Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Yesterday's Update Today...

Sometimes you just lose track of time, ya know? Yesterday I got caught up in other things besides working on the blog, my PC, my book, that sort of thing. I spent the first part of the morning finishing up the new PC I bought for my Mom. Actually the PC wasn't new, but used. However, it's a Dell and I finally got Mom trained enough to where she is comfortable using FireFox and Avant instead of IE...and because of the speed being so much better than her old one, she will enjoy it more.

Let me take a quick moment to sing the praises of 10DollarsWonder. I continue to cycle as do my followers. I bought some more positions this morning. I really like this program and will like it even better when the admin gets the transfer from e2epay done. But it's coming, I'm sure!

If you are still looking for a legitimate opportunity for long term payback, let me suggest the folks at GDI. I had overlooked this program for nearly a year because their ads can be a little cheesy...well, ok. A lot cheesy! However, they have been around for a long time and offer products that never gets old on the net. I'm really surprised more people don't openly push this program! From the first day I joined, I started getting new prospects . I actually was amazed at how fast folks were taking a look at the presentation and signing up. You owe it to yourself to investigate it, I believe.

Well, I will expand on this list later today, but right now I'm going for some coffee and some sleep...in that order! Later!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Common Sense Can Be Your Friend...

If there's one thing that I've learned while searching for genuine, honest work-at-home programs it's that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! When doing your own search for opportunities that work and are reliable, just use your "Secret Weapon"...common sense!

Look, I can only give you my opinions. I'm not rich and I have been burned by many programs just like you. I am only trying to warn you about moving on a program or opportunity without doing your homework. If you are fairly new to working on the Internet, may I suggest that you get one of the most important tools that you will ever use in finding good opportunities...a mentor.

By that I don't mean that you have to pay someone to be your mentor...just find someone with more experience and more savvy about various programs, hosting companies, points of origin, scripts and most importantly, the admins running the programs. Read the blogs and newsletters, visit different forums, ask questions if you have them. Don't rush, just take your time. One of the favorite marketing ploys ever used is the old "Only good if you join in the 24 hours" or "Today is the last time you'll ever see this offer!", that sort of thing.

I've said this before, but it is still as true now as it has always been. In the end, the final responsibility and choice fall on your head! Be as smart as you possibly be. Use the tools that can best serve you...a mentor, good research and most importantly, your own Common Sense!

But hey...that's just my opinion for what it's worth. Now, let's go get some coffee, OK? OK.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday Update...Back In The Swing !

A friend of mine from New Zealand sent me this...and I wanted to share it with you. That's just the kinda guy I am, ya know? I know, I know...you can thank me later!


SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right. (Bet you tried this out mentally, didn't you?)

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".(Are you doubting this?)

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. (God help me.)

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet. (Now, you KNOW you're going to try this out for accuracy, right?)

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).(Yep, I knew you were going to "do" this one.)

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.(You're not doubting this, are you?)

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."(Yes, admit it, you are going to say . a e i o u)

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. (All you typists are going to test this out)

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. (Some days that's about what my memory span is)

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years.(I know some people that could do this too.)

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (Like some people I know.)

Babies are born without kneecaps They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction. (How they do THAT is another question.)

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite! (Explains that gas.)

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns. (Like some cars I have owned.)

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.(Good thing he did that)

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

Now you know everything - be kind to those who do not!

See? I'm just a vast warehouse of useless information! But I'm always willing to share with with my friends. So with that thought in mind, let's go get some fresh coffee...OK?

Sunday Silence...

Taking a little break today for a bit...but I'll come back later with some updates. I just feel the need this morning to take a little down time. I let myself get thrown out of balance yesterday by entertaining a lot of negative thoughts brought on my my lack of control. I thought that I had reached a point that I could control them better, but I was wrong. Because of that, I am paying the price today with some physical discomfort that I thought was gone.

Anyway, I'm off to do some reflecting and to channel some good vibes back into my self...meditation if you will. But before I run off, I have the need to leave this song here for your listening pleasure. I want you to listen to the words and read the lyrics. Strong stuff....and a nice tune as well!

See ya in a bit...with a fresh pot of coffee!


Saturday, April 26, 2008

Bless The Smokers And Drinkers...!

The next time you want to say something bad about the average Smoker or Drinker, you might want to consider this. The average smoker and sipper (including myself) contributes a LOT to the purses of the State and Federal governments in the form of taxes. How much, you say? I'm glad you asked that ! The answer just might surprise you!

The federal and state governments collected more than $21 billion in cigarette taxes in 2006, up from $13 in 1999. That's $21 billion dollars, folks! Now that is a lot of money! If everyone in the United States were to quit smoking today, the shortfall in the next state and federal budgets would certainly be felt!

The people that keep up with these things tell us that smokers are declining at the rate of 4% a year. I take it that they mean 4% have quit and not passed on. So to make sure that there is no loss of tax revenue, prices keep going up...and I mean in a BIG way! Just look at this and you'll see what I mean. These numbers are just for the state of Texas...

TOTAL CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAXES

2006 - $545,904,191.12
2007 - $1,334,038,616.93
Tax increase- 144.4%

Now like I said, this is only for the state of Texas. All of the budgets are figured out with this tax revenue included, so if all the smokers decide to quit, where do you suppose the replacement revenue is going to come from?

But what about alcohol ? Well, believe it or not whether you drink a little or a lot you still can still be proud that you are kicking in a rather large chunk of change to the coffers of the state. They appreciate it, I'm sure!

According to a report issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in December, 2007 on the Per Capita Consumption and the tax revenue created breaks down like this....

Distilled Spirits

Total Tax Collections $5,469,081.00
Total Gallons 2,278,784
Per Capita Consumption 0.0974
Tax Rate Per Gallon $2.40
————————————————————
Wine

Total Tax Collections $1,014,139.00
Total Gallons(Estimated) 3,812,653
Per Capita Consumption(Estimated) 0.1630
Tax Rate Per Gallon(Estimated) $0.265993
Low Wine $0.204
High Wine $0.408
Sparkling Wine $0.516
————————————————————
Beer

Total Tax Collections $9,030,426.00
Total Gallons 46,657,294
Per Capita Consumption 1.9951
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.193548
————————————————————
Ale

Total Tax Collections $612,373.00
Total Gallons 3,092,793
Per Capita Consumption 0.1322
Tax Rate Per Gallon $0.198
————————————————————

By the way, the state's estimate of of the population: 23,386,278. This is the figure for the year 2007! So the next time you think only bad thoughts about the people that smoke or drink, just try and remember these figures. You again might ask yourself "If they all quit today, where is the tax revenue going to come from?"

It would be just my luck for them to start taxing coffee like this, ya know? C'mon, we better get a cup before they raise the price!!!




Now Something On The Lighter Side...

I thought you might enjoy this little bit of silliness this morning...don't want you to think I'm all serious and stuff, ya know?

ALZHEIMERS' EYE TEST

Count every " F " in the following text:

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...

(SEE BELOW)



HOW MANY ?

WRONG, THERE ARE 6 -- no joke. READ IT AGAIN ! Really, go Back and Try to find the 6 F's before you scroll down.

The reasoning behind this is below.

The brain cannot process "OF".

Incredible or what? Go back and look again!!



Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.



More Brain Stuff . . . From Cambridge University .


Olny srmat poelpe can raed tihs. I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!



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Now that we have all had our morning laugh for today...whadda you say we get some fresh coffee and then sit back and watch the rain? OK?


Friday, April 25, 2008

A Rant Worth Repeating...!

Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from it's death throes? He has a new book, and here are some excerpts from his book.

'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course'

Stay the course? You've got to be kidding! This is America, not the damned 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'

You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.

The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq, the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the 'America' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?

I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis!

Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone Else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.

On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess. So here's where we stand. We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving. We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country. We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia, while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs. Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble. Our borders are like sieves.The middle class is being squeezed every which way. These are times that cry out for leadership.

But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction,omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.

Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo? We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.

Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane, or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.

Every one's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.

Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?

Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debit, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.

I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on Fox News will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?

Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope! I believe in America. In my lifetime I've had the privilege of living through some of America's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: the 'Great Depression', 'World War II', the 'Korean War', the 'Kennedy Assassination', the 'Vietnam War', the 1970s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11. If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action.’Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a call to 'Action' for people who, like me, believe in America. It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had 'enough.'


Thursday, April 24, 2008

The Passing Of A Family Friend...

Last night my Mother's gentleman friend,Fred, quietly passed away. His family was there , as was my Mother. The details of his death are not important, but the manner in which he lived are. I think that Mom said it best when she said " He died like he lived, with dignity!"

Fred and Mom spent Friday mornings calling bingo for the residents at one of the nursing homes. They usually spent Friday evenings at my Mother's house playing cards. Fred loved his cards! He was also an avid sports fan, especially baseball. It was not uncommon for the television to be on and tuned to a sports activity with the sound off while the card game was going on.

Fred was 95 years young and really valued his independence. My Mom isn't that old, but independence is important to her as well. They both stayed active mentally and, for the most part, enjoyed life in general. Mom even still quilts, and presently has taken up doing crafts again. They were good companions and complimented one another well.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that Fred had a lot of friends, was a true gentleman, and left a gentle footprint on the Earth. He will be missed by all of us.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Thoughts On True Love...

Love is a funny thing. It seems to be one of those things that we spend the better part of our lives searching for and then, if and when we find it, we either abuse it, lose it, starve it, or break it. Sometimes we choose to ignore it altogether because we find that in order for it to grow properly, we have to give as well as take.

Some of us never find it at all. We jump at every imitation that comes along, and then are not happy when the results are less than expected.

I am one of those people that love the very idea of true love! I have been told that I was too much of a romantic. The lady that said this meant it as an insult, but I took it as a compliment! To me it is akin to believing in Angels. It is something I simply take on faith.

I always wanted to be in love. I even thought I was a time or two. Maybe I was wrong, but who knows ? Maybe I will be again some day. I certainly hope so!

If I had to give someone advice on love, God forbid, it would be very simple. Never stop seeking it! If you think you have finally found true love, approach it as you would a wild beast! Move slowly and gently hold out your hand, speak softly and above all, show no fear! If you are one of the lucky ones, it won't rip your heart out!

To all my fellow seekers...Good Hunting!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Let's Talk About Our Mothers...!

I have to tell you a story about my Mother. True story...and she already knows I'm putting it in here. That means that I won't get into trouble for telling it! It's always better to cover your a**, no matter how old you are, ya know?

My Mother recently started breaking out with little red bumps all over her back and arms. At first, she thought it must have been flea bites from her cat. But the cat had no fleas and there weren't any signs of fleas in the carpet, her bed or in the yard. Remembering that she had just started taking a new prescription, Mom wondered if it could be an allergic reaction to the medicine. The itching finally got so bad, she went to the doctor's office and they gave her some cream to put on it.

Now just to be sure, Mom decided to take her cat to the vet and have her looked at for any infestation. After the cat's check-up, Mom asked if Amy The Cat needed any treatment for fleas. The vet said "No, but we are giving her something to make sure that she doesn't get the rash that you have!" Now I kid my Mother about going to the vet to get treated for her rash, even though it wasn't the way that she thought! Pretty funny to me...

By the way, Mothers' Day is coming up on the 11th of May, so don't forget! The very first celebration of Mothers' Day was actually started by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 with her Mother's Day Proclamation. She was the author of "The Battle Hynm Of The Republic", by the way! However, the holiday did not become a National holiday until it was signed into law in 1914. It is presently celebrated in some form in 46 countries around the world.

Whatever the holiday was started as, be sure to take the opportunity to thank your Mothers' and to make Mothers' Day a special treat for her.

Now let's go get some fresh coffee, OK?

Monday, April 21, 2008

My Country Kin Were Modern

In this day and age of "new technology" and all the terms like Going Green, Recycling, Alternative Energy and the like...I think that now is the perfect time for me to remind everyone that most of our ancestors were doing all of these things long before it was the "proper" thing to do! Let me give you a few examples of what I mean, OK?

Solar Power? I remember my Mother, her Mother, and most of my country cousins using solar power to do things like dry the clothes (can you say clothesline?), heat water for the baths(a tub in the yard), and starting plants in the Winter for the garden (How about setting seedlings on the window sill?).

Growing Organically? As far back as I can remember, none of my country kin ever used chemicals or plant food on the garden or flower beds! Fertilizer came from the milk cows and the chickens. Used hay from the horse stalls and the hen house were used instead of man-made mulch. Eggs were used straight from the nest, vegetables were served straight from the garden, meat was home grown and butchered on the farm, without steroids.

Wind Power? Windmills have been pumping water without the use of electricity on farms for nearly a century. Open windows were cooling farm houses long before the availability of air conditioning, cold days and nights were taken care of by long johns, fire places, and home made quilts!

Bread came from the oven, not the store, as well as milk and butter. There was even a hand cranked phonograph at my Uncle Bill's old house. Rain water was harvested, food scraps were fed to the hogs, feed sacks were saved and turned into hand towels, clothing, and other usable items. Crops were rotated because of common sense, not some instructions in a book.

Little or nothing was wasted or thrown away,everything that could be saved or salvaged was...and was reused again for something new. A different mind-set, a different time. Family looked after family, neighbor helped neighbor. The land was cared for, not raped for the resources. In turn, the Land gave back to us, helping us to get by, feed ourselves, raise our animals. It was a good exchange, a good relationship, a partnership if you will.

That's the way things were and the way they should be again. With a little common sense, they will be, they will be!

Let's get some fresh coffee, OK?

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Feels Like A Sunday, Looks Like Spring !

Sort of sounds like a song title, doesn't it? Well, in a way it is. The song of life! Every day should have that certain feel to it that Sunday seems to carry. Peaceful, serene, calming to the inner self. And every day should, in some fashion, look like Spring! Mother Nature does her best to always give us a little glimpse of beauty in each and every day. It is up to us to find it, notice it and appreciate it!

Certain people can help us to notice the really nice things that are abundant around us. Just thinking about these people can trigger a flood of memories filled with almost-forgotten songs, one time favorite places, simple joys we found in things like holding hands and first kisses. Remember taking long walks with someone and never even saying a word? Remember those quiet talks in low voices? Remember the butterflies in the tummy feeling when certain people would just come into the room? That's what I mean by Sunday feelings!

Sometimes we can get those Sunday feelings from our friends on the net...special friends that we may have never even met! Friends that have a special way of just making everything better by merely showing up. They can brighten our day, lighten our load and help us find that Sunday feeling when we need it the most!

I am blessed to have a few of these special friends. Although we are scattered all around the world, just hearing from them from time to time helps make things better. Some of these special people I have known for a fair amount of time...my musical friend in New Zealand, my hard working friend in the Dakotas, my friend from Tennessee who always has nice things to say, my critter-loving friend in Colorado who will share a laugh at the drop of a hat, and then there is my longtime net friend from the Yukon. When she drops by to visit, she brightens the day like a gold nugget in the mud.

Yes, these special friends are all ladies....no, I have never met any of them in person. How well do I know them? I know all I need to know...they all make me feel better. They can make me smile. They lighten my load and sometimes they share my burden! In short, they all give me that Sunday feeling! God Bless Them All!

Come on, let's go get some fresh coffee...and think some Spring thoughts!


Drawing by Jeff Bucchino



Saturday, April 19, 2008

Saturday Morning Update...!



I know...how can I have an update when I haven't made a post yet? Just cause! Seemed like what I should name it, OK? Anyway, I know that I have been sloppy about getting a business update out, so thought I should do so this morning.

First of all, 10DollarsWonder ! This program just keeps on going and going. I have enough faith in 10dw that I am getting more positions today! Plus, I am constantly getting notified that my referrals are adding more to their accounts as well. Thanks guys...you know who you are! We are still waiting for the final move of accounts from E2Epay to 10DollarsWonder...but it will come! It will come...!

This next gem is a program I don't talk about much. Sort of got so used to them just doing what they do that I forget I should give everybody a chance to look it over. Clixsense is the name and they have paid me every month regular as clock work. The check is not much, but then I don't promote the program like I should! Still, something is better than nothing, right?

Now I could lie to you and tell you that I am a great recruiter and work hard at marketing...but I won't. Marketing and advertising is a time consuming affair, even free ads...and I don't use even a good portion of the excellent venues available to place ads. I might suggest to you that if you want a really GOOD list of marketing opportunities, check out the comprehensive list that JS has put together on his site at 9planetreviews. Very good information...

Blondie has a good supply of places as well, and you should check out her blog right here. Blondie has been doing this for a number of years, and as I've said before...if you follow the lead of JS and Blondie , then more than likely you'll come out a winner!

I would like to extend my personal invite to a couple of programs that I am presently working...and that I have been pleased with so far. TrafficEra and DrivenRapidWealth are both proving to be good venues for plugging your opportunity, whatever it is. TrafficEra is also a lot of fun to surf because of the Team Talk feature. Surfing is so much more enjoyable when you can chat with your buddies while taking care of business, ya know? And DRW is a good place to make some extra money at the same time...

While you are out there looking around, be sure to go by Quassia. This rather unique site is another excellent place to promote those opportunities and hone some of your writing skills as well (if you are like me and need the practise)!

I have a much larger group of programs that I'm working, but at this time I don't really want to pass them on, as some of them are not as productive as they should be. More on that at a later date...

Well, that's all for now. Coffee time for me...after all, it's Saturday and that means all the good cartoons come on early and then tonight...Monster Movies!!

Oh sorry, that was a flashback to when I was younger! At least I'm still young at heart, right?
Want to join me in a fresh cup?

Cartoons by Jeff Bucchino

Friday, April 18, 2008

The Hermit Is Back On The Air...!



Sorry That I was out of sorts yesterday...but I'll try and get back to my Normal (?) ways now. I have NO idea what yesterday was about, but I have a feeling that I was merely getting what I was asking for. I have to remember to stay more positive....cause likes attract! Think negative...get negative back! Think positive...get positive back! Certainly this is an over simplified way of stating it, but I don't want to get too serious this morning. Instead, I'm gonna give you another little sample from the Hermit's Book of Farm Critters...about a very familiar country critter!

The Chicken

You ever watch a chicken?
It's really hard to do!
All the time you're watching them
They're also watching you.

You ever feed a chicken?
Boy, it's really fun!
Doesn't matter what it is
Just throw it down and run!

You looked close at a chicken?
You know, they have no ear
But start to talk of eating one
And watch them disappear!

You ever counted chickens?
I tried with no success.
They move too much, they won't be still
I finally had to guess!

You ever talk to chickens?
Man, don't even bother!
They will never answer back
Not even if you holler!

You ever cross a chicken?
You make one mad, you'll see
They'll gang up and fertilize
Right where you need to be!

You ever train a chicken?
I think that they're inept!
The only thing that mine have learned
Is where their Feed is kept.

You smarter than a chicken?
You're not, I'll bet a dime!
I'll bet that you can't lay an egg.
A hen can, all the time!

You gotta love the chicken
And all the things they do
Roosters crow and call the Sun!
I can't, friend, can you?

You want to buy a chicken?
I'll give you some for free!
I got a feeling here of late
They're staring more at me!

You want to watch a chicken?
It isn't hard to do
As long as you don't mind too much
That they are watching you!

Jim King ,1995


Thursday, April 17, 2008

Spring Fever Got Me Good...!

At least I hope that's all it is. I'm feeling a little out of sorts today, so I'll start off slow. Maybe I'll come back later to dazzle you with some brilliant insight...or share with you the World's Greatest Money Maker...or keep you entertained with some first class humor! But for now, I think I'll merely tell you about an idea I've had.

I think we should start a cookbook from recipes sent to me from all of our friends and readers! If we can get enough recipes, I'll host a site and publish them for all the World to see (and for us to sample, of course). Might be a fun project and give us a little something new to occupy our time when we should be working.

So think about it...and drop me a note or comment. Better yet, just email me a sample of the finished product and I will try it, OK?

Gone for now...but I'll be back later more than likely.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Want To Make Money...? So Do I !

There is an old saying that goes something like this...if you want to make money on the Internet find someone that is successful at it, and copy what they do! Make sense ? You know it does!

For some time now, I have been following the lead of 2 people a lot more experienced and knowledgeable than I am about making money on the web. Both have blogs and I am an avid reader, checking in at least two times a day just to make sure I don't miss anything! Over the course of time, I have come to know both better and better, and have learned to listen to what they say.

When Blondie or JS list a program on their respective blogs, I take the time to check it out! It has proven to be a wise decision more times that not! I don't join each one they mention, but I do check each one out and see if it is for me. That's what we all should do...make up our own minds.

The thing that impressed me the most about this program is that it is being run by the SFIpay folks, so it is not a typical fly by night type of operation. That alone should at least be indicative of a longer lasting program. It is a duel payment system, meaning that you have a new place to advertise your own opportunities by purchasing ad packs, but it also has a profit sharing plan as well. The program has several levels of participation with ad packs starting as low as $10 and going all the way to $50. Only one ad pack purchase a day is allowed. I should mention that they accept SFIpay, AlertPay, and E-gold.

Now other than repeat here what others have already said...let me suggest that you got to the site and do some reading for yourself, ok? Here is the link if you want to use it. DrivenRapidWealth.com.

Whether you just want an additional advertising site, or want to make some additional money let me suggest that you take a look at this program. I did...liked what I saw and joined! Making money by following the leader! Kinda neat, huh?

Now, let's go have some coffee...!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Dressing For The Country Life...

As you know, if you have been keeping up with my blog lately, I am planning to move to the country and build a cabin type dwelling. Escaping the trials and tribulations of the big city life is fast becoming an obsession, and not just a dream. However, as nice as it is to have a dream or a goal of this sort you have to be honest with yourself and ask some hard questions.

For instance, consider transportation. How old is your vehicle and what condition is it in? Will it serve the workload as needed, or should it be replaced before the move? Do you have the tools you need to undertake a task of this magnitude, or should you buy new tools for the job? What about medical care should you need it? Is it close enough? What about communication? What about fuel? The more you think about it, the more questions seem to arise!

Now, add to this mix the fact that you are on a fixed income and need to get the most from every dime you spend and the questions become even harder. So what do you do? Stop...take a deep breath, and start with the basics. Put things in the proper perspective. Make list after list and rearrange them until you get to a starting point.

Use the power of the Internet to help you find some of the answers. The tools you need, food storage and suppliers, alternate power supply providers, even durable clothing for working and living in the country all can be found on the Internet . Places like Northern Tools are great for quality tools and good prices. Food sources like Be Prepared are great to use for the basic food problem until you get the garden in. Good quality clothing that will stand up to use in the country or will stand muster even in city life can be a simple task as well.

Instead of just buying jeans, why not get something like BDUs? They look good enough for the city, hold up to the wear and tear of the country life, and most importantly are cost effective for most folks on a budget! And durable...? After all, BDUs were designed for the military , so you know that they are designed to be strong and serviceable, right?

The point I'm trying to make is to be practical and consider all the factors, plan as well as you can, stay within your budget and most of all...keep it simple and have fun! Sometimes a good sense of humor is worth more than gold, ya know?

Oh, just one more thing. Make sure to take lots and lots of coffee ! So put on your new BDUs, pull up a chair, and let's have a fresh cup...OK? OK!



Monday, April 14, 2008

Texas Hot Tamale Pie

This was one of my Daddy's recipes. My Dad was a hard working man... a long haul trucker. Being a trucker, he had a fondness for good food. Being from Texas, he had a taste for the type of dish that today would be classified as "Tex-Mex", but in his time it was just simple Texas home cooking. He brought this recipe home to my Mother after one of his trips, and it's been in the family cook book ever since. Enjoy...!

2 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 tsp. black pepper
salt to taste
1 can cream style corn
1 can skinned tomatoes
1 small can ripe olives
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup corn meal
2 eggs, well beaten
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp.chili powder
1 can chopped pimentos

Cook meat lightly in oil. Add salt and pepper, then add corn, tomatos, and chopped olives. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat. Mix all other ingredients into meat mixture and pour into large casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

This recipe is in memory of James Lowell King who passed away in 1969. My Father, my friend, and my hero.




You Know, I Never Named My Cat...!


You know, I never named my cat !
I guess I really should
If just to show I do the things
That normal people would.

She really doesn't need a name
To make her life complete.
I never have to call for her
Especially to eat !

She gets no letters in the mail,
No pages to the phone.
She knows exactly where she lives!
If I'm there, then it's home!

Why do we always name our pets?
Is it for them or us?
If they don't really need a name
Why go through all the fuss?

She's really not a pet, you know.
She could never be!
I think my cat is more a friend.
At least, she is to me!

No, I'll never name my cat
If all the same to you.
Not even if it seems the thing
That normal people do!
Jim King
1995


Sunday, April 13, 2008

Shocking Facts About Coffee...!!

I made the mistake this morning over my first cup of coffee of reading the label on the Folgers container (can't call it a can any more as it is plastic!), and almost fell out of my chair! All this time I thought I was buying and drinking regular coffee...and then today I find out that there is no such animal!

I have always just gone to the store and bought a "pound" of coffee. Well, the coffee companies pulled a fast one several years ago and started selling coffee in 13 ounce containers! For the same price! And we continued to buy it...! Looking at this container this morning, I find that this "pound" of coffee is now 11.5 ounces!!! So how the hell did we go from a 16 ounce "pound" of coffee to a 11.5 "pound" of coffee? Beats me...I thought I was smarter than that!

But wait...! It gets even worse!! On this label right at the top, it says in plain English "makes up to 90 6 ounce cups"! Well, I hate to burst the bubble of whoever wrote this label...but 6 ounces is NOT a cup! Even a standard kitchen measuring cup is 8 ounces. If you read a cookbook and it calls for a cup of something, that book means 8 ounces and NOT 6!

Now being a naturally curious person, especially now that I found out I'm not as coffee savvy as I thought, I decided to do my own test and see if in my house I even had a 6 ounce cup! Not to my surprise, I didn't. But I did find that the coffee cups that come with most sets of dishes are, in fact true cups. They will hold 8 ounces of liquid and that's probably why most people call them a cup. My friends, if I tried to jump start my day with a mere 6 or even 8 ounces of coffee, I'd never make it! My version of a cup (the one I use all day) is slightly different! My cup holds a decent 12 ounces of coffee...now to me THAT'S a drinking cup.

But the grandaddy of them all is the mug! A mug, whether used for coffee, hot chocolate, or soup holds an impressive 16 ounces of liquid! In my humble kitchen I have all three sizes of these containers. Mugs (for soups and chili), coffee cups (my 12 ounce version), and the smaller so-called coffee cup (the ones you use for unwanted company). But search as I may, I could not locate anything that resembling a coffee cup that was 6 ounces in size! I don't want to ever know a person that starts his or her day with a 6 ounce cup of coffee...!

Well, I think I had better stop reading these labels for sure...cause I just did a Google search (out of curiosity) on the different types of coffee!

This little tidbit comes from Wikipedia " Kopi Luwak (pronounced [ˈkopi ˈluwak]) or Civet coffee is coffee made from coffee berries which have been eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). The civets eat the berries, but the beans inside pass through their system undigested. "

That's right, friend...the most expensive coffee in the world is harvested from the excrement of a small jungle cat akin to the weasel! By the way, if you want to try some of this coffee, it currently sells for up to $600 USD per pound (the 16 ounce kind)! I understand that you can buy it in some of the more exclusive cafes for a mere $50 a cup!

That's it for me. I'm stopping now! I am going to go and get a fresh 12 ounce cup of coffee made from my 11.5 "pound" container and brewed in the primitive drip type coffee pot (exact size not determined yet!). Wow...this much information sort of takes the fun out of everything, doesn't it?

Saturday, April 12, 2008

At Last...! The Weekend...!

Actually, everyday is the start of the weekend for me since I retired. But I try and help all my friends that still work for a living celebrate their temporary freedom if I can.

Now before we get into the fun stuff, there is something that I feel we need to discuss in earnest. Manners...! I'm talking about manners on the Internet of course, as I can't make any suggestions about your manners at home nor should I.

What are Manners? Manners are just good common sense! Why are your manners on the Internet ant of my business? Glad you asked !! Bad manners on the Internet are every one's business, especially if you are dealing with a home based business, blogging, writing an e-mail or conducting any form of communication with anyone else!

Maybe we should get back to the very basic unspoken rules of Internet use...and I do mean basic! The basic rules of Internet manners are the same in spirit as the rules of manners in the real world. Be polite...! Be respectful of others...! Be honest...! Be helpful if possible...! In short, behave...!

Remember that how you act on the Internet may be seen by a lot of people...as few as 2 or more or as many as a million! Your Internet presence is no less important as the one in the real world. In fact, it may be even more important!

Look, just avoid some basic blunders and everyone will be happier for it. Don't yell...(typing in all caps!) , don't disrespect or belittle people...(flaming!), don't harass people...(spamming!), and Please, Please, Please...don't forget to use the spell-check feature on everything you post!

Now...let's see how some of our programs are doing. 10DollarsWonder is still producing good results for me. A very steady program to say the least. Every one is just waiting to see how things work out when the move from E2EPay to our second account of 10DollarsWonder is complete.

TrafficEra is still my favorite site to surf for traffic, mainly due to the fact that I can visit with my Internet buddies on the Team Talk feature. That makes surfing for credits so much more enjoyable, thus increasing the amount of traffic I can earn. Two birds with one stone, ya know?

Don't forget to take a look at Blondie's blog...as well as John's blog and review site! Both can be seen by using the links on the left and both sites are well worth the visit!

Well, I've done enough preaching for today! Think I'll go and have some coffee...want to join me?


Friday, April 11, 2008

What A Concept...Getting Paid To Post !!

Those of you that know me, or have read my blog from time to time, know that I am constantly on the look-out for any type of home-based opportunity that will allow me to earn a little extra cash. Well, maybe a little more than just a little...but a little is a start!

The main problem with this concept is not the sheer number of opportunities that are out there, but rather the lack of really honest opportunities! Volumes could be filled with all the scams and games and fly-by-nighters that lurk just around the corner, hoping to fleece some poor novice of both time and money. Sometimes these phonies are easily spotted, but just as often they are not! This is why I never post about an opportunity on this blog unless I am participating in that opportunity myself. That wouldn't be right!

I said all that to say this...I have found another true and honest way to increase our chances of success in our ongoing quest to earn some form of income while working from home, far from the maddening crowd of Corporate America! This opportunity comes in the form of blog ads. The very concept is so simple, it's brilliant! You join PayPerPost, find an available opportunity that suits you, then write an article about it on your blog!

How easy is that? I mean, you know you are going to post on your blog every day anyway(or nearly everyday), right? Then instead of beating your head up against the wall to think of something to write about, go and pick out one of opportunities in need of a creative writer such as yourself (at least we hope so!), post an informative article about it, and everybody wins!

You have taken care of your blog, the readers have a new and interesting post to read (again, we hope!), and there is one more honest way now available to help us all earn! Sort of takes your breath away, huh? All of this just from the power of blog ads!

I have an idea...let's go celebrate our new found path to freedom with a fresh cup of coffee! OK? OK!

Thoughts For Morning Coffee Time...

I want to start today off by passing this little bit of insight on to you...it was sent to me by (you guessed it!) my Baby Sis Ann! I think you'll get a chuckle from it! I know I did...


Murphy's Lesser Laws


1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

2. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

3. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

4. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

5. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

6. If you lined up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them, five or six at a time, on a hill, in the fog.

7. The things that come to those who wait will be the scraggly junk left by those who got there first.

8. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

9. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

10. When you go into court, you are putting yourself into the hands of 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

That will do for a start, don't ya think?? (where does she get this stuff...?) C'mon, let's go have some coffee!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

For Breakfast...Orange Marshmallow Pie !

Actually this recipe is geared toward those that may be less than experienced in the kitchen, or may be just short on time but want to make a really nice (albeit unusual ) dessert! This is another one from my Sister B...(I told ya my sisters were good cooks!)

Folks, good desserts just don't get much easier than this! Might even be good enough to get your mother-in law's approval...! (But I wouldn't count on THAT!)

1 cup orange juice
22 large marshmallows
1 cup whipped cream

In top of double boiler, melt together orange juice and marshmallows. Cool until thick and syrupy. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into an 8 inch graham cracker crust. Sprinkle with gram cracker crumbs mixed with with a little sugar and margarine; then chill until firm.
For a 9 inch pie shell, use 1 1/4 cups juice and 30 marshmallows.

Now tell me that with a cold glass of milk, or a fresh cup of coffee...this would be Great for breakfast! Speaking of coffee, let's go have some...OK?

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Today's Special...Potato Chip Cookies

Sounds pretty good, huh? I mean, if you like potato chips and you like cookies...why not take care of both at once? These cookies are both light and tasty, great with milk or coffee, and really easy to make. You're gonna like this cookie, trust me...!

1 lb. margarine
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. crushed potato chips
3 1/2 c. flour

Mix margarine and sugar; add vanilla, flour, and potato chips. Drop by teaspoonful on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

These cookies are a lot like sand tarts, but lighter and better. I use 4 1/2 ounces of chips and this measures to 2 cups.

Now that the cookies are done...let's go have some fresh coffee, OK?

Cooking With Cast Iron...

Remember your Mama's cast iron skillet? Of course you do! What would a country kitchen be without a cast iron skillet, I ask you! A very necessary and versatile tool it is.

Cast iron skillets are available in sizes ranging from 6 to 14 inches. Cast iron skillets are virtually indestructible and they are all non-stick. You just have to know how to use them, but that is another story.

Cast iron cookware is some of the best and most popular out there. It is definitely from an older school of design and use, but that definitely does not make it inferior to more recent models! Cast iron cookware is also available with porcelain enamel exterior and interior finishes. Cast iron is heavy, of course. That was the initial impetus for the development of aluminum cookware and then stainless steel cookware: making life easier for the homemaker.

Cast iron cookware is known for its durability and strength. It is not uncommon for cast iron cookware to be passed down through the generations. Cast iron cookware is still highly regarded for its even heating, versatility and durability. Many professional chefs choose cast iron cookware over modern pans because of its natural nonstick qualities and ability to withstand high temperatures without warping. Cast iron cookware is available for sale on the Internet, at cookery stores everywhere, economy stores, flea markets, tag and yard sales, the lot. If a cast iron pan is rusty or grease-coated, you can still buy it.

Cast iron cookware is non-toxic, and has outstanding heat retention and distribution properties. Long before quality brands like the cast iron Dutch oven by Emerilware from All-Clad or the wok set by Staub, bare cast iron vessels were used for cooking for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat, but once at temperature provides even heating. Cast iron can also withstand very high temperatures, making cast iron pans ideal for searing . Cast iron cookware is widely sold in a range of department stores and kitchen supply stores. Lodge is a long standing and trusted company, however, there are many other manufacturers selling the cookware that are not as well known.

Cast iron cookware is a dream to take on a camping trip because you don't have to worry about scratching the surface and as long as it has been well seasoned, it has a virtually non-stick cooking surface. Whether you are using a Dutch oven or skillet, you can easily cook on an open
fire, but it is not recommended to actually put cast iron in a fire as it can crack and warp. Cast Iron cookware is some of the most versatile, inexpensive and rugged stuff out there. It has it’s drawbacks, namely that it’s heavier than hell and it requires regular maintenance.

Cast iron cookware is produced in a sand-cast process. Quality cast iron requires sand molds made under high pressure so that their shapes can be precisely controlled. Cast iron is considered to be non-toxic, and is easy to mold into a variety of shapes. It can cook most foods faster and more efficiently than other forms of cookware. Because of the fact that cast iron cookware will react with or stain many different types of food, you must season any bare cast iron cookware that you have. Rub a coat of cooking oil (peanut oil is a good choice) into the metal inside and out, place in oven at 250 degrees for 1 hour, turn off oven and leave till cool.

Seasoning at higher temperatures approaching the smoking point of the oil used will result in darker seasoned coatings in less time that aren't sticky or gummy. Seasoning a cast iron skillet is not especially difficult, but it does need to done right and often to maintain the natural non-stick qualities of the pan. If you've ever seen a cast iron skillet up close, you may have noticed a black layer on the cooking surface.

Clean your cast iron cookware by wiping off excess food and oils using paper towels. Wash them using plain hot water and a dishrag, and avoid the use of soap and steel wool or abrasive pads.

I'll bet that someone out there has a cast iron coffeepot! Now THAT'S something I'll have to look into! C'mon...let's go and have a fresh cup of coffee, my friend.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

A Necessary Evil...?

Guess what? It is just about time to pay your income tax...! That's right, friends, the Tax Man Cometh. In fact, he comes next week, as I'm sure that most of you already know.

April 15Th is the dreaded deadline to get those taxes in...or face the wrath of your Uncle Sam ! But don't despair, you are not the only ones dreading that fateful day. Income Tax has been incurring the wrath of most folks ever since it began.

In fact, I thought it would be interesting to show you what some famous people have had to say about taxes over the years. Most of these names are ones that you know, so let it be some comfort that famous or not, rich or poor... we all share some common feelings from time to time.

The income tax has made liars out of more Americans than golf. Will Rogers

The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets. Will Rogers

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep. Will Rogers

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much. Ronald Reagan

The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination. Ronald Reagan

No nation ever taxed itself into prosperity. Rush Limbaugh

Only in Washington would death be considered a taxable event. Mike Ferguson

The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax. Albert Einstein


See, it only feels like you are out there all alone during this annual stress filled event. But your friends are there for you, including me!

In fact, I'll even make a fresh pot of coffee for you...and maybe a piece of pie to go with it (want pinto bean pie, or bug pie...?).


Monday, April 7, 2008

How About Some Bug Pie...?

Now just so we are clear, some of these recipes are named for fun and certainly NOT for the ingredients. Being mostly from country folks who were used to makin' do with the things available, often one of the main ingredient in any recipe (in live or food) was humor !

I took all the laughter and joy for granted as a youngster cause I didn't understand then just how poor some of the family really was. For the most part, happiness was the normal way of things. Food is a way of spreading the good feelings, and often they were passed down for generations along with the funny names. Sort of comfort food for the soul...

1/2 c. sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pt. whipping cream
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup raisins

Mix together the sugar and flour. Add all the other ingredients. Pour into an unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Despite the name, it's really great!

I do hope that some of you can get by the name long enough to try some of these recipes. Believe me, you will be pleasantly surprised if you do.

Well, I think I'll go and make some fresh coffee and celebrate ! I just heard from an old friend that lives in the Yukon. During the Winter, she goes on a Sun chasing trip and right now she is in Vegas, slowly making her way back to the Frozen North...glad to hear from her again!

So for all my warm hearted friends from cold weather climes...the first cup is on the house! OK ?

Grandma King's Pinto Bean Pie...

I know, I know...it sounds pretty weird to all you city dwellers and maybe even some country folks as well. However, I think you'll find that this pie is really quite good! Sort of a cross between chocolate and sweet potato pie!

I remember as a kid, I was sort of skeptical of it when Grandma told me the ingredients. However, she had always made really cool desserts so I tried it...and fell in love with it! I hope you try it!


1 1/2 c. bean pulp
3/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves or spices of your choice
1/2 tsp vanilla
Unbaked pie shell

The easiest way I've found to prepare the beans is to cook them in the usual manner and use the leftovers. Don't be afraid to use the pulp of beans which have been seasoned (even chili powder doesn't hurt the flavor of the pie). Pour about 2/3 cup of beans at a time and juice on a plate; and mash well with a fork. Run through a fine wire strainer or sieve (I use a large tea strainer). This removes all hulls and leaves only a smooth pulp.
Beat eggs well; add sugar a little at a time. Mix thoroughly. Add spices, milk, vanilla, and bean pulp. Mix well and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour: check to see if pie is well set. Serve pie warm or chilled with whipped cream (or cool whip...).

Now this is great with any beverage of your choice...cold milk, tea, or COFFEE!!! Man, my mouth is watering! How about you...?

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Slow Start Sunday...

I am getting off to a slow start today...can't decide exactly how to say what I want to say. Ever have one of those days? Yeah, I guess we all have...

Anyway, I thought that while I was pondering my profound and sometimes profane topics of discussion, we can all listen to a little more sedate and calming voice. If you are not one of those lucky ones that can hear the voices in your head...then I will furnish you with a bit of musical whimsy to help pave the way. I'll come back later (perhaps) and we'll talk about the important stuff, OK? OK!!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Saturday Update...

I really doubt if anyone is up and reading this at this time of the morning...but I thought I would get an early start on the day. Here are some updates on the programs that most of us are using everyday. Good programs all...in my opinion.

10DollarsWonder...just keeps on paying and paying. I am constantly pleased with it and will buy more shares today.

All-Teamed-Up and TotalTeamProfits...these two programs are steadily building and seem to be gathering momentum. Could be profitable in the long run.

PrivateMillionaire...slowed down a bit but I still get a little action from it. The secret is to keep the ads flowing.

TrafficEra...a really great place to advertise and to spend some time chatting with your friends at the same time with the Team Talk feature.

That's all I am going to push this morning...after all it's Saturday and I don't want you to miss the cartoons! As for me...I'm going to have some more coffee and watch the sun come up!

I will leave this little bit of music just to get you started...


Friday, April 4, 2008

I wanted to let you all in for a real treat! I have just recieved my latest issue of the newsletter from a man named Neil Sheldon and with his permission I am including here for your enjoyment...


"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is the taxidermist leaves the skin." - Mark Twain

~~~~~~~~~o~~~~~~~~~


Dear Reader:


I don't know what it's like where you are, but lately it's been absolutely gorgeous in the Ozarks.

I guess some people wouldn't agree with that, because it's been raining a lot. One of the things that always amazed me about the people who live in my teevee set is that they apparenlty hate rain. I know this, because even if the whole country's going through a drought of Biblical proportions, if there should happen to be a few drops of rain that occur during a weekend, teevee weather-people think that's something bad.

That's because when you live in a city and work at a regular job, there's nothing you want to do so much on your weekends as get out of the city and do something other than your regular job. That's called "human nature". The idea of living in the country and doing something that you enjoy to begin with never occurs to teevee people, partly because they're city folks, and partly because they aren't real to begin with.

Oops. I guess that was a little too much information. I didn't really mean to say that, but the truth is, I've been suspicious for sometime about the "people" on the Weather Channel.

I'm pretty sure that they're androids... or maybe something worse. Look at them some time, they all have this plastic-y artificial look and they have funny, weird surnames like the people on Neptune. I mean, did you go to school with anyone named something like Heather Tesch? You can take it from me, that woman is full of solid-state circuitry.

Perhaps it's never occured to you to look, but everyone on the Weather Channel has a strange, unreal appearance. You probably just looked at those artificial features and brainless smiles and assumed that they were all from A Large Western State, but believe me, it's even worse than that.


Here, let me show you a little comparison that may run your blood cold:

Sobering, isn't it? Now I'm not the sort of person who'd discriminate against someone just because their skin was made of high-quality vinyl, but suppose you're having lunch with one of these beings, and you make some innocent little statement like, "I wouldn't vote for Neophozon XK if he were the last Prizorg in the universe" and before you can drizzle bacon drippings on your spinach salad, you're looking down the barrel of a sawed-off DeKragrach atom-neutralizer.

Now you wouldn't like THAT very much then, would you?

But nevermind the details, I'll explain to you about how this planet is being secretly infiltrated by golf-playing, ammonia-drinking aliens from A Large Gaseous Planet some other time when there's less important stuff to talk about.

As I was saying, it's really been raining a lot here and being a humanoid, like many of you folks, I really enjoy the beauties and blessings of rain. The grass is getting so green that it looks like it's electric and everywhere bulbs and wildflowers are unfurling their petals in all sorts of colors and shapes. Song-birds twitter in the trees and the spring-peeper tree-frogs fill the evening with their ageless song.

Everywhere you look, life is sending up new shoots and perfuming the air with the sweet smell of spring flowers and Earth is telling you how happy she is that you're here. It's a glorious crescendo of sight, sound and fragrance.

Golfers and Neptunian aliens, on the other hand, hate rain because it shorts out their circuits and corrupts their ammonia canisters. However, for relatively normal people like you or me, rain is just one more of those things that make this such a nice planet to occupy.

Golfers and Neptunian aliens, if indeed they are not one and the same group, would also dislike This Week's Featured Property because it just makes so much sense for normal folks like me, and perhaps you.

That's because TWFP offers level ground for gardening, a southern exposure for your new solar home, tall timber in the back for heat and shade and sunny open areas in the front for gardening, solar collection and your blatant nudist activities.

Not only that, but it's only four miles from a charming Ozark village and just a short hop from two major Ozark lakes.

In short, while we often offer five-acre parcels, you may have to travel to another planet to find one any more usable and inviting than this.

More than anything else, you need to see it for yourself. You can get driving directions, as well as photos, maps and virtually every fact we could think of to include, all just by following this link: http://www.OzarkLand.com

Oh, and when you're done with that, you should mosey over to http://www.Homestead.org where we've just finished adding new material about bees and honey to the trove of country-style advice and activities. If you ever have a hope of getting out of the city, you need to read Homestead.org.

Then, if your boss is still looking the other way, cruise on past the Homestead Cookbook, http://Cookbook.Homestead.org. Besides having a lot of yummy, tasty recipes contributed by the readers of Homestead.org, you'll find ways to save the world while curing one of the country's major problems. That is, I've included a great armadillo recipe. If we start eating these things, we'll never see famine again.

If that idea grosses you out, maybe you're just having an Emotional Critical. Find out by charting your Biorhythms at http://features.Homestead.org/biory .

Finally, if you've done all that and it's still not 5:00 o'clock yet, stop by http://www.OzarkMountainImages.com and pick up some free backgrounds and screensavers for your computer.



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Now wasn't that worth the time...? Here, let's have some fresh coffee, my friend!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

It Is Really Spring Going On Summer...


As you can see, Amy the Cat is enjoying the warm weather while hiding behind the ivy so that the Mockingbirds don't see her! They love to dive bomb her when she is out in the yard...especially when they are trying to teach the young ones to fly.

I took this picture a couple of days ago and ever since the weather has only become warmer. Of course, here that also means rain or at the very least showers. But that's OK...we can't complain about the weather too much as some poor folks across the country are being blasted!

Took my monthly trip down to the V.A. hospital today to have the blood test done. Gotta make sure that the levels of blood thinner are good. Too thin...blood won't clot properly if you get a cut or bruise and internal bleeding is possible. Too thick...blood clots too easily and you may have a clot form in a place like the legs and then break loose, travel to the brain and WHAM...instant stroke!

I don't like to take medicine or drugs...aspirin has always been the Hero in my book. However, now I'm not supposed to take aspirin cause it makes my blood too thin when taken with Coumadin. Being a dummy, I asked why I couldn't stay on the aspirin and stop taking the Coumadin...and was told that aspirin was not good for me! Really...?? Wonder if anyone has told the FDA about that! I still sneak one once in awhile if I need it and no one is watching...

Sometimes I think I would be better off if I hadn't stopped drinking whisky...it's like Willie Nelson said in a song " There's more old drunks than there are old doctors...!!"

Oh well, as long as no one tries to make me give up coffee I think I'll survive! In fact, think I'll make a fresh pot right now! Want to join me in a cup?

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Special People...!

My baby Sis shared this with me and now I'm sharing it with you. It's a good read...

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a housedress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So... While we have it... it's best we love it... And care for it.... And fix it when it's broken..... And heal it when it's sick.

This is true... For marriage.... And old cars.... And children with bad report cards..... Dogs and cats with bad hips.... And aging parents.... And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special.... And so, we keep them close!

Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there !


How about a hot cup of coffee...Friend!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Good Vibes...Or Bad ???

I'm sure that you have heard the expression "first impressions are important". But what are the first impressions that we give others, and what are the causes? In this article about the Law of Attraction , I feel that particular question is addressed. See if you agree...?

" The Law of Attraction exists in your life right now; whether you understand it or not; whether you know it or not; and whether you like it or not.

Until you learn to use the Law of Attraction in a deliberate way, most of the time you are not aware that you are attracting into your life more of whatever you are giving your focus, attention, and energy to. This is referred to as non-deliberate attraction. It can be described in a 4-step cycle as follows:

Step 1: I observe what I'm attracting in any area of my life.

Step 2: While observing what I'm attracting, I'm offering a corresponding vibration, whether negative or positive.

Step 3: The Law of Attraction is always checking in to see what my vibration is and matches it obediently, whether wanted or unwanted.

Step 4: As the Law of Attraction responds to my vibration, I receive or manifest into my life more of what I was observing in the first place.

Then the cycle begins at Step 1 and repeats itself over and over again. Here's how the cycle may be working in your life right now:

You may notice that you keep attracting negative people and events into your life. As you notice or observe this, you are emitting or offering a corresponding vibration. The Law of Attraction responds to your vibration by matching it and giving you more of the same. In this example, more of the same simply means that you experience more negative people and events in your life.

Keep in mind the Law of Attraction is a powerful and obedient universal law. It doesn't know whether you want more of something or not; whether it is good for you or not; or whether it is wanted by you or not; it simply gives you more of the same.

If you are curious about what it is you are offering vibrationally in any area of your life, you need only look at the results you are getting in that area - it's always a perfect match. When you observe what you are attracting and you like it, celebrate, and in your celebration, you'll attract more of the same.

When you observe you are attracting something that you don't like, you can use the Law of Attraction deliberately to put a stop to it and change it into something that you DO want. The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself "So, what DO I want?" and then keep your mind focused on this new clarity of desire. Now you are becoming a deliberate offerer about what you do want and the Law of Attraction will respond accordingly. As you continue to practice this, you'll soon be able to check into this area of your life and see the NEW results you are getting."

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Michael Losier, a Law of Attraction Trainer and author, supports people in understanding and practicing the Art of Deliberate Attraction, so they can have more of what they want and less of what they don't. Michael has been applying the principles of Law of Attraction for many years and enjoys a wonderful and rewarding life in the city of Victoria, BC, Canada. He facilitates a number of in-person Law of Attraction seminars as well as Teleseminars to a worldwide audience.

Makes a lot of sense, don't you think? If nothing else it gives us hope that there is a way to change our lives and improve our situation!

Now...let's have some fresh coffee while we ponder this...! OK?