JOY, thanks for the info.  I have a recipe for patties made with the grated zucchini that I'm going to try today.  It's pretty much like yours except it has canned tuna in it.  I'll let you know how it works out.

Hi Everyone.  Another beautiful morning after a pretty stormy night last night.  There was a lot of thunder and lightning, including a strike somewhere very close to us and then quite a bit of rain.  Today is to get into the low 90's and there is a small chance of more rain and storms later this afternoon or evening.  This morning I have a doctor's appointment to have my toenails trimmed.  Then this afternoon Pat and I plan on going back to Ruby Tuesday's for another of their buy one get one entree coupon mail.  That makes pretty inexpensive eating.  Scott did make it out last evening after we had finished dinner.  He had texted before we had finished dinner that he was on his way so we left the food on the table and he had a good dinner meal.  Pat fixed the pork loin roast and green beans and some smiley face potatoes along with some dinner rolls.  The potatoes were something we had never seen before as they were mashed but fixed in little round smiley faces.  It was the first time I ever had my food look back at me!

Mary Ann, I wouldn't have known how Walmart gathered the items for the online orders but that sure makes sense.  I told the young lady that an efficiency expert must have developed the plan.  We have had several upgrades in size of items or a better brand than ordered with no additional cost.  I don't remember getting anything for free other than the above. 

Gloria, I guess our best gauge of the temperature is how it feels to us.  For the first time that I can recall the trash was picked up right after I had put it out.  It usually is near noon or afternoon before they get to us.  I got the trash buggy back in the garage before it got hot this morning.  It is amazing what different machines are available such as the spiral zucchini machine. 

Joy, we have had the same experience with Walmart in substituting and one can't complain when they do that.  There are a few items Pat will mark as not to be substituted.  You are right on what price they charge when substituting.  We have had only one time that there was problem of them not putting in the items from the cooler and I had to make a return trip to pick them up after I got home and we saw they were missing.  We are also very pleased with the online ordering from Walmart and also online ordering from other companies.  I am sure this is the way of the future for shopping.  We have ordered a number of non-food items.  Pat just got a new iron in our last order.  She had left her iron upstairs on.  The new one automatically turns off after 10 minutes of being idle.  We often buy paper products in case lots and have them delivered. 

Jane, it must be something with four dogs under foot and wanting to be fed. Are you familiar with the smiley faced frozen mashed potatoes I wrote about above?  They have some type of seasoning on them and are quite good.  I expect all of the Walmart Superstores will soon offer the online ordering.  It sounds like you had a very happy day yesterday. Glad you have today off to rest up.   

Carol, have you looked for Instant Pot recipes online.  Pat has used quite a number of them.  We are going to get another set of 5 meal containers to freeze meals in.  They work really well and sure make for a quick meal of homemade food.  Glad you didn't have to serve on the jury.  It sounds like you have a nice desk arrangement for your laptop. 

Mary Ann, I found the jury duty I have performed over the years very interesting and challenging and it did reinforce my belief in the system that the juror all took their responsibility very seriously, whether young or old.  The first jury I was ever on was a murder case but not a death penalty case.  I am now too old to serve on jury duty and could not physically tolerate it.

Callie, at least the tax free weekend let you see your niece and her daughters.  South Carolina just had a tax free weekend last weekend.  Georgia hasn't had one now for a couple of years so know a lot of shoppers came over the river from Augusta to do shopping for school.  Happy for Miss Ellen finally getting a "gig" as she can begin to build her resume.  She has chosen a tough business.  It sounds like you have a very busy family.  I bet that cake is good.  Maybe you can share the recipe in the new Cooking discussion here on S&F's. 

Mary, I would agree with Cathie about what it is worth not to get into the large crowds and long check out lines.  I hope you get some rain as that is a long time without rain. 

June, sure you were happy to see Gary as he did the Bible lesson.  Glad you were up to attending. 

Jenny, certainly understandable why you wouldn't have the energy to post with all of that activity with your family.  What a terrible hail storm.  I saw just a brief report showing some of the smashed windshield.  Those hail storms have to be a nightmare for car dealers with huge lots of new and used cars.

Lloyd, what do you use the buggy horses for?   

First of all, there's a scam going around that you have contacted a virus and you need to call Microsoft at a certain phone number to have them get rid of it.  I repeat THIS IS A SCAM!  I checked with the guys who built my computer and keep it running and they assured me that it is NOT legitimate.  They also did a quick scan of my computer and found NOTHING!  I urge you NOT to make that call. 

Second, my granddaughter who does the personal shopping for WM in Frederick, MD was here and I quizzed her about how they do it.  It's not quite like (someone) described it here and she showed me pictures on her phone of their actual setup in the back of the store.  It is very efficient and she said "nobody is getting in anybody's way".  Of course, it might be a case of stores implementing their own procedure.  She also commented that some customers are most grateful and say so and some just act like it's what they expect and don't even say "Thank you" to her.  That's all OK with her but I could see that she appreciates being noticed!

I have to tell the guys at the computer place how much I appreciate them.  They take the time to explain things to this old lady and they don't even sound bored with it all.  They just say "call back if you have questions."  So I do!

I did find some things to do...laundry, moving things from the bedroom back to storage, tossing some stuff, a little vacuuming and some just plain sitting here playing games on the computer.  I'm really not hard to please.  I hope you are all spending a pleasant day.  Don't let anything make you do what you don't want to do!  Be firm!  Be happy!

Jane, I have that phone call on my answering machine.... telling me I HAD to call because "some foreign countries had compromised my Microsoft registration number or something...  and they were going to turn off my account in 24 hours if I didn't call that number".  I saved it in case anyone wants to call that number.    They probably change the number often enough the cops couldn't get to them, right?... in the meantime, they have YOUR connection for whatever reason.  Seems to me they could catch enough of these smart people & either make them figure how to catch the rest or go to jail with bread & water only!!!

Callie, congratulations to Miss Ellen, she has drive & I admire that.  I wasn't even willing to "paint to please others" and hated doing commissions.  So good that we aren't all alike.... but what a joy when someone "catches a star" on the way to their dream.  I'm thrilled for her & hope she is gets noticed by someone important.

Larry, I've never had a potato smile back at me, either..... where did you find them?   I never saw a potato on a plate that I didn't like.  My mother made potato cakes that I dearly loved.  She fried them like a pancake & we put jelly on them & ate kind of like a piece of jelly-bread.  By the time I realized I hadn't had them for years, she forgot how she made them.  She used recipes when cooking for a crowd but when I was little, before & during WWII, she made a lot of food with whatever she had.  Back then there was no such thing as "instant" mashed potatoes so she cooked a lot & was glad to have leftovers to work with.  She had one other thing she made & didn't write down the recipe & none of us could ever make it taste the same.  Now, I'm sure it was because we didn't have the quality eggs (was the pudding for banana pie).... that made the difference.  She died at 84 and was totally lucid to the end, but only those 2 long ago recipes didn't work out right.

I got less than 3 hours sleep (so FitBit tells me), came in here to take a nap & here I am........     It's hot & humid here, my little weather thingy isn't right & I don't know how to fix it.  I'll worry about that when it turns cool.  Have a great day, everyone!

I did this and I erased it.  I'll try again but it probably won't be the same.

SHIRLEY, this was not a phone call that I received.  It was a popup on my computer telling me that Microsoft had detected a virus and that I needed to deal with it immediately or lose everything.  Immediately after that, another popup came telling me to call Microsoft at this number and they would help me to deal with the virus.  They added that it was
VERY important to do it right away or risk losing everythin on my computer.  And I couldn't exit the popups.

So I shut down my computer and called my computer guys.  They told me that it IS a scam and that I did exactly the right thing.  He said the only way to get them off your computer is to shut down.  Then he asked me if I was still shut down.  I said I was and he told me to turn it back on so he could take a look and tell me there was in fact, a virus.  There wasn't and I found out for nothing. 

So however you get this message, don't fall for it!  Shut down!  Now I'm going to "shut up" and go get some supper.  Be alert!  Stay sharp! Dont get got!

nothing new out here. a very quiet dayIcalled for computer help....stayed home all day......no help arrived.tomorrow will be better. I'm waiting for it.

Larry so far I have not found the type of horses I can afford and want . I want sorrel in collier and fox trotter or standard bread. also want mares so can bread to Jack mull and raise mull's. I want also the jack to gated 3 or 5. I have a friend that has such a jack but so far she wont sell hers to me. Have a great rest of the day.

Lloyd

Good Night Everyfriend!  This has been a most relaxing day.  It wasn't a "do-nothing" day because I got a lot of things done.  Most of them don't show so you might say I just did them for my own pleasure.  And that's OK!

I'm off to bed because tomorrow is a WM day and being Friday, it's bound to be busy.  I sure hope my favorite CSM is working!  Good night All!  Sleep peacefully and wake refreshed!  I hope you all find relief from whatever ails you and that tomorrow turns out to be your best day!  God bless us. every one!

Good evening......football has started...ugh!

LLOYD, hey are you trying to buy another horse?  I thought you were selling out and hitting the road? 

JANE, if you felt you accomplished a lot today, I feel sure you did!  Rest well and I hope your Friday will prove to be a good one.  I think we all love having family visit, but it does seem to wear us down rather we want to admit it or not.  I miss them the second they drive off and wish it was them coming rather than leaving.......I know that is how we all feel! 

CALLIE, I sure enjoyed reading about Ms Ellen getting a part in a play.  This might just be the gig that will get her noticed and the offers will begin to flood in. 

JUNE, I do hope help will come to you tomorrow.  The fires are so bad out in your state....I pray for rain to help the fire fighters and to clear the air.  Rest well and awake feeling like Our June that is ready to take on the day!

GLORIA, I saw on the news here Sunday morning that a tornado was headed directly at Weston, Mass. where my son and DIL live.   I called my DIL and asked if she was OK.....she was not aware of the tornado warning but said it was pouring rain and flooding.....they cancelled the tornado warning right as I called her.  Kurt is here in CO and I was worried about her having to deal with this alone!  Thankfully she did not have to.  She was very appreciative that I would call her! 

CAROL, our kiddos started back to school today ......hard t9 believe their summer vacation is over.  Enjoy your weekend with your family.  We have a grandson’s birthday party on Saturday also.  Our Luke is turning 10.  Happy Birthday wishes to your daughter.  How about the big illegal marijuana busts here in the city this morning?  Just heard there were 55 homes and business.  I am glad they caught these no gooders!  It does not matter how nice of a neighborhood you live in.....they are out there. Thankfully I did not hear about any here in Douglas County. 

LARRY, I realized today we do not have a Ruby Tuesday’s near us, so signing up for their offers will do me no good after all.  I hope you and Pat enjoyed your meal there again today. 

Pleasant dreams to all.

Jenny

Good Morning Everyfriend!  We're supposed to get some rain later today but right now it's a heavenly 74º!  I could take this all summer!

The doggies have had their pill and we're waiting for the "boinger" for breakfast.  I hope you all have a lovely day doing something or nothing or maybe a little of both.

Denver the game plan is to do both. we have put a down payment on a class A motor home. we plan on getting in it and traveling as much as we feel like. we are selling out the farm with life time rights. as long as we are both alive either or it is still the survivor's, when we are both gone home it belongs to our friend Bob and his Family. he now helps or dose's the hay baling so we have feed for the cattle. as long as we are alive and want we can sell any part or all the cattle or machinery as we need cash to live. now as for horses do not need the big Belgians we had we do no farming Rowe crop farming all in grass now. we have a good buggy with hard rubber tires on it, good for paved roads. with shoes on the horses with horse shoe boream on them to keep them from slipping and falling and getting hurt, good buggy ride is fun. hope I have not confused you further.

Lloyd

Quick note to Gloria:  I didn't get your last email to me.  I think it got lost in the shuffle when the computer guys were on my computer.  If you remember what it was about, please send it again.  Thanks

Hi Everyone. Getting a late start today as had an early morning appointment with the PA at my Primary Care Doctor's Office.  Late yesterday afternoon we had over an inch of rain, which gives us a little over 3 1/2 inches of rain in the last few days.  We are set to get to 90 degrees this afternoon and more chances of rain in the late afternoon.  I hear the yard people in the neighborhood and I hope they get my yard mowed and trimmed today as it has now been over 2 weeks.  The housekeeper is also here today. 

We had a really good meal at Ruby Tuesday's yesterday that had two chicken breast so we were able to bring one for each of us home and will enjoy it this evening for our main meal which will be a salad meal.  The coupon for the buy one get one entree at the restaurant yesterday saved us $16. Other than fixing the salad I plan on the rest of the day being a restful one. 

I mentioned the smiley faced mashed potatoes.  Here is a link that will show you what I was talking about.  We got these at Walmart and they were frozen:  https://www.target.com/p/mccain-smiles-mashed-potato-shapes-22oz/-/A-14759242  The potatoes come out of the bag looking just like it shows on the package.

The morning has gotten away from me as Pat came and and we chatted for quite awhile.   So I am just going to pass on individual comments. I have read all of the postings since yesterday.

Our mornings and nights are cool again - this is more average. 

MaryTX:  Thanks for the information in instant pot cooking.  I have made 5 meals with it so far and the kitchen didn't explode.  I use Pinterest but don't want to widen Facebook beyond friends and family. 

Jenny:  Here they voted to make the drug legal and still so many are bent on making side money - what a dangerous place.  How could they grow the pot when children are in the house. 

           I agree, visiting with family is super great and it just exhausts us too.  Would not trade it though.  I haven't seen you outside -   I look up when we pass by.

Larry:  It is always nice to bring home the unused portions.  Anything to making life easier.   

hi allla p still acting up, and getting help is not as good as before. darn.
gary called about the desk top they are still working on it .I am disgustve youalled. s0 i am reading my eyes out. temps are still in the 90's  ugh !!!  I love you all. june

JUNE, I couldn't help laughing at your post.  I could "hear" the disgust and frustration in your voice and I could see you "reading your eyes out" and having to pick them up off the floor and put them back into your face.  I sure hope you get your computer back soon.  I don't know what I'd do without mine.

I'm off to bed. Today was a long one.  My favorite CSM wasn't there today and I worked a long register for the second half of my shift.  I was so tired that I almost texted my daughter to tell her I would go along to the Amish Store with her.  But I came home, had lunch and played "computer" for a while and I felt better.  So I went

And now, GOOD NIGHT my friends.  God be with you.  Sleep well and wake refreshed.  I be back in the morning God willing and the creeks don't rise!

good morning everyone, we finely had a nice shower yesterday. supposed to be dry today but calling for showers all week this weak, that would be good to break the drought. I am going to a horse and mull sale today to see if i can fiend the mares and a jack mull i want. would be good  to fiend the buggy horses we want. Nancy wont ride them but she will ride in the buggy. have a great day just as you like.

Lloyd

There are lots of things around
your  house that can harm your pets and children.... 

House plants being only one of them.... 
Here is a short list of plants we love:
but have to be very weary of:

        https://dengarden.com/gardening/Dangerous-Beauties-Twenty-Toxic-Houseplants-to-Avoid-Around-Children-and-Pets

Mold silently growing in dark damp places..
really  sneaky and very very harmful.

Prescription Drugs,  (heart meds etc.  The
list is very very long)  ..

Sharp knives... (always scare me, if I slip
and accidently cut my self  (on coumadin)

And of course there is always the adult
bar filled with all kinds of alcohol... 

And even cigarettes tucked away,
so certain family member can grab
one when needed...

To keep our family's safe we have to be
educated to always be aware. of what
we have growing inside and out side of,
our homes.. 

Farm equipment ...  and so forth... 

Hazards around the home are very dangerous
and of course there is always that fall in the
tub that happens more then we can imaging.

Marajuana is just one more plant that people
who choose to grow it, must be aware of the
dangers of leaving it unattended ... 

https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/a-guide-to-safety-proofing-your-home-for-the-summer-holidays-409090.html

Thanks for reminding us of the dangers
of growing marijuana  .... not sure where
that ends up on the list,  but good to know
that we all must be aware of the possible
problems when and if we decide to grow it.


Sandy

thanks Sandy very interesting.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfriend!  After what Sandy wrote, I'm not moving off this chair all day! 

With that said, I do have a lot of things to do today.  I wonder if I'll actually do any of them.  Ill  get back to you on that later.  I wish you all all good day clear of anything that could harm you. 

Hi Everyone. We have an overcast morning but very little chance of rain later today.  We actually went through a whole day and night with no rain in our area.  I plan on attending a meeting this morning and then this afternoon Pat and I plan on going to Dairy Queen for our main meal of the day and I will pop into Walmart for a couple of things and that will be it for today.  I have fixed Pat's breakfast as she was in pain when she got up.  I will probably watch some of the golf match later this afternoon.

Carol, like you I really don't use Facebook except to read postings or look at photos from a few friends.  I think we will get a lot of use out of our Instant Pot in the future as it eliminates having to stand at the stove.  Pat has also found it good for sauteing or browning meat to seal it before cooking as it is deep enough that it doesn't splatter grease out of the kittle and makes cleanup a breeze.  She is ordering another set of 5 divided containers that are great for fixing up with leftovers and then you have ready to heat in the microwave dinners.  This will allow fixing 5 frozen homemade meals for us.  She has two empty now and will fix them with some of the left over loin roast and vegetables.  Add a small dish of applesauce or cottage cheese with jello powder and perhaps some pineapple on top and you have a delicious and quick meal.  Our salad meal last night was just right with the cut up left-over chicken breast. 

June, maybe Gary calling and checking on your computer will spur them to get it done.  Good that you have a nice library available to you at your retirement home. 

Jane, I think we have similar senses of humor as I also could visualize June having to put her eyes back in to continue to reading.  Glad you were able to rest after your long and tiring shift yesterday.  I heard the phrase "God willing and the creeks don't rise" all of the years I was growing up. Like you, when I read of all the dangers around us how are we still here and how did we get through childhood without the childproof caps on bottles and seals on containers. 

Lloyd, nice to read that you finally got a nice shower yesterday and potential for more this coming week. 
Hope you found what you wanted at the mull sale today.  I was never around mulls very much since we had no horses or mulls on our farm.  You don't see many people riding in buggies anymore.  The county I live in, Aiken, is noted for its many horse farms and shows it has. 

Sandy, the many years we had the cat we didn't have any live plants and he wouldn't leave anything alone.  The only live plant we tried to grow was a shamrock but after he ate all the leaves off of it twice leaving only the stems we gave up on it.  That was interesting information on the various dangers we face. We always had outside pets on the farm and they managed not to kill themselves by eating a plant that would be toxic to them.  We also had marijuana growing wild  in our pastures but I had no idea what is was or what it was used for.   

Kendrick has not bothered my houseplants and I do have a shamrock.  It it placed at the back of a table next to the window in between a couple of larger pots and there isn't enough room for him to get at it.  I have the plant out on the deck for a while and I have not seen him have any interest in it but he loves the quack grass in the geranium pot. 

I just clicked on the Grand Haven link and saw the Kaye E Barker freighter leave one of the companies on the Grand River near Lake Michigan.  I think I have only seen twice when a freighter left Grand Haren. 

Mary Ann

Good afternoon everyone

A little birdie told me I had not posted in a while.....so I had better obey
I have been busy with dogs, hubby and garden and now looking after neighbours dog for a bit. Beans are great this year and it keeps me hoping just keeping up with them.

Enjoy your day everyone.

A good Saturday HELLO to EVERYFRIEND.

TRYING to get a few things done this morning before I start to wither away....AND get myself ready for our Grandson Luke’s 10th Birthday Party today.  We are going to a place called Boondocks.  Not sure how the granny is going to get around and participate but I WILL give it my best shot!  We can not believe our boy is 10years old.....even more shocked to see our oldest G-son, Matt, turning 13! YIKES, where does the time go? 

LLOYD, you explained very well to me about your plans for future travel and how your horses fit into it.  Thank you. I would love to take a carriage ride with you!  What fun! 

CAROL, I do not think I have been out on the patio as much this year.....I sit out there early befor the sun gets too hot.  Shaking my head at these illegal growers, but very thankful they were busted.  I hope  they get more of them arrested for trying to make $$$ off of the illegal stuff! 

JUNE, I feel your frustration regarding your computer issue.  I do hope Gary was able to light a fire under the repair people and you get your machine back soon.  Love and HUGS to you, sweet lady.

I do not have any live house plants due to my Kitty, Smokey.  He is a indoor cat, but just recently I have been letting him go out with me and boy does he love it.  He rolls in the grass and eats a little bit of it....he loves it. 

Talked to Mark this morning and he told me how much the baby is moving around now.....most people would say “kicking”, but Mark says, “practicing his golf swing”!  He will make a great daddy, and is already so “gaga” over this little bundle of joy.....the due date is the 27th of November.....I am getting a bit gaga too. 

I must run.....have a wonderful day.

Jenny

Jenny, it doesn't seem possible that Matt will be 13 because it seems it wasn't too many years ago you were wishing for a grandchild when others were telling about theirs.  I forget how many grandchildren you have.  Anyway, congratulations on the population explosion!

Being a Saturday, Grand Haven is quite busy today.

Mary Ann

Good Afternoon my dear ones. All of a sudden I have big print,and I don't where it came from. but i like it.
a dull day here, or maybe i should say I am dull tod ay.I just feel like laying back and letting the day happen. I so hope God understands.

I just realized that I haven't been directed in here all day today so I came in the back door.  I'm sure glad someone forgot to lock it or I'd have been sitting out there crying my eyes out.  And then, like JUNE, I'd have had to put them back in place before I could see anything.

AMY, so good to see you posting again.  We were beginning to think you forgot about us!

JENNY, calm down!  That baby will be along just as soon as they open the first tee!

Now I'm off to bed so I wish you all a GOOD NIGHT, happy dreams and restful sleep and a refreshed awakening!  God bless us, every one!

I must be early all i see is yesterday's post's. I went to a local sale barn yesterday and bought three  gated horses. two bays and one sorrily. they
are light size , good size to be buggy horses. all are very young mares.
good age to bread to a jack mule and get some mule colts. Have a great day.

Lloyd

Hi Everyone.  It is going to be another beautiful and sunny morning with it getting into the low 90's this afternoon.  I am going to Sunday School this morning and then will come home and get Pat so we can go to Church.  Last evening she said she planned to go but that will depend on how she is doing this morning.  If she goes we will stop on the way home to get something for our lunch and if not, as usual, I will pick up something to bring home for our lunch.  I did watch quite a bit of the golf championship yesterday and plan on watching the last part of it today. 

Mary Ann, don't be too shocked if someday you look at your shamrock and all of the leaves are gone.  Cats can easily jump to get where they want to be.  They can be sneaky as our cat left our shamrock plant alone for a long time and then all of a sudden jumped up and ate all the leaves while we were gone from the house.  The second time he managed to jump from a cabinet next to the refrigerator up on top of the refrigerator where we thought the plant would be safe.  It wasn't safe and all the leaves disappeared again. The score was cat 2 and humans 0 in that little game. 

Amy, I did miss your posting yesterday and sure hoped that all was OK up your way.  I see you were just busy with garden and other responsibilities.

Jenny, is Boondocks a place designed for kids like Chucky Cheese.  I hope you had a good time and I bet Luke did.  Matt is the same age are my third great grandchild.  The years do fly by.  You are so fortunate to be a part of your grandchildren's lives after waiting a long time for them. I like Mark's explanation of the new baby's movements. I bet the child will have a set of golf clubs at a very early age. 

June, nothing wrong with just letting the day happen since that is what it is going to be anyway.  Glad the print came back to the size you like as can see it make your writing much easier. 

Jane, hope you enjoyed a restful night and I hope you have today off from work.

Lloyd, nice to read you had a successful day at the horse sale yesterday.  Do you now have to train the horses or are they already trained?     

A few days ago Bubble shared the following two short videos with me and said it was OK to share them with you all.  I think you will find them inspiring.  This was an organization I had never heard of before.

https://youtu.be/OXLMB5TECMo

https://www.youtube.com/embed/TvT5kQYLM0w?rel=0&autoplay=1