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Polls and Surveys Board

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Best Concert Ever -- Fiona (Fiona), 09:36:13 12/12/12 Wed
Hi All...today's survey question is what is the best concert or play/show you have ever attended? Last night I went to Leonard Cohen. It was such a beautiful, moving show...almost religious experience for me. That has jumped to my number one replacing the previous Greatful Dead 1990 at Copps Coliseum which was the champ before last night. What's your #1?

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Replies:
- Les Miserables...about 20 years ago! I can't wait to see the movie! (NT) -- Conmama, 09:52:08 12/12/12 Wed
  - Les Miserables on Broadway. Both DH and I were speechless when it ended and by the time we were back at the hotel, I was crying all over again. I plan to bring at lots of tissues to the movie theatre. (NT) -- LP, 11:19:56 12/12/12 Wed
    - I'm with you! Les Miserables. Nothing compares for me! (NT) -- LindaT, 15:48:35 12/12/12 Wed
      - Can't even recall how many times I've seen it roll through town. And on Saturday, DH and I watched the 25th which was on and when I went through every Kleenex I sat down with he just brought me the whole box. I do the ugly cry all the way through. :) (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 22:40:22 12/12/12 Wed
        
        Jodi, I took DD to see it earlier this year (she'd seen it when she was a toddler and didn't remember it, and had seen both the 10th and 25th concerts). She cried so hard that afterwards a security guard (outside the theater) came over to make sure she was OK. ;oD (NT) -- LindaT, 05:53:34 12/13/12 Thu
    - I'm not a big crier, especially in front of DH or other people. I was crying at that show. (NT) -- conmama, 04:48:49 12/13/12 Thu
  - Les Miz! My DGD was in the local performance of the School Edition. What a group of talented and hard working kids who formed long lasting friendships from all other schools. (NT) -- LJin MN, 21:01:06 12/12/12 Wed
- Every time I see "Glad" in concert the experience is absolutely transcendent. Go inside if interested for a link to the gospel A Capella group. -- Lady Cate, 11:35:21 12/12/12 Wed
- Can't decide if it's Bon Jovi, Robert Palmer or John Farnham - haven't been to any event for about a hundred years (feels like...) (NT) -- Oatcake, 12:16:28 12/12/12 Wed
  - I'm still blown away that you know who John Farnham is! Hahaha! (NT) -- Leigh, 04:00:09 12/14/12 Fri
    - :D - cehouse, Daryl Braithwaite and of course the Minogues and INXS... (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:18:21 12/14/12 Fri
      - I forgot: Little River Band, Cold Chisle....(and it's Icehouse, of course...) (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:19:40 12/14/12 Fri
  - Bon Jovi! I've attended several of their concerts and they were all excellent!! (NT) -- ScarlettO, 20:03:13 12/17/12 Mon
- GooGoo Dolls! Let Love in tour, 2006. Got to meet the band, too- really nice guys! (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 12:30:49 12/12/12 Wed
  - Oh, if it's an overall show I'm picking, then "The Lion King" at the New Amsterdam theatre on Broadway during it's original run, no questions asked. 30 seconds in and I was bawling -everything was so beautiful. I got so see some of the costumes up close this weekend- amazing. (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 20:26:35 12/12/12 Wed
- The Lion King. I saw it at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The set and performers were so beautiful. I cried like a baby. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 12:55:10 12/12/12 Wed
- I would agree with The Lion King;saw it in New York. Also Yanni. He puts on a magnificent show. We saw him quite a few years ago when he had lots of musicians from all over the world. It was amazing. (NT) -- Julia, 13:01:09 12/12/12 Wed
- U2 in Chicago for the Elevation tour. They had the heart shaped walk-way and I was 20ft. away from Bono and the boys. Another one would be seeing Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in concert in St. Louis. DH and I were in the first row, very small theater, Couldn't believe Robert Plant was standing in front of me. VERY COOL (NT) -- Janet H., 13:08:17 12/12/12 Wed
  - Oh, lucky you! Robert Plant and Alison Krauss must have been something! (NT) -- Patricia, 00:33:42 12/13/12 Thu
- Spamalot in previews in Chicago..... David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry, Sarah Ramirez and Hank Azaria. (NT) -- M&M, 13:14:27 12/12/12 Wed
  - You saw Tim Curry?!! Wow, love him to death! Did he sing? He had an album in the early 80s or late 70s and a song called "I Do the Rock". I loved it, it's just awful!! Actually, I had a crush on him then, come to think of it. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 13:56:39 12/12/12 Wed
    - Color me jealous! JodiYoB, the people M&M listed ended up as the original Broadway cast and you can hear them on the soundtrack. Curry was King Arthur, Pierce was Sir Robin, Azaria was Lancelot, and Ramirez the Lady of the Lake. It's one of my favorite shows! (Clay Aiken was Sir Robin when I saw it on Broadway!) (NT) -- LadyStormwing, 20:24:42 12/12/12 Wed
      - Oh, hahaha! I totally missed where she wrote spamalot, I just thought she was listing all the comedians she has seen! Lol!! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 22:36:28 12/12/12 Wed
        
        Thats cause youre getting old woman!~ (NT) -- M&M, 16:00:03 12/13/12 Thu
        ......and we were so close Jodi, I saw spit come from Tim Currys mouth! :) (NT) -- M&M, 16:00:47 12/13/12 Thu
- Bruce Springsteen, 1979, Princeton, NJ. The show was awesome and I got to meet Bruce after the concert and kissed him. (NT) -- LisaW, 13:17:24 12/12/12 Wed
  - Kissed the Boss? Lucky you! (NT) -- LP, 08:57:16 12/13/12 Thu
  - *jealous* But more jealous of your sister (haha!) :-) (NT) -- Leigh, 03:42:34 12/14/12 Fri
- Bon Jovi several times, not sure which concert of theirs was the best. It's a toss-up. :) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 13:52:10 12/12/12 Wed
  - I feel the same way about U2. *G* (NT) -- Leigh, 03:43:11 12/14/12 Fri
- Wow, after just reading your title I thought Leonard Cohen right away. I've seen him 4 times in concert and the last one in Nov was the best ever.I agree, a very spiritual experience! On a completely different note - just saw Water World at Universal Studios last week and loved it. (NT) -- M.F., 14:38:05 12/12/12 Wed
- Sir Paul McCartney and Wings more years ago than I can count at the old County Stadium in Milwaukee. It was a lifelong dream to see Paul in concert and it totally lived up to it! (NT) -- CarolE, 14:43:08 12/12/12 Wed
  - Oh, you saw him with the Wings?!! I saw him several time after that, on his own, but I would have LOVED to see him playing with the Wings. (NT) -- Patricia, 00:35:25 12/13/12 Thu
- Les Mis. Summer 1992. Went to Winnipeg to see it with friends after graduation. It WAS a religious experience, and in Manitoba we could go to the clubs and experience what it was like to be an adult! (NT) -- TracyAnn, 17:04:16 12/12/12 Wed
- Best: Van Morrison c. 1987 at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley CA; The Rolling Stones at the Cow Palace in 1976; Bob Dylan at the Oakland Coliseum in 1978; "South Pacific" at the Mark Taper Forum in 2010, knowing it was the last time I'd go with my dad. "The Enchanted April" at the Pasadena Playhouse with my mother in about 2006; (The two worst concerts were The Grateful Dead in 1969 at the Fillmore; and Van Morrison at The Inn Of The Beginning in Cotati, CA in 1971. Worst play with most expectations: Robert Stephens and Maggie Smith in "Private Lives" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, c. 1970.) (NT) -- Lemora, 18:10:35 12/12/12 Wed
  - Best When I was five years old: Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, 1954. It hasn't aged well, but my five year old self, clapping madly when Peter came down to the footlights and begged the children to clap if we believe in fairies, after Tinkerbell drinks the poison meant for Peter, is a moment that will stay with me forever. (NT) -- Lemora, 18:15:34 12/12/12 Wed
  - I think I've told you this before, Lemora, but Van Morrison was probably THE worst concert I've ever seen. Must have got him on an 'off' night. (NT) -- Leigh, 03:44:59 12/14/12 Fri
- Bob Seger, Saginaw, Michigan Dow Center, 2006. I had been trying to see Bob live for 30 years, but something always got in the way. The transition between "Travelin' Man/Beautiful Lower".........I almost fainted from sheer happiness. It was magic. (NT) -- Maria, 19:55:14 12/12/12 Wed
  - Hehe! I remember you telling me about going to see Bob Seger, Maria! :-D (NT) -- Leigh, 03:46:32 12/14/12 Fri
    - We saw him twice on that tour, but the first one stands out. :) (NT) -- Maria, 10:29:53 12/14/12 Fri
- Amensty International in Montreal: Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Tracey Chapman. Also, The Boss in Dallas in 1985 (NT) -- Tam, 20:49:02 12/12/12 Wed
- Bruce Springsteen in Munich, 1988 I think. I wasn't a fan, it was more a coincidence that I'd gone to see him, and he was absolutely amazing. Also Queen with Paul Rodgers in Paris in 2005. I saw Queen in 1982 and 1984 and they were fabulous, but this first concert in 2005 (also, Paris was the first concert of the tour) was so moving, Brian May nearly cried when singing "Love of my life" in honour of Freddie Mercury, and half the audience, too... A very emotional memory. (NT) -- Patricia, 00:32:45 12/13/12 Thu
- I loved Rick James and the Mary Jane Girls back in the 80s in Philadelphia. We had seats 5 rows from the front. It was fun hanging with the Super Freak! :) Favorite broadway show is Phantom of the Opera, closely followed by Les Mis (which I cry through each time) (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:26:44 12/13/12 Thu
- Bruce Springsteen at Red Rocks, the best natural amphitheater in the US. Saw him in 1979 or 1980. (NT) -- Eliza, 09:44:59 12/13/12 Thu
- Saw Us right after 9-11 here Denver. One of the best shows ever.They did a very inspiring tribute to the victims . Saw the Eagles also here in Denver on their 2nd reunion tour. Now if I could just see Bruce Springsteen my concerts wants would be complete. (NT) -- Lynda J, 10:43:15 12/13/12 Thu
- ZZ Top, 1978, Pershing Auditorium, Lincoln Nebraska. (NT) -- shy gal, 14:06:12 12/13/12 Thu
- Best concerts: in my youth, Styx; early adulthood, Neil Diamond; best concert ever, Foo Fighters, who I saw last year. (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 16:59:36 12/13/12 Thu
- Every single U2 concert I've been to has been a favourite - I can't really pick one concert that stood out. I must admit, last time they toured here with their 360 tour, it was special because I got to go to see them with my son and my sister and we were so close to the stage! :-D Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" tour was fantastic and I really loved going to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way Ball" concert earlier this year. Robbie Williams is AWESOME live too! Gaaahhh! I just love going to concerts! (NT) -- Leigh, 03:41:33 12/14/12 Fri
- Best: Every Dan Fogelberg concert through the years culminating with the last. I defied my dr. and went while on bedrest with the twins. DH propped me up on pillows & footrests at the amphitheatre. It was the last time I'd see him before his death. So glad I was there. 2nd place is Billy Joel's Mov'n Out N.Y. Broadway Show. Seven Nation's Reunion Concert in S.C. was pretty magical too. (NT) -- AngieLass, 06:37:44 12/14/12 Fri
- Michael Bubl�! That man is such a marvelous entertainer! Funny, charming, utterly amazing voice, just brilliant. He talks to the audience often, tells stories, really engages people watching. I would LOVE to see him again!!! (NT) -- Sorcha, 14:35:03 12/15/12 Sat
Opinions on beds -- Carrie R, 19:40:23 12/15/12 Sat
DH and I are in need of a new mattress. We have a conventional mattress that is almost 10 years old and it's time for a new one. We looked at an iSerta model and laid on it for awhile, we both really liked it but the price is high. Almost $2500.00 for a king size. Do any of you have any recommendations or thoughts on which is a good type of mattress and if its worth that kind of money. Thanks everyone.

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Replies:
- I can't say anything about that particular mattress but I do think you need to remember you spend 1/3 of your life on it, that does seem steep, but at that price it should last at least 25 years - that's close to 75,000 hours. If you can afford it I'd say pay the price. (NT) -- jayn, 21:30:38 12/15/12 Sat
- I recently went mattress hunting in Germany and found out the Germans don't like to buy king size mattresses, but prefer two single mattresses next to each other. They have lots of little accessories so that one is not (too) bothered by what is called the "visitor's gap". In France, I don't know anyone who has a king size bed... The big thing in Germany are multi-zone cold-foam mattresses. 7 zones is a minimum. I do think 2500$ (+ tax, I suppose?) is very expensive for a mattress, even that big. At the stores I visited, the higher-end single mattresses were 700� at most. If you double that, you're still 1000$ below the price you got. (NT) -- Patricia (), 03:00:18 12/16/12 Sun
- I absolutely love our soft-side waterbed. Soft, warm, delightful. (NT) -- shy gal, 05:58:14 12/16/12 Sun
- CAN (NT) -- AngieLass, 07:43:17 12/16/12 Sun
  - Oops. Meant to type: Can't offer any brands, but my last mattress shopping for son's bed was disappointing to learn it's considered short-term purchase now and mattresses aren't built to be flipped like they used to be. The industry is building the low-end priced ones to be disposable within single digit years. My 20-year-old mattress needs to be replaced on age, but has high-quality quilted toppers on both sides that's allowed us to flip and turn it over the years to extend its use. (NT) -- AngieLass, 07:49:48 12/16/12 Sun
    - We have a Sealy with a 10 year warranty but you only rotate it because one side is not "finished". (NT) -- CarolE, 15:27:20 12/16/12 Sun
    - Our newest Sealy Posturepedic (queen size) was bought in the late 90's (but only used weekends at the lakehouse until 2005) and is still perfect. The one prior to that, in the guest room now, is still perfect and was used full time (literally since DH worked midnights for 13 years) between 1978 and 2005. Neither of them is pillowtop - they are firm the way I like them. DD has a temperpedic and swears by it but I've never slept in one so don't know. By the way, I flip my mattress at least 3 times a year and vacuum it every other month or so. I also keep it covered with a fitted sheet under the mattress pad. Helps keep dust/dust mites under control. (NT) -- CathyS, 17:11:35 12/16/12 Sun
- Surprisingly, IKEA mattresses are pretty good. Get the top of the line ones and they are cheaper and work well for us. (NT) -- Kim G, 17:07:44 12/16/12 Sun
- I have a 20+ year-old Beautyrest that's still going strong. A couple of years ago, I added a memory foam topper because the old bones needed a bit more cushioning--I LOVE it! (NT) -- Rosemarie, 00:21:10 12/17/12 Mon
- I wouldn't pay it. LIke the other poster said, mattresses aren't meant to last a long time anymore, as you can't flip them. Also, ALL mattresses feel good in the stores, the cushions/toppings haven't broken down yet. I would go online to read reviews of your particular mattress. We also need a new king mattress, but have decided when we go buy (hopefully in the spring), we are getting 2 extra long twins, and use the piece to go in the middle and the belt to wrap around it to hold it together. With the middle insert, an nice cushiony mattress pad, we should be fine. Just bought a serta or sealy Queen for my son, they have twins where you can choose the firmness, and the size of the twins are the same! (NT) -- conmama, 07:21:06 12/17/12 Mon
- I bought myself a TempurPedic when I moved into my new house, and really like it - although I don't sleep for long (see above post re changed sleep patterns), I don't wake up with soreness of any kind any longer. It was expensive - around $2200 for a Queen size, but I love it. Good luck with your search. (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 07:32:32 12/17/12 Mon
- I wouldnt pay it! A friend of ours moved here three years ago, bought a Serta pillow top at Menards...... that is the BEST bed!!!!! I replaced a bed here with the same one...... favorite bed in the house. I think the Queen set was 550-600. (NT) -- M&M, 07:33:05 12/17/12 Mon
  - I cant wait to replace my King with it too! (NT) -- M&M, 07:33:21 12/17/12 Mon
DH Thinks I'm Nutz, Do You? -- CarolE, 14:05:04 12/14/12 Fri
Last winter I removed the inside screen from our kitchen window so I can watch the birds and critters when I'm working in the kitchen. I can see them better w/o the screen in the way and can also take a picture if I want to. So, this year I also removed the one in the window next to my computer desk so I have a better view of the feeders and also for picture taking. Does this make me nutz? Just weird?? I know this is a loaded question but I'm hoping my "friends" will not take advantage!! :-)

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Replies:
- I don't think you are nuts. I sometimes push mine up to the top (my screens only cover half the window) so when I am sitting down, I get a clear view. (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 14:14:02 12/14/12 Fri
  - We push ours up, too. We have a piece of furniture on our porch just outside a window and we keep the cats' food there so the dogs can't get to it. If we leave the screen down, Blossom claws it. With just the window, she claws at the glass (trying to attract the dogs' attention, I think!). (NT) -- shy gal, 08:41:50 12/15/12 Sat
- Nothing wrong with that! AND the birds do like nutz, no? d&r (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:14:51 12/14/12 Fri
- Tell your DH there are worse things you could do. He should follow me around for the day. LE is completely off her rocker at times. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 14:24:39 12/14/12 Fri
- Heck no. DH removed as many screens as possible when we moved into this house. (NT) -- SueW (bird watcher), 15:14:56 12/14/12 Fri
- There are two groups of 3 windows each in my family room which faces the back yard and a larger expanse of land beyond that. The center window of each group cannot be opened and thus does not have a screen on it. When I am looking out into the backyard at the birds or other wild life, I always look out one of those windows because the screens do obstruct the view! You are completely normal! (NT) -- Mia, 15:57:39 12/14/12 Fri
- I take the screens off all the windows in the fall and replace them in the spring. I don't like looking through the screen - it seems some people don't 'see' it but I sure do, the same phenomenon happens with the netting at baseball and hockey games. (NT) -- jayn, 17:42:56 12/14/12 Fri
- Didn't this used to be the norm - screens taken down in the fall (and maybe storm windows put up before the days of double-paned glass?) and then re-installed in the spring. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 19:42:36 12/14/12 Fri
  - Yup, and then came combination storm and screens when most people slid up the screen during the winter. We have cheap, single hung windows in most of the downstairs. Removing the screen in a double hung might prove more interesting! The kitchen is an awning window so no problem there as the screen is on the inside. When all the "data" is in I will read this to him!! :-) (NT) -- CarolE, 20:20:43 12/14/12 Fri
- We always remove our screens near the bird feeder windows! You are clever, not nuts! (NT) -- shy gal, 04:14:27 12/15/12 Sat
- Our screens slide up and down so I've been known to throw dog treats out the window for the dog when I'm too lazy to go out! We also have handed stuff out to whoever (whomever?) is grilling since we have to go through the garage to get to the back deck. Not crazy at all. (NT) -- TracyAnn (), 07:34:12 12/15/12 Sat
  - Ha, I do stuff out the window, too. I use a squirt gun on the cats when they stalk the bird feeder. (NT) -- shy gal, 13:26:49 12/15/12 Sat
- I am not one of them, but I know folks who take all the screens down in the fall, hose them off, and store them until spring. (NT) -- shellb, 12:20:21 12/15/12 Sat
- The roofers from our roof replacement after Hurricane Katrina wrecked most of our screens (this is normal) and we liked the view out the windows so much we never replaced them. (NT) -- Marcie, 22:16:58 12/15/12 Sat
- I can completely understand wanting to do this. If you don't open the window anyway, why not? You are not nuts I would say you are quite clever actually. :) (NT) -- LisaW, 11:40:47 12/16/12 Sun
- I do that all the time! (NT) -- conmama, 07:22:22 12/17/12 Mon
Skillpages -- Patricia, 03:04:50 12/06/12 Thu
Today, I got an invite to Skillpages - never heard of it. I just googled it and apparently it's a skill-related social network. I'm already on Facebook and on LinkedIn. Do I need Skillpages, too? Is anyone here on it?

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Replies:
- There are so many of these websites that are pretty much the same. It depends on your reason for signing up with sites like that I guess. If you are really trying to get your name out there, then I don't see how it could hurt. It just gets difficult to keep up with them all. (NT) -- Colly, 05:14:49 12/06/12 Thu
  - Well, I have FB for fun and LinkedIn for work, so I think I'm set. At first, I only ever accepted contact requests on LinkedIn, until I applied for a job and realised half of my contacts had the same last name (my US cousins). So I sent out requests myself, so that my page looks at least halfway serious. And then it turned out I had two totally unrelated friends who connected via my LinkedIn and worked together, so I guess it is indeed useful and I'm keeping it although I never went through with the job application. But here I was just wondering if anyone knew this new one... (NT) -- Patricia, 10:26:06 12/06/12 Thu
- Very late to reply, but we got those invites to work mail and IT guys say ot is a virus. (NT) -- Wilhelmiina, 03:36:03 12/17/12 Mon
Anyone have a good Snickerdoodle recipe? -- Traci_Mc, 16:50:38 12/13/12 Thu
I'm looking for a recipe that makes a soft, chewy cookie, like you can buy at the Great Cookie. The recipe I have makes a harder cookie. While I like them, the rest of the family prefers the softer cookie, so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks!

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Replies:
- Does your recipe call for butter or shortening? Generally speaking, the latter makes softer cookies. Brown sugar over white sugar helps, too, but with Snickerdoodles, there isn't ANY brown, so that probably wouldn't work. I also chill my dough, roll it and then bake it at 375 rather than 350. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 17:44:25 12/13/12 Thu
- I've found that when I put the finished cookies into an airtight container with a piece or 2 of bread, they are soft by the next morning. This works for keeping your brown sugar soft too. I've never tried this with snicker doodles, but it works w/sugar cookies. (NT) -- MaryJ, 18:47:48 12/13/12 Thu
  - An apple does the same thing. (NT) -- CarolE, 20:01:12 12/13/12 Thu
- I knew about the bread but not an apple. Won't the apple change the favor??? (NT) -- Lynda J, 08:02:15 12/14/12 Fri
  - It shouldn't as long as it isn't cut and you eat the cookies b/4 Memorial Day!! :-) (NT) -- CarolE, 10:41:13 12/14/12 Fri
- Good thing I asked I would have cut the apple...lol Thanks (NT) -- Lynda J, 11:54:43 12/14/12 Fri
  - I've always used a cut piece of apple. WDIK? (NT) -- CathyS, 13:52:29 12/14/12 Fri
- I have no idea what a "Snickerdoodle" is - but I love that word... :D (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:16:30 12/14/12 Fri
  - They're like soft sugar cookies, Oatcake, except you roll each one into a ball the size of a ping-pong ball, then let a small child roll each cookie in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The cookies crack during baking, and are really delicious when warm. Or hot. Or cold. (NT) -- SueW (hungry), 17:41:19 12/14/12 Fri
    - I add cinnamon to my dough as well, and when I'm not sharing w/the DS, I add a bit of chipotle powder to the cinnamon and sugar. :) (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 19:43:48 12/14/12 Fri
      - �Qu� tan atrevida! (NT) -- SueW, 07:49:33 12/15/12 Sat
        
        Me gusta la canela con una poquito "patea"! LOL (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 18:11:20 12/16/12 Sun
- Thanks for all your suggestions. After doing some recipe research on the web, I decided to try baking them at 350 degrees instead of 400 as stated in my recipe. I baked them a few minutes longer, and they turned out crisp on the edge but soft in the middle, so I am happy with them. (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 16:34:26 12/15/12 Sat
How do you manage the nostalgic moments? This time of year -- Margaret, 15:13:44 12/08/12 Sat
After forty years of being away from 'Home' I still get a little homesick. Here is a blog site of the village I was born in by another interlouper! http://thescottishhome.blogspot.ca/ I moved away from the village because there was nothing there and Catherine moved there and she & her husband are being very creative. Sounds like the old village is getting a little revival.

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Replies:
- I let myself be melancholy for a while and drift in memories. Both of my parents are gone as are DH's. We have no little ones anymore and it's tiring to "be of good cheer" when being still and knitting past moments together is needed (NT) -- kgp, 17:00:43 12/08/12 Sat
- It's a bittersweet time of year. I have no family around me to speak of. The ones I'd like to be with are thousands of miles away. I hold dear memories of how much my mom loved Christmas. Last year I was walking through a department store at this time of year and remembered how much she loved Christmas and shopping. I was immediately in floods. It still happens more at this time than any other. (NT) -- Lemora, 18:23:46 12/08/12 Sat
  - Bittersweet describes it so well, Lemora. Such lovely memories of dear ones and times going hand in hand with the feelings of loss. The scent of the air, the music, the shopping, and gaity all tend to bring those memories forward... today I will think only of the 'sweet'. (NT) -- Florence, 12:44:04 12/09/12 Sun
- I too allow myself to be melancholic. And I agree that bittersweet is the perfect description. I do try to focus on the reason I celebrate this season. And I remember that I am part of what my children will have as memories, and I want those memories to be joyful. (NT) -- shy gal, 13:02:19 12/09/12 Sun
  - I agree it's easier not to be nostalgic with children...focusing on their memories. (NT) -- conmama, 09:29:16 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes, a very hard time of year for me too, both my and DH's parents are gone and of course are very missed this time of year. It always puts DH in a terrible depression and I do my best to lift his spirits. I try my best not to show the pain of missing the folks around my own grown children. Focus on them and the grandkids and the giving spirit. I enjoy making and giving to the local people who perform a service for me throughout the year. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 16:34:10 12/09/12 Sun
- Bittersweet is the word for me. My dad, DBro and I try, and we do an okay job, but to me Christmas isn't Christmas without a big, loud family to surround you with hugs, love and laughter. I miss my Mom's family's big crazy Christmas that happened when I lived out east. I know they still happen but I never seem to be able to make there at this time of year which gives me the blues. My dad has a big family but they don't invite us, my dad's kind of the black sheep. It's just us and my DBF, and my Dbro's DGF. I am grateful that I have them but I just miss everyone so much, especially my mom. This is her favorite time of year and she always goes all out. I deal with all this by trying to connect with the people I miss via Skype, FB and telephone which helps. For those no longer able to be reached by phone I keep up the tradition my mom started when we were kids, I have photo ornaments with a picture of each person I've lost that I wish was here on my tree so they're a part of my holidays. (NT) -- Cait, 14:59:37 12/10/12 Mon
- My Mom passed away over a year ago and this will be the second Christmas without her. She was the heart of the family and her unexpected loss was devastating. I was lucky to spend every Christmas of my life with my small family. But with Mom gone, the spirit of the holiday is missing. I'm going through the motions, decorating, gifts, cards...but deep inside I just feel empty. I live 6 hours from other family members and have no children so don't have an emotional support system. I will see my Dad and sister on Christmas day as we meet at my Dad's little apartment. I'll try to catch the spirit and enjoy the day...but it will be hard. (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:34:36 12/11/12 Tue
- I'll have to answer this one in January. My father passed away in June so this is the first Holidays without him. I miss him something fierce. I'm more worried about my Mom. She is still having a tough time being alone. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 06:45:22 12/11/12 Tue
- I have felt very sad for everyone reading these posts. It's been awhile since I've lost someone dear and had to go thru those first holidays without them. However, for some reason I still get a twinge of bittersweet throughtout the season thinking of memories past. You know what helps me and actually make me feel better? Saying to myself that it's "OK" if I feel bad right at that moment...I have a right, too. I sort of stop feeling guilty or bad about being sad! When I let myself off the hook and just darn feel what I want to...that sadness sort of dissapates. (NT) -- conmama, 11:25:05 12/11/12 Tue
  - Oh, Conmama, I do this too! I remind myself that when my parents got very old and sick, I wanted them released from their dying bodies. Dying is normal when you're in your nineties. It's the ones who got taken too soon that are harder. I just let myself feel sad when I'm sad. And at this time of year, it seems so many people are walking around without a protective outer layer of skin, emotionally. (NT) -- Lemora, 14:07:37 12/15/12 Sat
Do we have an ETA on the 2012 holiday card mailing lists? -- CarolSR, 19:13:45 12/07/12 Fri
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- I haven't heard anything from Marissa either about the Christmas card list. I hope everything is ok with her and her family and computer. I hope we get to do our card exchange this year. Any option ideas from anyone? (NT) -- Marcie, 09:14:51 12/08/12 Sat
  - Use last year's lists? (NT) -- kgp, 09:18:23 12/08/12 Sat
- There was a message on FB a few days ago and my understanding she had just been very busy with life and it was getting in the way of doing the lists. . If we don't get the list soon I'm not sure what I will do. I have no list from last year. I keep hoping to hear something soon. My concern is it may be to much for her very year. (NT) -- Lynda J, 15:30:02 12/08/12 Sat
  - it's a big job. bless Risa for taking it on year after year. I'll share my list from last year with anyone who needs one if we decide to go with those. do as many cards as you are comfortable with. I really enjoy getting cards from all over. (NT) -- kgp, 16:55:28 12/08/12 Sat
    - Happy New Year cards are fine as well. (NT) -- kgp, 17:02:41 12/08/12 Sat
- Having done the list, it's very time consuming and a bit of a PIA..... I did it for three years, and I love it dont get me wrong...... but its just a lot for one person to do. So if something came up and she couldnt get to it..... hugs to Marissa..... we understand whole heartedly. :) (NT) -- M&M, 20:05:29 12/08/12 Sat
- Marissa I wish to let you know that I'm willing to wait for my list, take your time and thank you so much. (NT) -- Helka, 02:14:07 12/09/12 Sun
  - What Helka said! I certainly understand being blindsided by Life; my cards will be ready when you are. God bless you, friend. (NT) -- SueW, 18:24:38 12/14/12 Fri
- Every year it seems I get a card or even a wee gift in January and they are wonderful. Most of us get a teensy bit let down after the holidays, the rush is over, the bills are in and the grey winter is upon us, and that little piece of cheer in the mail brightens things so much. My point is I don't mind, I'd even almost prefer it, if we get the cards late! (maybe next year having a post-Christmas secret santa would be fun - just a thought). (NT) -- jayn (), 05:47:51 12/09/12 Sun
- I have my 2011 List so I can always re-send to those ladies. I may have a bigger group list too. (NT) -- Niseold, 06:47:46 12/09/12 Sun
- The only problem with sharing old lists is, unless you have a complete list of everyone who participates, you only have 10-20+ addys. I have lists from 2010 and 2011 but one is only 10 and last years is 20 and, unfortunately, we've lost 2 of the ladies on the lists! (how was THAT for a run-on sentence?) (NT) -- CarolE, 07:46:27 12/09/12 Sun
- I have a LOL master list that I've compiled over the last few years. I have it in excel for easy label creation. (NT) -- CarolSR, 08:49:06 12/09/12 Sun
- I would love to still do the cards but don't have any list from previous years but would love to send and get cards. It's one of the hi-lights of my Holidays. But I also have no problem waiting for the new one. If I was better on the computer I'd be willing to help out but it would take me more time to figure things out, I'm lucky to do what I can on here. (NT) -- Lynda J, 14:17:20 12/09/12 Sun
Let's Do This Christmas Cards -- anon, 09:42:42 12/08/12 Sat
If you were on last year's Christmas Card list and if you haven't moved since then put YES here and see what cards come to you. I know it isn't as efficient and some people did not save the list from last year but it is better than nothing.

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- Yes (NT) -- Niseold, 06:48:37 12/09/12 Sun
- Yes (NT) -- Traci_Mc, 11:23:02 12/09/12 Sun
- I was late signing up, so I don't know if I made the list, so I will use last years. I've already received two lovely cards. Thank you, Susan and Astrina! (NT) -- LP, 12:06:12 12/09/12 Sun
- Yes (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 13:16:09 12/09/12 Sun
- Yes (NT) -- CarolSR, 15:42:45 12/09/12 Sun
- Yes. (NT) -- kgp, 17:19:15 12/09/12 Sun
- Yes. (NT) -- LynnB, 17:30:35 12/09/12 Sun
- yes (NT) -- Lynda J, 21:33:27 12/09/12 Sun
- I moved but I will still get my mail, so YES. (NT) -- jayn, 05:46:10 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes, I had decided to send out cards to the names on my last yrs list. At this late date everyone will not get one but Plz know all will be wished a happy holiday and a healthy, positive , and peaceful New Year. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 09:33:33 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes (NT) -- Lady Lukkarinen, 09:41:55 12/10/12 Mon
- I didn't do this right, I don't have last years list so guess I won't be able to send any cards out but will send back one to any I might get...will that work (NT) -- Lynda J, 13:45:55 12/10/12 Mon
  - a lot of people still have last years list, I'm sure someone will send it to you. (NT) -- Colly, 08:26:55 12/11/12 Tue
- I have a master list from last year, if anyone wants it please email me - address below (NT) -- CarolSR, 13:50:43 12/10/12 Mon
  - Email -- CarolSR, 13:51:28 12/10/12 Mon
- I moved but will get my mail so YES (NT) -- Cait, 15:00:52 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes (NT) -- scotbymarriage, 18:01:06 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes (NT) -- Lady Allison, 20:58:56 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes (NT) -- Cherie, 21:16:47 12/10/12 Mon
- Yes (NT) -- LadyGrace, 06:46:04 12/11/12 Tue
- Yes please. :-) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 07:06:42 12/11/12 Tue
- Yes! Sounds like most people are going to use last years list. Email me if you weren't on it and want to be included. (NT) -- Colly, 08:25:49 12/11/12 Tue
- Yes, I was on last year's list and I've emailed Carol to get a copy of last year's list. I am so missing the Lally-love cards at Christmas! Muwaahs! (NT) -- Marcie, 10:18:12 12/11/12 Tue
- Yes! (NT) -- LadyBelle, 07:33:38 12/12/12 Wed
- I moved, too. But my mail is still being forwarded. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 13:04:47 12/12/12 Wed
- Yes- and I've already been getting cards! Thank you, Ladies. (NT) -- SueW, 18:22:32 12/14/12 Fri
I have heard a couple people mention a Hoser Gathering in Scotland in 2014 but I haven't heard the particulars, does anybody have any additional information? Is the happening around the Clan Gathering near the Banockburn 700th Anniversary activities? I would like to look into possibly making arrangements to go if I can. -- Cait, 09:12:48 12/12/12 Wed
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- Cait all the informatinis on facebook, in a group called Clan Hoser (or something ike that). Are we FB friends? I don't think so, but if you go to FB and friend request me I'll accept then add you to the group. I am Jayn Vamplew, the only one as far as I know (my picture is a Christmas tree). (NT) -- jayn, 11:57:24 12/12/12 Wed
- So far the only definite is a gathering in Inverness on Sept 27, 2014 ( I think that's the date) then you can plan around that on your own. I can't wait. (NT) -- kgp, 19:08:37 12/12/12 Wed
I was terribly embarrassed today. -- beccabee, 16:10:22 12/10/12 Mon
We went to lunch at McDonald's and I was mortified when I got up to leave and realized that the outline of my bottom was clearly outlined on the seat by dog fur. My Pitty/Retriever mix's.

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- I pulled a giant wad of dog fur off my arm at the doctor's office today. (NT) -- bethistle, 18:21:41 12/10/12 Mon
- don't let it get you down becca!! I took Em to my Dad's and didn't realize when she hugged our dog goodbye this morning she ended up with a chunk of dog hair stuck inside her jacket. She took it off at my Dad's and rained dog hair all over my Dad's dog free carpet. Whoops! (NT) -- JenK, 18:54:47 12/10/12 Mon
- I'm always picking fur out of my clothes. (NT) -- kgp, 03:03:54 12/11/12 Tue
- The worst is when I'm picking it out of my food in front of other people! On my clothes is not as big a deal.... it happens :) (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 06:38:46 12/11/12 Tue
- I joke that I take my dogs everywhere with me. I'm still finding dog hair from a dog that died 8 yrs ago. I don't mind that one because he was so loved and the best dog EVER. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 06:40:10 12/11/12 Tue
  - Ah, I love the love in your heart! (NT) -- shy gal, 14:19:17 12/11/12 Tue
- I went to the podiatrist and when she examined my shoe she pulled out dog hair and said oh you have a black lab too..... (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 09:00:56 12/11/12 Tue
  - That is funny! (NT) -- beccabee (), 11:22:49 12/11/12 Tue
- I hope ye dinna mind me lol at yer story, lass! AND I'll stick to my stuffed ones! :D (NT) -- Oatcake, 11:03:40 12/11/12 Tue
- I often say "No outfit is complete without dog hair!" (NT) -- Sorcha, 11:04:19 12/11/12 Tue
  - Co MIL says no meal is complete without dog hair. Even though he is a dog lover , hair around food totally skeeves him, so needless to day, DH makes excuses not to eat there. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, 08:20:02 12/12/12 Wed
- My boyfriend and I always say "oh look, Rowdy loves you!" when we pull a dog hair off of each other. Rowdy is my mini pomeranian :) Poor Tom, my DBF, has a goatee and the hair gets stuck in it alot (NT) -- Cait, 07:28:12 12/12/12 Wed
- Speaking as a person who wears dark clothes, who lived with several cream-colored, long-haired, shedding cats for years and years, I find this charming! (NT) -- Lemora, 18:19:12 12/12/12 Wed
Valley Gives Day -- LadyStormwing, 12:19:11 12/12/12 Wed
I'm putting this here because I didn't want to start a new message on the social board. Please come inside the first reply for an important request.

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- In here>>> -- LadyStormwing, 12:29:48 12/12/12 Wed
Definitely a "what the heck" moment! -- LP, 07:16:42 12/11/12 Tue
The ladies room at the Indian restaurant where I dined last night was nothing but a sink and 2 toilets facing each other... I am NOT kidding. You can guarantee I locked the door as soon as I went in... dinna think I could pee in front of a friend, let alone a stranger.

Feel free to share your "WTH" moments.

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- I haven't gotten used to the person in the stall next to me peeing and pooping while talking on the phone. (NT) -- beccabee, 07:48:47 12/11/12 Tue
- Sticking to the theme, I can't 'go' in front of my significant other, never could. (NT) -- jayn, 09:18:53 12/11/12 Tue
- I once went to a restaurant where the stall door was transparent, completely transparent - no way I could stay there. I only found out later that the glass went black when you locked it. Very cool. Maybe yours was for people with kids... :) (NT) -- Patricia, 10:18:19 12/11/12 Tue
- Stopped going to a local restaurant. The ladies room had 6 stalls - 5 of them had no locks on the doors (no way to keep them closed) and the last one was a 'handicapped' stall with NO door/NO curtain - an open stall. When I questioned the management the wife said it's all women so there is no need for privacy (Yes, she actually said that!) and it was because women break things. When I suggested that routine maintenance included repairing bathroom doors she got furious. Her DH swore at me in Italian (yes, I understood what he was saying) and looked like he was about to have a stroke any minute. I returned once - about 6 weeks later and found conditions had not changed. Never returned after that. The restaurant is still open (over 12 years later) but the parking lot is always empty. I truly believe it is a 'front' for something. (NT) -- CathyS, 16:00:48 12/11/12 Tue
  - Cathy, that made me laugh. When a local discount store had to renovate the ladies for handicapped accessibility they turned three stalls into two and put one of the single stall doors on the handicapped one. Is still that way after years and years. We have a local coffeeshop that is a front for drugs. The owner wears his shirts half unbuttoned and scratches his belly while he is making the drinks. (NT) -- beccabee, 16:38:37 12/11/12 Tue
    - Ewww! (NT) -- LadyGrace, 08:14:34 12/12/12 Wed
- the worst I've ever seen was in Spain. It was a nice-ish cafe, but the ladies room was essentially a showerstall w/ marked spots for your feet & a handle to hang on to while you squatted. ew. (NT) -- shellb, 11:14:09 12/12/12 Wed
Anyone have any good, easy, fast jello recipes? (Besides, you know, jello. LOL) I have to make three for a funeral luncheon and the only recipes I have have tons of incrediants and cost a lot, to be honest. -- ScarlettO, 13:54:37 12/10/12 Mon
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- The only one I have involves Fireball whiskey and raspberry or strawberry jell-o. Probably not at all appropriate for a funeral. My grandma used to make the pretzel crust, cream cheese/cheesecake middle with a strawberry jello topping. It was delicious and would work perfectly for a funeral as it makes a 9x13 pan. I looked it up online, and THIS ONE looks like it would work. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:56:06 12/10/12 Mon
  - I love that Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Somehow it has become a staple at our Easter family lunch. (NT) -- Reilly, 06:13:43 12/11/12 Tue
    - I call it "Protestant Pie" because it was always present at every church potluck I attended as a kid. (NT) -- Nifty, 16:50:55 12/11/12 Tue
      - Oddly enough, I think some members of my family call it "Strawberry Pretzel Salad". Not sure what about it deems it "salad", but they do actually put it with the 7-layer salad on our Easter table. That's the closest my family gets to healthy at our family dinners. We like to douse all of our hot vegetables with various Campbell's soup cheese concoctions, too. West Virginia cookin'. (NT) -- Reilly, 06:16:47 12/12/12 Wed
- Lime Cucumber Salad -- shy gal, 14:57:35 12/10/12 Mon
- we do one at Thanksgiving w/ red jello, chopped cranberries, nuts, apple, and canned mandarin oranges. not sure about exact proportions- its an eyeball thing. If you've got one or two in the pantry, it's doable. (NT) -- shellb, 16:37:47 12/10/12 Mon
- Google Strawberry Fluff. Lots of variations. I like the recipe with Cool Whip, crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and strawberry jello mix. (NT) -- AngieLass, 19:43:23 12/10/12 Mon
- Not really jello, but almost the same, and quick and easy. One carton nutriwhip, whipped, with a cup or so removed. Can of crushed pineapple, pistachio pudding mix, couple of handfuls of mini marshmallows, handful of shredded coconut. Stir together, and refrigerate a few hours. Pretty, especially for Christmas. (NT) -- Heather, 03:44:16 12/11/12 Tue
  - some marachino cherries in the pistachio pudding salad (we call it "green stuff") makes it look more festive too (NT) -- wee, 05:32:53 12/11/12 Tue
    - Wee, we call it "green fluff"! (NT) -- Heather, 06:41:08 12/11/12 Tue
- Not really Jello either - One carton heavy cream, whipped stiff and one container favorite Yogurt flavor both beaten together with electric mixer. Fold in baby marshmallows until stiff. That's it. (NT) -- beccabee, 04:28:35 12/11/12 Tue
- Make jello, any flavour, and add in chopped fruits, nuts etc as desired. When it's set, stir it to break it up. In a 9x12 pan prepare a layer of grapham cracker crust (or use chocolate crumbs, depending on flavour of jello), spoon the jello pieces over that. Cover it all with cool whip. You can fancy it up with chocolate, nuts, or crushed candy sprinkled over the top if you like. (NT) -- jayn (), 05:38:09 12/11/12 Tue
- Thanks, all, on my way to the grocery. (BTW, I can spell - didn't notice the spelling error in "ingredients" until after I posted, of course. LOL) (NT) -- ScarlettO, 05:57:39 12/11/12 Tue
  - We read what you meant, not what you typed. (NT) -- kgp, 08:26:18 12/11/12 Tue
Chocolate Chip Cookies...any variations you would like to share? -- conmama, 09:31:05 12/10/12 Mon
I made these variation on the Toll House Cookie recipe (I found these little tidbits in a magazine). I tried them this weekend and DH said they are the best CC Cookies I've ever made (not that he's ever HAD, mind, but I'll take the compliment anyway). They DID turn out delicious! Inside...

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- Inside -- conmama, 09:34:41 12/10/12 Mon
  - And one more thing I forgot (I only did it to half of the dough because I didn't know if I would like it or not...and I DO!) After forming the rounded Tablespoon to put on sheet, roll in lightly in some sugar. The outside has a bit of a crispier feel, but not really too sweet...plus they are prettier that way. (NT) -- conmama, 09:39:00 12/10/12 Mon
  - We put in the chocolate chips, and also a cup of butterscotch chips. Yum. But never nuts, because I'm too cheap. (NT) -- Susannah, 14:43:24 12/10/12 Mon
- I am an Allrecipes Allstar (allrecipes.com) and one of our *assignments* this month was to make Sweet and Salty Toll House Cookies. They include chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, and peanuts. They were better than I expected. ;o) (NT) -- LindaT, 10:50:50 12/10/12 Mon
- Share chocolate chip cookies??? - Never!!! :oP (NT) -- Oatcake, 14:24:52 12/10/12 Mon
- I adjust the Toll House recipe by using 1/2 shortening, 1/2 butter, twice as much brown sugar as white sugar, and then I use ghirardelli dk chocolate chips. Chewy, delicious and my students love them. (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 14:58:21 12/10/12 Mon
- I use a cup of packed dark brown sugar and a 1/2 cup white sugar. I like the 3 cups of different chocolate chips, I'll try that. I threw away my Silpat liner, couldn't stand it. I do use parchment paper and it keeps the cookies from spreading too far. (NT) -- kgp., 19:43:21 12/10/12 Mon
  - I really also think the bread flour makes a difference. They are less "cake like" and more textured and chewy. (NT) -- conmama, 04:24:32 12/11/12 Tue
- I'm a big fan of that "Neiman Marcus" recipe that was floating around the internet years ago, lol. http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/fooddrink/a/cookie_recipe.htm (NT) -- LP, 16:28:51 12/11/12 Tue
  - Thats the one I use too, always turn out nice...... I just cut it in half and use a bag of chips. (NT) -- M&M, 18:29:35 12/11/12 Tue
O.k. folks, you know the drill. What's everyone doing this weekend? -- Lady Lukkarinen., 12:57:36 12/07/12 Fri
The DH and I are going to drive up north to see his brother, share a meal with him, give him his gift and then we'll scootch over to the cottage and cut down our Christmas tree.We have been planting trees to use for Christmas for 30 or more years and it's so nice to have the scent of a fresh tree throughout the house. Have a great weekend everyone and play safe.

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- baking, baking and baking (NT) -- kgp, 13:13:22 12/07/12 Fri
  - KGP - Please send me all your recipes ASAP, KTHXBYE!! (sorry I couldn't resist ;-) (NT) -- Naughty MaryC in KY!, 08:24:10 12/08/12 Sat
    - lol! (NT) -- kgp, 09:19:43 12/08/12 Sat
- Christmas party tonight and tomorrow night. Hope to get my fudge made sometime this weekend.Shopping for a new suit for DH, the one he owns is 22 yrs. old and is very outdated. (NT) -- Janet H., 13:19:22 12/07/12 Fri
- Nothing much until Sunday, then going to dinner and to see Gerry Butler in Playing for Keeps - hmmm! (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 13:47:27 12/07/12 Fri
  - Ruth, let me know what you think of Playing for Keeps (besides Gerry's attractiveness, lol). (NT) -- LP, 08:14:43 12/08/12 Sat
- Two hrs choir practice tomorrow morning and concert in church Sunday afternoon. If we do it like we did when we last practiced, people will leave church before we're done ... :D (NT) -- Oatcake, 13:54:18 12/07/12 Fri
- Trying to whip up some sort of ENTHUSIASM. *sigh* (NT) -- Leigh, 14:28:13 12/07/12 Fri
  - What's wrong hon? (NT) -- L.L., 15:57:48 12/08/12 Sat
- Celebrating my grandmother's 100th birthday tomorrow! She was 100 on Wednesday, and her immediate family had supper with her. But tomorrow we are hosting an openhouse, and a sit down dinner for 40 guests. A very special day! (NT) -- Heather, 15:12:27 12/07/12 Fri
  - Wow! Happy birthday to her!! (NT) -- MaryJ, 19:25:00 12/08/12 Sat
- Decorating for Christmas, Lincoln tomorrow night, and hopefully eating some tasty rockfish on Sunday that DH is bringing home from his fishing trip! (NT) -- LP, 15:32:34 12/07/12 Fri
- From here until Jan. 4 it is totally nuts. This weekend we've got 2 school concerts, next week I've GOT to start the holiday baking because we go to school through Dec. 21. The 22nd is a brother's party, the 23rd is Christmas with the "outlaws." The 25th we have Christmas w/my own family (all three require a minimum of an hour's travel one-way). The 27th my mom & I fly to Spain where we will bask in the Andalucian culture until Jan. 4. When I return I'll have one day off before school starts up again. It makes me tired just thinking about it, but I can hardly wait until the Spain trip - it's such a dream trip that I can still hardly believe we're going! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 16:43:22 12/07/12 Fri
- DD is testing for her orange belt in Tang Soo Do tomorrow. Sunday we're getting our tree, and then a church Christmas party. (NT) -- Happiapple, 19:13:58 12/07/12 Fri
- Saw Lincoln last night (was AWESOME) since we had a "play date" with our grandson Nathan today (see pics on FB). Saturday AM I have a Red Hat breakfast and then our new recumbent exercise bike is being delivered and assembled! Sunday it is comfort food, baked potatoes and meatloaf and green bean casserole! Hope DM gets to come as we are supposed to get 2-4" of snow. Shouldn't be a problem. Have a great weekend Lallyland! (NT) -- CarolE, 20:49:15 12/07/12 Fri
- Getting our first snow which we really need. That will make me stay home and finish putting the stuff on my Tree. Packer game on Sunday. Everyone have a great week-end. please send wishes we get lots of snow here. (NT) -- Lynda J, 20:51:59 12/07/12 Fri
- Routine blood work (I'm HUNGRY) and the test is in 4 hrs. Think I will go sleep more. Got the results back from some gyno testing, was very worried, but the doc says I am in excellent health! Plus I lost 20 lbs since I saw you all last. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 02:37:09 12/08/12 Sat
  - That's fantastic! How did you do it? (NT) -- L.L., 16:08:14 12/08/12 Sat
- Dragging my kids to the beach if weather permits. I have taken everyone elses photos, but not my own kids. Typical. lol Had DH's office Christmas party last night. We did dirty santa gift exchange. He scored a bottle of Crown Royale Reserve and he WON a Samsung Galaxy Tab2 in the raffle! Fun! Also, some Christmas shopping. AND, playing with my new camera! (NT) -- Tam, 07:53:39 12/08/12 Sat
- Last night was DBF's work party, no raffles but a fun time. Not sure what's up for the rest of the weekend.... but it's 11:30 am and I'm still in my jammies, so it's a great start!! (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 08:26:45 12/08/12 Sat
- Celebrating Hanukkah!!! <3 (NT) -- LindaT (), 09:24:08 12/08/12 Sat
  - Happy Hanukkah Linda. (NT) -- L.L., 16:10:52 12/08/12 Sat
- I didn't get to it before the weekend, so I'll tell what I've done, which is mostly drive DD around. :) Friday night I went and picked up a nice oak china cabinet I bought on craigslist - it matches my cupboards well and it was cheap! Saturday I took DD to Battle Creek to meet someone selling a ukelele off craigslist - she bought it and has been happily plunking away all weekend. Today was her high school concert band winter concert, they did well, especially on "Sleigh Ride." Of course I got no Christmas shopping done, no housework done, and no studying done, but whatever. :) (NT) -- Maria, 20:16:00 12/09/12 Sun
Advent -- Lady Cate, 04:48:28 12/05/12 Wed
Ho, ho, ho, one and all! I was wrapping my gifts last night with color-coded wrapping paper (green for my side of the family, blue for DH's side, red for us - makes it easier to transport gifts and not leave any behind)and started wondering - what do you do to organize/manage your Christmas preparations?

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- I start thinking in late summer - on the lookout for specific gifts for specific people & if I see the perfect thing, I buy it early. After that, I shop in batches - gifts that have to be mailed first, gifts for our charitable giving next, then family & teachers last. Keeping track of the mailing time sets my priority list. I find one theme of wrapping for the season & that goes on everything. As I wrap, I mail, so no mixing up of gifts. (NT) -- MaryJ, 06:35:10 12/05/12 Wed
- What a great idea! I just put the presents in designated spots under the tree so that I can locate them all when I need to put them in the bags to transport them. In terms of present buying, I either use a spreadsheet or a list to keep my purchases straight. (NT) -- AngieC, 07:40:13 12/05/12 Wed
- About 5 years ago I started a little notebook where I write down what I got for people so I don't buy them the same thing again! I also list out the birthday gifts over the year also. This has been so helpful, like when I hear about a great book, I can order it, write down who it's for, and then I just have to wrap it when the time comes. Love your wrapping paper idea! When my boys were little, they got 1 or 2 special gifts from Santa, always wrapped in different paper than the other presents. I think my parents used the Sunday comics for our Santa presents! (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 08:56:31 12/05/12 Wed
- My own Party_For_1 Wrapping extravaganza. I started this when the boys were 4 and 1. I'd put them to bed, go downstairs to the basement, rent a movie I wanted to watch and bring down a bottle of wine. 15 years later, I still do this. I've migrated to a table/chairs and have everything laid out better. I watch my chick flick, drink my wine and wrap gifts. It calms me, puts me in the spirit and the wine makes me a bit sentimental. Highly recommend it. It takes me about 2-3 nights to get it all done. One of the nights I let DH come and watch Love, Actually with me. I normally don't get much wrapping done that night! (NT) -- conmama, 09:50:53 12/05/12 Wed
  - I do this, too! My Christmas wrapping movies are Love Actually, The Sound of Music, It's a Wonderful Life, Gone with the Wind, The Santa Clause (1-2-3 w/Tim Allen), Christmas Vacation, and more. Sometimes I just play my favorite Christmas music, and I light a Christmas-scented candle. (NT) -- Lady Cate, 10:07:18 12/05/12 Wed
    - Don't you just find it "centers" you? When I pop Love, Actually in and hear the music start with the heart at the beginning...then Hugh Grants telling of the Twin Towers, I always end up in the lazy boy with my wine. I have watched that every year since it first came out. Once, my mom was home for the holidays and wanted to come and wrap with me. She wouldn't shut up and it wasn't the same, LOL! (NT) -- conmama, 10:53:53 12/05/12 Wed
      - I have to watch Love Actually before Christmas every year too. First saw it at the cinema with friends, then bought the DVD. I used to watch it when DH was out, but now he insists on watching it with me. It's become a tradition that we watch it together. (NT) -- albion, 02:23:07 12/06/12 Thu
        
        Us, too! I also bought the CD and listen to it AFTER I watch the movie. I'm afraid if I start listening to it beforehand, the music will see "old" when I watch the DVD. (NT) -- conmama, 04:55:14 12/06/12 Thu
        "Love Actually" came out 9 years ago. One of the few movies I like Keira Knightley in. And the changes Emma Thompson goes through when she gets that Joni Mitchell CD and listens to it, knowing about that gold heart that isn't for her; the over-the-top sales guy; Liam Neeson playing a grieving widower only a few years before he actually became one, when his beloved Natasha died in that freak skiing accident (talk about eerie foreshadowing); Hugh Grant blithering and blinking, but not to excess; and so much more. What was that movie Liam and son watched to cheer themselves up? I need to see this again! (NT) -- Lemora, 17:40:38 12/06/12 Thu
        
        They were watching Titanic. I loved everyone's storyline in that movie and Bill Nighy was just an absolute riot! "And kids, listen to your Uncle Billy, don't buy drugs.... if you can get them for free!" LOL (NT) -- conmama, 05:17:03 12/07/12 Fri
        
        "Rowan Atkinson was originally meant to be an 'angel of love' - he was meant to help all the movie's characters find their love (e.g. he helps Sam by distracting the airport employee). He was also meant to walk away at the end and fade away, but the writers thought this too complicated and decided to keep him as a simple shop assistant." (NT) -- Ceilidh, 06:43:28 12/07/12 Fri
        
        I'm glad that did that, the other would have been to hokey and taken away from his character (that us mortal humans can be good, too). After seeing it about 12 times, I still get ansy when he's wrapping that gift in the store...the music they play is perfect right then...and he just cracks me up every time. My favorite story is Colin Firth and Aurelia...especially the end! (NT) -- conmama, 07:43:35 12/07/12 Fri
        
        I agree! When they intercut Sam's run through the airport and Colin's march towards Aurelia - I get a big smile every year! We just watched last night, and for the first time I decided to fast foward through all the Laura Linney scenes (I can't stand her in this movie), it was a great new Love Actually tradition *g*. (NT) -- HollyC, 05:26:48 12/08/12 Sat
        
        Oh, I forgot about the Laura Linney segment. Don't like that either. I'm glad they only used Rowan Atkinson as that salesguy. (NT) -- Lemora, 18:32:43 12/08/12 Sat
        
        Love Actually is my absolute most favorite Christmas movie!!! It's in my stack of TBW holiday movies that must be watched over the next two weeks. Also included are 'Dan In Real Life,' 'Elf,' 'Bridget Jones's Diary,' and 'About A Boy.' The last one isn't exactly a holiday move but it DOES end on Christmas and I just love it. (NT) -- Sorcha, 11:28:53 12/07/12 Fri
        
        And we watched 'The Holiday' the other night - it's also one of my must watch before Christmas movies. (NT) -- Sorcha, 11:29:39 12/07/12 Fri
        
        I love Love Actually and The Holiday! ;D DH and I have a tradition of watching Love Actually on Christmas Eve after the kids are in bed. I usually have a few last minute presents to wrap and finish them while we watch! ;) (NT) -- ErinD, 15:56:25 12/07/12 Fri
- I do what you do with wrapping paper, and in addition every person who lives in this house gets their own paper. I save on tags that way. And I keep lists of ideas as they come to me all year round and pick things up as I see them. I finish my shopping on Veteran's Day and then have December to wrap, bake, and not be stressed. (NT) -- Susannah, 12:46:35 12/05/12 Wed
- I sort as I buy but no longer wrap things. I invested in various sized felt bags with a Christmas theme and use those instead of paper. I can get it all done in one evening when I'm done shopping. Once I'm done I leave the bags and tags out for the menfolk to do theirs. Stuff to be brought somewhere else gets sorted into big bags. (NT) -- kgp, 14:02:28 12/05/12 Wed
  - I stopped wrapping gifts that don't leave the house many years ago. It was an exceptionally busy season and I was a Grinch. I found myself staring at a huge pile of shopping bags full of unwrapped gifts on December 24. I went to the fabric store and bought 4 different Christmas fabrics and a spool of cord. I made big duffel bags with drawstring tops and filled them with the appropriate gifts. I declared I was saving trees and defied anyone to explain it any other way. Now, we send off gifts to DD out of state and only tissue wrap gifts for DS and his girlfriend. They are put into pillowcase sized tote bags made from Christmas fabric and defiantly called 'stockings'! (NT) -- CathyS, 20:43:44 12/05/12 Wed
- LISTS, LISTS, LISTS. I have a master list of gift (to, from etc) and it becomes my bible this time of year, I keep it and all the receipts (for everything - period) in a large pencil case. When I begin each year I toss the receipts and keep last year's list as a reminder. As for sorting, I used to do that about the 23rd, his, mine, ours, and that was a last check that everything was good. (NT) -- jayn, 03:19:29 12/06/12 Thu
- My kids and I wrap presents at the local mall for the association we belong to (lay-scouts). We wrap so many presents that usually we just take the few material gifts we have for each other in and wrap them there, too - the table is the right size, there's paper, tape, ribbons... (NT) -- Patricia, 03:43:38 12/06/12 Thu
- I also assign certain tasks to the weeks of Advent. The first is cleaning, the second is decorating, the third is baking, and the fourth is loose ends. (NT) -- Lady Cate, 07:33:33 12/06/12 Thu
- Maybe I should eventually get started on being organized about christmas gifts....we usually forget to give some away and I find them hidden in the bedroom cabinets around easter - all in all it's quite a mess! :D It's even more confusing as DS#1's birthday is Dec 25th and all the family comes to our place ... (NT) -- Oatcake (already lost grip of things...), 14:02:08 12/07/12 Fri
Just a question. -- jayn, 13:57:30 12/03/12 Mon
It's not even 5 pm here, and almost pitch dark outside. Most mornings it's dark when I get up. When I worked I would go for months and not see my home in the daylight.

Now, I know I am far from alone, the further away from the equator one lives the more pronounced the shorter days become (and the opposite for you down-under types), and I don't know how those in the far north bear it.

So, my question to you is, does this effect bother you? Do you 'believe' in SAD and do you suffer from it? What do you do to counter the dark days of winter?

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Replies:
- I do believe in SAD because I know the short days have an effect on me, however, it is the opposite for me. I love, love, love the short daylight hours, the light low in the sky even at noon, the coziness of winter, all that. When we switch the clocks from daylight savings, I feel normal again. I go to bed earlier and feel rested in the morning. Damn GWBush for giving us an extra month of daylight every year! *g* I'm all about dimmer switches and have them all over my house and I love playing with the lighting. Can't do that in the summer when it doesn't get fully dark until 10:30. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 14:29:30 12/03/12 Mon
  - I too hate Daylight Savings Time. Nature gives it naturally. And adding on that extra month is one of the dumber things the government has done. I longed for less sunlight when I was exiled in southern California for seven years. Now, up north, after Halloween the dark days hit, and I honestly experience a little bit of SAD --plus thinking of all the people who've died at or near this time of year. But, given my druthers, I'll take the sunless days of our winter over SoCal sunlight any time! (NT) -- Lemora, 17:29:16 12/03/12 Mon
    - Jodi YoB - you hate that YOUR president changed things, how do you think we felt having noi choice but to follow suit? (no offense) (NT) -- jayn, 09:34:40 12/04/12 Tue
      - Jayn, I'm in Calgary. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 09:48:52 12/04/12 Tue
        
        I knew that....(blushing). (NT) -- jayn, 03:19:59 12/06/12 Thu
  - Jodi...I knew we had more in common :) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 12:44:26 12/04/12 Tue
    - Haha! Yeah, I read yours earlier and thought the same thing! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 20:12:41 12/04/12 Tue
- Now retired, I worked my whole career on evening shift (2 or 4 p.m. until midnight). I liked being able to run errands, ride my horse, and do yardwork year-round in the daylight. I'm not particularly bothered by dark days or dreary weather, but I know people who are, so I definitely believe SAD exists. My new home is much brighter and sunnier than the previous one, and it does lift the spirits. (NT) -- Rosemarie, 15:14:08 12/03/12 Mon
- SAD is real...it is a lack of vitamin D, isn't that correct? The reason I don't like it when Daylight savings ends is that I'm still running my teen around that doesn't drive. I'm a better daylight driver, a nd when it's dark I just want to stay inside. However, I do like the cozy feeling of winter. I don't like it staying light until 10:30 in the summers, as I go to bed early and it's so damn hard to get to sleep. (NT) -- conmama, 15:30:32 12/03/12 Mon
  - I think SAD is real enough, I also think a lot of people use it as an excuse. (NT) -- jayn, 09:38:28 12/04/12 Tue
- If I lived on the Wet Coast I would have SAD. I have a good friend who has it along with PTSD and a cousin who has SAD. It DOES exist. I hate gloomy days and too many in a row make me want to just crawl in bed with a good book or just sleep the day away. I am fortunate to live in CST zone and not have to deal with it being light at 10.30, half my favorite shows not coming on till 10pm, etc. I HATE EST and would NOT like to live in it! I like the time change in the Fall and dislike the one in Spring. When I worked days during the winter, unless I went out on my lunch break I NEVER saw the sun all winter!! (no windows) It was much nicer working 2nd shift, at least it was light on the way to work. If I had my druthers I'd choose light until about 7pm at night, maybe 8. :-) (NT) -- CarolE, 15:38:08 12/03/12 Mon
- I do know people with it, but I love the shorter days. I love the coziness of being home. It may have something to do with the fact that I hate being too hot, so the cooler temps agree with me as well. It's a good thing I'm not bothered by it as most Januaries we only have about 8-10% sunshine here by the Lake! (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 17:10:40 12/03/12 Mon
- I'm badly affected by SAD, not good when I already suffer from depression. I usually start feeling it in October when the leaves change and the temps drop on a regular basis into the 50s and 60s- I need regular 70s temps and lots of sunlight to be a happy girl. I get cold easily and have a hard time warming back up. I absolutely blossomed in Los Angeles in January with all the warm sunshine. (got sunburned at Santa Monica even) I've considered getting a lightbox, but haven't had the money yet. (NT) -- LadyStormwing (), 18:27:06 12/03/12 Mon
- I believe sincerely that I have reverse-SAD. I am not a huge fan of summer, heat, humidity, and unrelenting sunshine, so I tend to get grumpy and depressed with the advent of spring, because it means summer is coming. Usually takes me 8-12 weeks to get over my irritation...to be resigned to it. I celebrate every June 21 because it means that the days will start getting SHORTER. (NT) -- Nifty, 18:28:09 12/03/12 Mon
- I like the dark and a rainy night so the shorter days don't bother me. I do, however, think daylight savings time is the stupidest thing. Let's take a blanket and cut the end off of it and then so it on the other end. SAME DAM BLANKET. Pick a time and live with it. (NT) -- Lady Elizabeth, 18:39:02 12/03/12 Mon
- I suffer from SAD every year, and am already weighed down by it the past few weeks. Makes me so sad, and heavy, and irritable. I may have to plan another mid-winter trip to San Diego for some SoCal sunshine. It saved me during our east coast Snowpocalypse 3 years ago. (NT) -- Reilly, 18:47:03 12/03/12 Mon
- A friend who was moving back to a sunny country after spending two years in Europe gave me her sunlight lamp. She said it saved her over the second winter in Germany, the first was terrible. I was planning to use it last year, but then I spent three weeks in Cambodia in the middle of winter and that was fantastic. The sun and the heat gave me new energy for the second half of winter. I will definitely use the lamp this year, though. (NT) -- Patricia, 02:21:14 12/04/12 Tue
- SAD is real. ***Just a suggestion, but one way to help allay it is to get a special lamp/light (check out Northern Light Technologies). What I've done, is put it where I read the paper every morning. I just flip it on as I drink my coffee and do the crossword puzzle. You only need it about 20 minutes a day and it is best in the morning right after you wake up. You are most sensitive to this light. (NT) -- Mia, 06:17:28 12/04/12 Tue
  - That's the kind of lamp I meant in my post above. You can even use instead of an alarm-clock, to wake you with "daylight". (NT) -- Patricia (), 07:10:15 12/04/12 Tue
- Vitamin D deficiency is a big deal. I was tested last year and was surprised to find out how deficient I was. The doctor put me on a super high dose of VD and after a while, I noticed a difference, both emotionally and physically. (NT) -- LP, 07:30:31 12/04/12 Tue
  - I have been hearing that a lot of people, especially children, are suffering from vitamin D definciency, mostly because people are so afraid of the sun these days. I don't let my kids bake for hours in the sun, and I don't either, but I don't believe in sun screen - moderation is my answer. (My mother argues that sun exposure caused her wrinkles, I answer that she slathers on oil and lies in the hottest sun she can find...um...how do you cook meat?) (NT) -- jayn, 09:37:38 12/04/12 Tue
    - Dr. Oz ran a story about the deficiency and how much we really need the sun. He has hopes that a "safe" tanning bed will be invented, one that only gives off the "good rays". I'd be up for that! (NT) -- LP, 11:35:25 12/04/12 Tue
      - I would pay big money for something like that. I would also love a bed that has the same feel as a tanning bed; I would love to lie on that bed for ages, the heat and sound deprivation, the isolation - love it, I find the experience very soothing, a form of meditation almost. (NT) -- jayn (), 03:22:17 12/06/12 Thu
- Most definitely I believe in it!!! When I lived in Windsor (SW Ontario), I had that same issue - getting up in the dark, going to work in the dark, coming home from work in the dark (even though it might only be 5 in the afternoon). After a few months, it got very depressing, and all I could do was focus on getting to my birthday (in March) when I knew that spring would be coming back and it would lighten up again. Some years it was really difficult to keep a positive attitude. Now I live in AZ and although it is darker when I get up, it's not so bad, mostly because the sun shines so brightly the rest of the day, and I know that SAD is real, but not present since I've been here. I commiserate with all my fellow Canadians who deal with the winter's darkness! (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 08:22:20 12/04/12 Tue
- I absolutely suffer come November...seems like a dark gray cloud descends and stays until March (NT) -- kyzuzu, 08:37:51 12/04/12 Tue
- I totally believe in it but do not suffer from it one little bit. I LOVE less light...could probably live in a cave ;) I don't believe in bright lights in my house either...we have small low wattage lights around the house...it feels warm and cozy to me ;) A friend once commented on my 'accent lighting' ...that coming into my hosue in the evening felt warm and inviting, unlike the overhead lights on high her DH preferred ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 10:16:16 12/04/12 Tue
  - I like a bright enough lamp to read by. That said when my DH lived in SC by himself he had on an overhead light in the living room with 4 60 watt bulbs....WOW, way too bright. I'd have to wear a baseball cap to watch TV!! "Made" him get a floor lamp so the overhead could be turned off, at least when I was there! Also, immense waste of electricity and $$'s!! (NT) -- CarolE (), 16:50:59 12/04/12 Tue
  - We are kindred spirits! I love the dim and look forward to the long darkness when I can light candles and use all my little accent lights. My sister's house had fluorescent lights on the ceiling of each room... so unpleasant when I visited. (NT) -- shy gal, 06:09:44 12/07/12 Fri
    - My mom kept the house like I do when we were growing up...and my brother loves the low lighting as well...but now my mom turns every friggin light in the house on *g* ALL my bulbs are 25 or 40 watt...and plenty strong enough to read by *g* The kitchen lights recently went out so I replaced it with the two 60W it recommends...apparently the last ones were 40W because NO ONE in my house could handle the brightness and asked me to change them ;) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 06:47:15 12/07/12 Fri
- My DH worked on a site in Greenland one year. The first time, he went in May - it didn't get dark at all, daylight 24h/day. He and his colleagues worked 14 hours a day and then went out for dinner and drinks. One night he went to visit a glacier at 1 am. Never tired. The second time he had to go and check on the advancement of the site, it was half a year later, in November. There were 4 hours of shady day-light per day, the rest was pitch-black night. He and his colleagues struggled to do their 8 hours, took take-out and fell into their hotel beds, exhausted... He said he totally understood why there was a drinking problem and that it was really depressing. (NT) -- Patricia, 17:22:30 12/04/12 Tue
  - That's fascinating and proves it! (NT) -- conmama, 05:09:45 12/05/12 Wed
- I do believe in SAD and although I'm able to stave it off for most of the winter by getting 20 minutes of good light a day, by February I'm feeling a little desperate for SUN and WARMTH. Luckily, i can usually arrange a client in a sunny place - even a couple of days helps me immensely. I know there are people who are greatly affected. (NT) -- ScarlettO, 19:16:25 12/05/12 Wed
so, here's my dilemma (aside from not being sure I spelled dilemma correctly): I make really good fudge. It's something I'm known for in my church and I make loads of it for the annual cookie and candy sale. This year a woman who has barely talked to me in the past two years told me she needed my recipe for Christmas fudge because she wants to make it for the sale. She didn't ask if I minded to share the recipe, or even say please, just that she needed it and could I email her asap with the recipe. So, two questions: Am I overreacting by being this annoyed? Would you give her your recipe? -- kgp, 13:46:13 12/01/12 Sat
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Replies:
- 1. No 2. No (NT) -- beccabee, 13:49:45 12/01/12 Sat
- Nope, not a chance - how rude! (NT) -- ErinD, 15:10:28 12/01/12 Sat
- No and he!! no!!! (NT) -- Sorcha, 15:10:30 12/01/12 Sat
  - And I would reply with a simple, "It's a family recipe that I don't share." No apology! (NT) -- Sorcha, 15:11:38 12/01/12 Sat
    - ^^^What she said!!! Especially the "hell no" part and family recipe part. *g* (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 15:23:22 12/01/12 Sat
      - What they said! :D (NT) -- Judie, 16:17:28 12/01/12 Sat
        
        The same for me! No and No. (NT) -- Florence, 10:58:08 12/02/12 Sun
- And I forgot: I love fudge!! I'm sure yours is delicious - wish I could try it sometime! :D (NT) -- ErinD, 15:11:13 12/01/12 Sat
- That is oretty nervy! Doesn't she think you will be making it?? "Sorry, family secret" would be the nicest thing I can think of to reply (& I have some not so nice comments in my head, but I'd try not to let them slip out). (NT) -- MaryJ, 15:37:18 12/01/12 Sat
- No way you're giving her that recipe! And of course you're annoyed. (NT) -- Patricia, 15:53:00 12/01/12 Sat
- No. Do not give it to her. Say it's a family secret. You have every right to be annoyed. The woman has a nerve to ask when she KNOWS this is your speciality. (NT) -- Leigh, 16:16:51 12/01/12 Sat
- I agree with others. Tell her it's a family recipe that you have sworn not to reveal. You can offer to send her "A" fudge recipe - just not "YOUR" fudge recipe. When a friend who wins chili contests across the country was interviewed by a newspaper that is what he did. When I asked him about it, he said he would gladly give them a chili recipe - just not HIS recipe. Good luck. (NT) -- CathyS, 16:48:47 12/01/12 Sat
- No way, no how. (NT) -- Janet H., 16:57:39 12/01/12 Sat
- Ditto, double ditto, triple ditto what everyone said. What nerve! Do not email her. If she asks again, just smile and say it's a family secret. (NT) -- conmama, 17:05:33 12/01/12 Sat
- Nope,and I wouldnt give it to her either. :) (NT) -- M&M, 17:41:09 12/01/12 Sat
- All of the above and my HELL NO!!!!! (NT) -- Lynda J, 18:43:44 12/01/12 Sat
- No!! (NT) -- Lemora, 19:14:22 12/01/12 Sat
- .. NO AND HELL NO!!!!!! and while we are on the subject could you PLEASE give me your recipe so I can make some for all us folks that can not be there to have some made by the fudge master [you] I will be glad to send it back to you right away!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) (NT) -- JamesG, 21:21:16 12/01/12 Sat
- Give her the recipe that includes Exlax :-) (NT) -- JudyL, 22:49:01 12/01/12 Sat
  - Omg Judy, I think I just peed a little I laughed so hard! I agree :) (NT) -- Cait, 13:29:56 12/04/12 Tue
- I vote with the "he** no" crowd. If however, you want to play the gracious card and trump her rude demand, give her something. You could say that it is not possible to share the secret family recipe, but that you have *always* wanted to try "this-other-recipe-for-fudge," then give her another recipe. Doesn't matter what recipe you give her just as long as it is not yours. And I'd make sure the recipe went in an entirely different direction. For example if you are known for your chocolate fudge, give her a maple, or peanut butter, or butterscotch type recipe; you get the picture. (NT) -- Joyce Mc, 04:52:21 12/02/12 Sun
- This is why I love this place! It's white chocolate cherry almond Christmas fudge. (NT) -- kgp, 05:23:36 12/02/12 Sun
  - Could you send me your recipe? (just kidding) :D (NT) -- LisaW, 08:15:23 12/02/12 Sun
    - You asked that wrong, Lisa. It's: I need your recipe, kgp, send it ASAP. :) (NT) -- Patricia, 09:25:13 12/02/12 Sun
      - I don't want your recipe, just send me the fudge ;-) (NT) -- LadyGrace, 11:00:14 12/03/12 Mon
  - Sounds awesome!! I just googled and found lots. Let her find her own and tweak that to perfection. What nerve!!!!!! (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 11:34:03 12/02/12 Sun
  - Oh, and here's what else I don't get....if you always make it for the sale, what's different this year? Were you going to make it or did word get out that you weren't going to make it? Not that it matters when we're talking about her nerve, just wondering why she feels she should be making something you always make? (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 11:42:52 12/02/12 Sun
    - I've already made 8 pounds of it. I always make it. (NT) -- kgp, 14:58:51 12/02/12 Sun
      - So baffling. She must have a screw loose in there. (NT) -- Jodi YoB, 19:22:33 12/02/12 Sun
        
        That's my theory. she's just completely clueless as to how rudely put was her request . (NT) -- kgp, 07:19:40 12/03/12 Mon
- OMG! That sounds divine! No wonder she wanted the recipe. But I agree with everyone here, she is being extremely rude, is trying to cut in on your turf, and should not be given the recipe. (NT) -- Mia, territorially., 05:39:02 12/02/12 Sun
- Just chiming in to agree with everyone - of course you're annoyed and you don't even have to reply to her. Pretend you 'forgot', and when she mentions it again I like the gee sorry its a family recipe line. Sometimes my MIL borrows my recipes, makes changes I don't really like, and then tells people its my recipe. It really grates on my nerves! (NT) -- HollyC, 06:15:37 12/02/12 Sun
- I agree with Holly she hasn't spoken to you in two years I would just ignore the request-don't speak back! The NERVE of some people! or better yet tell someone you know will tell her that there is no way in hell you would give her the recipe! (NT) -- BetsyG, 06:31:50 12/02/12 Sun
- No and No. I think it is very bold of her to even assume you would give her the recipe when she knows you are known for your fudge at the sale. (NT) -- LisaW, 08:14:29 12/02/12 Sun
- NOPE. (NT) -- LindaT, 08:51:31 12/02/12 Sun
- I'm with everyone else here, no and no! What a cheek. (NT) -- Gwen, 08:55:34 12/02/12 Sun
- I too would just ignore the rude request. I'm a personal chef and recently had an acquaintance ask me to plan her family picnic menu. No offer of money, but she did say that we had a few weeks, so "whenever I had time". I never replied. People are so entitled these days. And manners still go a long way with me. (NT) -- Reilly, 09:24:58 12/02/12 Sun
  - You are so right! I'm a translator and an acquaintance e-mailed me his wedding vows the day before the wedding and asked me to translate them (it was a bilingual wedding). The nerve! I did it because I like his wife and I thought it was more for her than for him. Since then, every time anything similar happens, I reply "you realise I do this for a living, right? just that you know, what you're asking me to do for free would take X hours and cost Y euros, are you sure you still want this as a "favour" from me?" Most people back out then, they just don't realise it's work for us, not fun. (NT) -- Patricia, 09:30:35 12/02/12 Sun
    - Yes, I think because I talk about food all the time on Facebook, people do think it's fun for me. It's a lot of work. So much so that my own food situation at home is really sad. I cook very few well-planned from scratch meals for myself. (NT) -- Reilly, 10:11:48 12/02/12 Sun
- All I will say is I just love her "Christian" attitude. Nuff said!! (NT) -- CarolE, 10:09:36 12/02/12 Sun
  - Agreed! What nerve! (NT) -- Cait, 13:29:00 12/04/12 Tue
- No, you are not over reacting and Sorcha nailed it, tell her it is a family recipe and you don't share. Better yet, tell her you will have to kill her if she learns your secrets. (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 10:59:48 12/02/12 Sun
  - Wow! WE, I didna ken there was such a side to ye! ;o) - Though I second what you've said! (NT) -- Oatcake, 09:29:49 12/03/12 Mon
- Well, I'd say HECK no (it is a church acquaintance, LOL), but give her some random, fudge recipe of a different flavor from google. The level of difficulty/tediousness of the recipe is entirely up to you. :) (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 01:47:34 12/04/12 Tue
Did I miss the chance for this year's bookmark??? -- Sorcha, 10:49:54 12/02/12 Sun
I haven't been on the boards these last few months as often as I used to be, but I still get here a few times a week. Did I miss this year's bookmark offer?

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Replies:
- I think I may have, too! (NT) -- bethistle, 13:59:13 12/02/12 Sun
  - Sorcha - bethistle - send me your particulars by clicking on "contact forum admin" above - e-mail address and your home address etc. :D (NT) -- Judie, 15:00:22 12/02/12 Sun
- I completely missed it this year...and I'm here every day! ;oD (NT) -- LindaT, 08:30:45 12/03/12 Mon
- Did they go out yet? I thought I asked to be on this year's list, but I haven't gotten it yet. (NT) -- Kathy in PA, 06:11:14 12/04/12 Tue
  - Still on the production line. Hopefully next week. (NT) -- Judie, 07:27:42 12/04/12 Tue
Kindle Fire vs Kindle 3G...your thoughts? -- conmama, 02:11:47 12/03/12 Mon
We are getting MIL a Kindle for Xmas. I have the Kindle with button keyboard, 3G and Wi-fi from 3 years ago, touch buttons on the sides to turn pages. I love it, especially the lightweight (7 ounces). The Kindle Fire is only $20 more, but it is twice the weight and according to Amazon does not have 3G.

MIL is not techno savvy ,doesn't like all the bells and whistles liked I do (cameras, etc.). I'd go ahead a get her the Kindle Fire anyway...except concerned about the heavier weight AND no 3G. During the summers, they spend in a cabin in MA with no WiFi. So, what I'm getting is if she had 3G, she could download and use it without plugging it in, right? Why can't they make the pic and choose features for Kindle :)

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Replies:
- My sister got a Kindle Fire from someone when she was in the hospital, and I had already bought her a Nook. She uses the Nook for reading, the Fire is a lot heavier. To be honest,I was going to get myself a Fire for xmas..... but after using one, I didnt want it anymore. I know people love them, I just wasnt one of them. :) (NT) -- M&M, 05:12:10 12/03/12 Mon
  - To me, the Kindle is a nice supplement. I would rather have a book, but sometimes I don't plan well enough in advance and don't have a book around. For those times, it's been wonderful to just click a button and download reading. I don't use it as much as some people, though. (NT) -- conmama, 08:39:49 12/03/12 Mon
- I use my older Kindle for reading and the Kindle Fire for surfing the web, reading email, etc. (NT) -- CarolSR, 06:44:36 12/03/12 Mon
- Thanks Ladies. After reading your posts and talking to a friend (who has the Kindle Touch), I decided on giving her what I have. It's the older model, with the keyboard. It's so lightweight, has 3G (which she'll need). My friend likes her touch, but says she's always accidently touching and having to find where she was before. I do like the push button on the side of mine. I hope she doesnt' mind that it's not the "new model", but sometimes newer doesn't mean better! (NT) -- conmama, 08:37:08 12/03/12 Mon
  - I will forever regret not giving Brians parents the same GPS that we have..... makes it easier when they call if you have the same device. (NT) -- M&M, 12:28:12 12/03/12 Mon
    - I went out of my way last year to find the Kindle keyboard that I have for DS2, I use mine so rarely but i wanted him to have buttons instead of 'touching'...because if you have a touch screen in this house you have to have a screen protector too ;) (but now I wish *I* hadn't gotten one and just borrowed his when I needed it...just not my thing) (NT) -- Ceilidh, 13:06:26 12/03/12 Mon
    - Never thought of that...I can help her when she has questions, she's in FL. (NT) -- conmama, 15:32:51 12/03/12 Mon
  - I have a Kindle touch and hate it - loved my keyboard-model Kindle but when I dropped it (whoops) I bought the Touch because it was cheaper - and I'm constantly changing the page on accident. I'm sure she'll love the 3G Keyboard model! (NT) -- ScarlettO, 13:45:09 12/03/12 Mon
    - Thanks Scarlett...I feel so much better about this decision. I just don't want her to think we're cheap by not getting the new one! I'll be able to tell her that people "I Know", don't like the touch feature. (NT) -- conmama, 15:34:29 12/03/12 Mon
      - I love Kindle touch BUT it does change pages easily and for those not techno savvy is hardier to get the hang of. I think a hard keyboard is smart for the older generation. (NT) -- BetsyG, 15:49:51 12/03/12 Mon
    - Within the family we have a K1, K2, K3 and Fire. I love my K3 the most. It's easy to type in my searches or notes when I'm annotating for my classes, it's easy on my eyes after a day on the computer, and I have 3G, so I'm connected almost everywhere! I have an Iphone that is fun, but I wouldn't want to read on it or my computer. My DH has the fire, and he does read on it, but he doens't look at a computer most of the day. I think she'll love the K3! (The slate color is sharp, too!) (NT) -- Lady_Jane, 17:21:44 12/03/12 Mon
- Don't feel guilty just because you're not gifting the latest. Spin it as "I like mine so much, I thought you'd like the same features plus I can help you over the phone since we have the same model" or something along those lines. Also, you Could gift her a nice Amazon gift card along with the older model for a $ amount roughly equal to the diff. In price between the Fire and the one you're getting. Gifting her the Kindle and several books of her choosing would be appreciated. (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 01:36:59 12/04/12 Tue
Any word on the Christmas Card exchange lists? -- CarolSR, 10:10:35 12/03/12 Mon
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Replies:
- Thanks for posting this. I was going to ask if others had recd their lists yet. (NT) -- SheltieLass, 10:27:53 12/03/12 Mon
- I actually bought my cards early this year instead of procrastinating. Hope Risa is ok. (NT) -- Scarlet A, 12:41:14 12/03/12 Mon
- someone posted on FB that they had talked to Risa and she's fine, just busy. (NT) -- kgp, 17:59:01 12/03/12 Mon
I'm thinking about starting a blog. -- Sorcha (), 11:02:29 12/03/12 Mon
But I have NO IDEA where to begin. I'm so involved in my dogs and dog rescue and I have a lot of experience with them so I think I have a lot to share. Plus, I want to get my 501c3 status to officially start an actual rescue. Since my last name is Katzenberger I already have the name - Kat's Canines. The blog would be katscanines.com and once we get the non-profit started it can have katscanines.org.

I just don't even know where to begin to start with a blog! I know some of the folks here have them, what are your thoughts/ideas? Is there a particular blog platform I need to use? From what I can tell Wordpress is the only way to go. How do I pick a theme? I feel a bit like I'm floundering here. Not with what to write about, but how to actually set everything up. Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Last edited by author: Mon December 03, 2012 11:31:56 Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- I would go with Wordpress Sorcha. If you pick a theme with a picture on top, just let me know what you would like as a picture and I can make one up for you with the name if you would like. If you need help let me know. I can manage my way around the free worpress pretty okay. If you good "free wordpress templates" you will find some that way too. :) (NT) -- M&M, 12:25:26 12/03/12 Mon
  - You are so sweet and before I even finished her post I knew you would offer your help. (NT) -- conmama, 15:31:49 12/03/12 Mon
  - Thank you! I just wanted for someone to give me a point in the right direction, and I'm going to try to learn how to set it up myself so I can basically learn as I go. I just wanted to know I was starting on the right foot! However, if I get completely frustrated with it you'll be the first to know! Hugs and many thanks! (NT) -- Sorcha, 16:00:18 12/03/12 Mon
- Another question - Web Hosting. Should I use the recommended Bluehost? Also, can I go ahead and download Wordpress, set up my design theme, and THEN set up the web hosting or do I have to do that first? (NT) -- Sorcha, 16:04:18 12/03/12 Mon
  - You dont even have to buy a host site.... you can use wordpress for free. Or even googles blogger, they have templates too. You dont have to invest that money now. If I remember correctly wordpress host site was pricie. Im with startlogic.com that I love and its 104.00 a year for domain and hosting fees. All you have to look for is a word press plug in at whatever host you use. (NT) -- M&M, 16:21:41 12/03/12 Mon
    - I wasn't offering to do it for you, I know you are quick enough to do that.:) I just thought if you got a template with a graphic on top, and wanted to "customize" it a bit,I could help ya out. :) Im not on this page much during the day, if you pm me at FB, I can help ya too. Best Sorcha! :) (NT) -- M&M, 16:23:45 12/03/12 Mon
      - I know you weren't - and thank you again! (NT) -- Sorcha, 16:52:54 12/03/12 Mon

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