WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME??

This morning, I was looking through the pre-installed apps on my phone to see if there was anything that I could use to link a FitBit (or something like it) to because I was thinking about getting one to track my daily walks.

Low and behold, there's one called "S Health"......

So, I launched it - never have even THOUGHT to before today - and it turns out that I can measure my steps, Oxygen level, Stress level, Pulse, and TONS of other things with a little sensor that's built into the phone!!!! There's also a calorie counter with a VERY extensive database. I can also track my glucose levels and blood pressure, so I can get rid of those other apps that I was using!

Needless to say, I was excited to see how it works, so I packed up Merle and we headed to the track. Put my earbuds in, cranked up my music, and off we went. NINE laps were 2.01 miles and 98% of my steps were "brisk" enough to be considered beneficial!! My original goal was 6000 steps/day, but I did 4258 during our walk alone!

I think that, starting tomorrow, we'll be going to the track at 6 AM and then again at 6 PM.

Take THAT, high blood pressure and diabetes!

I'm such a hypocrite....

Folks, this whole thing about watching what we eat....

All so we can be healthier....YEAH, I get it.

And I am SOOOOO trying to do that...

.....but then I think......

Why?

NONE of us are going to live forever.  So, we might as well go ahead and eat and do everything we want to, right?

Well, no.  Neglecting ones physical well-being DOES take a toll!  All of a sudden, it's a struggle to tie your shoes.....or you get winded walking up ONE flight of stairs.....or the slightest exertion is taxing on your body.

And I DON'T want that.

I'm too young - at least AT HEART - to accept "middle age".

So, I've been modifying my lifestyle.....just to make the extra trips around the Sun a little easier.

Do I WANT to live to 100?  HELL NO!!  I want to get off this planet while I still have some dignity.  And THAT'S why I'm doing this whole "healthy-eating" thing.

I want to leave with my head held high.....and that I fought until the end.

Seeing my Granddaddy....

First - my granddad isn't gone. But, with his degrading health, it's just going to be a matter of time (the picture I have is heartbreaking....) So, I went up to Chilhowie to tell him "Goodbye"....and that I love him.

When I went into his room, he looked at me and I asked him if he knew who I was...and he nodded. I took his hand and he held mine with the strength he's always had. He can't speak very well and it's hard to figure out what he's saying, but I did manage to hear "I love you" spoken by him.

I excused myself (hadta go pee....too much water!) and when I got back, a nurse was feeding him. He ate a spoonful or two of oatmeal and spoonfuls of orange juice. He then said he was tired and drifted off.....

I sat with him.....wondering where he was. Why wasn't he as vibrant as the last time I saw him? And then I remembered that he's over 98 years old. And he's lead a full life....a life that's full of the love that his family has for him. ...................................... I stayed for a good while.....watching him breathe.....listening to him mumble.....wanting to know WHAT he was trying to say. He woke up. And his eyes were WIDE open!! I was sitting next to him at his bed and he looked at me and said - PLAINLY - "I love you boys". I told him that we all love him, too...kissed his bald head....and watched him drift off to sleep. I am TOTALLY at peace with what I did today. I KNOW that my granddaddy loves me, and he knows that I love him! Of course, I have emotions of sadness, but also of joy! My "Greegree" will be happier in a place that none of us on this planet will ever understand. I wish for him a safe journey.....and I will see him YEARS down the road! And we'll have a cookout!!

Healthcare Update

As many of you know, I went to see my NEW doctor (actually, a nurse practioner) on March 16.

She got me back on my blood pressure meds, did some blood work, and called me in prescriptions for cholesterol and diabetes.

The first few 4 or 5 days were HELL!  I felt like crap - body adjusting to these meds.  And I STILL have my up and down days, but I think I'm slowly getting acclimated to this new regiment.

Yesterday was a particularly awful day....treated myself to a plain biscuit from McD's (after getting Merle's egg biscuit and Jackie's BEC biscuit) with 2 over easy eggs and ONE strip of bacon....AND that damned coffee that tastes like chocolate that I still have to add chocolate flavored creamer and and a bit of sugar to.....and my blood sugar SPIKED!  I felt like shit.

After 10+ days of watching sugar intake, carbs, fats, etc. I guess I wasn't ready for the SHOCK!

So, I HAVE to cut out the sweetened coffee drinks because I HATE plain, black coffee.  And no more biscuits.

I check my "sugar" regularly", and it runs from 80 - 120, depending on meals and the time of day.  So, I HOPE I'm headed in the right direction.

Oh........and I've lost over 10 pounds in 11 days.

Blog "Ketchup".....

Yeah, I know.  I've been lax this past week or so.....but for good reason!

Went to my new nurse practitioner last Thursday and she's got me on new meds for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.  Needless to say, THEY KICKED MY BUTT!  I have been sick as a dog for about 4 days, but now that they're working their way into my system, my body is adjusting.

FAITHFULLY, I am checking my blood glucose level and blood pressure because I'm DETERMINED to keep these things in check.  Now, my diabetes isn't MAJOR, mind you.  In fact, according to my readings and the research I've done, I've pretty much stepped my toe over the line between "borderline diabetic" and full-blown.  So, I believe, with medication - AND dietary modifications - I can keep it under control.

My last BP reading was 136/76 so that's not too bad, either!

I'm using an app that reminds me to take my meds, test my sugar, test my BP, and charts it all.  It's neat to see the pattern!

But I'm REALLY going to miss my fattening-as-hell breakfasts.....which usually consisted of a sausage biscuit (with mustard) and a Mocha Iced Coffee from Burger King.  MAN.....those coffees are REALLY good....but I've got to quit that shit.

............................

In OTHER news:

We had a great time at Dollywood last Friday!  And yes, even though it was 40-some degrees and drizzly at times, I got my ass on that Lightning Rod roller coaster!  Even got myself a new t-shirt to commemorate!

I can't WAIT to go back.....SOON!!

DAMN!  A setback of MAJOR proportions!!

Problems with an employee that could lead to DISASTROUS consequences.  However, the bossman counseled the employee, and he, being his tactful self, did the "diplomatic" thing.

Me, on the other hand, LAID DOWN THE LAW!!!  I WILL NOT stand for unprofessionalism - in ANY manner!

So, at work, we have the whole "good cop - bad cop" thing going on!  And that's okay with me.

I HOPE that this employee understands what could happen if another act of unprofessional-ism occurs.

Now....to BETTER things.....

DOLLYWOOD!  Friday morning, 10:00!!!  We will be in line ready to raid the park! 

Good Times!

Yesterday, we loaded Merle up in the Caliber and headed off to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  We haven't been there since the fires, so it was surprising to see the damage and how LITTLE of downtown Gatlinburg was even touched.  Then, on the drive to Pigeon Forge, the lushest, greenest, longest grass was growing alongside the road where the fire had been.  It was BEAUTIFUL!

The MAIN reason of our trip, however, was to go get our pictures made for our Dollywood Season Passes.  First, we stopped at the Dollywood Information Center (at light #8, if you wonder where it is) and the poor woman couldn't get her camera to work, soooooo.......

WE WENT TO DOLLYWOOD!!!

We were told to pull up to the handicap parking because it was close and wasn't being used.  Sure 'nuf....there wasn't a SOUL there, except for the employees.  It was weird.....and eerie.

Nonetheless, we could hear test-runs of the roller coasters in the hills and valleys!

Merle did a GREAT job riding in the back seat!  I think it really did wear him out, because he didn't nap at all!!

Friday is Season-Pass Holder Day!  VIP entrance from 10 - 1....discounts on merchandise, food, and beverages....and I'm TOTALLY excited!  So what if it's only going to HOPEFULLY hit 50 degrees.....I'm STILL riding Lightning Rod!!

Another Good Week!!

Yes, I'm working 6 days a week, but they're not long days so it's not so bad....but things are gradually getting better and better.

For the THIRD week in a row, my inventory of product "behind the counter" came up EXACT!!  THAT'S what I like to see!!

Tonight, I'm fixing these for supper:
Tiny Taco Salads <------Click for recipe!

I've been wanting to try these for quite some time, so let's hope everything goes well.

TOMORROW, we're heading down to Pigeon Forge to get our Season Passes for Dollywood!!!  AND, we're taking Merle with us!!  He LOVES car trips, so let's hope he does well!!

Thrown Under The Bus?

I've watched enough TV to have heard that phrase, but I wasn't really sure what it meant....or if I had experienced it.

Today, it happened.

Last week, I complained to a corporate parent company about the level of service we are getting from a distributor. WHY didn't I complain to the distributor directly?  Because we've NEVER gotten anywhere with them.

So, my complaint was forwarded to the General Manager of said distributor and today, their Director of Sales for spirits came to visit.

When I mentioned the level of frustration that we retailers have felt (from conversations with others). I was told that he had met with the other retailers in the last 2 weeks and they had no complaints!  WHATTHEHELL????

In my communications with the Corp., I'd also mentioned how a field sales rep. for a refinery (Ole Smokey, to be exact) told ME that when she called the distributor about lack of product availability. she got the "run-around" and was never given an exact reason about why the distributor was out of product.   The Director of Sales called her regarding my message.....AND SHE DENIED IT!!

Needless to say, I'm NOT going to bat for anyone else.  I TRIED to get our market a fair shake, and my concerns weren't backed.

If this is how the BIG BOYS want to play, we can play that way, too.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

My nephew, Tucker Legard, and his girlfriend, Samantha Hanna ARE ENGAGED!!

He popped the question while they're on vacation in San Francisco!!

I am so happy for them and wish them the BEST in life!!!

This is, what.....Day 6?

Another GREAT day on the job-front!!  Things are going SOOOOO smoothly.  Now, to get the proper people into place.  And that's going to take some juggling.

A rep. from the distributor that we all HATE is coming to talk with us on Wednesday....trying to make amends, I suppose.  Like all the times before......just smoke blowing up our asses.

On a non job-related thingy........

I have some GREAT news....but I'm forbidden for exposing it, right now!   But let me tell y'all,


THIS SHIT IS BIG!!!!

I'm SOOOOO happy!

Things are GREAT!!

Things are going sooooo good, I'm apprehensive....

I mean, when things are THIS good, there's always some sort of evil lurking around the corner.  But, for now, I'll relish the events unfolding before me.

Sales are UP at work, the sales floor and stock room look GREAT, we're attracting more customers, and my side catering business is even increasing!!

Do I have too many "pokers in the fire"?  Possibly, but I work BEST when under pressure.

I am reveling in it all.  LET'S DO THIS!!

A New Regime - Day III

Today, the owner commented on the increase in sales these past couple of weeks.  WoW!  Um, ya' THINK?

The reason?

More competitive pricing.
More accountability for product sales.
More focus on sales and PROFIT!
A more streamlined sales floor.

At the rate our sales are rising, we WILL be a major contender in the market!  And I look forward to leading us in that direction!

Yes, I LOVE MY JOB!!!

We'll bite the bullet and move on....

From stories of freebies, unauthorized discounts, and - YES - sex in the store, it's AMAZING what customers will tell about an ex-employee.  I just wish they would have come forward sooner.,...

Nevertheless, the damage was done, financially, and it's time to rebound.

Sales are UP (imagine that!), customers are pleased and are well-taken care of, and the general mood is positive.

It just breaks my heart that someone that I trusted....thought of as a younger sibling....was so deceitful and took advantage of the business.

I learned my lesson - the hard way.

A new regime. Day 1

First on my agenda, was to bawl out a distributor rep. for their company NOT HAVING PRODUCT THAT WE DESPERATELY NEED TO SELL!!

We have NO Jim Beam Honey 50 mls....NO Jim Beam Apple 50mls......NO Jim Beam Red Stag 50 mls.......AND WE CAN'T GET THEM!

Last week, they were totally OUT of the Ole Smoky Moonshine products I ordered!  Yeah.  Ole Smokey.  It's an hour away and they couldn't send a truck to pick some up?  But I digress....

Back to the Jim Beam minis.....

Last week, the rep. told me they had 1/2 case of Jim Beam Apple 50 mls in stock so I said "SEND THEM!"

When the truck arrived, they were back-ordered.

Now, this rep., a couple of weeks ago, was bragging about their new inventory/ordering system....how it updates in REAL time, blah, blah, blah.

So today, I confronted him about WHY we didn't receive our Beam Apple minis when he told me they had a 1/2 case in stock.  His reply was "It all depends on who keys their order in first."  Mine: "So, Knoxville got them."  Him:  "It all depends on who keys their order in first."  Mine - AGAIN - "So Knoxville got them!"

He then admitted....Knoxville got them.

THIS IS UTTER BULLSHIT!!!

You see, the stores here in Greeneville are very LOW on the level of priority.  This particular distributor caters ONLY to high volume stores - giving us little guys no chance.

And this practice repulses me to no end.

Sometimes, all you have to do.....is ask!

Approached the bossman with the idea of making me salaried and giving me a pay increase.  To my delight, he had NO problem with it!!

He asked my price and agreed to it!!

I AM ECSTATIC!!!

Things Are FINALLY Coming Together!!

After months of suspicion, doubt, insecurity, etc., I now can say I'm WHOLE-HEARTEDLY into my job!  Inventory is coming in-line, things are getting DONE, the store looks GREAT, the stockroom is immaculate and organized, and my co-workers actually seem to "care" about the direction the business is going!!

I am so proud of them - taking direction and getting things taken care of.

The owner comes back on Monday, after a 2-week vacation, and I'm hoping he'll be impressed with the changes and throw a bit more $$ my way.  After all, I AM looking out for his best interests.  When HE makes money, I do, too!

As for this weekend....I'm very tired.  But, there's still the homestead to take care of.

I swear.....it's always something!

Feb. 24th and I Did the UNTHINKABLE!!

Yes, I MOWED my yard.....well, MOST of it.  Mainly to get up loose debris from the winter and to trim up some vibrant-green patches that were getting gnarly.

I think that I one-upped the neighbor this year!!

Overall, the yard looks pretty good.....going to need to put some environmentally-friendly weed & feed on it, though.  And some re-seeding is in order.

...............................................

As for work?  GLORIOUSLY busy day!!  Evidently, people have their income tax refunds in-hand...ready to spend!  And I'll be more than happy to take it!!  The store looks GREAT, we're well-stocked and I'm DYING for people to come give us a try!

...............................................

Tonight's dinner?

Thawed out some NY Strips that I bought in bulk and cut up.....these are a good 2 INCHES thick!!  Some baked Idaho Russets and some grilled asparagus accompany these delicious looking pieces of meat.

And I like meat that's pretty.

VERY Productive Day!

Since Christmas, I've been saving my loose change for....well......who-knows-what.....so today, I took it all to the Cash Cow machine at Food City.  I ended up walking out with $79.34!  And, guess what?

I USED THAT MONEY TO RENEW MY TAGS!!!

I've got to remember that trick!

Merle and I took off the household trash and then, it was BACK in to town.  First, I needed to go ahead and get change for work AND I needed to go to the car wash.

I LOVE the car wash we have here that you pull into, put your car in neutral, and it pulls your car through while lovingly sudsing, wiping, rinsing, and drying it.  PLUS, you vacuum for free and they have those machines you run your floor mats through that cleans them!  My poor car was FILTHY, but now, it looks SOOOO much better.

Made it to work by 11:00 and talked to the coworker about things that are going on.  Knowing that money is tight, I let him go home at 12 - no use in having us BOTH there and besides, I needed to know that he could open the store by himself.  He ACED it!

Dealt with 2 distributor reps and checked-in 2 deliveries and got those put away and then FINALLY, it was time for me to leave.  BUT - I still had chores to do.

So, it was off to Sam's Club!!  Got snacks and Red Bull for the store (they say you can't drink Jager without Red Bull) and bought a few things for the reception I'm catering in June.

Now at home, defrosting some chicken tenders to fix. . . . . side dishes of mac & cheese and fresh (albeit FROZEN) from the garden lima beans!


All in all, a REALLY good day!  I've felt more "on-top-of-things" this week than I have in AGES.

And it feels GREAT!!

Bossman back next week.

We WILL talk! 

MORE Changes At Work!

First, I re-merchandised the shelves, cleaning them AND the bottles.
Then, I marked down a BUNCH of stuff that was just not selling.
I then honed-in on the loss of money and merchandise.

Now?

I've TOTALLY reworked our stockroom!  We used to have back-stock wines in various unused display racks, but now, they're all gone!  We had some unused - LARGE - wine display cases that we will NEVER be able to use on the sales floor (thanks to the wine in grocery stores stuff), so I utilized them to group and store all our back-stock!  These shelving units are a good 12 feet long, 4 feet wide, and weigh A TON, but I was able to move them myself - 2 of them! I then grouped all the miscellaneous racks in a back corner and lined them up....leaving enough room to get in there to get one, if I choose.

THEN, I reworked the liquor back-stock.  We've always kept liquor back-stock sorted by distributor - which I kept - but NOW, I have each product "striped" on the shelving units.....200 mls on the top shelf, 375 mls on the second, 750's on the 3rd, liters on the 4th, and 1.75's on the bottom shelf.

Freed up TONS of floor space and actually, it's easier to find things, especially for a new person.

The bossman is still out of town until the first of the week, so I HOPE AND PRAY he will like what I've done and HOPEFULLY, give me a pay increase.

'Cause I'm asking for one!

*sigh*

Some people can't help but grasp at straws to save their own face.  Trying to deflect their own actions on another is simple cowardice.  If a person can't come to terms with the wrongs they have done, those wrongs will eat at them the rest of their life......IF they have a conscience.

Time to grow up.

GREAT day today!

I had a VERY productive day at work because I was able to organize the back-stock area!  Until today, we had back-stock wines placed haphazardly on old, unused display racks.  Today, I ended that!

Everything is neat and organized and the area looks so much more spacious!

THEN......

Asked the hubby what he wanted for supper and he suggested a local fast-food eatery.  Which is fine - FOR HIM - but I wasn't going to eat that crap.  So, I pull up to the speaker, place the order, and drive around to the pick-up window.  There....I saw a very attractive young man...tall, blond, had a little muscle on him....and then.....

He opened his mouth.

The dude had really horrible teeth.  Well, the ones left in his head looked rancid.

Folks, "Mountain Dew Mouth" IS A REAL THING!!  STOP DRINKING THAT!!!

After a rocky start.....

....I - WE - have had a GREAT week at work!

The owner is out of town (skip-to-my-lou-my-darrrlin'!) so I've had to make some difficult decisions, and some that will benefit his business and make us all some more $!  I, now, feel more comfortable going in to work.....not worrying that money is missing - and trying to find it - and not worrying that product is missing!

And because I've felt more comfortable, I haven't minded having to work 6 days!  At least, things are getting taken care of, and business is actually getting better!

Maybe $'s are up because bogus discounts aren't being given out willy-nilly.....
It's amazing to me how many customers "tattle" on a former employee.....AFTER THE EMPLOYEE IS GONE! Thanks for the heads up, guys! SMH

Anyway.....I feel better about my job, and I DON'T want to go anywhere else!

Now, when the bossman gets back from Fla, I'M ASKING FOR A RAISE!  A HEALTHY ONE!!

I didn't make myself sick over thievery and deceit for nothing!

Crisis averted.

Sometimes, things just work out on their own.  I'm deeply saddened and feel betrayed by the events over the past 3 days, but I'm feeling a lot more comfortable about coming in to work every day.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

Now, let's move forward!

I hate this.

Tomorrow, I have to do something I never thought I would have to do. Something I'm not looking forward to doing. Something that breaks my heart.

But something that HAS to be done.

Please send me your support.

AAARRRGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

Work gave me a migraine today.  SERIOUSLY!

Go in this morning, saw yesterdays paperwork on the desk ($11 short) and I proceed to count the till and the change fund.  Nope.  It's all correct.

Called the dayshift girl and she stated she left early and the owner was going to count the till down at shift change. He didn't.

DAMNIT!

Then, he goes to the bank to get change.  Night shift comes in at 3:00 and we count the change fund.....$5 SHORT!!

I am LIVID!!!  I didn't get in the change fund AT ALL but because the shortage is on MY shift, I'M responsible!!!

I'm over this bullshit.  Losing $, whether it be in hard cash or product, does NOTHING to increase my odds to getting a raise.

Wassup, Verizon In Greeneville, TN?

Lord, how I despise this cell provider.....

I went in to pay my bill, which is due tomorrow ($81 and some change because I overpay every month) and went straight to their payment kiosk.  It's Out of Order. *sigh*

So, I go back to the front door where their "greeter" molests you as soon as you walk in, and the skinny, young, blonde-headed girl says "I'll be right with you".  She finishes dealing with the young couple and walks to "the back".  You know....that FORBIDDEN ZONE in which we have NO IDEA what is going on!

So, I'm standing there.....$100 in my hand......and this young guy walks in.  An associate behind the counter says "Hey man! What can I do for you?"  The customer then explains something about phone not taking passwords, blah, blah, blah.

Then, ANOTHER young gentleman comes in and ANOTHER associate from behind the counter yells a greeting to HIM and proceeds to assist him.

Meanwhile, I'm standing there with a $100 bill in my hand, waiting to pay my bill, and no one seems to want to take my $!

Does this mean my next month is free?

Maybe if I was a steroid-crazed asshat or a blonde slut trying to score a free upgrade........

The Bossman Is Coming Around!

Over the weekend, he saw "Hidden Figures", thinking he would hate it.

He actually LIKED it.  He even pointed out to me the disparity that went on during that time frame and how it was wrong.

*check-mark sound*

Then, he said he finally got to sit down and watch the Super Bowl halftime show with no interruptions.......

.....and......

HE LOVED LADY GAGA AND HER PERFORMANCE!!

He complimented her talent, her looks, and the overall staging of the show!!   This, after yesterday, bemoaning the ill-conceived notion that her performance was going to be anti-trump (not capitalized for a reason).

Can this 70-year-old be having a change of heart regarding minorities and a move in the right direction for more inclusiveness??

I can only hope.

The Super Bowl, Lady Gaga, and Politics

First off, I'm not a big sports fan.  Big surprise, right?  But I DID want to watch the game last night.  No, NOT just for the ads, but for the game. . . . . which was GREAT!!

Both teams played HARD, but I really think Atlanta was tired in the second half and that's what lost it for them.

Anyway......

Half-time!!  Lady Gaga ROCKED the house!  Did she do something "political"?  Well, if you consider singing parts of "God Bless America", "This Land Is Your Land", and reciting a part of the Pledge of Allegiance as "political", then yeah, I guess she did.  But she didn't do it in a mocking way, Nor was she slamming the Trump administration.  I felt her ENTIRE show was built on UNITY, which I think she was trying to accomplish.

Then, I read on FARTBOOK that people are shaming her appearance!!  And these people are the SAME people that would've JUMPED on her had she performed something politically negative.

I don't get it.

I guess the old saying "Damned if you do, damned if you don't" certainly applies here.

I APPLAUD her and her performance.  If you can't see the diversity in this country and ACCEPT it, maybe YOU should "get the hell out".

Looks like I've got the job!!

Yeppers!  June 9, 2017, I will be providing food for 100 guests at the wedding reception of Christy Justice and Jamie Cutshall!

I'm sure you've seen the menu, and I look forward to providing them with this service.

My partners, Whitney and Jackie, are looking to make this a legitimate service!!  But it's going to take time and money.  Our name?  2 Queens And A Jack Catering! I'm looking for someone who can design business cards...and I have the "look" in my mind.  I'm just no good at that kind of stuff.

And then there are licenses, inspections, insurance, etc.  A LOT to think about.

Maybe I should start playing the lottery.

EEEEEEEEE!!! The excitement begins!

This evening, I met with the bride and groom (and their BEAUTIFUL daughter) about catering their reception.

This is the menu that they've chosen, and I must say, they've made some GREAT choices!

• Pulled pork BBQ sliders with slaw
• Philly cheese steak sliders
• "Pigs" in a blanket, with caramelized onions
• Sweet & Sour meatballs
• Red-skinned potato chips with homemade ketchup
• Soft pretzel bites with beer cheese and spicy mustard

I have a little more than 5 months to perfect my pretzel skills, but I KNOW I can conquer it!

Wish me luck, folks.  This may lead to something bigger!

Guess who "HOPEFULLY" has another wedding reception to cater?

That's right - ME!!

Meeting with the bride and groom tomorrow night to discuss food ideas for their reception.  The bride has informed me that the groom wants "bar" food, so.......

Here's what I came up with:

• Pizza Roll-Ups with Marinara
• Pulled BBW Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw
• Dates stuffed with Ricotta and wrapped in bacon
• Spicy Chicken Wings 
• Caramel Popcorn with Cashews and Chocolate
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
• Little Smokies with Caramelized Onions wrapped in Puff Pastry
• Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara
• Homemade Potato Chips with homemade, FRESH ketchup
  

And, although it isn't a "bar" food, a hollowed-out watermelon filled with fruit and a chocolate fountain.

I'm giving her these options to choose from and I've priced MOST things out.

Thoughts?  Suggestions???

I tried to get away from all the politics.....

....but I can't.

And I shouldn't.

I have a voice.  And MANY more like me do, also!

THIS is NOT the time to sit idly by and hope that someone else will speak for you.....because they WON'T!

The turning away of people who have every legal right to BE here, is appalling!

This is NOT America!

STAND THE HELL UP!

AARGH!!! ANOTHER plumbing project!!

It was bad enough that I spent HOURS fixing plumbing leaks LAST weekend.  NOW, there are leaks in the kitchen!

So, in between taking Merlie-Poo to get his nails done, I'm going to have to fix THAT!

WHY can't stuff just WORK?

Dinner Plans!!

Tonight, we're having "soup beans" and cornbread!

Now, for those of you that don't know what "soup beans" are, you take a bag of dried beans (can be any kind, but tonight, I'm using "Cranberry" beans), soak them in water overnight, then put 'em in a crockpot with a big slab of salted pork.  Cook on low all day and the starches release and the beans get "soupy" and thicken.

And nothing goes better with soup beans, than cornbread!
And fresh onions.
And a "relish" of some kind - I use homemade zucchini relish.

Yeah, you may poot a bit, but it's pretty damned good.

REALLY FOOD CITY??

After I bought my groceries at INGLE'S, I went to Food City (the new one) to use up my gas points.....

Well, this GUY was telling the man in his "cube" his phone number so he could get his reward points.
329-6687.  Over and over again.  And the poor clerk could not find this man's rewards.  So, the customer says he'll go look for his card in his car.

I'm ready to pay for my fuel ($1.81/gal with rewards!) and the clerk tells me he can't do ANYTHING until this prior customer comes back to take care of his transaction.

REALLY, Food City?  You're going to make your customers stand and wait - with cash in hand - because someone needs to look for their Value Card?
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Is it just me? Do I attract this kinda service?  Or am I too critical?

I've been in MANY service-oriented jobs in my life, and taking care of the person standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU WITH $$ IN THEIR HAND has always been paramount!

What's changed?

Another Day. *sigh* But we're getting some new Whiskey's at work!

What a dreary morning it was.....all overcast.  Gloomy.

Much like the mood in this country.

Well....A LOT OF IT.

The sales rep. from the company that shall not be named came in with a merchandiser!  He wanted to hang some "shelf talkers" - and here was my clue to go into MY rules at the store:

1)  No hanging, placing, or distributing material on the shelf fronts UNLESS they have our selling price on them.
2)  No "self-adhesive" promo material is to be used.  If you want to tape it up, that's ok.
3)  No promo material that blocks the shelf prices.

Merchandiser-boy got to work and put up a few things and sure enough, he did just as instructed.

"Good boy...*pat-pat*.....good boy"

Then, we got to sample some new Ole Smoky whiskeys - Mango Jabanero and Root Beer!  Also, Ole Smoky is coming out with a new flavor called "Outsiders", based on the TV show.  It's a ginseng/ginger flavored moonshine - quite good, actually!

....................................................

After work, I went to Ingles - the new one.  And I LOVE that store!  Sorry, Food City, but they have you beat on prices AND selection!  Why didn't anyone tell me this earlier?

Tonight for supper, we're having meat-filled ravioli in marinara, steamed veggies, and garlic knots.

And.....I'm still weaning myself off facebook.  It's difficult.

Running the wash cycle on an HE washer

What do I throw in the dryer?

Got into it with the bossman....WHEN will he learn?

After BUSTING my butt the past week or so, CLEANING UP AND ORGANIZING HIS STORE, the boss says to me...."Let me ask you something."

BOOM!  RED FLAG!!!  I've known this man for over 10 years, so I KNOW where this is going.....

"You know that singer, Lady Gaga?  The one that's performing at the Super Bowl?"

"Yes.  She's also an actress."

"No.....not her.....it's someone that looks like her.  MADONNA!"

(I see no physical resemblance, but anyway......)

"Oh, yeah!  What about her?"  (I KNOW where this is going.....)

"Over the weekend during all those marches, she said that the White House should be burned down or blown up!  Doesn't that count as domestic terrorism?"

My blood begins to boil....

"Well, considering that we've had to listen to the SAME thing for 8 years....NO!"

"WHO said that?"

Me, pointing around in the air...."YOU ALL DID!"

He was quickly silenced.  I then told him that people like him have ruined my experiences on facebook, watching the news, etc.

.............................

For me, it's about baby steps and fighting the INSANE mentality that is right in front of us!  Will he change his mind?  Hell no.  But at least I have taken MY stand.

And I encourage each of you to do the same.

Make America Free Again!

What A DAY! *WHEW* Plumbing 101

After laying around the ranch most of the morning, we finally decided to make ourselves presentable to the public and go visit the new Pet Sense we have here.  AND do a little shopping.

Made our purchases, went back home, put everything away, and we TRIED to take a nap.....didn't work for me so much.

ANYWAY......

Hubster had found a leak under the vanity in the main bath.  I pulled everything out from under there (WHY is there so much hair gel under there?) and got to looking.  At first, I thought that the leak was coming from the cut-off valve for the hot water supply.  After drying everything off and looking with a flashlight, I found out it was the supply line.  No problem....the leak seemed to be coming from the connection to the valve.  I proceeded to turn off the hot water at the tank (as the cut-off valve has NO handle!), dismantle the supply line, and apply some plumbers tape to the threads.  I then went to turn on the water to the hot water tank and guess what.......THAT CUT-OFF VALVE BEGAN TO LEAK!

I turn off ALL the water to the house and head to Lowe's for that valve.  Get home, install it (no drips) and turn the water back on.....

THE BATHROOM LAVATORY SUPPLY LINE WAS CRACKED - water was spewing EVERYWHERE!!  So, back to Lowe's I go.

Get home, installed the supply line, and now everything is good.

My father (we won't go there NOW) was a plumber, so it was a good thing that I learned a few things from him.

My tip?  Learn basic plumbing!  It's really not that difficult.

It's Time To Wake The Dead!

With the current political environment, I feel the need to revive my blog and better express my thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

With that being said, it's going to take me awhile to get used to the changes Blogger has made, so please be patient!