Sunday, January 28, 2018

MORE STUFF YOU DON'T REALLY WANT TO KNOW.

AN APPLE A DAY
So the other day in Walmart, they didn't have have Pink Lady apples, so I grabbed just one Honey Crisp instead because I wasn't sure how it would taste.  At the register that one apple cost $3.93!  Huh?


That was a really good reminder to always check the receipt. Needless to say, those funds were added back to my card, and it was reweighed, costing just $.89.  That was a pretty big difference, right?

WHAT'S UP WITH SAFFRON?
This expensive spice is traditionally used in rice or paella, but you may be surprised to know that the flowers bloom just one week out of the year, and have to be harvested by hand in the morning.  It takes about 1,000 flowers to get just an ounce of saffron, and can easily cost $10-$15 per gram.  If you really like it a lot, 1 Lb of Genuine Red Persian Saffron is available for sale on eBay for $1454.00 and FREE shipping!

SLEEP LIKE  A BABY
According to Dr. Oz, who I totally adore, consistently sleeping less than 6 hours a night increases the risk of a heart attack, and other health issues so do everything you can to get the proper rest every night.


PUZZLE ANYONE?
Remember how we used to get puzzles and put them together on the kitchen table?  I even had friends who glued them together for wall art.
Can You Find the Hidden Images in These Puzzles

Now there are new trends designed to stump you even more, which include Hidden Images and Glow in the Dark.  You can find these in Amazon, PuzzleWarehouse.com  or PuzzleHouse.com.  Don't forget to celebrate National Puzzle Day on January 29!

OLYMPICS
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics starts on February 9, 2018, even though some events will start on February 8.  The very first Winter Olympics  was called The International Sports Week, and was held in France in 1924.  Back then there were just 6 sports and 14 events. Wow!


LIBRARY STUFF
The National Library in Estonia is large and consists of 8 floors. In addition, there are  2 more floors that are basement level, and hold the most valuable books.  If you need a quiet place just to read, there are 20 rooms designated just for that.  The outside of the gray building doesn't look very exciting, but inside are many modern rooms and furniture ,with state of the art equipment.  Despite that, certain areas may remind you of an old fashioned castle. With just over 5 million books, it's all well maintained and air conditioned, but won't make the world's largest library list.  


What is the largest library in the world, and also considered the best?  The Library of Congress in Washington DC. Despite being considered the best, if we decide to visit, you and I can't check out books there. Nope, the best we can expect to do is some heavy on-site research and sightseeing.  The special privilege of actually borrowing books is only allowed by Congress, and certain other members of the government.


SUPERBOWL NEWS
The SUPERBOWL kicks off on February 4, but if football isn't quite your thing, be sure to check out the Kitten Bowl on the Hallmark Channel at 12pm ET.  If you need even more furry fun, switch over to The Animal Planet Channel at 3pm ET to see The Puppy Bowl
Both of these programs are designed to help pets get adopted. After all that cuteness and a few snacks, it'll be time for a nap.

WAIT ON THAT TV
There are a few deals to be had on new televisions up through February 4, but after that prices won't go low again until November.


THE CAT'S ON THE CASE
Do you like cats and cute capers that aren't too deep?  Check out these 2 books when you get a chance. If the Haunting Fits, Wear It, and Twice Told Tail. Aren't these covers fun?


MAKE MONEY MOVES
You've heard of Lyft and Uber where you get paid to transport people to various locations, but did you know you can deliver packages by hooking up with Amazon Flex?  Their hours are flexible, and the salary ranges from $18 - $25 per hour.



CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES(Genius Kitchen)

INGREDIENTS

  • 1(18 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 12 Cup shortening
  • 1tablespoon almond liqueur (if using almond extract do use 1 teaspoon)
  • 12Cup plump dried cherries
  • OPTIONAL GARNISH
  • melted white chocolate
  • melted semisweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS

  1. Mix the first 4 ingredients together.
  2. Stir in dried cherries.
  3. Scoop a heaping spoonful onto cookies sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
  5. Drizzle chocolates over cookies if wanted.
  6. Cool and store in a air tight container 





BE CAREFUL 
Those in verbal or physically abusive relationships often remain silent, however, sometimes the feelings of frustration can become overwhelming and you want to talk. But be very careful who you share your story with because that person may try to minimize what you're going through, or possibly not have your best interests at heart. This can even include family members.

Baring your soul to the wrong person could potentially make your living situation much worse if it somehow gets back to your abuser.


It's best to speak to someone in a domestic violence shelter who is trained, or a pastor who knows how to handle this situation. There are also specialized groups who offer support.  As always, I suggest keeping everything well documented and to keep it hidden in a very safe place. Be quietly creative. If your password is secure, it's also great to use email to either send to yourself, or type it so it stays in draft form. When you get money, send it to yourself via Western Union or Money Gram. 


Remember, 2018 is your year to start over, so be safe, be careful and try to take the necessary steps to get your life back.

CALL 24/7/365
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY for Deaf/hard of hearing)
Learn more about services for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
LIVE CHAT Services are also available.


75 comments:

  1. I love libraries. So many different designs. I had no idea that regular folks couldn't take out books from the Library of Congress. How interesting. I know every book that is published has a copy there (or offsite). I wonder how many books get checked out a year for research purposes and how many fiction books get checkout out a year. Hmmm.

    Thank goodness you checked that receipt. I have found that there are usually mistakes! That would have been one expensive apple!

    Wonderful advice about talking to the right person. I happened to be talking to a therapist about a problem I was having and in an offhand remark I had said something about my boyfriend. The counselor stopped me and asked me some questions and I still remember him say, "Why are we talking about--- when we should be talking about your boyfriend." We did talk about my boyfriend for the next few sessions and then I went back to college. When I broke up with my boyfriend a year later I started therapy again because I needed to talk to someone outside the situation. My ex was begging me to get back together and showing up everywhere pleading his case, and also threatening me. The therapist was the first person to tell me that I was in an abusive relationship and that there is an abusive cycle. I remember not believing him, after all, friends knew a lot of what I had told the therapist (and we only scratched the surface at that time). He gave me books to read before our next session and he gave me the number of a local domestic violence hotline. I didn't think I needed the number (but the therapist was right). He wanted me to talk to other women in the same situation that I was in. It helped so much. Talking to people who understand and won't diminish what is happening is so important- especially because so many people in abusive relationships are trying to diminish what is happening already. Thanks for all you are doing to help others!


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    1. I normally pay close attention to the scanning process, but was chatting as usual and missed it. (lol) Abuse can creep up on us in unexpected ways, particularly when it's a slow process. As intelligent as we are, we don't believe it's actually happening to us. I'm so glad that you had a therapist to share what was going on, and that you kept going back. I'm also glad that you were able to talk to others in the same situation because there's no judgement there. I'm doing the happy dance that you're out of that situation, and can share your stories with others. HUGE Hugs...RO

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  2. RO, your advice for those in abusive situations is perfect as always, getting everyone out of these relationships is not very easy because you feel trapped when it is you, being able to talk about it is hard enough but if talking about it only makes your situation worse then you just may never get away. Excellent advice to help people escape and to find the safest way to do it.

    Thank you RO, you're the best.

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    1. Thanks so very much Jimmy! You already know I adore you and Cindy! The plight of those in these situations can be so frightening and frustrating, and it continues to remain a silent crime. The thought of someone finally taking the chance to open up, and to have it be the wrong person to share with is horrible. I just wish domestic violence would go away, and even more, I wish there were more people who support those in need. Hugs...RO

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  3. I saw the puppy bowl once or twice, it's cute but it does drag on

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    1. LOL! Not up for all that cuteness overload, huh Adam? Hugs...RO

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  4. I sleep 6 h, just not in a row, sigh

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    1. Oh no! I hope you can get in some good rest! Hugs...RO

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  5. Busy day next Sunday...Kitten Bowl, Puppy Bowl, and then our Philadelphia Eagles are in the Super Bowl!

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    1. Perfect reason to pull out a ton of recipes, right Angela?(lol) I've got a list of a few things I'm going to try. Hugs...RO

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  6. Every year I watch the Kitten Bowl (my favorite), then the Puppy Bowl,and finally the Super Bowl. This year will be the same. Go Lakers (grin).

    I always check my receipt before I leave a store. That is wise advice to all who check their pennies and those who are careful.

    Such good advice to share about the abused. You KNOW how I feel about that subject.

    I visited the Library of Congress in DC one year I was there. It was beautiful. I loved DC because every place you visit (except restaurants) is FREE. And free is my middle name!

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    1. It's just so adorable to see all those cute animals running around, and I wish I could bring them all home. This is when I try out a few new recipes too. I normally watch the register with an eagle eye, but I was chatting. (lol) I hate that we even have to talk about abuse, but it's out there, and I've got to say something, right? You know I appreciate your support so much. Isn't the library in DC so amazing?! I'm with you Elizabeth - FREE is always good. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  7. Hi RO :) That is good advice for anyone in an abusive situation. It's so sad that it is such a source of shame and taboo...the silence is damaging.

    I TRIED to like saffron lol...but here it's way too expensive and honestly? I think it only acts as a food colouring! I never tasted a difference. That is nuts about your apple...I am so diligent and I'm sure not only cashiers hate me for it, but so do the people behind me, I watch the monitor when they scan the items and voice anything that seems weird. I also check my invoice before "pulling away" from the cash.

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    1. LOL! I've heard that it has a distinctive flavor, but I've never tried either the yellow or red version. The expense is the main reason, but now that you're saying that you can't taste the difference, why even bother? (lol) I normally watch that register like a hawk because I'm a serious coupon and deal shopper, but I was chatting instead of paying attention. (lol) I need to just zip it until I pay for my stuff Rain. (lol) Hugs...RO

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    2. It's like that cash scanner just waits for its moment when you're chatting to screw you lol! ;)

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    3. LOL! You've got that right! Hugs...

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  8. So many great things in this post here!! I just LOVE puzzles so much, and they aren't very popular any more, but I always have a blast doing them.

    I LOVE apples though, and the Pink Lady ones are my favorite too. They say a apple a day is better than a cup of coffee.

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    1. Something about doing puzzles seems so relaxing, and glad you enjoy them. Aren't the Pink Lady apples so delicious? Hugs...and Happy Saturday! RO

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  9. I enjoyed all your tidbits. I kept saying, wow, really? Thanks, Radiant Ro!

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    1. Always love when you stop by Super Sophia! Hugs...RO

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  10. I am one of those weirdos that does puzzles in winter. My hubby and I put them on the dining room table, open some wine and have some laughs. We just did one that was money from around the word and there were no corners. Oooh our vocabulary was spicy. :-)

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    1. That's pretty neat that you do them in the Winter Peggy, and it sounds like a great way to relax and spend time with hubby. That latest puzzle sound quite interesting. Hope your Saturday is going well and hugs...RO

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  11. hi Ro, Great advice there apart from the bit about the Super Bowl. I haven’t a clue about the American currency there. It was an interesting read though.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words and hope your day is going well! Hugs...RO

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  12. Good job checking the receipt I usually see it when I get home LOL but I do still call and make them aware that I will want a refund next time I come to town. (I live rural)
    Libraries ROCK!
    Thanks RO

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    1. That's great that you can call ahead for that refund, so they're prepared. Aren't libraries the best?! Hugs..and Happy Sunday! RO

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  13. I've had the same little container of saffron for a handful of years now. Not sure how long it lasts. :\ It was so expensive and the dish I was making called for a pinch of it. Although, it's very potent, so I guess a little really does go a long way. I need to see if that is still any good and use it up before it goes bad. Thanks for reminding me about it, Ro. Ha!

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    1. That's pretty neat Kristin! I've heard that as long as it's in an airtight bottle like you you have it should last with the same potency for possibly up to 4 years. I sure wish I could have tried your recipe. (lol) Hugs and Happy Sunday! RO

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  14. I love puzzles but we're taking a break from them right now because we have a teenage kitten who is kind of a brat and would probably make off with half the pieces. I love Honeycrisp apples but wow! Glad you went back and had that looked at. I may have to watch a few minutes of the kitten bowl. Is there anything cuter than a kitten?

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    1. I love cats and know they can get into the places we don't want them to.(lol)I prefer my Pinklady apples, but the difference when the 1 Honeycrisp I had was re-weighed was pretty significant. I'm in for the Kitten and Puppy Bowl, then all in for the Superbowl. Happy Sunday! Hugs...RO

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  15. Ooh those cookies look yummy! I really love honeycrisp apples. Some of my favorites for sure. :)

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I love my Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples because of the tart taste Lauren. Happy Sunday! Hugs...RO

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  16. Oh yeah, I always check my grocery bill. Of course, most of the time is because I wonder how I managed to spend so much money and then realise I picked up something or other that was expensive.

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    1. I'm usually pretty strict about it, but I was chatting a little too much with the person behind me in line. But when a total doesn't sound right, I usually sit down and go over it closely before I leave the store so I can head right back to the customer service department. Hope your day is going well. Hugs... RO

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  17. I'm glad you notice the mistake with the pricing of that apple, we really should check those receipts. Jigsaw puzzles are not my thing, I am too impatient I'm afraid, and I had no idea that there are so many special ones about. I love libraries, and nearly lived in the local one as a child in London. Here in our little town we just have a tiny one, but they are always prepared to order books they don't have in stock. Have a great day, take care, hugs, Valerie

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    1. I was super surprised for sure Valerie! I used to like puzzles quite a bit, but it's been some time since I put one together. Still, I'm curious about the 3-D versions. Libraries are the best! It's great that yours is willing to order books you're looking for. Hugs...RO

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  18. There's always so much in your posts, I never know what to comment on! I definitely never have a problem sleeping for more than 6 hours - 10 is a nice amount for me, but I rarely get it, with work and family getting in the way!

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    1. LOL! I try to do a mini newsletter hence the various topics. Good for you on the sleeping, and sounds very healthy Annalisa. Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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  19. The National Library in Estonia photo... What I really like is the way the hand railing carries right down one flight, and around the bend, and down the next flight of stairs. A person, unsure of their footing, can hang on to it, all the way, to their destination. Nice.

    Check what you pay for. That was a wake up call (apple) for sure!

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    1. I really enjoy checking out various libraries, and you noticed some things I didn't see. Very cool! I agree, lots of money to be saved by really checking those receipts. Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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  20. Oh yes, I agree. Always check your receipt.

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    1. I've seen more errors than I can count on one hand Mary. (lol) Hugs...

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  21. I love your posts Ro!! I agree, always check your receipt! I have had many issues!! Sleep is so important!! My mom still loves puzzles! They are fun! I'm going to watch puppy bowl! LOL! Thanks for the cookies and wise words!! Big Hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, and your blog is pretty cool too. I knew this elderly man years ago who could eyeball the pieces of a puzzle and put it together so quickly it made my head spin! (lol) Enjoy the Puppy Bowl! Happy Sunday and Hugs...RO

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  22. I love Pink Lady apples, but Honey Crisp are also declines, OMG $3.93 is crazy expensive. I’ve never understood why saffron is so expensive, I’ve cooked with it before, it’s good but not that good. I love puzzles but ever since I started my own business I don’t have time for them anymore. :( Can’t wait for the Winter Olympics, it’s going to to be so much fun. Your Chocolate Cherry Cookies look yummy

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    1. I love the tartness/sweetness of them, but somehow that Honeycrisp weighed up wrong causing that crazy price. It made much more sense when she re-weighed it. I know that it's rough to do some of the things we love when running business or working. Hope you can relax a little when you can. Yay to the Olympics, right? Chocolate!!! (lol) Hugs...and Happy Sunday!

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  23. Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you checked your receipt. That's an awesome catch you made. What savings! I can only imagine how much I've lost over the years by incorrect scanning. I must commend you for all you do to help others in becoming a voice in domestic abuse. You're awesome. Thank you!

    Have a beachy week!
    Elsie

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    1. I use coupons and buy lots of clearance items so I normally pay very close attention. I just caught up chatting with the person behind me. (lol) Thank you for the kind words on domestic violence awareness. I really appreciate you! Hugs...RO

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  24. Love these random bits of information. I always spend longer than I should on your blog posts, haha! ;-) - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. Gingi, you're the best, and I know you've got so much on your plate. I always appreciate you stopping by to say hello. Hugs and Happy Sunday! RO

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  25. That is so interesting about saffron, I had no idea! And I haven't done a puzzle in ages, but they have so many cool ones I'm sometimes tempted. :)

    I can't wait for the Olympics! And Twice Told Tail looks so cute, love it.

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    1. I know, more useless trivia, right Greg?(lol) I really like the idea of trying a 3-D one because it seems so cool. I really get fascinated to see people doing tricks on the snow. Really have to have a ton of courage and skill for sure. Hugs...and Happy Sunday!

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  26. now there's another excuse to sleep more, well, there are plenty but dr. oz recommends it so who am I to argue?

    have a lovely day.

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    1. I agree Lovely Lissa! Dr. Oz is the best and gives some pretty amazing advice. Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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  27. There can never be too many books in this world as far as I am concerned. I love libraries and used book stores!
    I use to work puzzles just to keep my hands and my mind busy. Plus the challenge of seeing if I could finish it.
    Thank you RO for the reminder to check those receipts!!!

    Have a great day 💮

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    1. I agree Jan! The more books the better for sure! They know me quite well in the local libraries here. I don't do puzzles anymore, but I'm thinking about trying the new kinds they have available. Hope your Saturday is going well! Hugs...RO

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  28. Excellent tips and advice. And the last bit to keep secure for your own safety. Personal safety matters.

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    1. So true on the importance of remaining safe for sure. Hope your Saturday is going well! Hugs...RO

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  29. I usually ask for the recept and often check things later, but I so far haven't spotted any mistakes. Neat you caught that pricey apple, I wonder how that ended up with the wrong price on your recept.

    Oh that explains why saffron is to pricey compared to other spices. I don't use it a lot, but my sister used to make pealla sometimes.

    I love puzzling, but I stick to the normal ones mostly. I just finished a puzzle and started a new one.

    Those book covers are great, a lot of cozies have such adorable covers.

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    1. That's great that you've never had any issues Lola. That saves a ton of time. I wondered too, but didn't mind getting my refund.(lol) I can't afford to use it unless I can find a way to grow it myself.(lol) Puzzles are so relaxing aren't they? Hugs...RO

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  30. I quite often confronted my mother about the way she was treating my Dad to try and help. Worst move ever. As soon as I left she take it out on my Dad even more. Of course that's how she got away with doing it for so long, we were always too terrified to confront her again.

    I'm a big big jigsaw fan. I always have one on the go, then I sell them on ebay. I'm so addicted to them I always have one in my suitcase too. :D

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    1. My goodness that sounds absolutely horrible and so sad Joey! That's pretty cool about the puzzles, and that you keep one in your suitcase! Do you ever try the 3-D ones? They must really be popular if you're selling them on eBay. Very neat! Hugs...RO

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  31. I'm not sure why safron is so expensive, I don't really like The taste of it in anything. 😕 The chocolate cherry cookies sound delicious!

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    1. I'm with you on those cookies too Jenea! Happy Saturday and Hugs...RO

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  32. Interesting information re the number of hours sleep our body needs. I never knew that not getting at least six hours sleep consistently can lead to heart attack.

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    1. That was a surprise to me too Nadene. Love Dr. Oz. Hope your Saturday has been fabulous! Hugs...RO

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  33. Whoa! Yeah that is a big price mistake. lol I've had that. I always go over my receipts now. I'm amazed how many times things ring up the wrong price or even get double rung.

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    1. It is a shocker how many prices are rung up incorrectly. I've had a few like that. Hugs...RO

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  34. Honey Crisp are my favorite apples, but they're so expensive here! I wish I had a place to have a puzzle out so I could work on it a little bit everyday!

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    1. I'm amazed at how many puzzles are in thrift stores. I mean I see them in there a lot. I have a couple that I haven't opened, but stay on the bookshelf. Hugs...RO

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    1. I was shocked, and there was such a huge difference when it was re-weighed. Hugs...RO

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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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