Saturday, February 28, 2009

Poor Kitty...!

Sorry...but I just couldn't resist!

A teacher is explaining biology to her 4th grade students.

''Human beingsare the only animals that stutter,'' she says.

A little girl raises her hand. ''I had a kitty-cat who stuttered.''

The teacher, knowing how precious some of these stories could become, asked the girl to describe the incident.

''Well'', she began, ''I was in the back yard with my kitty and the Rottweiler that lives next door got a running start and before we knew it, he jumped over the fence into our yard!''

''That must've been scary,'' said the teacher.

''It sure was,'' said the little girl. ''My kitty raised her back, went Sssss, Sssss, Sssss' and before she could say 'Shit!', the Rottweiler ate her!''

The teacher had to leave the room.

That's all for now...let's have some fresh coffee!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Time To Lighten Up A Bit...

My good friend in New Zealand sent me this, and I thought I would share it with you! Just shows that clean can be funny.

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very Sexy nightie. 'Tie me up,' she purred, 'and you can do anything you want.' So he tied her up and went golfing.

********************************************

A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, 'Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!'

The husband said, 'Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?'

'Doesn't matter,' she said. 'Just get out.'

********************************************

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.

*******************************************

A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver's license. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test The optician showed him a card with the letters 'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.' 'Can you read this?' the optician asked.

'Read it?' the Polish guy replied, 'I know the guy.'


********************************************

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he said, 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the Salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!'

The wife stared at him. 'What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?'

The husband calmly replied, 'I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving.'

**************************************************

Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army. On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair. On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth. On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

******************************************************
Now, let's go get another cup of fresh coffee . No joke, my friend!


Thursday, February 26, 2009

So What If It's Corney...?

I want to play this video...but it's Corney! A lot Corney...so what?

See, that's one of the troubles with folks in today's world. Things like this song are considered Corney! City folks, at least some of them, don't like Corney! They don't understand the attraction of the country!

For the most part, they don't see the attraction of wide open spaces with grass and trees instead of concrete. They don't understand the pure joy of looking across a valley to see the majesty of a snow covered mountain! They don't understand the feeling of wonder in looking up to the night sky at the millions of stars placed on the background of the darkness of space, like white lace on a piece of black satin. They can't understand or hear the music in the simple, yet complex song of even the smallest of birds.

These people take no pleasure in the brilliant color or sweet fragrance of a rose in bloom, or in the fragile beauty of the butterfly as it lands on the soft, welcoming petals. They can't hear the never ending stories being told in the gentle murmurs of an evening breeze.

I can! I understand it! I've seen it, heard it, felt it touch my heart! It makes me warm inside, like looking at the angelic face of a child as they lay sleeping. It gives me a feeling of comfort and completeness, like holding the hand of a mate or lover or dear friend!

The pictures say a lot...the words say even more!



See? Like I said, CORNEY! But only for some. Only for the people that would never understand the pure happiness of simply sitting across a table from an old friend and sharing a nice, fresh cup of coffee! No need to talk...because we understand! We get it!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A Song For All The Working Men And Women...!

I'm not making a regular post today...

Instead, I'm gonna leave this song for all of the working people still having to bear the yoke of trying to scratch out a living for their families every day! Hard working folks that do the best they can, not knowing if the jobs they have today will be there tomorrow. Common folks, whose lives and sweat and blood built this great country, only to see it shaken and abused and raped over and over again by greedy politicians and their cohorts.

There will come a time, sooner or later, when each and every one of those responsible for the destruction of the hopes and dreams and futures of these working class citizens will be called to answer for such actions. It may be in the distant future, it may be tomorrow...but make no mistake! It will come!




Now, let's go get some very strong coffee, my friend!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Urban Disguise...

Do you know the secret to surviving virtually untouched in the city? You become invisible...

By that , I mean that you become someone that people see, but immediately forget. There are many, many people like that in most cities, but most of the time we just don't even register them in our memory banks. We have all seen them at one time or another...

How can you be invisible? Let me give you an example. As you are driving through a neighborhood, you notice an older man walking along the sidewalk. His head is slightly down, he needs a haircut, his grey beard could use a trim, he usually wears an old sweatshirt in the cooler months and a faded t-shirt in the spring and summer to go with his slightly ragged, well used jeans. His head wear of choice is a "gimme" cap from someone, the logo usually well beyond reading anymore. No name brand footwear, but usually just a simple pair of sneakers or scuffed work boots.

He doesn't walk very fast, moving at a steady pace but not in a hurried fashion. He wears no watch, no jewelry of any kind. Usually he has some sort of walking stick, probably for protection from dogs, or for an aid to stepping down or up the curb. From time to time, he glances up, looking first forward, then left and the right As you drive on by, you notice that he is mumbling to himself. You shake your head and drive on down the road.

Did he make an impression? No? Will you even remember him 5 minutes from now? Probably not! Does he look like a threat? Of course not! Would he be a likely target to rob? You wouldn't think so...

Guess what, folks! You just drove passed me on my neighborhood street. If my head is slightly down, it's so I can concentrate on the sounds from all around me, including the ones behind me. The reason that my hair needs cutting and my beard needs trimming is because I am NOT trying to impress anyone, I don't have to go to work each day, and I'm well beyond caring about what you or anyone else thinks about my hair and my beard!

The reason that I wear an old sweatshirt in the cooler months and a faded t-shirt in the spring and summer is simple. They're comfortable! I'm not going on a date, out to eat, to church, or to a party. I'm just out for a walk in my neighborhood, getting a little exercise...so I have no reason to dress up with a white shirt and tie, a fancy suit, or even a fashionable sports shirt! I'm dressed according to the activity, you see?

Why the ball cap? It was free, has a bill to keep the sun out of my eyes (which it wouldn't do if I wore it backwards)! The plain sneakers? Well, I can buy about 5 pair of these plain sneakers for what a single pair of Name brand, short lived sneakers cost. 5 times the merchandise for about the same amount of money? I'm no rocket scientist, but that seems like a good deal to me! The boots? Well, if you buy good quality boots, work or western or hiking, and they fit properly...they will last a long time with minimal upkeep. Sure, they might not be in style 5 years from now, but they will still fit. They will still cover my feet and give me support around the ankles. If need be, they will help protect me from snakebite, thorns, sharp rocks, broken glass and nails that seem to come from nowhere to find auto tires, bare feet, and thin soles on shoes!

How about the slow pace? Easy...I'm in no hurry! Besides, walking fast attracts dogs more quickly. They have instincts that kick in when someone or something runs or walks too fast Another drawback to walking fast is that you miss so much of whats going on around you. You miss some of Nature's prettiest sights and sounds if you don't take the time to look and listen.

No watch or jewelry? I don't need a reminder of how fast time passes in life and my stomach will tell me when it's time to eat. The sun tells me when it's daytime, the moon and stars tell me when it's night, and my heavy eyelids tell me when it's bedtime! I'm not married, so I don't wear a ring. I have no need for a medallion or cross or tags around my neck...I quit wearing them when I was discharged from the service.

The walking stick? Easy to carry protection that needs no license. How effective is it? Ever been kicked in the knee or shin? Ever had something fall on your head? Ever been kicked or bumped real hard on the elbow? How about right between the legs? The word that comes to mind is ...PAIN! Yes sir...a good old-fashioned hickory stick in the right hands is a good survival tool!

As far as my glancing up once in a while, I'm taking notice of all that's around me, and appraising the possible danger or threat. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be ready! After all, that's what we do, isn't it? Prepare? You bet it is...

I mumble as you go by because I am saying your license plate number out loud, to make it easier to remember...just in case you are up to no good and don't belong in this neighborhood. You may not remember me, but trust me...I'll remember you!

I don't intend to stand out, to make myself a target, to impress anyone by having all the trappings of someone with money, and you will never know if I have it or not just by looking at me. Oh, and if you even think about robbing me, pushing me, or getting in my face...I'll be more than happy to introduce you to my hickory walking stick! Very up close and personal, know what I mean"

Now, let's have another cup of coffee, my friend!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Let's Hear This One More Time...!

We can never hear this too many times...!

In fact, each and every American should be able to repeat this by memory! I can't do that. I plan to change that very soon, and hope that more of us will try and commit this wonderful document to memory!



That's all I wanted to say! Want some fresh coffee?

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Very True Words...

The words in this song fit very well in today's situation...and besides, I like the song!!




Have a good day, everybody! Any body want a refill on their coffee...?

Saturday, February 21, 2009

A Follow-Up To Dad's Gun...

I was talking to my Mom about Dad's old gun yesterday, and got a little more history about it.

The story about how Grandpa King came to own the gun is probably like many other stories from those times, and could be a good indication of things to come.

It's the time of the Great Depression in America. Jobs are scarce, part time work was almost impossible to find. Homes were lost and families , unable to feed themselves, left the cities looking for work in the harvest and and other farm work in the country.

Many of the people that fared the best, although not that much better, were the Farmers that owned their land and were able to at least to grow their own food to feed themselves and their families. Such was the case with Grandpa and Grandma King, who had a small place in the country, complete with some farm animals, such as goats, that helped to furnish food for the family.

The story goes that one day a man and his family, traveling by in a wagon, stopped by and requested a little help from Grandpa king. It seems as though they had no food or money, and one of the children was sick. The mother was no longer able to furnish the milk needed for the child. The father was asking Grandpa King about making doing a trade for one of the milk goats, and although he had no money he did have a nice gun...a Winchester Model 1873. He offered to trade the Winchester to Grandpa King for the milk goat for his family . Both men must have been satisfied with the trade, I'm sure that a handshake sealed the deal because that was the way most business was done with country folk back then. Still is the way that most things are done today with most country folks. A man's word, his handshake...that's all that was needed to do most business.

Anyway, that's the story the best as my Mom remembers it. Grandpa King owned the gun until his death, then the rifle became my father's. Lots of history behind that old gun, as there is with many things that we all have around if we just ask and research a bit.

Wouldn't it be something if we could get back to the old ways of doing things? I'm talking about the way that a man was as good as his word, and a handshake was all it took to do a deal. For most country folks, that way of life is still the case...but for the Folks on the Hill, it is a foreign way of doing things and always will be. Maybe what they need the most, is a small dose of "the common man" in their soul! Maybe that would help...just maybe!

C'mon, my friend...let's get a fresh cup of coffee!

Friday, February 20, 2009

My Dad's Old Gun...!

Now this is something...!

I almost forgot about this old gun that used to belong to my Dad. It was at my sister's for a long time, and a couple of years ago she asked me to hang on to it for her.

I had put it up for safe keeping, and just yesterday started thinking about this gun again. So, I got it out, started cleaning it up a bit...and then decided to do a little research on it.



This particular gun is considered by many to be "The Gun That Won The West" but that is probably just because of the large numbers that were produced.

This gun is HEAVY! It's a Winchester model 1873, 38-40 caliber, made in 1890 (according to the online catalogs I could find) and it is good condition. All mechanically sound! Shows it's age on the stock especially...and the dust cover is missing. My sister had the firing pin removed long ago because she had young children at the time and was taking no chances.

I only remember shooting this particular gun one time when I was younger, and what I remember is that it kicks like hell! Of course, that may just be because I was a youngster at the time, who knows?

I was considering taking it to a gun dealer and having it checked really well to make sure it's sound enough...and then taking it to the firing range and trying it out!

What do you think? Does that sound like I've lost my mind? I would like to know if the gun is usable...you know, just in case!

If anyone has fired this model, or one similar...let me know what you think, OK? I value your opinion...I really do!

Now, let's go get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

You Won't Believe This One...!

Now before I go any further, let me just say here and now that I have NEVER tried this recipe, so I have no idea of how it taste.

It just seemed to be so in keeping with our quest to make good use of some of our preps using original recipes...that I thought it should be posted. It's definitely a unique use of Spam, probably the most unique that I've seen, and that alone should make it worth a try. So...open your mind, try not to smile, and see what you think about this old recipe for...

SPAM PIE

1 Cup flour
2 small packages of cream cheese
1 stick margarine (1/2 cup)
1 can of Spam
Garlic salt

Mix flour, cream cheese, and softened margarine together until well blended. Roll out the dough on waxed paper until it is 1/4TH inch thick. Then, using a floured cookie cutter, cut out the desired shapes.


Grate the Spam and season it well with garlic salt. Blend it until the garlic salt is evenly mixed in.

Taking one of the dough cutouts, spread the Spam and garlic mixture evenly. Then top with another dough cutout, and seal the edges with a dampened fork or similar utensil.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve hot.

Now...as you know, I like Spam. I have eaten Spam just about every way it can be fixed. That is, I thought I had! This recipe is a new one on me...!

What I would like is for one of you excellent cooks out there to make this and let me know just how it turns out! If it gets your "Seal of Approval", then I'll add it to my soon-to-be-famous Hermit's Cook Book! (or not!)

While you are deciding whether or not to take on this challenge, I'll get us another cup of fresh coffee...OK, my friend?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Hey...The Hermit's Blog Got An Award !!

Hey, this is pretty cool! My friend and fellow blogger, Angela at Adventures in Self Reliance gave it to me! I'm totally blown away! Never had anyone give me an award like this before. She calls it the Excellence in Blogcasting Award...and here it is !


This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.

The rules to follow are:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My only problem is that there are so many good blogs around, it's hard to only chose 15 to award, ya know? If it were up to me, I'd give all the blogs I know a great big award!

But since all I have is 15, here are the ones I'll pass this off to...and they,in turn, can pass it on to 15 more! (Man...this is harder than I thought!) BTW, these are not in any particular order!

1. My Road To Freedom

2. My Song...

3. Serenity

4. Sooner Or Later...

5. Artyistic Rythms

6. Cat's Collection

7. Old Lightning

8. Shinerbock's Anti-Social Rantings

9. She Survives

10. Simple Man, Simple Plan

11. Handmaiden's Kitchen

12. Challenged Survival

13. Solitude Of Hermits

14. Homesteading Neophyte

15. DivaHick

Well, that's all the awards that I can give out. I wish there were more! I personally follow and read so many more excellent blogs than are listed here, I feel almost bad just picking 15.

Just know this, each and every one of the bloggers out there, especially the preppers, deserve more than anything I could ever give!

I love you guys, and, I appreciate all the information that I learn daily from everyone. Please keep up the good work!

Now, let's all have a fresh cup of coffee!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Grandma King's Pinto Bean Pie...Again !!

Last year, I posted this recipe for pinto bean pie from an old family cookbook. With the emphasis now days being in large part on the use of our preps, I thought that it would be a good time to repost it.

As you can see from this recipe, all it takes to be a good cook with preps is a good imagination...and maybe just a dash of adventurous nature! Trust me, the family will love it!


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...?

Let's go get a fresh cup, OK?

Monday, February 16, 2009

I'm Just Not Smart Enough...

This morning I ran down to the corner store to get some tobacco, and started talking to my friend that runs the place.

He started asking me if the banks were closed today. I told him yes, they were closed for the holiday. When he asked, I told him "Presidents Day". Then he asked about the post office...!

You know what? No matter how hard I tried to explain it to him, I found that whatever I started to say even sounded silly to me! I mean, here is a guy that is a naturalized citizen, trying to follow all the rules and laws of his adopted home, and he wants to show all his customers that he is enough of a patriot to want to do the acceptable thing by honoring past presidents.

But his customers want him to be open when they are off! His customers want him to be open early enough so they can stop by on the way to work, stay open late enough at night so that they can run down and pick up something they forgot to get at the grocery store, and most importantly, they want him to be open on ALL holidays, just in case they need something and the grocery store is closed!

You know how many days a year this particular store is closed? 2! That's right, he is only closed 2 days a year! One of them is Christmas! That's right, my friend, Here is a man, not born in this country, following a different religion than most of us, and yet he is respectful enough of our practices and our religion and our GOD...he celebrates His birth! A lot of "True Americans" won't even go to church on Christmas...much less on Sunday!

By the way, the other day that the store is closed? Believe it or not, it's the 4TH of July...Independence Day! Imagine...actually having the nerve to close on a day when so many of his customers are off work and need a fresh supply of beer, or picnic supplies, OR whatever!

Imagine someone taking the time to reflect on a day we chose to remember the most important day in our history! All because he knows that he wouldn't have the opportunities he has now, if that particular action had not been taken by our fore fathers!

As I kept trying to explain about the workings of holidays and why they are changed so often, and why we don't have parades and more public celebrations on days that should be of import to us...I found myself lacking! Very sad when I could not even explain to someone why we celebrate certain holidays in the manner that we do, when in all honesty, I just don't know!

Sure he charges more than the grocery store does...so what? If folks had been getting extra supplies like they should, they wouldn't have to pay more! Someone has to be open for us to satisfy our lack of planning, our lack of respect for important days in our history.

This man, and many more just like him, have done me a great service without even knowing it. He has taught me that I do NOT know what I should about how our government is supposed to work. I cannot explain the most fundamental things in an understandable fashion to a person who, by choice, came here from his homeland, learned to speak a second language, started a business to service the needs of his neighbors (knowing it's the most dangerous job in the United States) and ask all the right questions about laws, and holidays, and religion, and politics...why? Because he wants to understand! He really wants to know! He wants to make sure that he is well versed enough in these things to go home after a 14 hour work day, sit down with his kids, and explain it to them in a fashion that they will understand. Just so they don't ever have to ask some poor smuck like me to explain it!

This man has all my respect! I feel really bad, because he is asking all the right questions, and I can't give him the right answers...I'm just not smart enough!

Now, what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee...I need some to wash down that big dish of humble pie I just had!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Now This Plan Makes Sense...

My friend and fellow blogger, Blondie, sent me this little bit of information and I thought it was important enough to share with you...it just makes perfect sense to me! Thanks, Blondie!

When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers The remaining workers need to find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well. Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.

Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

Therefore: Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members and Senate members from 100 to 50(one per State). Also reduce remaining staff by
25%.

Accomplish this over the next 8 years,(two steps / two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.

Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:

$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay / member / yr.)

$97,175,000 for elimination of the above people's staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)

$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.

$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. (those members whose jobs are gone. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion / yr)

The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and would need to prove efficiencies.It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our
country.

We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

Note: Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we have 3 senators that have not been doing their jobs for the past 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have been accepting full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.

Summary of opportunity:

$ 44,108,400 reduction of congress members.

$282,100, 000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.

$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.

$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.

$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.

$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by 0ther reduction of congress members.

$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings. (that's 8 BILLION just to start!)

Big business does these types of cuts all the time.

If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits there is no telling how much we would save.Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.


Now, if you don't mind...I suggest we get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend!.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day...

Instead of trying to send everybody a card or flowers, I decided to send a little message full of all kinds of warm fuzzies for the ladies...you just have to love the sight of these two lovers together!



Now don't get upset, guys! I have something here that I think you will find more in line with your liking. I found a perfect camper for my retreat, and I wanted to get your input on it. Seems like the perfect way to go to me!

Take a look and see if you think it is appropriate...somehow it seems to match my personality to a tee!



I might have to work on the outhouse a bit, but I'll bet I can come up with something! Heck, all I need is a rocking chair for the front porch...and I'm good to go!

Now what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee, my friend? Maybe a heart shaped cookie to go with it?

Friday, February 13, 2009

I'm Older Than Dirt...!

How old are you...? Try this and find out!

Count all the ones that you remember, not the ones you were told about. Ratings at the bottom.

1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles
5. Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke boxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P.F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (OLive-6933)
12. Peashooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S& H greenstamps
16. Hi-fi's
17. Metal ice trays with lever
18. Mimeograph paper
19. Blue flashbulb
20. Packards
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers

If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age,
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!

I might be older than dirt but those memories are the best part of my life. Just remember my friends, it's not the years in your life...but the LIFE in your years that makes the difference!

Now, let's go get some fresh coffee, Old Friend!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

A Handy Bit Of Information...!

A friend of mine in New Zealand, who is a nurse, sent me this list and I thought you might find it interesting...

Apples ...
Protects your heart, prevents constipation, blocks diarrhea, improves lung capacity, cushions
joints .

Apricots...
Combats cancer. Controls blood pressure. Saves your eyesight. Shields against Alzheimer's. Slows aging process.

Artichokes...
Aids digestion. Lowers cholesterol. Protects your heart. Stabilizes blood sugar. Guards against liver disease..

Avocados ...
Battles diabetes . Lowers cholesterol. Helps stops strokes. Controls blood pressure. Smoothes skin.

Bananas...
Protects your heart. Quiets a cough . Strengthens bones. Controls blood pressure. Blocks diarrhea.

Beans...
Prevents constipation. Helps hemorrhoids. Lowers cholesterol. Combats cancer. Stabilizes blood sugar.

Beets...
Controls blood pressure. Combats cancer. Strengthens bones. Protects your heart. Aids weight loss.

Blueberries...
Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Stabilizes blood sugar. Boosts memory. Prevents constipation.

Broccoli...
Strengthens bones. Saves eyesight. Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Controls blood pressure.

Cabbage...
Combats cancer. Prevents constipation. Promotes weight loss. Protects your heart. Helps hemorrhoids.

Cantaloupe...
Saves eyesight. Controls blood pressure. Lowers cholesterol. Combats cancer. Supports immune system.

Carrots...
Saves eyesight. Protects your heart. Prevents constipation. Combats cancer. Promotes weight loss.

Cauliflower...
Protects against Prostate Cancer. Combats Breast Cancer. Strengthens bones. Banishes bruises. Guards against heart disease.

Cherries...
Protects your heart. Combats Cancer. Ends insomnia. Slows aging process. Shields against Alzheimer's.

Chestnuts...
Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure

Chili peppers...
Aids digestion. Soothes sore throat. Clears sinuses. Combats Cancer. Boosts immune system.

Figs...
Promotes weight loss. Helps stops strokes. Lowers cholesterol. Combats Cancer. Controls blood pressure.

Fish...
Protects your heart. Boosts memory. Protects your heart. Combats Cancer. Supports immune system.

Flax...
Aids digestion. Battles diabetes. Protects your heart. Improves mental health. Boosts immune system.

Garlic...
Lowers cholesterol. Controls blood pressure. Combats cancer. Kills bacteria. Fights fungus

Grapefruit...
Protects against heart attacks. Promotes Weight loss. Helps stops strokes. Combats Prostate Cancer. Lowers cholesterol.

Grapes...
saves eyesight. Conquers kidney stones. Combats cancer. Enhances blood flow. Protects your heart.

Green tea...
Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Helps stops strokes. Promotes Weight loss. Kills bacteria

Honey...
Heals wounds. Aids digestion. Guards against ulcers. Increases energy. Fights allergies.

Lemons...
Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Controls blood pressure. Smoothes skin. Stops scurvy.

Limes...
Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Controls blood pressure. Smoothes skin. Stops scurvy.

Mangoes...
Combats cancer. Boosts memory. Regulates thyroid. Aids digestion. Shields against Alzheimer's .

Mushrooms...
Controls blood pressure. Lowers cholesterol. Kills bacteria. Combats cancer. Strengthens bones.

Oats...
Lowers cholesterol. Combats cancer. Battles diabetes. Prevents constipation. Smoothes skin.

Olive oil...
Protects your heart. Promotes Weight loss. Combats cancer. Battles diabetes. Smoothes skin.

Onions...
Reduce risk of heart attack. Combats cancer. Kills bacteria. Lowers cholesterol. Fights fungus.

Oranges...
Supports immune systems. Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Straightens respiration.

Peaches...
prevents constipation. Combats cancer. Helps stops strokes. Aids digestion. Helps hemorrhoids.

Peanuts...
Protects against heart disease. Promotes Weight loss. Combats Prostate Cancer. Lowers cholesterol. Aggravates Diverticulitis.

Pineapple...
Strengthens bones. Relieves colds. Aids digestion. Dissolves warts. Blocks diarrhea.

Prunes...
Slows aging process. Prevents constipation. Boosts memory. Lowers cholesterol. Protects against heart disease.

Rice...
Protects your heart. Battles diabetes. Conquers kidney stones. Combats cancer. Helps stops strokes.

Strawberries...
Combats cancer. Protects your heart. Boosts memory. Calms stress.

Sweet potatoes...
Saves your eyesight. Lifts mood. Combats cancer. Strengthens bones.

Tomatoes...
Protects prostate. Combats cancer. Lowers cholesterol. Protects your heart.

Walnuts...
Lowers cholesterol. Combats cancer. Boosts memory. Lifts mood. Protects against heart disease.

Water...
Promotes Weight loss. Combats cancer. Conquers kidney stones. Smoothes skin.

Watermelon...
Protects prostate. Promotes Weight loss. Lowers cholesterol. Helps stops strokes. Controls blood pressure.

Wheat germ...
Combats Colon Cancer. Prevents constipation. Lowers cholesterol. Helps stops strokes. Improves digestion.

Wheat bran...
Combats Colon Cancer. Prevents constipation. Lowers cholesterol. Helps stops strokes. Improves digestion.

Yogurt...
Guards against ulcers. Strengthens bones. Lowers cholesterol. Supports immune systems. Aids digestion.

Well, there ya go! Just a few more reasons to eat your veggies...man, now I'm HUNGRY!!

Let's go and get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

This Just About Tears It...!!

I've just about had enough of this!

It used to be, when you went to the store to get a pound of coffee...that's what you got! A pound of coffee! Most of the time it was in a metal can, sometimes in a vacuum packed bag. Which ever you decided to get, it was a pound...!

Now unless they have changed things since I went to school, a pound was, and is, 16 ounces! I mean, I know I'm getting older and more forgetful, but my memory isn't that bad. You with me so far?

Not so long ago, I did a post on what folks called a coffee cup. There again, a cup means 8 ounces...look it up in the cookbook! 1 cup=8 ounces! So why, I ask, when someone brings you a cup of coffee, more times than not it's in a little, tiny cup that's 4 ounces tops? 4 ounces ain't a cup, but only half a cup. How in the name of all that's good, do you expect me to jump start my old body in the morning with 4 ounces of coffee? Can't be done!

Now, if you are going to bring me some coffee in a thimble, please just don't call it a cup.

But I digress...the cans in the store are no longer metal, but most are made from plastic. I don't mind that so much. However, they went from 16 ounces in a can, to 13 ounces in a can! That's what I hollered about last time!

They had me fooled for a while, because they still were charging me for a pound, but were only using 13 ounces of coffee. They even disguised the can by using the same logo and colors so no one would notice. But finally, I did notice! I ranted and raved, but to no avail...the price stayed the same and the amount remained at 13 ounces.

Suddenly this morning, I went to make coffee and since I bought bagged coffee last time instead of the can (now made from plastic), I decided to open the bagged coffee and pour it into the can(which really isn't a can, since it's plastic) and that's when I saw it! They got me again!! The cans (plastic still) were now only 11.3 ounces! Where the Hell is the rest of my coffee? I mean, it went from 16 ounces to 13 ounces and now...it's 11,3 ounces! And it's the same price!

I quickly looked at the bag of coffee and noticed that it was still 13 ounces. 13 ounces, and yet it cost less than the 11.3 ounces (called a pound) in a can (even though it's not a can) just because it's in a bag (which as far as I know is still called a bag).

I have to admit, the coffee marketing folks are pretty slick, knowing that so many people like me would go for a long time and never even notice the difference. But with that said, I'll simply state here and now that me and Folger's coffee have parted ways. Maybe when they can decide what they are going to sell as far as size goes, and then reduce the price accordingly, we can be friends again. Maybe!

In the meantime, would you like a fresh cup(8 ounces) of coffee? I got the grounds out of a can (made of plastic), but that's because I poured the coffee into it from the bag, which as far as I know is still called a bag...

Let There Be Light...!

We are coming to a point that all or most of our prep items may be called upon to do double duty.

In keeping with that thought, and looking back at all of the wonderful uses some folks have made of their canning jars (when not in use for canning) I wanted to show you another way that some of our extra canning jars could be used. I'm sure that many of you have done this or have made this type of lamp...but for those that may not have seen them, take a look at these mason jar lids and wicks.




Now I have several of these lids and caps on some mason jars...and have used them several times as lamps during storms. I put regular lamp chimneys I got from the hardware store on the fixtures and they work great! Just fill with regular lamp oil or what ever you are using for your lamps now...and you can have some good secondary lamps for any power outages that may occur.

The only drawback I found was that some of the wicks were not long enough for me, so I ordered some longer ones. I then found out that I could buy extra wicks in various sizes from nearly any hardware or feed store around...even Wal-Mart has 'em.

Anyway, I thought you might like to see them if you hadn't before. The place I got mine from is called OilLampGuy and he has the wicks as well. In fact, he has a lot of parts and replacement pieces for many lamps. You might want to check him out...

Well, that's it for me for now! I think I'll go have another fresh cup of coffee...want to join me, my friend?

Monday, February 9, 2009

Time To Make A Road Trip...!

Here's the thing...

I've been watching all that's going on in the world and in the US for a while now. I don't see things really getting any better, or at least if they get better it will be for a short term only. Now, that's just my opinion...so take it for what it's worth.

However, one thing is for certain! I do NOT want to stay in Houston or any other big city any longer than I have to, so....I am taking a road trip real soon to see where I am going to relocate to.

I am more fortunate than some, in that I actually have a choice of three pieces of property at my disposal right now. Two in the Ozarks and one in the Chihuahuan desert in West Texas, around the Big Bend area. Sizes range from 2.5 acres, 5 acres, and 6.6 acres...with the 5 acres being in West Texas. Each parcel is raw land, with no improvements. That is OK with me...

What I intend to do is to take a road trip and look over all the spots, weigh the pros and cons of each, then decide where to move to. I am getting the truck ready as I told you a couple of post back, to go on an extended trip. Gotta have it checked out from head to toe, front to back. I'm pretty sure it's up to the trip, but no point in taking any chances of something breaking down because I was too stupid to have it checked, ya know?

My truck, a 1991 Chevy S10, extended cab, has a camper shell on it, so I will have plenty of cover once I get to the land in case of bad weather or pesky critters. I'll just treat it as an extended camping trip, and being as how I'm retired and single...I don't have to follow anyone Else's time schedule. Nice!

Recent events here in town, which I won't go into right now, have made me decide that now is the time to go. After I decide where I am headed, it's back to Houston to load up and then AMF...if you get my drift.

The nephew and I were discussing the possibility of prefabbing a cabin here in Houston, then taking it down and rebuilding it at the chosen spot. I'm starting small, but after all, how much room does one man need? By doing that, we can do away with waiting on getting a reasonable travel trailer or something to stay in while building.

I figure by prefabbing the whole thing, I can rebuild the shell in 2 or 3 days myself, then live in it while I take my time with the inside...and once again, I can stay in the camper shell set-up while I rebuild the cabin.

I think this is a good way for me to put off going any longer than I have to. I'll be taking with me a good supply of food and other preps to cover me for at least 6 months to a year, so I'm good on that part. I'm sure that somethings will come up, they always do. But at least now I have a workable plan! At least I can get off my ass and take action...I don't feel safe enough to put it off any longer!

I hope I'm wrong, but my Daddy always used to say "Better safe than sorry!" I think that is good advice...and I'm taking it.

Now, how about a fresh cup of hot coffee, my friend?

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Taking The Morning Off...

Sorry, folks...but I need to take the morning off.

I have some things to do that require my full attention. I'll try and get back this afternoon with something worthy of your visit...but right now I'm just too angry to post anything without using a LOT of profane and vulgar words...

Later, my friends! BTW, the coffee pot is full and in the back...help yourself!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Saturday Morning Cartoons Are Back...!

I was getting a little burned out on all the bad things going on in the world...and thought I would start the day with some old memories.

There will be plenty of time later in the day for soaking up the steady stream of bad news, sad news, and all the "we've been had!" news. Lord knows there is enough of that to fill each day!

Once in a while, we should just sit back, take a deep breathe, and enjoy a couple of minutes of silliness...ya know?

So, in keeping with my efforts to spread a little happiness, I give you the old classic "Tom and Jerry" Saturday morning cartoons! Enjoy!



Now, wasn't that fun? Let's all have another cup of fresh coffee before we venture out into the hard, cold World again...OK, my friend?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Well...They Are After Me Again !

When Texas passed the last hike in cigarette taxes, I started rolling my own.

I have done this before, so it wasn't such a big deal. Cheaper to buy the tobacco and the cigarette tubes and start rolling! Figures out to about $10 a carton, compared to the $30 or so in the store for a carton. The only thing it makes me lose is about 30 minutes to roll 4 packs...and that's if I'm distracted.

Now, however, Big Brother wants in on the action! The government , in all their infinite wisdom has decided that they will add a little extra tax onto the cost of tobacco products How much, you ask? Well, take a look at this chart and see...

On January 14th, The US House of Representatives voted 289 to 139 to approve the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by raising federal cigarette and tobacco tax rates as follows:

Cigarettes: $6.10 More Per Carton

Large Cigars: Up to $.40 More Per Large Cigar


Little Cigars: $.96 More Per Pack


Pipe Tobacco: $1.71 More Per Pound


RYO/MYO Tobacco: $23.53 More Per Pound (not a Typo)


Chewing Tobacco: $.32 More Per Pound


Snuff: $.92 More Per Pound


The Senate will vote Monday, January 26th. If approved, it will then be signed by President Obama.

You Need To Stand Up and Not Take This Anymore!

Call President Obama's Office at (202) 540-3000

This issue is moving very quickly and it is critical that you take time now to contact your Senators in order to make your opinions known on the negative impact of this massive tax increase. Please click this link www.nocigtax.com for more information.

See what I mean? Now, many of you are NOT smokers and don't see why you should be concerned about this. Let me tell you why!!

When the Government finally forces all the smokers to quit buying tobacco because they can't afford the taxes anymore, just where do you think the next round of tax increases is going to come from? Do you think for one minute that the PTB are just going to forget about taxing something to get that money? Not on your life...!!!

If you drink, look for a beer to go up in cost! If you drive, look for even more tax added to the cost of gasoline! If you eat, you can count on paying more for the food you eat! Everything you pay a sales tax on now is going to go up...because the taxes from the sale of tobacco won't be forthcoming, or at least not as much.

Will folks stop smoking? Probably not! Will they still get their tobacco from a legitimate source? Probably not! Bootlegging will make a HUGH comeback again, but this time the product will be tobacco instead of liquor...that is, until they raise the cost of liquor again!

I don't know about you, but I for one am totally fed up with all the taxes the PTB want me to pay and pay and keep on paying...just to see it get handed to some fat cat, backroom, under-the-table, good old boy Political type for another "bonus" or so called "bail out".

Well, I got your new taxes hanging right here...!

Did you notice that they want to add $23.53 a pound to the cost per pound for those of us who want to roll our own?

Now, before they manage to raise the tax on coffee again...let's get a fresh cup, my friend! BTW, would ya like a smoke?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Please Remain Calm...!

Here is a little lesson for you all today!

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice I heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr. Phil proclaimed, "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you've started and never finished."

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off 23 Bud Lights, a bottle of Absolute, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos and a box of chocolates.

You have no idea how wonderfully good I feel. Please pass this on to those you feel might be in need of inner peace.

Now...how about we finish off this pot of coffee and make some fresh, my friend?

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Knowing My Limitations...

There comes a time that I just have to admit that I don't know enough about certain things to attempt it on my own.

This doesn't mean that I can't learn them, but I don't have the experience just yet to do it. One of these things is the canning of meat. I fully intend to learn how to do this, but in the mean time I need to add to my preps and that means MEAT!

I'm pretty much a genuine country boy, and in Texas that means meat and 'taters, I'm one of the strange people that like Spam! In fact, there isn't too many types of canned meat products that I don't like. If there is, I just haven't found it yet...but that doesn't mean that I want to eat the same thing all the time!

Having a good selection of ingredients to use in all your menus, makes it much more enjoyable at mealtime, but allows you to stretch out your supplies a bit.

To expand my meat selection a lot, I ordered some more canned meat from a place called Werling & Sons, Inc. Now, I've had some meat from this company before and was really pleased with it. It is a bit pricey, but overall it isn't as expensive as some that I've seen.

They offer beef, pork, turkey, and chicken... in 14.5 ounce cans and even 28 ounce cans as well. The meat is of very high quality and has a long shelf life without preservatives! When it comes to meat, I'd rather not have dehydrated or freeze dried if I can have the real thing.

Another place that has a good selection of canned meat of high quality with a long shelf life is Pleasant Hill Grains. They offer another choice in meat in the form of ground beef. What I like about Pleasant Hill Grains is that the shipping is free for orders over $99 and as low as $7.95 for all others. I can live with that!

Now, I'm not an affiliate with these companies or anything, but I did want to share the links to them just in case someone didn't have their links already. When it comes to food, the Hermit feels that you can't ever have too many places to go and order if you need to. Just another tool to use in the daily gathering of supplies.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you. Many probably already knew about these places, but I felt that it was important enough to bring them up again.

OK...now that we have that out of the way, let's get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend!

Monday, February 2, 2009

I Love These Words...

As far as I am concerned, this could be the theme song for all the "preppers". Very strong lyrics sung by a man with a very strong voice.

The words of this song touch something deep inside me in a way that few songs do. I really like it...and wanted to share it.




See what I mean...? Now, let's get some coffee, my friend.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

This Is The Law...!

I found this on Brasscheck.tv...and thought that it was important enough to share with my readers. See if you know someone that might benefit from learning about this!

Wall Street and its co-conspirators on Main Street had a great plan.

Step 1: Ram predatory loans down the market with fraud and deceptive marketing.

Step 2: Some of the loans will blow up, but in the aggregate it will all work out and besides,the loans will be bundled and sold off to investors (spreading the toxic waste), so who cares?

Great plan, but it had a few problems.

Problem #1: It destroyed the world financial system (minor detail).

Problem #2 (And he's where it get VERY interesting...) For a loan to be valid, the lender needs to be able to produce the paperwork.

Guess what?

In their mad greed to screw the American people and line their own pockets, Wall Street forgot that little detail.

Many of these loans and been sliced and diced and sold and re-sold so many times that not only is the paperwork not easy to lay hands on, in some cases, it's not clear who actually owns the loan.

Here's where property law comes in.

If the bank can't produce the documents and the real owner of the loan can't be identified, the contract is null and void.

You've got to hand it to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (and Ohio which produces a lot of great Congresspeople.)

By telling a bank to "produce the note," a homeowner can delay foreclosure by forcing the lender to prove the suing institution is actually the same which owns the debt.

Now, the banks own sloth and disorganization (and inherent dishonesty) can be used against it.

Final word: The media (and Wall Street and its criminal partners in Congress and the former Bush White House) love to call these loans sup-prime.

Here's the old fashioned word: predatory.

Many of the loans that were made in the past five years that have created so many problems would have been illegal until Bush & Co not only gutted lending laws, but also literally sued states to stop them from enforcing their own lending laws.

Former governor Elliott Spitzer was the ring leader of the state movement to enforce local lending laws...and you saw what happened to him.

He's no saint (and truth be told, he's kind of a jerk) but if every politician who went to hookers was busted, Washington and all the state capitals would be ghost towns !


Moral of the story? Stay put until someone can produce the paperwork! Make the Law work FOR you for a change...

Now, how about a fresh cup of coffee, my friend?