Hi everyone on a clear but chilly 40 degree morning.  We expect to reach only the low 50's this afternoon.  This is going to be a busy day for me as I am going to drive the 1 1/2 hours to Madison, Georgia to meet with several of my men friend's for lunch.  We have been meeting at the Steak and Shake but today the group wanted to eat at Cracker Barrel so that is where we will meet.  I am looking forward to it as I haven't seen them for probably nine months or more.  The housekeeper will be here while I am gone. 

On the matter of Charities I don't ever contribute over the phone and will just tell the person calling that, says thanks and hang up.  We choose the charities to support carefully and mainly though our Church. 

Joy, I don't consider it rude to hang up on the unwanted callers as they are the ones who are bothering me.  However, I know the people calling are working for minimum wage in a call center so try to remain pleasant while being firm.  They are doing just what they are hired to do.

Marilyne, like you I have come to understand that the Firefighter's Fund and the Police Leagues give very little of what is collected to the Firefighters or the Police. 

Patricia, I guess I have seen Liz Smith in Vicar of Dibley but had no idea which actress she was until I just now looked her up on Google and recognized her. 

Carol, I have decided I do not want to do the DNA test as what I don't know won't hurt me in this regard.  We have not tried the Agave syrup but have switched to Stevia rather than Splenda.  The Salvation Army is a fine organization and we do contribute a little to them.  We also have a local charity thrift store and food distribution center here in North Augusta that is supported by 23 of the local churches.

Mary Ann, I hope you get to visit with Alicia as sure the hours must be long for her in that hospital bed.

Good Morning Everyone from the so so cool, rocky coast of Maine.   

Kelly got a new puppy....   
His name is Cliff....

Click below: 
http://www.seniorsandfriends.org/gallery/89-270117092133.png

He is the sweetest little puppy...
A cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, the Chiweenie is a small breed.

What a doll!  And he has his own stuffed animal.

Norm and his first wife had two doxies, both named Fred, and they were the neatest dogs.  I usually don't like small dogs (they yap too much) but the two Freds were an exception.

Mary Ann

Sandy - Cliff is adorable!  Small dogs are much easier to manage, as we get older.  When our son and dil go away for a short or a long vacation, they leave their chocolate Labrador with us.  He is a sweetie, and absolutely never barks, but he is big, so I have to be very careful not to trip over him.  If he gently bumps into me when he's walking beside me, I have to grab the nearest chair, counter, etc., to keep my balance.

Needless to say, Winnie hates him, so he's content to camp out in the warm basement until Cocoa goes home.     

Sandy, Cliff is a real CUTIE!  I'm sure Kelly will enjoy him.  How old is he?

Sue

Good morning from another warm, sunny day from the Interior! One that makes you honestly believe that Spring is on its way when you know that February, Nature's cruelest month has yet to be. Farrah has been alternating between being affectionate and "Hey! Do I "Know" you? Right now she is birdwatching and checking to see if I'm near the treat closet.

Larry, that's why I prefer to volunteer physically more than hand out any of my few dollars. Stone Soup is part of a larger organization, Breadline, which encompasses charity and food and those in need. Besides Stone Soup being under its umbrella, there is also a culinary school for those on the street, or mentally or physically or emotionally handicapped in some way, various food pantries and a program aid that helps inspect and coordinates work on folks' homes or apartments.  Breadline is formed from the local council of churches from which the Episcopal Church is a founding member.

The Men's Shelter Directer was very slick. He spoke about the men coming back from drugs and alcohol, how the church in its beneficence had taken them in and was teaching them to serve God by not misusing their bodies. It was like a well-run brochure, and I noticed many had similar comments. There are several youth and runaway shelters here, some men only shelters and a large women, family and men's shelter.

I volunteered twice at the larger shelter on the woman's side. There is no physical contact in the buildings, or on the grounds, the two sides are connected by the kitchen between two separate dining rooms. No male over the age of ten can be on the female side, and that prohibited physical contact extends to children and those parents of opposite sex.

I wasn't in the living areas of the shelter; I spent my time in a glassed cubical off the central office. I checked women in and out with IDS and noted and recorded passes and had to use a breathalyzer many times. It was not enjoyable; it was like an institutional prison in that huge concrete building, and I felt I was being conned by both the "inmates" and the staff. I do not know what type of living conditions they had there, but from my cubical, it wasn't very happy. If I hadn't needed it as part of my schooling I would have gone elsewhere, sooner.

Enjoy your time at Cracker Barrel, another franchise that I have heard of but never seen. We came back to Alaska first in 1973 and then finally in 1984 so much has changed since I was down south.

MaryAnn, I hope you do get to visit Alicia at some point. Especially since they live in Holland, Michigan. She is probably bored and upset both, not an easy combination to rest in.

Sandy, Cliff is so sweet looking! I'm very partial to terriers myself. Growing up, we had several, wirehaired, fox and poodle mixes. They were lively, bright and perfect for children!

Cliff is a mixed breed, Chihuahua and a Dachshund, which they call a " Chiweenie" ...   He is only 10 weeks old,  so still might grow a wee bit...     
What I like about him is his good nature...  He loves to snuggle and sleep.

You do want to stroke him and pick him up when you see that photo! I would be looking for him to cuddle each time I went over there. 

Goodafternoon, on another cold, very windy day again looks like rain.

Sandy, what a cutie.

Larry, We use to give to the Salvation Army, as my husband said they were the only group. that helped him when he was stationed on Samar. Now I give to the ambulance fund, as had them here 5 times when my husband was sick, and now they have taken me 3, and they are all Vol. same goes for the fire dept. they are also volunteers. I have a few friends that vol. for both groups.

and hugs to all my other friends

Gloria, a woman here along with a few others, makes up  Christmas platters of various homemade bread, cookies, fudge and candies to take to volunteers such as the police, fire department, and Salvation Army headquarters. As well as the local food bank, senior services and others that give so generously all year of their time, effort and training.

She also does one for the maintenance and security guys based in Fairbanks for the company and the manager of our building. This year was the first year I didn't bake or give cash, but I was able to go along and help deliver around town for a couple of days.

There is another helping group run by the council of churches here called Love, Inc. that tries to match folks in need up with folks looking to serve in different capacities such as rides, visits or one-time helping arrangements that are also very good. The Council of Churches is made of almost all the local churches save for a few rigid ones.

They also run a prison ministry and work with other local officials to help those folks once back in society.

Hi everyone.  It is a glorious January day here in South Carolina. It is currently 43 degrees and will only get to about 53 degrees this afternoon but it is nice an sunny.  I had a fine trip to Madison, Georgia yesterday to meet 5 of my friends for lunch.  The only problem encountered was a fairly long delay due to road work and taking the Interstate down to 1 lane.  However, I got there with about 5 minutes to spare.  We visited and ate lunch for about 90 minutes and I got home before 2 pm.  I have been busy this morning as have more sausage muffins in the oven for Pat after fixing here scrambled eggs with all the trimming for breakfast.  In a few minutes we will head to COSTCO so Pat can get her new glasses and while she is doing that I have three items to pick up that we need.  When I get home I will fix my frozen fruit.  I think that will be it for today.

Sandy, Cliff is cute and looks so cuddly. I never heard the term Chiweenie before. 

Marilyne, Labs are very nice dogs but are large dogs.  I have a friend who has two Golden Retrievers and runs a website for people who have Golden Retrievers.  They are beautiful dogs. 

Patrica, Farrah just wants to keep you off track.  Interesting information about the shelters in your area.  Cracker Barrel has very good food but it comes in large portions.  They have a side of spiced apples that are like a dessert and oh so good. 

deAngel, nice of you to donate to the ambulance fund as you know where it is going.  Firemen and EMT's are so giving. 

I think you all might enjoy these links as they will lighten your day. 

http://www.ba-bamail.com/video.aspx?emailid=24411

https://www.youtube.com/embed/mFfeU85CozU

Larry, she certainly does that! She knows,(or thinks she does!); who is the boss in this house!

Franchises don't do well here. I don't know why. We have had and lost several such as Popeye's Chicken, Trader Joes, Red Robin, Wendys, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and other restaurants such as Chili Peppers. I know many younger folks at the different military bases are vocal about that and also the lack of huge malls for them to play around in.

Several of the rent furniture places have also gone broke due to fear of bedbugs as they often purchase furniture, especially pieces that have been taken back due to nonpayment and are said to have those bugs. They also, thankfully, restricted those get cash for your paycheck places as the companies prey on those in need. I never used them because I learned early on the damage they can do and now they are forbidden here.

Sandy, Cliff and Fe are both darling and make and will make, such a cute pair!

Patricia - I read your post in Soda Shoppe, about Farrah's former life.  I didn't realize that she had been chipped, so at least you had some information about her.  What a sad thing, that her former owners, who had her chipped, didn't take responsibility for her when they were notified.

Also, interesting history about the evolution of cats.  I had really never really thought about the fact that they were/are not pack animals like dogs.  I have noticed that they do tend to "find" each other, and form feral cat colonies.  Many of the colonies here in N. California, are monitored by rescue groups, or Humane Society, etc.  The cats are taken out and spayed or neutered, and then returned. Small shelters have  been built, and people donate money, as well as food and old towels and small blankets for bedding.  There is one not far from me, near the southern end of San Francisco Bay.

Those sanctuaries sound wonderful to me Marilyne! So many of the cats are too feral to make good pets, and yet the practice of taking them young, away from their mothers to tame them seems inhumane to me. The spaying is what will work to alleviate in my opinion even if it doesn't end it.

Did you know in almost all groups such as walruses, horses, cats and in similar groupings, the females do all the caring for young, and all the hunting and gathering? The males only provide protection and sex while driving away all the young males of a certain age. The young males tend to band together in small groups until they are successful in driving or killing an older male and taking away his group or pride. Ravens are included in that type of grouping or colony.  I don't know about crows as we don't have them here in the state, but even if they are a different species then ravens, they are from the same genus, so are probably in that type of grouping.

I don't know why her original owners had her chipped as she isn't a purebred, but I'm both glad they did and glad they didn't want her back!

Pet Pride here charges $50.00 for a cat or kitten and they are neutered, have their first general exam and come with some small supplies of cat food and litter. I did not pay for Sarah or Farrah as I am considered a type of permanent foster care. I did pay to have her protected aginst worms and ear mites. We don't have fleas or ticks here. I am also a Pet Pride member.

Hi everyone.  It is one of our colder mornings as it was 37 degrees but we are headed to the mid-50's today.  There is not a cloud in the sky.  I think Pat is going to go to Sunday School with me this morning.  This will be the first time in about 8 months.  She will have to see if she can tolerate the chairs we have in the classroom.  We will then attend Church and go out to eat and that will be our day.  She did pick up her new glasses yesterday while I got a few items at COSTCO.

Patricia, I have never heard of a chain restaurant called Chili Peppers.  Was it a Mexican restaurant?  I can see why people would be leary of buying used furniture from a rental place.  I saw a sign on a billboard on our main road downtown saying whole house treatment for bed bugs $350.  South Carolina is very lax on the paycheck or title loan places and can get up to 300% interest a year. 

Marilyn, I have never heard of having shelters for feral cats although I expect it isn't uncommon in various places.

Good Morning Everyone,  from the cool,  but bright and sunny rocky coast of Maine.    I believe that we have a couple more warmish days before the real February Weather begins...   And that can be  miserable ....   But soon after the short month of February,  we can start wishing for warmer spring days,   ("March winds and April showers"  and all that  stuff!)   

But for today I am enjoying the bright warmth and sun shinning in my Windows to the world... 

All is well here!
Sandy

Good morning from the same warm, snowy, still dark until ten AM, Interior! Farrah remains her usual self, leery in the mornings but willing to play nice for a few treats. Then all affectionate at night when she wants company and you're thinking of heading to bed!

Larry, this is what I found on Chili Peppers. "WHEN YOU OWN A RED HOT CHILLI PEPPER RESTAURANT, YOU ARE PART OF ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC RESTAURANT CHAINS AIMING ITSELF TO BE ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZED BRANDS ACROSS THE US AND EUROPE. YOU WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE FULLEST SUPPORT AND EXPERIENCE THAT COMES WITH BEING AFFILIATED WITH A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION LED BY HIGHLY EXPERIENCED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS. BE PART OF A GROUP THAT KEEPS CUSTOMERS COMING BACK FOR DELICIOUS MEALS IN A HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED ENVIRONMENT." That is a quick copy and paste from their franchise site. To me and the majority here, they were over priced for the meals and the help was lazy. But then as a franchise, that does depend on the particular boss. We also had a Boston Public that only lasted a few years as well.

The restaurants that last, besides the ethnic family ones, are those that consistently provide good service and good food. We probably have the full range of diners to fine dining that most places have. We have a large number of hotels due to being an international tourist spot although more international than national because Europe is closer and we are cheaper for them.

The majority of the hotels have some sort of restaurants that aren't bad for the ones I've tried. Although the Marriott have just about shuttered their dining rooms. I've heard they discourage locals using the hotel as anything other than guests and that reflects badly on them. It certainly isn't good as they demolished several historic buildings and took up an entire downtown city block for their hotel and then essentially said local use wasn't welcome.

We are the closest city of any size next to the largest mountains outside of Everest and we offer many wild rivers and country so we generally see a lot of young European and "Down Under" adventurers and of course Asians to see the Aurora. For the Americans, it is usually the older folks in closely regimented tours that remind me of military life!

We also are the home site for the University which has several international professors and scientists due to the Aurora, Space, Super Computer, and to the Polar Regions, so that also brings many from Asia, Eastern Europe, and India. I've heard that there are only nine "Super Computers," so we are lucky to have one.  Altogether, we are a hybrid of blue collar and scientific endeavors.

Dot and I did our usual Sunday morning thing - church, then OTB.  We decided we like our 8:30 church service especially because we get the Mr Burger earlier that way. 

Our temp was about 25 degrees when I left this morning and it is only 31 degrees now. 

Tom has gone to Holland to visit a friend so the cat and I are keeping each other company.  He was on my bed when I left for church and was still there when I returned. 

Mary Ann

Many of the national chain restaurants have closed, here in Silicon Valley area.  Young people who work in the tech industry have lots of money to spend, and prefer the high end restaurants.  It's still a shock to me, that young people make so much money working at Facebook, Google, Intel, and all the dozens of others.  There isn't a house available for under a million, and all being purchased by these wealthy kids!  I shouldn't get started on that subject . . .  it drives me crazy! LOL 

Anyway, franchises like Applebee's and Chevy's have closed here.  Olive Garden and Red Lobster have closed most, but still have a few in outlying areas. My favorite, The Outback, is still open.  Chili Peppers, doesn't sound familiar . . . but I rarely get out much anymore, so I probably just haven't seen one.       

Marilyne, to me, Chili's was similar to a lounge done in browns, reds, and orange, with dim lighting, low piped in music and lots of plants. The type of place you might meet a client for a meal, drinks, and business.

I forgot to mention that I got up early today,    made the bed,  took shower, washed hair and got dressed for the day to wait for Kelly to come pick me up so that I could go get my new teeth today a 1:30.... 

The I sat down to wait and put the tv on to watch a morning show while waiting for Kelly.     At that time I realized that today was SUNDAY  and not Monday,  when I have to pick up my teeth.      ..... 

Oh my goodness  ....    I got all my Monday Morning chores done before I realized that it was Sunday Morning...


So sayeth Johnny Cash:

Sunday Morning Coming Down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5s1-Fe9FA

Just checking in, we are still cold with snow. 

Sandy.  Glad to read that others get mixed up in the days once retired. It seems that I get Sat. and Sundays . Although even when I was working a couple time I got up at 7am. Showered, ate and everything. got dressed for work and then realize it was either a Sat. or Sunday.  So it doesn't come with old age.

Jeanne and Sandy - I tell people I am on a perpetual vacation.  I get my days mixed up too. 

A funny thing when I was working; I walked into the office one morning and there sat my boss.  He usually came in about 8:30.  What had happened was he looked at the clock wrong and got up an hour early, so he got to work at 7:30 and realized it when he saw a clock on the wall of one of the offices.  He never did that again!

Mary Ann

When I retired, one of my gag gifts was a calendar where all the days of the month were listed as Saturday!   

Due to certain meds I take I need to know what each day is. 

Since I had a series of strokes five years ago,  I seem to have a "short term memory" problem...    Which for the most part is not an issue,  just and inconvenience  at times.   

But it is frustrating and I just need to get over it.    I know that keeping notes is very helpful,  which I tend to do more and more.   

I guess that I need to check my calendar  every morning before getting myself started for the day.    (And every night before I go to bed)  ... 

Have a good Sunday Evening Everyone!!!   
Sandy

Wjoan, I can always tell what day it is by my long pill box. I have one in the bathroom, I take two pills as soon s I get up, the other one is in the kitchen, with all the other pills, But sometimes I still think it is Sat. when it is only Friday.

There was one year when I was in my late twenties that I thought I was a year older - blame it on the four children and traveling husband!     I am not a knothead!!! 

There have been several times when I have taken the nighttime pills (including 1/2 of a sleeping pill) in the morning and vice versa.  That is all I am going to admit. 

One neighbor has two Whippet dogs and they are the softest, most gentle and quiet dogs.  I get my doggie fix by petting everyone on the walks but we are so used to our carefree life and the reality of taking on a pet at this stage of life - our children all have dogs so we get our doggie fixes when we can. 

Hi everyone.  I am getting a bit of a late start here in the discussions as didn't want to get out of bed this morning.  However, I have things in order and just waiting for Pat to get up and will quickly be able to prepare her breakfast. It is another beautiful morning with it currently being 40 degrees and headed only to 53 degrees. 

Pat did go to Sunday School and Church with me yesterday and then we did eat out.  The only thing away from the house today is my Monday noon meeting and then getting the car filled with gas as the three hours of driving last week brought the gauge down alot.  The rest of the day I intend to take things slow and easy as need to recover from a busy week last week. 

Patrica, thanks for the info on the Chili Peppers chain.  I did a quick search but didn't find any of these restaurants in our area of the country.  It sounds like your area is an interesting mix of people and occupational fields.  We do have Chili's restaurants in this area and in the area where we moved from in Georgia.  I wonder if they might be connected although the info you posted didn't indicate that to be the case. 

Sandy, when I started reading about your picking up your teeth yesterday I was shocked until I saw you were just super anxious and really prepared early.  Today is the awaited day and I hope you are most pleased with them. You are right that is not life's biggest problem in getting ahead a day. 

Mary Ann, I always liked to get to the office early as it was a quiet time when I could accomplish a lot as often had interruptions during the regular work day.   

Mary Ann, I have thought in the past that time has no relevance to cats other than telling them when to eat as they sleep a lot each day. 

Marilyn, I wonder how people who don't work in the silicon valley industries and make the high salaries can afford to live there. I read recently that their are over 12,000 millionaires that worked at Microsoft in the early years.  We very seldom go to a high end restaurant after many years of just getting by and trying to raise a family.  We still have the Olive Garden and Red Lobster and Outback type restaurants.  However, someone told Pat not too long ago that our Ruby Tuesday's in North Augusta may close and we sure would be sad about that as often eat there.  It is the best mid-range restaurant we have in our little town although there are numerous other places to eat. 

Carol, I have also taken my night time medicine in the morning or forgotten to take my pills at all in the morning or evening.  Fortunately that didn't happen on the same day.