jardinero

A la, I'm so with you there! The first thing I do when I get in the house is kick off my shoes and walk around barefoot, though I do wear slippers on really cold days (no socks though). I also have to sleep with one or both feet out of the covers. I cannot stand hot feet! J.

Dear Tommy StrangeOne ~ Happiest of birthdays to you and many thanks for how your posts always make me smile. {{{{{{{{{{{Tom}}}}}}}}} Strange hugs for the strange one J.

Hey Fe!Happy #54, my dear friend! Hope all is well in the foothills and you and the lovely Mrs. are well. Happy New Year to you both and Happy, happy birthday to you!Love and hugs,J.

I watched the entire game after I watched USC trounce Michigan in the Rose Bowl (there's just some things one MUST do on New Year's Day), so was already in football mode. I hadn't really intended to watch the whole thing (flipping back and forth during commercials to the Twilight Zone like my Strange friend) - - but it was such a great game in the 2nd half, that I had to stay until the exciting finish - - WOWZA!!!! I expected Nika to chime in to root on Oklahoma, but she was MIA last night. Fantastic game, well fought by both teams. J.

OMG! The dog was just barking at the front window and I walked over to see what he was barking at, looked down at my flower bed below the window and what did I spot?????? DAFFODILS! Seriously. I have one inch stalks (stems?) popping up through the winter mulch! It's been freezing here, then warm, then cold again and is a "warm" 39 degrees with rain today, so the poor bulbs probably don't know what season it is! DAFFODILS!!!!! Whodathunk??? J.

We might. Indy is forecasted to have rain (just beginning now) and changing to 1-2" of snow tonight and into Tuesday, so we'll see. I'll keep you posted. J.

Thanks, Raf. And Merry Christmas to you and all the wonderful patrons of this Cultfe Love to you all. Peace to you all. Love from me, the "boy" and the "dog" (woof) ~ J.

Miracle Whip - - ICK!!!!

Hope you have a loving Christmas, George. Love, Jean

Marketing? Did I hear Marketing? I'm your marketeer here - - and in the dream off-season I can stomp grapes ;) What a plan! J.

Nottawayfer said: You know, Notta, when I read that, I could so relate, but it made me think of the other side of the spectrim of people who were so effected by the legalism and the "standing and state" teachings, they were constantly in a state of sin consciousness, belittling themselves for falling so short of unattainable perfection. The being "out of fellowship" thinking -- what a crock! But I agree with you, that a healthy dose of forgiveness before our Lord's throne, would have been a healthy step in the right direction! J.

Dear Smokey, Dear Oiley, Dear Medic, Happy Birthday, John! Love to you on your special day! Hope someone can smuggle in a cold one for you! Stay safe and have some fun today! Hugs, J.

Praying for you too, NIKA. Take care! J.

Happy Birthday, my friend. It certainly IS nice to have you back here among the wise and wacky Hugs, J.

Happy Birthday to the huggingest guy in chat!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((RON))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Backatcha! J.

May it be the beginning of a fabulous year for you! Happy Birthday! J.

Yes, an interesting point on who can use the word. But, I think it's the INTENT of the use of the word which is the difference, which point I attempt to make at the bottom of page 1. J.

In reading about this, I have a couple of thoughts: - - Richards was "heckled" for not being very funny, which is what supposedly began this thing that cycled out of control; my thought - - if you're a stand up comedian and you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. - - Richards didn't just "say" the "N" word - - he responded to the heckling with verbal attacks on his audience. Unlike other stand ups (Chris Rock being one of the most notorious) who "say" the "N" word - - they're not "calling" people in their audience "n*ggers", "cr*ckers", or "wetbacks". They are using the "shock effect" of regular use of those words to provide their own brand of commentary on race, class and social life in our country. Richards was "calling" them "n*ggers" and made some comment inferring that they should be lynched. That's crossing the line and particularly coming from a Caucasian comedian who's comedic routine is NOT known to be about race (like Rock's is). - - Rock - - for however offensive he might be to some people with his acidic tongue - - is considered a "brilliant" comic because he knows who his audience is and plays to it. So he can take on a room full of (mostly) young, very urban African-Americans who eat up his commentary on the reality, the hypocrisy, the stupidity, the need for change in race relations in America - - and makes strong points with his commentary of life in Black society in America - - cuz that's who he is. But where he's "brilliant" is his crossover appeal to the mainstream public. His 3 Emmys and multiple nominations for his HBO specials and writing for other programs attest to his appeal. But his edge didn't cut it for the Oscar audience. George Lopez has a similar "schtick" with Latinos (though arguably, not as edgey as Rock's). And if you didn't grow up 2nd or 3rd generation Latino (I did), the nuances of some of his humor might escape you - - or may even be a little offensive - - but the Latinos in the audience (and again - -he enjoys great crossover to the mainstream public) eat it up. There's a reason this stuff plays well in LA, NYC and other large urban populations and probably not as well in smaller cities and rural America. So, who has the "right" to use the "N" word, or say "cr*cker" or "ho", etc. in their routines? I say "intent" has a lot to do with the acceptance by an audience. Personally, I'd much rather hear a Chris Rock routine than a Don Rickles routine any day. But that's just me. I heard a conservative radio personality call Rock a racist and bigot. My personal opinion? I doubt it. Does he harbor some prejudice? Probably pretty difficult to grow up in the U.S. (particularly as a minority) without some. But I think the INTENT of some of his routines is to bring racism to the forefront and by use of humor, examine it. I don't think that was Richard's intent. J.

Always informative (and humorous) investment info from the two guys who write The Motley Fool newsletter. Website can be found at: www.fool.com J.

Always thankful for the obvious stuff: family, friends, prosperity, my pooch, all the Greasespotters (especially Paw), but I'll add these more "ordinary" things: 1. The Web: pretty cool we can Google and look up just about anything; read and learn to our heart's content. Internet radio - - that's great too; jazz on my computer. Online shopping, online banking. I love it all. Oh! And I guess I shouldn't forget about CHAT rooms:biglaugh: Tres cool, as Belle would say. 2. Medical advancements that make 50 the new 30 (o.k. 40 in my case) -- but really - - we're in better shape and more active than our parents' and grandparents. I'll take that quality of life! 3. How about Food???? There are so many options (particularly in big cities). And you can buy it in grocery stores, online, dinners to go, all kinds of Asian, Mexican, gourmet, farmers markets. And if you want healthy, organic, or just down home (sorry Geo) it's all easily accessible. 4. Cell phones: man, where did we hide before we were accessible 24/7???? Really, for a single woman who travels - - cell phones are a God-send. And what about text messaging. Isn't it great to watch teens conduct their social life messaging away???? And now, you can even pass the time away in boring meetings at work sending stupid comments about your boss via your cell phone. Now THAT's entertainment! And I guess I should include the great cell plans these days, with long distance included - -what a deal when your family is across country! 5. Cable, TiVo, movies on iPODs or on your computer from a DVD. All pretty spiffy. 6. Other simple stuff: walking thru the woods after it's rained (what a fresh smell); laughter (especially the spontaneous, loud and innocent laughter of a child); friends (you know - - the family you get to CHOOSE!) ;); I guess I HAVE to include this one: gardening - - growing your own veggies; flowers in the spring and summer....(sigh) :) I guess I'll end with one serious one. FORGIVENESS: The response of the Amish community following the murder of those schoolchildren was a wonderful reminder of love and forgiveness. Maybe they're not all over it yet, but perhaps they are a lot further along the healing process because of their willingness to create a forgiving space for the healing to take place. I'm thankful people forgive me when I'm a bonehead (especially my kids), but I'm more thankful that I've learned how to become forgiving even in difficult situations. Life's too short for all that baggage. Happy Thanksgiving. J.

Hey John! Happy Thanksgiving to you. Thankful today for all of you men and women over there! Take care of each other. We're all thinking about you today. Thanks for the update and to know where you are. Particularly glad to hear that wifey is home. That's great news. Y'all take care now. J.

Egad is right! That is twilight-zone-ish....du du du du... Poor Eddie. J.

Made the apple pie last night. Did two pumpkin pies this a.m. while watching the parade. Turkey is in and smells yummy. Sooooo, just popped in to wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving. SimonZ - - isn't this the day you eat some wierd Polish concoction (or is that Christmas)??? 1st game is on. Better get busy loafing Have fun! J. P.S. Excie: did you see the opening of the parade with the Jersey Boys????

OMG, Bow. That is NOT the Princess!!!! Dang the girl is getting all grown up!!!! And quite the handsome young man Andrew is becoming, Ron. Dang, the last pic I saw of him in his Boy Scout uniform he was a young, pudgy little guy and now he's quite the looker! Thanks for the pics, Bow. Glad you got to see all the Rascaltribe, Dot and a new dog too!!!! J.

My dear Rascal and Mr. Rascal ( ) ~ Wow, 20 years - - and it hasn't been easy with all the twi stuff thrown in thru many of those years, but dang it - - you are still together and have raised a brood of wonderful, smart, funny, independent and absolutely the greatest kids!!!! Take some time to celebrate the wonderful family (with all it's ups and downs) (and critters :)) that you can take a bow for bringing into and sharing with this world. We are all the richer for having them (and you) around to enjoy (particularly at our Weenie Roasts!). CONGRATULATIONS! Love, J.