oopsie daisy...i said that?: Rest in peace, Jimmy Dean.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Rest in peace, Jimmy Dean.

You made breakfast nicer for many of us, too.

205 comments:

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KaytieJ said...: Yes he did :-( RIP Jimmy Dean, Oh Jimmy Dean.

AP - WOW! That one bedroom is adorable. I'm lovin' this idea more. If we get too feeble to run a boat, we may just be neighbors! I get exactly what you are meaning about traveling the world and experiencing different cultures and yet returning to your own home at night.

My arm is sore - son got a free mitt at a baseball game. NOW he wants to learn how to use one @@; June 14, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Kaytie - Here's a summary of the results of the elections:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10303179.stm

Basically, Wallonia went left-wing and Flanders went (extreme) right-wing. This is the worst case scenario.

AP - My worst fear, right now, is not so much the possibility of Belgium splitting (the risk is very real) but rather the economical instability which might arise.

First and foremost, the socialists are unfit to take appropriate economical decisions.
As most countries, Belgium is going through a crisis which hit hard in 2008 but is far, very far, from being over. We need to take austerity measures. That means cutting down the number of people working in public services, reduce public expenditure, increase the tax rate.

The socialists have been known to increase public expenditure, increase the amount of people working in public services. They do increase taxes but mostly for people with higher salaries (which imo is unfair but whatever) and spend the monies instead of stabilizing public finances.
Belgium is one of the countries where people can remain unemployed for their *entire life, yet still get monthly unemployement money. That is NOT okay. I agree that there needs to be a system that allows people to get unemployement when they lose their job but that should be a temporary thing - like a year or two - but that *cannot go on for 20-30 years.
Belgium just celebrated its first unemployed retiree - the guy never worked in his whole life yet will still get retirement (retirees in Belgium get monthly payments funded by the state and thus working people). It is appalling.

We need to reform social security because it's heading towards bankruptcy right now. The catch is that socialists will NOT reform it. The vast majority of its electorate is constituted of people from lower class, lower middle class and people working in public services. You can see why they won't change the system, because they'd lose many voters.

The situation of Brussels is also tricky. Brussels is in Flanders yet 85% of its population is French-speaking. That causes a lot of tension and frustration. 56% of people who work in Brussels do not live there and thus do not pay their taxes to Brussels but to either Wallonia or Flanders. That is unfair. Taxes should be paid to the region where you make a living. Brussels is in dire need of re-financing but neither the NVA nor the PS wants that to happen. The PS because Brussels is traditionally liberal and does not vote for socialists, the NVA because it wants to "kill" the last thing that holds Belgium together.

So, yes, the future of Belgium looks very bleak. I hope I am mistaken but I do think my concerns have a real chance of coming true. Unfortunately.; June 14, 2010 at 6:23 AM
Margo said...: I need to go back and read more on Brussels politics - very complicated. I often have a doom and gloom feeling about the way things are going in the US too - I hope we're wrong.

I could easily live on The World. I think Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II has permanent residents now too. We came back from England once on the QE2 - she's a great old ship.; June 14, 2010 at 8:21 AM
Deb said...: Good morning ladies!

Corinne - I'm sorry about the elections. It is awfully confusing though! Come live in the US with us!

Jill - Bicyclists shave their legs - maybe he rides? At any rate, it is still a funny visual, with the wallet chain and all!; June 14, 2010 at 8:51 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Good morning, all!; June 14, 2010 at 9:42 AM
Muliebrity said...: Good morning!; June 14, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Margo said...: Good morning!

I've got a fro today!; June 14, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Relevant to nothing except men with shaved legs, I once dated a guy who raced bicycles and he shaved. For my old rancher dad, a "man" who shaved his legs, compiled with the fact that he was ... gasp ... *Catholic? Almost more than he could bear! lol.; June 14, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Sandy said...: Good Morning!

Sorry about the fro Margaret. I've got extreme poofiness if that helps any.; June 14, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi all!

Deb - I am *so going to move to the US! ;-)
The politics of Belgium is beyond confusing, even for Belgians ;-)

Margaret - I take it that the air is very humid?

As far as the US is concerned, there are a lot of rumors about the repeated attacks on the euro being a rehearsal for potential attacks on the dollar. What is going on with the European money is already a very negative thing for the US (lower euro means higher European exportations, which in turn means lower American exportations, just when the US was counting on exportations to stabilize its financial situation.) but I really fear another world economical crisis is right around the corner. The fact that credit card debts are so high in the US isn't helping either.
I think another economical crisis in the US when the first one is still going strong could cause many, many political issues.

The world has gone mad.; June 14, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Deb said...: Corinne - Yeah, I guess it's not great anywhere really.; June 14, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Anonymous said...: Deb - Agree. I think the lobbyists are just too powerful and there's really not much the governments can do.

I heard that BP might go bankrupt and, I know that the Mexican Gulf oil slick is a tragedy for the people, the fauna & the flora of that area, but half of British pensions depend on BP so the consequences could be much, much worse.; June 14, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Margo said...: Mulie - I'm glad you are not doing the census anymore. A census worker is Baltimore was killed dropping off other census workers. The article said "Since the census began making follow-up house calls in late April, there have been 252 incidents in which census workers have been harmed or threatened. That includes 11 times when shots were fired at them, and 86 times when they were threatened with weapons such as guns, axes and crossbows". What's the big deal, you get the census, fill it out - who needs a crossbow!; June 14, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Deb said...: I just put pics of Lauren with her hair cut experience on my blog. Also, note the soccer jersey in the last pic, from Mark's trip to Europe last week!

Corinne - I can't even discuss the oil spill anymore, honestly. It is criminal at the least. I am so bitter at BP right now I can only wish they don't make another dime until they clean their mess up...and they *still have not contained the spill.

Hurricane season is active, there is a depression in the Gulf of Mexico right now, and the Atlantic is showing signs of developing storms.

It is going to get worse before it gets better.; June 14, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Deb - I *love the blog post about Lauren. I am sure you are, and rightfully so, so proud of her! :*); June 14, 2010 at 11:50 AM
Anonymous said...: Deb - I just don't understand how no one ever thought this might happen and had a plan to stop the oil spill.
It's appalling. The oil slick will likely affect European coasts too - and frankly, I'm not too surprised because of the amount of oil that is now in the Ocean. It's just heartbreaking.

I remember that 10 or so years ago an oil tanker sank close to the coast of Brittany and an oil slick ensued. It took *years for things to get back to normal and the volume of oil was not even a tenth of that in the Mexican Gulf.

I can only imagine what is going to happen.

On TV the other day, they said that if they could not remove the dolphins from the affected area, the dolphins would die. It was just so sad. I can't even look at pictures of birds covered in oil. :(; June 14, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Muliebrity said...: My 17 y/o niece has been here "helping" me and today I had to take baby to the doc. I come home to find Logan has locked himself in my room and is covered in pee and Hunter is routing around in the pantry and came out w/ a stale bag of oyster crackers, while she is sitting on the couch wrapped in a blanket. I am sending her butt home!; June 14, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Mulie - I had a similar experience with my SIL who was 16 or 17 "helping" me. Except she let Katie roll off the changing table at roughly 6 weeks of age. So yeah.; June 14, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Muliebrity said...: She has been staying here for about 2 weeks and volunteered herself for the Summer. She tried to convince us to let her go home this past weekend, because she was sick of the little boys, but Matt made an appointment for her to see a recruiter this week and we are not letting that slide. We are driving. It annoys me that she is "sick of the boys" because let's see, I was in the hosp for 4 days longer than I expected to be, their dad was gone for 3 days and they were w/ a grandma they see every couple of months, and they have a new baby in the house. They weren't being horrible, they just required more attention then having a caretaker who enjoys sitting on the couch after she gets up at 10 am.; June 14, 2010 at 1:45 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Well, my hackles would be raised if anyone *ever said they were sick of my kids, living in my home.; June 14, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Disclaimer: *I might say I'm sick of 'em, but I birthed the little buggers.... :-); June 14, 2010 at 1:48 PM
KaytieJ said...: Corinne - Thank you for your explanations on the Belgian politics. I am so sorry it is going that way since with the economy not doing well in so many countries, now is the time everyone needs team work, not division. Hope your studying is going well.

Mulie - What a disappointment and PITA :-(

Robin - Glad you are feeling better.; June 14, 2010 at 6:09 PM
KaytieJ said...: Margaret - I agree strongly that we should live on the World :-D Wow! You sailed the QE2! Please tell me it was fabulous. Did you have to dress formal for the dinners?; June 14, 2010 at 6:12 PM
Sandy said...: Hello?? {{{ECHO}}} Anyone home?; June 14, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Muliebrity said...: I had such a great afternoon with my boys! I bought a bunch of those homeschool/study workbooks at Borders on Sat and my 4 year old worked on pages for almost 2 and a half hours. I got a burst of energy and did several loads of laundry, cut up a giant watermelon, cleaned my kitchen, and cooked dinner, plus pulled some weeds in the garden. My uterus feels like it's going to fall out though.; June 14, 2010 at 10:44 PM
PJ said...: Duct tape, Mulie!; June 15, 2010 at 12:42 AM
Margo said...: The QE2 was fab, formal and lovely. My dad came to America on the old Queen Mary - it was especially poignant sailing into NY harbor and thinking about my grandparents and father starting their new life. I can't even imagine what the new Queen Victoria, Mary 2 and Elizabeth are like.; June 15, 2010 at 8:26 AM
Deb said...: Good morning! E-gads, it's been quiet here.

AP - are you okay? Check in, check in!

Mulie - sorry to hear about your lazy summer help, but I don't think you need help like that!

I've never been on a cruise ship, for some reason it's just not something I want to do, yet.; June 15, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Lisa said...: 'Morning, everyone. I think I slept 10 hours, which I never do. Hope everyone is well and hope Mulie's uterus isn't laying on a highway somewhere.

It's 8:30 here and 93 degrees, per my weather station monitor. That's actual temp, not heat index. Oh, yeah, today ought to be just dandy.

Deb, I'm fine...just sort of stressed out and I guess it made me tired. I've never been on a cruise either. They scare me a little, which is probably why I want to go on a permanent one so badly. How are you?; June 15, 2010 at 8:39 AM
Deb said...: AP - stress....what's stress??!! :)
I hope you are feeling better, and sometimes our bodies just make us stop and shut down for a bit. I would *love 10 hours of sleep!

Seeds received, thank you so much!; June 15, 2010 at 8:47 AM
Margo said...: What's stressing you AP - besides the weather?
I saw the weather map on the Today show - it's HOT, HOT, HOT in the south!

Lot's of people falling off cruise ships lately - not sure what that's all about.; June 15, 2010 at 8:47 AM
Deb said...: Drunken cruisers, probably.; June 15, 2010 at 8:53 AM
Deb said...: Margaret - your Census worker story? It had not hit the Balto news until last night, now it's a big story. They are saying though that he was on his way home from dropping a co-worker off at their house, so it wasn't related to his being a census worker, fortunately.

Corinne - 5.7 mag. earthquake 70 miles east of San Diego last night!; June 15, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Lisa said...: Oh, yay, I'm glad they got there, Deb! Yeah, I'd been running on 3-4 hours for a couple of weeks and I think it just caught up with me. I'm glad you're a stranger to stress. :-D

Margaret, yep, they get drunk. It's Spring Break Balcony Syndrome on a more adult scale, I think. And my son is stressing me out, although he doesn't mean to be. He's a sweetheart. He's just determined to move to Ohio in late summer, though, and while my logical head knows it's nothing personal toward me and that this is actually a very good thing for him to do if he makes the most of it (that part is slightly doubtful, knowing his lazy self), the mom part of me, my heart, doesn't want my baby to go and is having some trouble dealing with it. So, basically, it's nothing that every mom doesn't go through at some point. It'll be fine.; June 15, 2010 at 9:02 AM
Lisa said...: "Corinne - 5.7 mag. earthquake 70 miles east of San Diego last night!"

There was one the night before, too. Are we sure it's not the same one being reported late? If not, they had two!; June 15, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Deb said...: Looks like it was an additional earthquake according to USGS:

http://tiny.cc/2s3xk; June 15, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Lisa said...: The same night of the first one, they had a big one off the coast of India and in Japan, too. 2012 is coming, I'm telling y'all...; June 15, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Deb said...: AP - as long as it doesn't happen while we are in CA this summer! My sister in law actually lives in a tsunami area. Once last year they had to evacuate due to tsunami warning.

Sorry to hear about the boy potentially moving out. Is he going there with friends, or setting out on his own? Your his mom, and you will always *always worry, even if he's 50 years old!; June 15, 2010 at 9:22 AM
Sandy said...: Good Morning Ladies.

AP sorry you're stressed!

Cruises are fun but a cesspool of germs. I got very sick on my honeymoon (should I have considrered that a sign) with some kind of respitory issue.; June 15, 2010 at 9:31 AM
Margo said...: Bless your mama heart AP! Hannah announced the other day that she's going to live with us even when she has a family of her own. I'm ok with that.

I'll be really mad if the world does end and 2012 and I've been foolish enough to save for retirement, college :); June 15, 2010 at 9:34 AM
Deb said...: Sandy - I think that is what eeks my out about cruises, too many people. When I'm on vacation, I like to spend as little time I can with society.
Just sand, waves, good food and drink!; June 15, 2010 at 9:45 AM
Sandy said...: Deb, I had never been that sick *that fast before. I really enjoyed myself under the circumstances.

The only thing I didn't like was the "formal" dinner every single night. Of course you didn't have to go but then the people sitting at your table looked at you like you had four heads when you did show up.; June 15, 2010 at 9:58 AM
Deb said...: Sandy - yeah - the formal dinners? No thank you. Tank tops and flip flops, please!; June 15, 2010 at 10:10 AM
PJ said...: Morning Sandy, Deb, AP, Margaret.; June 15, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Sandy said...: That's how I roll too Deb. Be back in a bit. Taking C to school.; June 15, 2010 at 10:11 AM
PJ said...: Cruise - not for me - too "manufactured".

Sending good vibes for C.; June 15, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Deb said...: Morning CK!; June 15, 2010 at 10:14 AM
PJ said...: Dentist yesterday -
Three old silver fillings replaced, one new one, and a chipped too bonded.

Last few times there for root canal(s) and crowns, I watched music videos of Harry Connick Jr, James Taylor, Bon Jovi. Very pleasing to the eyes and ears.

This time, Norah Jones. Boring.; June 15, 2010 at 10:15 AM
PJ said...: too = tooth; June 15, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Lisa said...: Deb, he's moving there to live with his best friend, who already loves there and is from there. I'm iffy about this kid...don't love him, don't hate him...but he and Jake get on well and have for years now. He actually lived with us here for a few months a couple of years ago, before I kicked his ass out. He's odd, moody, but somehow Jake isn't bothered by it. He's got Jake a good job lined up up there, paying what many degreed jobs pay here, plus he can go to college as easily there as here, so...yeah. Considering there is *no* future for him in this god-awful place and it's about to get even more hopeless here, I understand and know it's a good choice. I just can't imagine not seeing him at least every few weeks or so, you know. :*-( Ah, well. It's just part of life.; June 15, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Lisa said...: *Lives there, not loves there...lol.; June 15, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Muliebrity said...: I love cruises! Unpack once, food, food, food, and we have been very anti-social with out a problem.; June 15, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Lisa said...: Morning, CK!

Anyone had good dinner plans? I was going to crockpot something - too hot to fire the oven up - but now I'm thinking salad and cold shrimp might be a better idea. Or sushi.; June 15, 2010 at 10:21 AM
PJ said...: AP - hugs for the adult child stuff.; June 15, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Lisa said...: Thanks, CK, I'll be okay. Like with anything else, once it's done, you adjust and I know I will. He knows he can say the word and I'll get him back home if it doesn't work out.; June 15, 2010 at 10:32 AM
PJ said...: No idea what's for dinner. Some very small serving of something.; June 15, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Lisa said...: Awww, CK, that was sad just to read. Is it getting any better?; June 15, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Deb said...: AP - there's always a light on at home, right?

No ideas for dinner, it's going to be something very easy because I'm getting a haircut tonight and won't have much time.; June 15, 2010 at 10:41 AM
PJ said...: It's getting a little bit better, AP. I damn well better lose weight.

And I can certainly see why I'd been gaining this past year.; June 15, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Lisa said...: The first week should be the worst and you're halfway through it, right? You're doing good!

I, for the record, did not have a single coke yesterday. I'm kind of proud of myself.; June 15, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Deb said...: "I, for the record, did not have a single coke yesterday. I'm kind of proud of myself."

Maybe that is why you slept for 10 hours!

CK - keep up the good work - you can do it!; June 15, 2010 at 10:51 AM
PJ said...: Go, AP!; June 15, 2010 at 10:52 AM
PJ said...: Thanks for the encouragement. It helps and I appreciate it.; June 15, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Robin in Montana said...: AP - Sorry about your feeling Mom hurt over Jake. :( Good for you on the no Coke, though!

CK - You are good, way more willpower than me! I have a couple of friends who have lost in excess of 60 pounds on WW, and I know it works, it's just a slow go. Which is healtier for your body, anyway, but bad for 'instant gratification' people like me. (eyeroll.)

We're having tacos (hard shell) here tonight because I feel like crap still and that's easy. Kelly will make it all, anyway, and clean it up, bcause I'm spoiled that way, but still easy seems better.; June 15, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Deb said...: RiM - I hope you start feeling better soon - it's been too long.; June 15, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Deb- yes, it has. And I know I've been whining a lot - I'm attempting to shut it about all that.; June 15, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Deb said...: I wasn't saying it's been too long of your whining, rather it's worrisome that you've felt like that so long!; June 15, 2010 at 11:48 AM
KaytieJ said...: CK - You can do it!

AP - I know in your heart you want him to have his wings, but oh boy! That first step out is a stressor. I just got home from work - so bear the time warp differential hug with a roll of the eyes -
((((((())))))); June 15, 2010 at 11:49 AM
KaytieJ said...: Robin - Hugs to you as well!; June 15, 2010 at 11:53 AM
Lisa said...: I'll take hugs. And thanks. :-)

Robin, are you still feeling better as the day rolls on?

I need to get my ass in gear here. Need to go get shrimp, take Jake back to the eye doctor, take him to the SS office since he's lost his card...again. I hate government offices. My lawn guys are finally coming later today to trim my trees since we've got storms brewing and one is looking at Florida with an evil look in its eye. All I really want to do is to kick back with a book and a diet Mt. Dew.; June 15, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Deb- I definitely didn't take you to say I've been whining a lot, just trying to be cognizant of the fact that not everyone wants to know I'm tired, don't feel good, blah, blah, blah, every single day, you know? I know I get tired if I have someone doing that to me, so ...

I want shrimp.; June 15, 2010 at 12:14 PM
Robin in Montana said...: AP - I've been seeing storms headed your way. Batten down, ma'am!; June 15, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Lisa said...: Robin, there's just so much I can do right now! What I really need to do is stop grocery shopping for awhile and use what I have in the freezers. I hate losing a lot of good stuff, you know? I'd be thankful for some big-ass thunderstorms, though. The heat index is 115 and climbing, with no rain in sight. That? Sucks hard.; June 15, 2010 at 12:21 PM
Lisa said...: 93.1 °F
Haze
Humidity: 68%
Dew Point: 81 °F
Wind: 0.0 mph from the NE
Wind Gust: 3.0 mph
Pressure: 30.00 in (Falling)
Heat Index: 115 °F

I know you're all jealous.; June 15, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Oh yes. How I'd love some nice good high humidity. Heh. I'd like to see one of your storms, but that humidity crap is for the birds.; June 15, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Lisa said...: The storms are beautiful. We're the lightning capital of the US and I think the world, except there was some talk about Rwanda having more. We have actual lightning storms that are just amazing to see.; June 15, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Lisa said...: 116 now, heat index. I probably ought to go get that shrimp and stuff before we explode.; June 15, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Robin in Montana said...: I love lightning. I am looking forward to the lighting and thunder storms now that I live more on the prairie with the mountains all around. Should be beautiful.; June 15, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Lisa said...: Oh, gosh, that would be! Are fires a big danger there?; June 15, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Robin in Montana said...: In the mountains, yes. Not out where I live, so much because it's just grass. If we have a bad fire season, which they are predicting, I will get inundated with smoke as it filters and sucks down into the valley, though.; June 15, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Robin in Montana said...: :::still rattling on:::

But fires in the mountains mean great morel mushroom hunting the next year, so .. it's not all bad.; June 15, 2010 at 12:38 PM
Lisa said...: Mushrooms like the aftermath of fire? Why? God, that much smoke will kill your allergies.

Also, there's a yacht club about 15 miles north of me. Heat index there? 135. I shouldn't bitch.; June 15, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Robin in Montana said...: For some reason morels grow (here, anyway) only in the aftermath of a fire. For a couple years, then no more. I know in other areas of the state, and in other areas in the US they grow along river beds and more "normal" mushroom places, but that's where they are here. I love those dumb things.

Heat index of 135? I can't even imagine.; June 15, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Margo said...: RiM - when you went to the doctor did they swab you for the flu? I've gotten the flu in the spring/summer twice. Weirdest thing because nobody that I knew was sick. It will make you really tired and those horrid aches. It sucks to be sick :(; June 15, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Margaret - he did not swab me. Seemed to think since it kept coming and going and that no one else here is sick that it wasn't flu.; June 15, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Robin in Montana said...: I actually feel about halfway human right at the moment. ::knock on wood::; June 15, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Sandy said...: AP, The humidity in FL is the reason I will never visit the MIL there. Where I'm at, we've been know to have dew points in the mid-70's. But we always know that there will eventually be some relief.

RiM, I'm glad you're feeling better.

I survived grocery shopping with the kids. Now I need to figure out how to use my vacuum seal thingy. I can never make bags and if I do get one to work, it unseals :-(

Also, AP, I have been reading that we may be having a "double dip recession". What is your take on this? Just curious.; June 15, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi all!

Deb - I heard of the earthquake East of San Diego. This is something I am *not telling my mom. She'd get paranoid. ;-)

Margaret - Don't worry about 2012, they apparently did the conversion wrong and it should be 200 years from now. And, well, we'll all be dead by then anyways! :-D

AP - I'm sorry you're sad about the possibility of Jake moving to Ohio :(
And the humidity in FL? Does not sound good. I think I could do the heat but definitely not the humidity!; June 15, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Sandy - not that you asked me ;) - but I pretty much agree we're going through W-shaped recession. After the banking crisis, things got a *little better but it's all going to hell again with the speculation on Euro which is affecting both European and American economies. Not to mention that the job market has never really recovered. Credit card debt is *rising, too, which is not helping.; June 15, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Sandy said...: Corinne, I always love your input. I just worried about the cost of everything going back up again. It has come down some here. This too is why I want my own working farm.; June 15, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Sandy - That is going to sound *bad but as long as the job market is in the pits, there will be a period of deflation. Once the job market picks up, inflation will start again. In economy, the rule is that it's impossible to fight both unemployement and inflation. That is why price remain quite low right now (compared to what they were pre-crisis).; June 15, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Lisa said...: "Also, AP, I have been reading that we may be having a "double dip recession". What is your take on this? Just curious."

Well, for one thing, I don't think it's being accurately portrayed. The upswings are denoting, among other things, raises in employment but you can't just look at how many lost jobs are replaced. You have to consider if they're being replaced with jobs with fairly equal pay or not and many, many are not. Also, were they formerly full time and now re-employed as part time? The stats released by our government don't reflect these things, yet they matter drastically in order to get an accurate portrayal. That's just one example. I think, using Corinne's W picture, that the reality of it is that it's going to be a VVVVVV situation, but with every new peak not being as high as the last one and every dip being deeper than the last one. Effectively, it will feel like improvement each time but we're actually taking 2 steps back for every forward one we just took. I firmly believe we're headed for another Depression within the next 5 years.; June 15, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Sandy said...: I absolutely agree with you AP. Should I start hoarding canned beans?; June 15, 2010 at 3:25 PM
Lisa said...: Sandy, they have a life span. I'd hoard dry ones, instead. I honestly do believe that people need to be preparing now, as in getting homes refinanced at as low an interest rate as they can get and with the focus being on paying homes off as quickly as possible. Money put to vacations and extras should be, instead, set aside for living expenses or doubling up on some house payments. Basically, I think now is the time to focus on maintaining a roof over your family's heads and food in their stomachs long-term in preparation for loss of employment and/or higher costs of living. It may sound paranoid but I'll bet there were millions of people during the Depression who wished they'd been paranoid like that.; June 15, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Lisa said...: I killed it with my gloom and doom.; June 15, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Deb said...: You killed it with that dewpoint reading of 81 - gah!

Way, way out in the Atlantic, keep your eyes peeled, a little somethin' somethin' brewing out there!; June 15, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Margo said...: Did you see today when someone passed out giving testimony to congress. A few photographers jumped in to get photographs. SICK BASTARDS. They should be ban from the Capitol!; June 15, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Unfortunately, we (generic) keep those kind of people in business, because we (again, generic) *pay for and want to see that kind of stuff.; June 15, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Sandy said...: I will be hoarding beans, LOL. I am so not kidding when I say I want a sustainable farm. It is so my goal in life.; June 15, 2010 at 5:03 PM
Deb said...: Margaret - photographers are hyenas!; June 15, 2010 at 5:35 PM
twirldawg said...: It is finally pouring down outside.
The "feels like" temp today was 105.
The kiddie pool felt like the bath tub.

So last week a truck deal fell through. My husband was plugging away at plans B, C, and D. His mother refused to help us and no one else could. He even called his old job and was going to go back tomorrow when this morning he got a message that they got a truck for him.
I can't describe the feeling of relief.

So now I have to diet and exercise...I promised myself I would when he went back to work.; June 15, 2010 at 6:25 PM
Erin said...: Hey girlies! I just (well...Sunday night) got back from a much needed trip to the beach. Flip flops and Daisy clothes all week. Sand on my feet, in the bed, in the car. Back to the real world though. :(

Having our original upstairs bathroom redone, and now have plaster dust on my feet, in my bed and everywhere else. Not quite as good as sand.; June 15, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Muliebrity said...: That is awesome news, Jill! I had been thinking about you guys. Will they continue to have a truck for him? I would had to see him get screwed around.; June 16, 2010 at 12:06 AM
Muliebrity said...: Blackmail photos. http://smithfamilyfollies.blogspot.com/2010/06/blackmail-photos.html; June 16, 2010 at 12:19 AM
Lisa said...: Jill, that is *wonderful* news - I'm so relieved and happy for y'all!

Mulie, he's going to hate you for those. They're awesome!

Ehhh, I'm lazy and going to leave this post up another day.; June 16, 2010 at 12:29 AM
Muliebrity said...: He looked so cute in that damn bow! lol He was so proud too! He just doesn't know what to do with himself. I've created a middle child and don't know what to do with him! My poor baby boy!; June 16, 2010 at 12:57 AM
Lisa said...: Mulie, middle children are always the odd ones in the family (in a good way). And it's completely your fault. ;-) He really did look cute, I have to say.; June 16, 2010 at 1:54 AM
twirldawg said...: Morning.

Mulie those pictures are too cute.
I posted a blackmail picture on Facebook last night (R in undawears and a bucket on his head) They make life interesting huh?

Thanks for the thoughts and support. You ladies are pretty great :); June 16, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Margo said...: Jill - I'm SO happy for you - what a relief!

Mulie - little Mulie boy is too cute! Definetly one to bring out when he's a teenager.; June 16, 2010 at 8:44 AM
PJ said...: Jill,
Great news!

Mulie - love the pictures. Even with the bow on his head he's gonna break some hearts in the future.

Morning Margaret!; June 16, 2010 at 9:06 AM
Sandy said...: Ladies...Top O the Morning to ya!!

Need to get C off to school. She's in a mood so this should be fun.; June 16, 2010 at 9:14 AM
Robin in Montana said...: G' morning, all! :); June 16, 2010 at 9:37 AM
PJ said...: Hi Robin & Sandy! How are you today?; June 16, 2010 at 9:42 AM
Robin in Montana said...: Good morning, CK! I am feeling positively human today. Went to the gym and everything. Am down 4 pounds, so you can't knock being sick for that. lol.; June 16, 2010 at 9:48 AM
PJ said...: That's where I'm headed now, RiM.

Nice loss, but a lousy way to lose.

Glad you're feeling human.

Back later.....; June 16, 2010 at 9:51 AM
Sandy said...: I'm good RiM. Wishing we had year round school. ::not realy though::

B is the troublemaker. He *knows what buttons to push with C and enjoys doing so.; June 16, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Robin in Montana said...: I hear you on the kid thing, Sandy. Mine are both still asleep, but I fear today is going to be a wild one. Weather is *awful out, raining and cold, so they can't go out to play. Both have played with or stayed the night at friends' houses the last two days, and they're going to be bouncing off the walls with boredom here. Which translates to fighting. Yay!; June 16, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Sandy said...: Back from kid drop off. I wish they were having this at her school. But C's school is under construction. Next month I'll be driving between 2 different schools. Fun times but all well worth it in the end.; June 16, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Lisa said...: Hi, all! Nothing to add but just wanted to say good morning. :-); June 16, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Sandy said...: Morning AP.; June 16, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Sandy said...: Every time I see the RIP Jimmy Dean, it makes me want sausage patties really bad :); June 16, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey everyone!

RiM - I'm glad you're finally feeling human again! :); June 16, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Sandy said...: Morning Corinne! Or is that afternoon to you?; June 16, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Anonymous said...: Sandy - Late afternoon here :) It's 5.05 pm :); June 16, 2010 at 11:05 AM
KaytieJ said...: Morning all!

Jill - Wonderful news!

Sandy - Hope C's school and teacher(s) are supportive.

Robin - Glad to hear you are back to feeling up to par and hope it stays that way for you.

Margaret - After working all night and no break - those Jimmy Dean sausages sound so darn good!

Mulie - Your middle child is adorable!

AP - Just thinking of that heat gives me chills. Thank goodness you now have a/c!; June 16, 2010 at 11:19 AM
KaytieJ said...: Ooops! Sandy, sorry, you were the one mentioning sausages :-D; June 16, 2010 at 11:21 AM
PJ said...: sausages?; June 16, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Sausage makes me want that breakfst pizza ... yum.

Which neither I nor CK can have, so let's just talk about something else.; June 16, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Anonymous said...: I've been wanting to comment about the economical "debate" of yesterday but I wanted to take time to think about what I wanted to say.

Anyways. Here goes:

I highly doubt we’ll sink into depression. I know things are not going well at all right now but some of the most important contributing factors of depression are not present, thankfully.

When there is an economical crisis, things always look very bleak at first – and, let’s face it, we’re only at the beginning of this crisis. Right now, the job market is failing but it is somewhat counteracted by the deflation that is going on. W-shaped recessions can be long and hard on everyone but, if you look at economical cycles, it is far from being the first time we’re facing these issues.

If people start retreating into some sort of economical shelter and stop acting as consumers, then I can guarantee you, we will make this recession worse. We will freeze the economy and it will take decades for it to pick up. I know it’s scary as hell right now and people should certainly be cautious. However, being cautious doesn’t mean acting irrationally. Paying off your home should always be a goal, even when the market is flourishing; buying large amounts of food because you *think there *might be a depression ahead makes little sense in the grand scheme of things. Another important, pro-active thing you could do is make sure your savings are split between different banks – but that should be the case even in times when all is well with the economy – because some banks may be headed towards bankruptcy.

What caused the crisis is the irrationality of the stock market. It’s what created and burst the housing bubble, it’s what’s causing the euro value to sink, it is what will cause the dollar value to sink in a near future. Never forget that the reality of Wall Street is dramatically different from ours. When some stock actions sink to new lows and companies have to restructure, there are people making millions off of that.

AP, I know you would like less/no regulation of the market. Alas, that would only work in a perfect market and those only exist for the sole purpose of experiments in economy labs. If Wall Street is not regulated A.S.A.P., you can trust me that things *will get worse. They have allowed too much speculation and it’s gotten out of control.

The American market is one of the less regulated in the world and it is the one facing and creating the biggest issues. Germany has forbidden short selling until further notice and France is considering doing the same. I believe that it was a very wise decision.; June 16, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Lisa said...: Good deal alert on magazines...I just ordered National Geo. and while it showed initially as $15 (still a good deal), it changed to $10 in my cart as I checked out. Here's the link to the page with details.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2080942; June 16, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Lisa said...: Corinne, I disagree about less regulation only working in a perfect world. What you say doesn't take into consideration mindsets and attitudes...I daresay the mindset of a typical American small business owner is far different than that of a typical Belgian small business owner, simply by virtue of upbringing and culture. Small business are the backbone of the US, not large corporations, and the more you regulate small business owners, they more they *will rebel. They'll raise prices, they'll lower standards, they'll do whatever they have to do to keep their bottom line profit from dropping and failing that, they will simply close up shop. You *must* take culture and cultural attitudes into account in these things, which you aren't doing concerning the US, imo. Rather than regulating, a far better approach here (can't and won't speak for Europe since I don't know) would be to *not regulate but rather, to reward those who do what the government would like to see regulated voluntarily. Instead of forcing, say, Candy Company to give jellybeans to everyone who walks in the door, which will cut into their profit, instead tell them that if they do pass those jellybeans out, they'll be rewarded with a tax break to cover the difference. If you force them to do it, they will but they will raise prices and cut back employees and benefits in order to keep that bottom line the same. The minute they can't do *that, they'll leave. We've seen it happen over and over and with big companies, too. State Farm is a good example. NY and NJ, years ago, tried regulating them. State Farm left those states, something NY and NJ never anticipated. Florida and the Gulf Coast states tried regulating them concerning homeowners insurance. SF allowed it to happen until they got tired of it, then announced they were just going to leave. I know FL panicked and passed new laws forcing them to stay x amount of time. So, ST simply raised rates. Florida refused to let them do so. So, they just discontinued certain services to their clients without lowering rates. In the end, SF won and Florida is going to let them go. I've owned several businesses, one of which was regulated by both the state and federal governments and I can guarantee you this is the mindset of most businesses here and what they'll do when faced with government regulation. That's something I don't think books teach much about, do they?; June 16, 2010 at 3:59 PM
Lisa said...: I opened my Twitter for the first time in forever and found a message from Elisabeth, asking me or Mulie to let y'all know their computer is dead and it's too hard to check the blog from a phone. A friend should be able to fix it for them but in the meantime, she sends their hi's!; June 16, 2010 at 4:44 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Huh.; June 16, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Lisa said...: Is something stuck, Robin?; June 16, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Robin in Montana said...: Nope. :-) Just found the complete lack of any kind of communication, be it this blog, email, text, phone call, whatever, so abruptly, with *anyone to be odd, after so much has been done to help, that's all. I could be misjudging entirely, though. :shrug:; June 16, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Lisa said...: Ah, I see. Well, that's true. Had I not made my semi-annual Twitter check, we'd have not known.; June 16, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Robin in Montana said...: LOL. True, true. I tend to be a judgemental bitch. Don't mind me. :-D; June 16, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Lisa said...: What if I want to mind you?

Wait, that sounded wrong...lol.; June 16, 2010 at 5:39 PM
Robin in Montana said...: I'm thinking on that one ... lol.; June 16, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Lisa said...: I'd not exert myself too much over it, if I were you. ;-); June 16, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Sandy said...: She is taking her time pondering this isn't she, lol.; June 16, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Robin in Montana said...: It takes time and effort and a lot of thought to be a judgmental bitch. You can't just make snap decisions, Sandy.; June 16, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Sandy said...: Gotcha!; June 16, 2010 at 6:04 PM
Sandy said...: Well ladies, it's been a slice. ::Waving hi to all the lurkers:: But I must bid you adieu. The dinner bell has rung.; June 16, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Margo said...: I wonder if Elisabeth found the friend in Kansas. I have to say I think it's pretty silly to send someone a Wii when they have high medical bills and could be using the money on other needs. I hope it wasn't some sort of hoax.; June 16, 2010 at 6:19 PM
twirldawg said...: Hmmmm.
I'd like to think about the good in people so I would hope that nothing fishy is going on here.; June 16, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Margo said...: I didn't mean Chris is a hoax - I meant maybe the cards were not loaded before they were sent. I can't imagine sending several hundreds of dollars worth of stuff with no way to track it. How did they even find out what Chris' address is. Something just seems odd.; June 16, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Sandy said...: My dinner was just fabulous, if you care to know. We had ribs and potato salad and a garden salad too.

DH took the kids out with him as I really needed 30 minutes of mom time. However, he just called and it didn't seem like he was having too much fun.; June 16, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Sandy said...: BTW, I could really go for a cup of coffee right now.; June 16, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Margo said...: I'm watching There Will be Blood - the preacher kid is freaky!!!; June 16, 2010 at 8:15 PM
PJ said...: Hi Margaret & Sandy & Jill.; June 16, 2010 at 8:27 PM
PJ said...: Margaret - is it a worthwhile film? We've said "maybe" a number of times when looking through Netflix.; June 16, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Margo said...: It's ok CK.; June 16, 2010 at 8:28 PM
PJ said...: Hmmm - I may skip it, given that ringing endorsement.; June 16, 2010 at 8:38 PM
PJ said...: Any SYTYCD fans here?; June 16, 2010 at 8:39 PM
Sandy said...: Um...no CK I can't say that I am. ::took five minutes to figure out what that meant::; June 16, 2010 at 8:54 PM
Margo said...: I like Daniel Day sexy - not covered in oil. However, Gangs of NY was a great film and he was a total freak in that.; June 16, 2010 at 8:55 PM
Margo said...: I can't figure that out - what't the frequency CKenneth?; June 16, 2010 at 8:56 PM
PJ said...: So You Think You Can Dance. 234 here.; June 16, 2010 at 8:57 PM
Sandy said...: Would the real person from Bayside New York, please stand UP?; June 16, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Is anyone home?; June 16, 2010 at 9:15 PM
Shannon said...: Hey there J and R and everyone else hanging out and lurking in the shadows; June 16, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Hi Shannon!; June 16, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Margo said...: Sandy - I think the lurkers are avoiding eye contact :(; June 16, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Shannon said...: How are you doing girly?

I have myself all sad today because of watching Deadliest Catch last night...it was very emotional and next week is going to be even worse.; June 16, 2010 at 9:30 PM
Margo said...: When hubs and I were dating we talked about relationship deal breakers - his top ones were -cheating, lying and serving tuna casserole for dinner. I committed #3 tonight - expecting divorce papers tomorrow!; June 16, 2010 at 9:31 PM
Shannon said...: ROFL Margaret that is too damn funny....I think my husband would do the same to me if I did that to him. Hell he gets pissy when I have someone else in the house cook dinner because they dont cook things right like I do.; June 16, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Sandy said...: Margaret, lol.; June 16, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Josh and Rya said...: I'm okay, Shannon. Are you in school still?

Hi Margaret and Sandy.

I got home late and missed dinner. I'm drinking beer-it's actually Schlitz!-and thinking about a snack.; June 16, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Margo said...: Hi JandR - schlitz and snackies - put on a tube top and you you're all set!; June 16, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Josh and Rya said...: I wouldn't look purty in a tube top, but I guess that's the point!; June 16, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Shannon said...: I am. Though I am taking this summer off before I burn myself out with no hope for recovery LOL

I sure could go for a beer right about now it has already turned into a horrible summer break with the kids since the teens have been out for a few days already and the pattern is started that they will be slugs on the couch with their friends dirtying every dish in sight and expect that I will be cleaning up after them.....yeah I dont think so.; June 16, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Is Margaret your real name? Reminds me of my grandma...; June 16, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Shannon said...: Remember that a tube top is not a fashion statement it is a state of mind statement!!!!; June 16, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Sandy said...: It's also a Daisy requirement. And it makes a great beer holder too. ::nods::; June 16, 2010 at 9:47 PM
Shannon said...: Well hell yeah it does Sandy.....and if you are especially blessed you can hold the beer and the smokes :); June 16, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Margo said...: I am a Margaret, named after my grandmother :)

It's almost 10 - I'm out for the night.; June 16, 2010 at 9:49 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Sorry, ladies. But I don't even own a tube top. Remember on the Price is Right when the lady ran down and so did her tube top-she didn't even know it!

Shannon, what's your major? How long do you have left?; June 16, 2010 at 9:50 PM
Shannon said...: I am currently working to get my transfer degree...when I do transfer I plan to major in business with small business management as my main focus.

And I sooo remember that Price is Right episode it was great.; June 16, 2010 at 9:53 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Business seems tough to me. I ended up in the social/human service field.; June 16, 2010 at 9:57 PM
Shannon said...: See I like people but I also like business stuff so I am hoping that when I am done I can do both.; June 16, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Josh and Rya said...: Business definitly requires some social psychology to be able to read your target customers.

FYI: Cheez-it snack mix is the best.; June 16, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Shannon said...: Oh now I may have to find beer and Cheez-its LOL; June 16, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Josh and Rya said...: I've had a long day at work. I'm off to bed.

Goodnight!; June 16, 2010 at 10:19 PM
PJ said...: Hi anybody who's left here!; June 16, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Shannon said...: Hola CK; June 16, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Sandy said...: Hiya CK; June 16, 2010 at 10:54 PM
PJ said...: Hi Shannon. Those young adults of yours - grrrr... I'd be furious.

I don't know how to change that kind of stuff. Bad habits in teenagers are impossible to break.; June 16, 2010 at 10:56 PM
PJ said...: Hey Sandy! How are you?; June 16, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Sandy said...: Well, I'm just fine CK and you?

How's my pal The Dog?; June 16, 2010 at 11:18 PM
PJ said...: The Dog is fine. I just told him you greeted him.; June 16, 2010 at 11:21 PM
PJ said...: He blinked.; June 16, 2010 at 11:25 PM
PJ said...: And waited for his next bit of cheese snack.; June 16, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Shannon said...: CK I could send them off to ya :); June 16, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Sandy said...: I'm glad he's good.; June 16, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Lisa said...: Chris is absolutely no hoax but I find the gift card thing odd, too. As for the address, I haven't looked specifically, but assume it's on their blog or FB or something.

Dinner tonight was same as last night...salad with tons of trimmings, a mini salad bar, and cold shrimp sauteed in butter and Everglades seasoning. Can't go wrong with that. :-); June 16, 2010 at 11:49 PM
Shannon said...: What is Everglades seasoning?

Oh sorry I havent been back to Albertsons yet to find out about that chicken seasoning they had I promise I wont forget when I go back in.; June 17, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Lisa said...: Shannon, Everglades is wonderful on anything! I just use the all-purpose one.
http://www.evergladesseasoning.com/products.htm; June 17, 2010 at 12:25 AM
Muliebrity said...: I should have said something days ago when Elisabeth said on twitter that her computer was jacked up and has been waiting for a friend to help fix it. She can't load OD on her phone and even said a few days ago that she misses the Daisies! No mention of her friend in KS that I have seen.; June 17, 2010 at 1:52 AM
Muliebrity said...: I need to use up a jar of sun-dried tomatoes. Any ideas?; June 17, 2010 at 2:14 AM