Homesteader

Did anyone here see 60 Minutes II last night? They had a story on about people in SE Ohio (Marietta) who were standing in line to get some free food. They showed over 900 in line for several hours to pick up free supplies. Admittedly, most of the people did not look like they were starving but alot of them did look and act like they were truly in need. It seemed like most of them were working but at minimum wage type jobs with no benefits. I started thinking about how many jobs nowadays are part time and or no insurance etc. What are people to do? Even educated folks are not immune to these kind of problems. I know many degreed engineers who are severely underemployed. Many of DH's friends have been out of work for a long time. That's one reason why he took early retirement. The "government" can't take care of all of us, nor should it. But I don't see how we can be competitive with nations that pay basically slave type wages. Any thoughts out there?

Just got back from a busy morning. Had breakfast at the local B&B. Then went to town. DH needed some car parts, I had a check to cash and we had to get some more feed for the hogs. We had planned to take the hogs in to the butcher but they will be staying with us a while longer due to all the processor's being tied up with deer right now. I figured I'd surf a bit and then get on to fixing a nice big roast to put in the oven for supper. At least the house will smell good today with all that roasty aroma. DH is gonna do a bunch outside since it is supposed to turn cold tomorrow with a hard freeze tonight. Don't party too much Snow.

Happy Birthday Snow!!!!! Rumor has it that this is one of those b-days that ends in a zero. Hmmmmm. In honor of your big day I'll have a wedge of good cheese and diet pepsi!! (carbs you know)

Well DL..do what I do. Go to the truckstop or the vet!!

I weighed in 2 days ago. I had given myself the following "holiday" schedule..2 days off for thanksgiving, 3 days off for Christmas and 4 days off for New Years. That means that since Thanksgiving I had 9 days of eating whatever I wanted. Not pigging out, just eating the goodies!! Carbs too! So, I was actually pretty happy that I had only gained 6 pounds. I am back being good again and will not have a vacation day until my birthday in March. I will have 1 day off then and no more breaks until next winter. (Unless an emergency occurs) All in all I am pretty happy. Any other gainers want to report? Fess up...

If my systems analyst (DS) ever gets some spare time to help his ole Momo fix her scanner and digital camera hookup I'll post some pix. The stylist is smart. He got us to make another appointment in six weeks while we were still in the shop. Don't know if I want to start this commute for trims etc. I have been going to our local beauty school for years. I guess it shows! But they do charge only 5$ for a cut. My friend is game to go on the trip every six weeks for maintenance but it's easy for her to say since it's my car and me driving! Hoping that everyone at MrsS gets a good surprise in the mail!

A beautiful sunny day here. From today until Saturday it will be clear and in the 60's. I started undoing the decorations last night and should finish up today. We had some unexpected good news with a refund check in the mail this a.m. That will pretty much finish paying off all the Christmas gifts. A nice surprise! Went to the vet this morning to pick up meds and food. She noticed the new "do" too. I'm starting to feel "special" around here. LOL

We used to meet Monday night for "phat chat" and/or "fit chat". I think it would be nice to revive it. MM's chat server seemed to work pretty well on Friday. I never got booted. I didn't notice too many people disappearing on us there. My hours are pretty flexible since I'm not working right now. What about the rest of us calorically/carbohydrately challenged ladies?

It's not too late to make resolutions. Come on ladies (and our men out there too!) I resolve to continue to work on my diet. Get better organized and make more efficient use of my time. Spend a larger amount of time on my genealogy. Finally, to complete my many half-started craft projects. AND Happygirl...we are waiting for the rest of your answer!!!

Congrats Loggie!!! Sounds like everyone made it through with flying colors.

You are sooo sweet Goosie. Not only have I had a radical cut since you saw me, I've lost about 60 pounds! I saw the picture of you in your new cut too. It looks great! Thanks for all the other kind words from everyone else. Yes, I look just like Meg Ryan with the flippy ends. (NOT) Well excuse me, I must go mousse and flip!!!

Hi Wendi! I just popped in to say stop and visit for awhile!

Happygirl you are handling things the same way I would. Be pleasant but avoid anything that could cause another tantrum. I would probably (without being obvious) be sure to not be alone with her. That way if anything is "said" there will always be witnesses. Maybe someday this will blow over and things will be more normal. It sure helps that DH didn't leave you out to hang..He sounds like a keeper.

Momo wishes she knew how to insert an image of a tongue sticking out at Happygirl!!! Congratulations!!

Now I know it is very short. DS noticed it within 2 seconds of looking at me today. (Once when I frosted my very dark brown hair it took him 3 days to notice) Even Princess noticed in about 5 seconds!! I told DH I feel like a female basketball player with such short hair!! In this cool weather I am feeling a new sensation...cold air on my neck. I think I like it though. Maybe it will "grow" on me.

Well DH did it again. He told a friend of ours that I would love to go to Birmingham (2 hours away) to get a haircut at a fancy smancy salon with her. Well, when DH is so nice and someone else is depending on you what can you do? I ended up driving to B'ham today. Although it wasn't my idea and I had just gotten a cut 2 months ago I went so as not to disappoint my friend. I just told the guy to do what he thought would look good. He cut my hair short. The shortest it's been since elementary school. But...it does look good. Actually makes me look younger. He cut in those little spiky wisps that kind of flip out. When DH and I went to our regular cafe for dinner tonight all the waitresses came over and loved it. One of the advantages of living in a small town!! The notice if you change your nail color around here! If my scanner was working I would put my head against it and show ya'll. LOL

Our neighbor (about a mile away) runs a bed and breakfast. For New Years Eve she had a party for all her friends and supplied free prime rib, baked potato, salad and champagne. All of us brought extras and desserts. It was the nicest NYE party I ever went to. No one got drunk. Great conversation and food. And to think DH had to talk me into going. I was more in the mood to stay home but now I am glad we went. I was also proud of DH. He actually made it awake until midnight!! He's usually asleep well before 9 so I was surprised.

Very cute! I notice it's not about cats. My cat has actually typed win into my computer. I kid you not! If he had only known to hit enter you ladies may have gotten to talk to him!

Well I registered yesterday. I'll try a post later tonight and also look for the little chat thingy.

Pssst..technically I'm not supposed to be here..Alabama is not East...However, that is very cute Lois!

Oh Brigid.....How do I get the cookies to stand up??????????? LOL, Momo is getting toooo giddy!!!

Hear Ye!! Hear Ye!! It's time for that time honored custom of taking stock, re-evaluating things and settling on some New Year Resolutions. Besides the obvious ones of losing weight, being nicer etc. has anyone given any serious thought to their goals in 2003?

Out of the goodness of my heart I have saved DH from a possible diabetic coma!

You know how those Canucks (sp?) are. There's no telling what mischief they are up to!

I bet she's prepping for the BIG January sale at Harrod's!!