A Cowboy At Heart...!

Do you know what a true cowboy is?

A cowboy is nothing more than a prepper wearing cowboy boots. I mean, think about it. Both have a fair amount of common sense, both are used to being ready for any emergency, both are used to making do with what's available, and both are used to depending on no one but themselves and friends and family in the hard times!

Both the prepper an the cowboy have learned everything that is said by and promised by the government is best taken with a grain of salt. Both are not ashamed to pray, both stand when the national anthem is played, both still take off their head cover and place their hands over their hearts when the flag passes by!

Both the cowboy and the prepper are folks you can trust to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in a firefight, folks that will gladly watch your back just as they would expect you to do for them, and folks that will help in any way they can when it's needed...never expecting anything in return!

Both believe that it isn't the state you're in that matters, but instead it's the state of mind you're in that makes you what you are!

One of the most important things that both the cowboy and the prepper instinctively know is that a sense of humor is of vital importance with things the way they are! So, in keeping with that thought, I figured I'd leave you with a little bit of cowboy humor...!

Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town."
...........An old Western proverb

"Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction."

"A bronc rider should be light in the head and heavy in the seat."

"Broke is what happens when a cowboy lets his yearnin's get ahead of his earnin's."

"Any cowboy can carry a tune. The trouble comes when he tries to unload it."

"When in doubt, let your horse do the thinkin'."

"When a cowboy's too old to set a bad example, he hands out good advice."

"Worry is like a rockin' horse. It's something to do that don't get you nowhere."

"Poor is having to sell the horse to buy the saddle."

One final thing that the Prepper and the cowboy have in common. That's enjoying a good cup of coffee with a friend, so let's you and me get a fresh cup and sit outside for a bit!

Even Coyotes Need A Change...!

By now, many of us are getting tired of leftovers. Many of us have been eating the same thing for a couple of days...and need a change.

Well, coyotes need a change from time to time as well! Besides, just going after nothing but bird day in and day out has to take it's toll on you.This is especially true if you can't seem to catch one for dinner.

It has to be extremely frustrating when the only bird you even get a close up view of...is the one that the Roadrunner flips at you as he rockets out of sight!

Sometimes change can be just as frustrating as staleness, ya know?



Here's another example for you...



And just in case this wasn't enough...here's one more!



The lesson here is really fairly simple. While you may become frustrated with things the way they are, making a change is one possible scenario. However, if you decide that making a change in your lifestyle is the only option, don't expect that things will immediately become better. Successful change, like all things in life, takes time.

Do the research, learn the needed skills, prepare yourself for the unexpected before you make a drastic change. It may be that you decide to find a way to make the best of your present situation. All things are possible, but whether you stay the course or make a change...you have to ride out the bumps in the road of life in order to get to the point where the going is straight and smooth.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth!

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

World's Biggest Rabbit...!

I don't know about you, but I felt just about this stuffed after thanksgiving dinner!

Now, according to Snopes.com, this is a real rabbit. I can't help but think that this could be a Prepper's goldmine! Just imagine, having a few of these around to supplement the ol' food supply...

Wouldn't take but just a few of these guys to make a good meal...not to mention the uses of all that fur!

Read this whole story and see what you think...!

Hopping into the record books, Humphrey the two-stone rabbit is king of the big bucks

By MIKE LARKIN

Last updated at 15:32 15 February 2008

Meet record-breaking rabbit Humphrey - a buck so large he has smashed the official mark for the world's biggest bunny.

The French lop-eared rabbit is 42in long and tips the scales at a mammoth two stone.

That's 3lb heavier than previous world record holder Dancing Star, a rabbit of the aptly named British Giant breed who weighs in at 25lb.

The French Lop's average weight is a comparatively tiny 10lb.

Scroll down for more...

Thumping great: Humphrey with owner Colin Dunigan, who says, 'I just don't know how big he is going to get'

And the 18-month-old, who is not yet fully matured, is still growing, fuelled by a diet of hay, carrots, asparagus - and his favourite, digestive biscuits.

Owner Colin Dunigan, from Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, said: "When I first got him I could hold him in the palms of both my hands.

"Every day he just kept getting bigger and bigger. I thought he would stop, but he hasn't so far."

In a single day he will eat three whole carrots, half a broccoli, a couple of asparagus tips, some wholemeal bread and a handful of biscuits.

Father-of-two Mr Dunigan, 62, said: "He loves his food. He would eat me out of house and home if he could. I have to be careful not to overfeed him, because he lives to eat."

And quantity is not enough. Humphrey also demands quality.

Scroll down for more...

Current bunny: Record-holder Humphrey is 42in long and still growing

Mr Dunigan said: "I bought him some own-brand digestive biscuits because they were a bit cheaper, but he turned his nose up."

Humphrey has the run of his owner's four-bedroom detached house after outgrowing his 6ft cage, and now enjoys lying next to the fire - and watching television.

Mr Dunigan revealed he is a particular fan of Albert Square.

He said: "It doesn't matter where he is in the house, when he hears the theme of EastEnders he runs to get to the television.

"And if I try to leave the house without leaving the telly or the radio on he will stop me before I go."

The largest breed of domestic rabbit is the Flemish giant, which weighs up to 17lb 10oz and stretches up to 3ft toe-to-toe.

The current unofficial world record holder for the largest rabbit is Amy, a Continental Giant from Worcester. She weighs in at two-and-a-half stone and is 4ft long.

But Mr Dunigan would not be surprised if Humphrey caught up on her too. He said: "He has a way to go, but I just don't know how big he is going to get."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-514728/Hopping-record-books-Humphrey-stone-rabbit-king-big-bucks.html#ixzz0Y8ECArIz

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio...we can think about how in the world we are going to fry all that rabbit!

In My Day, We Called It "Wrapping"...!

It was all in fun, hurt no one, and gave us a true rush just to know that we could get caught at any moment!

No guns, no fighting, no damage done to property (other than making a really big mess), and often we would show up the next day and help to clean up!

Even though we thought ourselves beyond brave and owners of big, brass ones...I doubt if we ever had the gumption these guys must have!

Colorado governor's lawn draped in toilet paper

© 2009 The Associated Press
Nov. 26, 2009, 3:31PM


DENVER — It wasn't fresh mountain snow but toilet paper that blanketed the front lawn of the Colorado governor's mansion Thanksgiving morning.

Gov. Bill Ritter told KUSA-TV that he and his wife noticed shortly after dawn Thursday that someone had "teepeed" the front lawn.

State officials said it was the first time that happened to the 101-year-old landmark.

Ritter joked about it, saying he has teenage children at home and that it was probably a prank. First Lady Jeannie Ritter said she would be worried if the house had been egged or damaged but the toilet paper prank is harmless.

The 1908 Georgian revival home is near the state Capitol in Denver.

It's really nice to see that kids can still prove their bravado and count coup without shooting, stabbing, or being destructive. Not a bad way to show that ANYONE can be touched, if the conditions are right!

Best thing? The governor and hi wife are laughing about it! I wonder if that could be because they don't have to clean it up themselves!

After all, being the Top Dog in the state does have it's perks!

My friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit. Leftover pie is available...but I'm still full! How about you?

Fun Fixing Your Turkey...!

To make your Thanksgiving a little more fun, I thought I would post an enjoyable way to fix your turkey! Enjoy...!

1. Go buy a turkey
2. Take a drink of whisky
3. Put turkey in the oven
4. Take another 2 drinks of whisky
5. Set the degree at 375 ovens
6. Take 3 more whiskys of drink
7. Turk the bastey
8. Whisky another bottle of get
9. Ponder the meat thermometer
10. Glass yourself a pour of whisky
11. Bake the whisky for 4 hours
12. Take the oven out of the turkey
13. Floor the turkey up off of the pick
14. Turk the carvey
15. Get yourself another scottle of botch
16. Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey
17. Bless the dinner and pass out

Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone! Coffee and pumpkin pie on the patio...!

Practice, Practice, Practice...!

In order to be proficient with any fire arm you have, practice is all important.

It doesn't matter what manner of gun you own, in order to be of use to you in an emergency situation, you MUST learn to use and care for the weapon.

Skeet shooting is very good way to sharpen your skills at hitting a moving target. For those of you unfamiliar with skeet shooting , I've included a couple of videos on extreme target shooting.

Please pay close attention as there will be a test later!



Let me interject here, safety should be of highest priority at all times...! Always be sure that the person doing the loading and throwing of the target is NOT...I repeat, NOT in front of your weapon. That is, unless he's a politician or running for office in your county!



In the above example, safety again should be priority...! You want to be sure that no one is actually driving the target off the cliff! Of course, as in any situation there are exceptions, but I'll leave that up to the individual. We all have our own ideas on how to handle this particular possibility!



Now, in some of these cases you may want to wear some sort of head protection. Those golf clubs up side the unprotected head can definitely ruin your day, I hear!

You might want to consider if some of these folks look as though they are subject to heart attacks or seizures...as the sound of a shotgun going off on the driving range could lead to one or both of these occurrences!

Lesson's over! Let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit...Oh, and duck if you hear the word "PULL!"

Thoughts On Dying...!

Here is something my sister sent to me that I thought I would like to share.

None of us like to think about this, but perhaps we just look at it in the wrong way! That's why thinking about what is said in this picture can be very important. At least, it may cause us to realize that each and every day is important!



If you click on this picture, you'll find it says just exactly what I mean , but in a better fashion. Just something to think about today!

Let's get some coffee. Better sit outside for a while before the weather turns too nasty to enjoy, ya know?

Turkey Day Is Coming...!

Happens every year about this time, ya know?

Now, to really appreciate this upcoming feast...I thought you should know a little bit of history about the traditional bird!

There's a lot more to this homely bird we consume in such large quantities this time of year than you probably know. Being the "Finder of Trivial Facts" that I am...I wanted to do my part to share a bit of the little known facts about the noble turkey!

• There are several theories about how turkeys got their name. One story claims the Christopher Columbus heard some birds say "tuka, tuka", and his interpreter came up with the name tukki, which means "big bird" in hebrew.
• Because the wild turkey is quick to defend itself and fight against all predators, Ben Franklin wanted it as the symbol of the United States. Comparing it to the eagle, he called the turkey "a more respectable bird, a true original native of America."
• The average person in the United States will eat 15 pounds of turkey this year.
• The wild turkey is one of the more difficult birds to hunt. It won't be flushed out of the brush with a dog. Instead, hunters must try to attract it with different calls. Even with two seasons a year, only one in six hunters will get a wild turkey.
• By the 1930s, almost all of the wild turkeys in the U.S. had been hunted. Today, thanks to conservation programs, there are plenty of wild turkeys—they even invade cities!
• A male turkey is called a tom, a female is a hen, and a youngster is a poult.
• The domestic tom can weigh up to 50 pounds, the domestic hen up to 16 pounds. The wild tom can weigh up to 20 pounds, the wild hen up to 12 pounds.
• The domestic turkey can't fly. The wild turkey can, for short distances, but it prefers to walk or run.
• The average life span of a domestic turkey, from birth to freezer, is 26 weeks. During this period of time, it will eat about 75 pounds of turkey feed. The average life span of a wild turkey is three or four years. It generally feeds on seeds, nuts, insects, and berries.
• The wobbly little thing on the turkey’s chest is the turkey's beard and is made up of keratin bristles. Keratin is the same substance that forms hair and horns on other animals.
• Only male turkeys, or toms, can gobble, and they mostly do it in the spring and fall. It is a mating call and attracts the hens. Wild turkeys gobble at loud sounds and when they settle in for the night.

Now that you have all this new found turkey knowledge, you can amaze and astound all your friends and family while chomping away at the beautifully set Thanksgiving table. If nothing else, it will keep the conversation away from Aunt Bessie's gall bladder operation, or Uncle Bill's hernia, or Cousin Charlie's latest escapade with the local constable.

Now, my friends, let get some coffee and sit outside. It's nice and cool this morning for a change...what passes for Fall in Texas!

Getting Your Exercise...?

First of all...let me say a great big "THANK YOU" to everybody that wished me a Happy Birthday yesterday! It really warms my heart to know that I have so many friends that would take the time to do that! I appreciate it more than you know, I really do!

Now, let's get on with today's topic, OK?

Back in the 1950s, there was no need to go to the gym to work out. All you had to do was to go to a local dance.

Sock hops, socials, or just plain dances...didn't matter what they were called. The music was loud, great, and absolutely full of rhythm!

Many of the kids at these dances probably had to sneak out of their houses to go, as their parents didn't approve of the music of the time! Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?

Talk about burning up some calories...! Man, if I had only half as much energy as these kids, no telling what I could do!

And something else...I'd be willing to bet that not a single one of these kids or band members was carrying a gun! NOT ONE...!

Try your morning work-out while watching this video and you'll see what I mean!



Now, I don't know about you, my friends, but I think it's time to get some coffee and sit outside for a while.

So This Is 65...!

Somehow I don't feel any different!

I don't know what I was expecting, but everything is pretty much the same, except by the calendar I'm a year older...now if that only made me wiser, I'd be in good shape!

I think the best thing about waking up being 65, is waking up at all! Any day above ground is a good one! I started wondering what some of the better known folks in history had to say bout age...so being the "wise" person that I am I looked it up!

Here are a few quotes on the subject of age :

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.
Victor Hugo

Every man over forty is a scoundrel.
George Bernard Shaw

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Henry Ford

He has a profound respect for old age. Especially when it's bottled.
Gene Fowler

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
Satchel Paige

Middle age is the awkward period when Father Time starts catching up with Mother Nature.
Harold Coffin

Muscles come and go; flab lasts.
Bill Vaughan

No man is ever old enough to know better.
Holbrook Jackson

There is still no cure for the common birthday.
John Glenn

True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
Kurt Vonnegut

Old age is fifteen years older than I am.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

Whatever poet, orator or sage may say of it, old age is still old age.
Sinclair Lewis

My favorite thought on old age? I'm not as good as I once was...but I'm as good once as I ever was!

Now, my friends, let's have some coffee on the patio and try to remember what we were talking about!

How About Some Conversation Fillers...?

Just for something a little bit different today, I thought I would share these great bits of information with you!

Never know when you may want a rather sardonic saying to fill in a quiet moment during a conversation!

Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

A closed mouth gathers no foot.

Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving .

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

AND FINALLY...

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

I hope this list can be of some use! Come to think of it, Thanksgiving is coming up, and at some point during the day you'll be talking to someone you would rather NOT be talking to! That might be just the perfect moment to throw out some of these little tid-bits, ya know?

Now, my friends, coffee is ready. Let's get a fresh cup and sit outside for a bit, OK?

Insane And In Charge...!

Looks like the inmates are indeed in charge of the asylum!

After reading this piece in the pages of the Houston Chronicle...I'm left to wonder just where, exactly, are we getting the folks that are supposed to be in charge of the so-called "secure" lock up facilities?

This is completely and totally insane! These people are supposed to be professionals, right? God help us all, if this is the best that they can do...!

Nathan Lindstrom For the Chronicle

Video footage of a 16-year-old accused of smuggling a loaded gun in to the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center earlier this month shows the teen flashing the gun in his palm while two guards talked to co-workers instead of watching him.

“There's one point in the video that show the gun in his palm and kind of in his pocket,” Juvenile Probation Department Executive Director Harvey Hetzel said Wednesday. “He kind of flashed it to another kid.”

Hetzel described the video at a lunchtime meeting of the County Juvenile Board where members blasted him over revelations the teen got the loaded pistol to his cell after passing through a metal detector that appears to have been unplugged for the past month, as well as a “strip search” in which a guard was to watch the boy undress in a bathroom. The video Hetzel detailed was of that search.

Board members gave Hetzel 48 hours to explain how the security lapse happened.

“The day you learned about this, you should have pulled an all-nighter,” County Judge Ed Emmett told Hetzel. “Somebody has failed miserably.”

Members of the board, most of whom are state district judges, said they were frustrated by a lack of answers from Hetzel and Bob Husbands, the agency's director of facilities.

The two estimated the metal detector was unplugged for more than a month in the detention center's basement booking area, but neither knew for certain how long it had been out of service.

“I'm ultimately responsible; the buck stops with me,” Hetzel said afterward. “I hope that my job is not on the line, but the bottom line is that I am responsible for this.”

‘We're very lucky'

Hetzel told the board the machine was malfunctioning and was unplugged rather than fixed. He did not know who unplugged it or who authorized it.

He said dozens of people work in that area during the 24-hour work day. “The deputy director has brought in all those supervisors and no one has ‘fessed up,'” Hetzel said.

“It looks like a whole lot of people knew that the metal detector wasn't working and they let it go,” Emmett said. “What's particularly unacceptable is, here we are two weeks later and we don't have any real answers.”

The county judge said he expects to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss Hetzel's findings.

“We're giving him 48 hours to come back to us and tell us what they found out.” Emmett said. “We're very lucky somebody didn't get killed.”

Juveniles are brought to the facility at 1200 Congress. Other juveniles, clerks and guards are in the processing room, which contains several holding cells. Juveniles go through a single metal detector situated just inches from a clerk's work station.

For privacy, juveniles undress in a bathroom while a security guard watches from a doorway about four feet away. The procedure, which Hetzel called a “strip search,” is to ensure that no adult is never alone with an unclothed juvenile.

Guards on suspension

On Nov. 9, authorities discovered a .25-caliber semi-automatic in the 16-year-old boy's cell.

Two security guards have been suspended without pay for two weeks because they searched the juvenile when he was booked in two hours earlier but did not find the loaded gun.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack said an outside agency, like the Harris County District Attorney's Office, should investigate to determine who is responsible for the oversight.

“Wouldn't most department heads that had something like this occur try to get to the bottom of it within minutes, maybe hours?” Radack said. “Everyone who was found to be involved needs to be terminated.”

A 33-year veteran of the department, including six years at the helm, Hetzel announced his retirement in March 2008 after Emmett sought a special board meeting to review his performance. Hetzel rescinded his resignation three months later after the board voted to ask him to stay.

Now they're talking about firing these people! Instead, they should be bringing criminal charges against them!

C'mon...let's get some coffee and discuss how scary this whole thing is!

George Orwell Would Be Proud...!

I want you to tell me if this sounds like something from the novel "1984" by George Orwell!

This story, straight from the Houston Chronicle, sure sounds a lot like the term "Unspeak" and such to me!

'Unfriend' is a buddy of lexicographers

Associated Press

Nov. 17, 2009, 7:43AM

NEW YORK — What word sums up 2009? How about "unfriend"?

That's the New Oxford American Dictionary's 2009 Word of the Year. It means to remove someone as a friend on a social networking Web site such as Facebook.

Each year Oxford University Press tracks how the English language is changing and chooses a word that best reflects the mood of the year.

Oxford lexicographer Christine Lindberg says unfriend has "real lex appeal."

Finalists for 2009 also included "netbook," which is a small laptop, and "sexting," which is sending sexually explicit texts and pictures by cell phone.


Well, it just gets me all warm and fuzzy to know that with everything going on in the world today...some of the more "learned" people in the institutions of higher learning and in the lofty world of "I know what's REALLY important!" can keep all of us poor ignorant folks apprised of such things as this!

Now, I never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I'll tell you just what my take is on this sort of thing! I don't give a DAMN if it is in the dictionary, it's just bad grammar...plain and simple!

Ya know, most of us "common folks" would never use this word. Most of us don't have to make up new words to name such a simple act like dropping a friend! I'll be willing to bet that the "Smart" folks that created this word don't even know how to use it outside of Facebook!

In my poor ol' humble opinion...newspapers are supposed to report the news! This ain't news! This is some silly past time for people that don't want to work for a living!

However, it may just be that these folks are preparing to go to work for the .gov! I guess that this is just practice for a system like the one described by Orwell!

Looks like we are closer to the vision of "1984" than we knew! I'm sure George (Orwell, NOT Washington) would be proud!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit...we can make up a few "new words" of our own! Very descriptive ones, too!

2 Years Ago And Counting...!

It was 2 years ago today that I made my first post on this blog!

In light of that, I'm taking the day off. Because I'm not wanting to leave you without something to entertain you...I have a little ditty by Roger Miller for your enjoyment!

Pretty well sums up my life...! Enjoy!



Oh, by the way...the coffee is set up on the patio, so help yourself...OK?

Just Want To Do My Part...!

You know, presently we are all under a lot of stress...what with worrying about the economy, the job market, erosion of our rights and freedoms!

Now top that off with the abundance of winter illnesses, the flu, cost of medication, and the fast approaching holidays...and it's no wonder that many of our friends and family are having trouble keeping a peaceful mind and getting a restful nights sleep!

Hopefully this little list that I got from the Almanac will help to ease the mind and bring on some rest! I just want to do my part for all of my friends, ya know?

Here are herbal remedies to help ease stress, anxiety, and sleep.

Massage the temples with lavender oil.

Drink chamomile tea to ease stress.

Drink rosemary tea to alleviate melancholy or depression.

For a relaxing body rub, soak equal parts finely chopped dandelions, burdock (roots and/or aerial parts), yellow dock, and lobelia in 1 quart rubbing alcohol for two weeks. Apply externally.

Trying to remain relaxed but alert? Some studies suggest that the smell of apples, apple cider vinegar, or spiced apples have this effect. The right smell can make all the difference. Salty sea air is said to help in getting to sleep more easily.

A tea of elderberry flowers is considered relaxing to the nerves and is sleep inducing.

For insomnia, drink bee balm or chamomile tea and eat mandarin oranges.

Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.
–Publius Syrus (c. 42 BC)

I do hope that this helps a little...and that you can find it useful!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit...I know that is good for relieving a bit of stress!

A Little Sunday Silliness...!

You ever have one of those days when it seems like your computer is taking over?

If so, you may appreciate some of these following offerings for today! If nothing else, maybe it will give you something to smile about!

Here are some sure signs that your computer may need replacing...

10. Lower corner of screen has the words "Etch-a-sketch" on it.

9. It's celebrity spokesman is that "Hey Vern!" guy.

8. In order to start it, you need some jumper cables and a friend's car.

7. It's slogan is "Pentium: redefining mathematics".

6. The "quick reference" manual is 120 pages long.

5. Whenever you turn it on, all the dogs in your neighborhood start howling.

4. The screen often displays the message, "Ain't it break time yet?"

3. The manual contains only one sentence: "Good Luck!"

2. The only chip inside is a Dorito.

1. You've decided that your computer is an excellent addition to your fabulous paperweight collection.

Now, if that weren't enough for ya, see if these pictures help to put things in perspective!




Now that we have something to think about...let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit!

How About Those Cukes...?

Do you like cucumbers? My sister sent me some very interesting facts about them that I thought I'd share this Saturday!


This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day. Just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. Also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!


Now, my Friends, let's get some coffee an sit out on the patio for a bit!

Sometimes The Good Guys Win...!

Sometimes, in spite of everything...the good guys win one!

Sometimes, it just doesn't pay to be a bad guy...especially a "not too smart" bad guy! But I guess that applies to just about all of them!

Check out this story from The Houston Chronicle...

By MIKE GLENN Copyright 2009 HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Nov. 11, 2009, 5:18PM

A Missouri City man turned the tables on three men who tried to rob him during a home invasion this afternoon, shooting one of them several times, police said.

The men drove up to the man's home on Glenwild at Hickory Glen at about 3 p.m. and two of them forced the resident, who as in the driveway, inside, police said.

As the robbers were demanding money, the 20-year-old resident grabbed a pistol and began shooting, police said.

He shot one attacker several times. That man collapsed in the driveway. He was taken by helicopter ambulance to Memorial Hermann hospital in critical condition, officials said.

The other attacker who went into the home fled with the driver of the car.

The resident went to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries, police said.

No further information was immediately available.

Maybe, just maybe...the bad guys are starting to understand that in times like these people are NOT going to just stand by and let someone take what they have by force! Let's hope that the PTB are paying attention to these kinds of stories...because I have a feeling that this is a preview of what may happen when the guys from the dot-gov. agencies show up and want it all!

I could be wrong...but we'll see! Here in the big city, we are seeing more and more of this kind of story. Surprised that it is being reported, but not surprised that it is happening! I expect to hear a lot more like this!

Now, my friends, coffee on the patio seems to be in order! Let's go...!

Veteran's Day, 2009...!

With all that's going now days, today may be more important than usual!

Let's take time to visit some of these sites and try to get a real sense of history from each one. This is one celebration that we all can be a part of proudly.

This information, as well as the links...are supplied by Farmer's Almanac.

Veteran's Day (United States)

Originally Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918, this federal holiday was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. At that time, it became a day to honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States......Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Consider spending some time on-line learning more about our nation's veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War II Memorial celebrates the victory of "the greatest generation" with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial online; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington. Learn more about the military men and women who are on duty today.

Remembrance Day (Canada)—November 11
This day honors veterans who have died in service to their country (similar to Memorial Day in the United States).

It's important that we remember our Brothers-In-Arms in Canada, as well as our own here in the United States!

God bless our Freedom, God bless our troops, and God bless our great country!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside...we can raise our cups in a toast to all the Veterans everywhere that continue to give their all for freedoms cause!

Guess I'm Getting Old...!

Here is a little fun for you today!

Do you need eye glasses?

Look slowly and carefully at the picture below:




Did you see the rear end of the girl in the back?

If you did, then you need to have your EYES CHECKED!

That's the shoulder of the girl in front of her.


Man...it's hell getting old, huh? I better take another look...!

C'mon, my friend, let's get some coffee and sit outside...we can talk about the fact we may need new glasses!

The Deck Of Cards...!

This story has been around for a very, very long time.

Even so, I think it's one that should be replayed from time to time...especially to honor the spirit of all the men and women that put themselves in harm's way daily to protect us all!

Please, if you have heard this before...listen again! If you have never heard it, then please listen closely!



That's all I have for now. I thank you for coming by!

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

Some Sunday Drivers...!

Ah...nothing like a Sunday drive in the big city! Not just this big city...but ANY big city!

Is it any wonder that so many folks want out? Just take a look at this craziness!








Man, I look at this and I can only shake my head in disbelief! What ever happened to common sense and courtesy when driving? This is just downright scary! I think this is as good a reason to get the hell out of Dodge, ya know?

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

Do You Remember This...?

Time again for some smiles from the past.

Being an old man, I remember quite a few of these. I thought you might think back a lot of years...and see if you do. Just to be doing something a bit different for today, OK?



Or how about this one?



How about one more?



Just a bit of nostalgia for a Saturday! Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a while!

Now This Just Takes The Cake...!

Actually, I guess that I should have said that "This is the cake!"

Yesterday was my mom's monthly sewing circle group. The ladies all come over, visit and swap tales for a while, and sometimes they actually get some sewing done! They all bring something for lunch, and all the group sits around and has a nice visit!

I usually go over and help the ladies get their stuff out of the cars, hold the door for them since some of them are on walkers, and talk to them a bit before they get started doing their thing!

One of my Mom's friends asked me if I would give her a review on a new cake recipe she had tried. I get a LOT of request like that, because all the ladies know how much I like food...especially cakes. This one just happened to be chocolate! I liked it already, and I haven't even tasted it yet!

"It's a healthy recipe", she said..."and it has no oil, or egg, or water, or milk!"

I was a bit sceptical, but I tried it and WOW...it was really good! Moist and very good! The beauty of this cake is how easy it would be to make during a storm, or as a comfort food made just out of our preps! Ready for this?

1. One chocolate cake mix
2. one can of pumpkin

Mix together and bake per instructions! How easy is that? No water, no eggs, no oil...now THAT is easy!

I have been taste testing this cake since before they had lunch yesterday...and in fact, she left me half of it when she went home! Very, very good!

Something like this could be made with pumpkins grown at home, I'm thinking! You don't taste the pumpkin at all! In fact, it taste like any other great tasting chocolate cake I've had! You really ought to try this one...and if you don't like it, then just send it to me and I'll finish it off for you!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside...I'll get you a piece of cake! That is...if there's any left!

Almost Two Years...!

On November 17, 2007 I made my first post on this blog. At That time, I had no followers and, in fact, did not even get my first comment until December 4TH of that same year!

Wow, can you believe it? It sounds like a long time ago in some ways...like yesterday in others! During that time, I've made a total 742 post, counting this one.

To me, the most amazing thing about this journey so far...is the fact that I have somehow picked up the greatest group of followers that anyone could want! The numbers fluctuate from week to week, but the count was at 137 as of this posting. I am thankful for each and every one of them, believe me!

I've learned a lot from my readers, both in their comments and by reading the blogs of those that have a blog! It's always surprising to me at how far away many of my readers are! I have daily readers from Sweden, England, Australia, Canada, and the Philippine's! How cool is that?

I can't even get my mind around the fact that so many nice folks from so far away...take the time to come by and grace this little blog by their visit! Makes me feel a little humble, believe me!

For everyone that finds the time to come by...I thank you! For all that leave a comment...I thank you again! Sort of makes you wonder where we'll be in a couple of years, if we last that long!

Looks like this month is going to be a special one, what with my birthday coming up and the anniversary on the 17TH.

How about some Frank Sinatra just because...



Now, my friends, let's get some coffee...and let me tell you again how much I appreciate you coming by!

I don't Want To Go There Again...!

I have been to the airport here in Houston more in the past week than in the past year!

I've done 4 round trips in the last 10 days. No big deal, right? Well, for someone that doesn't like crowds, planes, dealing with machines, and having to be held hostage by overly rude attendants at over priced parking garages...it can become a big deal very quickly!

Add to that, the fact that during the last trip, the parking lots were full...except on the third floor parking area in the very rear...about a quarter mile from the terminal, where the passengers were picking up baggage.

Bottom line here...I DON'T want to go there again any time soon! OK? OK!

Now for the newest item I've added to my Preps! A small solar powered shed light! Not for outside use, though...I wanted to use it inside as a night light or as a back up when the power went out!

It's not very bright (equal to about a 30 watt light bulb), but what you need to remember here, folks...is that in the dark even a candle is better than nothing! A good example of this is to consider the night lights you may have around your house! Most are about 4 watts, but they at least allow you to move around in the dark safely, don't they?

Anyway, this light is perfect for a start to the extra lights I'll be using at the cabin. Powered by the sun, this one is a fluorescent bulb...but you can get them with LED bulbs as well! I like this particular one, because it has a pull string to turn it on and off!



I'm satisfied, for now. The main thing about these lights is to not expect too much light, OK? These lights are fairly inexpensive and quite possibly could come in very handy some day!

Just thought I would pass this on to you, for what it's worth!

Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and enjoy the sunshine for a bit, OK?

This Could Come In Handy...!

This might just come in handy for someone that needs to get out of Dodge in a hurry, even if you don't have a trailer!

Just imagine, if you had one of these for your car, truck, or SUV...you could have a good way to shelter yourself and your family in short order!

Stands 5 ft. 6 in. inside when set up, can be set up and taken down quickly, and if completely taken down and stored in it's bag...weighs only 11 pounds. But the real beauty is, it can be taken almost all the way down, left in the bed with stuff on top of it just in case you needed to move in a hurry!

No more looking for level ground to set up. No more worry about finding a dry spot if it's raining. Cheaper than a camper or shell, but still portable and dry!

Not a perfect solution, but just another possibility, ya know? The more we know, the more choices we have...the better! Don't you agree?

This is called the Adventure Truck Tent...and I like it!




Now, my friends, let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit! We can discuss all the possibilities we have, for now!

A Song For G.I. Joe...!

Yesterday I made mention in passing of a time of "real heroes"!

Real heroes should never be talked about "In Passing" and I realized that later. I'm ashamed that I didn't catch it sooner, or I would have said more about them!

However, to solve the problem, I've found a group that can say more about the "real heroes" than I ever could...



I really don't think I need to say anything else, do you? I didn't think so...!

C'mon, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee! God Bless All The Heroes...!

Happy Birthday, Mother...!

Today is my Mother's birthday! In honor of her special day, I'm playing a song from one of her and Dad's favorite bands from their day...!

Take time to listen to a bit of music from a simpler time, a more honest time, a time of real hero's!



Good music, huh? That's because my folks were good people! My Mom still is a very special lady...and I'm sure that my Dad, where ever He may be, is looking down at Mom and smiling. He may like this song as well...and if so, that thought pleases me to no end!

Happy Birthday, Mom! May you have many, many more! I love you...!

Now let's get some coffee and sit outside...we can make a toast to my Mother's special day!