PRICELESS!

 

Working people  frequently ask retired people what they do to  make their days interesting. Well, for example,  the other day, Kate, my wife and I went into  town and visited a shop.
When we came  out, there was a cop writing out a parking  ticket. We went up to him and I said, 'Come on,  man, how about giving a senior citizen a  break?'
He  ignored us and continued writing the  ticket.
I  called him an "asshole". He glared at me and  started writing another ticket for having  worn-out tires.
So Kate called him a  "shit head". He finished the second ticket and  put it on the windshield with the  first.
Then he started writing  more tickets. This went on for about 20 minutes.  The more we abused him, the more tickets he  wrote.
Just then our  bus arrived, and we got on it and went  home.

We  always look for cars with "OBAMA 2012"  stickers.
We try to have a little  fun each day now that we're retired. It's  important at our age.
Smile, it drives Democrats  crazy.

 

Until next time…

No Truer Words

No truer words were ever spoken, on a level all can understand!

WE ALL SCREAM... The COW AND THE ICE CREAM ONE OF THE BEST THEORIES OF WHY OBAMA WON THE ELECTION -->From a teacher in the Nashville area - - "We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream. 'The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching 3rd grade. The last Presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Everyone applauded and he sat down. Now is was Olivia's turn to speak. Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream." She sat down. The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream." She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. But no one pursued that question. They took her at her word. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it...She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream... Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide. Every time Barack Obama opened his mouth he offered ice cream and 51.4 % of the people reacted like nine year old's. They want ice cream. The other 48.6% percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess." This is the ice cream Obama promised us! Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone that they have not first taken away from someone else. Did you vote for the ice cream? THAT MY FRIEND, IS HOW OBAMA GOT ELECTED... BY THOSE WHO WANT EVERYTHING FOR FREE!

Until next time…

A Busy Day

Today was an eventful day. I baked sugar cookies using a recipe from my fourth-grade teacher, Frances Mary Tompkins. After cleaning up the dishes, I headed to AMC Theater Regency 20 to see Hansel & Gretel – Witch Hunter. It was a great movie, an interesting twist on one of my favorite fairy tales. I’m not going to spoil the ending for you. You’ll have to see it yourself.

I stopped for groceries on the way home and earned another 20 cent fuel perk for the next time I get gas..

After I got home, I did some work on my computer, warmed up the leftovers from last night’s dinner, and settled in to watch NCIS, NCIS-LA, and Vegas.

I’ll be going to bed once Vegas is over. Tomorrow, I plan to test the last two of the three recipes I have left to test before I can finsih my Gang Mills Cooks: Cookies. I’ll be glad to finish the testing – those cookies are such a temptation.

Until next time…

Only in America

TOP-11 "ONLY IN AMERICA " OBSERVATIONS -- BY A CANADIAN*

1) Only in America could the rich people - who pay 86% of all income taxes - be accused of not paying their "fair share" by people who don't pay any income taxes at all.
2) Only in America could people claim that the government still discriminates against black Americans when they have a black President, a black Attorney General, and roughly 18% of the federal workforce is black while only 12% of the population is black
3) Only in America could they have had the two people most responsible for our tax code, Timothy Geithner, the head of the Treasury Department and Charles Rangel who once ran the Ways and Means
Committee, BOTH turn out to be tax cheats who are in favor of higher taxes.
4) Only in America can they have terrorists kill people in the name of Allah and have the media primarily react by fretting that Muslims might be harmed by the backlash.
5) Only in America would they make people who want to legally become American citizens wait for years in their home countries and pay tens of thousands of dollars for the privilege while we discuss letting anyone who sneaks into the country illegally just 'magically' become
American citizens.
6) Only in America could the people who believe in balancing the budget and sticking by the country's Constitution be thought of as "extremists."
7) Only in America could you need to present a driver's license to cash a check or buy alcohol, but not to vote.
8) Only in America could people demand the government investigate whether oil companies are gouging the public because the price of gas went up when the return on equity invested in a major U.S. oil company
( Marathon Oil) is less than half of a company making tennis shoes (Nike).
9) Only in America could the government collect more tax dollars from the people than any nation in recorded history, still spend a Trillion dollars more than it has per year - for total spending of $7-Million PER MINUTE, and complain that it doesn't have nearly enough money.
10) Only in America could politicians talk about the greed of the rich at a $35,000.00 a plate campaign fund-raising event.
11) Only in America can a man with no background, no qualifications and no experience ... and a complete failure at his job ... be reelected.

Until next time…

Parker

Went to AMC Theater today and saw the movie Parker starring Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, and Nick Nolte. It was an action-filled film with lots of blood and violence from people who didn’t have the least bit of humanity or a respect for life.

I remarked to Karen how interesting it was that it didn’t take long to start cheering one of the criminals over this other. This bad guy, played by Jason Statham, had a code of honor that you almost had to respect.

One must wonder how much effect watching all of this gruesomeness and violence must have on people, especially on young children.

We don’t seem to value life at all and this just confirms that.

We had a great lunch afterward at Genghis Grill.

I had put meat loaf in my crock pot before leaving for the movie. This accompanied by corn on the cob and a baked sweet potato made a great dinner.

Until next time…

What’s Wrong with Our Country? & A Map of Florida

What’s Wrong with Our Country?

 

We read  all the jokes and forward the good ones but I  just wonder who will pass this one  on.  How  about you sending it on and back to me if you  got the guts to do so.
I  am and just wonder how many I will get  back? AND  very happy to be of the 1%.

Someone  please tell me what the HELL's wrong  with all the  people that run this country!!!!!! 

Both Republicans & Democrats

We're  "broke" and can't  help our  own

Seniors,

Veterans,

Orphans,

Homeless,

etc.,???????????

In  the last years we have provided direct cash aid  to

Haiti - 1.4  B,

Hamas - 351  M,

Pakistan - 2  B,

Libya 1.45  B,

Egypt - 397  M,

Mexico - 622  M,

Russia - 380  M,

Haiti - 1.4  B,

Jordan - 463  M,

Kenya - 816  M,

Sudan - 870  M,

Nigeria -  456 M,

Uganda - 451  M,

Congo - 359  M,

Ethiopia -  981 M,

Pakistan - 2  B,

South Afrika  - 566 M,

Senegal -  698 M,

Mozambique -  404 M,

Zambia - 331  M,

Kazakhstan -  304 M,

Iraq - 1.08  B,

Tanzania -  554 M,

with  literally Billions of Dollars and they still hate  us!!!!

Our retired seniors living on a  'fixed income' receive no  aid nor do they get any breaks while our  government and religious organizations pour  Hundreds of Billions
of $$$$$$'s and Tons  of Food to Foreign Countries!

We have  hundreds of adoptable children who are  shoved aside to make room  for the adoption  of foreign  orphans.

AMERICA: a  country where we have homeless  without shelter, children going to bed hungry,  elderly going without needed medication and  mentally ill without treatment  -etc.

YET.......................

They  have

a 'Benefit'  for the people of Haiti on 12 TV  stations, ships and  planes lining up with food, water, tents clothes,  bedding, doctors and medical supplies. 

Imagine if the  *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US'  the same support they give to other countries. 

Sad isn't it?

A Map of Florida

Finally, a true map of Florida that explains this weird, but wonderful state.

Those of you who live in Florida will recognize it, and those who don't have been warned !!!



You know you're a Floridian if....

Socks are only for bowling.
You never use an umbrella because the rain will be over in five minutes.
A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store, but everything to do with shade.
Your winter coat is made of denim.
You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito bites.
Many of your friends are over 65.
Anything under 60 degrees is chilly.
You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.
You know that no other grocery store can compare to Publix.
You know that anything under a Category 3 just isn't worth waking up for.
You dread love bug season.

You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list.  They aren't Hurricane Charley or Hurricane Frances.  You know them as Andrew, Charley , Frances , Ivan, Jeanne & Wilma,  Irene,  Cheryl, Rita. 
You know what a snowbird is and when they'll leave.
You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.
'Down South' means Key West
Flip-flops are everyday wear.  Shoes are for business meetings and church, but you HAVE worn flip flops to church before.
You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.

You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.
A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.
You know the four seasons really are:
Hurricane season,
love bug season,
tourist season and
summer.   
You've hosted a hurricane party.

You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee , Withlacoochee , Thonotosassa and Micanopy.
You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than have a boat yourself.
You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas and New Years.
You recognize Miami-Dade as 'Northern Cuba'.

Until next time…

A-OK

Finally, my computer is back to normal, I think. One of the techs from iTechline worked on it from around noon until around 8:30. He finally got it so Outlook will download my mail. I now have Office 2010 instead of 2003, but that’s okay.

I did make some cookies this morning.  Yes, my mom’s oatmeal drop cookies were so good I ate several. These are very different from her other oatmeal cookies. The first ones I made of hers were very chewy. The ones I made today were much lighter and very yummy.

I hope tomorrow to be able to get back to a more regular schedule. These last several days have been very chaotic and upsetting.

Until next time…

Mom’s Oatmeal Cookies

What a gorgeous day here in Florida! Warm, but not too hot. Sunny but a few clouds so it wasn’t excessively bright.

This morning, I made my mother’s oatmeal cookies. In the first test – yes, I had to test them twice –I neglected to put the flour mixture in with the rest of the batter. This batter is very stiff. even without the flour, so I guess I just forgot it. I threw away all of those cookies, but the second time was a charm *no, I didn’t have to make it “three times a charm.” These are very good cookies even though the only spice is cinnamon.

Tomorrow, I have to take my car in to have a motor mount and pinion seal repaired. I may get to my mom’s drop oatmeal cookies in the afternoon. We’ll see. Speaking of which, she called one Oatmeal Cookies and one Oatmeal Drop Cookies even though both are dropped by spoonful onto the cookie sheet.

Until next time…

Microsoft and Carrabba’s

Late again before I could working on my blog. I kind of waited around for Microsoft to call or contact me, but no one did. I just hope I’m not missing appointments store in my Outlook calendar.

Tonight, Richard and Karen and I went to Carrabba’s where I had Beef Brasato and the two of them had spaghetti. Last year, the Bee Brasato came with Polenta; this year it’s with Orzo. I like the polenta better, but the Orzo is pretty good, especially if you add a little butter to it. I’m glad I have some left over so I can have it again tomorrow.

It’s supposed to be a little cooler over the next few days. It’s been a little hot, but beautiful.

Until next time…

Microsoft Support

Sorry to be so late getting this done, but I have literally been on the phone and PC with Microsoft support since around noon until now (23:50) and will be getting a call back tomorrow morning around 7 am.

Did I mention how much I hate Windows 8? Maybe, once they get it fixed, I’ll like it better.

I didn’t even bake any cookies today because I didn’t want to run into problems with it.

Good night, all.

Until next time…

Cookies and Computers

 

Today, I re-tested my Uncle Floyd’s Oatmeal Cookies. They are delicious!. I baked them right after I put a meatloaf in my crockpot. Wow, was that ever good! Along with my meat loaf, since I was baking cookies anyway, I baked a sweet potato.

As you know if you read this blog, I am making an effort this year to learn to like some vegetables. My vegetable for this quarter is sweet potatoes. I put butter and salt and pepper on my sweet potato and absolutely loved it. Truly! I think when I have had them before that they were always doctored up with brown sugar or spices or marshmallows. This plain, buttered sweet potato was something I could eat quite often.

I’ve downloaded a few sweet potato recipes I’ll be trying, but I think I can say my goal for this quarter as far as vegetables go, has been met. I may have to start my next quarter’s vegetable early or change my goals to 1 vegetable each month..

As to my computer, have I mentioned how much I hate Windows 8? Today, after spending a couple of hours trying to uninstall and re-install Outlook, I called Microsoft support to see if they could install my Outlook. They worked for a couple of hours and finally said they had to do some research and would call tomorrow to finish fixing it.

In the meantime, I can do a few things on the computer, but am hesitant to do too much. Who knows what they’ll have to do tomorrow.

Until next time…

The Land and The Book

This morning, after testing my Uncle Floyd’s Oatmeal Drop Cookies, I went with Esther to the Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland where we watched the taping of two shows for The Land and The Book that is on Moody Radio. It was very interesting. One of their guest told about the many Muslims who are having dreams that Jesus is visiting them and reaching out to them. There have been hundreds, if not thousands of conversions as a result. He wrote a book called Dreams and Visions about some of these experiences.

After that, we went to the Olive Garden at Lakeland Mall for lunch. Delicious!

By the way, the oatmeal cookies were delicious: spice and crisp even though the batter was quite moist. They had allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in them, some of my favorites.

Tomorrow I’ll be testing two kinds of my mother’s oatmeal cookies. I’m also going to put a meatloaf in the crockpot and have bought sweet potatoes to go with them. I do not really like sweet potatoes, but this is my vegetable I’m determined to like before the end of this quarter. With the meatloaf, I’ll also be able to sneak in some vegetables (carrots and celery) that I am not that fond of and apple, which I am fond of. I’ll also use onions, garlic, green and Jalapeno peppers in the the meatloaf. Is your mouth watering yet?

Until next time...

No Cookies Today

Since I had to take my car in to find out why the Check Engine Light was on, I didn’t spend any time testing cookies. Tomorrow morning, I’m scheduled to go to Lakeland with my sister-in-law Esther to see Moody Radio’s The Land and The Book program. Depending on when I get home, I will be testing at least one of the oatmeal cookie recipes. Or, if I wake up at 3 am and can’t go back to sleep, I might test at least one recipe.

There seems to be a little kink in my catalytic converter which is causing my Check Engine Light to come on. The muffler guy recommended just putting up with the light coming on since it is not affecting performance. Next week, I’ll be taking the car in to have a motor mount fixed and to have the pinion seal replaced – not nearly the price tag of a catalytic converter.

I’ve been working today on some goals for this year. This is not really anything to do with New Year’s resolutions, but does give you something to shoot for. I set goals for Health, Finances, Relationships, and Spiritual Life.

For example, I would like to lose at least one-half of the 90 pounds I have to go (that’s 45 pounds for my math-challenged friends) by the end of the year (actually I’d like to lose it by next week, but that’s unrealistic),

In terms of Financial goals, I want to stick to my budget and would like to make a little more money every month – I’m working on a cookbook and want to publish it and some other stuff on Amazon Kindle.

By the way, did you know you don’t have to have a Kindle to be able to buy Kindle books? You can download the app to your PC and read them on your computer. Kindle books, since they don’t involve paper and storage, etc., are sold for about half the price of the hardcover or paperbacks. You might want to keep that in mind when it comes to getting my books on Kindle.

Well, I think I’m going to go take a nap (finish the Janet Evanovich book I’m reading and play a little Scrabble until I get sleep).

Until next time…

Buzzers and Warning from Shell Oil

Buzzers

Today, I spent my day directed by buzzers. I washed and dried three loads of laundry. When the washer is done, the buzzer sounds. When the dryer is done, the buzzer sounds. SIX buzzers.

I made cookies today, both Uncle Floyd’s Chocolate Drop Cookies and Chocolate Jumbles.. Each batch was timed on my Microwave kitchen timer application. This time gives FIVE loud harsh beeps when the timer goes off. Some of the time, I had to add a few minutes and set the timer again. More buzzers. Another SIX or more buzzers.

I’ll probably lay awake tonight wondering when the next buzzer will go off.

Buzzers are a great thing. They get your attention and remind you of things you need to remember, But, boy, can they be annoying!

Both batches of cookies turned out great. Uncle Floyd’s Chocolate Drop Cookies were some of the best cookies I’ve made yet. The Chocolate Jumbles have cinnamon in them and are much lighter than the Chocolate Drop Cookies.

Tomorrow, I have to take my car in to have the Check Engine Light checked so I may not do any cookie recipe testing until Saturday. The cookies I have to test yet are:

• Mom’s Oatmeal Cookies
• Mom’s Oatmeal Drop Cookies
• Uncle Floyd’s Oatmeal Drop Cookies
• Aunt Ruth’s Molasses Cookies
• Mom’s Drop Molasses Cookies
• Uncle Floyd’s Molasses Drop Cookies
• Aunt Fanny’s Dropped Sugar Cookies
• Frances Tompkins’ Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
• Mom’s Soft Sugar Cookies
• Sugar Cookies
• Uncle Floyd’s Sugar Cookies

Once the testing is done, I’ll have to finish up the cookbook and then should be ready to publish it and my Ghost of Gang Mills book and some other stuff on the Kindle.

WARNING FROM SHELL OIL COMPANY DO NOT DELETE, PLEASE READ

"Treasure today--Tomorrow might be too late" WARNING FROM SHELL OIL COMPANY DO   NOT DELETE, PLEASE READ Please send this information to ALL your family & friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen, they may not be able to get the children out in time. MUST READ, EVEN IF YOU DON'T OWN A CAR. Shell Oil Comments - A MUST READ! Safety Alert! Here are some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in operating areas, propylene oxide handling and storage area, propane, gas and diesel refueling areas. The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump. In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car! And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car. You should know that: Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc. Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc...) TO sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling: 1) Turn off engine 2) Don't smoke 3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off 4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling. Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires. His results were very surprising: 1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women. 2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static. 3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes. 4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires. 5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas 6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges. 7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer. 8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began. Mr. Renkes stresses to NEVER get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas. If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle. As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger. I ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas. If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time. Thanks for passing this along. Don Steveson Wyoming Refining Co. Process Safety Manager Success Is No Accident

Until next time…

More Cookies

At 3 this morning, I took the first batch of sour cream cookies out of the oven. They are so good -- light and airy, delicately flavored. Today, I made some Pecan and Cashew Sandies, which I didn’t like very much. Unless I can make them taste better to me, I’m not going to put them in my cookbook.

I made the Cashew Sandies with Emerald Sea Salt and Black Pepper cashews so they would have a little zing. Well, they had the zing alright, but I didn’t like the consistency of the dough or how dry it is.

I had more trouble with my new computer last night, but iTechline fixed them Hope that is the end of the problems. Of course, I still have to put up with Windows 8 – did I mention how much I do not like Windows 8?

Until next time…

Waiting

I spent most of today waiting.

I waited at home until it was time to go with my cousin Richard to the eye doctor.

I waited for him while he was at the eye doctor’s.

On the way home, Richard and I waited on the Howard Franklin Bridge for almost an hour until we could get past a terrible accident.

After getting home, I had to wait for three batches of perfect pumpkin cookies to come out of the oven.

I went to the AMC Theater to see Jack Reacher and had to wait in line to buy a ticket.

I then I had to wait in line to buy popcorn and a drink.

I had to wait for First Look to be over and the Previews to start.

I had to wait through a half hour of Previews until the movie started (By the way, the movie was very good with Robert Duvall stealing the show.)

Isn’t it great that I’m a patient person or all of that waiting would turn my hair gray.

Until next time --- if you can wait that long.

Don’t ask me WHY!!!!

Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front? Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke? Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters? Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage? EVER WONDER... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin? Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed? Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'? Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word? Why is it that doctors and attorneys call what they do 'practice'? Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavoring, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons? Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food? Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes? Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections? You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?? Why don't sheep shrink when it rains? Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together? If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal? Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)... in other words, send it to everyone. We all need to smile every once in a while.

Senior Discounts

Keep this list - - - and Send a copy to your senior friends and relatives.

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 get 10% off everything on the menu, every day.
Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too.

This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and how some of them start at the young age of 50 .

This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.
Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 . If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.
YOU must ASK for your discount !

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
White Castle : 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)
GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)

Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)

 

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)
NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - - - and remember ---- YOU must ASK for your discount ---- no ask, no discount. 

My Cookies Project

This morning, I remade my Aunt Ruth’s Date-Nut Cookies. They are absolutely delicious. They are shaken in a bag with confectioners’ sugar once they are cooled after coming out of the oven. I pre-heated the oven for my second batch of cookies (Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies) and then found they have to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours. They are not my favorite cookie, but they turned out pretty well as you can see by the picture:

I certainly like the date-nut cookies better, but both were pretty good.   Until next time…

What a Day!

Today, I started testing recipes for my cookie cookbook. I started with my Aunt Ruth’s Date Cookies. Well, the recipe didn’t say how big the baking pan should be so I used an 8”x8” Pyrex pan.

After the 18 minutes they were supposed to bake, I checked the cookies and they were beautifully browned and smelled amazing. I removed them from the oven and let them cool for a while. In the meantime, I started my mother’s ginger snaps recipe.

After allowing the cookies to cool a little, I used a sharp knife and began to cut them into squares. Imagine my dismay when I discovered they were all gooey on the inside. They weren’t completely done. Even after putting them back in the oven for a few minutes, they never got done.

I called my Aunt Ruth’s daughter, my cousin Ethelyn, and asked her what size pan she used. Tomorrow, I’m going to use a 9”x13” pan and spread them out thinner. I’ll also check them with a toothpick before taking them out of the oven.

The ginger snaps turned out great – the recipe made 37 cookies. Except for a couple of them, I gave them all away. Don’t they look good?

As you know, I’ve been struggling with Windows 8 – I still hate it, but today I found out my problem was not completely caused by Windows 8, My computer had been hacked. They got so far as to remove all of my Norton Internet Security programs. Not only was my new desktop hacked, but so was my laptop – in fact, it started with the laptop. Apparently, the reason my laptop had been acting up was because of the hackers. There were about 20 foreign IP addresses on my computer.

A call to iTechline and their signing in and taking over my computer has fixed the problems. I have spent a couple of hours changing passwords and have only gotten to the “e’s.” Oh, well, I’m always looking for tedious busywork to do.

Tomorrow, I’ll be re-testing the date cookies and also my mom’s peanut butter cookies. I’ll let you know how it works out.

Until next time…

 

Today

Today, I paid my rent, took my rental car back, attended a very dull home owners’ association meeting and went down to Brandon so I could:

• Deposit some checks in the bank
• Shop for a Kitchen Aid at Bed, Bath and Beyond – got almost $70 back from my 20% coupon
• Go to Spun Gold Jewelry at Regency Square Mall to get a new battery in my Mickey Mouse watch – I went to Jared’s first, but they only send them out and it takes a couple of weeks

I figured I had better get a decent stand mixer since I have 24 cookie recipes to test, to say nothing of all of the other recipes where the mixer will come in handy.

The recipes I’m going to try tomorrow are my Aunt Ruth’s Date Cookies and my mother’s Ginger Snaps, not to be confused with the Extra Spicy Ginger Snappers recipe I got out of Gale Gand’s cookbook. I’m hoping I like my mother’s as well as Gale Gand’s, but since there’s no cayenne pepper, I don’t hold much hope.

I’ve been spending the early evening fighting with Windows 8 again, trying to re-install iTunes. Supposedly, the iTunes installer is running, but I see no evidence of it. It took all night last night to un-install the old version of iTunes, which is ridiculous.

When I stopped at Carroll’s Sausage and Country Store, I picked up some apples – a new variety I had never heard of before – Honey Crisp. If you ever come across them, be sure to try them. They are wonderfully fresh and crisp and the flavor is outstanding.

Until next time…

Back Safe & Sound

I arrived safely home this afternoon about 5 pm. The drive was completely without incident, although there was a little light rain and some moderate traffic.

Tomorrow, I hope everything goes back to normal, whatever that is. I’m going to start testing recipes either tomorrow or the next day. I’m going to start with the cookies. Testing recipes is a dirty job, but someone has to do it.

Tonight, Richard and Karen and I went to Beef O’Brady’s for dinner. I was way too tired to cook. In fact, I think I’ll head for bed pretty soon.

I’ve been trying to get into iTunes, but am not having any luck. Did I say how much I hate Windows 8. Why couldn’t that have left well enough alone?

Until next time…

Words from the Father of One of the Slain Columbine Students – 12 Years Later

I got this in an email from my cousin Richard and wanted to share it with everyone:

 

Subject: Columbine Student's Father 12 Years Later

COLUMBINE STUDENT'S FATHER 12 YEARS LATER !!
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this. On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of ...

the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness.. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death.
Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott
Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech. Please send this out to everyone you can.
God Bless

A Bright New Year

Well, here it is – a New Year – 2013. I never though I would live this long, but I did.

Did you make any resolutions? I didn’t. What’s the point? In case you did, you should be aware that January 17th is National Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day? Do you think you can hold out that long?

In the last 2 or 3 days, I have gone through 138 recipes which I hope to use for some cookbooks. Now, when I get home, I’ll have to test a lot of them.

That testing will be a chore, but I think it will be fun too. I plan on giving away most of the results of my tests or my determination to lose 100 pounds will come to naught.

Have a great and prosperous New Year.

Until next time…