Cowboy up kids.............

I know this doesn't excite a lot of my dear friends, relatives and sweet readers BUT............. we are going to the

PBR



I am so excited I can hardly stand it.............................the PBR............. real honest to God bull riders, wearing chaps, spurs, cool cowboy hats and riding the hugest bulls you have ever seen and hopefully for 8 seconds.

I think in my other life I was in a western with the cast of Lonesome Dove, except I was always able to take a shower. Living during that era would be like dry camping forever.........ickkkkkkk no shower. When I was a kid my hero, honest to God, was Hopalong Cassidy, trust me I saw everyone of his hokey movies but he was he just was so kind and quite handsome. When we were in Oklahoma City at the cowboy heritage museum I picked up a few momentos of "Hoppy's"......this is one of them, remember this was written in the 50's.

Hopalong Cassidy's 'Creed for American Boys and Girls'

1.The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times.
2.Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3.If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4.Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't be lazy.
5.Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or be a show off.
6.If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7.Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8.A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9.Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10.Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American"

this is Hoppy and his faithful horse Topper

Anyway................ must go dust off my boots...........get the camera ready, so stay tuna'd
yipppee ki yeaaaaaaa!!!

we've moved...........

but just a few miles, actually about 60 miles south of where we were the past month in Parker AZ. We had a glorious month of quiet the kind of month that ya just do what ya wanna do, and after the December we had it was much needed. Friends met us there and as I posted we made a few fun day trips. But the gypsy caravan must move on.

So boondocking for a few days sounds like fun.................many folks did this last year due to the fuel prices and I see a lot are still doing this even tho the fuel is down some..........but then some RV'rs that's all they do is boondock. Now we are situated on a small piece of land owned by the BLM - aka bureau of land management. BLM land is available in most areas to dry camp............which means there are no hook ups and amenities such as water, electric, etc. Not to worry cause we have a super duper generator and lotsa water so we can be here for a few days. Hardly no one around, the quiet is awesome, the moon is so bright it actually cast shadows and there were so many stars visible!!! Quartzite happens to be one of those areas. It's also known far and wide as the worlds largest flea market. Miles and miles, literally........of folks hawking their goods, items that you know you just must have. But I must say we are a bit away from a cell tower cause my connection with the air card and cell phone not the best.



Mr also wants to do some prospecting, he even purchased prospecting equipment. So I'll keep you informed when we hit the mother lode HA!!!!!!!!!!! I have a few good books to keep me occupied while Mr plays in the dirt, wake me when ya get an ounce sweetums.

Don'tcha wish

ya really knew what they are saying.............well maybe not all the time...........

Day tripping with Donkeys

Fifty some years ago............momma, daddy, seester and me self got in a car and drove west from Indiana to Southern California. We took the now infamous Route 66...........see that photo above that is exactly the road we took...........to be honest I don't think they have resurfaced that road in the last fifty some years.


See there's the sign, a bit blurry but there we are on the same road that brought back just tons of memories. Even called sister as we were driving to tell her where we were.
OK you say where ya going???

That's Oatman, Arizona.............what a funny little place. It's not a town...........it is an old mining camp that must have been just wild in the 1800's.

This sign greets you on the way into town along with some rambunctious donkeys.

See the little guy........his name is JellyBean and is only a couple of weeks old..........that's his Momma keeping a very close eye on me.


Enjoyed a nice lunch at the famous Oatman Hotel.........and oh my if the walls in this hotel could talk.........the stories coming about miners, movie stars and politicians......and a few ghosts also.

Being a cowboy western mining camp..........they still hold the obligatory gunfight, stage coach robbery at high noon on the street.


But it seems these residents take precedence and come and go at their leisure, and yes you can buy carrots in any store to feed the residents.............that are quite friendly. That's JellyBean's momma that thought I was OK since I was armed with orange sticks.


It was quite a long day trip but what a fun time we had!!! More photos to come................so stay tuna'd.

Tea illustration

while wandering around the avenues of blogland I came upon this illustration of our new President. I am always amazed at the talent .........................too cool.

I found this info on the well fed network.............then there happened to be a link to a wonderful magazine I have seen in bookstores many times..............Tea Magazine.

Ya never know what your gonna find when ya start clicking. Just remember have a folder to put your newest bookmarks then you can go back for a visit............not scratching your head wondering where ya saw it.

we have a neighbor

just arrived here next to our RV every nite is this very large owl. No I don't know what kind but I do know he/she hoots often and loudly not in an annoying way though.

This owl has a mate and they flew off together right after I took this shot. They arrive about dusk every nite so I'll try to get a shot of the pair if possible.................stay tuna'd

this isn't Buddy..............

the above photo is from lolcats one of my all time favorite sites

but ya spose this is what he says in the look he gives us quite often. Maybe he wants it to go with his chips.One morning I came out of the bedroom to see Buddy on the table next to him the bag of chips and in his paw a chip he was licking the salt off of.
Maybe he wants a drink to go with his chips...........yes folks this whacked out cat eats potato chips. I honestly believe that it's the salt on the chips that he enjoys. So maybe I should rim his bowl with salt and pour in a margarita. I have asked Mr Doodles to not give the elderly Buddy anymore human food knowing it is not good for his digestive system..........but sometimes the man just cannot resist the sad eyes of a very sweet old cat.

Mr Doodles took this photo of Buddy a couple a nites ago and
I just love this shot of the cat eyes

Thank you

The world, the whole world has just witnessed the most remarkable
moment in history.

Thank you Mr President!!!

I love quotes

funny quotes, from famous people............I don't care I just like reading quotes, so does my dear friend Miss B............she comes up with a lot of very good and poignant quotes.

My home page is igoogle and I arranged to have cute photos of sweet kitties and puppies so when my page opens I get to see those photos and it makes me smile. Use to be home pages were supposed to be of news alerts and such, nope not mine any more I want a smile or a chuckle when I turn on my computer.

I also have on my home page quotes of the day..............this was on my page when I opened it up yesterday.

Confucius Say
A smile is like tight underwear ... it makes your cheeks go up.

We are about to usher in a new era

This is the kind of person we want to govern our country, in my very humble opinion.
Read this, then tell me it didn't just tug at your heart.

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/01/b...daughters.html

Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.


Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

For all my Canadian readers.........I just heard that the first trip Mr Obama will be making out of the country will be to visit you guys..............so get ready.........you're gonna love him.......................I promise.

for the next six weeks give or take

Batter up!!! another hint

Conversation during lunch

Some of you know that our dear Mr Doodles is a man of few words not a big conversationalist but when he does speak you listen.

So we go off today to run some errands. I must explain first off we are in California but only six miles to Parker Arizona which is where we must go for anything.

How long we been here folks two weeks or there abouts, well today we discover that when one drives into Arizona the times advances one hour. How did we discover this you may ask...................well we were going to see a movie, the movie started at one p.m., we arrive a few minutes before, go to the box office to obtain our tickets and the very sweet young lady said "do you realize the movie started about an hour ago ~grin ~ you folks from California must remember to set your clocks on Arizona time". Who knew DUH!!! we felt like the biggest dorks I swear.

Well anyway decided to go have lunch instead. We found a great tiny little Mexican restaurant, hopefully given the local time they were still serving lunch. Well after a trip to Ace hardware for a much needed piece of whatever that Mr Doodles needed we wander over to the local joint, still serving lunch YES!!!!!!!!!!

You must be wondering about the conversation aren't ya.........I'm getting to it honest........we order, wait person brings some salsa red and green, green is a lot like Cielito Lindo's guacamole................yummm if you've ever been there you will be salivating about now.

OK Mr D says "ya know when we get to Phoenix (hint) I'm gonna get a gold panning kit and go up to the mountains bring back some dirt..........as I sit there with my mouth gaping open.............he continues............you do know gold has hit $800 an ounce. Why are you laughing........I'm serious." And ya know what folks he is serious I think. This has to be the most bizarre thing that has ever come out of this guys mouth...............I love ya Mr Doodles I truly do.

So as I have been known to say................stay tuna'd.

ps................please know I had trouble typing this because of much laughter still after reviewing the conversation............pray for me folks and don't ask me what time it is OK

You don't know his name

Pete Souza................but you sure will know his photographs in the next four years.
Pete Souza is a man that I am extremely jealous of these days. I can honestly tell you that I have had dreams of being the designated White House photo taker.........man is that a dream job or what!!!

Look back at all the White House photographers......think of the history they have captured............man I'm drooling here.

And to think my beautiful niece and her hunky bunky will be witnessing the Obama event in Washington DC this coming weekend............they will be dressed warmly I can assure you...........take a look!!! And nephew in law is a derned good photo taker also

Safe journey you two..................don't forget to brink me back a really cheesy momento!!!

A day with the tourists

Now I know after typing that title it sounds a bit uppity but certainly not meant.

Mr Doodles and I are quite fortunate as a retired couple we can go to most touristy places during the week when most folks are working..............quite a luxury I tell ya.

Well Mr found a place that he would like to go visit and it seems to only be open on the weekends. Your drive five miles up a dirt gravel road at the end there was a bar, a working bar at the end.

The road up

Well we are not the only folks to have the idea to visit this place, The Desert Bar sure does remind me of a place in the Keys without the water surrounding it. After the Nellie E site I noticed their photos were much the same as mine but here's one they didn't have.Mr Doodles ya shoulda worn your shades dude!!!

This is a rocking chair made from old horseshoes.............I also sat in it and the rocker is quite comfortable.............surprisingly so.......maybe cause of my padding........ha!!!

a vintage rust bucket

and here we have the five mile road down to the Town of Parker

Decided since we were so close we would venture on over to Parker Dam................stay tuna'd cause Mr Doodles had a shout out from Homeland Security.

No spoons required

OK where have I been??? I just saw this photo in a magazine, at first I thought it was a joke and turned the page. That photo must have stuck in my brain and after a moment I went back and looked at that photo.

Sure enough it's sliced peanut butter slices...........you heard me SLICED PEANUT BUTTER wrapped in plastic like processed cheese slices YUKKKKKKKKKKk!!!

I guess I shouldn't pass judgment since I haven't tried this new fangled product yet.

The following from the company web site..........

When he came up with the idea for sliced peanut butter during an evening with friends, Stewart Kennedy knew he would have to find a way to make peanut butter "unsticky." Creating P.B. Slices™ took Kennedy, president of Kennedy Foods, more than four years, thousands of feet of plastic cling wrap and countless samples hanging from his kitchen cabinets. In the end, diligence paid off as P.B. Slices has become one of the hottest products on the market.

Mr Kennedy I truly respect your perseverance of your precious product but I don't understand why you would want to take away the joy of putting a spoon in a gooey jar of peanut butter pulling that spoon out and suck said peanut butter off that spoon.

What's next Mr Kennedy a spoon with the peanut butter on it already??? No don't tell me cause I'm not gonna buy it. But in case my readers here would like to know where to purchase your product I am the posting the link to your site. Also if your interested just Google P B slices.............I love Google.

Where to buy P.B Slices

From hectic to total quiet

Wow what a change a week makes. Y'all know we did the Christmas tree lot managing deal right?!!! Then went directly to the desert of Rancho Mirage for Christmas with my wonderful family.................a wonderful relaxing New Years with Gramma M, her dear sister and brother-in-law.

New Years day we hooked up and drove a few hours to Parker, AZ. Actually we are in Big River, California. The RV park is on the Colorado River with not that many folks here, well at least it's not full. Friends from Colorado are joining us soon, not too soon cause we are still catching up on our sleep and being quite lazy.

This sure is a great spot to accomplish that cause it is really quiet here. Understand this is more of a summer hot spot................given the temps of 100 plus and not really a winter vacation spot, not a lot of boating on the river this time of year, or jet skis or even fishing. Mr Doodles won't be fishing because the non-resident cost for a license is astronomical even for a short time.

Many day trips will be available from this location so I'll try to keep y'all up to date with photos. And I must apologize for the lack of photos........yes I must get back to it now.

So stay tuna'd............cause fun things are on the way!!!

So we help the war with a pill???

Little Blue Pills Among the Ways CIA Wins Friends in Afghanistan

The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years, and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw an opportunity, and reached into his bag for a small gift.

Four blue pills. Viagra.

"Take one of these. You'll love it," the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam.

The enticement worked. The officer, who described the encounter, returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception. The grinning chief offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes -- followed by a request for more pills.

read remainder of article here

Now allow me to add a few of my comments on this subject..............

If you give cash for information they say the recipient will go out and purchase something flashy there by bringing attention to the family that they are snitches.........now when the wife shows up pregnant with child will the bad guys know the husband is a snitch or just virile. The word is out now that the Post has posted knowledge of this, so now what does the CIA use as a information gathering tool.........Hershey Bars?

We could go on about this now couldn't we.........I wanna hear what Jay Leno says on the subject. Maybe he will have the person that came up with this idea on his show as a guest.

No resolutions here

just promises I make to myself

a glimpse at my 2009 promises

*Send notes instead of emails...............we all like to get mail......you may be on the list

*Try to support local markets which is not always easy when on the road like we are

*Recycle more and reuse what we can

*Spend more time cooking

*Keep shopping bags in the truck (I'm ashamed to say this is one I have failed at)

*Read more
*Take more photos
*Walk more...........stretch more also

*Keep the weight off that I did lose

How do you start your New Year............do you make a list?

ps...................Mr Doodles doesn't make a promise or a resolution ever so I don't know if quiting smoking was on a list or just something he dreamt up but he is still smoke free....................I am so very proud of him and know how hard it must be at times.

What ever you do

make it a safe and Happy New Year!!!

I'll give ya a hint

where we will be going after the Holiday festivities...................no not just Arizona, something really special and fun............... and this can be another page in my book cause it is something I never ever thought we would do..............HA!!!

Vintage Christmas

While visiting my dear friend Chris' blog and her wonderful posts on vintage Santa's I got to wondering what the History channel might have on Santa. Well my heavens they are just a wealth of information...........I love the internet and all it's many avenues of information. Go visit Chris' blog to see some of here wonderful art work of long ago Santa's and his many modes of transportation...........I'm such a purist I still like the sleigh idea cause that's what I grew up with I guess. While there look at Santa's robes shown in the pictures some are quite elaborate while others are a bit shabby. I also noticed in many of the depictions I have seen Santa carrying a small tree............guess that means there were no tree lots back then!!!

Feeling a bit patriotic this year what with the wonderful outcome of the election so this is my card to y'all............however you celebrate here's hoping it's with family and friends.

Orange............the new color of GREED!!!

This happens to be copied from a recent Mike Lupica column............one of my favorite writers. I wonder how many more bastards like Madoff are out there?

In a city suddenly lousy with grifters like Bernie Madoff and Marc Dreier, who think they can steal as much as they want in this economy, the old man came from Bay Ridge to the midtown streetcorner that is his office six days a week. He set up his vendor's cart to sell scarves and hats on a cold Sunday in New York.

"I'm a little different than those guys in the papers," the old man, named Don, was saying. "I only try to sell you what you can see."

He's an Army veteran from the 1950s and worked with his MBA in various businesses after the service. But when he tried to retire he couldn't. He missed people and having a job to go to, and then his wife passed away 11 years ago and now he is set up by 8:30 most mornings and stays on his corner until 5.

Read the rest of the column here.

The world needs more folks like Don and less of scumbags like Bernie. Share your stories if you know a person like Don.

Winding down...........

Our time here at the Christmas tree lot is winding down. Christmas trees are still finding homes for that special day

Christmas day will be here soon and that means we will be with family in a few days. The gypsy caravan will be packing up and heading to the Desert on Christmas day......have yet to hear but I do believe we'll be celebrating Christmas on the Friday.........that'll keep us out of the malls for those after Christmas bargains, I can tell you honestly I have never done that, nor have I cared to shop the day after Christmas.

Mr Doodles and I would just like to relax, maybe go see a movie of two. Sister and her hunky bunky are spending the weekend, not sure about niece and her sweetums, so we'll have time to tell stories and catch up of all that's been going on in each of our lives since the Pumpkin Patch. We'll be hanging at Grandma M's so I also see some card games on the menu.

Mr Doodles and I wish you the best for the coming year and a very Merry Christmas...........stay tuna'd for what's in the future for the Doodle bunch cause it sure could be FUN and quite different!!!

Like herding cats.............

at the Christmas tree lot we hire "lot boys" to haul trees around, give them a fresh cut put the stand on if necessary, put the tree in the netter to make it more manageable for the customer to take home, then "lot boy" takes the tree to the customers vehicle and ties said tree to the top of or puts inside.

We are in an area that has great two high schools so the abundance of strapping young men are a plenty.

Day after Thanksgiving we hired some twenty of these "lot boys" between the ages of 18 and 23 with a couple of them a bit older, put them all on a limited schedule of four hours for a few days to try them out. I must also say these "lot boys" make pretty good money, hired at minimum wage and get great tips from the customers.

Mr Doodles was in charge or weeding out the good from the not so good which was quite hard because all twenty some were quite capable with a few of them having past experience. Mr D wittled it down to fourteen "lot boys", a few of which know each other and then a few of them were rivals from different schools...........there lies a bit of the problem.

Rival "lot boys", cocky 20 year olds, I'm better than you are, like I said it's like herding cats trying to keep an eye on them I think the boys are just as catty as girls. Had to have a little chat with a few of them last nite when we closed..........."boys we are way too busy to allow any drama to take place, so cut the CR*P"!!!

On a whole they are good boys, would hire nearly anyone of them back next year but boy do they like to push your buttons...........I'd rather herd cats some days...........stay tuna'd............the weekend is here!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Oh my it sure is..........Christmas trees are flying out of our lot in record numbers.........folks are having Christmas at home with family and friends instead of flying off to ski in far away places or swim with the fishes in the warmer climates.

It is good to see the Christmas spirit in spite of the economy. There is always one or two folks that don't want to spend the $$$ on a tree and gripe and grumble but hey they probably would be doing that even if the economy was at it's best.........I just look at them and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Because of the a fore mentioned problem with the Doodle elves being so busy I may not post for a few days.................and we are having a great time doing this job.

stay tuna'd.................and pray I get a minute to get my Christmas shopping done.

Just in time for the gift giving season

I can honestly say that my sweet hunky husband is generous with his gift giving, well with the exception of our first year of marriage.

Here he comes walking in the front door with a rather large box, in that box was a vacuum cleaner. I gasped I can still see myself, I swear to you I gasped so loud he thought I was thrilled. Oh and he put a big red bow on the box.

Now I know his intentions were good, I accepted the gift lovingly with smiles galore. But much later on this wife informed her sweet hunky husband that gifts like that IMHO are not appropriate, specially when the dang thing wasn't on my wish list.

So the next year shortly after Thanksgiving Mr D and I were discussing holiday plans with family and friends..............first thing that came out of the dear sweet mans mouth was "I know, NO appliances", if nothing else the boy listens.

Stay tuna'd............gift giving season is approaching, maybe show your partner this video to give them a genlte hint

I am quite happy

to report.............Mr Doodles QUIT SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cold turkey but with the patch and gum.

He mentioned it a few weeks ago when we were at the Dr's. I didn't bug him about it as I knew that would get me NOWHERE!!! The man has never ever entertained even the idea of quitting so this my friends is a very big step.

Since we are managing this Christmas tree lot being quite busy and with the opportunity of smoking is limited this might just help him kick the habit for good. Healthy for us all and think of the $$$ he'll save.........oooohhhh I see opportunity for more shoes.

So stay tuna'd..............

Dave Barry

I look forward to receiving emails from this crazy guy all the time.............he just makes me laugh.

Originally posted in the Miami Herald November 24, 2008

DAVE BARRY

Why do we give gifts during the holiday season?

We do it for a reason that is as timeless as humanity itself: women. Women have an overpowering biological need to mark pretty much every occasion, including sunset, by wrapping a gift and giving it to somebody, along with a card.

Why do women do this? We put that question to some leading psychologists, who responded: "We think maybe they're insane.''

We would not go as far as leading psychologists. But it is a fact that as the holiday season approaches, women are overpowered by the biological urge to buy bulk quantities of gifts, often without any clear idea whom a specific gift is for.

Men do not do this. A man buys a gift only when he sees a clear and present need, such as he remembers that his wedding anniversary was last week. Otherwise, when a man is in a store, he is looking for practical items. If he happens to pass by, say, a little ceramic statuette of two little smiley-face turtles with ''BEST'' painted on one shell and ''FRIENDS'' painted on the other, he is not going to give it a second glance, because he can't imagine anybody having any use for such a thing except as an emergency substitute for a clay pigeon.

No, a man is going to keep right on walking past the friendship turtles. If he buys something for somebody -- his wife, for example -- it is going to be something he believes she actually needs, such as an extension cord. Maybe, if he is feeling especially romantic, he will get her the 20-footer.

Whereas many women (you know who you are) will buy the turtles, not because they know of anybody who needs friendship turtles, but because the turtles are, quote, ''cute.'' Then the woman will start shopping for a cute card to go with the turtles, or maybe several cards, since she's not sure which specific one of her numerous best friends will be getting them. While she's at it she might buy some cute little scented candles that would go with the turtles, and maybe a few other cute things. By the time she leaves the store, she will have as many as eight gifts for people who have yet to be identified. She may have totally forgotten why she went into the store in the first place (to get an extension cord).

Women start behaving this way early in the holiday season, by which I mean July. So when the actual holidays roll around, they have a massive stockpile of gifts to give out. Pretty much every random individual they come into contact with, including toll-booth attendants, gets one. Their immediate family will be inundated with gifts.

This means their husbands have absolutely no chance of keeping up. Their husbands, who are busy during the holiday season with other responsibilities such as watching the playoffs, have managed to get their wives an average total of one gift, which they wrapped hastily at the last minute, which is why they did not notice that the wrapping paper says ''Happy Birthday!'' Sometimes a husband, trying to make his gift output look larger, will wrap the batteries separately (I have done this).

But his effort will still look pathetic next to the gift avalanche produced by his wife. He will feel like a big holiday dope.

If you're a male, at this point you're nodding like a bobblehead on a jackhammer and saying to yourself, "Is there a solution to this problem?''

There is, and it's right here in your hands: the annual Holiday Gift Guide. This is a list of items that are so unusual that if you give one to your wife, her reaction will be: ''Thank God he did not get me any more.'' And this effect is not limited to your wife: whomever you give a Holiday Gift Guide item to, that person will never want to exchange gifts with you again.

All of the items in the Gift Guide are real products that are being sold in exchange for actual money. We know this because we have purchased all of these items with what little money the newspaper industry has left. Then we subjected the items to our rigorous Quality Assurance Testing Laboratory Procedure, which consists of taking photographs of them without getting too close. This is why we are able to offer you this:

UNCONDITIONAL LIFETIME WARRANTY: If you purchase any of these gift items, and at any time during your lifetime you experience any kind of problem whatsoever with the item, simply place it in its original container and place it in a dumpster. We will take it from there.

But enough with the technicalities. Let’s move on to the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide:

DAVE BARRY'S ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE

Lottery Mate Multi-Purpose Scratch-Off Apparatus

Head Spa Massager

Talking Fly Swatter

Razorba 'War Hammer' Back Razor

Disaster Preparedness Activity Books

Gun-Shaped Egg Fryer

Pet Highchair

Zombie Yard Sculpture

'Firm Grip' Brand Butt Glue

Restroom Baby-hanger

Hug Me Pillow

Wearable Sleeping Bag

The Uroclub

Gassy Gus Flatulence Game

They're here!!!

Trees at the Doodles Christmas tree lot that is............WooHoo!!!

That my folks is an 18 wheeler filled with stunning trees.......just wait you'll see.



Each tree is hand drilled so to put it on your stand when getting it home.




Mr Doodles taking off all the twine that wraps the tree when they arrive.


This has got to be one of the prettiest trees on the lot at the moment. Sorry the color is not as good, reason being the tent the trees are under is red and white and the red is making it all orangey YUK!!! I'll figure it out.

There is nothing like the smell of fresh cut trees..............let the season begin.

OK gotta scoot..............another truck just arrived............get ready..........stay tuna'd!!!

I drank the Kool Aid folks

Prior to becoming lot managers for a Christmas tree lot we have always had real trees with the exception of one year when we had no tree cause we were traveling to be with family. One other time I went crazy and collected big maple branches that had broken off, painted then all green, put them in a pot and hung ornaments on them..............I know what you're thinking.

So some points to ponder when buying your tree for Christmas.

Feel good about buying a REAL tree. Real trees breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Plantation trees, that's what Christmas tree lots carry, are quickly biodegradable and seedlings are planted in the place of each tree harvested. And don't y'all just love the smell of a fresh cut tree?

Artificial tree are normally made of plastic (petroleum based product) and metal. The creation of artificial trees uses energy and some pollution into the environment during the process. Artificial tree are not biodegradable. Real Christmas trees are good for the environment AND the economy, and we all know both need help.

Here's a site for you to check out if you care to read more.

Thankful

My wonderful family was great enough to change our Thanksgiving feast to accommodate our needs. We celebrated being Thankful this past Saturday.

And our needs are great............because we are now managing a Christmas Tree lot in Southern California........from pumpkins to trees.......what were we thinking........HA!!!

Back to our Thanksgiving family feast...........what a great time we had. The food was abundant as I'm sure you can imagine. But ya know what...........not a stinking picture was taken. So take my word it was a wonderful day, of being with a loving family with no rushing and worrying about the crowd.

Step momma, sister and I did all the precooking and prep work on the Friday. All that needed to be done on the day was pop that sweet bird in the oven..............and we were even somewhat ahead of schedule on that. We amazed ourselves. Plenty of leftovers for those that wanted anything. My sweet sisters pies are to die for tasty..........not unusual for my talented sister. She made my favorite rustic apple pie dealy and our mothers sauce to pour on top.

I scored big time cause I got to take some apple pie home...............and sister sent home a small pumpkin pie for Mr Doodles...........it's his favorite..........well that and the whipped cream he piles on top.

So dear friends.............I truly hope your upcoming Thanksgiving feast is as much fun as mine...........wishing a a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Stay tuna'd for Christmas tree stories.

This is rather interesting

an article I read on MSNBC

Would this mean that when the good folks in the South have a catastrophe in the frequent weather problems, does that mean the people north of the Mason Dixon Line will rise up and say we aren't paying for their bad weather woes.

I think all people North, South, East and West should be asking those MORONS leaders of the big three auto makers what the hell they have been doing riding on their laurels these past twenty some years oh and their private jets and not listen to the government and the consumer.

Spose Michael Moore was right all those many years ago.........hope he has a bodyguard.

Stay tuna'd........................this could get really ugly..........I sure hope not.

Now this is what

the new President's family needs in the White House.............not that dogs don't provide some comical moments but kittens would be quite humorous for everyone including the Secret Service.

Don't think kittens would be the answer tho because of the allergy problem with one of the small kiddos. For more viewing pleasure pop on over > here. They also have dog photo's...................so have fun!!!

Finally found him..........

Y'all know we travel a lot in our RV so having a regular Dr is sorta out of the question. That can make things interesting if you have health issues. My health issues are minor but still an issue.

Well we are in Southern California with family and Mr and I both needed to have our meds refilled. Brother-in-law referred us to his GP. However when I called said Dr was on vacation but I could get an appointment with this other Dr. Sure why not I was a needy patient.

So comes the morning for the 10 a.m. appointment, get in to see the Dr, one hour and a half later we are leaving. Yep he's the Dr I have been looking for many, many years.

Let me tell you just one piece of wisdom he left us with. Dr N said, "my purpose is to educate you and hopefully when you are knowledgeable about preventive care you will be able to live a healthy lifestyle. My main job as your Dr is to keep you out of my office".

Let me also say he was firm and quite direct, nailed both our personalities dead on as well as being compassionate regarding our lifestyle. Quite a feat for someone we have never met. No pandering from this guy whatsoever............love him!!!

No matter where we are in our travels Dr N will now be our main physician.............hands down one of the best doctors I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Now this is a tribute

I saw this short article on the NBC Nightly News.............my fellow Canadians what a wonderful salute to your fallen heroes.

Read this article and I'm sure you'll be moved also.

Way to go Canada!!!

Bless all of our soldiers on this Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it is called in Canada.

Wall Street

This is a terrific article regarding our President-elect and Wall Street. Unlike the current administration that needs to be muzzled.

Not a bad idea.........we should all stay tuna'd................

Dear Mr President Elect Obama and family

this is a message from Buddy our cat...........

Dear Obama family,

Would you please explain to me why you are considering a dog to live with you in the White House? Is there a reason why you have not considered a cat? We are not near the trouble as a dog, the girls would not have a problem emptying the cat litter box. Not sure they would be able to walk the dog and carry a pooper scooper at all hours of the day..........won't they be in school?

I can't see Mrs Obama doing this and I sure as heck know y'all are not going to have time. Maybe it would be relaxing for you while trying to solve the problems of the world but I doubt it seriously.

Do me a favor Mr Obama, go to this site and see some of the photos of cats of the world and then tell me a cat shouldn't be on y'alls wish list.

I know dogs can be a lot of fun but come on give us felines a chance.

Whatever your choice I respect your decision after all that's why I or actually my human voted for ya.........she thinks your pretty special, me I'll wait till y'all get your new fur baby.

Good Luck

Buddy the cat, a senior member of the Doodles Gypsy Caravan

Thank you very much

Read this

then you'll know why this election is the most important election you have ever had the pleasure of voting. May also get your BP elevated.

NYTimes article

I have said it before but will repeat that this administration is a bunch a dopes, morons and JACKASSES.

After reading this you may want to send an email to your representatives.

Your vote counts!

If in fact you have not voted to avoid the long lines please don't let the long lines deter you, please vote.......this could be the most important vote of your lifetime.

Sister posted this and I couldn't have said it better.

By Moon

The following is a quote from ABC news blog.

"Obama was not yet in the Senate when Congress voted to authorize the use of force in the fall of 2002. But he spoke out against it as a Senate candidate that year."

Obama came out against the war at the same time, and for the same reasons, I felt it was wrong. We needed strength in Afghanistan, that's where the terrorists were. The witch hunt to Iraq was Cheney, Wolfowitz and the other war criminals. Wolfowitz was the mastermind behind the first Gulf War and for some reason, couldn't wait to go back and finish Iraq off.

Before we went into Iraq someone told me the administration didn't care what or why just wanted to cause unrest in that part of the world. Could it have been that simple? I thought them crazy for that statement but now think they could not have been more right.

So if I only had one reason, I have many more but this one reason--the quote above--is enough for me to desire Obama to be our next president. I hope you will make your voting decision based on the facts; FactCheck.org is priceless in a time of indecision.

so stay tuna'd.................it's gonna be a long election nite................we'll remember this for a very long time.

Life is never DULL

So I get up this morning throw on my ugly walking clothes, a little change for a newspaper and grab my cell phone. I see as I walk out my door the parking lot covered with trucks, lights and people.

WTH..............they are filming something right in the parking lot of my pumpkin patch. I'm somewhat of a nosy soul, so I forgo the walk and wander over to where the crowd is gathered. There was a catering check there to accommodate the crew, how nice of them to offer me a donut and a coffee

They are filming a scene for the TV show Eli Stone Never heard of it before but I do like one of the actors that's in the series Victor Garber Take a look at his bio and I'll bet you recognize him. He was on set but a fair distance to be able to get a photo.

Might I also add that Julia Roberts wandered into our Pumpkin Patch with children in tow. I would not have recognized her had I had not seen her up close. She wasn't the only celebrity that came in but certainly one that Mr Doodles was sorry he missed.