Home and Garden; and The Mella Family!

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I didn't do it.
But I sure am thankful for it!

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Good Morning All;
As I wrote earlier, Jenny Mella and Casey were here all day Saturday. (I swear I could be half~dead and still be able to appreciate these two when they get together).

Jenny had her priorities straight.
First to play with Punk, who has been more than patient with my inability to play with her in a decent dog~pleasing way.
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Then to fill the bird feeder.
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She even shared her sock with the dog too.

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(After hiding Punks squeak ball in it).

Punk was adamant to get that sock off her foot...
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She had fun brushing the dog and the cat too.

Know that Jenny can make fun out of anything;
(I firmly believe our world absolutely needs more people like her).
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After brushing the cat twice, and the dog once,
there is almost another "animal" that came off that brush.

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hehehe

Punk was not too sure what to think of it either.
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She worried, and kept her eye on it until it got thrown away.


Yes. There was so much cleaning that got done.
Especially getting things off the floor.
(Gravity is still my enemy).

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While cleaning under my little computer table, Jenny was attacked by a mouse!
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hehehe.
Too funny!
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After all was done, the kids were completely pooped out.
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hehehe
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They left that evening, Jenny bringing Casey home before coming back out to visit with her own parents. Casey had a bit of pain- generally not an issue any longer, except she had left her pills at home.

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Casey came out yesterday- While we walked a bit, Punk "pointed" to something. Since I have lots of gophers in the back yard, seeing her point was no surprise.
Again, she was of an adamant nature. Casey and I went to see.
A dead red~winged blackbird. It was put to the burn barrel in quick order.

Since Jenny's dad works for the Dept of Natural Resources, Casey called to their house, leaving a message to see if there were any diseases around that we should be concerned about. So last night when my phone rang it was no surprise when Mrs Mella was calling. Mr had said that it was probably a fluke that this bird had died- Sometimes they even wear themselves out with the migration etc.
So I will not worry overmuch about that one.

Mrs also asked if I would like for them to come over and till a bit for me; that maybe Casey might want to plant a few seeds.
Oh what a wonderful offer! Jenny had mentioned to them that I was a bit incapacitated at the moment, and hadn't been able to plant anything.

They were here within minutes!

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Yes he had to go around my little onion patch!
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And he made it look so easy too!
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And oh, the turned Spring soil smell is wonderful!
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A job done perfectly!
I thank you all, again!

This is an awesome family!
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I am itching to be playing and planting in that same soil... But I know I shouldn't do too much yet. My back, though a wee bit improved, still is pretty nasty- (and yes, I did rest).
Lordy, I practically slept on and off all night Saturday, and Sunday too. I just turned the TV on and fell asleep before my programs were even finished. I record my silly shows, so that is no problem for me.

I hope you are all having a grand week!

Rain, maybe, today- And time now for me to get in the shower-

Be back soon!

Love to all.

XOXO
Me

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Posted to my Y! 360, Tuesday May 19, 2009 - 09:29am (CDT)

GROSS!

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02012.html

"American Mercantile's website says it distributes spices, seeds, botanical extracts, essential oils, natural pigments, sweeteners and related raw materials. FDA seized sarsaparilla, spearmint, cornstarch, sweet orange peels, licorice powder, sassafras and salt in the raid."

FDA: More than $1.5 Million of Adulterated Food, Food Ingredients Seized
Filthy conditions, failure to correct violations prompted action



At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals today seized more than $1.5 million worth of food products, including herbs and botanicals, stored under filthy conditions at the American Mercantile Corporation of Memphis, Tenn.

During an inspection of American Mercantile in March, FDA investigators discovered evidence of extensive rodent and insect infestation throughout the company’s warehouse. The company failed to correct these problems. Acting on a warrant issued by the United Stated District Court in Memphis, U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated food products exposed to rodent and insect contamination at the facility. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they were held under insanitary conditions under which they may have become contaminated with filth.

“FDA will not tolerate a company’s failure to adequately control and prevent filth in its facility,” said Michael Chappell, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA is prepared to use whatever legal means are necessary and appropriate to keep potentially contaminated products out of the marketplace.”

American Mercantile stores and processes food ingredients, which are then sold to and used in the dietary supplement and herbal tea industries. The seized articles include food products, such as sarsaparilla, spearmint leaves, cornstarch, sweet orange peels powder, licorice powder, sassafras, and salt.

The FDA has no reports of illness associated with consumption of the products.


Media Inquiries:
Stephanie Kwisnek, 301-796-4737
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

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American Mercantile Corporation
General Information:
P.O. Box 240654
Memphis, TN
US United States of America, 38124
Phone: 1-901-454-1900
Fax: 1-901-454-0207
Email: dsa@memphi.net
Web: www.americanmercantile.net


Description:
AMC is a USA based corporartion that has been in business 20 years and handles a wide variety of natural plant products on a worldwide basis, including spices, seeds, herbs, botanicals, extracts and related raw materials. Our Memphis, TN, location is a licensed Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility which includes a high speed fine grinder, knife mill, extract cutter, cleaning and bagging operations. We also have a working relationship with the National Center of Development of Natural Products, a division of The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy, University, Mississippi, and we can utilize their services for special research projects.

Visit our web site at www.americanmercantile.net.

Wholesale to the trade only.

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http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/119/itemId/3884/No-warning-letter-in-American-Mercantile-raid-Is.aspx

"US Marshalls acted on behalf of FDA, after two inspections revealed a lack of action on the part of American Mercantile. "During a routine inspection in March, the FDA uncovered evidence of extensive rodent and insect infestation throughout the company's warehouse. A follow-up joint inspection with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture found that the owner failed to clean the facility and did not correct previous violations, despite promising to do so."

Further:
"The FDA would not comment on whether this incidence may lead to further investigations of Ingredients Corporation of America (ICA) and Equine Science, both based in Memphis and owned by American Mercantile."

More...
"In the past American Merchantile certified organic ingredients included Acer spicatum (Mountain Maple Bark), Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow), Aletris farinosa (Whitetube Stargrass), Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard) and Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate)."


No warning letter in American Mercantile raid. Is this the new FDA?

Seems as though people are upset because there was no warning letter.
When conditions are such that they could pose an immediate threat, well, too bad so sad.

That said a warning letter would only do what? Allow them time to cover this all up and then continue business as usual; possibly poisoning millions of Americans (and their horses too) in the process?

XOXO
Me

On The Farm At The Pryes

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Kittens at The Pryes Farm

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Good Evening Everyone;
A long day for me... "resting".
I am beginning to hate that word. (Especially as I watch my grass wave in the breeze).

A bit of catching up to do. Bear with me, I am a little behind...


Casey came out Thursday afternoon. We took a ride to Brandy and Johns. I had wanted to see her goats for the longest time, and never availed myself.

Brandy is laid off from Carver Boat. She has worked there forever- The layoffs affecting so many people.
(But with that, I knew she would be home).

Miss Ashley met us almost as soon as we'd pulled in. Such a beautiful smile she has, and showed me one of her little bunnies too.

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And yet another bunny!
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They have more than a few!
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As we walked out to the pasture, the animals all came to see us.
(Well, some of them did).
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CUTE!
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Miss Ashley decided to pull a few handfuls of grass and dandelions.

They absolutely LOVED it!

Salad for goats!
Who knew?!?

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Dinner by the handful! hehehe
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The sheep in the back (left) seemed so fat-
I asked Brandy is that one was expecting?
No- She just hadn't been sheared yet.
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Even the cows came to have a peek!
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Isn't that baby goat just 'to~die~for' cute?
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John took a break from mowing the yards and came to chat too.
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Brandy, Casey, Ashley and "The Lawn Boy"
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Even the chickens are very tame!

(A far cry from visiting our Hortonville friends as youngsters,
wreaking havoc in the henhouse as we'd chase their chickens).

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John had just returned from a Veterans vacation/retreat up north at Lake Tomahawk. John is Marine Corps, Vietnam. Salute.

He had many pictures of the cabins and amenities at Tomahawk to share with us.

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Then they brought out "TOES" the kitten.

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He would not hold still for love or money,
But if you look closely you will see his paws are like mittens.
He has extra split toes on each front paw!
So very cute-
And calico too! (My very favorite).
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Brandy took us to show off her pigs.

She has many medium size ones...
(Sorry, but I didn't take pictures of them all).
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And she has a few extra large ones too!
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Mmmmm Anyone hungry yet?
hehehe

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Casey and I came back home; and to add to our day, we found this little guy right in the garage- For some reason, they cannot find their way out, even when the darn door is up. They come in, and think they can fly out the window.
I got out to show him the way...

Casey had her hands full keeping Punk from coming straight through the dashboard to 'save' me as I caught it and brought it outside. (Otherwise we would have a picture of a "bird in the hand"). hehehe

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For some reason, they cannot find their way out, even when the darn door is up. They come in, and think they can fly out the window.

I got out of the car to offer a bit of guidance...

Casey had her hands full keeping Punk from coming straight through the dashboard to 'save' me as I caught it and brought it outside. (Otherwise we would have a picture of a "bird in the hand"). hehehe

For now, I must go find a bit of supper, my tummy is growling to rival the dog!

I hope everyone had a "wunnaful" weekend!

Have a good night
Love to all.

XOXO
Me

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Posted to my Y! 360, Sunday May 17, 2009 - 08:17pm (CDT)

Flintville. Sunday Morning.

Picture taken at 5 this morning...

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Good Morning Everyone;
Not sure about your backyard, but mine was a bit nippy this AM. (Am hoping that this will be the last day of the season that the furnace feels the need to kick on). Going to have to jack up the weatherman and tell him that it's past the middle of May...

For those of you that are keeping up, there is no further news yet on the on the Jaworski Rd. fire, and the gals death. It still sickens me though, my own thoughts about what might have happened.
Years back I had to get a restraining order against them; (he, his previous dame, and even her kids were all included). The judge had no problems granting it. Long story there.

Of course it means nothing when compared with this loss of life. I hope Madison returns all those results quickly so we can all see how silly/stupid/paranoid I have been about this all.

My back is still pretty fookin' raunchy; and so, I have been busy stagnating. (Doctors orders ya know). Suffice to say I am not amused.

I was, however, very amused by Casey and Jenny Mella yesterday.
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hehehe

(That's Jenny's sock).

They basically cleaned my house!

(Even "finding" the tables and the floors).
Thank you SO much!
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*Jenny was even attacked by a mouse!

I will blog about that all later today, and promise to post many more pictures too.

I have had a rough time posting this morning- (See the PS). Am going to go lie down once more. Am tired and sore, and sleep didn't come well last night.

Hope all is well in your little corner of the world!
My love to all! Have a Sun(ny)Day!

XOXO
Me

PS
Now who the hecks brilliant idea was it to put the copy/paste keys right next to each other?
If one hits the 'v' instead of the 'c' your entire entry just disappears.
Grrr...

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Posted to my Y! 360, Sunday May 17, 2009 - 08:26am (CDT)

Couple of Short Updates

hehehe
Casey took this picture!

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Good Evening;
First of all, an update on the fatal fire.
The Oconto County coroner does not have a cause of death for the gal that died in the house fire on Jaworski Road.
WBAY~TV said they are awaiting for the "test results", which should be available in about 10 days.
I cannot watch the videos, (dial~up here), but I think this would be the latest about her.

***ALSO, tomorrow is the village sale...
Pulaski's village-wide rummage sale is a draw for bargain hunters, but Kari Splan sees the annual event as an opportunity to help four young children who lost everything, including their mother, in a house fire. CLICK HERE. Cool!

This is all so sickening, and overwhelming. But I am ever so proud of everyone that has turned out to help.

As for my back...
Yes, I did go for my doctor appointment; and no, I did not refuse the xrays.
(I think I should have). hehehe  I firmly believe that radiologist tried to kill me. But at least he had a sense of humor. First thing he says is "please lay on your back." Funny guy.   (Too bad he wasn't kidding).

After 5 different angles, he said I could get up from the table. (See? I told you he was funny).

Yes I still have the arthritis in my back. I also have the trauma fracture from last Spring that did not heal correctly, AND I seem to have wrecked 4 disks. Instead of being rounded and soft, they are thin and not working right.

The doctor told me to stay off my feet for 3 days, and then to "see how it goes" after that.  I will need to return if it doesn't let up.
That is all I know for now. Oh that- and it hurts.

Wait.
I also know my haddock is done baking! Mmm  My tummy knows it too. hehehe
Time for me to get off my backside too- Perhaps even to nap after I eat.

Have a "wunnaful" weekend.
Please send a couple of lawn guys, (and a gardener too).

XOXO
Me

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Posted to Y! 360, Friday May 15, 2009 - 07:00pm (CDT)

Do your kids/grandkids use face paints? (Recall). From China of course...

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02015.html
FDA Alerts Consumers to Recall of Water-Based Face Paints
Fun Express, Inc. recalls children’s face paint associated with adverse events

The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using certain cosmetic “Face Paint” items labeled as distributed by Oriental Trading Co., Omaha, Neb., due to adverse event reports of skin reactions in children. These items were distributed nationwide.

The FDA has learned of a cluster of adverse events in children exposed to various colors of the face paint. All exposures occurred on the same day at an organized event and included rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, and swelling where the face paints were applied. Significant microbial contamination was indicated in most of the products in testing by an FDA laboratory.

The following Face Paints manufactured by Shanghai Color Art Stationery Company Limited, Shanghai, China, are being voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oriental Trading Co.:

(Please click the link above to view UPC codes for the below listed paints).

Blue Face Paint
Purple Face Paint
Red Face Paint
Orange Face Paint
Black Face Paint
Green Face Paint

Fun Express Inc. is recalling the face paints from the market and FDA advises consumers to stop use of these products and discard them or return them to the retailer.

The FDA encourages consumers and health care providers to report any adverse events from face paints to the FDA as well as to state and local health authorities.

Adverse events and product quality problems can be reported to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:

* online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
* by calling 1-800-FDA-1088
* by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 (which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm)
o by mail to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
o by fax 1-800-FDA-0178

Photo: Product Label: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cosadv.html

Media Inquiries:
Susan Cruzan, 301-796-4675

Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA


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Wonder what's IN this?

I also wonder what it will take for everyone to actually READ labels?

XOXO
Me

Animals. Bugs Ears. And Death.

A picture like this is never a good thing...
Stolen from WLUK FOX 11

Good Morning Everyone...
Last week I had blogged about Miss Polly. Polly and her husband Rich were our neighbors back when we all lived NE of Pulaski on Jaworski Road- They now live in Wyoming.

Miss Polly had come to Green Bay to visit last week
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Casey and Polly at the hotel.

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Before moving back to the homestead here, I'd raised my daughters on Jaworski Road near Pulaski.
While our neighbors AFTER Polly and Rich were nothing to write home about, this is still very awful and sickening news, and one would never wish for anything so terrible to happen to anyone.
CLICK HERE.
What news to wake up to.

I am not sure, (having had no reason to keep in touch), I do believe that the home is still owned by the same man who lived there after Rich and Polly moved.
I have heard that he has since remarried. (It was his previous "woman" that had been responsible for me obtaining a retraining order against the lot of them).
His new lady had moved in shortly before we had sold our home.
I never met her, nor knew her.

That house burned this morning- By the time the fire department got there, the entire back of the home was engulfed in flames.
The children ages, 11, 7, and 3, taking their pets, got out and went to the neighbors across the street.

Their mother died in the fire.

I pray that if she had to die, that she never woke to begin with.

But then what, or who, would have woken the children?

When we lived there, the man would go in to work very early, so he had probably already left for the day.

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Our home, (1988-1998) is on the left.

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The farm was originally owned by Andrew Jaworski himself, and built in the early 1930's. The house (ours) is concrete, poured from silo staves.

In its day, this was a very productive and active farm. But there came a time for Andrew to retire and for the eldest son to take over running the family farm. At that point, Andrew Jaworski erected the modular home next door to his.
*This arrangement did not last past Andrews death. I believe he passed on shortly before we bought the home from his son. 1988.

In the shot above, with the reporter blocking the view, (& to the left of the driveway), is a row of maple trees that I had planted as teeny tiny saplings the summer we had moved in. All the girls carried many pails of water to these little trees those first two years. I also planted a row of red cedars along the north end of our property.

Also blocked from view is a privacy fence installed by my buyer- between the two houses. (I am thinking they may have also had problems with these neighbors as well).

Be that as it may, again, no one ever wishes this on anyone for any reason. I am sure I will learn more about everything as the day goes on.


With respect to my back, I am still not moving well at all. I have made yet another appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

(If offered, I promise not to refuse xrays this time).   Grrr
In the meanwhile, it is quite painful to even take a shower and get dressed.
hehehe (No worries, I shower and dress anyway).


In addition to my own vitamins and supplements, know that I am very tempted to begin taking Punks pills too!
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Hey!
...It helps Punks back, why not mine?
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I do not know what has happened to my robins nest. Casey and I checked it on Tuesday- and this is what we found...
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I shall recheck today or tomorrow,
but I know something awful must have happened

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Casey took my garbage out for me on Tuesday also.
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Still cute as a bugs ear!

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Kelli had also stopped by that evening, offering to roll my dumpster to the end of the driveway for me too. What on earth do people do without family and friends?

(Personally, I cannot think of a worse way to live than to choose to live without).

While unable to really 'help' me out, Punk has been the epitome of compassion. When I go outside she will bring me her toys; and instead of laying them at my feet, she lifts them up for me.
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Holy Bugs Ears!
She's kind of cute too!

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And what does Mr. Sputnik do???
Absolutely nothing!

But he does dream of catching the wren in the box outside the kitchen window.

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He would care less if I fell over and died.
(Methinks I know people like that too).
hehehe?
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Heck, he's probably waiting for me to keel over so he can have lunch.

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So... speaking of that dreaded shower, it is time for me to get in there.

Hope you all are having a good day; and that you always make a bit of time to pray for your families, your friends, and your neighbors too.

XOXO
Me


***
Special note to my main troublemakers, Casey and Jenné;
Take a close look...
Perhaps obscured, hmmm?... But it does seem as though the darn silo is gone?
I'm thinking Chris and Cheryl might not care to die of early and untimely heart failure.

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Posted to my Y! 360, Thursday May 14, 2009 - 11:06am (CDT)