and pipes. The entire system had to be replaced, plus lots of drywall. It was awful.
Sounds like your car is still under warranty, so while it's an inconvenience, at least it's covered! (We have replaced an engine and a transmission on our two beaters in the last eight months...)

I am HORRIBLE about seeing silver linings with my own problems. And I know sometimes we just want to vent, because it's cathartic. But seriously, some good may come out of this, and some potentially graver problems may have been averted.

Hugs!!!

May I whine for a moment?

Two weeks ago we found a hole in the house trim outside of the laundry room. We called the contractor that's supposed to come paint the house next week and asked if he could fix it. Turns out, the hole goes into the attic and is MUCH bigger than we knew. No water damage ... yet ... but must be torn out and replaced ASAP. I'm thinking, buy a canoe and wait?

A lawn expert finally showed up to diagnose my dying lawn yesterday. It's not moles, it's some kind of disease. They are taking grass and soil samples today and we'll know in a week what we are up against. Lawn guy said to be ready to pay out "big bucks". I'm thinking it might be cheaper to just bring in tons of gravel and never have to mow again. :lol:

The dishwasher died last night and flooded my kitchen. Appliance guy wants $70 an hour to fix it. IF it can even be fixed. This one is 10 years old, new one is at least $500. I'm thinking it would be cheaper to just up my teenage boy's allowances and teach them some life skills. :lol:

A/C kicked on during the night and started giving off a "funny" (bad) smell. A/C guy came this morning and said the lines were clogged. He cleared them and cleaned them out with bleach. A/C works great now but a tablespoon of bleach just cost me $163. :eek:

And last but not least ... my car, (my NEW car), is leaking oil. Leaked all over the garage last night.


If you ask me, this whole week is Friday the 13th! :whee:
Ouch. Hope things start getting better soon.

From personal experience, buy a used dishwasher on craigslist and install yourself. Got a $1k stainless one for $200. Only thing wrong with it was a baby bottle liner stuck in the top sprayer. :lol: Tweezers took care of it in about 5 mins.

I need to get out of tutoring and into appliance repair.

Awright, which one of youse was driving around near my stomping grounds today?

Hubby just called me at work to tell me he was at a traffic light behind a Chevy Equinox with the plate

QPONS

"You should've thought of that," he tells me.

I'm more unnerved by the kind of competition so serious that someone feels compelled to advertise on a license plate!!

Short update, will jump on the no car throughout college bandwagon tomorrow...........DH gramma died this evening during a monster storm throughout most of central and Eastern Nebraska. Grampa died the night before my oldest's baby shower, gramma dies 1 day before graduation :( This kid thinks he's jinxed. Have a good night, we're dealing with the family crap tonight, it's amazing that the 2 daughters that were bitchin that "she will never die, we're really tired of dealing with her" were crying the biggest crocodile tears I've ever seen!! I made my tongue bleed I bit it so hard........Will carry on tomorrow, G'Night.........

Short update, will jump on the no car throughout college bandwagon tomorrow...........DH gramma died this evening during a monster storm throughout most of central and Eastern Nebraska. Grampa died the night before my oldest's baby shower, gramma dies 1 day before graduation :( This kid thinks he's jinxed. Have a good night, we're dealing with the family crap tonight, it's amazing that the 2 daughters that were bitchin that "she will never die, we're really tired of dealing with her" were crying the biggest crocodile tears I've ever seen!! I made my tongue bleed I bit it so hard........Will carry on tomorrow, G'Night.........

So sorry to hear it. This too will pass. Try to take deep breaths in between biting your tongue:hug:

May I whine for a moment?

Two weeks ago we found a hole in the house trim outside of the laundry room. We called the contractor that's supposed to come paint the house next week and asked if he could fix it. Turns out, the hole goes into the attic and is MUCH bigger than we knew. No water damage ... yet ... but must be torn out and replaced ASAP. I'm thinking, buy a canoe and wait?

A lawn expert finally showed up to diagnose my dying lawn yesterday. It's not moles, it's some kind of disease. They are taking grass and soil samples today and we'll know in a week what we are up against. Lawn guy said to be ready to pay out "big bucks". I'm thinking it might be cheaper to just bring in tons of gravel and never have to mow again. :lol:

The dishwasher died last night and flooded my kitchen. Appliance guy wants $70 an hour to fix it. IF it can even be fixed. This one is 10 years old, new one is at least $500. I'm thinking it would be cheaper to just up my teenage boy's allowances and teach them some life skills. :lol:

A/C kicked on during the night and started giving off a "funny" (bad) smell. A/C guy came this morning and said the lines were clogged. He cleared them and cleaned them out with bleach. A/C works great now but a tablespoon of bleach just cost me $163. :eek:

And last but not least ... my car, (my NEW car), is leaking oil. Leaked all over the garage last night.


If you ask me, this whole week is Friday the 13th! :whee:

:faint:
oh hun, you need mega hugs :hug:

dishwasher, i was going to say exactly what lupus said on the dishwasher:
get on craigslist. amazing the bargains you can find there.
AND, until then, invest in a good dish rack. i know that sounds silly but we recently (like 2 weeks ago) ditched our old basic dish rack (you know the kind you get for a few bucks the metal coated in plasticky material, and the plastic tray below) after 17 years of use :eek: and got a new simplehuman one. much more expensive (used gcs and coupons), but so worth it. stuff stays super organized, washing dishes is not as much a chore anymore cos things are easy to put away and you don't get a big pile where everything is falling etc.


I didn't have a car at school either and school was 2 1/2 hours from home. I worked in the cafeteria and in the placement office as part of my work/study program (paid for my books and my dorm room and cafeteria meals) and then worked at Walmart when I wasn't in school between quarters (no tomatoes please). My Mom and Dad would bring me to school at the first of the year and then pick me up when the 3rd quarter was over. Other than that, they never came to see me. I bummed a ride home when I needed to go home, as a guy in the county drove home to see his Honey every weekend. If I needed to go to the store, I walked. Big Star (closest grocery) was about 2 miles away.

I didn't have a car in college or grad school.

College, campus dining was expensive and terrible. On campus housing was very expensive too, for shoebox rooms shared with strangers (you had to enter a lottery, couldn't pick a roommate till senior year). So I lived off campus and shopped for groceries. Grocery store was several miles away - you had to take a bus or a cab. Cabs were expensive. So bus it was. But when it snowed, the bus was hours and hours late. Many a time, I trudged through mounds of heavy wet snow, wind tossing frozen snow in my eyes, lugging bags and slipping all the way. My parents covered college tuition and housing, but I worked throughout college and used that money to pay for all my clothing, entertainment, food etc expenses. The area I was in was very expensive and I simply wasn't going to ask Mum and Dad for more money than they were already paying for my education. As far as I'm concerned they did a lot, and at great personal expense. My parents were across the globe in different places at different times - I saw dad once in 4 years. Mum twice. There was no one to go to for holidays, no one to run to for problems. It was all me. :strong:

Grad school, I was the stereotypical broke student was working 40 hours plus taking a full course load and applying for paid internships for the winter and summer breaks. those applications were like regular job applications - TONS of work. In grad school, my apartment was 5 miles from the college. I had class 8 to 11 or noon. then I worked and then late evening classes again. The bus cost 65c each way, but I was super broke. I remember many a cold morning and cold night, where I had scrounged out every dusty penny from behind couches and in forgotten wallets and had still only mustered up about 10 or 15c. sigh. So most days, I walked 5 miles bright and early in the a.m. with a super heavy backpack, and then 5 miles late at night (class finished around 11 pm, sometimes 1130 pm cos the professor liked going late). When I got home after a 17 hour day, there was still dinner to cook (i was generally starving) and homework to do, and on nights Mr. Handsome came over, there was that. I generally slept 2-3 hours and started up again at the crack of dawn.

It was hard, but taught me a lot. And in retrospect, it was much easier than grown up adult life.


Awright, which one of youse was driving around near my stomping grounds today?

Hubby just called me at work to tell me he was at a traffic light behind a Chevy Equinox with the plate

QPONS

"You should've thought of that," he tells me.

I'm more unnerved by the kind of competition so serious that someone feels compelled to advertise on a license plate!!

my thoughts exactly.

Short update, will jump on the no car throughout college bandwagon tomorrow...........DH gramma died this evening during a monster storm throughout most of central and Eastern Nebraska. Grampa died the night before my oldest's baby shower, gramma dies 1 day before graduation :( This kid thinks he's jinxed. Have a good night, we're dealing with the family crap tonight, it's amazing that the 2 daughters that were bitchin that "she will never die, we're really tired of dealing with her" were crying the biggest crocodile tears I've ever seen!! I made my tongue bleed I bit it so hard........Will carry on tomorrow, G'Night.........


I am so sorry about your family's loss.
But maybe the kid isn't cursed. Maybe it's a positive message from the Universe about enjoying life and its milestones and the joys of every moment. I hope he gets to see that and I hope he thoroughly treasures his graduation day. Congratulations to all of you on this big life turning point!

Hey BS :)

My family's business is being featured on The Food Network tonight at 10 et/9 ct. We have an old mom and pop grocery store called B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli in Des Moines, Ia. We are being featured on the Food Network show Outrageous Foods - so check us out ;)


/end shameless plug. I promise no extreme couponing will happen lol.

Hey BS :)

My family's business is being featured on The Food Network tonight at 10 et/9 ct. We have an old mom and pop grocery store called B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli in Des Moines, Ia. We are being featured on the Food Network show Outrageous Foods - so check us out ;)


/end shameless plug. I promise no extreme couponing will happen lol.
I watch FN all the time, I'll set it up to DVR! :clap:

Sduramom- sorry for your loss :hug:


Took SP to Walmart and came out with about $40 less in my pocket. She has to have a hair bow (head band) and earrings to go with her dress I buy her! She didn't pick out the cheaper dress either :lol:
Got a dress for CP and LD, too...they are so cute! :girly:

Joe is about to be on Food Network!

Hey BS :)

My family's business is being featured on The Food Network tonight at 10 et/9 ct. We have an old mom and pop grocery store called B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli in Des Moines, Ia. We are being featured on the Food Network show Outrageous Foods - so check us out ;)


/end shameless plug. I promise no extreme couponing will happen lol.

Joe is about to be on Food Network!

That was my dad and uncle :)

That was my dad and uncle :)

Been busy with family stuff/graduation tomorrow, viewing and rosary for gramma Monday, funeral mass Tues......sorry I missed the show, I'm hoping it will rerun? LMK, I'd love to see it!!

Other than the family crap, nothing else to report.........went out to eat at Fazolis tonight, had the fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken breast, dinner salad and yummy garlic breadsticks..........feel bloated with carbs, but sure was delish!!

Weather miserable today, had to turn the furnace back on as it was 37out when I got up this AM, kinda rainy and blustery all day :rain::cold: Hard to believe it's the middle of May already....

Been busy with family stuff/graduation tomorrow, viewing and rosary for gramma Monday, funeral mass Tues......sorry I missed the show, I'm hoping it will rerun? LMK, I'd love to see it!!

Other than the family crap, nothing else to report.........went out to eat at Fazolis tonight, had the fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken breast, dinner salad and yummy garlic breadsticks..........feel bloated with carbs, but sure was delish!!

Weather miserable today, had to turn the furnace back on as it was 37out when I got up this AM, kinda rainy and blustery all day :rain::cold: Hard to believe it's the middle of May already....


So sorry that everything is happening at once-better times are just around the corner :hug:

Thanks to everyone for condolences for gramma's death, she was a real sweetheart, but has wanted to "go home" for the last few years.....it's a blessing for her, a real loss for us :(

On another note, I don't know how I'm gonna keep it together for the grad ceremony this afternoon, I just wrote out his card, (and a check.....:omg:) and I was bawling like a baby after writing the card. It's nothing I haven't told him face to face a million times and it's not like he's going anywhere anytime soon.......BUT.........I can't believe he's graduating HS.......It seems like I was changing poopy pants just a short time ago............:O I'm gonna be a wreck!

Thanks to everyone for condolences for gramma's death, she was a real sweetheart, but has wanted to "go home" for the last few years.....it's a blessing for her, a real loss for us :(

On another note, I don't know how I'm gonna keep it together for the grad ceremony this afternoon, I just wrote out his card, (and a check.....:omg:) and I was bawling like a baby after writing the card. It's nothing I haven't told him face to face a million times and it's not like he's going anywhere anytime soon.......BUT.........I can't believe he's graduating HS.......It seems like I was changing poopy pants just a short time ago............:O I'm gonna be a wreck!

So sorry for your loss ;( when I was born I had 11 grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents alive, now I'm down to 4 ;((

The food network thing replays a few times this week. Just do a program search for Outrageous Foods.

The food network thing replays a few times this week. Just do a program search for Outrageous Foods.

We saw part of the show last night. What outrageous food did your place feature? We saw some giant burger/sandwich thing with a pork chop and then some "inside-out" burger. Either of those you guys?

We saw part of the show last night. What outrageous food did your place feature? We saw some giant burger/sandwich thing with a pork chop and then some "inside-out" burger. Either of those you guys?

We were the Killosal Killer Sandwich, the one with four sandwiches into one :)

http://www.bbgrocerymeatdeli.com/

We were the Killosal Killer Sandwich, the one with four sandwiches into one :)

http://www.bbgrocerymeatdeli.com/

Oh wait, my husband said we saw the pork chop thing on Triple D. I know we watched part of Outrageous Foods last night though. I just can't recall what I saw. :lol:

We've had our share of bad luck beginning the first of the year with DH's scooter breaking down, and couldn't be fixed for two months while the part shipped slow boat from England. Had to buy a different scooter in the meantime, and make minor repairs & updates to that. Including a rear tire.

Then we were going to get new tires for both our vehicles with the tax return money. Of course, we couldn't file our return until Feb 15th (we itemize) and of course the first car had a flat that couldn't be repaired until about Jan 25th. Luckily the budget was doing okay that month and we had the $580 for those tires. Then around Feb. 6th the other car got a flat tire. You guessed it, unrepairable. Luckily we could wait a few days until payday with that car and pay the $625 for those tires. So that makes 9 tires. Oh wait, we had to replace a tire on the original scooter in January because a 3" screw was embedded in it. So we've bought 10 new tires in the last 4 months.


Then the dryer broke. But DH dug in and fixed it. Yay!! Only about a $30 repair. But if he didn't put the shoes in the dryer like I've told him countless times in the past, it probably wouldn't have happened. :rolleyes: Just sayin'.

His mom got sick, unexpectadly, and the assisted living facilty was going through a bout of the flu all over, so everyone attributed her being sick to the flu. Unfortunately, two hospital trips later, and an exploratory surgery it was discovered her appendix had burst and perforated her intestine. She went to live with Jesus 3 days after her surgery. There was nothing more they could have done at that point. It's been really tough on my husband, his 3 sisters and his dad. We all miss her so much still.

Then his cell phone broke, and we had to get a new one. Then the new one arrived in the mail,and that one stopped working 3 days after we received it. The new one is working fine now, and we're on day #2. WOOT!

Last night on his way home a warning light lit up on the new scooter we just purchased. Luckily it was a standard, change the belt at 16000 miles light. That was one of the things that we did when we first purchased the scooter. Whew that crisis averted.

Please think good thoughts for my DH as he has someone looking to buy the old scooter after work today. Please let this man buy the scooter.

But why originally came to this thread. I stopped at a garage sale after picking my son up from an overnight campout at our church, and found a Dooney and Bourke purse with wallet, and only paid $5!!! WOOT!! Ebay here I come!!

Funny thing I saw today......

I was checking out at Walgreens today and the lady in front of me starts shouting, "She just got in her trunk!" "That lady just shut herself in her trunk!" We all look out the window and it is pouring rain. She points at a caddy parked across the lot from the door. The cashiers are all debating if they should contact the police, people are speculating that perhaps she is mentally ill. The rain slows down and the store manager goes out to the car. Up pops the trunk. A senior citizen pops out of the caddy and the manager helps her into the store.

She comes in explaining to him that she just had her hair done and was not going to get it wet in that downpour. She opened the trunk to look for her umbrella when the rain really started coming hard. The umbrella was not in her trunk and she just decided to wait it out in the trunk.

Funny thing I saw today......

The umbrella was not in her trunk and she just decided to wait it out in the trunk.
:bounce: Wow

We were the Killosal Killer Sandwich, the one with four sandwiches into one :)

http://www.bbgrocerymeatdeli.com/

Went to the website and perused the goodies-------told DH next Sunday is our anniversary and my birthday----told him that's where he was taking me for our anniversary dinner, I gotta have one of those ribeye sandwiches!!!!!!!! Then I saw the hours..........POOP!!!!! Closed on Sunday :(
Well, I should know June 1 if I have to have ear surgery again--if there's enough nerve function left in my ear to replace the implant and regain hearing. I was adamant that if I have surgery again--WE ARE GOING to DM so I can have a sandwich!!

Graduation was flawless (abiet LONG) I remained composed until my son brought me 2 white roses and kissed me in front of God and Everyone........Then the waterworks started. We are not having his reception until next weekend, it's quite a drive from our area to our cabin where we are hosting the reception, didn't want a bunch of folks who'd been drinking having to travel 30 miles through a decent size town to get down there, so we opted to wait a week and have a better turnout. Kid was really ok with that, he was able to go do his thing with his friends.

We hit a few receptions, then met my in-laws for drinks at the local tavern that gramma and grampa used to own, it's a historical site, and a family tradition to go have a burger and a beer once a week or so (2nd time this week for us) MIL really bummed about gramma passing, got a couple beers in her and reminisced, by the time we left, she was in lots better spirits, thinking positively and actually celebrating gramma's life, not dwelling on her death. I guess with my point of view--many of you know that I am a nurse, been in long term care for many moons--that gramma prayed daily to "go home" and she left this earth on her own terms. I have sat with many grammas and grampas and moms and dads while they've passed, held the hands of those who are alone, and I can only describe it as the ultimate peace that one can achieve. It is devastating to those they leave behind, but it the most rewarding thing I have found about LTC, knowing that the suffering and pain is gone. I've cried many tears for the suffering of the sick and/or elderly and cried for the loss of the companionship they've provided, as you actually love most of the people you help care for, but they are finally at peace with all. Then is a time for celebration of the lives and legacies of these great souls and their time on earth.........

I didn't come on to be a downer again tonight, but I have so many feelings and thoughts just flowing and DH went to bed and fell asleep very quickly (:confused: too much beer?) and I just wanted to vent.........

On a side note, anyone else notice the snarkiness of some of the folks on the board lately? I'm wondering if we are having a group menopause phase, cuz some of the posts are argumentative just for arguments sake.........Or am I just overly emotional this week?? I'm pretty thick skinned, I'd hate to be a newbie on the receiving end of those comments.......I don't anticipate some of them sticking around long if it doesn't calm down.

Anyway, it's late, I'm gonna try to hit the sack, but with my mind roaming, doubtful it will work for awhile. Tomorrow we go to the cabin to spring clean, mow and spruce it up for the grad reception, expecting about 200 people. Sure hope the weather improves, it's 45degrees here today, overcast, rain started about midnight.........:rolleyes:
I am making brisket for sandwiches, decided to serve the BBQ sauce on the side so folks who don't care for/can't eat it will be able to enjoy a sandwich or just a slice of meat or 2 (or 3) I think I have enough brisket to feed about 350 people, but I am one who worries about running out of food!! I'd rather have left-overs instead of run out.........Any of you wonderful cooks here have a "to die for" recipe for brisket? I generally just roast it slow with salt and pepper, but a GF gave me a recipe using Lawry's marinade and seasoned salt--Teriyaki marinade--and I'm not so sure about that one. I am personally not fond of teriyaki....I can it eat, but not my fav. After the meat is cooked, I want to keep it in my big electric roaster and I'd like it to stay moist and tender while the crowd comes and goes.....

George--what'd you have for supper tonight? MsG? MFH? BTW MFH, the bologna sandwich sounded awesome the other night--dad used to make those for me when I was little and we loved them!! Haven't had one in years......thanks for prodding my memories!!:hug:

We had homemade pizza....

We had homemade pizza....

Details please, I am hungry now........pepperoni, sausage, supreme, mushrooms? I've been fixating on food since I saw Joe's sammies on the website!! :yummy:

George--what'd you have for supper tonight? MsG? MFH? BTW MFH, the bologna sandwich sounded awesome the other night--dad used to make those for me when I was little and we loved them!! Haven't had one in years......thanks for prodding my memories!!:hug:
You are gonna be sorry you asked what I ate today.

I have been busy moving a lady's blog from blogger to Wordpress...she bought her own domain and I was hired to set it all up for her so I have been working from the time I got up til just a few minutes ago.
Didn't have time to cook so I had 4 deviled eggs and 2 cans of potted meat with saltine crackers!


ETA: by the way, that was a fried bologna sandwich like my Daddy used to make

You are gonna be sorry you asked what I ate today.

I have been busy moving a lady's blog from blogger to Wordpress...she bought her own domain and I was hired to set it all up for her so I have been working from the time I got up til just a few minutes ago.
Didn't have time to cook so I had 4 deviled eggs and 2 cans of potted meat with saltine crackers!


ETA: by the way, that was a fried bologna sandwich like my Daddy used to make

I :heart: deviled eggs, was kinda wondering if I shouldn't make a couple of dozen for next weekend..........:yummy:

When we were at the tavern tonight, I was going to have one of grammy's favorite sandwiches--a grilled braunschweiger sandwich with a slice of onion, mayo and a dab of mustard--they were out of braunschweiger :(

O_o..

Funny thing I saw today......

I was checking out at Walgreens today and the lady in front of me starts shouting, "She just got in her trunk!" "That lady just shut herself in her trunk!" We all look out the window and it is pouring rain. She points at a caddy parked across the lot from the door. The cashiers are all debating if they should contact the police, people are speculating that perhaps she is mentally ill. The rain slows down and the store manager goes out to the car. Up pops the trunk. A senior citizen pops out of the caddy and the manager helps her into the store.

She comes in explaining to him that she just had her hair done and was not going to get it wet in that downpour. She opened the trunk to look for her umbrella when the rain really started coming hard. The umbrella was not in her trunk and she just decided to wait it out in the trunk.

Sounds like something one of the residents @ work would do. If you even get near her hair when dressing her, she will swat at you....hard.

Someone stole all the newspapers off our street today!!! :mad::mad::mad:




Didn't have time to cook so I had 4 deviled eggs and 2 cans of potted meat with saltine crackers!

And lived to tell about it! :eek:

:wave2: dnc - I was just thinking I haven't seen you around here lately.

My pizza had sausage, mushroom and onion. normally I put breakfast bacon on it, but I forgot. It had an entire pkg of mozz cheese :D

Someone stole all the newspapers off our street today!!! :mad::mad::mad:....

I'm not glad your papers were stolen, but I am glad to see you posting, and that you are o.k. Hope all our friends down south are alright.:hug:

The news is just terrible; having to intentionally flood some people to save others. What a decision to have to make. Looking at the water rushing in reminded me a little bit of the Japanese tsunami.

Is this true? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110515/ap_on_re_us/us_southern_tornadoes_donations
I just read and :confused: that nobody needs help anymore...

.................

Is this true? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110515/ap_on_re_us/us_southern_tornadoes_donations
I just read and :confused: that nobody needs help anymore...

It is most likely true that they don't need toys, clothes, shoes, etc. But cash, food, gift cards, etc., they probably still need lots of that.

I know that after Katrina, the donation centers here in MS ended up throwing away TONS of stuff. It's referred to as "the tragedy after the tragedy".

sduramom, :hug: sorry about your loss, and happy about your DS's graduation. Sounds like you're planning a great party. Hope the doc says the surgery is a go.

Joe, will have to look for the show!

moonbeams, sorry you're having a rough year. :hug:

kblickster, :omg: :lol: :lmao: !!!

:wave2: everybody else. Just got back from my weekend. The RV got MUCH worse mileage than I expected (lots of hills), so it was a very expensive drive! And the marine (rear) battery died on me, so no interior lights or water pump after the first night. But it was nice sleeping in my own quiet space. There are a lot of unbelievably loud snorers among this group of friends, and the house is open-plan, so I'm sure I got more rest by not sleeping indoors! :coverlaf:

And when I backed the RV in at home, it got stuck in the mud, so the back end is probably hanging a little bit into my pissy neighbor's territory. Oh, well. Too bad. It's not going anywhere until the rain stops ... maybe by next weekend.

And I left my nephew a note on Friday asking him to mow the lawn (it already was high enough to need 2 passes). He didn't do it. Said he decided to do it on Saturday, but "forgot it was going to rain." :ranting: That was the whole reason I left him the damned note!

I got home earlier than he expected tonight, and he was running around trying to get all his weekend chores done before I saw him -- 2 filthy litter boxes, litter on the floor, bringing his grandmother's laundry upstairs (it was in the dryer when I left Friday) ... :doh:

So I only brought perishables and my phone and wallet in from the RV; will unpack when the rain stops. Made myself a clam roll and sat down to catch up on FB and SD. :faint:

Is this true? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110515/ap_on_re_us/us_southern_tornadoes_donations
I just read and :confused: that nobody needs help anymore...


i can attest to people donating junk. it's really rather sad, and adds so much work for those trying to help.

when i was collecting donations for haiti, i had given people a list culled from medical groups of specific things needed.

among the donations i found:

baby bibs stinking of and streaked with vomit. :omg:
worn flip flops, crusted with mildew :omg:
baby clothes, stinking of and streaked with dried excrement. :omg:
expired baby food :omg:
a dark green blanket covered in so much blonde pet hair it looked heathered

... and that is to name just a few things.

i was disgusted.


the amount of space you have to use up to store all that junk, makes it hard to store good stuff, or get through to the good stuff, or get the good stuff out to people who need it.

and at some point, it is just so exhausting, you'd be tempted to en masse throw it out. i didn't. i singlehandedly sorted through a giant warehouse of a room and got things across to agencies, but still.

it's not that people don't need help/things. if the yahoo article gave that impression, it is unfortunate. it's just that the donations tend to come in lopsided - lots of junk, lots of repetitive items of the same kind, and then fewer of a certain kind. so people end up needing that other certain kind of thing that is in short supply. after all how many cans of tuna and boxes of crackers can you consume when your house is still full of flooded gunk and you are spending 15 hours a day trying to clean it all?

:wave: hi greenie! :D

:wave: hi greenie! :D

:wave2: hi sweetie!

how are you? :hug:


hi my wagging friends! how are you lovies? :heart:

george, :blowkiss: your nephew story cracked me up. reminds me of some members of my family, furiously doing a week's worth of dishes and sweeping the floors and doing the laundry when they knew i was returning home. was a weekly thing for a couple of years there. :lol:

i can attest to people donating junk. it's really rather sad, and adds so much work for those trying to help.

when i was collecting donations for haiti, i had given people a list culled from medical groups of specific things needed.

among the donations i found:

baby bibs stinking of and streaked with vomit. :omg:
worn flip flops, crusted with mildew :omg:
baby clothes, stinking of and streaked with dried excrement. :omg:
expired baby food :omg:
a dark green blanket covered in so much blonde pet hair it looked heathered

... and that is to name just a few things.

i was disgusted.


the amount of space you have to use up to store all that junk, makes it hard to store good stuff, or get through to the good stuff, or get the good stuff out to people who need it.

and at some point, it is just so exhausting, you'd be tempted to en masse throw it out. i didn't. i singlehandedly sorted through a giant warehouse of a room and got things across to agencies, but still.

it's not that people don't need help/things. if the yahoo article gave that impression, it is unfortunate. it's just that the donations tend to come in lopsided - lots of junk, lots of repetitive items of the same kind, and then fewer of a certain kind. so people end up needing that other certain kind of thing that is in short supply. after all how many cans of tuna and boxes of crackers can you consume when your house is still full of flooded gunk and you are spending 15 hours a day trying to clean it all?
:iagree: it's sad that folks were donating christmas trees, and fragile knick knacks. The folks here lost their homes (tornados) they don't need kitchy stuff, they need basics! Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, dental floss, diapers, baby food, formula, etc.

I have been getting annoyed with wags and their fillers and lack of stock. But have a look at my siggy above. :lmao:

I don't have many rewards right now which I am relieved about. Flipping rr with crappy sales/no stock:nono:

:iagree: it's sad that folks were donating christmas trees, and fragile knick knacks. The folks here lost their homes (tornados) they don't need kitchy stuff, they need basics! Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, dental floss, diapers, baby food, formula, etc.

it actually makes me angry, not sad.

you know some people, they hear donation, and they see it as an opportunity to get rid of all the trash from their own homes. no need to drive it out to the junkyard or municipal lot. no need to drive to a salvation army or goodwill or whatever. nope, just give it away to a disaster relief drive and pat yourselves on the back for donating.

it really makes me angry.

here are people that have lost everything. it is sad enough that they have to rely on donations and handouts to piece together fragments of basic daily life. then to be given people's vomit streaked clothes and mildew marked flip flops. i mean really, allow the disaster victims to retain some shreds of their basic human dignity.

what are people in Louisiana who have lost all their belongings to muddy flood waters and don't have a home to go to, going to do with a giant Santa in the middle of May? I'd understand if this was December 20th and you are hoping they could make a cheery corner in a relief center, but in May? ridiculous. and callous. and arrogant.

it actually makes me angry, not sad.

you know some people, they hear donation, and they see it as an opportunity to get rid of all the trash from their own homes. no need to drive it out to the junkyard or municipal lot. no need to drive to a salvation army or goodwill or whatever. nope, just give it away to a disaster relief drive and pat yourselves on the back for donating. ...
The same nephew I was complaining about is the "yard boy" at the local Salvation Army store. It's his job to help people unload their cars and sort donations into the big bins for the truck to pick up. It's also his job to tell people, when they bring crap, that the SA can't accept it. A lot of them get very angry -- probably mostly at being "caught in the act"!

The same nephew I was complaining about is the "yard boy" at the local Salvation Army store. It's his job to help people unload their cars and sort donations into the big bins for the truck to pick up. It's also his job to tell people, when they bring crap, that the SA can't accept it. A lot of them get very angry -- probably mostly at being "caught in the act"!


Maybe you can answer a question I have-is it true that the donation centers (SA, GW) cannot take stuffed animals? I suppose maybe its a dander thing? My DD has a ton and I hate to throw some away but if they cant take them I guess thats what it will have to be.

Maybe you can answer a question I have-is it true that the donation centers (SA, GW) cannot take stuffed animals? I suppose maybe its a dander thing? My DD has a ton and I hate to throw some away but if they cant take them I guess thats what it will have to be.

Hi, I can't answer your question, but I did find this website you could look at: http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/. And http://www.ehow.com/how_2129559_donate-stuffed-animals-kids-need.html. I had a ton of beanie babies in good condition and donated them to the troops for making friends with the kids.

Maybe you can answer a question I have-is it true that the donation centers (SA, GW) cannot take stuffed animals? I suppose maybe its a dander thing? My DD has a ton and I hate to throw some away but if they cant take them I guess thats what it will have to be.
I'll ask my nephew. Have you called the local animal shelter to see if they can take them as dog toys? I know some pet owners buy them at garage sales, too, for that purpose.

Maybe you can answer a question I have-is it true that the donation centers (SA, GW) cannot take stuffed animals? I suppose maybe its a dander thing? My DD has a ton and I hate to throw some away but if they cant take them I guess thats what it will have to be.
I'll ask my nephew. Have you called the local animal shelter to see if they can take them as dog toys? I know some pet owners buy them at garage sales, too, for that purpose.

Ok, fellow BSers, I AM NOT WEIRD...........
I still have 3 stuff animals from when I was a kid (yes, they made stuffed animals back then) and my first poo (pillow) from my first big girl bed........it's barely there and nearly just foam puffs by now, but it sure is comforting to snuggle when I don't feel well.....:eek:

:iagree: it's sad that folks were donating christmas trees, and fragile knick knacks. The folks here lost their homes (tornados) they don't need kitchy stuff, they need basics! Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, dental floss, diapers, baby food, formula, etc.


Exactly what I donate now. I have it, it's needed. I even get calls for stuff when there is a fire victim in our community.

Hi, I can't answer your question, but I did find this website you could look at: http://www.stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/. And http://www.ehow.com/how_2129559_donate-stuffed-animals-kids-need.html. I had a ton of beanie babies in good condition and donated them to the troops for making friends with the kids.


Thanks for this website-great ideas there :heart:

i can attest to people donating junk. it's really rather sad, and adds so much work for those trying to help.

when i was collecting donations for haiti, i had given people a list culled from medical groups of specific things needed.

among the donations i found:

baby bibs stinking of and streaked with vomit. :omg:
worn flip flops, crusted with mildew :omg:
baby clothes, stinking of and streaked with dried excrement. :omg:
expired baby food :omg:
a dark green blanket covered in so much blonde pet hair it looked heathered

... and that is to name just a few things.

i was disgusted.


the amount of space you have to use up to store all that junk, makes it hard to store good stuff, or get through to the good stuff, or get the good stuff out to people who need it.

and at some point, it is just so exhausting, you'd be tempted to en masse throw it out. i didn't. i singlehandedly sorted through a giant warehouse of a room and got things across to agencies, but still.

it's not that people don't need help/things. if the yahoo article gave that impression, it is unfortunate. it's just that the donations tend to come in lopsided - lots of junk, lots of repetitive items of the same kind, and then fewer of a certain kind. so people end up needing that other certain kind of thing that is in short supply. after all how many cans of tuna and boxes of crackers can you consume when your house is still full of flooded gunk and you are spending 15 hours a day trying to clean it all?


They not only donate it, they must feel it has value and they can sell it too.

I am really struggling with this flea market thing. I mean, why do people pay 12.00 for a table to bring in junk like that? I posted another time about a man that has been trying to sell a pair of tennis shoes that are covered in red mud. His stuff literally looks like he rumaged at a landfill to bring in to sell. Another seller had 3 tables full of stuff/junk that smelled like cat urine. You could smell it just standing downwind of her tables. Her prices were outrageous. Old puzzles and paperback books for $3.00.

I just can't decide what is up with these people.

Ok, fellow BSers, I AM NOT WEIRD...........
I still have 3 stuff animals from when I was a kid (yes, they made stuffed animals back then) and my first poo (pillow) from my first big girl bed........it's barely there and nearly just foam puffs by now, but it sure is comforting to snuggle when I don't feel well.....:eek:
I still have the stuffed monkey from my childhood. It was my sister's before me (she was 19 when I was born) and had a sex change when I got it -- from "Sam" to "Judy" (from the TV show "Daktari"). At some point, my mother built it a whole new body from fake fur!

I also have the scraps of my blankie somewhere. Actually, I wore out one in my young adulthood and started on another, which is also in shreds, so now I have a dollar store fleece to keep my head warm and cover my eyes at night.

What to make for dinner? I'm thinking maybe sauteed chicken tenders with mango salsa, with veg and rice. I've eaten so many flavorful things this weekend that simple taste sounds good.

:wave2: Hey BSers! How's everyone doing? Just wanted to pop in and say hello . . . Hello :D I hope everyone is well, and if not I sure hope that things start getting better. :heart::heart: I've been trying to get through these last couple weeks of baseball and school so that summer can start and I can start having ME time again. I've been so busy I haven't even had a chance to pick my prints from my wedding and I'm sure my photographer is wondering why I haven't picked them out yet! :lol:

I've been trying to get back into WAGs shopping to restock for summer sales and sadly I've felt the effect of the EC wannabees in my area :( I used to be able to order 60+ Qs and not have a problem using them up through out the week at various stores in my city, NOW every store is wiped clean by Sunday night. Seems like a waste of money even ordering Qs right now :( I may just have to wait to get back in AFTER the craze fades away.

Seems like a waste of money even ordering Qs right now :(

It was. :weeping:

Seems like a waste of money even ordering Qs right now :( I may just have to wait to get back in AFTER the craze fades away.


Tell me about it. Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons and I was reading some of the comments on S ou----- S av---s. I was new to couponing once - so just poking a little fun - this is not meant to offend noobs.

Check these out...My answers in BLUE

i need all the coupons this will be my first time trying this so please help i dont have a printer but my P.O. Box is xxxx Norfolk,Virginia 23509 . Anyone that can send me coupons as many as you can and any coupons . Thank you so much Txxxx Hxxxxx and any tips too.

Dear TH, Didn't your Mama teach you not to put your name and address on public websites? Tips, get a printer, buy some newspapers, get a new PO Box.

I was wondering..... on the wisk.. it says something about catalina... what is that?!?!? Only thing I could think of was salad dressing?!?!? lol

I'm glad you thought that your question was funny too, lol!

btw...is it tacky if i do my wisk transaction first and then the rest of my stuff? and does ht take $ off order coupons from competitors like cvs eg....my 5$ ecb off my order from buying 50+ in the beauty club?

It's totally tacky to do your wisk transaction first. You must, must, must do it last. Geez....Noobs!

I saw on one of the lists for Harris Teeter that Blue Diamond almonds were on sale for $1.25. Under it was listed a man. coupon for .75/2 and then it said that would make them .12 each...how is that? I'm not a math guru, so, I'm sure that I'm missing something! thanks in advance!

Yeah this triple coupon stuff is some tricky math. Did you take trig in school? If not, you will probably need a graphing calculator to figure out the complex algorithms.

please explain triples to me. i thought it meant it only tripled up to a dollar. for example a thirty cent coupon goes to one dollar as a 40 cent coupon only goes to a dollar also??? please help. does this mean a 75cent coupon goes to 2.25???

What can I say?

We're leaving for a cruise on 5/22 leaving from Port Canaveral. We'll be coming down 75, across I-10 (I guess) and down I-95 to Port Canaveral. Is there a HT that's located really close to I-95, somewhere between Jacksonville and Port Canaveral? DH isn't going to go far out of the way. It's already an 8hr drive down from NE Atlanta. Will everything be practically sold out by next Sunday? Shelves cleared? Will it be worth my time to prepare a list and sacrifice time on the boat?

Oh, It's totally worth it. If I were you, I'd spend the time that I would ordinarily spend packing making lists and clipping coupons. I'd take two empty suitcases on the trip with me and make my husband stop until I had them all filled with free mustard, salad dressing, and canned tuna. You can take the money you saved on all of your free food and buy new clothes on the ship. They also have "nice" clothes at most ports of call. Enjoy your triples trip! (Oh, and the cruise too.)

nothing is in blue...

Tell me about it. Harris Teeter is doing triple coupons and I was reading some of the comments on S ou----- S av---s. I was new to couponing once - so just poking a little fun - this is not meant to offend noobs. *SNIP*


KB, we love you, you are saying things I've wanted to say to some folks for awhile.....I must ask, though, have you been taking lessons in human relations from me? :D We had the Rosary and visitation for gramma tonight, DH asked if I wanted a saucer of cream when we got home. Apparently, I was a little short with a few of the "holier than thou" family members that showed up thinking of $$$$$ now that she's gone...........:(

nothing is in blue...

Nevermind - figured it out.

I've been trying to get back into WAGs shopping to restock for summer sales and sadly I've felt the effect of the EC wannabees in my area :( I used to be able to order 60+ Qs and not have a problem using them up through out the week at various stores in my city, NOW every store is wiped clean by Sunday night. Seems like a waste of money even ordering Qs right now :( I may just have to wait to get back in AFTER the craze fades away.

That really sucks - I'm lucky that mine doesn't seem to be too bad here yet.. although I have seen it. I will say that I am so sick of the cashiers at the grocery store asking me either of the following:

"Is your total going to be zero after all these coupons?"

"Oh, are you one of those extreme coupon ladies? There’s another lady who comes in and has a binder and everything..."

:wave2: OMG, we actually have a break in the rain ... gotta get outside and plant peas, and try to move the camper, before it starts again! :whee:

Of course, I overslept ...

Good news! I am taking a short vacation. First one in a verrrry long time.

I'll miss you guys - but not the couponing! DH went today and did the last of the deals for the week. 7 Wags transactions and he was done.

My daughter is going to be in Nashville for the week. She is touring with Les Miserables and we haven't seen her since September. This was the closest she was going to be to us this year, so we scrimped and saved enough for the trip. I get 2 days off from my day job and 4 days off from couponing. Yippeee!

She's excited, DH and I are excited. We've never been to Nashville.

Good news! I am taking a short vacation. First one in a verrrry long time.

I'll miss you guys - but not the couponing! DH went today and did the last of the deals for the week. 7 Wags transactions and he was done.

My daughter is going to be in Nashville for the week. She is touring with Les Miserables and we haven't seen her since September. This was the closest she was going to be to us this year, so we scrimped and saved enough for the trip. I get 2 days off from my day job and 4 days off from couponing. Yippeee!

She's excited, DH and I are excited. We've never been to Nashville.

Have fun!!!

That really sucks - I'm lucky that mine doesn't seem to be too bad here yet.. although I have seen it. I will say that I am so sick of the cashiers at the grocery store asking me either of the following:

"Is your total going to be zero after all these coupons?"

"Oh, are you one of those extreme coupon ladies? There’s another lady who comes in and has a binder and everything..."

I've been getting those questions every now and again and that's cuz I'm hardle able to even do multiple transactions like I used to be able to do at WAGs BUT I just say "Oh Lord, I've been using coupons since before it was popular and before the show. I follow the rules and leave stuff on shelves unless it's the last day of the sale. And I'm considerate and courteous to each cashier whereas some of these noobs belittle the cashiers and ruin the relationships it took me 3 years to build." I think I'm going to have to be more careful if I continue ordering Qs though because it doesn't look like it's a wise investment at the current time :(

Good news! I am taking a short vacation. First one in a verrrry long time. ...
Yay! Have a fantastic time! :woot:

Well, I got peas and lettuce planted, and tomatillos (old seeds, may not be any good, couldn't find the new packet I bought). I also moved the RV out of the mudhole and back into its spot. It didn't start raining again until around 5. Woo-hoo -- only 5 more days of rain now!

So here I sit at the library, after printing some Qs and delivering some supplies (I'm the designated shopper, wonder why?), and it's almost 8 p.m. The library is halfway from home to shopping. I'm thinking I'll just go back home now, since it's so late, and maybe go downtown tomorrow. :scratch:

Maybe I can get my new pot rack hung from the kitchen ceiling.

I have to get up at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow for an 8:30 dentist appointment, too, so early bedtime is in order. :bigeye:

Yay! Have a fantastic time! :woot:

Well, I got peas and lettuce planted, and tomatillos (old seeds, may not be any good, couldn't find the new packet I bought). I also moved the RV out of the mudhole and back into its spot. It didn't start raining again until around 5. Woo-hoo -- only 5 more days of rain now!

So here I sit at the library, after printing some Qs and delivering some supplies (I'm the designated shopper, wonder why?), and it's almost 8 p.m. The library is halfway from home to shopping. I'm thinking I'll just go back home now, since it's so late, and maybe go downtown tomorrow. :scratch:

Maybe I can get my new pot rack hung from the kitchen ceiling.

I have to get up at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow for an 8:30 dentist appointment, too, so early bedtime is in order. :bigeye:

So glad to know that someone else grows a garden. I have a fairly large one. We feed the neighbors and my extended family. I call it my summer excercise program. Tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, onions, okra, corn, 6 varities of peppers, sqaush, zuchinni, cucumbers, watermelon, cantelope, pumpkins. I also have cherry trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry vines, and 3 varieties of grapes. I love spring and summer.

I have 2 tractors that my brother gave me. He loves to farm too. He bought a farm here when he retired from the Navy in 2001 and bought 2 tractors. After the bombing of the World Trade Center, he went to work as a contractor for the gov at the war dept in Tampa. He is still there. Not much use for farm equipment in Tampa. Lucky me.

I've never grown or eaten a tomatillo. I see them at the store and the farmers market - but not sure what you do with them. Google says they are tart and are primarily for sauces. Can you tell me more about them?

I got a frozen strawberry lemonade today. :sick: <----- sour face and it made me soooo cold.

I need a good comeback for when someone asks me about that dumb ec show!!!!! :bash:

...

I've never grown or eaten a tomatillo. I see them at the store and the farmers market - but not sure what you do with them. Google says they are tart and are primarily for sauces. Can you tell me more about them?
Your garden sounds wonderful!

I use the tomatillos mostly for salsa: about 2 parts tomatoes to 1 part tomatillos, then add chopped onion, minced garlic and chervil.

I had a coworker who was allergic to all peppers, and I don't like peppers or cilantro, so I made up this recipe without jalapenos or cilantro. The tomatillos and their seeds look enough like jalapenos, and the garlic adds enough heat, that most people have no clue there's anything unusual about it.

Chervil looks like parsley or cilantro, but tastes like anise, so it's mostly for the visual effect. You can't really taste it, but it makes it look like "normal" salsa!

I've also made salsa verde and frozen it. There are loads of recipes online, but so far, that's about all I've done.

In your area, the plants would probably self-seed if you let some of the fruit ripen and fall, then scramble the seeds into the dirt when you pull out the plants in the autumn. (I actually had one patch self-seeding way up here, then we had some really awful winters and it died out, so I'm starting over.)

In your area, the plants would probably self-seed if you let some of the fruit ripen and fall, then scramble the seeds into the dirt when you pull out the plants in the autumn. (I actually had one patch self-seeding way up here, then we had some really awful winters and it died out, so I'm starting over.)

Sounds interesting. I may have to plant a few seed and see if I can get some started here. I love things that self seed or that I can save seed from year after year.

I love all kinds of peppers. I even dehydrate them and onions for use when they are so expensive in the winter.

I grew up on the same vegetables that I grow now. I love to eat and like a variety of foods so I would love to try some new things.

So I finally got in to see my dentist about this broken tooth. He filed the sharp areas down and put some kind of "cement" in the area where a piece was missing. I don't know if that will save the tooth or not but right now my ear hurts so bad. :weeping:

So glad to know that someone else grows a garden. I have a fairly large one. We feed the neighbors and my extended family. I call it my summer excercise program. Tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, onions, okra, corn, 6 varities of peppers, sqaush, zuchinni, cucumbers, watermelon, cantelope, pumpkins. I also have cherry trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry vines, and 3 varieties of grapes. I love spring and summer.

I have 2 tractors that my brother gave me. He loves to farm too. He bought a farm here when he retired from the Navy in 2001 and bought 2 tractors. After the bombing of the World Trade Center, he went to work as a contractor for the gov at the war dept in Tampa. He is still there. Not much use for farm equipment in Tampa. Lucky me.

I've never grown or eaten a tomatillo. I see them at the store and the farmers market - but not sure what you do with them. Google says they are tart and are primarily for sauces. Can you tell me more about them?

roasted tomatillo salsa, or make a fire roasted tomatillo sauce to have with chicken.
it is amazing with a delicious smoky, sweet-sourness. you can adjust heat of course depending on whether you use jalapeno, etc. and you can adjust flavor with garlic, smoked spanish paprika etc. yummy.

your "garden" ... errr, farm, sounds great.

So I finally got in to see my dentist about this broken tooth. He filed the sharp areas down and put some kind of "cement" in the area where a piece was missing. I don't know if that will save the tooth or not but right now my ear hurts so bad. :weeping:

:hug:

earache sweetie cos of what he did on the tooth or unrelated?

here's what helps me with both earaches and toothaches:

do a compress with either heated salt or heated rice.

salt - in a deep pot, pour about a cup of salt. heat on medium to medium high, till the salt crystals will become very fine and start popping. pour the salt into a doubled cheesecloth or 100% cotton kerchief (be careful it will be scorching hot, and don't use any synthetic fabrics or it will burn through). bring the ends across and knot to form a soft, light and super hot bundle. use for a face/ear compress. in the beginning, the bundle will be so hot you won't be able to touch it to your skin. but even just holding it couple of inches from your face will be enough - you'll feel the radiant heat.
stays hot for several hours.


rice - use dry rice, and heat in a pot or in the microwave, till the rice is super hot. pour into cheesecloth or 100% cotton kerchief as above, and make bundle, then do compress as above.

the salt is softer, and stays hot longer.

the rice is easy to pour out and reheat in the microwave.

:hug:

<snip>

Thanks for the tips on easing my ear pain. :hug:

It was hurting before I went to the dentist but hurts more since he "messed" with it. Although I'm sure the Twizzlers I ate tonight didn't help either. :facepalm2:

Thanks for the tips on easing my ear pain. :hug:

It was hurting before I went to the dentist but hurts more since he "messed" with it. Although I'm sure the Twizzlers I ate tonight didn't help either. :facepalm2:

i hate ear pain. :hug:

twizzlers? :omg: that would make my jaw and ear hurt for sure! :lmao:

although they are addictive aren't they? i've yet to find a non HFCS, no red dye alternative to twizzlers and until then I can't eat em anymore. but yes, they were a college staple for me. :D

So I finally got in to see my dentist about this broken tooth. He filed the sharp areas down and put some kind of "cement" in the area where a piece was missing. I don't know if that will save the tooth or not but right now my ear hurts so bad. :weeping:

:comfort: Sorry to hear about the pain MsGal, Any chance he can prescribe some pain meds since it got worse after he "messed with it"?

So glad to know that someone else grows a garden. I have a fairly large one. We feed the neighbors and my extended family. I call it my summer excercise program. Tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, onions, okra, corn, 6 varities of peppers, sqaush, zuchinni, cucumbers, watermelon, cantelope, pumpkins. I also have cherry trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry vines, and 3 varieties of grapes. I love spring and summer.

I have 2 tractors that my brother gave me. He loves to farm too. He bought a farm here when he retired from the Navy in 2001 and bought 2 tractors. After the bombing of the World Trade Center, he went to work as a contractor for the gov at the war dept in Tampa. He is still there. Not much use for farm equipment in Tampa. Lucky me.

I've never grown or eaten a tomatillo. I see them at the store and the farmers market - but not sure what you do with them. Google says they are tart and are primarily for sauces. Can you tell me more about them?

I wish I could keep up with a garden, but I don't know the first thing about starting one or keeping anything green alive! :lol: Your "garden" sounds wonderful though! :heart:

So I finally got in to see my dentist about this broken tooth. He filed the sharp areas down and put some kind of "cement" in the area where a piece was missing. I don't know if that will save the tooth or not but right now my ear hurts so bad. :weeping:

Oh, the dreaded ear pain...........just take a painpill (or 2) and lay down with a hot pack--you could even try any one of the free hot packs that we've all got--precise, thermacare, etc. Just lay it on top of your ear, don't lay with it under your ear............
If it's tooth related......the only pain meds that work on my tooth pain--Ibuprofen........Not even the high-powered crap they put me on after surgery would work.........
Get to feeling better, and send me all your Twizzlers ;)

I wish I could keep up with a garden, but I don't know the first thing about starting one or keeping anything green alive! :lol: Your "garden" sounds wonderful though! :heart:
It's a lot easier than it seems to start one. I have a black thumb when it comes to keeping houseplants alive indoors -- they limp along all winter, crossing their little leaves and hoping to make it back outside, and it's always a close call, but once nature takes over, they do great. So what I'm saying is, if I can do a veggie garden, anyone can :lmao:

As long as you have a sunny patch, why not give it a try? Gardens don't take hours and hours of daily effort, just some good soil, sun and rain. Couple of hours spread out over the week, and you'll spend most of that time reveling in the growth and admiring your work!

A few tomato and pepper plants and you'll never want to buy supermarket produce again!

It's a lot easier than it seems to start one. I have a black thumb when it comes to keeping houseplants alive indoors -- they limp along all winter, crossing their little leaves and hoping to make it back outside, and it's always a close call, but once nature takes over, they do great. So what I'm saying is, if I can do a veggie garden, anyone can :lmao:

As long as you have a sunny patch, why not give it a try? Gardens don't take hours and hours of daily effort, just some good soil, sun and rain. Couple of hours spread out over the week, and you'll spend most of that time reveling in the growth and admiring your work!

A few tomato and pepper plants and you'll never want to buy supermarket produce again!

Well, you make it *sound* so easy! :lol: I actually wanted to plant a little indoor herb garden soon now that the sun is finally shining down here and it's something me and my son could do together. My neighbor was talking about building a garden in her backyard and I made the same comments to her and she was like "Well, you can just help me tend to mine and you can see how easy it is!" So I may start off in her garden and if it comes out pretty well I may start my own. :)

I'm a Great Aunt! 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21 inches long. My oldest Nephew's first child.

I'm a Great Aunt! 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21 inches long. My oldest Nephew's first child.

It's a Boy! (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39686405&postcount=5312)

Awwwww, cute! Congrats! :)

I'm a Great Aunt! 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21 inches long. My oldest Nephew's first child.

It's a Boy! (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39686405&postcount=5312)

What a handsome little boy! Congrats to you and to the family! :heart: :heart: :heart: I love babies! Can't wait to have a 2nd with DH . . . wait yes I can LOL :P

Well, you make it *sound* so easy! :lol: I actually wanted to plant a little indoor herb garden soon now that the sun is finally shining down here and it's something me and my son could do together. My neighbor was talking about building a garden in her backyard and I made the same comments to her and she was like "Well, you can just help me tend to mine and you can see how easy it is!" So I may start off in her garden and if it comes out pretty well I may start my own. :)


You should really take her up on that. I think you'll love it! Herbs are very easy and a good starting point for you.

I'm a Great Aunt! 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21 inches long. My oldest Nephew's first child.

It's a Boy! (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39686405&postcount=5312)


Congrats tn! He's a cutie!

Well, you make it *sound* so easy! :lol: I actually wanted to plant a little indoor herb garden soon now that the sun is finally shining down here and it's something me and my son could do together. My neighbor was talking about building a garden in her backyard and I made the same comments to her and she was like "Well, you can just help me tend to mine and you can see how easy it is!" So I may start off in her garden and if it comes out pretty well I may start my own. :)

Absolutely do this -- what a great opportunity!

I never knew how wonderful gardening could be -- I didn't grow up doing it, lived in apartments, etc etc.

But the first year DH and I rented a house, I bought a bunch of books, got grow lights, started seeds in the basement, and was stunned at how much survived my tender ministrations down there and made it through transplant.

I tore up the side yard, and planted a 20x15 patch with all kinds of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, sugar snaps, corn, carrots, basil, thyme...you name it.... It was a lot of fun, and I found that I adored watching things grow.

So I finally got in to see my dentist about this broken tooth. He filed the sharp areas down and put some kind of "cement" in the area where a piece was missing. I don't know if that will save the tooth or not but right now my ear hurts so bad. :weeping:
Yikes! Hope the hot packs and ibuprofen take care of it. (I agree, IB is the only thing that helped with my dental work, like wisdom tooth surgery.) Is that his permanent fix, or just temporary?

I also went to the dentist about a broken tooth today, but he is just going to drill out the filling and redo it (with white instead of amalgam). I was expecting at least $600 for a crown. :woot:
...
Get to feeling better, and send me all your Twizzlers ;)
:lmao:
Well, you make it *sound* so easy! :lol: I actually wanted to plant a little indoor herb garden soon now that the sun is finally shining down here and it's something me and my son could do together. My neighbor was talking about building a garden in her backyard and I made the same comments to her and she was like "Well, you can just help me tend to mine and you can see how easy it is!" So I may start off in her garden and if it comes out pretty well I may start my own. :)
That sounds like an excellent idea. :nod:
I'm a Great Aunt! 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21 inches long. My oldest Nephew's first child.

It's a Boy! (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39686405&postcount=5312)
Awwww ... congratulations! Our first TNG* is due in the fall, to my middle nephew and his wife.

*10 points if you get this reference ... :D

Got up at oh-dark-thirty (well, 7:15) and hit the road around 8; dentist, then pillaging, plant shopping, stop at the library to change printer ink and pick up the stuff I forgot yesterday, home to plant some of the veggies and make dinner, and now in PJs and ready to crash.

Of course, I couldn't sleep because I was afraid of oversleeping -- woke up at 1:15, 2:30, 3, 4, 5, 6 ... gave up and got up 15 minutes before the alarm.

It actually rained very little today. The roads had time to dry completely between misty showers. :whee:

Well-we got cut off from the internet at work today. I am so internet addicted I dunno what I am going to do.
I def wont be able to follow all the threads as I have been lately-oh well its not the worst thing that could happen.

BTW-if anyone is thinking about getting the Crayola Glow Explosion stuff-dont. Picked up a kit for my daughter today and while the end effect is actually really good..the markers are hard to use and the ink or the paper or both really really smell bad! DH thought it smelled like oil and yes it does but worse I think. It's just terrible. And DD wanted me to tape them up in her room and then her room smelled and DH was not liking that so I left them up unitl she fell asleep and then took them down cause Lord knows I dont want her to be breathing that stuff all night. The pkg says that the "characteristic scent" is nontoxic but DH went and requested an MDS and I went on their website and asked for a refund. Anyhow-dont waste your money!

Well-we got cut off from the internet at work today. I am so internet addicted I dunno what I am going to do. ...
:hug: Sorry to hear that -- I feel your pain!

Thanks for the info on the Crayola stuff.

Absolutely do this -- what a great opportunity!

I never knew how wonderful gardening could be -- I didn't grow up doing it, lived in apartments, etc etc.

But the first year DH and I rented a house, I bought a bunch of books, got grow lights, started seeds in the basement, and was stunned at how much survived my tender ministrations down there and made it through transplant.

I tore up the side yard, and planted a 20x15 patch with all kinds of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, sugar snaps, corn, carrots, basil, thyme...you name it.... It was a lot of fun, and I found that I adored watching things grow.

My grandfather in his 70s decided to convert his garden into a vegetable patch. When we'd go to visit him (mum would send us kids off to his place for a month and then join us later), Granpa would walk us to the garden in the morning and say 'alright my little monkeys, what are we going to eat today, which vegetables do you want to pick?" and with his cane he'd point to the veggies that were ready, then teach us how to pick em. We were all of 5 or 6. He had eggplant (awesome as a kid to see them growing and transforming - little green ones growing bigger and then turning dark purple), cukes, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, okra, beans, peas, radishes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, kale, peppers, scallions, turnips, sweet potatoes... i can't remember what else, but we'd fill our baskets and walk back with him and then he'd get a grill ready and make us food. :heart:

There were also fruit trees and he'd get older neighborhood boys to climb a ladder and get em.

He'd always tell us, how easy it was and that if he could do it at his age, then we could certainly learn to plant and water and pluck. :D

Well-we got cut off from the internet at work today. I am so internet addicted I dunno what I am going to do.
I def wont be able to follow all the threads as I have been lately-oh well its not the worst thing that could happen.A couple of years ago, I changed jobs, went from unlimited internet to NO internet.......really sucked, bad..... :(

BTW-if anyone is thinking about getting the Crayola Glow Explosion stuff-dont. Picked up a kit for my daughter today and while the end effect is actually really good..the markers are hard to use and the ink or the paper or both really really smell bad! DH thought it smelled like oil and yes it does but worse I think. It's just terrible. And DD wanted me to tape them up in her room and then her room smelled and DH was not liking that so I left them up unitl she fell asleep and then took them down cause Lord knows I dont want her to be breathing that stuff all night. The pkg says that the "characteristic scent" is nontoxic but DH went and requested an MDS and I went on their website and asked for a refund. Anyhow-dont waste your money!I "bought" a bunch of this before Easter, got mine for GS, thankfully my kids are too old for it, maybe I'll have to mark down my prices just to get rid of it, thanks for the review!!

My grandfather in his 70s decided to convert his garden into a vegetable patch. When we'd go to visit him (mum would send us kids off to his place for a month and then join us later), Granpa would walk us to the garden in the morning and say 'alright my little monkeys, what are we going to eat today, which vegetables do you want to pick?" and with his cane he'd point to the veggies that were ready, then teach us how to pick em. We were all of 5 or 6. He had eggplant (awesome as a kid to see them growing and transforming - little green ones growing bigger and then turning dark purple), cukes, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, okra, beans, peas, radishes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, kale, peppers, scallions, turnips, sweet potatoes... i can't remember what else, but we'd fill our baskets and walk back with him and then he'd get a grill ready and make us food. :heart:My dad raised us with a huge garden every year.......had to, he was the sole provider, MOM was a SAHM, so I learned to garden and can the produce, and we had a root cellar (the fruit room) that we stored our potatoes, squash, etc. and kept it fresh all winter long. One year we grew tomatoes in the living room in front of the picture window over the winter, looked odd with the Christmas tree across the room :D, but it sure was great having fresh, REAL tomatoes throughout the winter, I am a tomato freak! Now, if a guy had room to grow cukes all winter indoors, that'd be the greatest!!

There were also fruit trees and he'd get older neighborhood boys to climb a ladder and get em.

He'd always tell us, how easy it was and that if he could do it at his age, then we could certainly learn to plant and water and pluck. :D

My musings above in blue

Off to get my new hearing aid this AM, hope it works better than this overpriced POS they made for me the last time......quit working all together during my son's graduation, then worked later that night.......quit working during Rosary for gramma and quit again right before the funeral mass........:( I was really :sleepy: but I didn't dare doze off during mass, my MIL would have had a stroke~~~;)

I "bought" a bunch of this before Easter, got mine for GS, thankfully my kids are too old for it, maybe I'll have to mark down my prices just to get rid of it, thanks for the review!!



My musings above in blue

Off to get my new hearing aid this AM, hope it works better than this overpriced POS they made for me the last time......quit working all together during my son's graduation, then worked later that night.......quit working during Rosary for gramma and quit again right before the funeral mass........:( I was really :sleepy: but I didn't dare doze off during mass, my MIL would have had a stroke~~~;)


maybe one day you'll give me some gardening lessons over SD? :D :please:

good luck with getting the new aid sweets. i hope it's quick and painless and works flawlessly for you. :hug:

Why did triple coupon week and having to fix my motorcycle and my brother's scooter have to be the same week?

Wish I had a neighbor that'd show me how to garden, but right now there are way too many shade trees and indoor is not an option. The only reason the cat is alive is because she can tell me she needs more food or water. Fish and plants don't stand a chance. :(

Sduramom, good luck with the hearing aid. Of course it picks the worst possible time to take a vacation.

The only reason the cat is alive is because she can tell me she needs more food or water. Fish and plants don't stand a chance. :(

:crylol:

I'm the same way! :roll:

Well, you make it *sound* so easy! :lol: I actually wanted to plant a little indoor herb garden soon now that the sun is finally shining down here and it's something me and my son could do together. My neighbor was talking about building a garden in her backyard and I made the same comments to her and she was like "Well, you can just help me tend to mine and you can see how easy it is!" So I may start off in her garden and if it comes out pretty well I may start my own. :)

You could still start the indoor herb garden. Most herbs "melt" in the extreme heat areas, they are easier to grow in winter outdoors or summer indoors. Rosemary, some oregano varieties, dill, fennel, bananas... that's about it for summer herbs.

I decided to try growing some lettuce indoors. I have two 75 watt bulbs shining on them during the day. They seem to be growing well, but they're getting a little leggy.

I don't have a dedicated veggie garden. I grow veggies right in and among the rest of the plants in my yard. I have an acre and about half of it is completely planted and maintained solely by me. There are some times that I think I will never get caught back up(which is right now at the moment), but it's not really work.... it's actually a favorite thing for me to do.

Here are two photos from this morning. One is this mutant sunflower that is well over six feet tall, I am definitely going to save the seeds from this. The second photo is my Thompson seedless hybrid. I started it from a small cutting two years ago and this is the first year I have grapes!

My a/c unit is right outside from where my computer room is. I have a dinner plate that can hold about a 1" depth of water below the drain, decorated with slate rock and plants. I have a pair of cardinals that think it's their personal bath. They show up multiple times a day and I always know when they are there cause they chirp constantly. The male is out there at the moment.

You could still start the indoor herb garden. Most herbs "melt" in the extreme heat areas, they are easier to grow in winter outdoors or summer indoors. Rosemary, some oregano varieties, dill, fennel, bananas... that's about it for summer herbs.

I decided to try growing some lettuce indoors. I have two 75 watt bulbs shining on them during the day. They seem to be growing well, but they're getting a little leggy.

I don't have a dedicated veggie garden. I grow veggies right in and among the rest of the plants in my yard. I have an acre and about half of it is completely planted and maintained solely by me. There are some times that I think I will never get caught back up(which is right now at the moment), but it's not really work.... it's actually a favorite thing for me to do.

Here are two photos from this morning. One is this mutant sunflower that is well over six feet tall, I am definitely going to save the seeds from this. The second photo is my Thompson seedless hybrid. I started it from a small cutting two years ago and this is the first year I have grapes!

My a/c unit is right outside from where my computer room is. I have a dinner plate that can hold about a 1" depth of water below the drain, decorated with slate rock and plants. I have a pair of cardinals that think it's their personal bath. They show up multiple times a day and I always know when they are there cause they chirp constantly. The male is out there at the moment.

Wow! Nice pics :D One thing that still is kinda holding me back though is that we have 1 year left on our lease at this particular house and we're unsure if we're going to stay or start looking to buy a house. I'd hate to put in all that work getting it started and then not be able to reap the rewards of my labor :O But al of this chit chat abour gardening is definitely getting me more and more interested in making a hobby out of it. :D

You can start out with herbs in containers. I am very careful with mints because it spreads like wild fire :eek:

Off to get my new hearing aid this AM, hope it works better than this overpriced POS they made for me the last time...
Hope it's perfect!
You could still start the indoor herb garden. Most herbs "melt" in the extreme heat areas, they are easier to grow in winter outdoors or summer indoors. Rosemary, some oregano varieties, dill, fennel, bananas... that's about it for summer herbs.. ...
:bigeye: ???? !!!!
Wow! Nice pics :D One thing that still is kinda holding me back though is that we have 1 year left on our lease at this particular house and we're unsure if we're going to stay or start looking to buy a house. I'd hate to put in all that work getting it started and then not be able to reap the rewards of my labor :O But al of this chit chat abour gardening is definitely getting me more and more interested in making a hobby out of it. :D
You can start out with herbs in containers. I am very careful with mints because it spreads like wild fire :eek:
You could even do tomatoes and peppers in containers, or in raised beds (just prop up four boards and put dirt inside) so you don't have to dig up anything. Some of my friends do their entire gardens in raised beds. One even has them completely fenced in so they look like dog kennels, only it's to keep animals out, not in!

:wave2: Sitting here all grubby and sweaty from ... ta daaaa! Working in the garden! :farmer:

I dug up a strip of strawberries and planted tomatoes there, so I'll still have some of the original berries that are already starting to flower. I came inside when it looked like a thunderstorm, but that passed over without a drop and now it's blue skies and sunshine.

I was actually counting on the storm to water my plants in for me! Now I may have to water them myself ... :ranting:

Bananas are an herb. You have to consider that "herb" is short for herbaceous. Culinary uses and marketing have morphed the word a bit, in reality rosemary, oregano etc. are NOT herbs.

If I was contemplating moving in a year, I'd have a couple of containers with veggies, most will do well in a container. You can even buy some bush varieties for cukes, watermelon etc. and do them in a container.

Tomatoes, peppers etc. grow basically year round for me. My tomatoes have been in the ground since last Sept. and should have stopped producing, but they are still. My current pepper plants are a couple of years old.

Bananas are an herb. You have to consider that "herb" is short for herbaceous. Culinary uses and marketing have morphed the word a bit, in reality rosemary, oregano etc. are NOT herbs.

If I was contemplating moving in a year, I'd have a couple of containers with veggies, most will do well in a container. You can even buy some bush varieties for cukes, watermelon etc. and do them in a container.

Tomatoes, peppers etc. grow basically year round for me. My tomatoes have been in the ground since last Sept. and should have stopped producing, but they are still. My current pepper plants are a couple of years old.
OK, remember this is coming from someone with 4 seasons and only 2 of them warm enough to grow stuff: Seriously, how do you grow bananas in containers, and what do you use them for?

When I lived in CA we had a banana tree in the back yard, and it was HUGE.

The second photo is my Thompson seedless hybrid. I started it from a small cutting two years ago and this is the first year I have grapes!


This makes me very :(, my brother bought a house about 15 years ago with TONS of grapes growing, nice concords, some thompsons, and a couple others I couldn't identify, his witch of a wife (ex now for 12 years) didn't like them, so she RIPPED them out of the ground one day while he was at work.........It's a good thing they weren't mine, I'd had strangled her...........

Back from the ear dr-----TA DA!!! The new aide that they had custom-made for me was TOO BIG, so the audiologist jerry-rigged a granny-behind-the-ear one for me, feels like it's poking my ear drum everytime I move my jaw..........needless to say, I lost it at the office, I began bawling like a baby from frustration and beyond.........so the alternative is to be deaf or risk puncturing my ear drum until the insurance company decides what to do. The one that didn't fit was much less than the first, but still at $3000, they keep throwing good money after bad......and everyone wonders why healthcare costs so much???

My dad has said for years "sh!t or get off the pot" I told the insurance gal today that I've been sitting on the pot now for almost 8 months, it's about time to do the job and do it right.......I don't think she liked my analogy, but alas....I told her how I felt.

That said, I need to get the gumption to start cooking for my son's graduation party Saturday, I am cooking about 45lbs of brisket for sandwiches, potato salad, macaroni salad, misc. munchies. I have no energy at the moment and feel like taking a nap..........;)

maybe one day you'll give me some gardening lessons over SD? :D :please:


The first couple of years we were out here on the farm, I had the most beautiful garden!!! The folks that lived here before us had sheep out behind the barn and the area I picked for the garden was right in the middle of all the "sheep dip." Sounds disgusting, but let me tell you, I had the best produce with all that natural fertilizer! When the kids were in preschool they would field trip out to the house in October, we'd play games in the yard, have snacks, then off to the punkin patch where everyone got to choose 2 pumpkins to take, one for classroom decorating and one for home. I had a lot of gourds and some Indian corn, so I used to do the most beautiful lawn decorations with all of that, then when the kids grew up and lost interest, I stopped going to all the work, cuz then I had to clean it all up myself and it just was too much with work and all..........

Maybe when I have grandkids I'll get back into the pumpkin spirit, but til then, once the first freeze comes, the garden gets mowed and plowed under .

I'd love to give you gardening tips, just PM me and let me know what you are interested in growing and an idea of your climate. I am in Nebr. so I usually plant a little later (my dad plants early and has to cover his 'maters and such at night) we had a freeze last week, he saved everything, then Thurs. we had severe TStorms and he lost everything with golfball sized hail............his corn was about 4" tall and he lost every plant. He's pretty bummed about having to re-buy and re-plant everything........tomatoes, peppers, corn, cukes, squash, he lost it all.............

Back from the ear dr-----TA DA!!! The new aide that they had custom-made for me was TOO BIG, so the audiologist jerry-rigged a granny-behind-the-ear one for me, feels like it's poking my ear drum everytime I move my jaw..........needless to say, I lost it at the office, I began bawling like a baby from frustration and beyond.........so the alternative is to be deaf or risk puncturing my ear drum until the insurance company decides what to do. The one that didn't fit was much less than the first, but still at $3000, they keep throwing good money after bad......and everyone wonders why healthcare costs so much???
Is this an In the Ear and they took an impression type? How can it be too big?

:omg: Lost it! :omg: That's $$ down the drain! :comfort:

I have one of each. One In the Ear and one behind the ear. Behind the ear gets in the way of the glasses, but other than that, no issues.

Is this an In the Ear and they took an impression type? How can it be too big?

:omg: Lost it! :omg: That's $$ down the drain! :comfort:

I have one of each. One In the Ear and one behind the ear. Behind the ear gets in the way of the glasses, but other than that, no issues.

Oh yeah, today she did a 3rd silicone impression of my ear and canal, all the way to the eardrum.........They told her when they were making it that it was gonna be too big, it had to be to store all of the components.........(So, why the hell did they even make it if they knew it wasn't gonna fit?) Anyway, the one she sent me home with was one she threw together in 20 minutes while I sat there bawling.............I'm not impressed with the fit, like I said, feels like it's gonna perf my ear drum when I eat, drink, chew, talk, etc., really bad when I have the phone up to it, so I have to use speakerphone all the time. Nice way to have a private conversation :omg:
I wear reading glasses, so when I am putting them on or taking them off (frequently) I get some nice feedback and noise because the amp is in the behind the ear piece.......I am to the point to where I'm just wanting to be deaf, this hearing aid thing is draining me emotionally :(

You could even do tomatoes and peppers in containers, or in raised beds (just prop up four boards and put dirt inside) so you don't have to dig up anything. Some of my friends do their entire gardens in raised beds. One even has them completely fenced in so they look like dog kennels, only it's to keep animals out, not in!

[

All our veggie gardens are raised beds. We live on a mountain, on top of an old rock and boulder-strewn glacier in Pa. I call it extreme gardening, because anything we want to plant in the ground involves a pickax and holding on to the side of the hill for dear life. That works for native plants, but veggies have to be raised. We just pile up a ton of rocks in a roughly square shape and truck in topsoil (amended with our own compost). Then we have 7-foot deer fencing around the square, and that's supported by fallen tree saplings that we hold kind of upright with cairns of rocks (there is no way to drive the saplings deeply enough in the ground to stay upright, because the is no actual DIRT where I live, just rocks and leaf mold between the rocks).

Anyway, we call the area the veggie concentration camp.

And if we can do it, anyone can. Really!

One thing that still is kinda holding me back though is that we have 1 year left on our lease at this particular house and we're unsure if we're going to stay or start looking to buy a house. I'd hate to put in all that work getting it started and then not be able to reap the rewards of my labor :O But al of this chit chat abour gardening is definitely getting me more and more interested in making a hobby out of it. :D

The first year I started gardening, it was a year lease on the house we were renting. As long as the landlord doesn't mind, why not? And besides, you can learn so much the first year and you'll have experience in garden design for your real place -- treat this year like an experiment! It's somuch fun, and believe me, you'll reap the rewards every day, not to mention at harvest time -- you'll still be in this house in the fall. After that, if you do move, you can plow it all under (but save your seeds if you plant heirlooms)
You can start out with herbs in containers. I am very careful with mints because it spreads like wild fire :eek:

I have a ton of mint spreading all over the place. It's one of the few things deer don't eat. I don't mind because I like mint better than the weeds!
9my dad plants early and has to cover his 'maters and such at night) we had a freeze last week, he saved everything, then Thurs. we had severe TStorms and he lost everything with golfball sized hail............his corn was about 4" tall and he lost every plant. He's pretty bummed about having to re-buy and re-plant everything........tomatoes, peppers, corn, cukes, squash, he lost it all.............

Bummer! I learned the hard way not to push the season - spent most of a Memorial Day evening trying to safeguard a half-acre of plants I'd put out early. Our last frost date is Memorial Day, and they aren't kidding about that stuff!!

I just discovered Blue Bell Southern Hospitality Ice Cream.

Oh ... my ... goodness! :jawdrop:




:woot2:

I just discovered Blue Bell Southern Hospitality Ice Cream.

Oh ... my ... goodness! :jawdrop:

:woot2:

I claim ignorance........this is good, I take it?? :O

I claim ignorance........this is good, I take it?? :O

Pineapple chunks, pecans and strawberry swirl sauce in vanilla ice cream. Very, VERY, good. :eat:

Pineapple chunks, pecans and strawberry swirl sauce in vanilla ice cream. Very, VERY, good. :eat:

:omg: Sound delicious, I would drown my sorrows in a quart or two..........

Why is it that I can never rep you when I am wanting too, says I must spread the luv......:(

This makes me very :(, my brother bought a house about 15 years ago with TONS of grapes growing, nice concords, some thompsons, and a couple others I couldn't identify, his witch of a wife (ex now for 12 years) didn't like them, so she RIPPED them out of the ground one day while he was at work.........It's a good thing they weren't mine, I'd had strangled her...........

Back from the ear dr-----TA DA!!! The new aide that they had custom-made for me was TOO BIG, so the audiologist jerry-rigged a granny-behind-the-ear one for me, feels like it's poking my ear drum everytime I move my jaw..........needless to say, I lost it at the office, I began bawling like a baby from frustration and beyond.........so the alternative is to be deaf or risk puncturing my ear drum until the insurance company decides what to do. The one that didn't fit was much less than the first, but still at $3000, they keep throwing good money after bad......and everyone wonders why healthcare costs so much???

My dad has said for years "sh!t or get off the pot" I told the insurance gal today that I've been sitting on the pot now for almost 8 months, it's about time to do the job and do it right.......I don't think she liked my analogy, but alas....I told her how I felt.

That said, I need to get the gumption to start cooking for my son's graduation party Saturday, I am cooking about 45lbs of brisket for sandwiches, potato salad, macaroni salad, misc. munchies. I have no energy at the moment and feel like taking a nap..........;)


first, :hug:

you have been going through too much.

second, it is time you call your state division of insurance and file a complaint.
if you wait, you'll be waiting and waiting and waiting till the trial and error bills get too high and they find some technicality on that ground. remember, insurance companies are in the business of making money, so anything that involves giving away more money than they make from you in a year, is one that gives them pause. so they're going to keep foot-dragging, unless you find someone to ram that foot of theirs into movement.

:hug:

OK, remember this is coming from someone with 4 seasons and only 2 of them warm enough to grow stuff: Seriously, how do you grow bananas in containers, and what do you use them for?

When I lived in CA we had a banana tree in the back yard, and it was HUGE.

You could grow a smaller variety like Super Dwarf Cavendish or Dwarf Cavendish in a container. Some northerners grow smaller bananas year round in their greenhouses too. Cavendish is the "supermarket" banana. SDC is about 2 feet tall while DC, 4 feet. You could also grow Musa basjoo, strictly an ornamental but the rhizome is able to withstand frost in the ground if it is covered over for the winter.

Mine are all in the ground; I think I have about ten varieties.

[

All our veggie gardens are raised beds. We live on a mountain, on top of an old rock and boulder-strewn glacier in Pa. I call it extreme gardening, because anything we want to plant in the ground involves a pickax and holding on to the side of the hill for dear life. That works for native plants, but veggies have to be raised. We just pile up a ton of rocks in a roughly square shape and truck in topsoil (amended with our own compost). Then we have 7-foot deer fencing around the square, and that's supported by fallen tree saplings that we hold kind of upright with cairns of rocks (there is no way to drive the saplings deeply enough in the ground to stay upright, because the is no actual DIRT where I live, just rocks and leaf mold between the rocks).

Anyway, we call the area the veggie concentration camp.

And if we can do it, anyone can. Really!<snip>

I'd love to see pictures.

I think gardening is the ultimate slick deal. I buy a few packets of seeds for a few dollars and reap tons of food from my garden - then I save the seeds and do it all over again the next year. Every year I have to have something new or replace something but my cost every year is minimal. I can, dehydrate and freeze the excess. I love it.

Tipper, love your bananas picture :heart: :heart:

I'd love to see pictures.

I don't have pix of the veggie concentration camp. I'll take some this year and post. In the meantime...

Gardenweb posting --

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/woodland/msg0519232320445.html


Flickr pix:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/757154402/in/set-72157608251719462

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/126176183/in/set-72057594082849357/

I don't have pix of the veggie concentration camp. I'll take some this year and post. In the meantime...

Gardenweb posting --

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/woodland/msg0519232320445.html


very cool...and thanks for reminding me of that site....i used to hang out on the trash to treasure board....

...
Back from the ear dr-----TA DA!!! The new aide that they had custom-made for me was TOO BIG, so the audiologist jerry-rigged a granny-behind-the-ear one for me, feels like it's poking my ear drum everytime I move my jaw ...
:hug: Ewwww, sorry to hear that! I agree, though, get after the right people and get this taken care of. It's not like we're talking about a bad perm here; it's one of your major senses they're screwing with! :ranting:
...
Maybe when I have grandkids I'll get back into the pumpkin spirit ...
I raised pumpkins last year because I had tossed one ("temporarily") under the porch to take out to the compost heap and it never got there. Instead, it melted into a heap of pulp and seeds, and dozens of those seeds sprouted. I transplanted some to the compost and some to a corner of the garden, where I let them trail over some unused lawn. Got five good-sized pumpkins altogether, which my sister froze for pies.
All our veggie gardens are raised beds. We live on a mountain, on top of an old rock and boulder-strewn glacier in Pa. I call it extreme gardening, because anything we want to plant in the ground involves a pickax and holding on to the side of the hill for dear life. That works for native plants, but veggies have to be raised. We just pile up a ton of rocks in a roughly square shape and truck in topsoil (amended with our own compost). Then we have 7-foot deer fencing around the square, and that's supported by fallen tree saplings that we hold kind of upright with cairns of rocks (there is no way to drive the saplings deeply enough in the ground to stay upright, because the is no actual DIRT where I live, just rocks and leaf mold between the rocks).

Anyway, we call the area the veggie concentration camp.

And if we can do it, anyone can. Really!
:bigeye: You are my HERO!
I just discovered Blue Bell Southern Hospitality Ice Cream.

Oh ... my ... goodness! :jawdrop:
MsGal, how's your tooth/ear?
You could grow a smaller variety like Super Dwarf Cavendish or Dwarf Cavendish in a container. Some northerners grow smaller bananas year round in their greenhouses too. Cavendish is the "supermarket" banana. SDC is about 2 feet tall while DC, 4 feet. You could also grow Musa basjoo, strictly an ornamental but the rhizome is able to withstand frost in the ground if it is covered over for the winter.

Mine are all in the ground; I think I have about ten varieties. ...
Wow! Beautiful!

Wish I had a greenhouse, or even a window with enough light to keep things alive over the winter. I manage to save a couple of geraniums in hanging baskets over the kitchen sink, but that's about it. :sadwalk:
I think gardening is the ultimate slick deal. ...
:nod: :whee:
I don't have pix of the veggie concentration camp. I'll take some this year and post. In the meantime...

Gardenweb posting --

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/woodland/msg0519232320445.html


Flickr pix:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/757154402/in/set-72157608251719462

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/126176183/in/set-72057594082849357/
Gorgeous!

I got outside for about five minutes between storms and set up some tomato cages, planted a few pole beans and picked a bouquet of lilacs. Dinner* is waiting for the nephew to get home, and I'll finally get to the rhubarb cake tonight.

*Casserole with chicken, brown rice, broccoli and cheese, seasoned with chicken base (broth) and za'atar.

MsGal, how's your tooth/ear?

Muuuuch better, thanks.

Whatever he did to it really helped. It's no longer sharp and the cut on the side of my tongue can finally heal. :whee:

I just went to put my new bean cages up and one of them is defective! And of course customer service is closed so I have to wait until tomorrow. I have had good luck with Gardener's Supply Company in the past so I sure hope they understand that it is planting season and I need a new one sent out ASAP. If they make me return the old one first and then wait I'll just ask for a refund and buy something locally.

I did make a wonderful rhubarb crisp last night that no one seems to like but me - but that's okay more for me!

Muuuuch better, thanks.

Whatever he did to it really helped. It's no longer sharp and the cut on the side of my tongue can finally heal. :whee:
Ouch, I know the feeling! I actually bought some tooth putty and used it for a couple of days when mine was really sharp, then it seemed to be better. I get it fixed in two weeks. :woot:
... I did make a wonderful rhubarb crisp last night that no one seems to like but me - but that's okay more for me!
I don't really like rhubarb, but this is the one I'm making (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=30188334&postcount=3298) -- it's my favorite rhubarb recipe AND my favorite coffee cake! I doubled the recipe because I had so much 'barb to use up.

And it's in the oven now. :girly:

Ouch, I know the feeling! I actually bought some tooth putty and used it for a couple of days when mine was really sharp....


:lol: I hear ya. I borrowed some of my oldest son's dental wax that the Orthodontist gave him to use with his braces. I filled the cracks a couple of times but then gagged on the wax later. :sick:


I made angel hair pasta with spinach and a white cheese sauce, spring greens salad and watermelon. This was one of the best watermelons we have bought in about 2 years. Last year, I stopped buying them altogether because we could just not get a good one.

My ex BIL used to grow Alabama Sugar Babies and they were AMAZING! I don't miss him but I sure do miss his melons. :lol:

Flickr pix:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/757154402/in/set-72157608251719462

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/126176183/in/set-72057594082849357/
Gawd!! I am coming to live with you!!!!! ;)

:hug: Ewwww, sorry to hear that! I agree, though, get after the right people and get this taken care of. It's not like we're talking about a bad perm here; it's one of your major senses they're screwing with! :ranting:

I raised pumpkins last year because I had tossed one ("temporarily") under the porch to take out to the compost heap and it never got there. Instead, it melted into a heap of pulp and seeds, and dozens of those seeds sprouted. I transplanted some to the compost and some to a corner of the garden, where I let them trail over some unused lawn. Got five good-sized pumpkins altogether, which my sister froze for pies.


*Casserole with chicken, brown rice, broccoli and cheese, seasoned with chicken base (broth) and za'atar.

I basically cried all day today, my case worker thinks I am in need of a "screw-reality, everything is great" pill. I told her there is no pill that is gonna make me forget what is going on and how badly it's been screwed up..........

I had a really nice punkin patch after I cleaned up the lawn decor after halloween one year, tossed the squishy punks in the ditch, an area I can't mow, so the next spring, I had beautiful plants, left them where they were and got some nice sized ones!!

Supper was a $1 lunchable from wags, am cooking for the graduation party tomorrow, got 25lbs of brisket cooked, 2 more to go.......
The rest of the food is ready.
Your supper sounded delish (lots better than mine ;))

Probably won't "see" you guys til Sunday PM, will be tied up tomorrow. Have a great weekend!!

ETA: I think DH and I are going to retain an attorney for this ear thing, when I mentioned it to my caseworker this AM, she about blew a nut..........

You could grow a smaller variety like Super Dwarf Cavendish or Dwarf Cavendish in a container. Some northerners grow smaller bananas year round in their greenhouses too. Cavendish is the "supermarket" banana. SDC is about 2 feet tall while DC, 4 feet. You could also grow Musa basjoo, strictly an ornamental but the rhizome is able to withstand frost in the ground if it is covered over for the winter.

Mine are all in the ground; I think I have about ten varieties.



I'd love to see pictures.
I live in the Northeast also, in Maine.

So bananas grow year round?? What temp should the house be kept at if I plant in containers and move them inside during the cold months? Do I need two for pollination? Do you know anything about oranges? I've been contemplating a dwarf orange tree also.

I basically cried all day today, my case worker thinks I am in need of a "screw-reality, everything is great" pill. I told her there is no pill that is gonna make me forget what is going on and how badly it's been screwed up..........

I had a really nice punkin patch after I cleaned up the lawn decor after halloween one year, tossed the squishy punks in the ditch, an area I can't mow, so the next spring, I had beautiful plants, left them where they were and got some nice sized ones!!

Supper was a $1 lunchable from wags, am cooking for the graduation party tomorrow, got 25lbs of brisket cooked, 2 more to go.......
The rest of the food is ready.
Your supper sounded delish (lots better than mine ;))

Probably won't "see" you guys til Sunday PM, will be tied up tomorrow. Have a great weekend!!

ETA: I think DH and I are going to retain an attorney for this ear thing, when I mentioned it to my caseworker this AM, she about blew a nut..........
LOL at the accidental pumpkins! My friend has horses and usually throws some seeds in the manure pile. Gets some big-a$$ed squash!

Sounds like a good idea about the lawyer. And brisket -- yum! Busy lady! Have a great weekend, and we'll see you when you can take a breather. :hug:

Now eating:

tipper those banana trees look awesome.

kren, those are gorgeous pics. you are super talented. and i love how crisp and color-saturated the Rebel's pics are. i've been contemplating getting one for a while. If you've got thoughts on performance, cons, I'd love to hear them, please!

msgal, glad to hear you're feeling better.

sduramom, love the lawyer idea! one pc of advice: keep your cards close to the vest. you're going up against an institution. and the caseworker, she's got her job to protect. as for the pill - yes I agree there is no one pill that can make crumminess magically disappear. you've been through a lot. a lot. sounds like your caseworker needs to develop some empathy, instead of telling you to suck it up. i have found when i am going through hard times, all i need is some empathy, and some appreciation of the effort i am putting in. that automatically spurs me to go further, and look at all the things that i can be grateful for, find happiness in. having people tell you to just take a pill and be happy is frustrating, and maddening, and well, would make me bawl also, cos it just makes you feel alone and unheard. sending you hugs, prayers and strength, hon. you are doing an amazing job under difficult circumstances.
if you don't read this before the weekend is over, i hope the party goes fabulously and oh, eat some brisket on my count. i LOVE LOVE LOVE a slow cooked brisket. Texas barbecue heaven. mmmmm.


so since we've been on a gardening talk kick, a friend of mine on another SD thread posted a great link to a gardening web site where you can plan the garden layout and the veggie beds most efficiently, by inputting garden size and what crops you want to plant.

here goes (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=39757023&postcount=1463). please rep her.

LOL at the accidental pumpkins! My friend has horses and usually throws some seeds in the manure pile. Gets some big-a$$ed squash!

Sounds like a good idea about the lawyer. And brisket -- yum! Busy lady! Have a great weekend, and we'll see you when you can take a breather. :hug:

Now eating:

That looks delicious! I have so much rhubarb I am going to try that recipe soon. I have to convert it to be gluten free though - my son has celiac and it keep the whole household gluten free for his safety.

Now eating:

:drool:


What is that?

I guess since I started posting in this thread I should introduce myself.

I'm Kathi and I live in Minnesota. I have lurked around SD for years and then joined in 2009 - I didn't really start posting much until the last year. I work for Smart Source as a coupon blinkie gal. I have a son with autism and celiac disease. Oh, and a husband too.

Besides couponing, my other hobby is gardening. I have a garden blog - but mostly just to document my own garden and have a place to put my recipes and stuff. I am into health and nutrition and was working on a Masters in Holistic Health and Nutrition Education but dropped out last year.

:wave2:

I guess since I started posting in this thread I should introduce myself.

I'm Kathi and I live in Minnesota. I have lurked around SD for years and then joined in 2009 - I didn't really start posting much until the last year. I work for Smart Source as a coupon blinkie gal. I have a son with autism and celiac disease. Oh, and a husband too.

Besides couponing, my other hobby is gardening. I have a garden blog - but mostly just to document my own garden and have a place to put my recipes and stuff. I am into health and nutrition and was working on a Masters in Holistic Health and Nutrition Education but dropped out last year.

Welcome to our little thread. :wave2:

I'm Al. :)

kren, those are gorgeous pics. you are super talented. and i love how crisp and color-saturated the Rebel's pics are. i've been contemplating getting one for a while. If you've got thoughts on performance, cons, I'd love to hear them, please!


thanks! photography is something that really suffers b/c of my couponing, so i love taking the summers off to get back into it.

the rebel is great and there are no cons unless you have large hands; many guys find it too small. it's perfect for me.
i have two DSLRS now - got a 20D hand-me-down, and they're both about the same vintage (five years old). I would love to upgrade, but really, there's no reason to. I'm happy with them both. it's kind of like my mac- would love to upgrade that too, but the damn thing keeps on working great..

That looks delicious! I have so much rhubarb I am going to try that recipe soon. I have to convert it to be gluten free though - my son has celiac and it keep the whole household gluten free for his safety.

:wave2: and :welcome:
i love this thread. it's so easygoing and friendly. funny how each chat thread has its own personality. i'm on 3 including this one and have completely different conversations with completely different tone in each one. :D

could you use rice flour - or does that taste funky? i always see it from Bob's Red Mill, on sale at Amazon and Whole Foods and wonder how things turn out with it.

thanks! photography is something that really suffers b/c of my couponing, so i love taking the summers off to get back into it.

the rebel is great and there are no cons unless you have large hands; many guys find it too small. it's perfect for me.
i have two DSLRS now - got a 20D hand-me-down, and they're both about the same vintage (five years old). I would love to upgrade, but really, there's no reason to. I'm happy with them both. it's kind of like my mac- would love to upgrade that too, but the damn thing keeps on working great..


Mac upgrading - I have two friends who had older macbooks/macbookpros and needed more capability for audio/video editing and design work. They just went to an authorized tech, had more ram added in and a new faster/higher capacity hard drive. good as new. cost em just a couple of hundred bucks.

one of em then decided he wanted a new one with a faster processor. so he sold his revamped machine then for half the price he'd bought if or 8 years ago :eek: and invested it in a new one. macs really hold up their value.

i've had 3 friends (including him) now who've sold their macs on ebay and bought new ones and done really well. one of them had an old imac, upgraded software on it and sold it on ebay - did very well and used it to buy a used macbook, used it for a few months, decided he wanted more. so he cleaned it up, sold it on ebay for more than he'd bought it for and invested that in a new mackbookpro AND had money to spare to put towards an ipad. ;)

cameras - i got a really cool digital point and shoot last summer for quick trips etc. waterproof, fits in a pocket, takes amazingly sharp and vibrant pics. i researched a lot before finding one that gave you as close to DSLR quality as possible in a point and shoot. i also have 2 SLRS with full lense and flash and filter kits - a yamaha and a pentax that have been in the family for 30+ years. :D and i have an olympus SLR with auto features (it can go switch between auto and manual modes) which is about 20 years old now. they're all fabulous cameras. so everytime I am sorely tempted to get a DSLR i think really, child, do you really need it? and then I think ahhh but I could take super crisp/nuanced pictures and have them ready to print just like that.

a top of the line DSLR and Epson printer, and one old wide-format camera would be my dream.

the make-your-own-prints purist in me and the photoshop tech junkie in me, are constantly battling, and no one wins. :lol:

You could grow a smaller variety like Super Dwarf Cavendish or Dwarf Cavendish in a container. Some northerners grow smaller bananas year round in their greenhouses too. Cavendish is the "supermarket" banana. SDC is about 2 feet tall while DC, 4 feet. You could also grow Musa basjoo, strictly an ornamental but the rhizome is able to withstand frost in the ground if it is covered over for the winter.

Mine are all in the ground; I think I have about ten varieties.



I'd love to see pictures.

Oh boy, banana discussions :drool:
I highly recommend growing bananas, even (especially!) in northern regions. They make awesome houseplants. Yes, just remember, some make edible fruits and others don't.

:wave2: Still here! :rolleyes:

Welcome, NutNut! :coverlaf:

xanthophyll, love the name! (science major)

MsGal, that was the rhubarb cake I mentioned in post #127. Having another piece right now. :D

Saw "Bridesmaids" today -- very different than I expected. It's almost a female "The Hangover," but with emotions instead of booze. Yes, there is vomiting, but they're not drunk ... totally disgusting but you can't help but laugh! Overall, I liked it. :thumbup:

Got pillaging put away (minimal -- actually mostly just a few groceries), laundry in, cats fed, me fed, and about ready to call it a night. :yawn:

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Green - I probably will use rice flour in it with a little bit of xanthan gum - when you sub gluten free flours you need something to give it some stick togetherness like the gluten would so xanthan gum is usually what I use. I grind my own rice flour using the grain attachment on my kitchen aide. Rice flour that you buy in the store can go rancid so easy - easier to grind my own in small batches and store in the fridge.

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Green - I probably will use rice flour in it with a little bit of xanthan gum - when you sub gluten free flours you need something to give it some stick togetherness like the gluten would so xanthan gum is usually what I use. I grind my own rice flour using the grain attachment on my kitchen aide. Rice flour that you buy in the store can go rancid so easy - easier to grind my own in small batches and store in the fridge.

how do you like the grinder attachment?
obviously it works for meat. which is great, because i can't stomach ground beef anywhere ever since i saw jaime oliver's show. not sure if organic ground beef gets that same horribleness, so i figured at home is best.
but i was also wondering if i could use it to make nut butters or hazelnut flour. grounding wheat for whole wheat flour would be nice too.

since you make your own rice flour, have you ever tried mochi (japanese thing)? your son might enjoy it as a crispy, chewy treat that can be made salty or sweet. :drool:

:wave2:

how do you like the grinder attachment?
obviously it works for meat. which is great, because i can't stomach ground beef anywhere ever since i saw jaime oliver's show. not sure if organic ground beef gets that same horribleness, so i figured at home is best.
but i was also wondering if i could use it to make nut butters or hazelnut flour. grounding wheat for whole wheat flour would be nice too.

since you make your own rice flour, have you ever tried mochi (japanese thing)? your son might enjoy it as a crispy, chewy treat that can be made salty or sweet. :drool:

I've never heard of mochi so I had to google it. It is gluten free -something definitely worth trying. I like sticking with things that are naturally gluten free most of the time.

I like the grinder attachment. For grinding rice it is slow and cleaning it is a pain, but nothing that I don't feel like I can put up with. I also like grinding cranberries and oranges for relish at Thanksgiving time with it.

I wish I had a kitchen aid mixer sometimes. But then, I don't NEED it. Like something else needs to sit on the counter...But I want it!! :P

I wish I had a kitchen aid mixer sometimes. But then, I don't NEED it. Like something else needs to sit on the counter...But I want it!! :P
I love mine, but it's a pain carrying it from where it has to be stored to the other side of the kitchen where it has to be used. Those suckers are HEAVY! :bigeye:

I did get outside this afternoon and mowed the lawn until the battery gave out (electric mower). Did just about as much as I intended, anyway. Then I had the nephew do the rest with the gas mower while I weeded the garden and took pictures of the few things that are blossoming -- spring stuff has gone by and summer stuff hasn't started yet.

I finally used my new pressure cooker! I made beef stroganoff, using cubed steak, and it was very tender. Cooked in 20 minutes. :yummy:

Now doing laundry and about to color my hair and take a shower. Feeling kinda grubby. :farmer:

You guys, say a prayer for people in Missouri just hit by tornadoes. Massive destruction in Joplin, more storms passing through.

I've never heard of mochi so I had to google it. It is gluten free -something definitely worth trying. I like sticking with things that are naturally gluten free most of the time.

I like the grinder attachment. For grinding rice it is slow and cleaning it is a pain, but nothing that I don't feel like I can put up with. I also like grinding cranberries and oranges for relish at Thanksgiving time with it.

Mochi is awesome. There are lots of recipes you can make with it.
If you have a Japanese grocer near you can get premade mochi blocks fresh or dry, and use those for your cooking. Or you can make your own mochi. There are also mochi making machines (like a bread machine) that make the process much easier.

I wish I had a kitchen aid mixer sometimes. But then, I don't NEED it. Like something else needs to sit on the counter...But I want it!! :P

A KA mixer is life changing.
Cakes, cookies, frosting - make em in a jiffy. no mess, no fuss.
I bake bread all the time because of my mixer now.
Pizza dough - in a flash.

Tha attachments -- if you get em - include a juicer, a citrus juicer, a grater/shredder/chopper/slicer, pasta maker, grinder, sausage stuffer. there's more I know I am forgetting, but there's a lot you can do with it.

I love mine, but it's a pain carrying it from where it has to be stored to the other side of the kitchen where it has to be used. Those suckers are HEAVY! :bigeye:

...

wait, you transport your mixer back and forth? :faint:

those are installation sculptures girly thing. you get it, you place it in a corner, admire it everyday and use it right where it is. put a cover on it so it stays dust free. there is no way I am moving a 6 quart mixer that weighs about 35-40 pounds. no way.

...
those are installation sculptures girly thing. you get it, you place it in a corner, admire it everyday and use it right where it is. put a cover on it so it stays dust free. there is no way I am moving a 6 quart mixer that weighs about 35-40 pounds. no way.
Yep. Every blessed time I want to use it. I only have about 24 inches of prep space in my kitchen, between the toaster oven and utensil bin and the sink, and everything has to be done there.

This is what it looked like when I made carrot cake:

I guess since I started posting in this thread I should introduce myself.

I'm Kathi and I live in Minnesota. I have lurked around SD for years and then joined in 2009 - I didn't really start posting much until the last year. I work for Smart Source as a coupon blinkie gal. I have a son with autism and celiac disease. Oh, and a husband too.

Besides couponing, my other hobby is gardening. I have a garden blog - but mostly just to document my own garden and have a place to put my recipes and stuff. I am into health and nutrition and was working on a Masters in Holistic Health and Nutrition Education but dropped out last year.

Nice to meet you- Sounds like you have such a busy life, its nice of you to devote the time to help others save with the great deals we all find here.

Of course, its also a great place to meet friends. :)

I finally used my new pressure cooker! I made beef stroganoff, using cubed steak, and it was very tender. Cooked in 20 minutes.

Care to share info about that new pressure cooker? Mine made its way to my sons but cant find its way back home again. We need a new one and there are so many variables to choose from. I just want simple and inexpensive.

I finally used my new pressure cooker! I made beef stroganoff, using cubed steak, and it was very tender. Cooked in 20 minutes.

Care to share info about that new pressure cooker? Mine made its way to my sons but cant find its way back home again. We need a new one and there are so many variables to choose from. I just want simple and inexpensive.
This is the one I got (http://www.amazon.com/Imusa-2-Quart-Aluminum-Pressure-Cooker/dp/B00164U4EQ/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2) -- a 7.5 quart aluminum from Imusa. The one review from the person who had tried many brands sold me on it. If you want stainless steel instead of aluminum, there is a Wearever 8-qt for about $10 more.

My mom used a pressure cooker when I was a kid, and I was always a little afraid of it, so I wanted to read all the instructions before I tried it. (And yes, despite what one reviewer said, it does come with a manual.) Worked great.

This is the one I got (http://www.amazon.com/Imusa-2-Quart-Aluminum-Pressure-Cooker/dp/B00164U4EQ/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2) -- a 7.5 quart aluminum from Imusa. The one review from the person who had tried many brands sold me on it. If you want stainless steel instead of aluminum, there is a Wearever 8-qt for about $10 more.

My mom used a pressure cooker when I was a kid, and I was always a little afraid of it, so I wanted to read all the instructions before I tried it. (And yes, despite what one reviewer said, it does come with a manual.) Worked great.

Thanks so much- it wont let me give you reps, says I must spread some around first??? new to me.

Yep. Every blessed time I want to use it. I only have about 24 inches of prep space in my kitchen, between the toaster oven and utensil bin and the sink, and everything has to be done there.

This is what it looked like when I made carrot cake:

wow, definitely tight quarters and I commiserate, cos my counter space is severely limited too, albeit not as much as yours. for me, a big dish rack, the mixer and toaster take up all the space to the right of the sink. then i have another stretch of L counter with some space, plus canisters, a wine rack and and the daily clutter. :omg:

I ended up having to move the coffeemaker - just no room in its regular spot thanks to the mixer now. And I've been hunting for a good price on a food processer so I can finally get one - I do way too much cooking to keep slicing, shredding, chopping etc by hand. But the question remains: where's that baby going to go? The blender, juicer, citrus juicer, george foreman, ice cream maker, nonstick sandwich maker and 2 fondue pots, plus a food torch (for creme brulee etc) already take up plenty of space. :faint:


what's behind the toaster and to its right by the window? i can't tell and my brain doesn't like losing perception puzzles. :D

notice you use a faucet filter. is that a Pur? We have a brita faucet filter. it was the best thing ever until it started malfunctioning and has been such a headache since. they finally agreed to send me a replacement unit, but until that arrives, i'm filterless. and the water tastes and smells... well, it's undrinkable.


I finally used my new pressure cooker! I made beef stroganoff, using cubed steak, and it was very tender. Cooked in 20 minutes.

Care to share info about that new pressure cooker? Mine made its way to my sons but cant find its way back home again. We need a new one and there are so many variables to choose from. I just want simple and inexpensive.

so funny, i was about to say amazon, but george beat me to it. check the markdowns section also cos several cookers are marked down. I have a manual stainless steel one that mum got me for my first college apartment - still works great.

the only variable that's a must for me: stainless steel, so i'm not worrying about aluminum in my food, or about anything acidic reacting with the aluminum. all the fancy doodads are just confusing to me. I grew up with us having 2 manual pressure cookers: a big one and a small one. mum used em for all kinds of things: boiling potatoes, making rice, cooking beans and legumes, making chicken soup/stock, canning. there was never an issue. you should had to make sure to lock the lid on correctly and make sure that the steam release gasket was in the open position so that the steam would push it up and once done releasing it would fall back down.

we kids used to call it the whistle. "mum the pot whistled 3 times already, doesn't that mean it is ready?" :lol:

i hardly use mine anymore, mostly cos i am too lazy.

That looks delicious! I have so much rhubarb I am going to try that recipe soon. I have to convert it to be gluten free though - my son has celiac and it keep the whole household gluten free for his safety.


FYI-They are clearancing (word?) Ians brand Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets and Mac and no Cheese at Target. They are both at roughly $1.50 to $2. 75% off-HTH

And Hey! To everyone-have really been missing you guys and the internet in general-I think the lockdown at work is more than a scare tactic-they are really serious! :omg:

... I've been hunting for a good price on a food processer so I can finally get one - I do way too much cooking to keep slicing, shredding, chopping etc by hand. But the question remains: where's that baby going to go? The blender ...

what's behind the toaster and to its right by the window? i can't tell and my brain doesn't like losing perception puzzles. :D ...

notice you use a faucet filter. is that a Pur? ...

the only variable that's a must for me: stainless steel, so i'm not worrying about aluminum in my food, or about anything acidic reacting with the aluminum. ...
1. I love my Hamilton Beach with the option of shooting the chopped stuff into a bowl or keeping it in, but if you're not wedded to your blender, you might consider a blender/food processor combo, like Ninja or Cuisinart. The part you're not using can be put in a cupboard and would be smaller than either appliance.

2. L-R: the white thing is a can opener, the dark thing with the cord wrapped around it is my Ninja blender, beside that is the compost basket, then the sponge holder and the dish soap. Oh, and I have the carrot cake recipe hanging up on a clothespin attached to a loop of wire that hangs on my utensil rack.

3. Yes. I had a Brita for a while because the Pur keep cracking right at the faucet, but the new Brita doesn't fit my faucet (needs a thinner washer). Our well went sulfur, so we need the filter for drinking and cooking.

4. I wish I'd thought of that -- I would have gone for stainless steel, because I use tomatoes in a lot of things.

Also note that Amazon still has its Buy 3 Get 1 Free promo going on. When I ordered the cooker, I also got a double boiler, a mini Bundt pan and a wok set.

Lordy, I'm asleep at the keyboard. Could have gone to bed at midnight, but I HAD to watch those two episodes of NCIS ... and I'm still not caught up! :faint:

3. Yes. I had a Brita for a while because the Pur keep cracking right at the faucet, but the new Brita doesn't fit my faucet (needs a thinner washer). Our well went sulfur, so we need the filter for drinking and cooking.



Our well has been at "sulfur" for so long now, I dont think it will ever go back-DH put in a mini reverse osmosis and filter thing a really long time ago and ran the line to the fridge so the ice maker uses the filtered water.

I love my kitchen aide. I will admit when I first got it, it just sort of sat around and took up space in my very tiny kitchen but now I don't know what I would do without it,

My favorite attachment by far is the fruit/vegetable strainer. I just it practically everyday during canning season. It is great for removing the seeds and skins from tomatoes to make tomato sauce, salsa and spaghetti sauce. I also run by raspberries through it to get seedless raspberry puree for jams and stuff.

The sucker is heavy though and I have to move it to the table where I have more space when I use it with the attachments - but this old lady needs to build her muscles up anyway.

Yep. Every blessed time I want to use it. I only have about 24 inches of prep space in my kitchen, between the toaster oven and utensil bin and the sink, and everything has to be done there.

This is what it looked like when I made carrot cake:

LOL, the kitchen before we built our house had about the same amount of space. DH (who does all the cooking) actually cooked Thai food for my bridal shower in it and I think he was mixing stuff on the floor at one point.

But now we have a U-shaped kitchen with acres of counter space, which doesn't help at all, because it just means more stuff gets dumped on the counters. Really -- I use it as my home office, then there's the bread maker, toaster, microwave, blender, coffeemaker, a gazillion spices and knives and utensils and a canister of leftover grease.... plus the neverending pile of mail, paperwork, kids' drawings, toys, and random stuff like interesting rocks that the kids always bring home. The more space you have, the more you use. It's a law of physics.

Our well has been at "sulfur" for so long now, I dont think it will ever go back-DH put in a mini reverse osmosis and filter thing a really long time ago and ran the line to the fridge so the ice maker uses the filtered water.

which one did you guys get if you don't mind my asking, please? and how do you like it/how much does it cost, please? is it hard to install?
the tap water here smells nasty and tastes metallic. have to use a filter.
we've been doing the brita faucet filter which cures both those, but it leaks and has been falling off lately. they think it's defective and are sending me a new unit. but i'm wondering if I should just get a reverse osmosis under sink filter so our drinking and food washing water is filtered automatically without worrying about switching things on a faucet filter etc.

I love my kitchen aide. I will admit when I first got it, it just sort of sat around and took up space in my very tiny kitchen but now I don't know what I would do without it,

My favorite attachment by far is the fruit/vegetable strainer. I just it practically everyday during canning season. It is great for removing the seeds and skins from tomatoes to make tomato sauce, salsa and spaghetti sauce. I also run by raspberries through it to get seedless raspberry puree for jams and stuff.

The sucker is heavy though and I have to move it to the table where I have more space when I use it with the attachments - but this old lady needs to build her muscles up anyway.

i'm going to do some canning this summer, I think. First time. I'm scared and excited.
the strainer and the chopper thing as well as the food tray are 3 attachments high on my list of wants.

I have a KA 6qt pro machine. Getting it out of the box and then from floor to countertop was an enterprise in itself. That thing is like a jersey barrier - not going anywhere fast. :lmao:

I knew instantly, that thing was not moving from its chosen location until/when we move to a new home.

LOL, the kitchen before we built our house had about the same amount of space. DH (who does all the cooking) actually cooked Thai food for my bridal shower in it and I think he was mixing stuff on the floor at one point.

But now we have a U-shaped kitchen with acres of counter space, which doesn't help at all, because it just means more stuff gets dumped on the counters. Really -- I use it as my home office, then there's the bread maker, toaster, microwave, blender, coffeemaker, a gazillion spices and knives and utensils and a canister of leftover grease.... plus the neverending pile of mail, paperwork, kids' drawings, toys, and random stuff like interesting rocks that the kids always bring home. The more space you have, the more you use. It's a law of physics.


So true.
I cannot stand clutter. It's the bane of my existence. And so of course clutter is what gathers around me all the time. That's also a law of physics.

I keep clearing off countertops and tabletops and no sooner have I done that, someone plunks a pile of junk on it. It's like there's a billboard advertising "Free Space for your Crap" :angry:

We get a ton of junk mail. But no one will throw it out. No one but me, that is. Nope, it gets brought in from the mailbox and, plunk. Receipts to grocery stores etc? No one will throw them out or put em in the rcpt bag for the month. Nope. Plunk. My kitchen countertops are a neverending checkerboard of used dishes and cups. Why it is so effortful to walk 3 additional centimetres and put the dish in the sink I don't understand. Nope. Done eating, so, plunk.

Result, I have to clear out the counter space every single time before I cook. As in every single day. And then I wipe it all down and leave it clean and shiny for the next day.
Within minutes: Plunk. Plunk. Plunk. Plunk. Plunk.

I'm thankful the tornadoes here in Topeka weren't as bad as Joplin, but we did get baseball-sized hail. My poor husband's car is probably going to be totaled out. And we did manage to make friends with some of the other 100 people who crammed into the Target dressing room during the sirens.

So true.
I cannot stand clutter. It's the bane of my existence. And so of course clutter is what gathers around me all the time. That's also a law of physics.



Me too! I am the borderline OCD person in the house and I am surrounded by slobs. I mean, slobs to the degree that if I didn't make a sweep once a week of the family room and the bedrooms, there would be no dishes in the kitchen. The problem is I work nights, full-time, and commute 3 hours, so I have very few hours at home, and my husband works at home and my daughter is cyberschooled at home. So this house sees a LOT of living.

(Very important tip; When looking to buy a house, look for one where everyone worked outside of the home and ordered takeout. Do not buy a house that was actually lived in. Our house needs new kitchen everything, new floors, carpets, walls and furniture after only 10 years - because it is lived in so much.)

I cannot combat the clutter and the disorder and the dropped-where-they-stand clothes, paperwork, trash, dishes, cups in the three hours I have at home every day. I can't possibly combat it. So I avert my eyes. It's a survival mechanism; otherwise I would go completely batshit.

And yes, I remind myself when I start feeling nuts that I am lucky, damned lucky, to have a wonderful family and all the love and laughter and crazy chaos that goes with it. I could have a house from Architectural Digest in pristine shape with everything glowingly clean, but the only way I could have that is if nobody else lived with me. It's a tradeoff that I'm OK with ..... most of the time.....:)

Me too! I am the borderline OCD person in the house and I am surrounded by slobs. I mean, slobs to the degree that if I didn't make a sweep once a week of the family room and the bedrooms, there would be no dishes in the kitchen. The problem is I work nights, full-time, and commute 3 hours, so I have very few hours at home, and my husband works at home and my daughter is cyberschooled at home. So this house sees a LOT of living.

(Very important tip; When looking to buy a house, look for one where everyone worked outside of the home and ordered takeout. Do not buy a house that was actually lived in. Our house needs new kitchen everything, new floors, carpets, walls and furniture after only 10 years - because it is lived in so much.)

I cannot combat the clutter and the disorder and the dropped-where-they-stand clothes, paperwork, trash, dishes, cups in the three hours I have at home every day. I can't possibly combat it. So I avert my eyes. It's a survival mechanism; otherwise I would go completely batshit.

And yes, I remind myself when I start feeling nuts that I am lucky, damned lucky, to have a wonderful family and all the love and laughter and crazy chaos that goes with it. I could have a house from Architectural Digest in pristine shape with everything glowingly clean, but the only way I could have that is if nobody else lived with me. It's a tradeoff that I'm OK with ..... most of the time.....:)

Thanks for this. I'll try to remind myself of that, cos I am right at that about to ape/bat/some ugly furry mammal excrement crazy right now. There is stuff everywhere. and i mean e v e r y w h e r e. On floors, tabletops, couches. And normally I used to go on cleaning sprees every day. One hour. That helped. But right now, cos of the injuries, I can't do that. And so stuff just gathers and gathers and gathers and gathers until I find the energy to hobble around and pick things up and put em away. Aaaargh.

As of yesterday I made a new decision: I am going to rope in the mess-makers into helping me. No more enabling. Or they risk an explosion when I go mammal excrement crazy. :lol:

So today is Joint Project #1: Thorough Fridge and Freezer Cleaning. All those experiments in endless food preservation that are sitting at the back of the fridge have to go. The fridge and freezer used to be cleaned every week and cleaned out thoroughly every month. But in the last 5 months it hasn't happened because I haven't been able to bend or lift or scrub. Today should be interesting. :D

Thanks for this. I'll try to remind myself of that, cos I am right at that about to ape/bat/some ugly furry mammal excrement crazy right now. There is stuff everywhere. and i mean e v e r y w h e r e. On floors, tabletops, couches. And normally I used to go on cleaning sprees every day. One hour. That helped. But right now, cos of the injuries, I can't do that. And so stuff just gathers and gathers and gathers and gathers until I find the energy to hobble around and pick things up and put em away. Aaaargh.

As of yesterday I made a new decision: I am going to rope in the mess-makers into helping me. No more enabling. Or they risk an explosion when I go mammal excrement crazy. :lol:

So today is Joint Project #1: Thorough Fridge and Freezer Cleaning. All those experiments in endless food preservation that are sitting at the back of the fridge have to go. The fridge and freezer used to be cleaned every week and cleaned out thoroughly every month. But in the last 5 months it hasn't happened because I haven't been able to bend or lift or scrub. Today should be interesting. :D

D'you know about FlyLady? (flylady.net)
Kind of like babysteps for perfectionists.

And we did manage to make friends with some of the other 100 people who crammed into the Target dressing room during the sirens.

:eek:

:lol:


I hope everyone still had their clothes on. :P

:eek:

:lol:


I hope everyone still had their clothes on. :P


I sure hope so! We were stuck in the men's side, which is like 3 rooms, so us, half the employees, a cadre of teenagers, and 3 small, scared children being herded by their father.

Question here. I think it is cool and thought out and my wife things I am a whacko lol. Every year we get my children's teachers a gift certificate around $20. This year I want to try something different so I got a woven basket with a liner and filled it with tons of products(probably over $100 worth easy). These range for air wick freshmatics to bodywash to toothpaste/brush to makeup to shaving cream to razors, ect- all things a normal person can find useful. Am I being clever finding a way to get the teachers alot of items for not alot of costs or should I just stick to the boring old gc? Thanks

Added list of items:
tone bw
freshmatic ultra kit
compact freshmatic odor detector kit
2 revlon tools
2 dove deodorant
nasogel
suave lotion
pantene shampoo
h&s conditioner
2 packs of razors
2 reach dental floss
2 reach total care toothbrushes
7th generation dishsoap
bayer
2 total colgate
2 glade candles
2 mini crest toothpaste
luster
visine travel
pure silk shave lotion
clean & clear bw
benefiber
various makeup

Question here. I think it is cool and thought out and my wife things I am a whacko lol. Every year we get my children's teachers a gift certificate around $20. This year I want to try something different so I got a woven basket with a liner and filled it with tons of products(probably over $100 worth easy). These range for air wick freshmatics to bodywash to toothpaste/brush to makeup to shaving cream to razors, ect- all things a normal person can find useful. Am I being clever finding a way to get the teachers alot of items for not alot of costs or should I just stick to the boring old gc? Thanks

I think it's a great idea (I know of others who do similar things, making teacher gift baskets) and the way to go.

Gift certificates are nice because they let a person pick what they want, but the truth is you're picking the store, so in the end you are limiting choice there also.

I like the gift basket because while it didn't cost you much, it holds far greater monetary value than $20 and is indeed stuff that most people can use. I'd just be careful with things like Airwicks and Glades - they're very highly scented and get everything around them to smell, plus some people have fragrance allergies/asthma etc and those can be very irritating.

I think it's a great idea (I know of others who do similar things, making teacher gift baskets) and the way to go.

Gift certificates are nice because they let a person pick what they want, but the truth is you're picking the store, so in the end you are limiting choice there also.

I like the gift basket because while it didn't cost you much, it holds far greater monetary value than $20 and is indeed stuff that most people can use. I'd just be careful with things like Airwicks and Glades - they're very highly scented and get everything around them to smell, plus some people have fragrance allergies/asthma etc and those can be very irritating.
You can always put the scented stuff in a freezer bag.That way 98% of the people can enjoy it, and the others with allergies can just had the bag off to someone else.

Question here. I think it is cool and thought out and my wife things I am a whacko lol. Every year we get my children's teachers a gift certificate around $20. This year I want to try something different so I got a woven basket with a liner and filled it with tons of products(probably over $100 worth easy). These range for air wick freshmatics to bodywash to toothpaste/brush to makeup to shaving cream to razors, ect- all things a normal person can find useful. Am I being clever finding a way to get the teachers alot of items for not alot of costs or should I just stick to the boring old gc? Thanks

Added list of items:
tone bw
freshmatic ultra kit
compact freshmatic odor detector kit
2 revlon tools
2 dove deodorant
nasogel
suave lotion
pantene shampoo
h&s conditioner
2 packs of razors
2 reach dental floss
2 reach total care toothbrushes
7th generation dishsoap
bayer
2 total colgate
2 glade candles
2 mini crest toothpaste
luster
visine travel
pure silk shave lotion
clean & clear bw
benefiber
various makeup

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.
I do this for my kids' teachers, but my baskets are a lot smaller, and I steer clear of several items that you include, basically because I don't pretend to know enough about them to, say, pick a lipstick color. And I don't want to insult them ...which some recipients may be if you give them floss and deodorant :)

My gift baskets are always: a single candle (sealed), a big bottle of something like Olay or Nivea lotion, a big bottle of body wash, some random utility things like cosmetic tools or nail files and clippers or loofahs, some Nivea or Burts Bees lip balm, etc. When we have the $$ to do it, I'll stick in a gift card to the local movieplex. I don't go too nuts -- there are lots of teachers on the list!

Wow, that's a lot of stuff.
I do this for my kids' teachers, but my baskets are a lot smaller, and I steer clear of several items that you include, basically because I don't pretend to know enough about them to, say, pick a lipstick color. And I don't want to insult them ...which some recipients may be if you give them floss and deodorant :)

My gift baskets are always: a single candle (sealed), a big bottle of something like Olay or Nivea lotion, a big bottle of body wash, some random utility things like cosmetic tools or nail files and clippers or loofahs, some Nivea or Burts Bees lip balm, etc. When we have the $$ to do it, I'll stick in a gift card to the local movieplex. I don't go too nuts -- there are lots of teachers on the list!

Yah my wife made fun of me lol. She was like I am the teacher so you are saying I stink, have bad breath, need fiber, have greasy hair, ect ect. hahaha

:wave2: Sister brought me a pitcher full of asparagus, so I made cream of asparagus soup tonight. :yummy:

I did my usual search-and-mash on recipes, and this is what I came up with. It made 4 servings.

Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup

2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
1 large leek OR 1 small onion*
1-1/2 lb fresh asparagus
1 quart plus 1 can chicken broth
Fresh herbs of choice (I used about 1/2 tsp thyme and 1 tsp garlic chives)
4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1/4 cup flour
1 cup Land O'Lakes fat-free half-and-half**

Heat 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil in large soup pot. Add leek or onion and saute until soft.

Meanwhile, cut tips from asparagus and set aside. Cut the rest of asparagus into 1/2" pieces and add to onions in pan. Saute about 3 minutes.

Add broth and herbs; bring to boil, then lower heat, cover and simmer until asparagus is very soft (15 minutes or more).

Remove soup from heat; allow to cool enough to put in blender and puree. If you have an immersion blender, you can puree in the pot. You can also use a hand mixer if you're careful, or just skip the puree step altogether.

Return soup to medium heat. Add asparagus tips. Bring back to a simmer.

Melt 4 Tbsp of butter. Remove from heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.

Add butter/flour mixture slowly to simmering soup, stirring constantly until soup returns to a low boil. Simmer until asparagus tips are done.

Slowly stir in half-and-half, mixing thoroughly, just before serving.

* I actually used one small leek and two "walking onions," each about 3/4" diameter. I used the white and green parts of the leek and the white parts of the onions.

** LOL brand fat-free is the only brand I've found that will mix instead of separating when added to hot liquid.

I don't have an immersion blender (well, I may have one put away from 3 moves ago, but can't find it and may have sold it at a garage sale in the 1980s :coverlaf: ), so I tried my cheap little battery-operated single beater. It didn't puree, exactly, but it did break up the asparagus somewhat. And it got an interesting "hairstyle":

Ok. I have a ton of vitamins A,B,D,Calcium, and red yeast rice. I donated my pet stuff to my local shelter. I donated my poise pads to a mental health facility. For the life of me I cannot think of a place that would benefit from a giant vitamin collection. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

I don't have an immersion blender (well, I may have one put away from 3 moves ago, but can't find it and may have sold it at a garage sale in the 1980s :coverlaf: ), so I tried my cheap little battery-operated single beater. It didn't puree, exactly, but it did break up the asparagus somewhat. And it got an interesting "hairstyle":
Interesting hair style!! I love my cream of asparagus soup with some pieces of asparagus, there's a little bistro type cafe in town that makes all their food and pies from scratch, they have the most wonderful asparagus soup--they have some bacon pieces, carrots, onions and of course, asparagus, like a meal in a bowl..........Thanks for the recipe, I will try it out, tweak it for me a little--no one else in the house can stand eating "green" but me. I was brought up to eat everything--and of course, if we said we didn't like it, we got a double helping :eek:
Tough weekend, but I made it through. The reception was a smash until a classmate brought the guest of honor a bottle of CaptainMorgan 100proof........he drank half--unbeknownst to his mama, then got silly, then got very angry and broke a window, punched a hole in the drywall and destroyed a lamp.......All of this after midnight, so a very happy way to start my birthday/anniversary.......:mad:
Of course, when he got up, he not only felt like crap, he felt like a big a-hole too and mama was there to reinforce the a-hole part. He is fixing it all himself, paying for the repairs.........
Kinda makes me upset, we spent all kinds of money that we didn't have for this kid's reception--enough to where we didn't have any extra money to do anything for our anniversary or for me to get a gift, and that's the thanks we get..........So, bummer for that!!

I did call this AM and speak with a fairly knowledgable attorney who thinks I've got a pretty good case in regards to my ear, we shall see. I go to the ear dr on the first to see if there's enough nerve function left to replace the implant--if not, I'll be totally deaf in the left and left with right ear with a severe loss--dr says "no meaningful hearing" in that ear. May need to have an implant put in that one, but with the back luck with the left, do I really want to take a chance on compromising the right? I can hear if I have a decent hearing aid in that ear, just can't get a decent aid........

Anyway, I just laid around today, trying to recup from the weekend, maybe I'll have some get up and go tomorrow..............:)

So....Walmart's got a new song. :vomit::shake:
NSFW Google: Walmart - Mr. Ghetto

Don't shoot the messenger! Kind of sad that they're driving a better car then me and on SNAP.

Anyways some new EC was screaming at the BA at a Wags because they didn't want to let her break up her transactions. It's all going downhill :(
Limit one per person per day. At the 2 Wags closest to me.

...Thanks for the recipe, I will try it out, tweak it for me a little ...

Tough weekend, but I made it through. The reception was a smash until a classmate brought the guest of honor a bottle of CaptainMorgan 100proof ... Of course, when he got up, he not only felt like crap, he felt like a big a-hole too and mama was there to reinforce the a-hole part. He is fixing it all himself, paying for the repairs...

I did call this AM and speak with a fairly knowledgable attorney who thinks I've got a pretty good case in regards to my ear ...
I'm thinking I might add cubed potatoes next time, and shredded carrots would be good. The recipe is pretty close to my potato leek soup, which is the BEST soup I've ever had. :yummy:

Sorry about the incident with the Captain, but :clap: that he is fixing the damage -- that is the best lesson.

Good luck with the legal case. You deserve a break after all this! :nod:

Trying to catch up on my TV viewing -- finally finished the season of NCIS; now watching Bones, and I have 5 NCIS-LA, 7 Big Bang, a couple episodes of House, the entire season so far of Dr. Who ... gotta clear out the DVR to make room for more!

I "watch" TV from all around the house, wearing wireless headphones, so I can do other things and not feel like a lump. I hardly ever actually sit in the living room. I've even "watched" a movie while shoveling snow! :coverlaf:

I put the PS3 up on FB for $250 -- decided to stick with my Wii. Wanted to give my peeps a chance before I offered it up to strangers. :coverlaf:

Ok. I have a ton of vitamins A,B,D,Calcium, and red yeast rice. I donated my pet stuff to my local shelter. I donated my poise pads to a mental health facility. For the life of me I cannot think of a place that would benefit from a giant vitamin collection. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

ranald mcdonald house.
or similar places that work with cancer patients.

any facility that provides healthcare for the homeless.

any facility that works with poor pregnant teens or with victims of domestic violence.

nursing home for low income seniors.

vitamins are expensive and lots of people NEED to take those when recovering from an illness etc. so any facility that covers the bases on recovery and low income/high expense will be more than grateful to have it.

I don't have an immersion blender (well, I may have one put away from 3 moves ago, but can't find it and may have sold it at a garage sale in the 1980s :coverlaf: ), so I tried my cheap little battery-operated single beater. It didn't puree, exactly, but it did break up the asparagus somewhat. And it got an interesting "hairstyle":

:lol:

amazon frequently has great sales on immersion blenders. that's how i got mine, with swagbucks dollars of course. :D


Interesting hair style!! I love my cream of asparagus soup with some pieces of asparagus, there's a little bistro type cafe in town that makes all their food and pies from scratch, they have the most wonderful asparagus soup--they have some bacon pieces, carrots, onions and of course, asparagus, like a meal in a bowl..........Thanks for the recipe, I will try it out, tweak it for me a little--no one else in the house can stand eating "green" but me. I was brought up to eat everything--and of course, if we said we didn't like it, we got a double helping :eek:
Tough weekend, but I made it through. The reception was a smash until a classmate brought the guest of honor a bottle of CaptainMorgan 100proof........he drank half--unbeknownst to his mama, then got silly, then got very angry and broke a window, punched a hole in the drywall and destroyed a lamp.......All of this after midnight, so a very happy way to start my birthday/anniversary.......:mad:
Of course, when he got up, he not only felt like crap, he felt like a big a-hole too and mama was there to reinforce the a-hole part. He is fixing it all himself, paying for the repairs.........
Kinda makes me upset, we spent all kinds of money that we didn't have for this kid's reception--enough to where we didn't have any extra money to do anything for our anniversary or for me to get a gift, and that's the thanks we get..........So, bummer for that!!

I did call this AM and speak with a fairly knowledgable attorney who thinks I've got a pretty good case in regards to my ear, we shall see. I go to the ear dr on the first to see if there's enough nerve function left to replace the implant--if not, I'll be totally deaf in the left and left with right ear with a severe loss--dr says "no meaningful hearing" in that ear. May need to have an implant put in that one, but with the back luck with the left, do I really want to take a chance on compromising the right? I can hear if I have a decent hearing aid in that ear, just can't get a decent aid........

Anyway, I just laid around today, trying to recup from the weekend, maybe I'll have some get up and go tomorrow..............:)


:hug:

sorry about how stuff happened - but it's all part of the learning experiences of life, right? he got a great lesson in drinking/getting drunk and atleast he did it in your presence and on your property and best of all: he's taking responsibility. which shows you raised him well.
:hug:
someday you'll laugh about it.

good luck with the lawyer - i pray it all works out quickly for you. :hug:

Ok. I have a ton of vitamins A,B,D,Calcium, and red yeast rice. I donated my pet stuff to my local shelter. I donated my poise pads to a mental health facility. For the life of me I cannot think of a place that would benefit from a giant vitamin collection. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks

I also was gonna suggest senior facilities/nursing homes.

Meanwhile, is anyone aware of any deals on John Frieda and/or Huggies in the next couple of weeks? I need to stock up before I quit for the summer. I have all three drugstores, ShopRite, Weis, Giant, Wegmans, Target, WM, Kmart...

I'm thinking I might add cubed potatoes next time, and shredded carrots would be good. The recipe is pretty close to my potato leek soup, which is the BEST soup I've ever had.

Sorry about the incident with the Captain, but :clap: that he is fixing the damage -- that is the best lesson.

Good luck with the legal case. You deserve a break after all this!

Cubed potatoes and shredded carrots are a great idea for add-ins, now I just gotta get to Mom and Dad's to see if their asparagus survived that hail again Saturday night--golf ball size again, they drove home from the reception in it, so did my brother/wife/baby, they think their SUV is pretty near totalled, adjuster coming today........:( The good news is, the mushrooms are growing again and DB wants to go a' huntin' again.......;)


nursing home for low income seniors.

vitamins are expensive and lots of people NEED to take those when recovering from an illness etc. so any facility that covers the bases on recovery and low income/high expense will be more than grateful to have it.


sorry about how stuff happened - but it's all part of the learning experiences of life, right? he got a great lesson in drinking/getting drunk and atleast he did it in your presence and on your property and best of all: he's taking responsibility. which shows you raised him well.

someday you'll laugh about it.

good luck with the lawyer - i pray it all works out quickly for you.


Thanks to you both for your :heart: The boy is definitely not drinking for awhile, probably won't touch Captain again--I did have a similar experience with too much Blackberry Brandy when I was a teen, minus the destruction--I still get urpy if I smell it 30 years later.........

As far as donating to nursing homes, probably not a good idea. I am (when I am working) a nurse in long-term care, I wanted to donate to the facility for low income peeps, big no-no, all meds have to come from the pharmacy, so for vitamins and such-the families or POA can take them to the pharmacy to "repackage" into the uniform containers each facility uses, but then the pharmacy charges for the "repackaging"--law prohibits dispensing from a multi-use bottle.
Senior Centers would be great, broad spectrum of income range folks there, but you could ask the director to offer them to the lower income folks.........

Waiting for a call from the attorney--couple of financial questions for him........we probably won't put anything in ink until after we find out whether or not I'm gonna be deaf permanently..........another "wait and see" situation. I'm glad I'm the only one whose time and discomfort is unimportant (cuz the dr, case worker's time is very precious)........:D

:heart: I luv all you guys/gals for being a sounding board for me, gives me some fun stuff to focus on and good eats to try/look forward to trying!! I also really enjoy knowing I'm not alone when it comes to life kicking me in the ass!!;)

Just letting people know I took the basket to school this morning and gave it to the teacher. She was really excited and said it was the best gift(from a parent I take it and I hope lol) she had ever received. There was probably $150-$200 total in the basket and the funny part is the basket I got on clearance probably cost more than all the products inside. Thanks for the advice.

....I also really enjoy knowing I'm not alone when it comes to life kicking me in the ass!!;)


definitely not alone in that.
i have come to realize, life kicks us all in the behind. every single one of us. just in different ways.

:hug:

lawyer... what kind of lawyer is this? employment related for injuries that left you in this position? or medical malpractice? or worker's comp?

generally for workplace related stuff, over here they have you put down a retainer. what that means is that you make a deposit into an account for $5000. they charge you hourly and debit from that account. anything that doesn't get used (yeahhhh right) gets returned to you. but every honest lawyer will tell you it all gets used up.
in addition, they take a portion of any settlement you get.

so, negotiate carefully, and ask questions in great detail. remember you are talking to a lawyer and they will lawyer you on this count, because it is their livelihood after all.

if you find an honest, good lawyer, they will generally do a few things:

1. do the initial case eval for you without charging anything upfront.

2. agree to be paid after you get a settlement.

3. work hard at limiting billable time spent in conversations etc with you so you aren't left with a bigger bill.


finally, one more note: i have found, the best way to find a good lawyer, is to ask lawyers you have used, or are friends with. they can always refer you to someone in the field, and when it comes that way, you are generally assured of someone solid. i've had to use lawyers twice for two different legal matters in two very different specialties. both times, i got em through lawyer referrals and they were EXCELLENT. and i can say that because each time I had talked to several "frogs" and then with time running out, in desperation, I asked an attorney if they could suggest someone. Bingo, prince! :D


good luck again!

definitely not alone in that.
i have come to realize, life kicks us all in the behind. every single one of us. just in different ways.

:hug:

lawyer... what kind of lawyer is this? employment related for injuries that left you in this position? or medical malpractice? or worker's comp?

generally for workplace related stuff, over here they have you put down a retainer. what that means is that you make a deposit into an account for $5000. they charge you hourly and debit from that account. anything that doesn't get used (yeahhhh right) gets returned to you. but every honest lawyer will tell you it all gets used up.
in addition, they take a portion of any settlement you get.

so, negotiate carefully, and ask questions in great detail. remember you are talking to a lawyer and they will lawyer you on this count, because it is their livelihood after all.

if you find an honest, good lawyer, they will generally do a few things:

1. do the initial case eval for you without charging anything upfront.

2. agree to be paid after you get a settlement.

3. work hard at limiting billable time spent in conversations etc with you so you aren't left with a bigger bill.


finally, one more note: i have found, the best way to find a good lawyer, is to ask lawyers you have used, or are friends with. they can always refer you to someone in the field, and when it comes that way, you are generally assured of someone solid. i've had to use lawyers twice for two different legal matters in two very different specialties. both times, i got em through lawyer referrals and they were EXCELLENT. and i can say that because each time I had talked to several "frogs" and then with time running out, in desperation, I asked an attorney if they could suggest someone. Bingo, prince! :D


good luck again!

It's worker's comp, they work on a recovery fee--they don't get any $$ unless I do, then they take a percentage of the settlement, so no $$ upfront for me. They usually won't even talk to you around here unless they are 99.9% sure there is more than enough money to be recovered--the one I used following my car accident 5 years ago referred me to this one, says he's "one of the best." It is pricey in the end, but I know he won't hang me out to dry, cuz if I don't get any money, neither does he........supposed to be a "pit bull", so we shall see............I talked to some frogs too..........more like toads, was afraid I'd have warts after I'd spoken with them........;)

I don't have pix of the veggie concentration camp. I'll take some this year and post. In the meantime...

Gardenweb posting --

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/woodland/msg0519232320445.html


Flickr pix:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/757154402/in/set-72157608251719462

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp/126176183/in/set-72057594082849357/


Love the pics. Do you guys have a canoe? We have friends that live on a small river in the NC mountains and we bought a canoe a few years ago to use when we visit them. Your pics remind me of it.

Bananas are an herb. You have to consider that "herb" is short for herbaceous. Culinary uses and marketing have morphed the word a bit, in reality rosemary, oregano etc. are NOT herbs.

If I was contemplating moving in a year, I'd have a couple of containers with veggies, most will do well in a container. You can even buy some bush varieties for cukes, watermelon etc. and do them in a container.

Tomatoes, peppers etc. grow basically year round for me. My tomatoes have been in the ground since last Sept. and should have stopped producing, but they are still. My current pepper plants are a couple of years old.

Wow! How nice it would be not to have to replant every year. It's so much work. Worth it though.

I just discovered Blue Bell Southern Hospitality Ice Cream.

Oh ... my ... goodness! :jawdrop:




:woot2:

Blue Bell is our new favorite ice cream. Have you tried the Banana Split? Beats the heck out of buying all the ingredients to make them yourself. So good!

It's worker's comp, they work on a recovery fee--they don't get any $$ unless I do, then they take a percentage of the settlement, so no $$ upfront for me. They usually won't even talk to you around here unless they are 99.9% sure there is more than enough money to be recovered--the one I used following my car accident 5 years ago referred me to this one, says he's "one of the best." It is pricey in the end, but I know he won't hang me out to dry, cuz if I don't get any money, neither does he........supposed to be a "pit bull", so we shall see............I talked to some frogs too..........more like toads, was afraid I'd have warts after I'd spoken with them........;)
That's good.

If you use one that charges hourly, it's generally a constant fight. Idiots I made the mistake of hiring charged me $42 to forward me an email, then another $42 to forward my response to the university! This is in addition to a lot of other BS. Ended up wasting a lot of time fighting with them and was worse off in the end because they delayed submitting a lot of paperwork, then didn't get on the university when they took more time to send me records than is allowed by law. Sadly these were what I thought to be the best in the area, so who knows what the others would have done. :mad:

Thankfully I knew my rights, so in the end they only screwed me once by messing things up instead of twice by messing it up and stealing my money.

Love the pics. Do you guys have a canoe? We have friends that live on a small river in the NC mountains and we bought a canoe a few years ago to use when we visit them. Your pics remind me of it.

We have a canoe but it's really not much use except right in the area pictured. The creek is whitewater a lot of the year; it flows directly into the Delaware, which is about five miles away, and we use kayaks. Where we are is kind of wider, deeper and less turbulent - there's a section so deep we can dive, which is great, like an old-timey swimming hole. But most of the creek is whitewater, fast-flowing, and great for kayaking.

Should have just multi-quoted - Oh well....

Had a great time in Nashville. DD is on tour with Les Mis and has been gone since September. This is her first job out of college and first time she has ever been away from home for an extended time.

When she met us at the airport, she ran to me in tears and hugged me so long and so hard it was pitiful. She has never been a very touchy/feely child and it just broke my heart. I wanted to tell her to pack her bags and come on home.

We ended up having a wonderful time and I am so glad that we worked so hard to save the money to go. Now to recover from the achy muscles in my legs. We did an awful lot of walking and that is one hilly city.

Hey guys. I've been looking all over. Does anyone know how I can print a temp CVS card? I signed up and my printer wasn't functioning when the link popped up. I have the number. There used to be a loyalty card generator somewhere.

Hey guys. I've been looking all over. Does anyone know how I can print a temp CVS card? I signed up and my printer wasn't functioning when the link popped up. I have the number. There used to be a loyalty card generator somewhere.

http://www.justoneclubcard.com/

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :)

The next day is dd jr high graduation. Oh, where do the years go. I feel like an old lady... at 30 something! :eek:

My tooth cracked today and the jagged-ness is bugging my tongue, any helpful tips? I think I'll be going to walmart at lunch to buy whatever you recommend.

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :)

The next day is dd jr high graduation. Oh, where do the years go. I feel like an old lady... at 30 something! :eek:

My tooth cracked today and the jagged-ness is bugging my tongue, any helpful tips? I think I'll be going to walmart at lunch to buy whatever you recommend.
Oh, no, not you, too! First MsGal, then me, then you!

I found filler near the dental floss at Rite Aid, so it's probably also at Wags. It's kind of like putty. It didn't last long -- had to keep applying it -- but it helped enough to let my poor tongue heal. Was only around $5.

I'm wiped out tonight -- worked out in the yard for a couple of hours, then came inside to make dinner (sauteed chicken on garden salad with cranberries, almonds, sharp cheese and mandarin oranges), then went to a historical society meeting. Did a lot of weeding, so some serious muscle stretches, and I'm beginning to feel it!

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :)

The next day is dd jr high graduation. Oh, where do the years go. I feel like an old lady... at 30 something! :eek:

My tooth cracked today and the jagged-ness is bugging my tongue, any helpful tips? I think I'll be going to walmart at lunch to buy whatever you recommend.

happy anniversary, duck! and congratulations! :heart:

helpful tips: get thine self to a dentist ASAP as an emergency appt. is it a chip or a crack? you don't want to play games with a cracked tooth.

also, all this chipping/cracking, sign of weak enamel/calcium deficiency. watch your vit c in drinks intake - many of these drinks have industrial strength citric acid (vitaminwater, i am looking at you) and that dissolves/weakens/softens the enamel over time.

as do many of the toothpastes and rinses people use these days. all that tartar control, whitening, blah, blah stuff? very bad for your enamel and ironically bad for your teeth.

stick to simple old fashined cavity protection crest regular. the most basic kind. that was my dentist's advice. and use act mouthwash also to help strengthen teeth.
:hug:

....
I'm wiped out tonight -- worked out in the yard for a couple of hours, then came inside to make dinner (sauteed chicken on garden salad with cranberries, almonds, sharp cheese and mandarin oranges), then went to a historical society meeting. Did a lot of weeding, so some serious muscle stretches, and I'm beginning to feel it!


your dinner was so similar to mine! :heart:

arugula with chicken andouille sausage and orange slices.

made 2 kinds of stuffing for stuffed peppers and tomatoes for tomorrow:
brown rice with pan roasted herbed mushrooms and cheese
brown rice with spicy chicken sausage and cheese
put it away in fridge. easy peasy, though cutting the mushrooms of all things, did me in with bad chest pain :facepalm:

we also have the last of the winter's butternut squash cubed and roasted with apples and onions - i got help for that, thankfully. that'll be pureed tomorrow with some veggie broth and simmered with curry powder. perfect as a side dish, or diluted further, as soup. :yummy: it's one of my fav soups. Immersion blender, yeahhhh, in case you're wondering george. :D

and tomorrow, my trusty mixer will make me some dough for cheddar buttermilk biscuits. a barefoot contessa recipe. looking forward to trying those out.

so i think butternut squash soup with some parmesan, and a cheddar buttermilk biscuit, for lunch.

stuffed peppers and tomatoes for dinner.

going to soak some chickpeas in the am. i soak em for 24 hours before cooking. so they'll be ready for thursday, to make a tangy, crunchy chickpea salad recipe i came across that looked :yummy:


This weekend we made buttermilk pancakes using the Joy of Cooking recipe. Did I tell you guys that? I HIGHLY recommend it. Never had buttermilk pancakes that light, fluffy and flavorful. We ended up adding choc chips to some leftover batter to test out that variation of ccp, instead of the normal ccp batter with milk. oh.my.goodness, it was yummy. the saltiness of the buttermilk was the perfect counterpoint to the chocolate, and the fluffiness worked beautifully with the creamy chocolate. amazing.

might make some for the holiday weekend. with strawberries, on sunday. what do y'all think? or should it be french toast for sunday?

Hi thread. Can you feel my love buzz? <--- Just curious on which version of this song people will recognize. Shocking Blue, Nirvana, or The Prodigy. Also how many googled "love buzz"

Hi thread. Can you feel my love buzz? <--- Just curious on which version of this song people will recognize. Shocking Blue, Nirvana, or The Prodigy. Also how many googled "love buzz"

:eek:

is that what they call it these days?

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :)

The next day is dd jr high graduation. Oh, where do the years go. I feel like an old lady... at 30 something! :eek:

My tooth cracked today and the jagged-ness is bugging my tongue, any helpful tips? I think I'll be going to walmart at lunch to buy whatever you recommend.

Happy Anniversary.

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :)

The next day is dd jr high graduation. Oh, where do the years go. I feel like an old lady... at 30 something! :eek:

My tooth cracked today and the jagged-ness is bugging my tongue, any helpful tips? I think I'll be going to walmart at lunch to buy whatever you recommend.

Whoa! That makes 3 of y'all with cracked teeth :( Sorry to hear that! Congrats on 15 years! :D That's wonderful! :heart:

Just letting people know I took the basket to school this morning and gave it to the teacher. She was really excited and said it was the best gift(from a parent I take it and I hope lol) she had ever received. There was probably $150-$200 total in the basket and the funny part is the basket I got on clearance probably cost more than all the products inside. Thanks for the advice.

:D Glad to hear that she loved the present!

Picked the last of my cherries last night. Anybody out there make jam? I've been making it every year for as long as I can remember and it just will not set. I assume it has something to do with the amount of juice in the cherries. I've altered the amount of sure jell that I use. I've cut back on the amount of cherries. I've tried making it without sure jell. I'm at a loss. The cherry trees I have are very old and they have a small sour cherry.

We eat the cherry "syrup" anyway and it is very good, but I sure would like to know how to get it to set.

Tomorrow is my anniversary with dh, 15 years :) ...
:doh: I focused on the tooth and missed the anniversary! Happy, happy anniversary! :bounce:

:tumblewed:

Picked the last of my cherries last night. Anybody out there make jam? I've been making it every year for as long as I can remember and it just will not set. I assume it has something to do with the amount of juice in the cherries. I've altered the amount of sure jell that I use. I've cut back on the amount of cherries. I've tried making it without sure jell. I'm at a loss. The cherry trees I have are very old and they have a small sour cherry.

We eat the cherry "syrup" anyway and it is very good, but I sure would like to know how to get it to set.
Two suggestions: Make sure you're using all the sugar the recipe calls for (it activates the pectin) or use "low or no sugar needed" form of pectin.

I only make strawberry freezer jam, and it takes loads of sugar, but it comes out great. My sister makes a lower-sugar form with the special pectin.

Two suggestions: Make sure you're using all the sugar the recipe calls for (it activates the pectin) or use "low or no sugar needed" form of pectin.

I only make strawberry freezer jam, and it takes loads of sugar, but it comes out great. My sister makes a lower-sugar form with the special pectin.

Just came by to lurk but whenever I make any kind of Jam or Jelly I now stick strictly with Certo instead of sure-jell or Ball pectin because it sets soooo much better. Another trick is you can cook a cut up green apple in the pot (you can pull it out later even) and it will release extra pectin into the mix and help it be firm.

2am per Slayers nostalgia.

:tumblewed:


Where'd everybody go? Al? MFH? TN? George? Anyone?


I had a call from my caseworker the other day, she set me up for a hearing aid eval with another audiologist in a different city.......one that I never go to.........kind of pissed me off but I had to go or risk having all benefits shut off.........
This chick knew what was going on.........she was appalled that I had been sent home with the cobbled up mess of an aid that I had, she said it was WAY to big and no wonder it was causing me pain. She did ANOTHER silicone impression of my ear--I think this is #5 now :rolleyes: I'm losing count, it's been so many. Anyway, long story short--she is having a really nice in-the-ear aid made for me, is bluetooth compatable, so they also ordered a streamer device for it, push a button, sends my phone automatically to my aid, push another button, sends my ipod directly to the aid, all kinds of bells and whistles plus, it comes with adapters so I can actually use a stethoscope with it when I go back to work!! Yeah!! :bounce: Finally someone acts like they are somewhat on the ball!!
I shouldn't get my hopes up yet, I've had 3 so far that have been really disappointing, but just MAYBE this will be what I've been waiting for.......keep your fingers crossed.

My printer crapped out yesterday, missing all kinds of great IPs. Can't afford a new one til next week after DH gets paid (what the hell? I NEED a printer :P)

DS (grad) is getting more hours at work--he's not liking the working life, so maybe he will get motivated to go to college over the next few months of bein' a workin' man ;)

New babies (cats) in the barn, fell while trying to pick one up Wed. AM. I can be such a dumbass sometimes.......:D

MIL called last night, they are leaving for Deadwood tomorrow after work......I wish she wouldn't tell me stuff like that........I wanna go now......

Got another 2" of rain over the last 2 days, I think I'm about ready to get the Ark stocked. At least no tornados in my area, just fricking :rain:

Had grilled marinated chicken tenders for supper, home-made mac salad with fresh veggies, warm apricot pie with vanilla DQ ice cream for supper. The pie is not DH's fav, but my mama made it for me for my birthday, delivered it warm from the oven :eat::licklips:
so I can eat most of it myself!!! My granny used to make it every year for my birthday instead of cake, so brought back a lot of memories (yes, reference to my advancing age)

That's it for now, someone else chime in and give me some ideas for supper tonight!!!:wave:

morning.

TGIF!

2am per Slayers nostalgia.
I MISS Slayers!

Why does it take the mods 2+ hours or longer to figure out if something needs to be struck or not? Indecisiveness allows all the newbies to read and take notes that shouldn't be on SD in the first place.

My supper recommendation is blt's.

Hope that new one is what you have been needing, it's sounds perfect.

Just came by to lurk but whenever I make any kind of Jam or Jelly I now stick strictly with Certo instead of sure-jell or Ball pectin because it sets soooo much better. Another trick is you can cook a cut up green apple in the pot (you can pull it out later even) and it will release extra pectin into the mix and help it be firm.
I've heard that before, but never done it -- good idea.

I bought a package of Ball no- or lower-sugar pectin last night, just because it's been so hard to find around here.
...
-she is having a really nice in-the-ear aid made for me, is bluetooth compatable, so they also ordered a streamer device for it, push a button, sends my phone automatically to my aid, push another button, sends my ipod directly to the aid, all kinds of bells and whistles plus, it comes with adapters so I can actually use a stethoscope with it when I go back to work!! Yeah!! :bounce: ...
Wow -- we'll have to call you Bionic Mama!

Not sure what I'll do for dinner tonight.
...
I MISS Slayers!

Why does it take the mods 2+ hours or longer to figure out if something needs to be struck or not? Indecisiveness allows all the newbies to read and take notes that shouldn't be on SD in the first place.
:iagree:

I did rep a mod for being proactive about something on the threads.

So far I've got one load of sheets, plus my down comforter, out on the line, and another load in the washer. It's about 82 here with a little bit of a breeze -- in other words, a PERFECT day!

Now to see if I can get some yard work done without getting bit up too much by bugs (even with the Off extra-strength, some of them get through).

Actually, it's more dangerous sitting by my computer after dark. Last night I was wearing long-sleeved cotton PJs because of the darned no-see-ums, but by the time I went to bed, I had 16 bites on my right hand! It looked like I was coming down with the measles! I hate those tiny critters -- they come right in through the screens. :ranting:

My MacbookPro died two days ago and I am computerless at home. :(

Wish me luck. I dropped it off at the Apple Store today and may know something by tomorrow. I cannot afford a new computer right now...

My supper recommendation is blt's.

Hope that new one is what you have been needing, it's sounds perfect.

Ahhhhhhhh, yes, BLTs sound perfect, especially with the left-overs of mac salad and maybe 2 pieces of pie :D


My MacbookPro died two days ago and I am computerless at home. :(

Wish me luck. I dropped it off at the Apple Store today and may know something by tomorrow. I cannot afford a new computer right now...

:(:hug: I feel your pain!!! I went to town for therapy, drove across town in the pouring rain to get a printer (DS is springing for it since he feels bad about being such an ass on my birthday) and I'll be darned if SWM wasn't OOS on the one I wanted!!! :mad: So now I want to go out of town--40-60 miles to buy one tomorrow if I am feeling up to it. Gawd, can you imagine if we had a huge disaster and didn't have internet or electricity for a month or two? No computer or printer is disaster enough!! I do see that Best Buy (60 miles away) has a free kodak digital camera with purchase of any kodak printer--so I may head that way........decisions-decisions.;)

Bionic Mama--I like that-----now if my butt could move like her's, that'd be even better!!

I will try to get a pic of "Shorty" my new little barn kitty later, he's just so darn cute and fuzzy/has the shortest tail I've even seen on a kitten, I just want to snuggle him whenever I see him. DH says "he's not moving in....." Bet he'll be singing a different tune by the end of summer :)

Gawd, can you imagine if we had a huge disaster and didn't have internet or electricity for a month or two? No computer or printer is disaster enough!!

Then we would have to rediscover our neighbors. <shudder>

I was all ready for an economic apocalypse back when Congress was dithering over whether to bail out the banks. "Let 'em fail" I muttered and my husband was, like, "You really don't want that to happen. It would end civilization as we know it." But I was ready to risk it, I was so stinkin' mad at Wall Street (still am).

I was drawing up lists of what we'd need to do if "the grid" didn't exist anymore. We live on a creek, so we would have water. And we have tons of wood for heating. But yeah, it was scary thinking like that. Most of us could not do it, seriously.

Then we would have to rediscover our neighbors. <shudder>

I was all ready for an economic apocalypse back when Congress was dithering over whether to bail out the banks. "Let 'em fail" I muttered and my husband was, like, "You really don't want that to happen. It would end civilization as we know it." But I was ready to risk it, I was so stinkin' mad at Wall Street (still am).

I was drawing up lists of what we'd need to do if "the grid" didn't exist anymore. We live on a creek, so we would have water. And we have tons of wood for heating. But yeah, it was scary thinking like that. Most of us could not do it, seriously.

:eek::eek::eek:AAcckk!!! Our neighbor is the wicked witch of the west!! NO THANKS!!

We've talked about that, too, back around 9/11, when all of the conspiracy theories were flowing like a river........
We live near a river, so we would be able to have water--icky, would need to be boiled to be drinkable, but plenty for that and other household uses, lots of wood for heat, DH and both DSs hunt, so we would have meat, I garden, so veggies would be abundant during the spring/summer and I can do the home canning........I have the supplies and knowledge, just not the time that last few years.......

.I have the supplies and knowledge, just not the time that last few years.......

I feel the same way about our neighbors. In 11 years of living here, we've made no close friends. That's pretty sad....

As for time, we would all have PLENTY of it without the need to go to work. And most of us, sadly, would no longer have to go to work. The U.S. doesn't manufacture much anymore -- for the rest of us, sitting around in an office doing a service economy job would be completely superfluous in such a situation.

Ahhhhhhhh, :)

I got your envie today. Thank you. :blowkiss:

It's a little late for dinner tonight, but I made sticky coconut chicken this week for the first time and it was a huge hit with my family.

I got the recipe from this blog (http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/07/sticky-coconut-chicken.html).

:wave2: I should be upstairs sorting summer clothes, but ... well, it's that darned SD addiction ... :coverlaf:

My neighbors are, in order from farthest (less than 1/4 mile) to nearest: 1. a friend and her husband, whose daughter used to date my nephew, 2. my sister's MIL, 3. a friend I've known since high school, 4. that friend's mother (who is the grandmother of my cousin's children), 5. that friend's brother (who is my cousin's ex-husband), 6. some nice folks with a yappy dog, 7. the idiot I've talked about before, 8. my hairdresser, 9. some people I don't know.

Then there are two houses on the way to my sister's house -- both with decent folks. (The woman in the second one is the niece of my junior high science teacher; he is married to my cousins' cousin.)

Up the hill in the other direction is the family doctor, now retired. His son is now our doctor.

Can you tell I live in a small town? :lmao:

Well, I got all the laundry out on the line and went out to do some gardening. Never got past the front yard -- ended up weeding on either side of the ramp, cutting back some nasty rosebushes, unwinding them from the arch over the end of the ramp. Heard lots of thunder and had one short shower, but not even enough to get more than damp. Kept on weeding, and next thing I knew, my nephew was getting home -- which meant it was after 6 p.m.! :bigeye:

So I had to clean up the weeds, put away my stuff and come in to make dinner, with no idea what to make. Spotted the pressure cooker on the stove and said Aha!

Leftover London broil, medium-rare, that I had frozen + onion + carrots + potatoes + frozen peas + beef base + water = beef stew!

I cut up the carrots and onion and sauteed them in the cooker while I cut up the meat and potatoes, then threw everything in, gave it a stir, locked the top on, let it get up to steaming and go for 10 minutes. When the pressure was down I took the lid off, ladled out the liquid and thickened it in a separate pot, then poured it back in.

Voila -- perfect beef stew, just as tender as if I'd done it all day in the crock pot!

Served with the last of the whole wheat Italian loaf from Wednesday. Dessert was Breyers Vanilla Bean ice cream over crushed orange cookies, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

The only problem with that dinner is it didn't take long enough for me to jump in the shower while it was cooking! I had to eat all stinky. :coverlaf:

Oh, and just when I got everything almost ready, the rain started -- for just long enough to soak the laundry on the line. :ranting:

My bedding is now in the dryer; Mom's is still on the line. (I need the mattress pad to make my bed tonight, but she has a spare.)

I got your envie today. Thank you. :blowkiss:

You are most welcome, my dear......now, please, can you change your avatar sometime soon? We all miss Slayers, but you make me feel so sad when I see "you." :hug:

It's a little late for dinner tonight, but I made sticky coconut chicken this week for the first time and it was a huge hit with my family.

I got the recipe from this blog (http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/07/sticky-coconut-chicken.html).

Sounds yummy!! BLTs were a hit!! The only thing that would have made them better would have been fresh picked, homegrown 'maters. :P


Mr. Shorty didn't want to pose for pics tonight, so I had to grab the little bugger and snap a face shot--I hope to get some better pics tomorrow when the sun is *supposed* to be shining.......his eyes are fine, I think he tried to close them when the flash went off... :( but he is extremely cute in person!!

564829

This is my "Big Fella" he's a wild Tom that I have tamed since last summer, he killed a bunch of my kittens last year and DH/DS (the big game hunters :confused:) tried numerous times to shoot him because I was pissed that he killed over 10 kittens........apparently shooting a running deer is easier than shooting a cat sitting in the yard..........:confused::confused: Now he comes running to me when it's time to eat, he gets a dish of half and half with his dry food, so he's Mr. Lovey at supper-time......he didn't appreciate the flash in the dark, either!!

564841

564843


This is my other big boy, on HIS day...........

564845

Leftover London broil, medium-rare, that I had frozen + onion + carrots + potatoes + frozen peas + beef base + water = beef stew!

One question........I have 2 teenagers, at times, 4---what are these "leftovers" you speak of? ;) Sounds fab!! I did have one BLT, a little mac salad and 2 :D pieces of pie for supper--I've lost about 25 lbs since my first go around with the ear surgery in November, so a lot of my clothes are not fitting, so I don't think the pie thing will send me to hell yet.......I've got about a day and a half of the pie left if I do 2 slices at a time ;)

Sduramom-neither the cats or your son look very happy about having their pictures taken ;)

Glad you are getting a better hearing aid-sounds like the new doctor has a pretty good solution!

Sduramom-neither the cats or your son look very happy about having their pictures taken ;)

Glad you are getting a better hearing aid-sounds like the new doctor has a pretty good solution!

Cats didn't like the flash..........DS just thinks he's too cool for stoopie pics...........:shake: I can't get him to understand that he's not too cool.........:P

:lightnin: and :rain: so I'm shutting down for the night! :wave:

....I had a call from my caseworker the other day, she set me up for a hearing aid eval with another audiologist in a different city.......one that I never go to.........kind of pissed me off but I had to go or risk having all benefits shut off.........
This chick knew what was going on.............
My printer crapped out yesterday, missing all kinds of great IPs. Can't afford a new one til next week after DH gets paid (what the hell? I NEED a printer)
...


first :applause: on the new hearing aid coming your way and a doctor who finally sees the madness you've been enduring. i am so glad! good things are coming your way! :woot:
:hug:

printer - along the lines of good things coming your way, someone was watching out for you when you didn't find that printer at Walmart. Have had 3 SD friends buy printers from Walmart and have them break. The manufacturers make special models for Walmart to accomodate their insane negotiation methods (they squeeze suppliers and manufacturers for every last dime so they can maximize their profits while advertising a low price) and thus those models are very cheaply made. They simply don't hold up and things inside crack/snap off/start leaking. ditto laptops at WM. don't do it. you'll be throwing money down the drain.

set up a hot deals deal alert for printer and one for staples and select the daily PM or email digest, so you'll get one message listing all the new threads started that day for those keywords.

staples has great printer deals regularly. and when you find a sale printer, with coupons and discounts you can get it for free or close to free. plus they have a $50 recycling credit, so when you turn in your old printer at the time of buying a new one, you get a $50 rebate voucher that you fill in online and get your money back. if you don't have a staples near you, you can buy online with them and still do just as well. December I got a multifunction printer (print copy, scan fax) from em, and it was actually an $25 MM deal with recyling. :D
Bestbuy has the highest prices of any store. save the bucks for something else, darling!

What IPs are you missing and need printed? Tell me. I'll print and send your way till you find yourself a good printer.


morning.

TGIF!


I MISS Slayers!

Why does it take the mods 2+ hours or longer to figure out if something needs to be struck or not? Indecisiveness allows all the newbies to read and take notes that shouldn't be on SD in the first place.

:hug:

at least it got taken down... :eek:
apparently the bar for fraud is now very high. unfortunate but true. the truth is that lawyers may cite reasons why SD can't be held liable etc, but what holds as a legal standard for fraud or liability, and what holds as a standard in everyday life are two very different things. as a site we seemed to have blurred that distinction, unfortunately.

....
Actually, it's more dangerous sitting by my computer after dark. Last night I was wearing long-sleeved cotton PJs because of the darned no-see-ums, but by the time I went to bed, I had 16 bites on my right hand! It looked like I was coming down with the measles! I hate those tiny critters -- they come right in through the screens.

:eek:
I hate those miserable creatures, too!
I am allergic to blackfies. Seriously allergic. And I hate that they can bite you through your clothes cos they are so tiny they can reach between the fibers.. Ridiculous.
Why do you think God created 'em such hideous things? The only reasons I can think of: too teach us not to be suckers; to teach us not to bloodsuckers (as in take a lot, leave the person poorer for it and give nothing back).


My MacbookPro died two days ago and I am computerless at home.

Wish me luck. I dropped it off at the Apple Store today and may know something by tomorrow. I cannot afford a new computer right now...

:eek:
what happened? hard drive crash? was the hard drive making a ticking/knocking sound from time to time? it's a known problem with MBP's. mine does that, and I am so afraid.


I feel the same way about our neighbors. In 11 years of living here, we've made no close friends. That's pretty sad....

As for time, we would all have PLENTY of it without the need to go to work. And most of us, sadly, would no longer have to go to work. The U.S. doesn't manufacture much anymore -- for the rest of us, sitting around in an office doing a service economy job would be completely superfluous in such a situation.

I was wondering where this conversation was going but now I know: you guys are just looking for an excuse to get out of working. :lmao:

Cats didn't like the flash..........DS just thinks he's too cool for stoopie pics........ I can't get him to understand that he's not too cool........

:rofl2:

Cats didn't like the flash..........DS just thinks he's too cool for stoopie pics...........:shake: I can't get him to understand that he's not too cool.........:P


Congrats to your son. My DS thought he was too cool for pics the year he graduated to. I have the girls senior pics on the wall in my office. DS has an empty frame to remind him everytime he comes home how mad I am at him that he didn't get his pic made. Once I put a ridiculous pic of him in his ROTC uniform in the frame. (skinny little kid in ill fitting uniform) He hated it and I felt bad and left the frame blank.

I tried something new for dinner tonight. Work a lot in the garden this time of year and always looking for quick and easy recipes. These lasagna cupcakes were very good and lucky for me, I didn't have to eat them all stinky. Had time to shower while they were baking.

http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/03/31/lasagna-cupcakes/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2011_05

<snip> Gawd, can you imagine if we had a huge disaster and didn't have internet or electricity for a month or two? No computer or printer is disaster enough!!<snip>

I've done the month without electricity deal before and have done the week without electricity a few times.
It's very odd, is all I can say. Like you just went 100 years backwards all in an instant.

I have a generator (would love an actual back-up hooked to the house, but it's a little expensive) and I have a small a/c window unit. I have the water heater so it can be un-plugged and plugged into the generator if need be. Cold showers suck. The generator can power the small a/c unit so it keeps one room in the house cool anyway and it'll keep the fridge and freezer going.

I have ten 5 gallon gasoline jugs I fill just before hurricane season. That's basically a week's worth of gas for the generator.

Congrats to your son.
http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/03/31/lasagna-cupcakes/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2011_05

Thanks for the congrats!!

Oh my, those cupcakes look wonderful!! I'd eat one now if I had one!! Thanks for the recipe!!:hug:

I've done the month without electricity deal before and have done the week without electricity a few times.
It's very odd, is all I can say. Like you just went 100 years backwards all in an instant.

I have a generator (would love an actual back-up hooked to the house, but it's a little expensive) and I have a small a/c window unit. I have the water heater so it can be un-plugged and plugged into the generator if need be. Cold showers suck. The generator can power the small a/c unit so it keeps one room in the house cool anyway and it'll keep the fridge and freezer going.

I have ten 5 gallon gasoline jugs I fill just before hurricane season. That's basically a week's worth of gas for the generator.

did 3.5 months without electricity. long story. and before that have done stretches of several days at a time without electricity.
but anyways, I'd concur - very strange. you do get used to it after a while, but it's not fun. hot or cold windows and bed linens are your only friends. no fridge so food options are seriously limited. no cooking range unless you have a gas range. but in any case even if you did, you wouldn't be able to stow away the leftovers, so cooking is very limited. no answering machine or tv. walk around in the dark with a flashlight or risk spilling candle wax all over rugs and such.
cold showers seriously seriously suck no matter how warm it is - i totally agree.

forget 100 years, it's like being a cave man. :lmao:

sduramom... check out this thread (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?p=39937361&posted=1#post39937361) for a printer deal.

it would be under 100 bucks, more like 75 at staples for a printer that prints 11x17 and also has copy, scan and fax functions.

if you can get staples.com to price match the amazon price, then afterwards go online and complete the rebate, your printer will be about 20 bucks. :D

Florida bound!!!!!! :whee: :whee:


I'll check in when I can. :blowkiss:

Florida bound!!!!!! :whee: :whee:
I'll check in when I can. :blowkiss:

Bye!! have fun!! :hug:


Ok, I have officially had it................:(:(:(:mad::mad:

The new, smaller tip from my hearing aid became lodged in my ear canal this AM, popped right off the end of the receiver......DH *attempted* to remove it, pushed it in further. Just got back from the ER, had to have it removed with specialty instruments, ear drum got scratched (thank God, not perforated) during the procedure.......
I got home, took a pain pill and a Valium and I am hitting the couch for a nappy--very dizzy and nauseated and my so-called good ear hurts like the devil now.........I am wondering what the hell I did to bring this sh!t storm of bad luck rain down on me for the last 8 months..........if it's Karma, I'm perplexed, I live by the rules, play fair, treat others as I would like to be treated........
WHAT IS GOING ON???


Anyway, that's my crappy day for now---DH couldn't even drive me to the ER, he had plans to go fishing with a buddy, and that couldn't wait an hour :confused:

Maybe I will be in a better frame of mind when I get up from my nappy, couldn't be any worse. Thanks for letting me brighten your days.........they have to be going better than mine.

what happened? hard drive crash? was the hard drive making a ticking/knocking sound from time to time? it's a known problem with MBP's. mine does that, and I am so afraid.

:dance13: :dance13:
:dance13:
:dance13:

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!!!!!! OMG, FREAKIN' MIRACLES DO HAPPENN!!!!!!!!!
:dance13:
:dance13:

Apple dude called me this morning, all laid back, said "yeah, uh, we took a look at your Macbook Pro, hooked it up to our diagnostics, and uh, yeah, uh, it needs a new logic board...." pause.... and I'm on tenterhooks because I know we're talking over $500...."How much will that be?"
'Uh, yeah, there's gonna be no charge for that."

I shrieked. I was completely stunned.
Turns out there is a known problem with the logic board on my model, and I guess it's like a recall ... except, unlike a car, they don't notify you, they just fix it when it breaks.

FREE MACBOOK REPAIR!!! MIRACLES!!!!! DO!!!! HAPPEN :woot:


So, the symptom was nonexistent. My hard drive wasn't making any noises (though it's uncomfortably full). I just closed it to sleep and the next time I opened it, there was no video display. I could hear the machine boot up, I could turn the shift lock on and off, increase the volume, etc., but no video. I tried hooking it to another monitor and it ll stididn't work. That's what I figured big bucks.

Maybe I will be in a better frame of mind when I get up from my nappy, couldn't be any worse. Thanks for letting me brighten your days.........they have to be going better than mine.

replying to myself----Nappy didn't help my disposition, still :( and :mad: and :confused:


Maybe I should go coupon shopping at WalMart..............:eek:



Kren--glad things are working out for SOMEONE today :hug:

replying to myself----Nappy didn't help my disposition, still :( and :mad: and :confused:


Maybe I should go coupon shopping at WalMart..............:eek:



Kren--glad things are working out for SOMEONE today :hug:

:hug: sorry for all your problems and sorry your DH was being an Asshat for thinking that fishing was more important! :mad:

uh I don't think coupon shopping at Walmart will put you in a better mood, but then again it could give you an opportunity to rip someone's head off! :nod:

uh I don't think coupon shopping at Walmart will put you in a better mood, but then again it could give you an opportunity to rip someone's head off! :nod:

Exactly my thought---you read my mind..........;)
But I restrained myself and didn't go.....
The asshat just called, he's on his way home........."what'd you cook for supper?" My initial response was to tell him to fricken starve......but I just said "nothing, if you want something, pick it up on the way home." Like I'd actually cook for him at 10pm???????:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

:wave2: Off to bed, will chat tomorrow, but wanted to share this: Get virtual coupons linked to your store cards. (http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=272106&t=2947641)

Florida bound!!!!!! :whee: :whee:
I'll check in when I can. :blowkiss:

bye! hope you have a fabulous trip!

....
Ok, I have officially had it................:(:(:(:mad::mad:



hon, i am so, so, so sorry. and sorrier still that you got no support/help when you needed it. that's just wrong. sending major hugs and prayers your way. how are you feeling today? how's the ear?

....
FREE MACBOOK REPAIR!!! MIRACLES!!!!! DO!!!! HAPPEN.

you go girl! that is GREAT news!
so when do you get your mbp back?

Like I'd actually ....

edited for :ninja: purposes.
good for you for being both restrained and strong.

you know sometimes some folks cope by not dealing and by trying to reach for business as usual. it's painful to be on the receiving end of that, but it might not be mailiciously/selfishly intended. it might just be a coping mechanism for all kinds of horror raining down relentlessly.

sending you more hugs and prayers.

you go girl! that is GREAT news!
so when do you get your mbp back?



in "a couple of days" - in the meantime my e-mail inbox is approaching 1,000 unread, since i can only get on DH's computer about once a day for a couple of minutes. damn junk mail that i signed up for ...

And I promised I would take pix of our veggie concentration camp when it was done and we should be close to done by the end of today, if my body doesn't give out (which it may). Extreme gardening is getting tougher and tougher as I get older! I also will take pix to share, but I can't upload them to the MBP until it's back with me. So far we've planted about a dozen tomato and a half-dozen pepper. And yes, that took us most of yesterday. The pickax was involved, even in our raised beds, because boulders had migrated over the winter, as they do every year, and the deer fence needed to be put up again and and posts that hold the fence up needed to be put back up with their rock cairns holding them. Sigh. What I wouldn't give to use a trowel to dig a hole.

:dance13: :dance13:
:dance13:
:dance13:

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!!!!!!


Good for you Kren. Shame they don't notify though. It's not even on their website?

Good for you Kren. Shame they don't notify though. It's not even on their website?

it's the same thing with the clicking hard drive thing.
it's the same thing with the snow leopard issues.
it's the same thing with the safari flash issues.
apple never tells you they have a problem. it would hurt their image. it's all hush-hush.

Good for you Kren. Shame they don't notify though. It's not even on their website?
it's the same thing with the clicking hard drive thing.
it's the same thing with the snow leopard issues.
it's the same thing with the safari flash issues.
apple never tells you they have a problem. it would hurt their image. it's all hush-hush.

Yeah, but I don't really think it's Apple-specific. I've had many 'puters over the years and don't recall anyone contacting me about a recall. If you keep up on this kind of thing (and I really don't) you will hear of issues.... I know there is mention of all kinds of issues in the support forums on the Apple site, but frankly, you could spend weeks reading them and trying to figure out if they're applicable to you. Months ago I read about a video issue that seemed like it could apply to me based on a weird thing that sometimes happened and caused no ill-effects - who knows, maybe that's what happened this time - but it wasn't exactly the same, and since nothing bad ever happened, I decided it wasn't worth the angst of pursuing. It would kind of be like trying to get car warranty work where they say "sorry, we couldn't document the problem" and refuse to fix your car -- that has happened to me before...

it's the same thing with the clicking hard drive thing.
it's the same thing with the snow leopard issues.
it's the same thing with the safari flash issues.
apple never tells you they have a problem. it would hurt their image. it's all hush-hush.

I didn't know that. I don't have a Mac but my sister does. I'll have to let her know how they operate. Thanks.

I didn't know that. I don't have a Mac but my sister does. I'll have to let her know how they operate. Thanks.

i have both mac and pcs. i think they both have their advantages.
i love macs for how efficient they are, how simply you can get things done and of course for all you can do in terms of photo/video editing, graphic design, music production etc.
they're creative machines.
but they're not perfect, i've learned. and they're secretive when troubles happen. i just hold macs to a different standard i guess cos apple holds themselves to a different standard.

if a Dell laptop has an issue and Dell doesn't mention it, well i expect no different. It's Dell.

but if a mac has an issue, that's like a mercedes having an issue. you expect them to reach out to consumers and say, be on the lookout for these symptoms. if they did, it would just make everyone's life so much easier.


kren, i do look through those tech sites. can't say i follow them constantly (who has the time?) but when i start seeing a pattern on my machine, i go look it up. that's how i found the hard drive click business. only i discovered it after the warranty was over. :angry:

now the clicking still happens and several people have had their hard drives crash because of it. i am worried. i hope that doesn't happen to me.

kren, i do look through those tech sites. can't say i follow them constantly (who has the time?) but when i start seeing a pattern on my machine, i go look it up. that's how i found the hard drive click business. only i discovered it after the warranty was over. :angry:

now the clicking still happens and several people have had their hard drives crash because of it. i am worried. i hope that doesn't happen to me.

greenie, why not get another HD? they're so flippin' cheap, and install isn't as daunting as it seems (though I've never done it) -- buy an enclosure (ten bucks or so) when you get the drive, dump everything from the old drive onto the new drive, then just swap 'em out. Newegg has excellent prices.

this was on my list before last week; now I'll be doing it next month as soon as I cobble together a spare hundred bucks or so...

greenie, why not get another HD? they're so flippin' cheap, and install isn't as daunting as it seems (though I've never done it) -- buy an enclosure (ten bucks or so) when you get the drive, dump everything from the old drive onto the new drive, then just swap 'em out. Newegg has excellent prices.

this was on my list before last week; now I'll be doing it next month as soon as I cobble together a spare hundred bucks or so...

don't do that.
it will automatically cancel your warranty.
the moment you open up the machine it negates the warranty.
the moment a non-apple part goes in there, it negates the warranty.

too big a risk to take with a machine that is just a few years old or less.

my machine is about 1.5 years old. too big a risk.

it's a good thing you didn't do the hard drive changing before this video issue happened. cos if you had, it likely wouldn't have been a free repair.

don't do that.
it will automatically cancel your warranty.
the moment you open up the machine it negates the warranty.
the moment a non-apple part goes in there, it negates the warranty.

too big a risk to take with a machine that is just a few years old or less.

my machine is about 1.5 years old. too big a risk.

it's a good thing you didn't do the hard drive changing before this video issue happened. cos if you had, it likely wouldn't have been a free repair.

no warranty on mine; it's from 2007.
anyway, apple seems to be ok with it:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3419

:wave2: Looks like everybody's out celebrating.

Happy Memorial Day, especially to those serving in the armed forces, and their families. :hug:

("Happy" doesn't seem like the right word for such a holiday, but you know what I mean.)

happy memorial day everybody (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ArRTsaYY44)