Grandma Got Busted...!

Well, it certainly didn't take long! Police have captured the "Grandma Bandit!"

Suspected ‘Grandma Bandit' was desperate, neighbors say

By PEGGY O'HARE and MIKE GLENN Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 29, 2009, 11:07PM

HANDOUT PHOTO

Police say a robber got away with more than $5,000 in cash.

Three years ago, Theresa Mary Gaas joined a civic group to combat crime in her northeast Houston neighborhood and for a time served as the organization's treasurer.

On Tuesday, the 56-year-old woman found herself the one behind bars, arrested by authorities who accuse her of robbing two Houston banks within an hour and taking about $5,200 in cash.

FBI officials declined to discuss a motive, but some neighbors said she told them she was in dire financial straits and had taken to collecting empty soda cans from a nearby yard to help make ends meet. Many were surprised to hear of her arrest.

Mary Chavez spoke with Gaas at a local grocery about two months ago.

“All she said was, ‘I need money so bad. I'm desperate,' ” said Chavez, who lives down the street from Gaas' home in the 1100 block of Egypt. “I wish she had called on people to help out.

“She's a fine lady. It's a shame. When you get up in age, you don't know what to do,” Chavez said.

Ruben Gomez, who lives across the street from the suspected robber, described Gaas as a good — if private — neighbor. Gaas generally kept to herself and had lived alone since her mother died within the past year.

“I didn't know she was hurting for money. If she needed food, we would have helped her,” said Gomez.

Gaas was arrested on two charges of robbery and has been ordered held on bail totaling $20,000.

She is accused of robbing a pair of Compass Bank branches Friday afternoon by claiming she had a gun. The robber did not conceal her face, which was clearly captured in pictures taken by surveillance cameras. Federal authorities dubbed the robber the “Grandma Bandit.”

An anonymous Crime Stoppers tip received Monday led to Gaas' arrest, court papers show.

Gaas was arrested around 9 a.m. in her car near her home, FBI officials said. The lifelong Houston resident lived at her late mother's white clapboard home, which is valued at $71,000.

She had no criminal background.

Active in civic group

Gaas is a member of the North Central Civic Association and has served as treasurer for the group, public records show. At a Metro Solutions public hearing in 2006, she said she joined the civic group “to try to bring down the crime rate here in Houston and this side of town,” a transcript of the hearing shows.

She took an active interest in Metropolitan Transit Authority issues, revealing at that 2006 hearing that she voted for light rail and saying her neighborhood needed Bus Rapid Transit “to improve this side of town,” but noted she was concerned with the cost of the project, the transcript shows.

Gaas is accused of walking into the Compass Bank at 1217 West 43rd around 12:40 p.m. Friday, approaching a teller and saying, “I have a gun — give me all the money,” a criminal complaint shows.

The teller feared what would happen if she did not comply, so she gave the woman the money from her drawer. Robbery investigators believe Gaas got away with $1,966 in cash in that first heist.

She is accused of driving to a Compass Bank at 204 West 19th Street an hour later, walking up to a teller and repeating, “I have a gun — give me all the money.” She then allegedly added, “Give me all the 50s and 100s,” the criminal complaint shows. In that second heist, police believe Gaas escaped with $3,294 in cash.

Both tellers later positively identified Gaas as the bank robber in a photo lineup, court papers show.

At the time of her arrest, Gaas was driving a white Chevrolet sport utility vehicle matching the description of a vehicle seen leaving the two banks after the robberies, FBI officials said. That vehicle, with a disabled parking tag, was parked in the driveway of Gaas' home Tuesday night.

peggy.ohare@chron.com

mike.glenn@chron.com

These are some sad times we are living in, my friends. When things like this happen, you just have to ask yourself WHY!

Oh well, bless her heart! Let's get some coffee and see if we can figure out what we may have done to help!

Looks Like It's Here...In Force!!

This story right out of the pages of the Houston Chronicle let's us know just how close this thing is to the home front! Pretty scary stuff...!

Fort Worth teen dies after getting swine flu

Associated Press

Sept. 29, 2009, 2:56PM

FORT WORTH — A 14-year-old Fort Worth eighth-grader has died after she was diagnosed with swine flu.

The father of Chloe Lindsey says his daughter, who died Sunday, had no underlying health problems.

"She was so healthy. And it got her and got her so fast," Tom Osborne told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Meanwhile, all schools in the Huntsville Independent School District are closed until Thursday due to students and staff being sick.

A statement on the school's Web site says classes and extracurricular activities Tuesday and Wednesday at the eight campuses, with about 6,300 students, are canceled "due to a high rate of absences."

Concerns about swine flu and other illnesses have led to numerous absences at schools statewide.

Huntsville, with a population of about 37,000, is 60 miles north of Houston.

Now, no one can tell you what's best for you and your family as far as taking the shot. That's something you have to decide on your own. I won't be taking it, nor will I be encouraging it for anyone I know! We all have to do what we feel is right!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit.

One Ring-A-Dingy...!

I hate to admit it, but I finally broke down and bought a cell phone.

Before you start reminding me of how much I hate them, let me explain the reason behind my getting one. My Vonage modem gave out a couple of days ago after several years of use. This meant that I was going to have to buy another modem, and at the monthly cost...low as it was...I decided to take a closer look at my options.

I had been seeing the ads for the MagicJack for a while. I even had read a couple of reviews from other bloggers like our blogging friend, Wretha . The MagicJack had a lot in common with Vonage...unlimited local and long distance, both working off the Internet, both cheaper than the phone company, both using plain phones without any extra purchase! The one main difference was the cost! Vonage was $24.95 a month...the MagicJack was only $19.95 a year! That's right, a YEAR!

Now, I'm not the brightest bulb in the pack, but even I could see that the MagicJack was a lot better deal! So I got one...! I now only had one problem. As I said, the MagicJack is Internet powered. That means that during a storm, like a hurricane ...if the 'net goes down, so does my phone! Normally that's not a problem for me, because I hate phones in general...but with my Mother getting on up in age, and some health issues being factored in I figured that I needed a way for her to reach me, even if the power went out.

I had already purchased a cell phone for her, but during a power outage, she would not be able to reach me...so I broke down and bought a cell for myself!

Anyway, now she is covered, I am covered...and I have more phones than I'll ever need! Oh well, sometimes you gotta bite the bullet and do what is necessary because of the circumstances! Just don't think badly of me, OK?

Now, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit, my friends...and please, turn off that phone for me, OK?

How Hard Are Times In Houston...?

Maybe this news story from the Houston Chronicle will tell the answer!

She does not fit the profile of the typical bank robber.

But whoever she is, she is every bit as bold and brazen as the men who carry out such crimes — perhaps even more so. She struck two Houston banks less than 4 miles apart in an hour's time Friday and was brazen enough not to cover her face.

FBI agents have nicknamed her the “Grandma Bandit.” From high-quality surveillance camera photos, she appears to be between 55 and 65. She had shoulder-length gray hair and wore eyeglasses.

Her forays into two different Compass Bank buildings Friday afternoon proved fruitful. After accosting tellers in both banks, she walked out with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured.

While some bank robbers in the past have made excuses for their actions, saying they had medical bills or were out of work while parenting young children, this woman gave no explanation for her actions. She was seen driving a white sport utility vehicle.

“We are seeing more women engage in this type of criminal activity across the country, but it's still a very small percentage,” said FBI Special Agent Shauna Dunlap with the agency's Houston office. “Obviously, from her picture, she is an older woman — that's very unusual.

“No matter what your situation is or how old you are or how young you are, it doesn't give you the right to break the law.”

Her first robbery occurred at 12:40 p.m. Friday when she walked into the Compass Bank at 1217 West 43rd. She claimed to have a gun and demanded money.

She is believed to have struck again an hour later at another Compass Bank at 204 West 19th. Repeating her earlier strategy, she again walked away with money.

She is about 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 7 inches tall with a large build. She wore a camouflage cap, a bright purple shirt decorated with purple feathers on the front and blue jean shorts.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for tips leading to the woman's arrest. Anyone who recognizes her or who has information about either bank robbery can anonymously call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 713-222-TIPS or the FBI's Houston office at 713-693-5000.

peggy.ohare@chron.com

Now, you gotta figure that when the old folks start hitting the banks...and getting away with it, that's gonna put the younger bank robbers out of business! That means more folks on the unemployment roll! It's just a never ending circle, isn't it?

My friend, let's get some coffee...and talk about the sad state of affairs, OK?

A Touch Of Brain Fog This Morning...!

Here is a fun way to spend a little time this Sunday morning!

That is...if it doesn't drive you crazy like it did me! At least, driving me crazy is always a short trip!

Here is a little 'test' that is (supposedly) part of a second grade computer class in China . Some figure it out right away.

Others report having to work on it for a week (or more) to solve it. Click on the test below …

Frog Leap Test

Too early in the morning for this sort of stuff! I'm gonna have some more coffee...want to join me?

Once Again, I Lied...!

Once again, I am guilty of posting something that turned out to be less than factual...or as was pointed out to me by a reader, it was "BS"!

To mislead anyone was not my intent, nor has it ever been. All I ever wanted to do was to pass on what I thought was a small tidbit of history. However, I did not check the information for accuracy first...so as the reader put it...it turned out to be all BULLSHIT!

So, consider this my official apology for telling you a lie! I am , therefore, posting this information that I found on Wikipedia. If this turns out to be a lie...I am NOT the one to blame!

USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named after the Constitution of the United States of America by President George Washington, she is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world.^{[Note 1]} Launched in 1797, Constitution was one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794. Joshua Humphreys designed these frigates to be the young Navy's capital ships, and so Constitution and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed and built than the standard frigates of the period. Built in Boston, Massachusetts at Edmund Hartt's shipyard, her first duties with the newly formed United States Navy were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.

Constitution is most famous for her actions during the War of 1812 against Great Britain, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname of "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to actively serve the nation as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons and circled the world in the 1840s. During the American Civil War she served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy and carried artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878. Retired from active service in 1881, she served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907. In 1931 she started a three year 90-port tour of the nation and in 1997 she finally sailed again under her own power for her 200th birthday.

There is more, but if you want to read it, just go to Wikipedia and do so! As for me...I'm done. I just wanted to set the record straight! Having done that, I'm going to have some more coffee!

You are welcome to join me if you want...! Your choice!

You Gotta Love The Navy...!

My friend, Minerva, sent me this little bit of naval history just because she knows how much I love sharing these little tidbits with all my readers!

I found this to be very interesting because just how tough the sailors of old were! These guys were some really BAD fellers, indeed! Just read this record of a very familiar ship in American history and one of their campaigns!

The U. S. S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers).

However, let it be noted that according to her ship's log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores , arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine...

On 18 November, she set sail for England . In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland . Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U. S. S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water.

Can you believe this? In the dead of night, with no powder, no shot, nothing but great big brass ones...and an even bigger thirst, they landed in Scotland and stole 40,000 gallons of whisky from a distillery owned by a foreign country!

Like I said, these were some BAD boys...and very frugal in the use of their water, I might add! Yep...you gotta LOVE the Navy!

Now, let's get some coffee and sit at the table for a bit!

Want Some Plastic On Your Toast...?

Sometimes, when you look at the facts...you realize that you don't need to be a rocket scientist to make a smart decision!

I'll admit that I haven't always liked the taste of real butter, often preferring the "taste" of margarine. However, that was before I learned that the flavor was added. Then, after I found out I could add different flavors to real butter, I started changing my attitude.

Check this out...! (BTW...Snopes says that parts of this are NOT true! So read at your own risk!)


DO YOU KNOW the main difference between margarine and butter?

Both have the same amount of calories.

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.

Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few; only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years .

And now, for Margarine...

Very high in trans fatty acids..

Triple risk of coronary heart disease.
Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol)..

Increases the risk of cancers up to five-fold.

Lowers quality of breast milk.

Decreases immune response.

Decreases insulin response.

And here's the most disturbing fact;

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC.

This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself: Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things:

* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)

* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weenie microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.. Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

Chinese Proverb:
'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.'

So, I've done my part by sharing this with you! I hope you found this a little educational...or at least a little fun!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit, OK?

Autumn Is Here...!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for a bit of cooler weather! It won't hurt my feelings at all!

I did a little research in my favorite book, The Old Farmer's Almanac (of course!) and came up with some facts that I thought you might enjoy...

The autumnal equinox is defined as the point at which the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator from north to south.

The celestial equator is the circle in the celestial sphere halfway between the celestial poles. It can be thought of as the plane of Earth’s equator projected out onto the sphere. The word equinox means “equal night,” when night and day are of the same duration.

See more about “The Reason for the Seasons.”

I'm sure that a lot of you Already knew this...but a little refresher never hurt anyone! At least, in most things...!

Now let's get some coffee and sit around the kitchen table for a bit! No patio today because it's still raining...and it's a tad cool! After all, it's Autumn!

Have I Got A Cure For You...!

I thought I would share a bit of good news with you today! After all, you know I am always looking out for you, right?

Now, as you know, one of the most aggravating things that can just really mess up your day is a bad case of the hiccups! Now just imagine that you are trying to recover from some type of surgery where even coughing can cause a lot of pain! That's when a killer case of the hiccups can feel like just that!

Now those of you that have been here for a while know about my love affair with chocolate, so whenever I can find a positive reason to eat it...you know that makes me happy! Besides, for Preppers, it's all about making do with what we have on hand, right? Check out this article that I found and you'll see what I talking about!

Here's a treat: Chocolate can ease hiccups

By JOE GRAEDON and TERESA GRAEDON King Features Syndicate
Sept. 20, 2009, 5:23PM

Chocolate works for hiccups. My father was recovering from abdominal surgery last summer and had lengthy bouts of severe hiccups. His doctors tried anti-spasmodic drugs to end them, and the drugs did not help. I read about this remedy in your book, bought him a bag of chocolate chips, and voilà , it worked.

A: We first heard about eating a few chocolate chips to stop hiccups from a listener to our radio show. Her Danish grandmother had always used this remedy, and she continued the tradition with her children.

I just love those Danes! Almost as much as I love my chocolate! I mean, a day without my coffee, my friends, and some chocolate...well, it just would NOT be a good day!

After all, I love my friends...and I love sharing with them, ya know? Plenty of extra coffee, plenty of extra.....WAIT A MINUTE!!! NOBODY MOVE!! WHO ATE THE LAST OF THE CHO...Oh, never mind! Sorry, I had put it behind the coffee can!

I almost turned into my ugly self! Believe me, you don't want to see my mean and ugly side...you really don't! If you want a preview of what I could become...then look!



Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a while! Don't worry, I'll behave, I really will!

Ever Hear Of A FUGO...?

Of course you haven't...at least not many of us have. The government did a very good job at keeping all the news about them from not only the American public...but from most of the military as well..! The reason? The PTB didn't want us to be concerned!

Once again, a clear indication that we have always been and will always be kept from some very important facts, but only because the government doing it "For Our Own Good!"

If you believe that, then I urge you to read this story, or go to the history channel and watch "The Samurai and the Swastika"

Officially; in the waning days of the Pacific War Japan tried a last ditch ploy to hit the United States with a terror weapon. That weapon was the Balloon Bomb. It was supposed to set fire to the West Coast and drop anti-personnel bombs randomly on the U.S. In research after the war it was found that the Japanese built 15,000 of them but only launched 9,300. A little over 300 Balloon Bomb incidents occurred in the U.S. and Canada. The only casualties were a woman and five kids in Bly, Oregon on a church picnic, who found and moved one. It exploded, killing them all.

Here's a video that tells a little more about it.



Well, that was a morbid way to start the day, wasn't it? I hope that the rest of the week will be more enjoyable than today!

Just remember, any day above ground is a good one! So, if you wake up on the right side of the grass...you're on the right track for a good week!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit!

Are We Better Off...Really ? ?

Stop for a minute and ask yourself...are we really in a better time and a better place...?

Are our kids and our families any safer? Are we in that zone of comfort, unafraid to sit outside on our porch or in our yard? Do we feel secure enough to let our children walk to school and back home again?

Please watch this video...of going back! Back to a better time...a better place!



I don't know about you, but this video brings back a lot of memories for me! Makes me a little melancholy for those times again...or at least a small taste of them!

A good way to temporarily put ourselves there, my friends, is to sit on the patio for a bit and share some quality time with one another, while sharing a cup of coffee!

C'mon, my friends...let's go!

Boating With Bubba...!

Here in the South, we do our test drives a little bit different than in other places!

We test for the real world! None of this Fluff stuff for all us Bubbas...We like things down and dirty!

Of course, this kind of road test is made a lot easier when the combined I.Q. of the sales folks and the customer equals about a 3 or 4...and that's being real generous!

Still, you have to admit that it does indeed make for some interesting and entertaining watching! I'll be the first to say, though, I rather be watching than participating...know what I mean?



Now, as you can imagine...we are also very firm believers in the power of Divine Intervention! Driving and boating like we do, you can understand why, right? Well, as this next little clip shows, a little extra help can never hurt!



Now c'mon...! Admit it! You would like to do this at least once in your life! Well, just let me know! I'll send you a temporary "Bubba Certificate" and a T-shirt! Just in case, you might want to buy yourself a rabbit's foot, ya know?

Now, my friend, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit!

Time For A Wake Up Call...!

How about a little look at the education of the past?

Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina , Kansas , USA . It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina , and reprinted by the Salina Journal.

8th Grade Final Exam: Salina , KS - 1895

Grammar (Time, one hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters
2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph
4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie, ‘play,' and 'run'
5. Define case; illustrate each case.
6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (Time,1 hour 15 minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs. For tare?
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft.. Long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt

U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1 Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.

Orthography (Time, one hour) [Do we even know what this is??]

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.' (HUH?)
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (Time, one hour)

1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

Notice that the exam took FIVE HOURS to complete.

Gives the saying 'he only had an 8th grade education' a whole new meaning, doesn't it?!

Also shows you how poor our education system has become and, NO, I don't have the answers!

To tell the truth, I feel a little dumb right now...!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit! Don't worry...there's no test today!

Light As An Angel's Wings...!

Now, I know that all my readers (both of them!) like food almost as much as I do!

I can guarantee that this recipe, when done right, will just melt in your mouth! Whether you like your biscuits with butter and honey, butter and jelly, butter and gravy, plain with gravy...no matter what you like with them, you are gonna thank me for this later!

Now when it comes to food like this, all you have to do is to look at the size of my belly...and you have NO doubt that I know what I'm talking about!

Just try this...and you'll see!

ANGEL BISCUITS

• 2 pkgs. active dry yeast
• 5 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 1/2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
• 2 c. buttermilk
• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted, cooled

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Butter a baking dish or line it with parchment paper and set aside.Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and let proof.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt together into a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in yeast and buttermilk.

Turn out onto floured board and knead dough until it is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch, and cut out 1 1/2 inch rounds with a biscuit cutter.

Set the biscuits 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter, and bake 10-12 minutes.

Now all you need to do, is to decide just what you want to go with your biscuits and you are GOOD TO GO!

That's alright! No need to thank me...you know I'm always trying to do good things for ya!

Now. my friends, let's do the coffee thing on the patio, OK?

I Wonder Why...?

One thing about going to the V.A., you have a lot of time to think while waiting.

And you just know there will be waiting, right? After all, the V.A. is part of the government. Name me just one time that you knew any part of a government agency that didn't require a long wait when doing business with them.

Like I said, I had a lot of time to think...and what I was thinking about was the fact that there are so many things that I just have to ask myself every day "I wonder why..."

I'm sure that you have many times asked yourself "I wonder why...?" We all have! Here are just a few of the ones that cross my mind from time to time.

I wonder why, when I am paying some cashier or toll booth operator, I'm the one saying " thank you" and not them?

I wonder why all the crazy and unsafe drivers in the city only seem to go somewhere at the same time I do?

I wonder why most of the drivers on the street now days don't put on their turn signals until they are already halfway through the turn?

I wonder why some folks go to church every Sunday, yet never say grace at the table?

I wonder why so many of the so-called religious folks only say grace at the table on the holidays, like thanksgiving?

I wonder why so many politicians always dress in expensive suits, when the average worker has to bust ass to put food on the table?

I wonder why it is that doctors, who are supposed to be curing people, have so many of the same people coming to see them over and over again because they are still sick?

I wonder why how many times the doctor wants to see you seems to be directly tied in to how much insurance you have?

I wonder why the car dealers really think that we consumers actually believe that they will reduce the price of a car or truck by several thousand dollars just because they are such nice guys?

I wonder why the panhandlers standing on the corners in my neighborhood begging for change, always seem to have enough money for cigarettes at $4.00 or $5.00 a pack?

I wonder why at least one sock out of a pair always seem to hide during the drying cycle?

I wonder why the cats in my house will dig a really nice hole in the center of the litter box, then mess in the very corner or on the edge?

I wonder why my door bell or telephone never rings unless I'm on the toilet or taking a shower?

I wonder why all the great tasting food is fattening or bad for you?

I wonder why the only vacant seat in the waiting room is often right next to the person that seems to have the worst body odor?

I wonder why so many of the folks showing up at the food banks and are asking for assistance from others, are driving more expensive vehicles than anyone I know?

I wonder why the same people that laugh at me for storing food and having extra preps, are the same ones that don't think twice about knocking on my door asking to borrow a cup of sugar?

I wonder why they sell the Sunday newspaper all day Saturday?

I wonder why the spare tire is almost always out of air just when you have a flat?

I wonder why the term "retired" makes other folks think you have the time to perform daily maintenance at their discretion, and for free?

I wonder why library books seem to hide until the day before they are due?

I wonder why my favorite pair of jeans are the first ones to get a rip or tear in them?

I wonder why I'm even wondering why about all this stuff , when so much of it I will never understand?

I guess all this is just another of life's mysteries...and to tell the truth, I've always loved a good mystery!

Now, my friend, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit. I wonder why coffee always taste better when shared with a friend? Now THAT'S no mystery...!

For Security...Whatever Works Is Good !

My Baby Sis sent me this and I liked it so much, I wanted to share!

Besides, I'm lazy today...and this seemed like an easy way out! On top of that, I have to go to the V.A. to do the blood test thing. Bummer, huh?

How do you like this security system?

This is a true story of a garage owner in the Southwest.
He was sick & tired of thugs breaking into his garage shop to steal tools etc.
He came up with this idea…

He would have a large fluffy dog professionally cut & trimmed to appear as a "Lion". Then he put the word out that he had a new "Mexican Lion" at the shop that would attack anyone who tried to break in or climb his fence.

The would-be thieves apparently saw the “Lion” from a distance and fled the scene.

This worked each and every time -- they were convinced it was a REAL Lion! Ingenious guy!




Just goes to show, folks, when all else fails use the most important tool in your collection to solve your problems...your mind!

Now, my friend, let's get some coffee and sit for a while before I have to go to the V.A.!

Cleaning Up After Yourself...!

OK...the weekend is over, you've visited about 7,643 different sites...some which have tried to give you a bad case of the "BIG NASTIES" otherwise known as Spy ware. These little devils can be a royal pain, but they can be stopped. If you do happen to pick up one anyway, they are fairly easy to remove.

Now, after a fun filled weekend of surfing sites, game playing, fighting with the unwanted ads and spam, watching all the YouTube presentations, reading all the jokes, looking at all the pictures in your e-mail...you know, all the average things that fill our time on the weekends and load us down with a extremely large number of temporary files we know we have to rid our PC of, it's time to run our "Clean Up" program and do away with all the potential problems.

You run it, the temporary files are removed, the trash is emptied (sort of like the chores around the house, huh?) and we can greet the start of the new week with a clean slate and begin all over again! Right?

Not so fast, boys and girls, we're not through yet!

Did you wipe down your screen and your keyboard yet? You did...? GOOD! However, since the whole purpose here is to get everything all spic and span...did you know that the screen needs to be cleaned from the inside from time to time? It's not an easy task to do, so being the nice guy that I am...I have decided to share my special "INSIDE SCREEN CLEANER" with you! I hope this helps!

Now that the cleaning is all done, we can move on to the important things! So, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit...OK?

Remember All The Silly Songs...?

You know, as I was growing up, I can remember a LOT of silly songs that were getting air time!

The thing is, no matter how silly the lyrics were, they all seem to have a certain something that kept popping up in your mind. I'd be willing to say that if I heard the tune today, even without the words I would be able to tell you what the song was!

I'll bet that you have songs like that, bumping around in the attic of your mind...c'mon, admit it! You know you do!

Let's put on a couple of the silly songs from a long time ago, and see if you remember them!



How about this one?



Or maybe this...?



There are so many more, but I don't have enough space to put all the ones I remember...so I'll let your memories take over! We could spend all day doing this...know what I mean?

Let's get some coffee and sit out in the rain for a bit...it ain't too bad! We can hum some of the old songs...!

How About Some Fried Butter...!

Ready to gain a few more pounds? Then today's post should do it, for sure!

I was reading about some of the goodies offered at the Texas State Fair. Now, as you may or may not know, Texas is real big on fried food, ANY kind of fried food! Even though that statement may apply to most of the south, I think this will make you agree that just maybe Texas is number one in the fried food category!

Let me give you just a sampling of some of the goodies you can expect from the creative minds of these cooks!

• Green Goblins: Cherry peppers stuffed with spicy shredded chicken and guacamole, battered, deep-fried and topped with queso.

• Twisted Yam on a Stick: A spiral-cut sweet potato, fried on a skewer, then rolled in butter and dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

• Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream: Served with a side of vanilla buttercream icing for dipping.

• Texas Fried Pecan Pie: A mini-pecan pie battered, deep fried and served with caramel sauce, whipping cream and chopped candied pecans.

• Country Fried Pork Chips: Battered, thin-sliced pork loin deep fried and served with sides of ketchup or cream gravy.

• Sweet Jalapeno Corn Dog Shrimp: Shrimp on a stick, coated with a sweet and spicy cornmeal batter, deep fried and served with a spicy glaze.

• Fried Peanut Butter Cup Macaroon: A peanut butter cup wrapped inside a coconut macaroon, fried and then dusted with powdered sugar.

Then, of course, there is the topic of the day...FRIED BUTTER! You can read all about this beauty and the rest of the story right here! I have to warn you, though...be prepared to garnish a few calories along the way! Just don't say I didn't warn ya!

Now, my friends, if you're full of the snacks...let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit!

Want To Be A Weather Guru...?

Well, these tips probably won't make you a guru, but they might just help you to be a little bit more aware of what may be right around the corner!

I'm thinking that anything that helps is always welcome! After all, information can be our most valuable tool, no matter what we are doing.

This collection of signs from nature came from the Old Farmer's Almanac, and has probably been gathered from stories and tips that the old timers, farmers, ranchers, and all folks living in the country have passed down over the years! Lots of common sense, lots of old wives tales, and lots of home remedies have been totally ignored up until recent years...when they were finally recognized to contain a wealth of information!

Pay attention, now...there will be a test later!

• Cats remaining indoors, devoid of vivacity, forecast wet or windy weather.

• Owls hooting and screeching during bad weather foretell fine weather near at hand.

• Sheep run to and fro, jump from the ground, and fight before a change of weather.

• Many flowers close their petals as rain approaches, opening them again after rain.

• Plenty of acorns indicates a severe winter ahead. Thin onion skins mean a mild winter.


This is just a few of oh, so many tips from our past that we really should pay more attention to, don't you think? Of course, that's just my opinion...but since I've proven to you many times how wise I am, why would you not listen? How do you know I'm wise? That's an easy one...I read the Almanac, don't I?

Gotta Love Those Melons...!

Do you get gas from watermelon? You could...check this out from the Houston Chronicle...!

LANE, Okla. — An Oklahoma-based chemist for the Department of Agriculture said his research suggests that sugars in the juice of watermelons can be used to make ethanol.

Wayne Fish works with the department’s research service laboratory in Lane. He said his research began two years ago during a study on how to enrich watermelons for their effect on human health.

“Then some watermelon producers asked us to find something they could do with their cull watermelons,” he said.

Joel Tumblson, a watermelon producer in Rush Springs, said finding a use for cull or discarded watermelons would be “amazing.” He said he sometimes has to leave as much as one-fourth of his crop in the field each season because the melons are overripe, cracked, sunburned or misshapen.

“Right now we just feed them to the animals or plow them under,” Tumblson said.

Fish said there are advantages to using watermelons. Unlike corn, in which starch must be broken down before it can be fermented, researchers working with watermelons were able to begin the process at fermentation.

But a disadvantage: cost.

Fish said the picking and transporting the fruit, along with returning the finished product to a farm, can be pricey. He said the first step toward using watermelons for ethanol “is to invent a mobile fermentation unit” that could be moved from grower to grower.

Such a unit might not be far from completion. Jim Rausch, the president of Common Sense Agriculture, a Texas-based company, said he hopes to finish a pilot project next year that would simplify the ethanol processing sequence.

“We’re looking at a mobile unit that could be moved from grower to grower, that in a three-month season could turn out 20,000 gallons,” he said. “The whole production process can eliminate transportation costs.”

He said the goal is to turn a waste crop into something that is profitable for farmers.

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee. Can't do the patio today 'cause it's raining!

Doing The Drugstore Thing...!

My mom was needing a script filled at the drug store, so being the nice guy that I am...I went to pick it up for her!

This is actually a good time of the year to go to the local Walgreen's, if for no other reason than they are changing over from school supplies, to Halloween Candy!

If you have been reading here for a while, you know that I really love anything chocolate! So when I make my way to the candy isle, I scope out all the chocolate first thing! Sure there are lots and lots of other types of candy, but unless it's chocolate based...I'm really not interested! Bet I gained about 3 pounds just browsing the isle...

I also noticed something that we, as Preppers, should start paying attention to. The price of most of the candy has gone the way of nearly everything else now days...increasing in price! However, the same does NOT hold true for the candy marked as "sugar free"! Even the "sugar free" chocolate is lower in price as the regular!

Now, what does that mean to us? To me, it's an indication that sugar is going up in cost, thus causing the candy makers to raise the cost in order to cover the rise in manufacturing. You can bet that if it's showing up already in manufactured foods, it won't be long until it starts showing up on the sugar prices on the shelf, if it hasn't already gone up in your area! I think that this is a very good reason to start stocking up on some extra for your preps...but I know that some of you have already have done that very thing!

The next thing I learned while I was there is that there are a LOT of sick people right now! For the first time since I started going to this particular Walgreen's store, I had to stand in line at the pick up counter...I was like number 6 in line!

Now, for a neighborhood drug store, that's a lot of folks picking up prescriptions. I would guess that if that many are getting scripts now, when the really bad weather gets here it will only get a lot worse!

Not a goo0d sign for people that have to be out in public, that's for sure! I'm glad that I no longer work in retail and have daily dealings with the public!

Well, that's really all I had today...just wanted to mention about the sugar going up and to let you know that there seems to be a lot of illness showing up already here. Seems like there's always something, huh?

So, stock up on sugar, stay out of public places as much as possible, and eat a LOT of chocolate! Won't keep the illness away, but it might help you find a little comfort when you have to stay at home! Besides, it can't hurt...chocolate never does!

Let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit, my friends! I'll even share my Reese's peanut butter cups with ya, OK?

A Little Hurricane Advice...!

Here is a case of some "Survivor Humor" from a spry little lady somewhere in her 70's.

She just happens to be a city council member of Devers, Texas. She and her spouse had their home damaged in hurricane Ike...and in spite of that, she was able to create this little bit of advice to share! You have to love her attitude...!

We have entered the hurricane season. Every day till December 1st, you'll turn on the TV to see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points:

(1) There is no need to panic.
(2) We could all be killed.

Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Texas .. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.' Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple 3-step hurricane preparedness plan:

STEP 1: Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least 3 days.
STEP 2: Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3: Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.

Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Texas .. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:

HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:

If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets 2 basic requirements:

(1) It is reasonably well-built, and
(2) It is located in Nebraska .

Unfortunately, if your home is located on the Texas gulf coast, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.

So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company that will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Katrina, most Texans have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.

SHUTTERS:

Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors and, if it's a major hurricane, all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.

Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps ... and it will be December.

Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.

Hurricane-proof windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds. You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska .

HURRICANE PROOFING YOUR PROPERTY:

As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.

EVACUATION ROUTE:

If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out.. To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver license. If it reads ' Texas ,' you live in a low-lying area. The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.

HURRICANE SUPPLIES:

If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Texas tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:

a) 23 flashlights. At least $167 worth of batteries that, when the power goes off, 1.) turn out to be the wrong size for the flashlights or 2.) are old batteries with no power.
b) Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)
c) 55 gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
d) A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
e) $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that after the hurricane passes you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.

Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.

Good luck! And remember ... It's great living in Paradise . Hurricane season will be over December 1st.


Now, let's get some coffee and sit on the patio for a bit! Hey...Those look like storm clouds to you?

Happy Labor Day...!

Just to show my support for all things political, I'm going to take the day off!

Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire, a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.

Over the years, Labor Day has come to mark the end of Summer and , believe me, this year I am plenty ready for Summer to be over!!

I would really like to see some Fall, but here in South Texas we don't get the seasonal change like other parts of the country. Instead, we usually just go from hot weather straight into cold weather...no slowing down or gradual changing here!

So even though I'm retired, I'm taking the day off! Gotta support the national holidays, right?

Besides, being retired is hard work, ya know? (insert tongue in cheek here!) So, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit. Maybe you can take the day off with me!

The Reunion Is Over...

I don't know why I thought that this year might be different. Wishful thinking, I guess...

All in all, there was a good time to be had by all! Plenty of food, that's for sure! I have to admit that the women folk of my family can produce some of the most excellent tasting and pleasing snacks bar none!

All of the nieces and nephews were there, along with the grand nieces! Even though my sister from North Carolina couldn't be there, my baby sis was there! Quite a gal, my baby sis! She and her DH are active in their local theatre, she and my mom have recently joined the D.A.R., she is an excellent cook and can sew. In fact, baby sis and my mom and my sister in N.C. are all good cooks and craft folks! Pretty handy people to have around, especially at parties and reunions!

Lots of card games, picture taking, coffee talk at the patio table, all the things that make a get together a lot of fun!

However, there was a personal dark spot for me. The reason we hold the reunion at this time of year, is because it is close to my dad's birthday. Even though he has been gone for a long time, we get together to honor his memory!

You see, my family name is King. I was the only boy in a family of four children. All my sisters married and of course, their names changed when that happened. As the last male member of my family after my dad died, it was up to me and my two sons to carry on the family name!

That's sort of an archaic way of thinking, I guess, but I was proud of my family name. I'm still proud of my family name, but I am afraid that the pride will pass when I do. Neither of my sons share that pride and sense of family. Neither shows any wish to involve them selves in the mundane happening of the King family. The history of our family has no interest to them. The health and well being of the family members is of no concern for them. They have no interest in sharing the joy of making new memories, sharing the old ones, getting to know the cousins, in even being any part of our family...of MY family!

Because of this attitude, I never get to see my grand children. I have two that I have never seen, and probably never will ! The other I get to see when ever my oldest decides to bring her over, which isn't often.

There is a lot of irony in that situation, for sure. Here I am, an aging grand father beginning to realize that the twilight years of my life will be spent without the comfort and support of my only sons, without the loving visits of grand children I can tell stories to, without young ears to listen to the stories of family members and get togethers long past, without Christmas gatherings where the joy and excitement of children would act as a tonic to an old man!

Suddenly...I feel very old! Very old indeed! Just realizing my mortality, I guess! You know, there is a song by Frank Sinatra that seems appropriate at this time, if you don't mind!



Sorry, I didn't mean to get so moody today. Just the ramblings of an old man feeling his age, I reckon...

Now, let's get some coffee and sit on the patio, my friend. Don't mind me if I don't say too much today, alright?

Classic Battle Of Good And Evil...!

Think of it as a morality play for kids...with a sound track!

Cartoons, the old fashioned ones anyway, can indeed teach a little bit of the lessons of life to the younger ones. You know, the black hats against the white hats, good guys against the bad guys, doing right makes you feel like a hero!

Sure that's a simplified description, but sometimes the best lessons are the simplest. Kids understand simple. They understand the message behind the cartoons more than we know, if the truth be known!

Besides, it makes them laugh, and there are not too many things in life that can touch your heart in a good way like the laughter of a child!

So let's get the kids or the mate or the dog or the cat...and let's enjoy these little bits of happiness, OK? OK!



Now, just in case you don't like Tom and Jerry...how about another good guy?



Now that should be enough to get your Saturday off to a good start! Oh, and by the way...if you by some chance you live alone, that's OK! You can watch these cartoons alone and that's a good thing! That way you don't feel a little out of place when you laugh out loud! I know, I do it!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit...before the family starts showing up!

Frontier Justice Alive And Well..And Legal!

This story in the Houston Chronicle made me realize that the old fashioned brand of frontier justice may be the way to go!

It's sad when someone gets killed, but that's the chance you get when you attempt something like this...I say that the saying of "forewarned is forearmed" should have been enough to keep the criminal types from even considering this action!

By DALE LEZON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 3, 2009, 12:31PM

A suspected robber was killed and another man was injured in a gun battle after three masked gunmen ambushed a card game in southwest Houston this morning, police said.

Around 2 a.m., witnesses said the masked men waited for someone to leave the game, which was held inside an unmarked office park unit behind a shopping center in the 5600 block of Hillcroft just south of Westpark.

The gunmen burst in through the open door and began robbing patrons, one of whom pulled his own pistol, said Sgt. Juan M. De La Cruz, a Houston homicide detective. A gunfight ensued.

One suspect was killed and one of the patrons suffered a non-life threatening wound and was taken to a nearby hospital. Police, who found multiple 9-millimeter shell casings at the scene, say the other two suspects fled.

Police recovered card tables, cards and cash, and one of the patrons said everyone at the game knew each other. Police said they didn't immediately know who rents the space, which like many in the complex has no signage.

De La Cruz said the gambling matter would be turned over to the vice squad, but it wasn't clear whether the game was illegal. In Texas, there's nothing wrong with money changing hands in poker and other games as long as someone isn't taking a cut.

Identities of those involved were not immediately released, and no arrests were made.

Now, I have to ask myself if the bandits really believe that no one would be carrying a firearm? If so, I wonder just where they have been living for the last few years!

In a city where folks get shot on the street corner, in their front yard, and at the grocery store...often for no apparent reason, how can someone not have a clue that when you bust into a private card game at 2:00 a.m. with the intent of robbing the patrons...someone is going to be armed.

I personally think that the so-called bandits should take up another line of work! I don't believe that they are smart enough to be successful crooks...but that's just me!

Bad decisions more often than not lead to bad results. Evidently, the old frontier justice is alive and well in parts of Texas. That should give the bad guys reason to stop and think the next time...and we all have no doubt there will be a next time!

Some folks are very slow to learn, ya know?

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit...don't worry, no bad guys here!

A Moment Of Silence, Please...!

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If you enjoyed this, I'm glad I could rise to the occasion and help keep you from having a crumby day! You know, just in case you kneaded a lift. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist!)

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit...and it's OK if you smile at my silliness this morning!

Ready To Gain Some Weight...?

None of us are ever really ready to gain weight, but if you are like me...you can gain weight just by reading recipes like these!

I started looking through the family cookbook to come up with something different for the reunion coming up. What I found instead, was two recipes I had almost forgotten about! They are quick, easy, and mostly can be made with a minimum of ingredients. In fact, I'd be almost willing to bet you already have all the things you need to create these calorie laden, lip smacking goodies!

The first one is not too bad. Certainly, it's not as rich as the second...but, believe me, it's still GOOD!

Potato Chip Cookies

1 pound margarine
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups crushed potato chips
3 1/2 flour

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

That's it! Good stuff...so maybe you might want to make a double recipe, just in case!

Tami's Gooey Butter Cake

1 stick oleo
2 eggs
1 yellow cake mix

Combine and spread into greased 9x13 inch pan. (Mixture will be thick)

8 oz. cream cheese
2 eggs
1 pound powdered sugar (reserve 2 tbsp. to sprinkle on top)

Pour on top of first layer and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate.

Now I have to tell you, this recipe is from my last ex-wife...and I always suspected she might have been trying to do away with me by getting me so overweight, I would pass on from a heart attack! Never proved it, but I had my suspicions!

Anyway, I hope you try and enjoy these recipes! Just remember, I accept no responsibility for any extra pounds gained during the consumption of these two goodies, OK?

Now, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit...heck, I'm full just from typing these recipes!

A Different Look At Rednecks...!

My baby sis passed this on to me, and I thought it was good enough to pass on to you!

If you have already seen it, I apologize! However, I think it might be worthy of another read...

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.

If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit...that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya’ll are.

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

The reason I chose to share this, is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about here!

God Bless the USA !

Keep the home fires burning, my redneck friend.

Now, how about we get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit, OK?