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Thread: Living on a shoestring budget

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 76 (view)

Living on a shoestring budget Posted: 6/21/2012 12:06:44 PM
Gwen, I get it. I too have dated a man who is my BFF, since 2005, but we will never get married or do the whole enchilada. We have rarely had an arguement. We live an hour apart. That's it. Tah Dah. Not because his finances could not be eventually overcome. Shoestring is a lift up. The reality is that we have been individuals alone so long and know the things that make relationships fail, formost...finances. Strengths are in the Knowing. Someday, somewhere, over some rainbow the next great guy will walk through the door and there will be a difference that Nothing will undertow.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 74 (view)

Living on a shoestring budget Posted: 6/21/2012 11:46:04 AM
Nativerock, I think when I hit that mark and work part time and accept SS, I will become a home share person. Maybe find a Victorian and do a B&B. But, I really loved living in my RV, so I might hit the road and keep things, get mail, etc in a family members 'garage apt'. In any event, sharing is a necessity to me rather than a preference. Thou I have always gotten along well with roomies. We will have to get creative in our shoestring old ages and sharing seems sensible. Geez, I can't imaging "falling head over heels" and sharing because I can't stand to be away from someone's side.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 50 (view)

Forums are grabbing my attention more than the profiles, OH NO!! lol Posted: 6/21/2012 11:38:13 AM
I miss the really old POF forums (in the 19 aut years) with 'games'; thou there are still a few. Many mornings I woke up early just to play off a few gamers here, before going to work. Got my mental juices going. I marvel at the poets! So many evenings I read their work. I admire so many of you. Thou I've been avoiding dating sites for ooooh a year or so (sigh), I think it's time to try it again. And the forums are the only place I care to go. Let the guys find me here. I'm not the flirt I was in my youth, so they just have to take me at face value. I really need more gal pals and there have always been wonderful girls here at POF. It's good to see names I recognize! And... I was kicked off once too - for posting a mug shot of a family member - admins thought it was a star shot (hahahaha).

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 71 (view)

Living on a shoestring budget Posted: 6/21/2012 11:12:56 AM
Since shoestrings come in various lengths, I like to dutch treat on most dates. I can pay for the snacks if he will pay for the movie. It just seems more "fun" if we don't have to feel obligated in any way. I have my exit financial plan that includes working part time at something either physical to keep me from spreading further or mentally stimulating 'cause I don't want to be a drag. The important thing to me is that if something magical were to happen between myself and someone else - I want to know they have forsight and some sort of exit plan for themselves.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 209 (view)

Men 40+ and Childless Posted: 5/31/2012 12:07:49 PM
I LOVE those kind of guys: Single and Childless !!! YEAH!!! Lots better than Married and has Multiple Children of various stages of neediness. I have dated several men who have never been married or had children and just a couple of days ago a male friend said his co-workers were incredulous that he had not spawned the 1.5 child nor been married. He thinks they look at him questioningly. Yes, because They are idiots. Children should not be an exectant object d'art in your living room. Spouse is just a term. The man I mention raises homeless animals. And has many friends to pal with, of both genders. I suggest that there are abnormalities in relationships, but being single and loving it is not one of them.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 331 (view)

3 Strikes - out. No more widowers ! Posted: 5/31/2012 11:55:03 AM
Just had to input, but please understand that I did not read through all posts. My input is: I am a widow(ess) and have been divorced a couple of times. Have had other relationships. However, I find that People talk about their Past relationships, and I don't mind listening. I find that People, not just the widows, Miss their prior people. Me Too! But please do Not go on and on and on talking about the priors to other people, unless it is relavantly funny stories. Golly gee gals and guys, it's time to hang up the comparisons, what ifs, o woe is me. When someone talks a blue streak about their late o'great one; mention that you realize they had a great relationship and that the wonderful news is that they have an opportunity to have more great relationships. Then start talking about the weather. They get the hint. Or not, and you find a new person to chat with. I also have found that some people want others to feel sorry for them. It's like one of those mental "syndromes". Sorry I am so blunt.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 20 (view)

germany!! Posted: 5/22/2012 9:48:03 PM
Just came back and the people were amazing; the small towns were Quaint; the scenery - Clean! - just beautiful. I visited the Medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and loved the architecture. You won't want to come home....

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 56 (view)

Cancer hitting home? Posted: 5/6/2010 9:09:52 AM
A young co-worker just lost her mother to cancer. Her gall bladder was removed last fall; then they suspected that they didn't get all the blockages. Lastly they decided she had a form of blood cancer; she died within two weeks of diagnosis (last week). She was a wonderful mother. My daughter-in-laws father is on his second battle with cancer. He has now been given days/weeks. I couldn't speak with him the last time I saw him. It chokes me up; I cry easily; this subject is riding on my sleeve. My neighbor is looking pretty weak. She has been battling for at least 3 years (since I moved in here). I was reluctant to strike up conversation with her and get to know her because I heard she had cancer. I just can't keep losing people. I used to be active with the Cattle Baron's Ball, which raises monies for cancer (I was active before diagnosis, and after my husband passed). Not now... I can't go through watching people die from this disease any longer. Memories are too painful. To those who have Cancer... from someone on the outside looking in: While I am looking forward to going to heaven, I know that not everyone believes in such a place. I can only tell you, "God Bless" because that is from the heart, whether you believe in God or not doesn't affect the fact that I wish you goodwill. While I believe that there is a "plan" of sorts in place for my life - I realize that you believe everything is random... saying that it's part of your fate is speculation even on my part, but yet, since cancer invaded you, I guess it is your fate. Pardon my inability to seperate my feelings within this subject and pardon the fact that I just can't make it easy to inject words into the silence. Please excuse me if I don't know what to say or how to tell you I am so sorry for you & your family. Please please forgive me for not knowing how to talk about this subject without crying. Know that whatever I say, it is from the heart and sincere. It is from my perspective only and in no way reflects what I think about illness from your perspective. Above all, just know that I care, even if I am ignorant of what words will make you feel better. And just for the record, some gals look good 'nuff with a bandana on a hairless head. Not a look I could carry off, but some of you are doing a terrific job of it. I work in a pharmacy - I see you all the time.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 6 (view)

Book of Eli movie questions Posted: 5/6/2010 2:53:44 AM
Everywhere this character went miracles or strange oddities happen. He is able to beat all these thugs (we don't know he's blind until the end). He kept saying that he was going to be able to keep the book safe until he got where he was going.... there was no question that he could keep it safe. Jesus was a man too, who in a pinch could make wine and bread, enough to feed a whole lotta guys.... so maybe Eli could get whatever he needed in the same way. As to leaving town in a given direction. Perhaps the town is way off the main road, so entry and exiting the town were the same way.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 177 (view)

The real reasons behind Arizona's Immigration Law? Posted: 5/6/2010 2:37:58 AM
We've come a long way from when I joined this site. This has been an on-going issue for the Southern states for years. Mentioning it on POF a couple of years ago; many fish couldn't understand that there is a problem with the multitude of illegal folks entering the USA. Some fish wanted to know what we had against Mexicans. We didn't have anything against them individually ... do you get it yet? Even some foreign nationals who live and work in the USA do not grasp the enormity of the situation. This is not a personal issue against anyone of any particular colour. Racism does not equate. Bigotry does not fall into the issue. (as to policing - do you honestly think the police have time to harrass tourists or some Joe walking down the street? It's going to provide them an opportunity towards correcting illegal activity) The uprisen, those who oppose law, generally gang up together simply because they fall into a "colour" (what's more bigoted than that). They think someone will harrass them, so they raise the Mexican flag at a US post office and start yelling about their rights, which are not, nor have been, violated. I remember a Hispanic girl on tv who was asked a question concerning this issue and she didn't understand the questions - said she didn't know anything about it - she was just there to join the street party. Perhaps now that AZ has brought it to the forfront, some of those fish will now understand that there is a unbalance in the system, a problem needing correction. If AZ wants to guinea pig the laws that's fine by me. We Texans can tweek it. Before you think me somekind of bigot - I have Hispanic and American Indian mixed into my European ancestry and I was born out of country.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 20 (view)

If you could get duel citizenship...where and why? Posted: 5/6/2010 1:21:47 AM
I was born in England and have resided in the USA my entire life... Thou the passport only shows one citizenship status. If I relocated it would be Germany, next. I have my reasons.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 18 (view)

Frito Pie Hits New Highs... Posted: 3/16/2010 10:17:28 PM
This is something you do on a night out with the kids after a baseball game. Wash it down with a big milk shake or carry tums in the glove box. Part of the expertise of doing this is getting your fritos mushed under the greasy hot chili and your non meltable cheese imitation. FYI: they still have them like that at Sonic. This is really gross, but under the right circumstances, a good thing. At home I like to dip the big dip fritos into a short three layer entree which keeps the fritos crisp. A layer of refrieds under the hamburger chili meat or better yet, borracho beans on top of the hamburger chili meat I top it with velveeta Cheap lip smacker

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 28 (view)

Cucumber salad Posted: 3/16/2010 9:55:34 PM
I remember Mom saying that she thought the shorter ones were tastier, maybe because they were "younger"? She lived in England at one time, but never mentioned that they were exceptionally long there. We get them about 10" here unless you stop at a road side market, where I find the smaller ones. She said the same of squash being more flavorful; the short crooks. I think a new a guy like that once...

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 36 (view)

Stress Management for middle age Posted: 3/16/2010 10:38:08 AM
Actors find their animal within and express it's characteristics outwardly with dialogue. Example: "I reaaaalllly (like a roar) hate you" If my stressors start their crap, I may not be able to roar at them, but I can feel that roar inside when I react to their crap. I think they hear it too. Or maybe it's in my eyes. I had a big extended family stressor yesturday and actually retreated to work. What's funny is that the stressor(s) think I will jump when they scream... but you know what... They keep me at a distance until they need me... I realize that is a good place to stay, just "extended" and I don't have to jump. When you follow the sure path, the scary forest gets left behind you.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 85 (view)

Accumulation versus simplifying HOW ABOUT LETTING GO!! Posted: 3/2/2010 10:54:44 PM
I downsized a couple of years ago into a one bedroom condo. Sold all I could on ebay. I had an old antique phone collection (still more), a lot of nice china, and Frankoma pottery that sold really well on ebay. The crystal went better via the local consignment shop. The silverplate sold through a wholesale shop that opened one weekend for the public - owned by a business associate who I traded my working time for the space. Now I need a place to do a garage sale. I still impulsively buy things for the grandkids. The idea is the same for so many of us. We want to be "Free". Free to go and do as we please without being held down by things. Free time, to have & own less to clean up after. Free to travel. My homespace is now basic white and ivory and rattan and woven things. Bringing nature inside. I have only one carpet to vacuum - the rest is terrazo tile. The plan. Maybe thinning down to even a travel trailer. Traveling the countryside taking in all of nature's wonders. Stop working at 62. Visit family around the country. Seeing things rather than owning things. I think about what I need if I had a fire and just 15 minutes to escape. My identity materials. The spare cash. That's it.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

School Posted: 2/22/2010 11:43:35 PM
The kiddies should get used to being watched at an early age. I am on the camera every day, all day at work. All my little miss-deeds there for all of upper management to see. You know the old saying, If you don't want to get caught digging your skivvies out of your _ _ _ then don't wear skivvies

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

ASK YOUR DOCTOR... Posted: 2/22/2010 11:35:48 PM
I used to take a medication that had the side effect of "gambling" urges. Since I don't gamble well and know it, that could account for my impulse shopping! I began collecting things I normally wouldn't! Crazy!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 21 (view)

Helping a stray cat? Posted: 2/22/2010 11:30:55 PM
I have one (stray) right now who has been comming around for a few years. He is healthy and gentlemanly, always waiting for my cats to eat before he gets the leftovers. He doesn't fight with my alpha (fixed) male, so I don't shoo him off. I wouldn't worry about if the cat doesn't want to get friendly - if a stray doesn't want to become domesticated, they must be ok with their lot in life. So let it be. The cat shows interest in You, so probably senses that you have a kind heart. Leave food out to be kind, but don't otherwise interfere. The cat will let you know if it wants more interaction or if it needs help (IE: is freezing, sick, lonely, hungry). Time and patience could make this cat your next best friend.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 18 (view)

School Bans the Dictionary Posted: 1/27/2010 5:15:19 PM
The kid who looked that up already knew what it was. Why was his parent so surprised? Some people just like to cause ripples in an already grand wave and brag about what they did.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 6 (view)

Question about feng shui Posted: 1/27/2010 5:04:39 PM
Everything I have read is that the sharing of the wall is bad energy, so you must do something possitive to keep the chi flowing along that wall. Most homes have a bath connected to the bedroom so we are all in a load of trouble there unless we create a warm, relaxing space in the bathroom. If you re-create the bathroom into a wonderful place to be - with candles, music, mirrors etc... you will not have an issue with that wall. Just to be safe - Keep the bathroom door closed. Use crystal balls if you believe in them or another object, to create a protective line of energy between the bed and the bathroom. I've heard of using free flowing curtains around the bed to keep the fresh chi moving. A bell on the wall of the bathroom nearest the bed would work well, unless you are a headboard banger. Oh, well, let the neighbors talk.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 16 (view)

How do you deal with anger after deaths? Posted: 1/27/2010 4:25:27 PM
You need to talk and vent and it sounds like other people are getting in the way. Or the person you want to talk to is using excuses to avoid you because they don't know what to say to you. Most people don't know what to say to help someone in their death grief. Just keep venting here. We'll listen. It looks like everyone who has replyed has been somewhere in your situation. I honestly have lost many family members and have yet to get angry about it. Sad and depressed (for myself) are always with me in that situation. I accept that death is inevitable and actually believe it is a wonderful thing for those who get to go. Yeah, I'm a wee bit different, but I've been like this since I lost my fav parent at the age of 10. Everything that happens to you in life will get a response from you. You are the only one who can choose which response. You can choose to be angry right now. You can allow this to go on for a certain period of time. You can choose to stop being angry. And that will be like a long, slow downward curve until it actually stops. I wish you well.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 51 (view)

15 Year Old Boy Rapes Autistic Woman In Broad Daylight Posted: 1/27/2010 4:10:52 PM
I hope all the other women or young girls he has raped will come forward. By the time some guy rapes a woman in 'broad daylight' he has no more shame about his actions.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 9 (view)

Wisdom and Age Posted: 1/27/2010 4:02:37 PM
OMG JWG86 God made it possible for Athiests get to "wise" too; she just gave their path more circles cause they really like to chase their tails. They like the word, "...but..." Seriously - God is not vengeful. I think you guys have hit upon the right answer. In times past, eons ago, when I was young... the world was a different place in many ways. Wisdom as you mean it comes from our experiences and those things we learn from viewing our surrounding peoples. Now we have the internet, tv, cell phones... (secret wink: nothing has changed, really, there are still people who do not learn from their experiences or from those of others). Sure I know more now than when I was young, .... Even then, I too, as yourself, ... realized other people were stupid, er, more stupid than I. hahahahahaha....

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 71 (view)

Do any adults like Disney World without bringing kids? Posted: 1/27/2010 3:02:04 PM
I Loved It! Just Epcot - you can keep the playground. So with that in mind - I say YEAH, that side of the park is perfect for adults solo. However, there is something so fantastic about seeing a child's face light up when they experience a wonderful weekend or vacation place that every chance I get, I will take the grandkids somewhere like Disney World. Hey, they can push the wheelchair (when I need one) !!!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 43 (view)

The Road not Taken: Any Regrets? Still a Possibility or Some Lost Dream? Posted: 1/27/2010 2:50:08 PM
I learned many moons ago that the woods are a wonderful place to be no matter which path you took (if you even found a path). I followed the creek beds and was always in wonder of God's work, that I was fortunate to share with the smaller species. I continue to live and work in the city, but get back to the woods, the country, as often as possible. That is where I Breathe. It was hard to find work within traveling distance from the woods. It was also difficult to have a relationship. Someday I will return to the woods with a guy in tow, after my working days are over. There is no need in life for regrets. It's a word life grief. It can only muster strength if you seek it. Best to dampen it before a wind catches. Wash it away with a few spent tears and get on without it.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

ham balls Posted: 12/24/2009 1:08:36 AM
I love a really good dinner ham, but am having a hard time thinking about ham balls or any other kind of balls as a main course of course. Now I would very much like to take a can of ham on a campout and come up with a ham ball spiffy quickie - or... those of you who are more in the know, might that be a make ahead thingy? And if so, how to reheat or does one eat ones balls cold? Are crackers supporting this in any way? uh, so many questions arise about ham balls

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 21 (view)

When the holidays are a source of saddness or pain... Posted: 11/29/2009 10:53:49 PM
Oh Poster, I feel your pain. You will either get used to it or endure great sorrow. I hope you accept it for what it is and let those feelings go. I haven't had a holiday with family in so long I can't remember. I generally volunteer to work (retail) on the holidays so co-workers with immediate family can have that day. My son has been in the Army for 10 years and married for 6, so when he is in the states, they are generally at his wife's family home. I've been widowed 5 years. My sister is in another state. For years & years, as my son was growing up, he was usually with his father during the holidays. I was single 10 of those years. So, I am very very used to having holidays either alone or with strangers in restaurants. I don't mind anymore. (I do wish I could see my granddaughter's face on Christmas morning thou.)

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 49 (view)

Strange hobbies/collections Posted: 11/29/2009 10:28:39 PM
I guess I collect cats & misc critters ... I have 10 right now. Plus a bunny and a couple of opossums. I used to collect antique telephones and have saved a few, thou finally regained my space by selling most of them on ebay. I also have quite a few miniature purfume bottles that I like for the bottle, not what's in it. There is something cute about them being so tiny. And light up houses you put out for the holidays. I am not particular about the artist or designer thou I prefer the finer detailed, realistic ones (sadly, they are more expensive). Then there are the decorative cats. Antique porcelain, etc. Lastly, I have a prominent display of Bluebonnet oils that cover about 40 linear feet of wall space. And to the guys above... I have aided and abetted a friend who collects WWII military vehicles & weapons. I generally help him buy them, then he eventually buys me out. We have a machine gun, a cannon, a kubelwagon, a troop carrier and motorcycle with side car and a few other toys. Yes we use them in reenacting. I can get you a great deal on a troop carrier or two...

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 137 (view)

sugar mommy? Posted: 11/3/2009 12:32:12 PM
It's kinda like the thrift store swap shop of young guys sitting on shelves with price tags depicting their lack of values. Within one email exchange you get all the dirty details of size, photos, preferences, etc... the things you get for your charitable donation.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 21 (view)

POF Forums - The Worse Representation of Dating & Daters? Posted: 11/3/2009 12:01:36 PM
I bet Dr. Phil makes you wince, soap operas bore you and the people on Jerry Springer just don't seem real... (they are exaggerated versions of real life). The Forums too are just entertainment in another form. It's this, TV or a good mystery novel - sometimes they seem quite the same. What I get out of these forums are some gap filling time warps between work and sleep. Some really funny goofy stuff happens quite by accident too that keeps me reading. Some other people are lucky enough to have a hidden place in the forest alongside a steam of googly eyed fish. If that ends up being a POF fish, all the better. Don't believe everything you read. Don't trust everything they tell you on a first date. Don't pick your nose or their nose. Everything Mom said is true.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 14 (view)

Join the army at 40 Posted: 11/3/2009 11:31:18 AM
I think you should Be All You Can Be! But if they think you are too old, have too many profiles, whatever... there is now some kind of civilian Guard weekend-warrior group (here in Texas & I believe national). I have heard of them through the grapevine and can get you in touch with a recruiter I know. I heard that age and health are not as much an issue.... they will find you a place / job. Surely they need full time personnel. Basically they rally when the National Guard in your area is deployed. I understand there is payment when the troops respond and from what I heard it is pretty good; more than I make on a regular payday.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 42 (view)

Calm presentation of data proving that deer hunting is destroying our forests. Posted: 8/25/2009 9:44:20 PM
Note that when we have an especially nice amount of rainfall, we tend to have an abundance of new baby deer. Water means more plantlife, more plantlife means more deer. The job of our Wildlife Management guys is to control hunting to deer population ratios via the issue of deer tags. Deer tags are doe or buck depending on what the studies reveal on population. There is no guessing about it & civilians are not at liberty to attempt to control our wildlife on their own whim. My Wildlife Biologists in Texas know what they are doing.... what they paid good monies to A&M to teach them. Over grazing is a term generally used in discussing cattle & land, because cattle are typical grass eaters. That's why we move them to different pastures. Our culprits in uprooting are wild hogs & javalina. Deer are diverse eaters. Deer eat a variety changing their diet with what is available and going full cycle with the range of groceries. I've not heard of them killing out a specific species of plantlife, but sure it's possible. What you suggest sounds like a strange local condition that local Wildlife / Agriculture boys surely have figured out how to handle. BTW: Wildlife have natural instincts that "control" their birth population depending on conditions (food, water), natural or man supplimented... my theory and I'm sticking to it.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 491 (view)

Haiku Connection - This is It ! Posted: 8/24/2009 7:38:53 AM
(morning to you too!) Bringing Life Again Yea! the ultra sound confirms it will be a BOY! I just got the call from my son - his second baby is going to be a boy!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 5 (view)

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME Posted: 8/24/2009 7:19:57 AM
It's a great poem. I think I'll take the liberty of modifying it and saving it to my computer, in case someone goes looking, after I'm gone.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 488 (view)

Haiku Connection - This is It ! Posted: 8/24/2009 7:16:31 AM
(wow!) Secrets of hayloft tiptoe softly silently - away - like catpaw ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (those sneaky little things - see everything!)

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 64 (view)

Should men be discriminated against because of long hair? Posted: 8/17/2009 10:35:22 PM
Nebula 22 How Odd that I was just thinking today about how a person could Tie-Dye thier Hair. I think really long, man hair, would look cool with a wirly dye! I think even older men can carry long hair if it suits their Look: face, body, style. That should be the only question... Clearly it fits their lifestyle or their personal desire or they would change it.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 9 (view)

Dated, Married to a Green Beret, Ranger, Airborne, PJ Posted: 8/17/2009 10:17:56 PM
My son has been a soldier 10 years. He has worn a couple of MOS patches. I am most proud of this one: He was greatly honored with the award of an Airbornne patch for his service to Airbornne troups in Iraq. To me that is a true achievement - to get that kind of recognition from your fellow soldiers - those who are there - in the thick of it. As to the question: I have not personally witnessed irrationality or extreme behavior from our current young men & women returning from war, no matter what their MOS. One of the benefits or achievements of our times, is the communication value of the internet, phone calls, etc... that our current troops enjoy. I think that lifeline is what keeps them more connected to sanity, and able to see that 'light of normalcy' at the end of the tunnel. I did meet some really testy guys returning from Vietnam 30+ years ago. A couple of the soldiers I met then had real deep issues. Rape & striking women were common place situations then. They lived & breathed war without any communication pleasantries. I think we women understood it and accepted it somewhat, thinking it would ease over time. I did eventually marry a Vietnam vet who was injured there. He was the best husband I ever had, God rest his soul. If you haven't guessed, I'm one proud momma!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 23 (view)

Zucchini Recipes Everyone Posted: 7/28/2009 11:19:50 AM
Hi, I've been making Dovelett's Calabacitas my entire life - Mom's receipe was similar Dovelett's vs Mom's ~Calabacitas (Mom: Slice & brown pork chops or beef round) drain any oil, but keep the flavor (!) ADD: 3 zucchini squash.cubed (Mom: sliced round) 1/2 c. chopped onion 2 to 3 T. butter or margarine 1/4 - 1/2 c. chopped gr. Anaheim chile-roasted-peeled-stems removed (Mom: can of tomatoes, Rotel or Mexican spice is good - I had a working mom on a timeframe) 2 c. whole kernel corn (Mom: or the spiced up corn) (Mom: lots of salt, pepper, oregano, etc) 1 c. heavy cream or/and (Mom: no cream) 1/4 c. grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (Mom: no cheese) Sauté zucchini n onion in butter till squash is tender. Add: chile- corn- cream. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes or sauce thickens.. Add cheese - heat until cheese melts. Serves 4 to 6

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 97 (view)

why can't people just be who they are Posted: 7/28/2009 11:05:24 AM
This is sooo funny, but soooo sad that it is true for every woman, every day 100 times a day.... Course this has been my truth even before the internet dating began. Bar flopping is exactly the same. Lots a braggin' about nuttin'. In person, at least you can read their body language and you know how poorly men can lie face to face - now that's really funny stuff!! Girl I could tell you some funny stories! I have only really carried on with a couple of guys I met online. One spoke the truth when he wasn't omitting the facts, or asking for money (true). The other one, I date, because his truths are clean, I can read him face to face & he's so honest, he just can't lie. He too was looking down when I met him (if you looked at his dwelling), but he's in much better shape today. He always has a plan for his future & monies put aside for his retirement. He always does what he says he'll do. Sometimes a guy is down & out; even I have lived in my RV (by choice); and that is not indicative of their entire life, what they have been or what they might become (I can speak from personal experience about the financial ups & downs of my life). You might just have to assume that every man is Not what he says he is so that you can Accept him for what he Really is.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 42 (view)

Dating an individual with no children, how much of an issue is it? Posted: 7/28/2009 10:17:45 AM
Just when I went through a Horrendous dating period with the man who had a six year old from H---! That one actually spit on me, through fits on the floor in the mall, demanded that daddy do this, daddy do that.... - I said No More men with kids! And then ~Wha~llaH~ I met the Perfect man with the Perfect five year old. One cannot decide their future based on their past. Now I am "very friendly" (as in 5 years with a guy I met online), who has never had children. He is a school teacher who raises every stray cat who finds it's way to his house. He & I love them all! (not the school children). YES, he does understand that my son & his family are important, But my son understands that Mom has a life. Jeez he's 30+ He is an adult and acts like one. I have witnessed some awful things that children do to the spouce upon the death of the parent. But these things will never happen between my son & my man. My son respects my wishes. Maybe he was just raised right!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 35 (view)

Can a leopard change his spots? Posted: 7/13/2009 12:08:55 PM
Mammals seem to fade to a paler shade of what was always there... I am, in moments, the same, the exact girl I've always been. Thou to look from the outside inside, people might disagree a wee bit. Some would think they must have mistaken me for someone else. My "values" haven't changed. I did not Always live up to my highest, grandest, idealistic version of "ME". But I have met my own qualifications. While maybe dropping the ball once in a while, I certainly ran the bases too - namely, my child. He is a Grand Slam!

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 2827 (view)

\\\\\ 6 Lines or Less ////// Posted: 6/24/2009 10:22:44 AM
"Freedom is just another word for nothing left to loose" They sang that song for me And for you too, you see I want Freedom too of the Pain of losing You

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 12604 (view)

Haiku Game - Continuance From Previous Thread Posted: 6/24/2009 10:19:47 AM
Find Love In Your Heart Because Where Else Would It Be???? Looking in Wrong Places? (why o why is this message too short, yet perfect fit for haiku) soooooo, alternative to above Find Love In Your Heart Because Where Else Would It Be???? Searching the Beyond.....

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 2739 (view)

/////\\\\\ 6 Lines or Less //////\\\\\\ Posted: 5/17/2009 11:59:13 AM
What are you afraid of Said the woof to the sheep What are you living for To be eaten or .... to eat?

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 2738 (view)

/////\\\\\ 6 Lines or Less //////\\\\\\ Posted: 5/17/2009 11:58:48 AM
If you are what you eat in pots taken off the heat Are you too seen to be as what you outward see? If one is true why not the other You are What You think I See

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 11370 (view)

Haiku Game - Continuance From Previous Thread Posted: 5/17/2009 11:30:05 AM
wanting connection she shuffled off down to the mail box as empty as life following her home a ghostly white neighbor cat narly n stubby

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 6 (view)

Cancer hitting home? Posted: 5/15/2009 5:02:25 PM
I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer. It is a very quick and ugly disease which leaves everyone in it's wake deeply moved, and afraid. While there isn't one person in my bloodline - family who has had cancer; I have many family members via marriage who have had cancer. One currently has (we think) lymphoma and was previously cured of leukemia. There seem to be geographical "hot spots" for cancers that are so prevalent within an area that we sometimes say things like "it must be in the water". Interestingly too, I have a friend and also a neighbor who both had cancers that were detected by accident, while the doctors were treating the patient for something else, and had no reason to perform the scan. I have also had a friend who survived cancer, then her husband died before his diagnosis of stomach cancer. So, my conclusion about cancer is that many of us are exposed to the possibility of getting it and many of us have hidden cancers which will not be found in time to save us.

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 10927 (view)

Haiku Game - Continuance From Previous Thread Posted: 5/2/2009 8:17:29 PM
She had found freedom In the Strangest of Places The River flows on He walked on the bank Gathering up her freedom the River flows on

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 10926 (view)

Haiku Game - Continuance From Previous Thread Posted: 5/2/2009 8:15:43 PM
She had found freedom In the strangest of places The river flows on Without condition He Recieved, then he Returned The river flows on

ashley1861

Joined: 11/6/2004

Msg: 10925 (view)

Haiku Game - Continuance From Previous Thread Posted: 5/2/2009 8:15:13 PM
She had found freedom In the strangest of places The river flows on Without condition He Recieved, then he Returned The river flows on

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