I definitely will NOT run away! Just point me in the right direction to get a helping! :D (I love them, too)!

I like most vegetables so off the top of my head, I can't think of a favorite. However, for the virtual party, would home canned applesauce fit in anywhere (even though it's a fruit), since that is what I spent the weekend doing - preparing apples and canning applesauce? I'm not too good with seasonal decorating, except for Christmas, although I try to change some things. So, on the buffet are fall-colored silk flower arrangements and a cute cloth pumpkin that we've had since time-immemorial. The dining table centerpiece includes a pretty yellow home-crocheted doily with season-appropriate colored candles (these change every day or so as we use them, especially at dinnertime). And on the front door is the cutest decoration! It's so simple, but I just love it. I found a decorative broom a few years ago at a thrift store for a quarter. I spotted the absolutely cutest little girl cloth doll at a dollar store for a dollar. She has the most quintessential and adorable expression on her face! She is wearing a blue jeans jumper and has her hair in pigtails. She tickles me every time I see her! I'm horrible at making things so I explained to dh what I wanted and he beautifully arranged her on the broom and put pretty orange ribbon around. Every October I put this on the front door - but this year, I put her up in September.:) Finally, a pot of silk orange and yellow posies rests on another small accent piece. And that's it. No.

I just barely eked out one book this week . . . #58 - In the Shadow of the Pulpit: An Anecdotal Autobiography, by Ann and Joel Klein. Holocaust survivors who eventually come to America, where he continues as a Rabbi and she eventually finds herself. I really wanted to like this book - couldn't wait to read it, in fact - but I was disappointed. It was rather blah. Too much psychoanalyzing, not enough story. I rarely don't finish a book once I've started it, but I did not finish Make Miracles in Forty Days: Turning What You Have Into What You Want, by Melody Beattie. It seemed trite, repetitious, and just generally not my cuppa . . . Don't know what's up next - maybe an easy-reading novel that I don't have to think too hard on since I have way too much on my mind as it is. :001_smile:

Thank you. It was good to hear that tonight . . .

Me, too. And have been for awhile. Yep. Haven't had a raise in I-don't-know-how-long. In fact, we have seen pay cuts. And, we just learned this week that, due to the economy, several jobs are being cut. Guess whose job is included in that cut . . . We, too, are frugal. I don't know anything else I can cut back, but I keep looking. We (long ago) cancelled anything extra (like the newspaper). We researched health insurance and cancelled our policy (just dh and I; ds had a separate policy) and switched to a faith-based share group; that helped the most, but not nearly enough. When we are able, we shop for necessities at thrift stores and dollar stores. When we are not able, we do without - mostly we do without. A previous poster commented on the various ways she saved money, including her soups, stews, beans, etc. menu - I totally relate. We do this and even the tiniest left-over is kept for the next meal. We feel squeezed every which way. Added to this is overwhelming medical bills as ds is a two-time cancer survivor. Gas for vehicle and oil for home-heating are eating us alive. We keep the thermostat turned way down and bundle in layers; basically, the thermostat is just high enough to keep the water pipes from freezing. And during the summer, we suffocated rather than turn on the lone window air conditioner and run up the electric bill. We are so thankful for any good thing that comes our way - even finding a penny on the street; afterall, pennies eventually add up to dollars . . . Yesterday, a friend phoned and said she had some extra apples and would we take them. You know I said Yes! Dh is picking them up today (a large box plus another box). We will prepare the apples for canning applesauce. She is also including a head of cabbage, some green peppers, and some beets. I am thankful! This week, I received a two-dollar rebate check. Just two more dollars and I can buy a flat of eggs (thirty eggs) - ds craves eggs and we have been told by the oncologists that this is a very common craving with cancer survivors. Speaking of eggs reminded me that, when I actually get to grocery shop, I literally calculate the cost of items per piece - e.g., the cost per egg, the cost per slice of cheese, the cost per ounce, etc. Even if the savings is only a penny, I get the cheapest item. When I think how hard dh and I have worked over the years and now we have absolutely nothing to show for it, it is sickening. Retirement? Impossible. Jobs in our area and surrounding are non-existent; people are losing jobs and businesses are closing. Me, too. And some things are becoming critical, but no money = no money . . . Frustrating. Scary, too.

This is what makes sense to me, too . . . This is part of what I was wondering - if the buyer pays separately, does that mean he wants separate packaging. And, does he want extra mail asking his preference? So, as long as it is listed as free shipping, then shipping together is okay; but, if shipping fees are listed for each item, then combine shipping charges if mailing together??? That makes sense, and I think is what others have said, too. Tell me if I've misunderstood!!! Thanks everyone!

Here's the set-up to my question: --an eBay seller lists all his items as Free Shipping --the buyer purchases two or more items at one time --the buyer pays, in separate payments, for said purchases --the shipping addresses for buyer are all the same Here are the questions: --should the seller package both (or all) the items together? --should the seller package each item separately, since they were paid for separately? --should the seller contact the buyer and determine whether buyer wants them mailed separately or together? --other? Finally, if the buyer waits for an invoice, should the seller, if packing all items together, offer reduced shipping charges, or a discount in total price, even though the ad says Free Shipping? TIA!

oops....

This week I finished two books: #56 - 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life, by John Kralik. The title says it all. #57 - The Ponder Heart, by Eudora Welty. Down-home humor, mostly about the narrator's eccentric uncle, using some well-turned phrases. Some laugh out-loud moments. Not scintillating, but worth the short amount of time it takes to read this novella. Am about to start: #58 - In the Shadow of the Pulpit: An Anecdotal Autobiography, by Ann and Joel Klein.

Oooooohhhhhh - my mouth is watering! Thank you so much for linking the recipe. :) I will definitely be making this!

Thank you! I'm going to look for this book; request it at the library if necessary. Is it a fairly new copyright? Okay - the bolded part - did you make THREE different crisps - or did you make ONE with all three fruits? If the latter, how about sharing the recipe (if it's not a family secret . . .) :) Thank you! :)

So glad you posted this! I am looking forward to reading Killing Kennedy. My library doesn't have it yet and it will likely be a couple months before they get it . . . :glare: I read Killing Lincoln and wondered if Killing Kennedy would be as good! :) I read this YEARS ago and remember that I enjoyed it quite a lot! There is a sequel, Belles on Their Toes, written by one of the sons. As I recall, it was good, but the first was better. Still worth finishing the story, though . . . Who is the author of the Bonhoeffer book? I recently heard the end of a talk by someone who had written about him. It was quite fascinating, but I missed the author's name. (I was driving and lost the signal).

This week I finished only one book (another slow week . . .): #55 - Leafy Rivers, by Jessamyn West. This is the first book by this author that I have read. Some of her phrasing and descriptions are quite good. The character's tales, set in this early 1880's story, seemed more retrospective, but wasn't hard to follow. Later on today, I'll start a book that I hurriedly and randomly plucked from the library shelves: #56 - 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life, by John Kralik.

This surprises me. Long (LONG :001_smile:) ago, I was told that the key to good meringue is room-temperature egg whites. In fact, the lady who told me said that she puts the egg whites on top of the stove to get the heat from the preheating oven. I've always followed her advice and have never had a problem with meringue whipping up - and fairly fast - a minute - two minutes . . . This also surprised me. I have a penchant for rinsing already clean things off before using them (like spatulas, for example, knives, mixing blades, etc.). You know how hard it is to dry the inside areas of the mixer *blades* . . . Since I've just rinsed in hot water, sometimes I simply shake the blades and start mixing - meringue included - it is not unusual for a drop or two of water to slip in. The meringue whips right up!

Slow week of reading for me . . . I finished: #54 - Back When We Were Grownups, by Anne Tyler. This started rather slowly, then suddenly something *clicked* with the protagonist and it moved along. Predictably, the story made me sad . . . Currently reading an old author who is new to me: #55 - Leafy Rivers, by Jessamyn West. Have barely started this so no real opinion yet. However, some of the description and turn-of-phrase has been a joy to read.

I recently heard something that just simply floored me, especially since, not long after, I learned of (and was presented with the proof) of specific examples where it really is happening. Churches of various denominations are now considering *workers* in the church to be *pastors*. :ohmy: It seems they are taking a more *generic* approach to the term *pastor* and are considering that, if you minister in any way, e.g., teach a Sunday School class, lead worship, etc., that you can, at the senior pastor's discretion, have the title *pastor* follow your name (like on official literature of that local church, e.g.). The ordained ministers have "Reverend" by their name, and these church members/workers have "Pastor". This is just plain wrong to me. Not to mention a lie as well as deceitful. The potential ramifications could be quite serious. Just imagine someone talking to one of these *pastors" thinking that they really are a trained pastor and thinking there is confidentiality, just to find out they aren't. And what about those pastors who truly are trained - who diligently studied and fulfilled the requirements of their denomination. Isn't this a slap in their face? What about Biblical standards? This is almost like saying that the assistants to a lawyer can slap the title *lawyer* beside their name simply because they *practice* law by virtue of assisting the lawyer. If the world understands that people in various professions must have certified training in order to wear the title, why is the church suddenly saying the opposite? When questioned about this, the answer from the hierarchy was that this is the *trend* and that *all the churches* are doing this now. :001_huh: I don't want to start an argument - really, I don't . . . but does this *trend* concern you? And have you heard of this? Is this happening in your church? I am purposely not mentioning any denomination, but to say the least, I am shocked and disappointed.

This week I finished: #52 - Buggies, Blizzards, and Babies, by Cora Frear Hawkins. An enjoyable biography of a doctor from a bygone era, written by his daughter. #53 - Where Yesterday Lives, by Karen Kingsbury. I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a *typical* Kingsbury and in some respects, it was; nonetheless, this was good. Currently reading: #54 - Back When We Were Grownups, by Anne Tyler. Just started this. It seemed to start off slowly with only a stray comment here or there slightly standing out, but then I hit pages 58-59 and something with the main character suddenly *clicked*. I think this book is going to hold my attention now . . and I think it is going to make me sad . . .

I agree with what the others have written, including reporting it to the police. However, I thought I'd chime in anyway with what I did quite a number of years ago when I got crank calls - both the annoying kind and the lewd kind. As a Christian, I interrupted their monologue and began telling them the gospel. With one exception, it worked. The exception was sometimes lewd but predominately a "breather", a constant caller, and always when dh wasn't home, even when his schedule would change with no rhyme or reason. That caller obviously knew when I was alone - we reported it and had our number changed. Before long, we actually learned who that particular caller was; it was a very sad case and it ended badly (for him, by his own choice). Since the internet is too public, I don't want to tell the details. All the other callers stopped when they realized that, not only were they *seemingly* not upsetting me, but they were hearing the gospel message pleasantly presented each and every time.

An IRL friend is thinking about filing for bankruptcy and wanted to know: 1. What is the procedure? 2. Can you pick-and-choose which bills you need relief from? Or, is it a mandatory clean sweep? 3. If you have a mortgage, how does this affect your mortgage? Can you lose your house? In all fairness to the people, they did not run up debt in a reckless way; they were inundated with several serious problems, including medical issues, and they are really struggling. They live on a shoestring budget so there is nothing left to cut. (We've shared ideas for how we cut back, etc.) Their mortgage is dirt cheap, and is considerably lower than paying rent, which is an option they investigated but found it would greatly add to their budget crisis, plus homes in their area are not selling. I have personally seen them do without and not complain. It is such a sad situation. There are no little kids involved. The medical stuff continues. They have talked about bankruptcy but are really concerned about losing their house; they would have nowhere to go (no viable family options). So those were the questions she could think of. Oh, and they're not sure who you talk to in order to start this process or to get information - a lawyer? a CPA? who/what? TIA! I'll forward your help along to her!

Thank you! An excuse - er - reason for chocolate - I LIKE that! :) Just hope the pain clears up soon - so annoying . . . Ice didn't occur to me, and the heating pad just sounded WAY too hot given the hot weather - but it's supposed to be a little cooler tomorrow, so I will do this. Thank you. :)

pulled muscle - any ideas for relief? tia.

This week I finished: #50 - Jacob's Ladder, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. #51 - That Quail, Robert, by Margaret A. Stanger. This was one of the most delightfully enjoyable, heartwarming books I've read in awhile! Currently reading: #52 - Buggies, Blizzards, and Babies, by Cora Frear Hawkins. Written by the daughter of a late-1800's doctor in Iowa. Pleasant reading; some historical, medical tidbits included. Glad I stumbled upon it. I'll finish #52 later today, then will start a novel by either Karen Kingsbury, Anne Tyler, or Jessamyn West. I was in a super hurry when I stopped by the library and the only name I could think of was Tyler, so I grabbed one of her books at random. On my way to Tyler, Jessamyn West caught my eye. I've never read her, so I took the *culprit* that first caught my attention! (Kingsbury is an old book that's been in my stack to read for some time).

This week I finished: #48 - Redemption, by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley. Typical Kingsbury. Not really any surprises. #49 - The Brushstroke Legacy, by Lauraine Snelling. Typical Snelling. No surprises here, either. Currently reading: #50 - Jacob's Ladder, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Reads quickly. Descriptions well-done. Writing in dialect enhances the story and is not difficult to follow.

Yes, that would have been fun to hear her read her own writing! I was surprised to find that I have a few minor things in common with her - pretty handwriting (so I'm told); enjoying my own company (being alone doesn't bother me; while some people are comfortable in their own skin, I am more comfortable in my own mind :D); piled-up stacks because I, too, love to write; the realization that I had better start paring some of those stacks down (tomorrow!). I just had to grin as I read those things. And that's about where the similarities end! I was stunned to learn about Bruce (is that what she named the pen that you can talk to, then plug it into your computer and it will transcribe the notes)? Wow! Who knew! I mentioned it, all a-flutter and excited, to dh . . . he already knew about these pens. WHAT??? He KNEW? And he didn't tell me?! He asked whatever I would want or need one of those for? Sputter-sputter-spurt-spurt! I tried to tell him, to help him understand what an incredible thing this would be for me to have. I don't think he gets it . . . And to think, I had to learn about it in 90-year-old Betty White's book! Fluff, yes. Enjoyable fluff? Of course!

:iagree: :) This week, I finished: #46 - Songbird, by Lisa Samson. It was okay. Some loose threads at the end. Overall - just okay . . . #47 - If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't), by Betty White. Quick; easy; fluff. But if you grew up seeing Betty White on Password or Mary Tyler Moore or even later on Golden Girls, it's a nice read - quick-easy-fluff . . . Currently reading: #48 - Redemption, by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley. I've read a few of her books in years past and I know they're quick, easy. What I did NOT want was a series. Not till I started this book did I realize it is part of a series - AND that the characters sounded familiar - I have apparently read other books with these same characters, but a check of my book list over the past few years does not show any of the titles listed in this particular series. Oh well . . .