QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 5/20/13

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
-- William Arthur Ward, American writer

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 5/13/13

"Thought is the blossom; language the bud; and action the fruit behind it."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

KNEE UPDATE: It works... Kind of.

Well, my knee is getting better. It is going to take some time for it to get back to what it was. I managed to ride a stationary bike for about 3 minutes. YAY! So, I need to work on that. As far as walking goes, I'm doing pretty good. It's easy to overdo it. I need to remind myself before that happens. I need to take it slower, and not try to walk a mile or more every day like I was doing.

It swells up pretty good when I overdo it. Setting with my knee bent at the computer? I can only keep it bent for about 5 or 6 minutes at a time. So, some of this was done standing up. Sleeping is okay, as long as I don't roll over. I wake up every time I roll.

There is a lot that I'm getting antsy about -- yard work, gardening, poop patrol for Nugget. Things that need to be taken care of. Like, our truck needs an oil change, it needs to be washed and waxed. I need to get the '67 Charger up and running and ready to sell. Get new tags on our boat. And, and, and. . . the list goes on.

Plus, it's time to do some fishing! HERE FISHY FISHY! And time to get out and do some metal detecting,  camping, prospecting, gold panning, and such. I've got projects to do, like re-doing a Coleman stove. And, Kathi has things that she would like done. I've still got a sofa to move and replace.

The list is growing. The leg is willing, but just not up to snuff yet. I'll get there.

OLDIE BUT GOODY: Knife stain remover

All of us guys, and lots of ladies also, have a few knives laying around that we don't carry with us every day. Grandpa and my dad, every year, at Spring time, would start getting ready for fishing. Out came the tackle box and the old knives they used for gutting, scaling, and filleting. Plus, they would pull out their hunting knives also.

They would take the knives and clean the stains off of the blades. First, they would crush a chunk of red brick, with a hammer, to a fine powder. Then they would raid the kitchen and take a large potato. They would cut the potato in half and dip the cut end into the brick dust, then rub this on the stained knife.

It would remove small rust and blood stains. Grandpa had the same knives in his tackle box for over 30 some years. When he passed, my dad ended up with them. My dad gave me the ones he had. I've used them for more than 20 years.

Now that my dad has passed, I have those knives as well. It's time to get a tater or two and find an old red brick, so I can set out on the patio, clean some knives, and day dream about past fishing with Grandpa and my dad.

I've got a whale of a tale -- or two!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 5/6/13

"Dream no small dreams, for they have no power to move the hearts of men."
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Writer, artist, and politician

A knee update and some unbelievable stuff (not in a good way)

A friend shared this with me. I thought it could not be real or more ridiculous, but it appears that it probably is.
Go take a look:
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/05/01/Breaking-Pentagon-Confirms-Will-Court-Martial-Soldiers-Who-Share-Christian-Faith

That is very upsetting. And unreasonable. And makes no sense. What do you think about it?

On personal news: I went to the doctor Monday. He could see some improvement, so I got a different knee brace instead of the immobilizer. He told me I could walk, do some knee exercises, and drive as long as it doesn't hurt.

I go back in a month and if I have improved some more, I'll be good to go -- just time for healing. If it looks as if I have not improved or have backslid, I'll have to have an MRI and maybe even surgery. So, I'll be good and do my best.

Thanks to those of you who sent comments and/or well wishes. You helped!

I have more for next week. I'm working on getting back to blogging now that I can sit at a computer a bit.

Take care. And thanks for stopping by.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 4/29/13 And, EXTRA

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."

--Thomas Edison, American inventor and business man



YAY! Today is the day I get to see the doctor about my knee. I hope that I can get rid of this knee brace. It's driving me batty. The weather is nice, and I have a REAL bad case of cabin fever. So, I'll let you all know what goes on later on today.

Quote of the Week: 04/15/2013

"When the federal government spends more each year than it collects in tax revenues, it has three choices: It can raise taxes, print money, or borrow money. While these actions may benefit politicians, all three options are bad for average Americans."
-- Ron Paul

Quote of the Week: 04/08/2013

"The measure of a man's character is not what he gets from his ancestors, but what he leaves to his descendants."
-- Unknown (if you know, please let me know so I can give proper credit)

Monday, Monday. . . (A Kathi Post)

Jim had agreed to let me video him telling a story or two to post here while he's unable to sit long enough to write.

Friday was the day, but he just totally did not feel up to it, which is understandable. The mind is willing, but the body won't cooperate. My apologies that there is nothing to see from Jim right now.

So, instead, I have a review of Purex® Natural Elements® Tropical Splash liquid laundry detergent. And I have three coupons for a FREE bottle to giveaway to blog readers. I am a Purex Insider and help spread the word about the Purex® family of laundry products. As an Insider, I receive sample product and incentives in exchange for participating in brand related activities.

Many who have sensitive skin or allergies have a hard time using scented laundry detergents.Purex® Natural Elements® contains naturally sourced ingredients with natural fragrance extracts. You may find that you can use this even with sensitive skin, because it is hypoallergenic and dye-free. 

I used this on four laundry loads last week, including one load of "dog-laundry." When I opened it up to pour it into the washer, I really appreciated the pineappley-coconutty scent. It smelled SO clean and fresh!

After the laundry dried, I couldn't smell anything except clean, fresh laundry. I like a nice fruity scent, but I guess it's good that it did not linger, 'cause Jim might not like it as much as I did.

Well, and the dog, too. Usually when I wash his bedding, he sniffs for a bit before he will lie down on it. This time? Nothing. It cleaned nicely (a result of the "dirt-lift" action). Even the dog bed was perfectly clean.

Purex provided three coupons for a free bottle of Purex Natural Elements detergent. It comes in three scents -- Tropical Splash, Linens and Lillies, and Lilac and Lavender, so you can choose which scent you'd like to try. To win, please just email me directly at kathleennoland(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winners will be selected at random next Monday, April 15. Hey -- that's tax day. Don't forget to get your taxes in by Monday! I'll email the winners on Monday, and expect them to respond with their mailing addresses by Friday, April 19. If they don't? I'll choose runners up.

Thanks for coming by, and thanks to those who have left comments for Jim. He is truly NOT a sit-on-the-couch kind of guy, but he's having to live that way for now, so your comments and encouragement really help him. Bye for now! Kathi

So, Jim went to the doctor about his knee. . . (A Kathi Post)

So, Jim went to the doctor about his knee.

Basically, he is to keep it in the knee immobilizer, elevated, and with ice for four weeks. FOUR WEEKS! That will not be easy for him, at all. The theory is that there is torn cartilage, and that it will heal itself in those weeks. Let's hope!

In addition, he can't really sit at the computer (we have just a desktop), so he will not be blogging for those weeks.

You're stuck with me in the meantime.

Nugget is really good about doing whatever we are doing. So, if Jim has to sit around, Nugget is happy to do so, too.

Jim agreed to tell us a story or two on video, so there is that! He's thinking about what to tell you all and I hope to get the first one up by the weekend.

In purple thong news -- I guess he will have to wait until he can stand again.

The good news is that we saw Bob a few weeks ago. He asked Jim to tell you that he thanks each of you who contributed to the fundraising efforts that he thanks you from the bottom of his heart. 

Jim was planning on an update blog post about seeing Bob, which I will do for him soon. There is a Jim & Bob photo to post with it. I like to take a photo of them each time we all get together. They've been friends since the fourth grade. I sure wish I could have seen photos from back then. I didn't meet them until we were all in high school.

I guess that's all I know today.

Thank you for stopping by! Nugget says, "Hey!"

An Update on Jim, a Review of Dial Coconut Water Body Wash AND a Giveaway (A Kathi Post)

Update, 4/1: Congratulations to the three winners of the Dial Coconut Water Body Wash: Kelly R., Alyssa M., and Carole A. Your coupon for a free bottle will go out in the mail on April 3.


Hi, Jim's readers! I just wanted to let you know that Jim has hurt his knee and is, basically, couch-bound.

He was outside in our backyard last weekend when we had a bunch, bunch, bunch of wet snow. He zigged when he should have zagged. The top of his leg went one way, his knee went the other. Nugget thought that was a fun game, until Jim had to drag himself into the house (I wasn't home), then Nugget got concerned and knew the game was over.

The urgent care place imaged his knee, but there was too much fluid surrounding his knee to really know what is up, so he's on ice, pain meds, ibuprofen, and has his knee/leg propped up. He has to use crutches to get around, 'cause he still can't put weight on that leg.

He's one happy camper, I'll tell ya (NOT)!

He can't get to the computer or sit in a regular chair yet. Easter Services look like they aren't going to happen for him. I think I can get him in the car and into the recliner at my mom's house for Easter dinner. We'll see.

In the meantime, maybe I can get him to tell us a story that I can tape and post. Though, he is pretty grumpy, so maybe not. We'll see about that, too.

In the meantime, here is a review about Dial Coconut-Water Body Wash. I received a free bottle of it for review purposes. The review and opinion of it are my own.

Also, I have three coupons for a FREE bottle for you! To enter to win one, please email me directly at kathleennoland (at) yahoo (dot) com.
I'll have the random drawing on Monday, April 1.

I received the bottle of Dial Coconut Water Body Wash on a day that I had grown tired of my shower soap, so I was glad to have something new to try. 

I am one of those people (sorry) who have to smell things when I'm at the store so that I am not disappointed in a new product when I get home. So, first thing I did was to flip the top and take a whiff.

The scent is light and clean, and does not smell as coconut-y as coconut/tropical scented tanning lotions, but that smell (while pleasant) is kinda fake. This scent was more like a real coconut, which is much lighter. It is nice.

When I used it in the shower the next morning, I loved that just a small amount really foamed up on my bath poof. It rinsed clean, leaving just the slightest scent on my skin -- not coconut-y, but fresh and clean scent. When it was wet, the scent was reminiscent of the Sail(r) pipe tobacco my Dad used when I was little. I don't think it was coconut-scented (maybe cherry), but that's what it smells like to me. It is very nice. Another reviewer wrote that it smells like Smarties candy to her. 

Don't forget to email me for a chance to win a bottle so you can try it for yourself!

WIN $1,000 by entering the Dial Coconut Water sweepstakes! They are also selecting 250 winners of the Coconut Water body wash there. 

MULTITASKING -- NOT! 3/14/13

Multitasking. Lots of people do it. Me, on the other hand? I suck at it. I'm one of those who does one thing at a time, then moves on to the next thing to be done. To those of you out there who can multitask -- my hat's off to you.

I've tried so many times to multitask. Then it ends up that I then have a 100 or so things to do and it seems that none of them are ever completed. It puts me in a foul mood and I just want to tear things up or say to hell with it! Then I don't do any of the things that need doing.

So, I'm going to try, again, to do just one thing at a time and see what happens. One thing that may not get done every day, as has showed on this blog, is blogging every day. Not that I don't want to. But, I really need to get some things done that are of importance.

So, I'm going to forgo blogging for a week or two (are you going to miss me?) and see about getting some things done that have been put off for too long.

I'll be back, and will follow up with some of the things I have to get done. I have a few projects I want to do. And, if I can get the camera and someone to run said camera. I will post. So I ask that you all be patient and I will be back in a week or so.

Now, if I can just figure where to start.

EYE SPY

A question for all of you hunters out there. A friend asked me about binoculars, and what would be a good investment. He asked that they not cost a arm and leg ($100 or less). And, he asked that they not be so huge that they are a pain to wear around his neck. (He has some neck problems.)

I have had a few pairs over the years and they have all gone to the great spy glass heaven or have walked away with relatives who do not return things as they should, or at least not in working order. So, if you all could give me a hand and help me figure out some decent binoculars for him? It would be of great help.

I use whatever kind I can find. 'Course, you get what you pay for. And I don't know all that much about binoculars. So, any help would be good.  Thanks.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 3/11/13

"If you want to truly understand something, try to change it."
Kurt Lewin, German-American psychologist

USED OIL: 3/7/13

Anybody got use for used oil?

Here is one way to reclaim old motor oil for other uses. It comes out clear and free of carbon or other foreign particles.

First, place the used oil in a clean container with an open top. Next place the container on a table, rack, or shelf. Then take a length of rope and place it in your container of oil. Let the rope hang off the side of your container and place the other end in another clean empty container, underneath your oil container.

Use a little bit of wire to make a hook, or coil around the upper part of the rope that comes in contact with the edge of the upper container to hold the rope in place.

"Capillary attraction" causex the oil to rise in the rope and run into the container.

I'm sure that you can come up with all kinds of uses for this oil around your home or on the homestead.

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blend - A Review by Kathi

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends cereal sounds good. It describes itself as crispy mango flavored flakes combined with real coconut shavings and coconut flavored granola clusters.

It features:
10 g whole grain
120 calories
6 g sugar
9 essential vitamins and minerals including 60% daily value of iron
4 wholesome grains
0 g trans fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, and 0 mg cholesterol
I guess that means it is good for you.

I like fruity cereals and I like Honey Bunches of Oats, so I thought I would really love this cereal. Though it is good, it wasn't exactly as awesome as I expected. I think if the mango were pineapple instead, it would be tastier to me. The mango just didn't seem to "fit."

I'm not saying it wasn't good. I just think it could be better.

I do like the crunch, and I think it tastes better as a dry snack instead of as a cereal in a bowl with milk. It would also be really good as a yogurt mix-in. 

So give it a try and tell me what YOU think of it. Post gave me three coupons for a free box, so three of you will get to try it free. If you are interested, please email me directly:  (kathleennoland at yahoo dot com). Please reply by Sunday, March 10, to be included in the drawing for the coupon for a free box of the cereal, so I can get the coupons out to the winners on Monday.

You can "Like" Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/honeybunchesofoats
and you can follow them on Twitter @HBOats

Also! The Purex® brand is teaming up with Honey Bunches of Oats and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to launch a monumental prize giveaway: The 2013 Tropical Trio Sweepstakes! One lucky winner will be sent on a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach! Enter to win a chance to spend your days relaxing underneath the warm, Hawaiian sun and your nights exploring Waikiki’s never-ending nightlife.
Enter at: http://insiders.purex.com/tropical-trio?id=44511
Good luck! I hope you win!
I was provided with a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends by Post so I could sample and review it. My participation was voluntary and the opinions are my own.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 3/4/13

" When humor goes, there goes civilization."
--Erma Bombeck, American humorist

CHECK BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE

I love my wife dearly. I really do. This morning, as she was ready to head to work, I gave her a kiss. I then proceeded to finish getting ready to go to the mall and walk some laps. As I was just getting ready to head out the door when the door bell rang.

Nugget, of course, barked his head off. When I opened the door, there stood the FedX guy with a box for my wife. He looked at me with a BIG s**t eatin' grin on his face. I thought it a bit too friendly. As I took the package, he turned, wished me a good day, and he walked off. I'm sure I heard a little laugh.

Well, I grabbed my keys and Nugget and off we went to the mall. I parked the truck and made my way into the mall. A few people who passed by me had silly a**ed grins on their faces. I couldn't figure what was up.

I real quick checked to make sure my pants were zipped. Checked to make sure my socks matched. Everything seemed to be in order.

After about the 100th person giving me those grins, I headed into the nearest restroom.

As I walked into the restroom, a fellow was walking out. He looked at me and smiled the same silly a**ed grin as everyone else. As I was walking up to one of the sinks, it became clear why everyone was smiling so.

I looked like I had put on Kathi's lipstick. 'Course, it was from kissing her goodbye. And it showed real well. I think I used about half of the soap and 60 gallons of water and a whole roll of paper towels to get the lipstick off my mouth.

The worst part? It wasn't even the right color for me!

So, I left the mall. I'm now going to the boat and travel show here in town. Minus the lipstick, of course. 

Quote of the Week: 02-25-13

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. 
~Hal Borland

It's snowy here in our town, but that doesn't keep us from thinking (wishing! hoping!) for spring. 

We got our dog, Nugget, 11 years ago. He's hoping for spring, too.

Dry Idea AdvancedDry® Review (A Kathi post)

I had just used the last of my antiperspirant when I received a product sample of Dry Idea AdvancedDry®  roll-on to try then review.

After my shower the next morning, I used it right away. I was in a hurry and was not completely toweled dry before I did that, so I noticed some white stuff on my pajamas when I went to change into my work clothes. I didn't know if it was the product or because I had not dried off. Good news? It was because I was not completely dry before I put it on. When I dried off before applying it the next day, all was well.

Dry Idea AdvancedDry smells light, fresh, and clean. It is scented, but I never noticed the scent once it was applied. It features 72-hour protection and is formulated with vitamin E for a silky-smooth application. It is smooth, but I do not know if the 72-hour protection is valid, because I shower and use antiperspirant every day. 

This product worked very well for me, so I'll bet it would for you, too! I am making it my regular product because I like it better than what I was using before.

In addition to providing me a sample, Dry Idea also sent me three coupons so that three of you could try it for free as well. You can enter to win one of the free coupons by emailing me directly: kathleennoland@yahoo.com. Be sure to enter by February 28, 2013, 'cause I'll do the random selection on March 1.

Also -- Purex is proud to introduce the Never Let Them See You Sweat® Sweepstakes featuring Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $500, while ten 2nd place winners will receive a $50 prize! Enter using this link:

http://insiders.purex.com/dryidea-neversweat/?id=44511
I hope you win!

My disclaimer: Dry Idea provided a free sample of the product so I could review it. My participation is voluntary and the opinions are my own.

Quote of the Week: 02-18-13

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

--Abraham Lincoln

ATTENTION ALL BAD GUYS: 2/13/13

ATTENTION all bad guys, and gang bangers: You are here now only allowed to have 15 rounds of ammo in your gun in the state of Colorado.

Cameras

How many cameras does a person need? I've lost count of how many cameras I have. Not had, but have. I seem to keep loosing them. Can't find them. Or, the camera troll has taken them. He's a sneaky booger. I loose cameras like most people lose socks in the dryer.

They just seem to go "POOF!" and it's gone. It does not matter if it is a cheap camera or an expensive one. And, it is almost always one that has pictures on it. He never takes one that has no pictures. I can't count how many times I've had pictures of camping, fishing, or hunting trips and family get togethers that never get to be seen by the family and friends who were there.

When they came out with those disposable cameras -- you know. . . take the pictures and turn in the whole camera? Well, I bought a three pack of them suckers. I used one and sent it in. A week later, I went to pick up my pictures and they said they did not have ANY pictures for me, even when I showed them the receipt from when I dropped the camera off. The camera troll had struck.

When I got home, I went to get one of the other disposable cameras to take some pictures of a friends party. All that was there was the empty package that had held the three cameras. I looked all over. I even looked in the fridge. Nothing, nada, zip. Not even a ransom note for them. 

I still, to this day, do not know what or where those cameras are. I took some really neat pictures over the years. If I ever find them all I figure I should have enough cameras to open up a camera store. And enough pictures that I should be able to fill at least 20 or 30 photo albums. 

I'm NOT the only one that this has happened to. My dad had the same problem. That sneaky troll took I don't know how many cameras from my dad. 'Course, we did find one of his camera from a hunting trip from about 20 years ago. 

Somehow his camera was found in a drawer in his camper under the stove. How it ended up with all the pots and pans we never figured out. Plus, he had bought a new camera to replace the one he lost. He "lost" the new camera not to long after finding the old one. That damn camera troll sure is sneaky.

The pictures from that old camera? They all came out pretty good. But, one or two seem to be a real close up of something with a BIG grin. We thought for sure we had evidence of the camera troll. Turned out to be just a close up of my brother in-law!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 2/11/13

"If you rest, you rust."
--Helen Hayes, American actress

Quote of the Week: 2/4/13

"Saying the 2nd Amendment was never meant to apply to modern firearms is like saying the 1st Amendment does not apply to telephones, radio, TV, and the Internet."

--Unknown

It's almost Jim's birthday! (A Kathi post and update)

Jim's birthday is Sunday. If you get a moment, pop by sometime between now and Sunday to wish him the best in the comments? He'll be 57. That means I have three years to plan a big ol' party for his 60th. (But I should probably start now!)

He's had a rough year. He's stressed and worried. He had an ultrasound just after Christmas, but we are so thankful that there is nothing to worry about there. His cousin Bill died. We had a very stressful trip to Laramie, Wyoming, for the funeral. (Stressful 'cause we had to take his mean ol' aunt. She was a pain-in-the-butt.) He's worried about the country and its leaders and what they are working on and the lies and misstatements that go with it.

Let's just say his brain is full.

Bob will be visiting in mid-February, so we hope to be able to get an update on him and a photo. 

For those of you wondering when Jim will post the purple thong dance. . . it really is coming! But with all that Jim's had going on? Well, it just is taking him a little longer to get all his tasks done.

He shaved his front one day in October when I was at work, so there are no photos. And just when I thought the little poke-y hairs that grew back were starting to take their former places on his body a settle down, he thinks he should shave again so that he can post the photos.

I have to tell you. . . those hairs on his chest are SO poke-y when they are growing back in. I'm totally NOT looking forward to that again. Ugh. Every hug or snuggle hurts. Then again, that's nothing compared to all Bob has to deal with, right? And I *am* grateful. Just a little grumbly. My apologies.

So, anyway. . . 

Cheers to Jim! You are the best-est friend I ever had, and I'm so glad you are so good to me and you're the best of doggie-daddie's, too. . I love you to BITS!  xxoo

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 1/28/13

"It were not the best that we should all think alike: it is difference of opinion that makes horse races."

--Samuel "Mark Twain" Clemens,
American author

LUCKY GUY

The Rocky Mountain Gun Owners held a drawing to give away a Colt AR 15. The lucky guy that won it lives here in Colorado, near the Western Slope. Along with his new shootin' iron, he also got 100 rounds of ammo.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners can be found at: RMGO.ORG. They are here in Colorado, and are fighting the good fight for gun owners. They said that they had over 30,000 entries for this drawing. The drawing took place in Loveland, Colorado, at Jensens Gun Shop. The owners offered the AR as a prize.

Of course, the media was all over the place. It will be interesting to see what they say, and what kind of spin they put on this. Also, like a lot of gun shops, there were bare shelves here and there. 

So, on this we go. Let's see what transpires from here.

Quote of the Week: 1/21/2013

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. 
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Because We Like to Eat for Free (a Kathi posting)

I have been a mystery shopper for about 25 years. I started doing it in the olden days because I wanted something fun to do. Over the years I've done a lot of shops, everything from fast food, eye exams and eyeglasses, gas stations, hotels, bars, restaurants, movies, massage, retail, and more. Sometimes I go long periods of time without doing any shops, and sometimes I do a lot of shops in a short period of time.

Right now I'm doing lots of shops. You will never get rich from mystery shopping, but you can eat and be entertained for free, and get a little cash with it, too.

If you want something fun to do, give it a try. You can usually take a guest.

Sometimes, it's a little bit of an acting job. You can be an entirely different person on some of these assignments, and some of them even require you to use an alias. In the 1980's, a friend and I had made up a fake name for me -- "Loretta Pomegranate." Unfortunately, I have never been able to use that for a mystery shop 'cause it's too obviously a fake. I told Jim that he should be Pete Moss. That one cracks me up! (Jim didn't seem to think it was all that funny.)

How it works:

You sign up as a shopper. The company collects information from you, such as your name, social security number (they need it to pay you), address, your age, etc. Some also ask you about the equipment available to you (i.e., cell phone, digital camera, fax, scanner), and about your likes and dislikes, or your shopping habits or preferences. Some will ask you to provide a writing sample so they know they aren't contracting with a doofus. Then you check their job board to see if there's anything you want to do. You can also opt in to receive shop notifications by email.

The MSPA -- Mystery Shopping Providers Association -- is the professional association for mystery shoppers. Their Web site is at: http://www.mysteryshop.org/

That's a great Web site to look for to learn the basics and what to look for so you don't fall victim to a fake shopping company or other scammers. They list the legitimate mystery shopping companies right there for you.

The MSPA also offers a certification. Becoming certified also lets companies know that you are not just some random person, and it adds credibility to your mystery shopping skills. You can get the silver certification online fairly quickly, and you can get the gold certification at a workshop OR, like I did, you can get the DVD from the MSPA and do it at home. Be sure to save your receipts for your taxes!

Okay, now on to my list of favorite companies to shop for. I sometimes get brownie points or referral money for some of these referrals, so please say that I referred you. (Kathleen Noland, and my email address is kathleennoland @ yahoo.com) Or send me an email and I can send you a referral link for some of these companies.

Jancyn - http://jancyn.com/

then click on the "Shop for Jancyn" tab or on the Shopper FAQ

I have done fast food and casual dining shops for this company. They also have retail shops.

Bestmark - http://bestmark.com/

then click on "Become a Shopper"

I have done clothing retail, fast food, casual dining, and fine dining shops for Bestmark. I have also done Web inquiries and phone inquiries for them. They pay/reimburse quickly. My shopper code is CO2720, and I will appreciate it if you enter that as the referring shopper number so I get credit for you.

MarketForce - http://www.marketforce.com/the-shopper-force/

MarketForce has a large variety of shop-types, including fast food, gas stations, audits for compliance, merchandising, movie theater checks, promotional materials installation, retail, etc. They can keep you pretty busy if you want to be.

Sentry Marketing: http://www.sentrymarketing.com/shoppers/

If you like massage, this is the company for you. I have also done casual dining for them, and a hotel dining shop or two. 

HS Brands: http://www.hsbrands.com/login/

Like to go to the movies? In exchange for just a few tasks and an easy report, you get see a movie and get a decent snack and be reimbursed, plus a little fee. I think these shops are my favorite, 'cause I love the movies.

A Closer Look: http://www.a-closer-look.com/BecomeAShopper.aspx
This is a good one for restaurant shops. 

I am signed up with several additional companies. You can find a list of legitimate companies on the MSPA Web site. There is also a lot of information on the industry there, so you can educate yourself about the industry.

Be sure to read your shopper agreement and look at the FAQ's. You'll get a lot of information there. 

If you want referrals from me, just email me and let me know!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 1/14/13

"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette
French novelist and performer

Wyoming Legislators With a Good Idea

Some law-makers in Wyoming are proposing legislation to protect gun ownership. Maybe it's time to move!
Details here: http://k2radio.com/wyoming-lawmakers-propose-gun-protection-legislation/

FEED YOUR FACE: Venison Heart

In our family, when we filled our deer tags, we would field dress our deer, and we would save the heart and the liver. Sometimes, there was not much left of the heart. But when there was, we would have liver or heart that night for dinner.

Some people throw the heart out with all of the innards. But, heart is really pretty good eating. It's loaded with B vitamins, lots of protein, and little fat. If cooked right, it can be as tender as a piece of loin. So, let's get going. This is for:

SAUTEED HEART WITH BACON, TOMATOES, ONION, AND WINE

• 1 venison heart, cleaned, and cut in 1-inch squares 
• 4 strips of bacon
• 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Saute the pieces of heart in hot butter melted in a skillet, along with the onion and bacon.
Add the water, diced tomatoes, and wine.
Cover and simmer for 90 minutes or so.
Add and stir in the sour cream, and season with pepper and salt.

Serve over egg noodles or rice.

I always enjoyed this when my Dad would cook it up. It made for a hearty meal after hunting and cleaning our deer, then bringing it back to camp to be hung up. My Dad always left a couple of strips of heart out of our dinner from the night before. He would then make some heart sandwiches for lunch the next day.

You can use this with elk, moose, antelope, buffalo, and even cow. Give it a try. Don't be squeamish. You can also grind it up, and put in your venison sausage.

So, cook some up and FEED YOUR FACE!  

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 1/8/13

"Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again."

L. Frank Baum,
Author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

FEED YOUR FACE: Wine Cookies

Have you ever heard of or had wine cookies? They taste pretty good, and are great if you have company over. So, here we go.

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups white wine (or your favorite, but if you use a pink or red wine your cookies will be, too)
1 cup oil
Enough flour to make a medium type dough

Combine all the ingredients. Roll out on a floured board. Cut into 1 inch strips, and deep fry in oil until they are light brown. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with some honey.

Our nanny from when my sister and I were really small made these for some of her friends that came over. My sister and I snitched a few. We thought that we were all grown up. They had theirs with wine and some other foods. We had ours with apple juice.

So, make some to FEED YOUR FACE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR?

Well, I hope that all of you had a Merry Christmas. And that you also have a good New Year. Mine is starting off a bit on a new note. I had an ultrasound done of my innards, as per my doctor, right after Christmas. Now, nothing to worry about. All is fine, except I was told that I have a fatty liver.

So, I have put my liver on a diet. No more junky drinks and such. So, no more Coke, Dr. Pepper, A&W Root Beer and such. From now on? Lite Beer and Jack Daniel's right from the bottle is what my liver gets. No more wimpy drinks.

OH, and they did say something about me needing to lose some weight. Now they want me to multi task!

Jeeze, one thing at a time! I now need to find a diet of some kind. Maybe I'll go Viking or caveman on them. Meat, lots of meat. I can start with bacon, and work my way up the food chain from there. Veggies beware. Except for them damn Smurf brains. (Cauliflower, yuck!)

Salad's, I'm not so into. Course, cows, elk, deer, buffalo, sheep and such eat grass and stuff, that's kinda like a salad. So, I should be okay if I just pig out on meat.

Speaking of pig, I think I will try to come up with a diet type of pork ribs.  It will take time and LOT'S of  pork ribs to get it right. And lets not forget about a diet bacon.

Now, I'm talking REAL pork. Not that namby pamby stuff you find in them health food stores. And then maybe a diet type of Jack Daniel's. . . NAH! Why mess with something that works! So, forget the diet Jack Daniels. Who ever knew that it could be so darn hard to get your liver to diet.

As for the rest of me, more working out and more walking. Hmmm, I wonder if I can sign up for a Krav Maga class. I'll have to check and see if they have a chunky class for beginners. Maybe they can put me in with all the old folks. Knowing my luck, I'll get beat up by a 80 year old lady with a walker.

Stranger things have happened you know.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: 12/31/12

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning, but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."

Hal Borland
American author

More than a pin (a Kathi post)

Here is a very pretty, vintage Christmas tree pin. But it's way more than that.

When I look at this pin, I think of when I bought it (in the mid- to late-1960's).

My Grandma Lovey used to take my sisters and my cousin downtown every Christmas to see the sights and go shopping. We would take the bus 'cause Grandma never bought a car or got a driver's license. She drove when she and my Grandpa had a farm, but once they moved to Denver, she never bothered with the car or license since she could walk up a few blocks and catch a bus to anywhere.

Grandma Lovey would herd us onto the bus, and tell us when to pull the cord to let the bus driver know when we wanted out. Of course, we fought over who would get to pull the cord. What made us think that particular task was so desirable?! Once we were off the bus, we'd start our downtown-day and do a lot of things.

We looked at the decorated windows at the May D&F store. They had several large display windows, and they decorated each one with a beautiful winter scene. It was even better when they had animated figurines in the windows! I remember one that had an ice skating pond and we'd stand and watch, fascinated, as the dolls made their rounds on the "ice."

We'd watch the real ice skaters at Zeckendorf Plaza. (Click on this link to see a picture of the May D&F store from the 1960's.) The Plaza was right next to the store, and they make ice in the plaza in winter and they'd have skates you could rent. We would stand there forever, leaning over the edge to see.

Woolworth's was a mandatory stop. That's where we'd usually end up buying the presents that we would give to our parents. We usually bought our mom some Desert Flower perfume, a Christmas pin, or some bath oil beads. For our dad, it was aftershave or a cheap tool of some sort.

Then we'd go down to the basement to the Woolworth's cafeteria, where we would have a lunch of a hamburger or some of their delicious cheese pizza. That was probably the first place I had

a hamburger served in a little red latticed plastic basket lined with tissue paper. That made it so special somehow.

We'd all cram into a booth or, sometimes if it was really busy, Grandma would just seat us at a table with some unsuspecting person who was taking a whole table to themselves. They usually didn't stick around long after we arrived, leaving the entire table to us.

At the end of the day, she'd herd us back onto the bus, and we'd fight again at who would get to pull the bus cord when we got to the stop by her home. 

Grandma Lovey! What a trooper. She took us every year. EVERY year.

Last year, my mom handed me a little May D&F box and wondered if it was something I'd like to have. Inside was one of the Christmas pins I had given her when I was a kid. It is just as sparkly and beautiful as I remember. I am such a sucker for sparkly things, especially emerald green ones. I'm a big sucker for green. So, this pin is perfect for me. Of course I wanted it!

I am so happy to have been able to wear it this year. Isn't it nice when old things are still around? (People included.)

I wish my Grandma Lovey was still here.

FEED YOUR FACE: Maple-glazed Pecan Tenderloin

Yummers! Christmas is fast approaching, and it's time to think of what to feed family and friends. So let's have at it.

Here is what you need:
2 pork tenderloin, a pound or so each
1 Tablespoon veggie oil
1 Tablespoon butter
1/2 cup maple syrup (or maple syr-ple, as Kathi calls it)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons of your favorite bourbon (or mine!)
2 Tablespoons of stone-ground mustard
A shot glass (so the cook can have a little nip)

Sprinkle tenderloins with salt. Heat the oil and butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat until it's hot. Add the tenderloin gently, so you don't get burned. Cook them about 3 minutes or so on each side until they are browned. Once they are browned, turn off the burner.

Combine your syrup, mustard, and pecans in a small saucepan and bring that to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer (uncovered) for about 3 minutes or until it gets thick. Stir in the bourbon. (The cook could have a little nip at this time.)

Now, take the sauce and spread it over the tenderloin in the skillet. Place the skillet into your oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes (or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160 degrees).

Remove the tenderloin to a serving platter and tent with some aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes or so.

Slice and serve with the remaining sauce from the skillet.
                            ____________________________________________

The first time I had this as a child, at great grandmother's house, I was all excited because it had whiskey in it. 'Course, I thought that all alcohol was whiskey back then. I was feeling all grown up. She served it up with mashed potatoes, biscuits, homemade grape jelly, salad, and corn.

Years went by. One time I was up hunting deer and stopped by their house to say "hi" and see how they were doing. She had cooked the very same meal all these years later. 'Course, being older, I pigged out. I found out after I got back home that my Dad had called them from his farm in Arkansas. There he was in Arkansas, and here I was in Colorado, and we had just talked about this same meal.

Oh yeah. . . I came home with a nice fat little doe that season.

So, make some memories. Cook up a meal. And FEED YOUR FACE!

IT'S OVER WHEN THE FAT LADY SINGS.....I THINK SHE LEFT

I've been sick. And I've run here, and I've run there. I've tried to help family members from the other side of my family. It's been a time.
                                  __________________________________________

We have had car trouble. How hard can it be to fix a latch on the trunk of your car? We went to the store, bought groceries, popped the trunk open, placed the groceries in the trunk. We closed the trunk. . . WRONG! The trunk wouldn't latch. It was windy and cold out. I tried for 10 minutes to get the stupid thing to work. Even some choice words didn't help.

So, off to ACE Hardware across the parking lot to buy a bungie cord to hold the trunk lid down 'til we got home. Shouldn't be hard to attach the cord. WRONG! It took about 15 minutes for me to get the damn thing hooked. Then it still let the trunk lid open up just about all the way. I doubled it up. Tied knots in it. Tried to hook it to the bumper. Tried to hook it anywhere just to hold the trunk lid down.

I bought the shortest cord they had. I finally got it hooked and the lid stayed down. Only problem? My hand was stuck. So, I yanked my hand out and I think I left my glove and about half a pound of the skin from my hand with it.

Got home, unloaded the groceries. Put a BIG brick on the trunk to keep it closed over night. The next morning, we took it in to be fixed. Now, don't get me wrong. It was fixed. And he didn't charge us for it. But shouldn't it have taken him more than five minutes to fix it when I spent more than 45 minutes myself trying to fix it after we got home?

Smart alec kid.

                            ____________________________________________________

Got Christmas lights up on the house. Got the Christmas tree up. But, all of the boxes and such are still lying around. (Queue up the Christmas music.)

                          _____________________________________________________

It's still on. My friend Bob, is doing well. And I will still be finishing up what I set out to do. Things have been pretty much CRAZY here. I'm trying to get things done. But, never fear -- or, maybe you should! Get your eyewash ready. 'Cause, it's going to happen right after Christmas. IN ALL IT'S GLORY! (Or gory detail.) Purple thong and all. What a great way for all of you to be able to start your new year!

                         _____________________________________________________

On a more somber note.

Our prayers go out to all of those who lost loved ones from the school shooting. We hope and pray that we will find our way. More gun control is not the answer. There are enough gun laws. Enforce the ones we now have.

And we need to take a really hard look at our mental health laws. And ways to help those with mental health issues.

                        _____________________________________________________


And to all of my friends out there... Christmas is coming. It is time for good friends and good family to get together and share some Christmas cheer.  I'll be posting on some good eats over the next couple of days.
Enjoy!

Quote of the Week: 12/10/12 (a Kathi post)

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly." 
~ Andy Rooney (1919-), American writer, producer, humorist

I am taking this seriously for the entire Christmas season. Jim got the Christmas stuff out of the rafters in the garage for me, and he set up our tree. I decorated the tree, but there is still a partial box of ornaments to consider. It's been sitting in the living room for two days, and it may be there a couple more.

My advice? Follow this all year round. A messy living room isn't the worst thing ever.

--K

Sorry, you get me again -- A Kathi Post

Jim is feeling horrible with a sinus infection. Yesterday, he barely moved from one spot. He's been having sinus "issues" for a couple weeks now. He worries about not having blog posts, but he does not feel well enough to do anything about it.

Please bear with him?

Thanks, all -- Kathi

Quote of the Week: 12/3/12

I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness,
nor the arrow for its swiftness, 
nor the warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend.

-- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

DID YOU KNOW? 11/27

Did you know that you can extract the powder from your MRE heater bags and use it as tinder to start a fire? Just stand back, throw some sparks on it, and watch it go.

There is magnesium powder in them.

Also, use your MRE heater bags in a well ventilated area. When in use, the bags throw off hydrogen gas fumes. The fumes are also flammable.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 11/26

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'thank you,' that would suffice."

Meister Eckhart,
German theologian and philosopher

Thrive/Shelf Reliance on Sale this Weekend

Friday, Nov. 23rd at Midnight - Monday, Nov.26th

Everything on sale up to 50% off during the Shelf Reliance Black Friday Sale! 
Get the lowest prices of the year on freeze dried food and emergency supplies!

Hello friends! The moment you've been waiting for is here!  GO HERE to view some of our featured specials or download a flyer here!  You must have a link to get these fantastic prices so CLICK HERE TO SHOP during the sale.  

 

Get your friends and family in on these deals! Forward this email to them.
If two or more of your friends shop through my link, I will give you 10% in free product on the total of your order and their order combined.
 

Don't forget your Christmas shopping. Look at the bottom of this newsletter for some great gift ideas. All of our products are on sale. To view the complete Black Friday Pricelist  go here.

Top 10 Gift Ideas! All On Sale! 2 Person Survival Pack Road Warrior Travel Kit Red Cross Solar Link Radio Emergency Communication Center SteriPEN Journey Emergency Light Center Power Dome Portable Generator Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter Sun Oven Harvest Rotation Shelf

Gift Ideas for Friends and Neighbors! Pantry can of Thrive Fudge Brownies Pantry can of Thrive Macaroons Pantry can of Thrive 10 Grain Pancake Mix- Give Brownies, Macaroons, or Pancakes with a whisk and I note that says “We Whisk you a Merry Christmas.”  You can get cheap whisks at a dollar store. Pantry can of Thrive Green Chili Peppers- “Being “Chili” isn’t so bad some times! Happy Holidays!” Pantry can of Thrive Chocolate Drink Mix- Give Chocolate drink mix with some candy canes for peppermint hot chocolate treat!  100 hour candle “May Your Days Be Merry and BRIGHT”

Top 10 Stocking Stuffers on Sale Now! Sparkie Fire Starter 5-in-1 Survival Whistle Esbit Pocket Stove Solar Crank Flashlight Emergency Thermal Sleeping Bag Water Filtration Straw 12-in-1 Scissors  Survival Kit in a Can 100 Hour Candle 14-in-1 Multi Tool

Consultant Contact Info Kathi Noland, 303-233-1033,knolandshelfreliance@yahoo.com http://yourhomepantry.shelfreliance.com

It's heeeerrrrrreeeee. . . (A Kathi Post)

The purple thong has arrived.

Expect an update soon. (He's already getting wild and crazy!)

VETERANS DAY

Sunday was cold and windy. The sun was out. We made our way to where my Dad now rests, then on to where my nephew lies.

All of our veterans, past and present, have given so much. We need to teach younger people that the things we have are not free. That our rights are not free. That you have to work for what you want. That we all should help one another.

We all are connected in one way or another. Our country is still the best place to be. We can do what it takes to keep us great. Maybe, not in my lifetime, or my son's lifetime, but it is doable.

So, let's pass the word. Talk to younger people. Tell them your stories of service. Let them know what it was and is like to serve in the military. Explain to them what our flag stands for and what it means to you.

Our veterans, I'm sure, would like future generations to know.

To our veterans of today, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.