What Happens at Cajun Fest...Stays at Cajun Fest

Every year Mom and I head to Cajun Fest in Walker for 3 days. We had an AWESOME time once again. This year we stayed at a ... different ... hotel because there was no room at the Inn (Northern Lights Casino). They have fabulous Cajun & zydeco music & dance. There is another group of line dancers who know all the classics we know, so it gives us a chance to bust a move with them. Mom & I went up on stage twice again this year to play the zydeco (wash) boards with the band. Whoo-hoo!

Arrêtes pas la musique. "Don't stop the music."

I'm not really that much taller than Ma. I just still have my boots on!

Urine or You're Out

THE JOB - URINE TEST (Whoever wrote this one deserves a HUGE pat on the back!)

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, and they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution
of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.

So here is my Question. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet.
I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their rump--doing drugs, while I work.

Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? I guess we could title that program,
'Urine or You're Out'.

Our last Twins game @ the Metrodome

08/15/2009: David & I went to a Twins vs Indians game with Gary, Candy, Jr., & Jen. Game ended 7-2 (Cleveland), but we had an awesome time together and enjoyed good food afterwards @ Famous Dave's. Pictured above is Jen & Jr relaxing before the game, Joe Mauer warming up, Farewell to the Metrodome flag, and our pre-game picture. (In the Twins defense, they beat Cleveland Friday night 11-0.)

I Love Spinach, but this is Ridiculous :)

Our garden loves to produce leafy greens. Popeye would be so proud!
I saved one large bag for salads & sandwiches. The rest I blanched & froze.
Haha, two large cookie sheets of spinach, after blanching, fit into one quart-sized freezer bag. I have a whole new respect for the farmers and companies who freeze veggies and they shrink to a fraction of the amount of produce.

Is Cash for Clunkers a Hype Job?

This whole idea is asinine.
The "old" cars are brought in for a rebate on a more fuel efficient car. Now, what happens to that old car? Well, the legislation requires the engine, transmission and other drivetrain components to be destroyed so they can’t be reused and continue to pollute the air and burn excessive amounts of fuel. And they don't just take a hammer to these parts. They run chemicals (sodium silicate) into the system until the engine seizes up. They then "recycle' them.
So, what about the people who can only afford the used cars? We are destroying perfectly good cars just because they aren't fuel efficient.
Doesn't it take more energy, time, money & chemicals to destroy these cars than it would to just resell them? And where is the refund coming from? Americans' pockets, that's where. Your tax dollars at work.
"The excitement for the program was reported to be so huge that panic has set in that $1 billion isn’t enough to cover the program. Now, the geniuses in Congress are looking to approve another $2 billion for the cash for clunkers program. What is “Uncle Sam” really spending the money on or is the whole program and press excitement simply a con to get you down to the dealership to buy a car if you can?"~ireport.com~ Sodium Silicate will do to clunkers what the Obama proposed health care plan will do to Americans.

Recycle Your Dehumidifier Water

Recycle Your Dehumidifier Water: Instead of dumping the water you collect from your dehumidifier down the sink, use it to water your indoor/outdoor plants, flush your toilets, or put in your iron. You can also boil it for 12 minutes and drink it, but I wouldn't. Get more tips @ http://www.treehugger.com/

Twilight Series

Whew. What a series! I highly recommend this reading to any (female) reader. It is a clean, easy read. I was completely addicted over the past 2 weeks w/ these books. I already reviewed the first one "Twilight" in a past blog, but the story just keeps getting better and better with each book. I couldn't put it down. The last book, Breaking Dawn, was the longest and, I have to agree w/ my sis-in-law Jackie, the best. The author may get a little too extravagant in the details, but the details are so luscious and descriptive. I hope to read this series again in a few years.

Email

As you can tell, I'm playing catch up on my blog. Here's an email my Hubby Hubie sent to me:

This made me think of you....

I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.
- Beryl Pfizer

I love you.
:)

Can you say "Hit the nail on the head?" Thanks Hon.

Birthday Story

My poor Hubby Hubie. His parents & I took him out for dinner on his 31st birthday last Wednesday. We had a nice, quiet, sit down meal at the new Mexican restaurant in town. Just when we're finishing, the waiter brings over an ice cream cake (a surprise gift from his sister, Jackie. Thank you!).
Then they bring out a gigantic sombrero, place it on his head, and 5 employees sing "Happy Birthday" to him in Spanish. Now, my husband isn't the type to bring attention to himself in any way. Thankfully the place was relatively quiet, so he didn't attract too much attention, but it still slightly embarrassed him. Luckily he has a good sense of humor and we all got a good chuckle out of it. Happy Birthday Hon. We won't let them sing to you next year!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Every year our friend Candise has a girls weekend at her cabin. Here are the pictures I took before I could get some real incriminating ones.

Sharon was so proud of her kindling for the fire.

The 3 JCPenny Friends

Judy's Story Time (I think you can actually see Karen blushing from Judy's story!)

Krista "Hanging Out"

Back row (L-R): Mom, Judy, Sharon
Middle (L-R): Me, Ann Marie, Karen, Candise, Krista
Front (L-R): Sis, Angie

Pre-Wine Picture

David & I have been picking raspberries from our property with the goal of making wine. He does a great job at washing and freezing them individually before bagging. We have to accumulate enough to make a 6 gallon batch so a few more pickings and we should be ready! As you can see, there are a few blueberries that have made their way into the batch as well. Our field behind the house is loaded w/ blueberries!