Thanks! ~Holly

Thank you for taking the time to write all this. You have been very helpful. ~Holly

Thank you! I had read they were nocturnal...but, are they awake enough during the day that there can be some interaction...holding, letting them roam around a secured location, etc.? My children got to see and touch one up close at a pet store a few months ago...and, my 9yo DD would just love to have one. The owner of the cute critter said they were the best pets! Of course, I know that anyone who loves their pet says that! Smiles! We have gerbils and an English Budgie...but, she wants something unique to call just her own. ~Holly

Thanks for the info! ~Holly

Is it the T-shirt from SnorgTees? Smiles! ~Holly

Has anyone used this forum to find PenPals for their children? I went a different route a few years ago...asking relatives in different states to see if they would ask around in their churches for me...and, maybe because these children are not homeschooled...their interest faded after about 2 letters. My girls even made gifts for the girls they were writing...and, they never received a response. Oh well... Here in FL...I can request PenPals through our State Homeschool Association...but, my kiddos don't want to write someone who lives in FL...they want to find someone in a different state. Smiles! Thanks for any help. ~Holly

Does anyone have a hedge hog as a pet? Will you tell me the pros and cons? I found a breeder in my area...so, I would not be buying at a pet store. I'm in the research stage right now...not anywhere near ready to buy. Thanks! ~Holly

Well, you are assuming that she believes curriculum will solve the problem. I never said that. She is having him tested...she is doing everything she can right now with the help of doctors and their guidance. I appreciate your zest for not wanting her to waste any time...but, she is doing what she can right now. I'm going to do my best to help her when she asks...so, I'll keep in mind the things you have mentioned. Thanks for your thoughts! ~Holly

I'll start there with her. ~Holly

I have no idea. I think she is hoping that I will help access where she needs to start with him. The child is currently in 8th grade...but, is not having much (if any) success. Sorry I don't have more info... ~Holly

I have visited Pete's Pond web cam a number of times over the last few months and it's never on-line. Is it still in existence? Thanks! ~Holly

I have a friend who is seriously considering home schooling one of her children next year. She believes her child may have Asperger's. She has indicated her desire for me to help her pick out curriculum for her (next year) ninth grader. However, this child will most likely need quite a bit of remedial work from what she told me regarding his school work in public school. Will someone help give me some ideas for curriculum? I told my friend that what works for my children is not necessarily going to work for hers. I need some suggestions for things that have worked for those of you on this board so she can start researching what might be a good fit for her situation. Thanks! ~Holly

I take these three in a supplement called Premcal. http://www.premcal4pms.com/index.cfm ~Holly

Just make sure to check the ingredients. Not all Tom's are SLS free. ~Holly

Again, I always cut out or scale down the sugar added to the sweet potato mixture. Boston Market® Sweet Potato Casserole List of Ingredients: o 6 cups mashed sweet potatoes (5 to 6 potatoes) o 3/4 cup dark brown sugar o 1/2 cup heavy cream o 1/4 cup melted butter o 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon o 1/4 teaspoon salt Oatmeal Streusel: o 1/4 cup rolled oats o 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar o 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour o 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon o 2 tablespoons cold butter o 2 cups mini marshmallows Instructions Rub a little vegetable oil on the skin of each sweet potato and bake them in a preheated 400 degree oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until they are tender. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the potatoes until they are mashed and smooth. Measure exactly 6 cups of the mashed sweet potato into a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt into the sweet potatoes and mix well with the beater until all the ingredients are incorporated. Pour this mixture into a buttered baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the oatmeal streusel by grinding the rolled oats to a fine flour using a food processor. A blender will also work. Combine the oat flour with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry knife or a fork. You should have a crumbly mixture with pea-size bits. Sprinkle this oatmeal streusel over the sweet potato mixture and pop it into the oven for 70 to 80 minutes or until the top begins to brown slightly. When you remove the casserole from the oven immediately spread the marshmallows over the top. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. The heat from the casserole will melt the marshmallows, and then it's ready to serve. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

The only thing I do differently is take out the 1 cup sugar in the sweet potato part of the recipe. The sweet potatoes are sweet all by themselves...and, the topping works its way into the casserole anyway. I make it on Wednesday and keep it in the frig until about an hour before baking. I pull it out and let it warm up to room temp. Sometimes, I do make 1.5 times the topping! Smiles! ~Holly Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Crust: 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup flour 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred) 1/3 stick butter – melted Sweet Potato Mixture: 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs -- well beaten 1 stick butter -- ( 1/2 cup) melted Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a mixing bowl in the order listed. Mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.

Well, doing that wasn't my intention...but, thanks for the warning! Smiles! Wow, that must have been scary! ~Holly

You get the pan drippings from the turkey on Thanksgiving. I can make turkey broth with base or buy organic turkey stock in the store. ~Holly

Thanks! I would like to see it. ~Holly

Someone at church mentioned making make-ahead gravy for Thanksgiving...that it's SO easy and just as delicious. Has anyone done this? I found a recipe that does not require me to buy turkey wings or drumsticks...as most I found did...and, I'm thinking of trying it. However, 1/2 cup or red wine sounds like a lot. ?? Maybe I'm wrong. Let me know what you think. Thanks! ~Holly Here's the recipe: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Summary: This method of making gravy cuts down on last-minute cooking and ensures a deep, rich flavor. The red wine can be replaced with cognac, port or sherry. MAKE AHEAD: The roux-stock-wine mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Reheat gently over low heat. Makes 4 to 5 cups Ingredients: • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter • 1/2 cup flour • 4 cups defatted turkey stock, warmed • 1/2 cup dry red wine • Salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 to 1 1/2 cup turkey pan drippings Directions: Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully so it does not burn. Add the flour slowly, whisking briskly until bubbles form and the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. Add the stock and wine, whisking until the flour-butter roux is well blended. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until no flour taste remains. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (At this point, the mixture can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.) To finish the gravy, strain the pan juices/drippings from a roasted turkey into a fat separator and pour the defatted drippings into the gravy mixture, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings; if the gravy is too thin, increase the heat and reduce the gravy for several minutes to the desired thickness. Transfer to a warmed gravy boat and serve.

Do you know if this one has a locking blade? Thanks! ~Holly

True...very true! ~Holly

These stories are hilarious! I may still try one. Thanks! ~Holly

I want to buy a squirrel-proof bird feeder...but, am wondering if there are styles that work better than others. Anyone have one that works? Thanks! ~Holly

Thanks, everyone! This is very helpful. ~Holly