Dennis and the giant olive pit

"In Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s statement, he talks about the two-year ordeal to fix his teeth after biting into the olive pit, which the cafeteria claimed was removed. His tooth split in half upon impact with the pit, and because the tooth anchored the upper bridgework, several teeth became infected. This caused a lot of pain and the need for deep medical treatment. Eventually the tooth was removed, the bridgework reconfigured, and six other teeth replaced as well. None of Kucinich’s dental insurance covered this type of injury."

A consumer lawyer said that he would have won the lawsuit:

“Everybody is getting caught up on the pit — ‘Oh, it was some little thing.’ Take the word ‘pit’ out and put in ‘sharp piece of metal.’ Nobody would have a problem with suing over that. They’re trying to make this about something trivial. A pit in an olive is the same thing as biting into a rock,” Dolan says. (One of his clients lost three teeth after biting down on a rock in a salad. Another was burned by cleaning acid in a bottle of water.) [...]

“If he’s got the label that says ‘pitted olives,’ and they weren’t pitted, that’s called an express warranty. They told him the sandwich had no pits. He didn’t get what he bought, and it harmed him,” Dolan says. “The other area is strict products liability. There is something wrong with the product. He didn’t cause it. He had no reason to assume it was in the product. And he got injured.”


MY STORY;


About six month ago I bought a package of regular size 'SNICKERS" candy bars. (Yummy. I love them) but they are a rare treat. One especially super good way to eat a Snicker is to freeze it. Let it sit in the freezer until it gets good and cold and hard . Then enjoy!

One night about 8PM while watching TV, I forgot the name of the show. Could have been "Antiques Road Show" or maybe reruns of Lawrence Welk on PBS. Anyway I got up and went to the kitchen looking for a snack. I opened the freezer and spied the aforementioned Snicker candy bar which was frozen to perfection

I went back to my spot on the sofa in the den, reached down and petted the dog, and opened the candy bar and began savoring it Oh my was it good. Cold. Creamy. Chocolate. With just the right amount of nut filling. I got lost in the TV show and mindlessly took a big bite of the frozen Snicker.

HUM. What was this sharp piece of stuff doing in my mouth. And what is it. Was there a sliver of metal or something in the candy bar?

Then my tongue started searching around in my mouth. UH OH. What is this hole in my right upper rear gum line. I went to the bathroom mirror. Sure enough the frozen Snicker had completely broken off my bridge.

My dentist must be sending his son to Harvard or Yale and also buying a Mercedes convertible for his wife because the price he charged to fix me up with a new bridge was enough to support a third world country for a year.

But what choice did I have. I bit the bullet and went ahead with the dental procedure. UH OH I did not literally "bite anything"

So my questions are:

1 Should Snickers have a Warning Label on the candy bar; "Warning DO NOT FREEZE"

2 Has the statute of limitations run out?

3 Should I change dentists?

4 Should I watch more stimulating TV shows to avoid being lulled into complacency?

5 Is your brother in law a class action attorney who advertises on TV?

Thanks for your thoughtful attention to this matter. :)

Info

I don't remember how I came across this site but I really, really like "Drugstore.com" It is user friendly, efficient and many time they offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

I don't order any prescriptions from Drugstore.com but I do use it for other drugstore items like facial moisturizer/sunscreen I use. Vanicream for my sensitive skin and many other items as well

The prices are competitive and usually lower than other stores and the convenience of having the stuff delivered to my front door is great.

I am all for making daily life easier, more so the older I get.

Now if WebVan had not gone out of business I could order groceries also.:)

I remember when I first started with a computer about 14 years ago, I was too worried about being ripped off to order on line at all. But I gradually I got the hang of it. Still I don't order from any but trusted web companies.

Amazon is also one of the best in terms of service and efficiency

Do you have any favorite on line merchants?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

To all my blogging friends
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min',
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And here's a hand, my trusty fierce,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
And we'll tak' a right guid willie-waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint stowpt,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne."
-Robert Burns

Moon; Full Of Knowledge

Last night the full moon
Spoke to me
Saying
Your universe is smaller than
A grain of sand,

The planet on which
You ride
Is a microscopic.
Part of a vast
Body of universes.

Infinite in scope
With tiny souls abiding
Among the dark forests
Of uncertainties.

LOOK UP AND I WILL LIGHT YOUR WAY






(by Janet aka chancy)

Buddy Under The Tree 2009

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND
TO ALL A GOODNIGHT"

PS click on photo for larger version

Brrrrr

I know to some of you in the frozen North of the USA and far western climates the 13 degrees we are expecting tonight is just a balmy evening but to us in mid South it is colder than a well diggers *&^%%.

I got my full length fur coat out of storage and I may in fact break down and wear it if only to the grocery store. It is so heavy I dislike carrying around the weight but I suppose I will.

Some years back when we were living in Washington DC for 4 years ( my husband's job) I wore the coat everywhere. I would bundle up in it, put on my jogging shoes and go on long walks. One of my favorite destinations was the Kennedy Center where I would walk round and round outside the building which overlooked the sometimes frozen Potomac River.

We lived in the Watergate Apartments which was right next door to the Kennedy Center. That was a fun time in our lives. Interesting city and interesting events to attend. Looking back now it seems Washington was a kinder, gentler place than it is today.

I attended many exhibits at the National Gallery of Art, sometimes twice. The Matisse exhibit was one of my favorites.Colors so vivid and such childlike abandon in his painting style.

Washington was a fine walking town. Mostly level with wide boulevards. Many days I would walk all the way down to the Washington Monument, past the Lincoln memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. The Vietnam was to me the most hallowed ground.

Usually there were visitors placing flowers and notes and photos around the marble underneath a loved one's name etched in the black marble. Almost fifty five thousand names.

What a waste. And we are still at in in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When will we ever learn?

It will be cold here in Atlanta tonight. But not nearly as cold as it will be in Washington DC when a loved one gently touches a name on the cold, black marble.

I am thankful for

THANKSGIVING

We had such a good time today. Good food. Family. And Five dogs.

Yep that was not a typo .(and we live in a townhouse:) )

Buddy had lots of company for Thanksgiving.

First came daughter, son in law and 2 grandchildren and their three doggies.

Bella is a 6 year old Havanese. Ginger is Buddy's littler mate and a Cavalier Spaniel. Lucy is a rescue dog. Black and white and cute as a button. Combination Jack Russell and part Chihuahua. Then our son went back home and got his black lab. His two children were also here. His wife could not come as she had a bad stomach virus that is going through the elementary school where she teaches.

Our son made the delicious turkey at his house. He brined it and cooked it in the Big Green Egg. Absolutely wonderful. And it looked like one of those turkeys on a TV commercial. All brown and beautiful and shiny.

All in all it was a perfect day. Unusually warm for Thanksgiving. So balmy we sat outside on the porch after dinner. Talking. Laughing. Savoring the moment.

I AM THANKFUL FOR THANKSGIVING.

Missing Person

Oh God
The Library says I have not returned the book
But I know I did
I remember taking it back,
I only kept it for 3 days
It was a lousy book.
Why did I check out
Something
Called
"Mrs Stevens Hears The Mermaid Singing"
Even the title is dumb

I am obsessive about library books
I can't stand to be overdue
Even by a day.
It is not the dime a day
That bothers me.
But the shame of it.

And now this.
I know I returned "Mrs Stevens"
But even so
I searched high and low
For her.

The librarian said
"You continue looking
And we will look"
She even turned over
The book return
Just in case Mrs Stevens
Was stuck underneath.

I finally
Convinced her
Since I am a Regular
Patron
Of 7 years duration

To take Mrs Stevens
Off my record

And just
List her as

MISSING

Done

Here I am almost 81 years old and I have a new computer system, a MAC, and I am slowly getting used to it.

From everything I have read it seems that learning something new helps to keep our minds active as we age.

Well, since last Thursday when Mac arrived in our home my mind has been extremely active learning the different system. I had been using IE for the last 13 years, as long as I have been fooling around with a computer. But I am doing OK with Mac.

It will just take some getting acquainted and patience on both our parts.

Buddy seems to like Mac ok. He especially enjoyed all the attention we got with son, son in law, daughter, 14 year old grandson and 12 year old grandson all arriving to help me.

In my computer/guest room it felt like a "family reunion" during the set up and learning process.:)

Buddy and I enjoyed the attention.

Thanks for all your advice and input. I am just glad to have the decision behind me as I tend to over think choices.

Cheers

NEED ADVICE

:(

Rats. not again !!!!

I have to get a new computer...Darn it...

It just up and died on me...Not my fault. I took good care of it. Watered it regularly. Dusted it and talked sweet to it.

But regardless of my caring it just conked out.

Now what shall I do?

My daughter and son in law say "GET AN APPLE...A MAC"

My son who is my IT go to guy says "Pros and cons for PC or MAC"

"Can you justify the added cost of the MAC ??"

"THE MAC is supposed to be virus free and therefore last longer trouble free."

(this is my 2ND or 3rd PC in 7 years)

WHAT DO YOU THINK
?

PS: I am using hubby's computer for now.Short term

VOTE

REMEMBER TO VOTE TODAY

AND THIS QUOTE I SAW ON RONNI BENNETT'S BLOG "TIME GOES BY"

"Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.”

- William E. Simon

TRICK OR TREAT

HERE
HAVE A TREAT

Western Union

I had a humorous experience with Western Union back in the '60's
A friend of mine entered the Pilsbury Bake Off Contest. Her recipe was for "Batter-Up Beef Pie" made with canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew and Pilsbury flour and so on.

She had my husband and I over to taste test it and it was not bad but we did not think she had a chance of winning.

Lo and behold Caroline did win the regional bake off and won a trip to Los angeles for the nation wide "Bake-Off. We were frankly surprised. One reason being Caroline looked like Eva Gabor and was very glamorous. Not your typical picture of a bake off winner.

The day of the Bake Off, we sent Caroline a dozen roses and a telegram saying:"Everything's coming up roses. Good luck.

"The next day, after losing the Bake Off, Caroline called Western Union to reply and said:"Roses dead. So is Stew"

The shocked Western Union Operator interrupted and said:"Oh I am so sorry. How did they die?"

(Easier to communicate in writing than over the telephone :))

Caroline did win a new stove and the trip to LA.....


Addendum:

Cassie B asked about the recipe. It was called "Batterup Beef Pie". I searched and this must be it or similar.


BATTERUP BEEF PIE

1/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. grated cheese
1 tbsp. instant onion
1 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 lb. can beef stew (Dinty Moore)

Melt butter in 8 inch square baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients except stew in mixing bowl. Stir until blended. Pour over melted butter. Pour stew over batter. Do not stir. Bake for 60-65 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes a serving for 6.

Autumn

My favorite season of the year.
Cool. Crisp. Delightful.
Leaves turning brilliant colors.
Little ones thinking of Halloween.
Trick or treat.
Pumpkins.
Football for the guys to watch.
Back to school for the kiddies.

Happy Halloween to all.

Food for thought ?

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax


Ø I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.


Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.


Ø I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.


Ø Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.


Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.


Ø Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.


Ø If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.


Ø We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.


Ø War does not determine who is right - only who is left.


Ø Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.


Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.


Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.


Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.



A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.


Ø How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?


Ø Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.


Ø Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.


Ø I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paychecks.


Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.


Ø Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says"If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".


Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.


Ø I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess"on it...so I said "Implants?"


Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?


Ø Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.


Ø Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?


Ø Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.


Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.


Ø You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.



Ø The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.


Ø A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.


Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.


Ø Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.


Ø I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.


Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.


Ø There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.


Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.


Ø I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.


Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.


Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.


Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.


Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.


Ø Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.


Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.


Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

=

Insomnia ?

Last night I had a sleeping problem. I read for about an hour. Turned out the light at 11:30 PM was still awake at 12:30. I said "to heck with it" I will just read until I drop off to sleep. I did and my book fell out of my hands about 2PM. Had restless, unpleasant dreams until about 7AM.

I know, I know. The book I was reading, a Swedish murder mystery. "Sidetracked" by Henning Mankell is too stimulating. One of the best mysteries I have ever read.

"Mankell's third Detective Kurt Wallander mystery revolves around the veteran Swedish inspector's search for a savage serial killer who scalps his victims after delivering a fatal hatchet blow"

" Winner of Sweden's 1997 Best Crime Novel of the Year, this is another terrific offering from the talented Mankell"

This book is not nearly as gruesome as it sounds. Much of it is told from the police point of view as they race to stop the killer.

OK I know. Not exactly bedtime, relaxing reading but I am hooked and can't wait to finish this book and get the next Kurt Wallander mystery.


Oh well. I am still functioning today.

Please forgive me Buddy

The first photo of Buddy, the one with the yellow ribbon in his hair, Okay I know in that picture he looks like "Buddy Lou" :) My 9 year old granddaughter is responsible for the ribbon. She did it. We laughed and said he looked like a "Buddy Lou" and not our Buddy

The majestic pose in the beige doggie bed is too cute. Right? We were at Cosco one day and lo and behold there were the big dog beds for only $20.00. What a bargain!

Mr C said " Buddy will chew that bed up when we get it in the door. We bought it anyway. I worked with Buddy and so far he has only reclined in the bed and no chewing. (fingers still crossed as he is a chewer)

Enjoy the photos. :)

Here's Buddy

Hi All

I need to post a new photo of Buddy. I will soon.

He is 13 months old now and a grown boy. He is such a comfort and a sweet companion for us. Especially for me.

He knows many words and follows me around the house. When I say "Upstairs" he bounds up the stairs and helps me load the washer and dryer.

He and I like watching "The Dog Whisperer" in the afternoons. His second favorite TV show is "Curious George" George is a brown and white monkey but Buddy thinks he is a dog.:)

He is of course fully potty trained and he loves to play ball. He doesn't quite get the concept of "fetch" He wants me to throw and fetch. :)He runs to get the ball but then wants to keep it.

The almost year long training process,sometimes hectic, has been worth it.

He is a treasure.

Have a Happy and Safe Labor Day.

The old Bible

(I was browsing at our branch library's monthly book sale and an old Bible caught my eye. As I thumbed through it I came across photographs inside and wondered what stories this old book held.)





"The old Holy Bible lay in the bin marked religious at the library book sale. Abandoned. Black, soft sided, worn, well used and soiled. Inside was a small faded photograph. A snapshot, of an elderly white haired couple, evidently man and wife standing behind a table that was covered with a white lace tablecloth. She was holding a silver cake knife above a large white frosted cake. His hand was on hers lightly posed as if gently guiding the process. Her light pink polyester dress was graced with a white carnation corsage, Glasses on them both.Her head was covered with "just out of the beauty parlor grey ringlet curls. His light beige suit was topped off with a white shirt and blue patterned tie.

Smile, the person behind the camera had told them. Pretend it is 50 years ago when you two were youngsters and getting married. Smiling wanly the old couple realized how tired they were of all the folderol Opening the presents. etc . Her feet hurt. his eyes were stinging from the glare in the church hall windows.Who were all these people her daughters had invited in to celebrate the occasion. Distant cousins from Smyrna,Tennessee. Old relatives from South Georgia. Who are all these old people? If we know any of them I don't remember. My how they all have aged.

She grabed hold of Hiram's hand and whispered in his ear. "I love you sweetheart but it's time to go"

----------------- .

Oh my heavens. She spilled coffee on her Bible making an awful mess. Her hands are unsteady. She grabbed a box of Kleenex and started wiping up the wetness but the brown stain had seeped into the opening pages and along the sides. What kind of bad luck is that. Staining a Holy Book, even if by accident.

Suddenly she remembered the photographs and quickly flipped the pages to 1st Samuel. No, the coffee had not made it that far. No damage to their 50th anniversary picture either. Or the small 6th grade photo of grandson Jesse. That's a blessing in itself. She used the photos as bookmarks in her bible. A comfort to keep her loved ones close by.

These days the smallest blessings mean a lot. Living alone and isolated on the old farm seems to get harder and harder to take the older she gets. Her only companions are Junior the old yellow lab mix and Kitty the tabby cat . Animals are a comfort when the nights are cold and the wind whistles down the chimney causing the flames to flicker in the fireplace.

Staring into the yellow and blue flames she can almost see him looking back at her. Telling her not to worry. Everything will be all right. Hiram never meant to go first and leave her all alone but his heart just gave out that hot day in the fields when he overdid it. She had told him to watch out for heat exhaustion. He felt he was strong as an ox, even at 70 years old. But the blazing sun and his weak heart took him from her that long ago July day.

Now she feels like a half a pair of sissors. The rest of her went missing with him. They were so close. A team. After so many years of togetherness the void is unbearable.

But she remembers what the minister said at the funeral service. " Part of being a "good wife" is being a "good widow" If fate calls upon you to bear this sorrow then honor his name by remembering the good times and carrying on with grace and dignity the best you know how."

Sighing she arises slowly from the creaking old rocking chair. She says aloud.

"Time for bed now.
Goodnight dearest.
Goodnight Hiram."

(By Chancy)