And a year later...

Wow!  Wonder if I can remember how to work this thing!  I've never tried to post using my iPad, so I'm gonna just write a sentence or two and see what happens, and whether or not I want to continue.

Porker Cat

This little porker is Tango, one of the feral cats we rescued.  Mom had decided to go underneath the house and declare it a maternity ward.  We were able to save four; two of which went to live with my daughter, Tango and Cash.  The other two went to Pets Smart for adoption - which was successful!

I'm Moving On...

I've got to move on... I keep looking at this same page and know I need to move on and not keep stuck in the past.

We have a new little man in our family. He would be Robby's nephew so his sister is very happy to have his namesake (although I find it a bit confusing). He has a rare syndrome - Dutch Kentucky syndrome - that will require some surgery in the future, but nothing major. Some of the tendons do not stretch properly but retract. He currently has a cast on one leg. His dad and most of the male members of his dad's family have it also. But dad has done just fine, although he's a little shorter than he might have been... No biggie.

You all know I took a header off of my porch and fractured my hip. I fought tooth and toenail to come home when I was released from the hospital, but I was shoved into a nursing home for rehab. I found out that I was the only one there who had all of their faculties. It was, without a doubt, the most humbling and frightening experience I've ever had.

I was treated as though I was suffering from more than a fractured hip. One after noon two staff members came in to straighten up the bedclothes and informed me that it was time to get ready for bed. It was 6:00 pm! I said, "Oh no, I think not!". They were two little girls from India, and I still don't know if they understood me, but I made it perfectly clear I wasn't hitting the sack.

There were no TV's in the rooms but you could hobble or wheel yourself down to the TV room and watch what was on, along side the blank-eyes staring at the screen. Or you could go to the dining room and play bingo or trivia, the Alzheimer's editions. One of the staff chastised me for eating in my room and not going to the dining room. I was not being social. No, I wasn't. Not in the least. I did my walking up and down the hallway on my walker, but that did it for me. I tried to speak to some of the ladies but there was no one home. The woman in the room with me kept yelling at me - I ignored her. She kept setting off the emergency doors and the alarm she wore to let the nurses know if she fell. It drove me nuts!!! The alarms were loud, the first time I about had a heart attack. She was a real pill.

I asked when I could have a shower and was told twice a week, which meant I had one on Tuesday, after arriving on Sunday, but was told I had to wait until Saturday because Medicare had changed the rules - only two showers per week!

I crabbed to the social worker and the head nurse and got conflicting answers. The doctor told me I needed to stay for two weeks, and I told him flat-out that I was leaving on Friday whether or not I had to take a cab. Wally was afraid of me coming home too early, but I threatened him with the cab, too, and he finally got it.
I told the doctor that the lack of communication between the staff was horrible. I had to go before the department heads to assure them I was capable of returning home, and at that point I played my axes and told them that my daughter is a CNA and would be on call. In fact she played go-between the whole time I was there.

Again, I said if they didn't release me I would leave AMA if necessary.

You have to realize that I have ALWAYS been little Miss Submissive, and this was totally out do character for me to be so adamant about something.

I feel for each and everyone of those poor souls stuck there, I really do. Just finding myself in a place like that was like being sentenced to time in jail. And laying in bed thinking how horrible it would be to live out one's life warehoused like that. I was sent there under the guise of it being a nursing home and a separate rehab facility, which was not true. I feel that this was a way to bilk Medicare out of funds that could have been used more wisely. And I have Kaiser Senior Advantage!

Okay, I've told my tale.... I'm now getting around by a cane, the kind with the four prongs. I'm still wobbling and scared to death of falling again, really! If I'm ever in a dark place where my eyes cannot focus on the TV, and I am no longer myself, I'll be ready. But not until then....

A Very Hard Year

Photo 1.  NASCAR car driven in honor of Robby's service
Photo 2.  At high school graduation
Photo 3.  Back from training
Photo 4.  March, 2011, with G-Ma

One year ago today, March 21, 2011, we lost our Marine, Robby Rawlins.  I have been thinking for days how I could do something to honor him, but I have been empty in spirit and in heart.  I'm crying as I write this, but I've decided just to celebrate his life - that's what he would've wanted.

Robby had behavioral issues when he was little.  One day, mom and dad came home only to find that Robby had decided to remove a few light bulbs with his BB gun.  He also redecorated the mirrors, thinking they looked better with a few scattered holes. 

I remember one Sunday in church, as the congregation stood to sing, he took off running on the pews that were now minus their occupants.  If I remember correctly, it took a couple of us to corral him. 

It wasn't until later that he was diagnosed as having ADHD.   After receiving some help in the classroom, and getting involved in sports was he able to work off some of that excess energy.  He graduated from high school and went immediately into the Marine Corps, a longtime dream of his. You can understand why we were so very proud of him.

He served one tour in Iraq, was stationed in Guam, participating in the ceremonies commemorating the battle of Iwo Jima.  When he came home, he brought me a baggie with some pieces of sea glass and shells.  He couldn't have brought me anything better since I've always been on the hunt for bits and pieces of treasure like that - and I don't believe he even knew it.

Shortly after his death, his sister, Ashleigh, discovered that she is pregnant.  And yes, it is a boy.
Robby's full name was Robert (named for his dad, grandfather and great grandfather), William (named after my husband and Leah's dad), Rawlins.  His nephew's name is Robert William Smith.  His legacy and those of the men who passed before him will continue.

The above photos are the memories I keep close to my heart:  The boy he was and the man he was becoming.  The last photo was taken in March, 2011, and was the last time I saw him.  The disarming smile and mischievous gleam in his eyes is how I hold him in my heart.  

I love you to the moon and back, dear Robby, dearest grandson....

Something About Nothing...

I guess it's about time...  I keep jinxing myself by saying I'm gonna start blogging faithfully; but, it just isn't happening.  Since my laptop is not working, and I have yet to figure out to to post from iPad (yes, I know - I'm dumb), I need to sit at the PC to update.  Even with a good chair my back aches like mad sitting here.  Whining.  Sorry!  But I really love the concept of blogging and miss the good ol' days. 

I've found a new hobby:  embarrassing myself on Facebook.  My grandson-in-law, Jim, got a ticket this a.m for driving his MOTORCYCLE 116 mph.  If you all remember, my grandson, Robby died on his motorcycle almost a year ago (21st of this month).  Jim and Ashleigh are going to be parents next month, they already have a beautiful little girl - and he's out acting the fool on his bike.

Well, I tore into him on FB, where he had posted the ticket, and told him his father-in-law needed to kick his butt.  Well, I thought I said "kick."  Uh uh.  I typed "lick."  So the kids (and their friends) have had a lot of fun teasing me about that one!

Life is moving at such a rapid pace it's unbelievable.  We've jumped from a very nice, cool spring into a very warm beginning of summer.  We took out a big orange tree - neither of us can eat them - and various and sundry other old woody bushes.  The yard looks a lot bigger!  I'm going nuts putting in colorful perrenials to disguise that ugly grey stone wall.  Hopefully, it will look really nice in a couple of weeks.

Something of interest:  My brother performed a wedding at which he received a rather large gift, so he is using that to enter the National Geographic DNA "Tree of Life" project.  It will take our DNA back 30 generations!  Can you believe it?  He's thinking middle Europe, possibly Hun/Visgoth/ - you know, the "swarthy" people.  We're telling him women do not have asperations to be "swarthy!"  Anyway, it will be extremely interesting.  Both my brother and our grandfather have our lineage (dad's side) going back to Austria.  My mom's lineage is English and Welsh,and possible French. 

Now, I'll know what to call myself! 

Miscellany

A Sad Day

For My Friend Sarge

As most of you know, Charles "Sarge" Cordle has gone home after fighting the valiant fight with cancer.  His many bouts of cancer were caused by the infamous Agent Orange that he was sprayed with, as were so many others, during the Viet Nam war. 

I cannot begin to put on paper what I'm feeling in my heart, but so many, many people have done so eloquently, I'm thankful it wasn't up to me.  As I've said before, I never knew it was possible to love people you've never met, such as Sarge and his beautiful bride, Bonnie, or Miss Bee, as she's known by affectionately.  I guess it's because we all feel safe amongst each other, and have shared our thoughts, hopes, dreams, and disappointments, sorrows and griefs.  When you let someone into your life in this manner you become vulnerable.  But Sarge?  He called it as he saw it, never shirking from opposition, whether it be politics or a enemy armed with a gun.   

He fought for our country and was vilified for it.  When you see a vet, please thank them and let them know you appreciate them.  Sarge, once again, thank you, my friend.



It's a New Year...

This has been floating around, and I think it is too cool!!!  If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to enlarge it to get the full sense of what the photographer was doing! 

Well, today I am the proud owner of an iPad 2.  Hallelujah!  I had a couple of gift cards, enough to get a Kindle or Nook.  I got to thinking that I have a lot of "junk" gold (that sounds goofy!).  Broken chains, one earring of a set, stuff I don't ever wear, so we went to a reputable pawn shop to sell it.  I figured I'd be lucky to get $150, maybe $200 if I was extremely lucky.  Would you believe just how lucky I was?  $553!  So, I am now the proud owner of an iPad 2!!!  Miss Bee, I hope I have as much fun with mine as you do with yours.

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged much, but I truly miss all of you, especially the ones I don't visit on FaceBook!  I am not going to say one blooming thing about blogging frequency, since that always gets me in trouble.  Let me just say that I really enjoyed visiting you all and getting caught up, somewhat.....

I tried to link to Miss Bee's blog - and I can't remember how to do it!  I know they've changed stuff around a lot, but good gravy!  Please forgive me, Bee.  I will try to get back up to par.  Sheesh.  Scary.
Which reminds me, I finally went to the doctor today.  I've been without my thyroid meds for a couple of years now...remember my doctor who died in her boyfriend's chimney?  Anyway, I saw her replacement.  Wow.  What a doll!  When I explained that I didn't have insurance she reassured me that they would work with me, and if I needed anything at all, she'd do her best to get it done, and I really believed her!  I turn the big 6-5 this year, and will get Medicare (if there's anything left by November), and will go with Kaiser like Wally has.  He really loves the Senior Advantage program, and their services are really close to us.  So I will become a real, honest-to-goodness fogie! 

I don't want to use up all of my thoughts now.  They will have died by loneliness by the time I post again if I'm not careful....

Love ya!

The Old Homestead

The House That Dad Built

This is where I grew up.  Imagine a row of eucalyptus trees (a wind break) going down the side of the property, and instead of tract houses, fields of alfalfa.  We had an acre behind us, with some chickens, and then orange groves all around.  I know I wrote about my pet hen, Nancy, well, this is where we did our roaming.

The house was built in 1951.  My brother came in 1954.  Even though I was a very young bride (17), this is the place I still call home.  My roots are here and I feel close to my parents when I visit.  My brother and his family still live here and it looks great!  My mom and dad planted the huge Sycamore tree in the front yard that is showing off by thrusting it's roots through the driveway and sidewalk. My brother planted the liquid amber that is the only sign of autumn in Orange County.  It hovered aroud 75 degrees this year at Christmas.   

I don't miss the traffic, but I sure miss this house.

Veteran's Day 2011

  Brennan Newberry's NASCAR entry

I guess every person in military who's had the opportunity to do this has!  Robby looks so young here, it was about two years before his death.  Never would have thought when he was a little guy, that one day he'd be sitting in the palace of a despot!    For all of you who have served, enjoy this photo, because without our troops despots would be reigning all over the world!

Commercials! And Other Stuff

Along the Kern River at Hart Park

Thanks for your responses to my request.  Commercials can be so wonderful - consider the Super Bowl phenomenon!  But more often than next they're guaranteed to make you reach for the remote.  I think our local commercials are the worst but some of the nationals are pretty bad, too.  The silliest ones are for "enhancements," Zestra and Cealis (sp) are the worst, especially the folks sitting in bathtubs out in the middle of a cornfield!

We tend to like the ones with animals, but my favorite is the baby stockbroker in the crib.  He's in trouble because he tried riding the dog and mom took his laptop away. It's very clever and the baby is adorable. I can't begin to tell you the name of the brokerage house, though!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have any of you seen DIY "I Hate My Kitchen?"  Well, that's how we feel about this mess.  My former son-in-law gutted our kitchen at our previous house, put in all new cabinetry, new counter tops, new appliances, etc. It was gorgeous!  So moving in here, with the pretend wood paneling was disheartening, to say the least!

My present son-in-law finished the new cabinet fronts for the kitchen. (My daughter has kept the cabinet shop open). As I've been peeling away layers, there are at least two different types of wallpaper involving ugly little red teacups and orange flowers.  They previous owners left a lot of wallpaper that they'd used in the den.  It's not bad - better than the fake paneling for sure!  It looks kind of like grass cloth which I've always liked and it's back in style again.  So I tried papering over the ugly mess of teacups.  It looked pretty good for awhile - until it started peeling off.  So, I tried glue.  Nope, didn't work, either.

So, our SIL is going to put new backing up which we can either tile over or paint.  Instead of dark pretend paneling, it will be crisp and light!  I can hardly wait!  A couple of years ago we bought all new appliances but the kitchen still looks shabby.  We replaced the indoor-outdoor carpeting which was in all the bathrooms and kitchen.  Who wants carpet in the bathroom?  YUCK.  Painting over the pretend paneling is hard work.  It takes 2-3 coats of Kilz and you've got to get in all the little grooves which eats up paint brushes like crazy.

Next, we'll replace the counter tops which are laminate butcher block - charming - with a newer grade of laminate that really doesn't look too bad.  But that will have to wait a bit.  Doing things in bits and pieces has driven me crazy.  I want to wiggle my nose and just make it all happen, but I haven't had any luck in that department!

Anyhoo, I'll be happy just to get this part finished.  One step at a time...Patience.

Where Did Summer Go?

I wish I could say I took this photo, but I'm using the PC instead of my laptop and haven't moved my photos over here.  Can't honestly say I know how!  My old reliable VAIO is about ready to bite the dust.  It takes me ten minutes for it to open, and I get a Shockwave crash notice everytime I try to do anything!  The PC loads really fast but my back can't take too much of this chair.

I have no news - good or bad - which is of itself good news.  It's been hot but tolerable.  The cooler has cut our bills in half since we're not having to use the A/C.  We had a few really humid days so we cranked it up then but not enough to hurt the wallet.  It's so nice to be cool and not quaking in fear of seeing the next electric bill!

We're having trouble with feral cats.  Some sweet little old guy across the street feeds them.  They have one litter after another, and it breaks my heart.  The problem is they drive my dogs nuts.  They walk the fences tormenting them and sit outside the fence or sliding glass door and stare at the dogs.  The worst part of it is when my birds see them.  Good gravy!  Our Nanday Conure (parrot) is so loud I'm sure everyone in the park can hear him!   And I'm not just whistling Dixie!  It's like an air raid siren going off...  So it falls on us to keep the zoo quiet so we don't disturb our neighbors, even though it's the cats' fault!  I'm going to call the "Cat People," and see if they trap and release or will take them and find families for them.  I wish people would be responsible pet owners.  Sheeesh.

So how is everyone surviving the political mess?  I watch as much on TV as I can stomach, then find something else to do.  I have gotten so mad I've actually thrown stuff which scared the dogs to death.  As Glenn Beck says, I have blood shooting out of my eyes!  In today's newspaper there was a blurb that LA voters will have to vote on a bill making porn producers provide condoms for their "performers."  Now, isn't that just ducky.  I will admit I saw a smattering of an X-rated flick and had to bleach my eyes.  But waste time and money for a bill?  ARGHHH. 

I don't have a clue who I will back in the elections.  They start so soon that everyone is absolutely sick of politics - it's no wonder they can't get people to show up at the polls.  I don't really like anyone running so far.  Perry reminds me of a used car salesman - there's just something about the guy I don't like.  Have to wait and see how many skeletons start popping out of closets.  

I have homework for you all.  I really enjoy Sandee's Wednesday post where she posts a question.  I have one for you.  What is your favorite current commercial and your least favorite?  I'll post mine after you all post yours. 

Happy Wednesday!

A Sad Birthday

I haven't gotten back in "the groove" as I'd hoped.  It's been hot - who doesn't know that!  I've been fretting too much and worrying too much - about things I can't change.  Lots of unnecessary wheels spinning around and they're smoking! 

You've all been very gracious about our loss.  I cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and wonderful expressions of sorrow.  My daughter and her hubby received Robby's personal belongings from the base, along with his car.  I haven't spoken to them recently but saw it posted on FB.  I can imagine it wasn't easy going through all of the things he had with him, especially since he'd been away from home for 3, almost 4 years. 

Today Robby would have been 22 years old. 



The Bible Says Life is But a Vapor....

"The wind is blowing forward, forward and forward. Out of this day, into the next, out of this week, into the following one, and from this year into another. Try as we might to hold onto the sycamores, and whatever familiar landscapes surround us, gradually we lose our grip and are swept forward into a river of tomorrows."

-----Herb Benham, The Bakersfield Californian

A Posy for Your Thoughts

These are in my daughter, Corinne's yard...

My parrot, Spanky (Nanday Conure)
He hates the camera! 

I typed a post the other day, re-read it and dumped it.  No particular reason, I just thought it sounded "lame."  Then I got to thinking, I'm not getting graded on what I post.  Although there's always the chance you won't want to come back and read any more posts!  I think since I started out blogging to work out some issues, I still have the feeling that I need to be writing essays or about some super epiphany that unlocked the key to my existence.  Okay, I think we all know that's not gonna happen, so here goes nothing.

I used to be a very good speller.  Nowadays I find myself typing along like mad only to find words underlined in red and I have absolutely no idea why!  I'll retype and it's still wrong.  Sometimes I'll figure it out or just give up and use another word. Or I'll forget words and can't remember the word I'm looking for.  My cousin assures me it happens to her, too, so either we're both losing our minds or it's just more of this crappy aging process!!!

I was out working in the yard the other day and had a "heat thing."  I made it into the house, aimed for the chair, missed, wound up on the floor and the next thing I remember is Wally sitting with me on the floor with cold rags on my face and neck.  I should know better.  I wasn't outside very long but I haven't been doing the amount of yard work I'm used to doing.  I had heat prostration years ago while doing yard work, and I've got to be careful.  I tend to go full bore and get spent quickly.  Anyway, I'm fine.

The dogs are finally starting to play!  We got Sophie for Homer since Katie died, and he was used to having a play pal.  Sophie was so sick and undernourished when we brought her home she didn't feel like doing much other than sleeping, eating and getting loved.  Within the past couple of weeks, they've been chasing each other through the house, but tonight they really put on a show!  Sophie was spinning in circles and leaping in the air.  Quite entertaining!

Loving Big Brother as usual but especially liking Rizzoli and Isles!  I've read most of the books by (okay brain, kick in!) can't remember author's name but I'm sure you know who I mean!  The TV show with Angie Harmon is actually very good...

Leah posted on FB that Robby's headstone had been placed.  I was surprised it was so soon.  The guy from the mortuary actually took a couple of photos and sent them to Bob and Leah!  I thought that was exceptionally nice. I'm going to take some flowers over for them.  It just still doesn't seem real.....

Well, do I get graded for this mess?  Hope not!

My Blog-lite!

Our new dog, Sophie.  She's a rescue from the pound. She's a real sweetheart.

Since these photos were taken, I think she's gained a pound or two!

Here are some of the roses in my garden....

All of my well intentions of blog-lite!  I've been having a migraine festival that comes and goes. I keep trying to come up with something cute and clever - ha, ha.  So, nothing........

My granddaughter, Ashleigh, had her birthday yesterday!  She's now the ripe ol' age of 24. My birthday is today - and I don't really care, but I'm the ripe ol' age of - choke - 64.  I don't feel a second over 75, at least.  Funny, I don't think of myself as being 64 but my body sure looks like it!

I'm still working on the blog-lite stuff but in the meantime, here's a link:  Life is but a vapor..

And Roses for all!!!

Levon!

Dear Levon,

I don't know how to contact you, but I am so happy that you left me a comment!  I have been worried that something might have happened to you, and I understand that things may have been rough for a spell, but I am just SO glad to know that you're here and I hope you'll reach out again. I have missed your posts and hope that you'll feel up to posting again soon.

I plan on listening to the songs you suggested.  Music is a large part of who I am as well.  Thanks for your musical offering...

Dear friend, please post or comment again soon!

Blessings,
Gracie

A Beautiful Face

 At Robby's services this young man stood at attention as the casket was carried into the chapel.   He's from Jamaica but is now proudly a citizen and serving his country.  We were lucky enough to spend some time with him and a lot of his buddies as they stayed at my younger daughter's home for a couple of days before returning to the base.  I thought he should head to Hollywood when he leaves the service...he probably has different ideas, though.

Anyway, it's been a horrific few weeks, and I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things.  While I'm far from being over the hurt and loss I'm going to use my "Echoes in the Night" for further posts about grief and the process of healing.  My whole purpose for blogging starting out with the loss of my son-in-law, Doug. I don't want to use this blog for more grief.  

I'll go back to the things that make life worth living and enjoying. None of us know when we will leave this earth and I'd like to make it as pleasant a ride as possible.

In Memory of Robby

This Memorial Day is far different than those of years ago.  This one is personal although it was not through an act of war.  We've met some wonderful young men and women who serve our country as they came to the service for Robby.

There was a group of 12 out on a sunny day riding their motorcycles.  I didn't know this until Friday as I thought he was alone when he died.  This gives all of us a lot of peace knowing he was surrounded by his best buddies.  We got to spend a lot of time over the past few days with these young men.  We broke bread together, laughed together and you bet, cried together.  Our country is in good hands.

This is the tribute I wrote for his On-line Obituary.  If any of you would like to post a comment, the link is on my Facebook page.  Again, thanks so much for your prayers, support and well-wishes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life sometimes hands us such sadness we think we will break under the sheer weight of it. Death reaches out to wrench from us our very hearts, but we must keep going. There's no rest for this, no stopping. 

My children have been given the saddest of all tasks; losing a son. My heart has broken watching them as they grieve his loss, but the love they have for each other will help them endure it. 

My sweet Robby has touched so many lives and hearts. He had so many wonderful friends who will keep his memory alive. They'll relive the goofy things they did and treasure each joke, each moment of laughter a thousand times, repeated through time... The young men and women with whom he served his country - his brothers and sisters at arms - they'll remember all of the days spent abroad in places they'll never forget nor want to return to. Some will return willingly because they love this country and are so very willing to give it all they have, in some cases, their lives. We honor you.

I was able to share some very special moments of time - too fleeting - with Robby a few months ago. Just watching his expressions as he talked, the spark in his eyes, his willingness to share with me his thoughts as he talked about his future and which path he would take, and how much he loved being with "the guys." Robby had an enormous capacity for love. He was always prepared to give of it freely and without conditions. That is a gift. My grandson occupies a place in my heart that I will treasure as long as I walk this earth.

Here is a gift to all of you from the one who gives us peace: "Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." --- Hebrews 4:16

Broken Hearts

Our Marine, Robert William Rawlins, "Robby," went home to be with Jesus today, May 21, 2011.


Our darling grandson, Robby, our marine, passed away today as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident. Our hearts are broken, and it's only through the peace and grace of Christ that we will endure. Please pray for his mom, (my daughter, Leah) and his dad, Bob and sister, Ashleigh.  


The top three photos are from March, the last time we were with him.  The bottom picture is at his folks' home on leave.  He's got Chico , his mom's dog in his hoodie.   That was our Marine, silly, funny, loving and very much a wonderful young man.  We loved this child so much, and will always treasure his memory..  

Time for a Laugh!

Little "factoids" amuse me.  I love hearing things that make you shake your head and go, "WHAT?"  And not in a political way, either!  Just little snippets of info that make us smile and amuse us...


My favorite:  It is a law in France that you have to provide your toilet to anyone who suffers from Crohn's Disease.  Seriously, sufferers have a card issued to them by their doctors that oblige anyone who is the lucky recipient of a knock on the door to provide use of your restroom.  Can you image having a total stranger knock at your door and you have to let them in???  Well, it is France, after all.....


ODD FACTS:

*SPAM makes excellent furniture polish (Uh, I'll pass!).
*SPAM can steam-proof your mirrors.  When showering rub spam on your mirrors. (Uh, don't think so!).
*SPAM makes excellent fishing bait (Now that might work!).


*Peanut butter:  Former senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, once shaved with peanut butter while on a camping trip (for best results, avoid shaving with extra crunchy!
*Grease a car or truck axle.  George Washington Carver developed axle grease from peanuts.  (I think Jiffy Lube might be cheaper!)
*Bait a mouse trap with peanut butter!  Unfortunately, I know this works!


*Coca-Cola:   Clean a toilet bowl.  Pour a can of Coke into the toilet bowl and let the Real Thing sit for one hour, then brush and flush clean.  (When do you add ice?)
*Remove grease from clothes.  Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy work clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular wash cycle.  (These "handy hints" sure aren't cheap!)
*Shaking up a bottle of Coke for use as a douche immediately after sexual intercourse has been considered an effective method of contraception among the uneducated.  It does not work. (Holy Krap!  Wonder when they caught on - after the 9th or 10th kid?) 

"Every cloud has a silver lining, and soon they'll 

figure out how to tax us for that, too...."