Noteworthy Eggs

I know I have blogged about eggs before, but they just continue to fascinate me.
The other day I got these two noteworthy eggs out of the coop.
One TINY egg and one egg that looks like the hen was decorating it for Easter.

First here is a picture of the itty bitty sweetie-pie egg along side a normal sized egg.

Isn't that cute?

Now here is the Easter egg, notice the striations of color and the subtle speckles?

And here are a few pictures I was just having fun with.

"Shave Less Often" shhhh. It's a Secret thing!

Okay people, could someone please tell me why there is a little sticker on my Secret antiperspirant that says "SHAVE LESS OFTEN"?



This has been confounding me for quite some time and today I decided that I can no longer contemplate this matter another second. I have more important things to do!

Inquiring minds want to know, and I have an inquiring mind!

So, like most people I know, I called the 1-800 number on the back of the antiperspirant. Actually, I don't know of any one who calls those 1-800 numbers. Am I the only one?

Actually, this was my first time calling any 1-800 for Questions!



As I dialed, I was trying to think of what I was going to ask...

I thought about hanging up...

I was thinking...

This is crazy...

Why am I calling this number...

What am I going to say?....

Ummm, I was just uh, wondering... what does that sticker mean?
The sticker that says "Shave less often."
How is that suppose to work?




Could I even ask without getting the giggles?

Good thing Dan the Man was outside or he'd be telling me I was stupid for calling
and I should knock off the nonsense!

Anyway, I dialed the phone...

Ring, ring ....

Ring, ring ....

An automated voice comes on the line: "Secret, strong like a woman!"
then the automated sexy lady voice said something like this...
"Please press 1 to receive coupons and special offers for Secret.
Press 2 to find out where to buy our products.
Press 3 for information on how to remove underarm stains on a shirt."

I kept waiting for "Or stay on the line to talk with a customer representative" but that option never came, only "I'm sorry I did not receive any input, please try again"
when I didn't chose any of the options.

Bummer, I thought, now I can't even ask my question that I had mustered the courage to ask!

So I did the next logical thing, I went to Secret.com.

I clicked on "Secret smooth effects" and read the whole page.



Here are some of the claims.

The protection you want and the smooth underarms you love with a bonus - You'll shave less often. With continued use, it's been clinically tested to:

• Reduce visual appearance of hair
• Condition underarm for smooth skin
• Make hair look and feel finer

Secret Smooth Effects antiperspirant/deodorant has been proven to let you shave less often. That’s because Secret Smooth Effects was specially designed with a unique blend of moisturizers that comfort and soothe your skin. This formula conditions the underarm area for touchably smooth skin, reduces irritation caused by shaving, reduces the visual appearance of hair, and makes underarm hair look and feel softer and finer. The conditioning benefits of Smooth Effects allow a smooth shave.

Okay then... whatever!

I did read all of the reviews that people who used this product said. Not too many people agreed that they were able to shave less often, but plenty of people complained about the way the product dispensed. It's really hard to turn the little dial and get the antiperspirant to come out. One lady made me laugh when she said "How are you supposed to turn this darn thing? Any suggestions? I use a needle nose pliers! Not my way to start a day."

Amen sister! You tell them!


PS Has anyone out there ever called any 1-800 QUESTIONS phone number?

And that is all I have to say about that.

Circe and Uncle Dexter

Circe

My Uncle has a dog named Circe.

Pronounced Sir-See.

She was named after a Greek goddess but I am not much into Greek mythology so I can't tell you much about her, the goddess that is. I can tell you plenty about Circe!

I can not say Circe correctly unless I think for a really hard time and picture the two words "sir" and "see".

I always want to say Sir-She. When I try to say Circe, I sound like I have a lisp.

I think that I am most inclined to pronounce it sir-she because it rhymes with HERSHEY, which flows off my tongue like sweet honey dripping off the drizzle stick. She is a CHOCOLATE lab!

Uncle Dexter, Aunt Kitty & Circe

Uncle Dexter is my dad's brother. He and Aunt Kitty came to visit for a few days the first weekend in November. We hadn't seen each other in years and it was so great to see them.

Uncle Dexter brought his 7 month old puppy, Circe, so they (Dexter & Circe) could go pheasant hunting.

They are quite the pair, Dexter and Circe. A boy and his dog.




Circe is so spoiled and so sweet and so well behaved for a 7 month old puppy.

Dexter and Circe woke up at the crack of dawn each morning ready to go hunting. I don't know who was more excited to go, Dexter or Circe?

They hunted and hunted...

walked miles and miles...

drove clear to Sidney because Dexter got a tip from the game warden that Sidney has lots of pheasants this year...

got stuck in a mud sink hole clear up to their midsections... took Dexter 30 minutes to get out... he wrenched his knee... and when they returned, Dan the Man had to take Dexter clean clothes out to the garage where Dexter took off his mud encrusted clothes. Dexter then had to rinse his clothes and Circe off with a hose. (Aunt Kitty and I were shopping during this whole episode.)

After three days of pheasant hunting did they get any pheasants? Unfortunately, no.

Did they have a good time? Most definitely, yes!



One night we all went to dinner along with my sister and brother-in-law. Skyler was left home alone to babysit Circe. When we returned we asked Skyler how it went and he said Circe cried for Dexter most of the time and chewed up one pair of his socks!

Trouble? Who? Me?

The cats are very happy that Circe has gone back home to Arizona. Circe would chase them as soon as she spotted one of them. The cats were not safe while "trouble" was here!

Circe striking a pose on the couch

Now, I need your help. I would like to give my uncle a framed picture of Circe for Christmas but can't decide which one I like best. Could you please let me know which one you like by casting your vote for one of the following three photos? Just leave a comment and vote for either #1, #2 or #3. Thanks!

You can click on the photos for a full screen view of each photo. Just hit your browser's back button to return to the blog.


PS Don't tell Uncle Dexter, it's suppose to be a surprise!

PSS If you are reading this Uncle Dexter, then make sure you cast your vote!!

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3



Thanks for voting!

First Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market = Success!!

I am so excited to tell you about the first ever Scottsbluff Winter Farmer Market. Can I just say that a good time was had by all??

Our first non-profit organization of the season was CAPWN.

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska is a Community Action Partnership and member of a national network of over 1,000 community action agencies across America. CAPWN is a non-profit community based health and human services organization that serves low-income, disadvantaged, and those unable to meet their needs through other sources. Check out their website for more information.

The Winter Market held a food drive for CAPWN's food pantry and collected several non-perishable food items along with $136.60 in cash donations! Everyone who donated food to the food drive or gave $1 got their name entered into a drawing for a gift basket compiled of goodies from all the vendors. I think the gift basket was valued around $200. Wow! Elaine Hays of Scottsbluff was the lucky winner! She was ecstatic that she won. It was so much fun delivering the basket to her. She said she had never won anything before in her life.

A BIG thank you goes out to Christina Armstrong of Beeloved Jam who helped with the raffle table along with several students from Morrill High School who volunteered their time to help with the market. Those who gave of their Saturday afternoon were Carlie Sinks, Skyler Manville, Marcus Vacock, Alexis Reynoso, Athena Tarin and Megan Fish. They helped at the raffle table and also helped the vendors carry stuff in to the market and then back out when it was closing time. Many hands make light work! Alexis and Carlie did face painting for a free will donation and all proceeds went to the CAPWN Food Drive. Thanks guys, you did a fantastic job!

Christina Armstrong (Beeloved Jam) and
Skyler Manville (Morrill High School National Honor Society)
manning the raffle booth.
There is the gift basket Elaine won!

Alexius Reynoso painting Tessa Brunner's Face

Alexius, you work just like Dan the Man, with your tongue out!
Dan the Man does that all the time and so does his sisters.
Must be a family trait or something.
Does anyone else in your family do that Alexius?
Maybe I should do a study on that...

Cutie~pie Tessa Brunner showing her true colors. GO BIG RED!
Megan Fish in the background helping with the raffle table.

Marcus Vacock (Morrill High School) sporting a bullet hole painted
by one of the girls doing the face painting.
These kids got bored at times do to the small number of children who
actually came to the market.

Laura's Herbal Apothecary
Can I say that I simply adore the Peppermint Hand Lotion!
mmmmm, smells so fresh and light!

Another sale at the Victory Hill Farm booth!

Bob and Judy Sharp selling Bob's hot rub!
Which by the way, makes a most excellent stocking stuffer
for anyone who likes spicy foods!

Heidi Robertus selling some of her delicious baked goods.
There is one of her signature pumpkin roll cakes in the front.

Sue Maxey and her co-worker at the
Diabetes Care Center @ RWPC information booth.
Did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month?


Tina Meier and a couple of boys from the Bluffs Middle School 8th Grade Class
They were having a bake sale to raise money for their class trip to Washington D.C.
(Sorry I didn't get your name boys!)

A Big THANK YOU to everyone who helped support their bake sale.
I think they sold everything except for a couple half dozen cookies!

Nathaniel McGowan manning Ernie Griffiths' booth.
Ernie is the honey guy!



Vicki Brunner of Vic's Festive Expressions and her kid-os!
Check out Vicki's personalized gifts.
I'm thinkin' very unique Christmas presents!

Various personalized candy bars Vicki makes.
Anyone getting married? Look at the wedding one! Ooo la, la!

Adorable Christmas baskets from Vicki.

More from Vicki, what a GREAT idea!

Melanie West from MWest Designs.
Melaine makes beautiful high quality rag rugs...

... and unique tin art.
Love these crosses with antique button embellishments!

Connie and Carolyn Driver of Blue Heeler Glass.
You have got to check out Carolyn's uniquely handmade glass beads.
They are beautiful. I've never seen any like them before.
Connie was also selling some of her art work. This girl is overflowing with talent. She is such a delightful young lady. I truly adore her!

Here's Dan the CSA Man of the Mitchell Valley Farm.
Dan had some great produce!


Beth Everett, who also had some great produce.
Have you tried her squash? It's soooo good!
And be sure to pick up one of her free seed catalogs!

Jane Sedman of Mamma Jane's Artisan Breads
Jane's breads are FANTASTIC!
She sold out as usual! Better get to her booth fast if you want some!

Mary & Mike Armstrong of Creative Bubbles

That's my Aunt Kitty talking with Mary.
My Aunt Kitty and Uncle Dexter came to visit for the weekend
and Aunt Kitty, bless her little pea pickin' heart, helped
Dan the Man and me with the farmers market.
AND... Aunt Kitty bought something from every single vendor.
She is quite the shopper.
Dan the Man said we went home with more stuff than we can with, hee, hee!

Some of Mary's adorable Christmas baskets!

And last but certainly not least,
The Green Valley Homesteaders

Bill Snocker

Wynne Buehler

John Jessup

Okay people... if you enjoyed their music,
please let them know by leaving them a tip.
The Green Valley Homesteaders are playing at the Winter Market
solely for tips!
Thanks guys, you are great!

Here is what Kim Grams had to say about the
Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market on Facebook!

"The first one was fantastic. I can't wait for Saturday. BTW, I LOVED the music you had ... nice and festive (but not so obtrusive that I couldn't think or ask questions of vendors)."

Kim Also posted:

"The ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket was AWESOME!! I got cheese and meat and herbal stuff for our immune systems. Plus info on some personalized chocolates to order for upcoming events. Yay!"

And Jennifer Reisig, bless her heart posted this:

"I was so excited about the ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket, I showed up 2.5 hours early, thinking I was late & had probably missed all the good stuff. It's not until 1-4pm today at the Hampton Inn. A farmers market in the afternoon...now I'm even more excited!"

Next market is November 27th, 1-4pm Hampton Inn Conference Center.
Christina Armstrong has been busy setting up a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Bring a new unwrapped toy or cash donation for the toy drive and your name will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket full of goodies from the vendors.




Hope to see you all there!

Goat Cheese Girl and Country Chicken Girl Get Mooned!

Me, Sarah Pinet and Kevin Mooney

On Friday morning, November 5th, Sarah Pinet, the goat cheese girl and my self did a live interview with Kevin Mooney on KNEB Radio to promote the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market. A BIG thank you goes out to "Mr. Hot Stuff" aka Bob Sharp, one of the vendors who made the connection for us!

Sarah is a bit of a goof like me and I told her that if she wore her Shrek ears I would wear my Groucho Marx glasses. So we show up at the radio station at 7:30 am sporting our most becoming look! Before the interview we chatted a little with Kevin and waited for our turn to go on the air. As the time got closer, I got a little more nervous. I really didn't want to sound like a goof, even though I looked like one.

Just a couple of goofs who know how to have fun!

I could feel a huge lump forming in the back of my throat as we entered the sound booth. Egads, what was I doing? I made sure to come prepared and brought notes so I wouldn't just sit there and say uhh, uhhh, uhhh. We took our seats and the next thing I knew Kevin was introducing us LIVE, ON THE AIR!

Wait, wait, wait... I wasn't ready....

Kevin said something like this...

Kevin: This morning we are going to talk about the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market and with me this morning I have Kathi Manville of the Hampton Inn and Sarah Pinet who is one of the vendors. So Kathi, could you tell us how this all came about?

Meanwhile, Sarah is shaking her head thinking... "oh no, Kevin just made a big boo-boo!"

I am frantically trying to decide how I am going to correct this little mistake without sounding like a doof! "Kathi Manville of the Hampton Inn..." egads, how did that come about?

All the sudden the heat is on me and my heart and head are racing a thousand beats per minutes. Sarah looks at me and gives me a "good luck chuck" look with her Shrek ears on.

Kathi: Well Kevin, I have to correct you by stating that I am not with the Hampton Inn, but instead I am with the Open A Bar 2 Ranch, another vendor who will be participating in the winter market. (BIG GULP! Air, I need AIR! Help I can't breathe!)

Kevin: My apologizes to you, so tell us how this all came about?

Whew, nice recovery Kevin, now we could move on and move on we did.

Uhhh.... One problem... I hadn't rehearsed that question in my head. Good thing that I had already been presented with that question by Katie Bradshaw when she interviewed me for the Scottsbluff Star-Herald. Oh, you didn't see that? Well, here is the link:

Farmer’s market heads indoors for winter

So on goes the interview... I felt like I had a mouth full of bubblegum the size of Texas and also like I had an elephant sitting in my lap. When the first break came and we went to a commercial, I panted like a fish out of water gasping for air! Geez, this was crazy. What did I even say? I prayed to God and asked Him to help me though the next set of questions. Sarah sat there as calm as a june-bug with her little Shrek ears on. I had to take off my Groucho Marx glasses because they kept falling off and the mustache was tickling my upper lip.

The commercial break was over in the blink of an eye, I think it was for a mortuary and I was thinking that I could very well be their next customer if I didn't get my heart under control. I was thinking of the headline... Country Chicken Girl has a heart attack doing morning radio interview.

I'm not sure what all we talked about, but I know I was talking about all the vendors who were going to be there. I felt like I had been talking for an hour and wasn't sure if I should wrap it up or what? So I started to wrap things up before I had a chance to talk about all the vendors. Then I felt bad because I didn't mention every one. I guess we had a little more time because Kevin said something like, "I see you have a few more vendors coming..." which allowed me to talk about a few more.

As I was talking about the vendors I was reading from a list I had written. All of the sudden I was faced with a gosh darn word I can never pronounce... APOTHECARY. Dang, I knew I couldn't say it and I was kicking myself for not practicing it before I left the house and all the way to the radio station in the car. Now I was going to sound like a doof for sure. But never fear... for Sarah was there... and she calmly spouted forth the word for me. APOTHECARY eloquently rolled off her tongue like a beautiful rose in full bloom. Thank you Sarah!

After the interview Kevin presented us with cool coffee mugs that say "Have you been Mooned on KNEB?" Why yes, we have!!

Country Chicken Girl and Goat Cheese Girl