@KC-Fresno

((waves, smiles)) Have a good class!

@Susan-AZ

Locally we are between 165 en and 169 en per liter, regular grade…

(using ~105 per US $ as a current exchange rate, and ~3.9 liters per gallon, that comes out to: ~$6.13 a gallon at the low end)

@LDG–

We were discussing longevity a couple months ago– (Japan) I also thought they had lived long!

I think diet plays a big factor, habits, and exercise– as well as with the environment-

@Susan-AZ

“Are you settled in?” –yes, with a big *however*…

Foxy is back at work, and has been hitting 3+ hours of OT every day. So she gets up, goes to work, comes home, eats and maybe has a half an hour to chat or play with kitties, then falls into the sack. This should wind down in a few days, and she has a two-day weekend this week, so it is possible she will have the time to tend to her ‘blog a bit then.

I do know more pictures have been taken, but the two “biggies” will come next week when (1) the last of the furniture arrives and (2) the yard landscaping is underway.

Thank you for asking, and please allow a bit more time.

Patty–

Have a good and safe day!!!!

xxxxx

@LDG—

What is the price of gas in Japan?

Patty

Very thankful to hear you and yours are OK. We feel so bad for everyone that is being hit by these disasters. Life changing times.

Now that I know you are OK, I can go to my tai chi class and not worry.

Talk to you all later

@Patty

Good luck, and glad to hear you are well!

@KC-Fresno

“Heard on the news this morning that people in Japan have the longest life span and live longer than we do. What’s the secret???”

heh, medical science wishes they knew…

The commonly ascribed reasons are: diet (low in fat, more fish than meat, and most (current) seniors having experienced periods of very low calorie intake in their youth from the years of postwar shortages); universal availablity of basic health care; extremely high standard of living; a cultural veneration of longevity.

The odd counter-indications are: an appalling stomach cancer rate in middle-aged adults; high stress, alcohol comsumption, and smoking rates, especially in men; some serious vitamin deficiencies in the foodstuffs of the traditional diet; a very high suicide rate.

…so it is a bit of a mystery.

I will say that the idea of growing old *and living well* is a fairly new idea here. Most of the aged of the previous generations lived to a late age, but with severe incapacities. Thankfully that is already becoming a thing of the past here.

Patty–

oh yes– they put the honey on it too!

I love chocolate– not into ice cream too much!

@LDG–

I didn’t find out if this was the marine from the past– I can’t handle stories like that one– but you are probably right- title reads- Marine expelled, another penalized for puppy video- So it could be read– as another one of the perps from that incident or it could be read as more recent– LOL

re: “but she said it as if…” — that may be how she said it. Look at my “catholics” example, above, for why that is inherently mistaken. Sadly, it is a common mistake still.

And this is why you are here!!! You catch it all! LDG, genius always at work!

Patty–

Here in Az– Mexican deep fried ice cream– they roll the balls of icecream in crushed corn flakes and deep fry for a second and then serve with whip cream– sounds like yours–

@LDG–

Are you settled in? I checked out Foxy’s blog earlier– and nada new– I have been up since 4:00– Ken woke me up and I haven’t been able to go back to sleep! So I was visiting blogs earlier and I didn’t see any new pictures– (sad for me)

Patty is Ok. Thanks for asking KC! A little short on sleep, but that i can survive. That just goes along with my boss being the Emergency Manager!
I probably won’t be back the rest of the day though. Duty calls.

This article, when it speaks of Soldier, KS…that is 30 miles south of us.
The Chapman, KS is 75 miles SW of us.
Also the Kansas State University recieved much damage. Also about the same distance as Chapman, 75 miles.
All too close to home, although we know how fortunate we are. My heart breaks for the iowa boy scout parents.
and more storms coming today.

h ttp://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/19816649.html
disabled the link…you’ll have to remove the space after the “h”

btw: I LOVE fried ice cream!!! Covered in honey and topped with whipped cream. YUM!

@Susan-AZ

I think you mean the one “puppy video” from months ago, and the fact that the military has recently punished the perps, yes?

re: “but she said it as if…” — that may be how she said it. Look at my “catholics” example, above, for why that is inherently mistaken. Sadly, it is a common mistake still.

@LDG-

likely gangsterism. One of the rarely told stories of life in Israel is the prevalence of “mafia-style” activities.

Now that is what she said— but she said it as if the Druze were a type of mafia– she named this gangster group as a Druze killing her husband’s brother and his business associate too as well!

LDG

Heard on the news this morning that people in Japan have the longest life span and live longer than we do. What’s the secret???

Good news however, they bumped up our (women’s) lifespan to 78 so I guess I will be around a bit longer to annoy and/or pester people. Hope they don’t run out of social security!!

@LDG–

Did you skip the latest news about the marine and the new puppy video? I sure did!!! I don’t want to know!

@Susan-AZ

“So why did they kill one of their own?” — likely gangsterism. One of the rarely told stories of life in Israel is the prevalence of “mafia-style” activities.

“But you can’t correct me on pulque and maquey!” — nor would I. Those were very interesting comments by you, btw. Pity I missed out on the cooking comments earlier.

@LDG–

But you can’t correct me on pulque and maquey! LOL

@LDG-

So why did they kill one of their own? hmm? I need to get the story from the husband– sounds like Dolores has some things left out!

@LDG–

cooking too!

Well–

I just learned a bit about the Druze– or Druz or Druse!

…and a good ‘morning’ all around.

Whew! Just read back through this thread (and other recent ones from FOXNews): Floods; fires; tornadoes; math tests ((grin))… it sounds pretty rough out there!

@LDG–

Gentle reminder: Druze are one of the religious/ethnic subgroups of the area of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria—

yes!!! As she told it to me too– However, she didn’t give me the correct spelling as I asked– so muchas gracias!!!!

time to go look up Druze–

xxx

KC–

WOW! I haven’t turned on the tele– now I know why!!! How awful!!!!!!!! Yesterday there was a firefighter who had third degree burns– These guys are truly brave!!! I could not do their jobs! No way!

On a lighter note– it was a great visit and hopefully there will be future visits as well!

@Susan-AZ

re: “Did I get the spelling right?” — probably not. You most likely were trying to say “Druze”.

Gentle reminder: Druze are one of the religious/ethnic subgroups of the area of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Those that live in Israel are Israeli nationals, and some of the most patriotic citizens of that country. The way you retold that story made it sound like “they” are all the same, and enemies of the people… which is certainly not true. Here’s a fictitious statement equally misleading: “Well last year, her husband’s brother was shot in cold blood by a group of people who are known as Catholics…” See where that retelling went wrong?

Susan

The fire yesterday was in Northern California, about 60 miles north of Sacramento, around Oroville. A lot of people lost their homes and all of their possessions. Some of the homes that were burnt to the ground were around 100 years old and in families for generations. It was so sad to hear their interviews. Claudia Cowan was doing the coverage on that one.

I believe the fire in the Santa Cruz mountains started last night. As of this morning it was burning out of control and two firefighters were severely burned because they got caught up in the wind change and were trapped. It is so terrible for everyone involved. Everything is just so dry around here.

By the way, glad you had a great visit with Jen and her hubby - What fun!!!

Sylvia-

KC—

I heard about the fires yesterday— and it was windy here– everytime the winds start here, I think of CA and wonder if there is a fire– I am beginning to hate these winds! curse!

Susan,…..you got that right!!!

Sylvia–

Beats carrying the equipment! LOL

Susan…the thought of Adam carrying an umbrella in the desert is really funny.

Adam–

don’t let anyone talk you into drinking pulque– (made from the maguey) Now that is a definite YUCK!

what concert Avi?

Adam—

wear a cap and lots of sun screen– skin cancer is not fun!!! Carry an umbrella– what the heck!

Iowa got hit too big time!!

Avi–

Yesterday when Ken’s case manager came over she told me a sad story–Her husband is from Israel, and he is a general manager here for one of the major restaurants– Well last year, her husband’s brother was shot in cold blood by a group of people who are known as Drews? Did I get the spelling right? Do you know what I am referring too?

Adam,

You must be sweltering in that desert heat…I’ve been there and it’s awful.

Avi

Good luck with the math exams. When do you get summer break? Schools are out in Ohio until late August.

today :

50 rockets / morters fired into Israel…… Israels response is a joke….

in other news: im going to some cool concert 2night …. in tel aviv

and in frustrating news: me have back to back math exams sunday :’(

Good morning everyone

Patty - you OK????? Heard this morning Kansas got hit again and received some major damage. It is soooo sad to hear every day the terrible terrible damage done to so many states with tornados, flooding, etc.

Santa Cruz mountains are on fire again - 1600 had to be evacuated between last night and this morning. Homes are going up really fast due to our dry dry climate conditions.

Wonder if Adam has to go home and get his red bag!!!

Jen–

the only thing that fries my mind now is the AZ sun! LOL

Max–

the baked Alaska– too tedious– (meringue)

So you make it?

Max–

Yes– I have even had baked Alaska– LOL

I was referring to the hot sun– as it fries everything– LOL

Jen–

referring to my past– now you can vouch for that one– as I think you know some of my past! LOL

But that is a given– from all my older posts, one can figure out I probably have done some things! LOL

OK now we finally have our cooking thread ….since Adam participated. LOL

Susan– I can pretty much vouch for all you say now, except you saying this stuff about marijuana; I am totally innocent with that one!

Susan: they wouldn’t be melted, you’d put them in for only a few seconds. Ever heard of ‘baked alaska’? That’s icecream in a sponge cake topped with meringue. The ice cream will still be solid in the middle as the temperatures are very high, but only for a moment.

@ Adam-

but lately there’s fried candy bars, fried twinkies…etc.

fried or melted? LOL

@John-

The study said marijuana use increased the risk of developing mental disorders by 40 percent.

well that explains me!

Max– yes– baked!

Here’s a good lead-in for Adam’s anticipated reports on drug smugglers within he next few days………

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,365802,00.html

I know, I know……..I didn’t digress……….I don’t know what’s wrong, I’ll go and see the doctor later on.

Susan: is it a baked Mac & cheese dish?

I love queso fresco!!

Adam-

this is the way to eat nopales

I N G R E D I E N T S
3 cups cooked nopales
3 tbsp chopped white onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
2 tbsp fresh lime juice or vinegar

T O P P I N G
3 tomatoes, sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or añejo or Monterey jack cheese
1/3 cup purple onion rings
3 canned chiles jalapeños en escabeche, cut into quarters lengthwise
1 avocado, peeled and sliced (optional)
romaine lettuce for the side of the serving platter

Max–

I make a great mac and cheese dish– it takes velvetta, cream cheese, cheddar, and cream– very creamy!!!

Adam again—

Jen, her hubbie, and I met– We had a great time!! I see you haven’t been to the preceding thread– our comments are there!

Next time you go to Kentucky, you need to swing by and meet Jen and her husband! Wonderful people! LOL

Adam-

Have you ever ate nopales? prickly pear cactus. Very good— I love it prepared mexican style!

Well Tony’s water bill should not be too much if he has a yard full of cacti– LOL

Adam– javelina– LOL

They should put some gila monsters chained to the cacti for preventive measures– and scorpions– that ought to keep the thieves away!

I just got back from looking for you– dang it is hot!!!!

xxx

Sunshine: The recipie called it stir fried. But it’s really more like boiled. Boil the pasta until it’s a few minutes from being done, don’t use much water, if there is a lot left poor some away. Then stir in some fast melting cheese (american works well), leave the lid off to allow the water to evaporate. And then just leave it until it gets to the desired thickness.

I find it very good. It’s quite creamy.

Good Morning to all who are awake and reading this blog.

Is anyone on guard duty for the cactus?

I have heard fried pickles are to die for, there was a place here that served them but I never tried them.

Adam Keith looks strong and capable, I may be old but good form is good form!

Okay I am going to bed, and first in the AM I am off to Houston. I will be back over the weekend. Stay safe Adam!! Everybody else do what you do best!

Everything is better fried…..even prickly pear Cactus!
(keeping it on topic here) LOL

Max - you could buy one of those small toaster ovens so you could bake small dishes and have something with a little crunch to it. btw, how do you “fry” mac & cheese?

KC: i generally do the fried style with runny cheese. Today’s was perfect, it’s normally hard to get the cheese to the perfect thickness, sometimes it’s more like a soup.
I think your one is a baked stlye mac & cheese. Sounds pretty good. We don’t have a proper oven, only a microwave oven, so when i’ve tried to bake mac&cheese it never comes out quite right.

Max
Yum - nothing like homemade mac & cheese. I have a killer recipe that also uses crumbled fried bacon, potato chips, and more cheese on top. Makes a real crispy topping. Soooo good. I also use different types of pasta. Like to experiment.

Think I better make that this week - it has been awhile and you just reminded me - thanks

sunshine: like mac&cheese, but a different shape of pasta.
I don’t use like a kraft meal, but get the pasta and cheese seperately.
I also mixed diced cured ham in as well.

Nothing too complex tonight.

I am amazed at how much equipment Keith is carrying in addition to the camera and tripod! What a workout! Plus I like guys in shorts:D

sunshine,

good luck with the cacti, I have an associate in Florida and all she does is complain about the heat

Ok everybody, you have to see this, I am fascinated by religion and human nature, I have been keeping my eye on this little group out in new mexico I think.

Here is the deal.

1) they think their leader Micheal is the messiah, as in the real deal, jesus himself.

2) this guy micheal has layed naked with many of the woman, all because God told him to, it was truly a sacrifice for him to do it.

3) the state took away one of the virgins that “layed naked” with him because she is under age.

4) he went to jail for 2 1/2 days for it, now he is out awaiting trial.

and here is the coooooooooooool thing

he is fasting until the girl is returned to them or God destroys the United states

maybe I am wrong, but this is going to turn out cool either way…one side has a group of people starving themselves to death, the other is God striking down the united states (and world I am sure)

isn’t it exciting????????

http://strongcity.info/

Adam,

c’mon man, lets get an interview on this, or some footage or something, this is Britney Crazy to the tenth power….

Max - what’d you cook?

sgt shot - ha ha!!! does seem like a painful way to make some money. I don’t doubt they are worth some money! They do grow pretty slow (most species) and you must be so careful in planting them.
If we don’t get some rain soon…I’m pulling up my flowers and planting cacti!!! They do grow quite well here actually as long as they aren’t planted in any low areas. You often see them popping up in cow pastures.

Whoever steal a cactus is an idiot ……….. its painful lol…. people know days =/

Adam,

whats ^

shep was cracking me up looooool

spsssst!

hey you!

wanna buy a cacti???

(opening coat)

for sale

(looking around….. sweating)

cheap….check em out

(cringing a little)

reaaaal cheap

(adjusting again)

arghhhhhhhh…GET THESE THINGS OFF ME, FREAKIN DEVILS SPAWN CACTUS,,,,

(running down street…throwing cacti out of my coat)

so much for ole shot going into the lucrative black market cactus business

Where’d you go Adam
I just caught you on with ED and they lost you…………..

We were in the Sonoran Desert last November….the cacti are beautiful.
I guess since they are slow growing; and people are too impatient; they resort to stealing them and pay a large price for them instead. What a pity to have to destroy nature for ones own pleasures.

They must have farms for the prickly pear cactus as much as it’s eaten out there etc….

Hmmmmmmmm. Wondering how profitable cacti farming would be with such a world demand for it. Don’t laugh, remember Pet Rocks?……..Adam, stake out a few hundred acres while your down there for possible future use.
Using FlSunshines’s terminology from the previous post, How’s ‘Pricks-R-US Cacti Ranch’ sound?

I have a small cacti. I’m not entirely sure how to care for it though.

The problem is pretty dire in mexico. A few years ago they found a new species of cacti, and although there was already a ban on exporting it the next year they were already being cultivated and sold in Europe.

Adam

How long do you go to jail for if you rob/steal a cactus???