Secret Sisters Circle

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

arizonacook — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:51:10 GMT

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

cindistuff — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:07:49 GMT

Finished work today and have 2 days off, yeah.... I could use the rest. Hope all is well with you all. No fireworks for me, want to avoid the masses. Any SS who wants to see my world I am on Facebook. IM me and I will add you.

Have a great weekend all.

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

maryann146 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:09:09 GMT

Not much going on here today. Just watching some movies starring Jean Claude VanDame on the Sleuth Channel. I am going to make a pork steak on the grill with some fresh corn on the cob. Need to go pick up some strawberries and whipped cream. Also to check on a lady friend later.

I have my new SS so need to check the questions also. Hugs each and everyone. Enjoy the fireworks.

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

hambonevt — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:08:26 GMT

Hi Sisters,

Boy what a day, Our friends just left and I have the dishwasher going and the table down to small. We had a fun day /rain sun and rain ,it Saturday ??????

I'm working on the questions( thank you Sueie for posting the one from the last round it helpes so much). I have to go looking for my new SS reply

Have a good Sunday and Happy 4th Of July to you all.

Sharon

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

cllw — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:49:15 GMT

Paula, that is just plain AWESOME! Like Redawna with her glaciers, Marcia with her volcano, the Sisters with the oceans~it is just unimaginable for me! What great experiences!

For the Sisters who aren't joining, remember this! YOU ARE a SISTER and we expect to be hearing from you regularly!

I am so frustrated right now~UGH! Did you ever buy something, put it in a safe place and then can't find it? In this case, it was some paint brushes...I NEED THEM and do you think I can find them? We have both looked and can't find the silly things! I can't imagine I threw them away~they are safe SOMEWHERE......I have some other ones I can use but that is NOT the point! grrrrr, I get so mad at myself.......

Well, back to the second coat...that is another thing. This very expensive quart of enamel says one coat coverage...NOT! Now I hope I have enough to finish!! I fell for their gimmick~shame on me.

Hey China...it is up to 64! It went up 10 degrees since 6.....This is not looking good for painting outside, is it! Gosh, this is just not my morning............

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

peacelover1950 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:56:58 GMT

Hi Sisters! It has been a long time since I posted, it seems. I thought I would hop in and see how everbody is doing. I just don't seem to take the time to post like I should.

CJ, I sure hope you get better fast. I had a friend whose mom had Bells Palsy, and I remember it was scarey for her too because she thought, like you, that she had a stroke. Take care of yourself and try to cut that stress level down a bit.

I"m sitting out this time from SS (I know I will regret it becauseI have such fun doing that!). But I wanted to do more of the Swap Spot swaps and it really gets expensive doing both of them. So I figured I will jump back in here next time.

Yesterday I went paddling with my daughter and her husband up in Westmoreland County VA on the Potomac. They have permission to use an island up there where you can find lots of fossils. Shark teeth and such. This area used to be an inland sea billions of years ago (boggles my mind) and they wash down from the cliffs and into the water. My daughter, Angie, can spot the teeth like you wouldn't believe. I found about 20 -- she found over 100! We saw four bald eagles, many Osprey with babies in their nests, wild ducks and a beautiful swan. I don't think I had ever seen a wild swan before. The Osprey were fishing for their young and would fly overhead with a big old fish in their talons. What a beautiful experience. I figured I would be sore from paddling and not be able to get out of bed this morning, but I'm not thank goodness.

Well, I"m off to get some grilling "stuff" so we can have a little 4th of July cookout--just family. And maybe stop at a produce stand and get some nice local fresh produce to go with it.

Everybody take care and have a safe and fun 4th!

Love,

Paula

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

cllw — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:35:05 GMT

Good Morning, Sisters!

Happy Birthday, USA!

I have a grand weekend of painting the chicken coop~3 days off in a row(IF they don't decide they need me on Monday and they said they would try to keep me off! YEA!) Wouldn't you know it is 54 degrees~wearing the sweatshirt! It has to warm up before I can start to paint outside so will finish a few things with the bathroom mess I started...I just can't get it right!

Redawna, yes...ears were burning! When I came home yesterday, the ol hippie had a bottle of the ChocoVine chilling...what a WIERD wine! lol So many of you are way to young to remember this chocolate soda that was bottled, maybe in the 50s. I don't even remember what it was called but it was like chocolate water! lol Very intense chocolate flavor but not real good...this wine had that initial taste, especially right at first and then the cab came through. Very different...must not have been too bad because it is very gone. I don't know that I would buy it again unless for wine tasting...but I could drink it if like made into a shake or something like that. Just very different but at least I can say I tasted it!

Laurie, you can run away and help me paint!

CJ, will be keeping you in prayer~

Hi Marian and all the Sisters!

Gonna have to grab that paint brush and get busy. Everyone have a great and safe weekend.

Keeping our Nation in prayer~

Sister HUGS, Linda

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970
<http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html>

307 million
The nation’s population on this July Fourth.
Source: Population clock <http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html>

Fourth of July Cookouts

More than 1 in 4
The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 19.3 million hogs and pigs on March 1, 2009. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation’s total. North Carolina (9.4 million) and Minnesota (7.3 million) were the runners-up.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

6.8 billion pounds
Total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2007. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation’s total production. And if the beef did not come from Texas, it very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

6
Number of states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas — is the source of your barbecued chicken.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

About 4 in 10
The odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 39 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans in 2008. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 61 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2008.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

Please Pass the Potato Salad
Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. Half of the nation’s spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2008.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

More than three-fourths
Amount of the nation’s head lettuce production in 2008 that came from California. This lettuce may end up in your salad or on your burger.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

More than 7 in 10
The chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from California or Florida, which combined accounted for 71 percent of U.S. tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of forecasted processed tomato production in 2008.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

Florida
The state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (861 million pounds). Other leading producers of this popular fruit included California, Texas and Georgia, each with more than 500 million pounds.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov>

78 million
Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It’s probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 1200 <http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab2006_2009.html>

Fireworks

$193 million
The value of fireworks imported from China in 2008, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($202 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $28.1 million in 2008, with Australia purchasing more than any other country ($5.8 million).
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/>

$17.3 billion
The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks in 2002.
Source: 2002 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0231i325998t.pdf>

Flags

$3.4 million
In 2008, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($3.0 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/>

$569,400
Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2008. Belgium was the leading customer, purchasing $186,400 worth.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/>

$349.2 million
Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.
Source: 2002 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0231i314999t.pdf>

Patriotic-Sounding Names

31
Number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2007, is Liberty, Mo. (29,993). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

Thirty-one places have “eagle” in their name — after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. (Places include cities, towns, villages and census-designated places.) The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,285 residents.
Eleven places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 110,704 residents.
Five places adopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.
There is one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Ind., with a population of 190.
And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 26,472.

Source: Population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/012242.html> and
American FactFinder <www.census.gov>

The British are Coming!

$112.4 billion
Dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.
Sources: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top0812yr.html>

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

bakingballerina — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:02:20 GMT

cllw:
have been in a sweatshirt for the past two days...China, put down that pillow you are going to throw at me!

I put it down, but oh my am I jealous! Your wine looks cool! Can you give me the wine making links again please? We were wanting to try to make some wine with my mom's pears from the trees this year.

I will catch up with everyone else later!!!!

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

kaly_ab — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:47:35 GMT

Hey everyone,

Just on our way home now, we had a good visit. I feel kind of early leaving so soon. Maybe we should have stayed the night. Oh well, can't turn back now. Had a big bon fire last night, sure gets dark early back home. Not like being in the north.

Picked up my wine, looking forward to trying it. All I have heard is great things about it. And I hope so, it is quite pricy but it fits with the kind of people who use my business!!!! Linda, that wine you posted looks interesting! Were your ears burning??? We were talking about you when we were wine shoppng!

I hope you all have a great July 4th weekend.

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

zaiahsgramma — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:27:01 GMT

Wow - What a week! And the best is yet to come lol. DH has gone for all kinds of tests again this week. The tests from last week came back and the Pulmonary Specialist (and I use that term loosely) never called to tell him he had bronchitis. He had to go to his GP yesterday and she asked him how he was doing on the antibiotics. We just looked at each other and asked her "What antibiotics?" Anyhow, he's on antibiotics now. He's still coughing every night to the point of passing out. Still no word on the asbestosis test and that's the one I'm most interested in.

His license plates run out on Sunday - so last week he went to renew. He has to have handicapp plates on his vehicles now, so they had to send them in the mail. Well........he got the ones for MY van, but not for HIS truck! The set for the van came yesterday, so I figured they'd be here today for his truck, but not so. After Sunday he can't drive his truck until the new plates get here and he never drives my van.

DH's birthday is on Sunday and I thought I'd invite a few of his friends for a cookout. Well, I guess they figured I didn't invite everyone they wanted to come, so they invited more people. As of 10 minutes ago, my little 10 person cookout has grown to 38 people!!! I had to go back to town this morning to buy more food. I'm going to be one cooking fool tomorrow and Sunday.

Our little town is one of the many financially strapped ones this year and they aren't going to have fire works for the kids. So, we probably won't do anything much tomorrow. It's too far to travel to the next closest town that is having them.

I got my new SS name a few minutes ago, I am so excited to get started! I don't know what I would do without the SS circle.

Take care everyone and have a safe holiday weekend.

Laurie

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

HDMac_WA — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:53:53 GMT

I FINALLY got my group together and assigned. Sorry for taking so long.... my chronic leg infection... and yesterday I was out of it. I am trying to leave to day to go and visit the kids until Sunday..... still debating if it is a good idea or not..... well, it is a good idea just not sure it is best for my leg. I started on antiobiotics yesterday so not much time for it to kick in... we will see what goes.. Dog is in doggie care.... miss him alredy!!!

hugs and happy INDEPENDENCE DAY! Freedom doesn't come free!!!

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

rvgirl — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:22 GMT

Oh CJ - My thoughts and prayers are really with you. It seems as if sometimes it doesn'/t rain but it pours.

Having jusgt gone through a complete knee replacement I understand what you are going through with your shoulder.

Remember we are hear for you

marian

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

pumpkin_lady — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:49:01 GMT

Wishing all my secret sisters (past, present, and future . . . and the rest of you too!!!) a Happy 4th of July!!!

I know it's early . . . but tonight we're going to the Jazz Festival in Iowa City with some friends. I'm packing egg salad and BLT chicken salad to make into sandwiches, cut up strawberries, cool whip, and whatever else I come up with - for our picnic in the park while we're listening to the jazz music. I'm so looking forward to this!! (Anybody else from this board going to be there? I know we have some Iowa sisters on board!!)

Tomorrow we have a reunion that we SHOULD at least stop into, a Patriotic concert in the park (I love concerts in the park . . . can you tell?), a graduation party that we probably should go to (but probably won't . . . as it's quite a drive, and our kids are on their way to TN, so they won't be going with us!) . . . and MAYBE fireworks somewhere!

Oh yeah - kids are on their way to Tennessee for Group WorkCamp. Please pray for them and their entire youth group . . . for safe travels, closeness to God and each other, and that they may minister and share Christ's love to those they will be serving in Tennessee. I'll try to post their address in case any of you care to send them a note of encouragement!

Okay - Toby has to go to the vet this afternoon, and I still have to get everything ready for tonight . . . chairs, blankets, food, drinks, bug spray, van cleaned, etc etc etc.

Have an AWESOME weekend everybody!!

Susie-Pumpkin

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

rachellestratton — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:32:20 GMT

Debbie, you too!!

Linda and CJ, thank you. She is such a drama queen too! I know she gets it from me.

Today, is just a chilling day in my house. I won't skip excersing though. I've been doing really good these past months. I know I've lost wieght because my shorts are too big but at the dr. yesterday, I've gained wieght. The nurse said it is probably muscle gain. Hoping she is right. We might head to the park so the kids can go swimming as long as it doesn't get cloudy. Yesterday, the pool closed early. BIL's wife (Joleen) was suppose to go to the hospital to get induced today. She was having contractions so they've headed up to the hospital. Sounds like the baby had different plans from her parents and the dr.

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

deblauri — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:54:14 GMT

Happy 4th of July to everyone! It is sooooo nice to have a 3 day weekend...hugs to all who still have to work! Take good care...~Debbie

Secret Sisters Circle

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Fourth of July Cookouts

Fireworks

Flags

Patriotic-Sounding Names

The British are Coming!

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`*•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•*´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)

Re: (¯`•.SS Chat June 28 - July 4, 2009¸.•´¯)