Two Yorks and a Bean

Absolutely Amazing!

2010-01-23T14:27:00.002-05:00

Watch this flight simulation of US Air Flight 1549 that landed in the Hudson River....Absolutely amazing! Open up to full screen and make sure to watch the entire video. At first there is no audio, but it will come and then be sporadic.

More audio on this one:

Beneath the Bottom Feeders

2010-01-15T12:16:00.002-05:00

A Letter to Rush Limbaugh

/ / / January 14, 2010

help for haiti

Direct links for donations to the Red Cross and other help for the victims of the earthquake in Haitihere.

Donate $10 to the Red Cross to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

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To: Rush Limbaugh
From: Roger Ebert

You should be horse-whipped for the insult you have paid to the highest office of our nation.

Having followed President Obama's suggestion and donated money to the Red Cross for relief in Haiti, I was offended to hear you suggest the President might be a thief capable of stealing money intended for the earthquake victims.
Here is a transcript from your program on Thursday:

Justin of Raleigh, North Carolina: "Why does Obama say if you want to donate some money, you could go to whitehouse.gov to direct you how to do so? If I wanted to donate to the Red Cross, why do I have to go to the White House page to donate?"

Limbaugh: "Exactly. Would you trust the money's gonna go to Haiti?"

Justin: "No."

Rush: "But would you trust that your name's gonna end up on a mailing list for the Obama people to start asking you for campaign donations for him and other causes?"

Justin: "Absolutely!"

Limbaugh: "Absolutely!"

That's what was said.

Unlike you and Justin of Raleigh, I went to Obama's web site, and discovered the link there leads directly to the Red Cross. I can think of a reason why anyone might want to go via the White House. That way they can be absolutely sure they're clicking on the Red Cross and not a fake site set up to exploit the tragedy.

But let me be sure I have this right. You and Justin agree that Obama might steal money intended for the Red Cross to help the wretched of Haiti.

This conversation came 48 hours after many of us had seen pitiful sights from Port au Prince. Tens of thousands are believed still alive beneath the rubble. You twisted their suffering into an opportunity to demean the character of the President of the United States.

You have a sizable listening audience. You apparently know how to please them. Anybody given a $400 million contract must know what he is doing.

That's what offends me. You know exactly what you're doing.

from: www.rogerebert.suntimes.com

Bank of America Has Stolen Our Money!

2010-01-13T17:46:00.006-05:00

(should be: Bank of Thieves)

I am LIVID right now! We have several accounts with this bank including our business account. Today, I made several direct deposits to be transferred into other individuals accounts (which BofA sits on for 3 business days between taking it out of our account IMMEDIATELY and going into their account). Well, today when I tried to process the transactions I got a white page, and the arrow was going round and round for about 4 minutes. Obviously, something went wrong, because I would normally get a confirmation page with confirmation numbers for each transaction. So, I clicked back to the previous page. All my data was still entered so I re-submitted the transactions. This time the transactions went through immediately, and I received the confirmation numbers. I decided to go check another page, just in case something behind the scenes may have happened without me being aware of it. Luckily I did, because each transaction had been duplicated! What was a few thousand dollars was now doubled!! I quickly tried to find a way to cancel the double transactions, but could not find any option to do so. I got on the phone and waited about 20 minutes before getting a rep. I gave her the info. and she located the transactions. She then told me that she needed to contact another department to void the duplicate transactions. After being on hold for a couple of minutes another person got on the line and this is when all hell broke loose. He informed me that the money had already been taken out of our account and that it could be 3 days until we would get the money returned! I asked to speak to a manager and he told me there was no one else to speak with. Well, that didn't go over well with me. HOW DARE THEY TAKE OUR MONEY AND SIT ON IT FOR 3 DAYS!! And HE HAD THE GALL TO SAY IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT!! WHAT A CROCK OF SHIT!! There is nothing else we can do until tomorrow, when we will definitely be going into a branch to raise hell.

You have my permission to pass this on!

t-t-Tootsie Goodbye?

2009-12-30T18:57:00.006-05:00

t-t-Tootsie...don't cry.

She's only going on vacation.

Just for awhile.

Bean is going to focus on elemental-my-dear
(please visit her there!)
while Tootsie takes her vaca

and maybe....

(hopefully for her birthday)

she'll get a new camera??!!

Hint, hint...Mr. YnB

Tootsie wishes all of you

a VERY HAPPY 2010

and she promises to be back!

TY&B thanks all of you for your viewership and support!
It's been a fun 2009!

SECRET SANTAS EXPOSED!

2009-12-20T08:19:00.004-05:00

Go ahead all you Secret Santas.....out yourselves!!

Listen

2009-12-17T22:52:00.001-05:00

Even though I'm not Christian, it doesn't mean I can't appreciate a beautiful Christmas Carol such as this. I heard it tonight in the car, and I got goosebumps. As Dave H. says....kick your feet up, close your eyes and turn the volume up!

A Blog Is Born

2009-12-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

let me introduce you to

another blog

showcasing another side

no tootsie

no nonsense

just jill

(bean)

amateur photographer

not much there yet

but as you all know

when it comes to blogging

you can't hold back

hope you like

Elemental, my dear

Ugly Sweater Party!

2009-12-13T10:05:00.001-05:00

Looking for a holiday party to crash? Well, look no further....

YOU'RE INVITED!

But....you must wear an ugly holiday sweater!

Don't be shy, we won't laugh (ha).

Show us what you got!

Who will be wearing the ugliest of ugliest?

www.postimage.org will help you show off your most prized sweater.

If you don't have one, just grab one off the internet shelf!

Here's a tip on how to enter a direct link to your sweater in the comments section:

1. type < a

2. space

3. type href=

4. type or paste the url of whatever you're linking to

5. type >

6. type whatever words you want to show up in blue that people will click on to get to what you're linking to

7. type < / a> (without the spaces)

Be There or Be Square

(In this case, probably being there will also make you square, but who the heck cares.)

No RSVP's necessary.

CHEERS!
(just make sure you have a designated driver)

Looking forward to seeing you!

Don't Like Your Gift?

2009-12-12T10:05:00.002-05:00

Click Here and give it to The Regifter

If you can figure out how she does it, don't give it away by posting a comment.

Stumped? Just send me an email at ynbspot@hotmail.com.

The First Night

2009-12-11T08:54:00.008-05:00

Let us count the ways.....

Hanukkah

Hannukah

Chanuka

Chanukah

Channukah

Chanukkah

I know there must be more,

but however you spell it,

have a happy eight days!

A little story.....

Tonight, Simon's memory will probably kick into play when we strike the match to light the first candle. It's funny how such a small gesture can arouse, not only a child's excitement, but also a little Yorkie's. See, Simon is a spoiled little pup that receives a present on each night of Hanukkah (the only one that does in this household). Granted, the gifts lack excitement in human terms, (they're just regular old treats) but he's easy to please. The moment that match is struck and we start to recite the blessings, the light guy begins yapping and running around in circles. As the week progresses, he tends to become even more impatient and demanding of his present. The first year we began giving him gifts each night, which was only a couple of years ago, he had us in stitches on the ninth night (right, you got it, there is no 9th night). Our ritual is when dinner is over and the dishes have been cleaned, we walk downstairs to the media room where the menorah sits on the bar countertop (appropriate place, huh). Well, wouldn't you know, on that 9th night, when he realized we weren't coming downstairs, we heard him yapping down there. Initially, we thought he was telling us he needed to go out, since that is where he normally leaves from to do his business, but when I came downstairs, he was sitting facing the bar counter. That little munchkin. I do have a video somewhere, I might just have to post it one night.

Jingle Bombs

2009-12-10T09:45:00.003-05:00

If you aren't familiar with Jeff Dunham, he is a comedian/ventriloquist with several outrageous puppets. Hopefully, you share Jeff's sense of humor (and mine), and this video won't offend anyone!

DECEMBER

2009-12-09T09:03:00.005-05:00

What December Brings to our Home:

Christmas for Mr. YnB

Hanukkah for YnB

Mr. YnB's Birthday

YnB's Birthday & New Year's Eve Celebration

Car Tag Renewal bills for both of us

Property Tax Bills for our Lake Getaway possessions

Gobs of Junk Mail

The UPS Guy

A dwindling amount of Holiday Cards

An increasing amount of Ecards
Delicious dinners

Decorations

and

A yearly viewing of our favorite Christmas movie "The Polar Express"

What does December bring to your home?

Just For You!

2009-12-06T11:22:00.005-05:00

CLICK HERE to choose a present then let us all know what it is!

Fill In The Blank

2009-12-02T13:24:00.008-05:00

All I want for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa, etc. is ________________!

TY& B's Secret Santa Virtual Gift Exchange Lounge

2009-11-30T11:56:00.007-05:00

TY&B'S Secret Santa
VIRTUAL GIFT EXCHANGE LOUNGE

From now through December 20th, the TY&B Gift Exchange Lounge will be open for you to drop off & pick up your virtual gifts to & from your Secret Santa Pal!

Here's a tip from Nonnie @ Hysterical Raisins on how to enter a direct link into comments so we can all open presents more easily.......(Thank you Nonnie!)

1. type < a

2. space

3. type href=

4. type or paste the url of whatever you're linking to

5. type >

6. type whatever words you want to show up in blue that people will click on to get to what you're linking to

7. type < / a> (without the spaces)

If I can do it, anyone can!

Over the River

2009-11-19T16:25:00.005-05:00

Over the river and thru the wood,

To grandmother's house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the wood,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring,
"Ting-a-ling-ling!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!
Over the river and thru the wood,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

It may not be to my grandmother's,

and it may not be by sleigh nor through the snow,

but we will be going over some rivers

to get to my mother's house to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I probably won't be posting much during the next week, but don't fret...
I'll be checking in and dropping comments here and there for all of you!

To all by blog buddies.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
even for those of you who don't actually celebrate this American holiday,
I am thankful to have you as my blog friends!

Over the Fence

2009-11-18T08:51:00.007-05:00

In the never ending search for nonsensical and humorous material, it dawned on me that I don't have to look any further than over our own fence line. Our subdivision is filled with individuals who have baffled both Mr. YnB and myself for years. We love our house, but our neighbors are - err, ummm, how can I say it with sounding judgemental, sorry no can do - peculiar. Of course, they may be saying the same thing about us, but we know better.

Let's have a peek at some of our "Over the Fence" neighbors....

110 Batcave Drive - A single woman of very few words who comes and goes from her garage (never her front door). Her electric garage door opener enables her to escape conversation in a single bound.

201 Vampire Court - We could wave to each other from our houses, but this couple likes to keep their blinds closed 24/7.

106 Morning Glory Court - A lovely family that prefers their little yap dog to be outdoors by himself as much as possible.

120 Forest Circle - where the deer and the antelope play. Is there actually a house in there?

320 Do-it-Yourself Lane - The man of this house is totally into DIY projects; too bad none of them get completed.

365 Black Cloud Trail - Nothing good ever happens here. As luck would have it, a black cloud hangs over this home 365 days a year.

400 Renters Cove Circle - Thank goodness this house is further into the subdivision so we don't have to drive by it.

455 Athletic Court - This fit couple jogs by our house daily; great wavers.

917 Rambling Road - Where the RV sits waiting for its next big adventure that never comes.

Stories to come. Real names withheld to protect the guilty. Fictional dialogue due to fear of real conversation.

Do you have any unusual neighbors?

I just had to add this video that Nurse Myra said she thought this post reminded her of. What's he building in there......bwaaahaaahaaaa......Thank you NM

Tootsie Tuesday

2009-11-17T08:02:00.006-05:00

Since today is Tuesday, Tootsie felt she should be the one to present the winner of this month's Something Fun Contest.

So....... (drumroll now)

Will the following blogger come forward to accept
this major achievement award:

Delicate Flower @ Delicacies

who correctly guessed 10 out of 11 photos!

Congratulations DF!

Click here for answers!

Rock Hard

2009-11-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

Goreme Valley Fairy Chimneys

Turkey

Volcanic Erections Eruptions

If you've seen one, you've seen them all (maybe not).

Weekend Journal

2009-11-14T18:10:00.010-05:00

Weekend Journal Entry #2: Clemson University Botanical Gardens

For a second weekend in a row, us Southerners were blessed with a weekend of absolutely glorious weather. (Even warmer this weekend - upper 70's!) Mr. YnB and I decided to check out the Clemson University Botanical Gardens. Even though not much is in bloom right now, it was still a lovely walk (we were unable to see everything even though we spent two hours there. And, this weekend, no threat of bear....just squirrels, various birds, bumble bees, ladybugs and geese were spied.)

A glimpse of our afternoon.....

A bare Southern Catalpa Tree

Close-up of a Chinese Toon Tree

Chinese Toon tree reaching into the sky

Not sure what this unusual pink perennial plant is. Anyone know?

Not sure what this is either, except that it caught my eye from several yards away. (Approx. 8-10 in.)

A lone hydrangea bloom basking in the sunlight

Virginia Creeper making a colorful statement

Just interesting

A small waterfall located in a shade garden.

Pennies from heaven?

If this column sparks inspiration, feel free to grab the "Weekend Journal" graphic to start writing your own weekend journal entries on your blog. Who knows who may be interested in some of your wild weekend adventures (I would, I would!), but it would also be a great memoir for yourself!

Who Is That Cutie?

2009-11-14T09:15:00.002-05:00

Name That Cutie!

November's "Something Fun" Contest
Everyone can play, so give it go!

Submit your answers in the comments section by Nov. 16th

To make the game a bit more challenging this month, I am not providing you with the names of who submitted photos. Two Hints: 1. They all came from bloggers on my blogroll and TY&B. 2: There are only 9 bloggers represented.

Good Luck!

Okay, okay....I'll give you some names:

Dave - Linlah - YnB - Duncan - George - Lisleman - DF - Tootsie - Lynn

#1 Delicate Flower

#2 YnB

#3(the cutie on the right) Linlah

#4 (the cutie on the left)Lisleman

#5 Lynn

#6 YnB

#7 George

#8 hmmm....

#9 Dave

#10 Duncan

#11 Duncan

**For those who submitted photos, just sign in under an alias name when you submit your guesses. Then send me an email to let me know who you are. Thanks.

Friday the 13th

2009-11-13T07:10:00.013-05:00

Friday the 13th, the most widespread superstition

LEGEND HAS IT: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names). There are 13 witches in a coven.

How many of you just counted the letters in your name?

Anathema
Still other sources speculate that the number 13 may have been purposely vilified by the founders of patriarchal religions in the early days of western civilization because it represented femininity. Thirteen had been revered in prehistoric goddess-worshiping cultures, we are told, because it corresponded to the number of lunar (menstrual) cycles in a year (13 x 28 = 364 days). The "Earth Mother of Laussel," for example — a 27,000-year-old carving found near the Lascaux caves in France often cited as an icon of matriarchal spirituality — depicts a female figure holding a cresent-shaped horn bearing 13 notches. As the solar calendar triumphed over the lunar with the rise of male-dominated civilization, it is surmised, so did the "perfect" number 12 over the "imperfect" number 13, thereafter considered anathema.

LOKI - The God of Mischief
Twelve gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla. Loki, the Evil One, god of mischief, had been left off the guest list but crashed the party, bringing the total number of attendees to 13. True to character, Loki raised hell by inciting Hod, the blind god of winter, to attack Balder the Good, who was a favorite of the gods. Hod took a spear of mistletoe offered by Loki and obediently hurled it at Balder, killing him instantly. All Valhalla grieved. And although one might take the moral of this story to be "Beware of uninvited guests bearing mistletoe," the Norse themselves apparently concluded that 13 people at a dinner party is just plain bad luck.

What exactly would be good etiquette if one of 7 couples invited to dinner shows up without their date?

LEGEND HAS IT: Never change your bed on Friday; it will bring bad dreams. Don't start a trip on Friday or you will have misfortune. If you cut your nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow. Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck – as in the tale of H.M.S. Friday ... One hundred years ago, the British government sought to quell once and for all the widespread superstition among seamen that setting sail on Fridays was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned, named "H.M.S. Friday." They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday, and was never seen or heard from again.

Click here for source

2009-11-11T10:45:00.004-05:00

A SHOUT-OUT!
COME ON GUYS.....WE NEED MORE PHOTOS TO MAKE THIS A CONTEST!

A Few Things About YnB

2009-11-10T18:22:00.005-05:00

Lisleman over at A Few Clowns Short honored me with another award within a week. If it is actually an award, it somewhat questionable, but nonetheless, I am still very humbled for having been one of ten recipients (first on the list, I must add!)

The Honest Scrap Award, as it is called, comes with a couple of rules.

I must list 10 things about myself.
I must pass the award onto 10 other bloggers who are supposed to do the same.

Hmmm.....sounds like a meme disguised as an award to us, (not that there's anything wrong with memes) so TY&B has made yet another one of our unending executive decisions that #2 will be passed along to all of our blog buddies (ya'll know who you are) who have not already received this honor (we noticed this award has been around the block a few times) and would like to accept it. Fair enough? We hope so.

So, here are 10 things about Yorksnbeans:

(sorry, Simon & Tootsie were not interested)

1. I don't like rules (unless I make them up).

2. I've been told I have an addictive laugh.

3. I'm a Southpaw (left-handed).

4. I probably don't act my age.

5. I've always hated my hair....it's baby fine with no body. Every day is a bad hair day for me.

6. I'm a cookie monster.

7. I am continuously on a search for the perfect wallet.

8. I have a thing for Russell Crowe (Mr. YnB knows this, and don't bother trying to tell me he's a bad boy. Something came over me when watching Gladiator that I have never been able to shake.)

9. I love to dance, although, the opportunity doesn't arise as frequently as I would like.

10. Trolls were my favorite dolls when I was a kid.

Weekend Journal

2009-11-08T10:31:00.024-05:00

A new titillating column offered by TY&B! Whether or not it will be a weekly offering is yet to be determined, but for now, here is the first journal entry of TY&B's "Weekend Journal" for any of you who may be interested.

Weekend Journal Entry #1: Oconee Station Hiking Trail & Waterfall

(for a closer look, just click the pics)

After approximately one month of monsoon-like weather, the clouds have cleared and, today, autumn was finally able to display itself at full glory. Weekends up at the lake during the final months of the year are prime time to go exploring. The area is known for its many waterfalls. Mr. YnB and I decided to try out a hike to a waterfall we had never been to. Me, being a city girl, I , unfortunately, have prerequisites that don't go over very well with the Yorkshireman I married. I love the outdoors, but if the trail has not been beaten down prior to my arrival by other trailblazers, I am not the one to take the challenge. I also do not prefer to be totally alone in the middle of a forest during hunting season, but I try my hardest to keep my fears of being hunted at bay.

Our first hiking trail attempt began at the edge of an open field. This I could accept, so we began our trek.

Mr. YnB walking in clover

It only took us about 10 minutes to come upon our first obstacle. A wide creek.

Mr. YnB began his search up and down stream to possibly find a crossing that didn't include getting wet when crossing. No such luck. Back to the car and off to another trail.

The second attempt, since it was now mid-afternoon, was a trail we had already accomplished a couple of years ago. (It meets all my criteria for the perfect hike) The last time we had taken it was not in Autumn so, today, the trail would offer us a new perspective.

The sun spreading its golden fingers through the trees.

About 15 minutes into our walk led us into conversation. Well, let's say it was moi who led us into this particular gem of a conversation. Having been the only car to park in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail, I could not leave the beauty of nature alone without the depths of my imagination taking over. The conversation went something like this.......

YnB: Honey, do you think we could run into a bear (or visa-versa)?

Mr. YnB: Possibly.

YnB: What!! (heart jumps into throat)
Mr. YnB: If you see one, just don't panic.
YnB: Are you kidding me?

Mr. YnB: Don't worry, we're not going to see any bears. Just enjoy the scenery.

YnB: no friggin way can I enjoy the scenery now
YnB: continues thinking

YnB: They would post signs if bears were a problem, wouldn't they?

Mr. YnB: Yes, Bean, don't worry yourself, relax.

YnB: Stays quiet a little while longer followed by another 5 minutes of banter about imminent danger lurking in the forest (mostly by Mr. YnB).
Mr. YnB: Look at this. ( Successful attempt at distraction)

Mushrooms growing on a log

Then we came upon this wonderful tree shaped like an elephant's hoof......

After about a half hour walk, this made it all worth it (bears included, well...maybe not)....

The falls may not look it, but it's about a 60 ft. drop.

As we ended our hike, Mr. YnB motioned me to come over to read this (something he didn't bother to have me read when we arrived. He knew better.).....

By the odd chance you are in need of your own writing material, and this column sparks inspiration, feel free to grab the "Weekend Journal" graphic to start writing your own weekend journal entries on your blog. Who knows who may be interested in some of your wild weekend adventures, but if for nothing else, it could be a great memoir for your yourself!

And This Year's Golden Cup Goes To.....

2009-11-06T08:06:00.008-05:00

Emily Swanson of New Haven, CT won this year's Golden Cup for the Long Island Sound "Miss Swimsuit" Competition with her form fitting two-piece and coordinating socks. The judges claimed it was a difficult decision to make, but their deciding factor was based on the assumption that Miss Swanson's swimsuit would be least likely to cause drowning. Betty Mulson of Brooklyn, NY was awarded the Silver Cup for second place. Henrietta Stillhouse of Bridgeport, CT took home the coveted third place award of a floral parasol, while Marge Wilson of Stony Brook, NY won tickets to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall for fourth place.

Evolution of the School Bus Stop

2009-11-04T14:32:00.004-05:00

Hope I get on the honor roll.

What'd you get on yesterday's pop quiz?

Where the f*ck's the bus.

Tootsie Tuesday

2009-11-03T10:15:00.005-05:00

Tootsie, along with her co-workers, have received a blog award! Matty @ MattyThoughts apparently enjoys the nonsense that goes on here at the offices of TY&B enough to acknowledge us with the "I Give Good Blog" Award, and we thank him tremendously for that! Who doesn't like receiving an award! They certainly don't come banging on our door every day (never mind week, month, year or decade).

There was one criteria though that was attached to this award which was to recognize four blogs that we enjoy at TY&B. Now, here is where the dilemma sets in. Tootsie (along with the other two execs) enjoys every one of the blogs we read regularly and giving out only 4 awards will slight some very well deserved blogs, but we also don't want to disrespect the tradition attached to the award we received. Due to this dilemma, we did a bit of detective work, only to find out when looking closely at the award through a magnifying glass, it originated from a blogger we are not familiar with. Does this blogger know her award has reached far beyond her corner of the blogosphere? (Matty probably didn't realize this crucial piece of information since it was our dilemma that caused us to take such a close look in the first place.) So, the question is, would we at TY&B want an award we passed out to go to unknown blogs? We decided the answer was no.

But.....

We also know how fabulous it feels to receive an award, so Tootsie came up with her own award to acknowledge the blogs that started things rolling for us here at TY&B. Those blogs that we thoroughly enjoyed when we began blogging which were springboards to other fabulous blogs that now grace our blogroll. So, to continue the tradition of 4 recipients, may the following bloggers come forward to accept your "Tootsie's Rave" Award. You may take your award home by copying and pasting it to your blog, if you so choose, but if you decide to admire this award in private, please be sure to put it somewhere safe, so as to keep any thieves from snatching it away from you.

TannerLeah @ Stop Annoying Me

for being the first blog that caught our attention with his unique topic selection added with that special twist of sarcasm and humor.

Nonnie @ Hysterical Raisins

for her humorous take on political figures along with her spectacular Photoshop talents.

Delicate Flower @ Delicacies

for her delicate writing style about an indelicate topic that we all are most interested in.

Alan Truitt @ Sick Days

for his hysterical writings, his adorable face, and fun-loving bunch of co-workers.

Where are you Alpo!

BTW....this award has no attachments. You need not do anything but enjoy it for what it's worth.

For Scatterbrained Bloggers

2009-11-02T10:56:00.004-05:00

I just came across the best website. If you're anything like me, I sometimes forget where I have left comments around the blogosphere. Do you do that? Well, there's a website that keeps track of it for you so you don't have to rely on your aging memory. I just added it to my google toolbar for easy access.

Just type the following in your url window: www.backtype.com/url/www.yourblogurl.com (ie: www.yorksnbeans.blogspot.com)

Note: I just realized this site only follows wordpress blogs. I don't believe you will find comments made on blogger blogs. Correct me if I'm wrong, if you know otherwise.

TY & B's Something Fun Contest: Childhood Photos

2009-11-01T06:00:00.039-05:00

Yes, kiddos, it's time for TY&B's November Something Fun Contest! You asked for it, you got it! This month's contest doesn't require a camera, only an old photograph. If you have a favorite childhood photo of yourself, send it to ynbspot@hotmail.com by November 11th. Let's see how many photos we can accumulate. Of course, like the other contests, we'll try and figure out who is who.

PHOTOS ARE COMING IN AND THEY'RE ADORABLE!!

Tootsie vs. Healthcare

2009-10-30T12:13:00.009-04:00

Okay, the boxing gloves are on. How many rounds, and whether Tootsie will win, is another story. This story began yesterday (actually last March when YnB broke her wrist) when I received yet another new medical bill. Can anyone guess how much it costs to fix a broken wrist? Well, neither can I because the bills just continue on and on. I think we're up somewhere in the $15,000.00 range, but I'd have to sift through all the paperwork, and I have no interest in doing so. All I have been concerned about has been how much it has cost ME, which has been my total out-of-pocket for the year - $5,500.00. (For those who are not familiar with U.S. Healthcare, this does not include the astronomical monthly premiums) Yes, that's stomach turning isn't it? That doesn't even include Mr. YnB, he has his own policy.

This new bill comes from medical supply company wanting in on the piece of action. They have already received $3,000.00 from BC/BS which apparently wasn't enough. They'd like to choke out another $500.00 from moi. Would you like to know what it was for? I thought you would. Now, this is not a joke, nor am I exaggerating....it's a bill for 7 screws, 2 drill bits and 1 metal plate all of which are in my wrist and the surgeon claimed are so small that the airport metal detectors would never pick it up. Albeit, there must have been some extremely precise instruments involved in manufacturing these small things, but what are the chances they weren't made here in the states, but maybe let's say, China? I feel pretty confident they are not made of gold nor platinum, but even if they were......$3,500.00?

I actually wrote the check out, but my conscience said "WHOA....hold on a minute there missy. Think about what you're paying for before handing it over without a fight." Damn it, my conscience is right and I'm not going to take it anymore! We need that money more than that greedy company does, and they'll have to deal with me first before they get their dirty little hands on it that easily.

So, there it is. Tootsie's ready for a fight. (Not until next week though, she needs mental preparation and some practice rounds first. This is one of them.)

Have you ever gone any rounds with the health care industry?

Pumpkins, Corn Mazes, Hayrides and Fried Pies

2009-10-28T12:15:00.010-04:00

Route 2 has become our route of choice when driving to our lake getaway. Here are some snapshots from taken last weekend at a popular farmers market that goes all out for Halloween. No fried pie pics though...they were eaten.

Simon just cracks us up!
(Sorry, Tootsie was left home all alone by mistake)

Have you ever done a corn maze?

Well Wishes Needed

2009-10-27T18:43:00.014-04:00

I personally don't know him, but the blogosphere brings us all a little bit closer, and I feel for him and his family. The news inundates us with the perils of the H1N1 virus, but until it hits a bit closer to home it remains in the "news" category. Well, now I feel "touched", albeit through blogging, because now it feels more real.

This family has been hit with this very serious virus and a young family member is lying in the hospital with his future at the mercy of doctors and any medical facilities that are possibly capable of bringing him back to health. I'm sure your personal comments and well wishes would be greatly appreciated at this time. There are several daily posts, so make sure to read them all to see how this virus took this family by surprise and how quickly it happened.

Siesta Time!

2009-10-20T09:10:00.000-04:00

Time off at TY&B

No worries.....we'll be back!

Unbelievable!

2009-10-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

This story is truly a miracle for the baby and his mother.....

Cold Mornings & Blow Jobs

2009-10-15T09:59:00.003-04:00

First off.....get your mind out of the gutter. I know what you're thinking, and this post isn't going there. It did get your attention though, didn't it?

For the first time this season a chill was in the air this morning inside the house so it was the first time I turned the heat on when I got out of bed. Just enough to take the chill out. Simon got up with me and we began our morning routine. First stop- master bathroom, second stop - coffee, third stop - back door, let Simon out - let him back in, fourth stop - office. This is where Simon and I hang out for awhile. He has his own furry pillow located in such a spot that he can keep an eye (rather an ear since he mostly naps) on me and my activities.

I hadn't even noticed that he didn't follow me into the office this morning until Mr. YnB came in and asked where Simon was. My first thought was a bit panicked, "Did I not let him back in?", but I went through my thought process and remembered I definitely let him in. Whew. Do you ever get caught up with a routine that it becomes somewhat mechanical you don't realize if you've done or not done something?

This is where we found the little guy

It's amazing he remembers the sound of the air blowing out of the heat registers from season to season and knows that he can get himself warmed up with a personal blow job.

Do you have a morning routine?

Knitting Gone Haywire

2009-10-14T15:27:00.002-04:00

"Barb, I love you dearly babe, but WTF!"

Tootsie Tuesday

2009-10-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

TY&B is a highly sought after company to work for. Its employees are showered with fantastic benefits - all offices come with windows and are equipped with TV's, widescreen monitors for their computers, personal bar cabinets, sofas and powder rooms. How the company survives is anyone's guess. Although, as of late, blogging publications have been reporting internal problems. Numbers are down and daily posts have been lacking substance. An undercover reporter for Blogging International captured this photo yesterday of Tootsie, one of the company's CEO's, at Atlanta's trendiest day spa.

Birthday Wishes

2009-10-13T12:25:00.009-04:00

Sending Happy Birthday Wishes to

Andy @ Trousers To Grow Into

Have a Wonderful Day!

P.S. Andy will be retiring this month as well!

Lots of Best Wishes!

I know you're not the Saturday Club, but I liked the Beatles singing you the Happy Birthday song!

A Rolling Dinner

2009-10-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, Mr. YnB and I participated in a Progressive Dinner. It was a first for us. I had heard about them over the years, but had never been involved in one. For those who have never heard of this type of evening, it's a rolling dinner that is divided up by courses and served at different homes. Obviously, the hosts must all live somewhat close by to one another or the evening would last all weekend.

In this case, ours was up at our weekend getaway and hosted by five homeowners in our condominium community which made it super easy to walk from one home to another. The evening started with appetizers at the first home, moved onto salads, then soup, then heavy hors d'oeuvres and ended with dessert. We were the second stop - salads.

The host serving the following course would leave a few minutes early from the previous course to get everything set out for the party to move on. It all went so smoothly with only a small amount of coordination. The food was delicious, the drinking was non-stop and the conversation was delightful. It was a great success!

Have you ever hosted a progressive dinner?

Losing Steam

2009-10-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

The TY&B Express is losing steam

it might be making a few extra stops in the next couple of weeks for refueling.

Have a great weekend everyone!

This is Bull

2009-10-08T09:16:00.001-04:00

I have to schlep all this crap while the bitch goes shopping.

And The Winners Are......

2009-10-07T10:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Something Fun With a Camera: Front Doors" Contest! Nine Bloggers submitted a photo of the front door to their home and eleven bloggers participated in playing the game by trying to guess whose door was whose.

A Big Congrats to the following three winners:

1st Place

Julie @ Mad Hatters

Correctly guessed all nine!!

2nd Place

Delicate Flower @ Delicacies

Correctly guessed 7 doors

3rd Place

NobblySan @ Mad Hatters

Correctly guessed 6 doors

All three winners will be receiving their prizes shortly. Just be patient!

To see the correct answers click here!

Another "Something Fun" Contest will begin later this month!

Reason to Celebrate!

2009-10-06T13:33:00.001-04:00

I would never have thought to keep track of blogging anniversaries until I realized that many bloggers do such a thing. Because of this, I recently realized that I was rapidly approaching a milestone for TY&B which happens to be today!

Yes, today marks six months of operations here at TY&B headquarters. Grilled cheese sandwiches, fish & chips, cupcakes, yorkshire puddings, and jellybeans were served for the celebratory lunch, all the officers favorites. Yellow, red and blue ballons decorated our offices while we rocked to the tunes of Elton John and Michael Jackson. Simon overate and barfed up his french fries, Mr. YnB is now asleep on the sofa and I am left to report about our momentous achievements of the past six months. Fortunately, the list is very short.

As of right now:

5333 Total Visitors from 45 different countries (now this might not seem much of an achievement but it does only represent first time visitors and no visits from TY&B personnel)
187 Posts (amusing, non-amusing, informational, non-informational, enlightening, non-enlightening, interactive and ridiculous)
12 Followers (we're not too concerned with this low statistic as long as we continue to see our friends returning to say hi and offer their 2 cents.)

A big thanks go out to all our friends out there in this wonderful world of the blogosphere who continue to come back and read our non-sensical offerings, for without you, TY&B would just not be the same!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Let's Dance!

2009-10-02T08:13:00.007-04:00

Shake that little boo-tay!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Let The Games Begin!

2009-10-01T10:46:00.029-04:00

Thanks to all who sent in your front doors!

Exactly who walks through these doors?

The object of this TY&B's "Fun With a Camera Contest" is to figure out

which of the following front doors belong to our fellow bloggers.

Let's see who can correctly guess them all!

ANYONE CAN PLAY!

GOOD LUCK!

You can click the pics to enlarge them.

#1.

No Hawkers!

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Dave Hamridge

#2.

Welcome Home and make sure to wipe your feet!
Knock Knock - Who's There ? Big Pissy

#3.

Two Topiaries and a Car

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Duncanr

#4.

Use the Knocker, the Bell doesn't work!

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Joanna Jenkins

#5.

Sunshine On A Sunny Day

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Yorksnbeans

#6.

Halidom House

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Nurse Myra

#7.

Who's that knockin' at my door?

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Linlah

#8.

Notre maison

Comme vous pouvez le voir, la saison des feuilles mortes seront bientôt ici.

Knock Knock - Who's There ? NobblySan

#9.

Let me in!!

Knock Knock - Who's There ? Julie

Here's the list of door owners:

Nurse Myra @ Gimcrack Hospital

NobblySan @ Mad Hatters

Dave Hambidge

YnB @ Two Yorks and A Bean

Julie @ Mad Hatters
Joanna Jenkins @ The Fifty Factor
Duncanr @ Mad Hatters
Big Pissy @ Southern Circle of Hell: Part Deux
Linlah @ Corn-Bean

Submit your answers in one comment!

DOOR OWNERS - be sure to submit your answers under a disguised name, then email me to let me know who you are!

Deadline for answers is October 6th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!

2009-10-01T08:00:00.008-04:00

TODAY IS DAVE HAMBIDGE'S BIRTHDAY!!

DAVE'S TURNING THE BIG 55!!

LEAVE DAVE YOUR CONGRATS AND WITTY COMMENTS BELOW!

Goodbye to Summer

2009-09-30T11:57:00.001-04:00

As I opened the back door this morning, autumn welcomed me with a rush of cool air. No longer was the warmth of the summer morning there to greet me. I do love the change of seasons, but when one leaves and another enters, it always hits me with a pang of sadness.

Summer, being my favorite season, is a difficult goodbye for me. The careless afternoons spent on the lake become a memory. But, autumn, once its wrapped itself around me, also brings its own sense of joy along with activities that were tucked away during the summer months. I love walking in the coolness of an autumn day. I begin a regular walking regimen, something that I totally abandon during the summer. When up at the lake, we explore the many parks, waterfalls and hiking trails in the area. Those hazy, pale blue skies of summer become the bright blue skies of autumn. The sunsets also become more majestic with brilliant shades of reds and oranges.

As the leaves fall, the raking work-outs begin, putting the summer gardens to bed for the winter and planting the new shrubs to replace ones that didn't survive the heat of the summer. As Autumn marches on, the holidays become the center of focus and family get-togethers are planned.

Autumn does possess its own unique qualities that I do look forward to, but it's the goodbye to Summer that is always hard to swallow.

What does Autumn mean to you?

Tootsie Tuesday

2009-09-29T09:54:00.001-04:00

Tootsie, if I've told you once I've told you 1000 times, that is not a High-Dive!

The Night I Thought It Was All Over

2009-09-28T10:18:00.007-04:00

I was 31, single, living alone, and just spent the evening with a friend watching TV and chatting at her place. The drive home was short, approximately 10 minutes. My drive was a sporty little Mazda RX7. Being single, I knew many of the safety tips, especially the one to be aware of my surroundings at all times. While driving home, I kept an eye on my rear view window to notice if any cars were following for significant lengths of time. There were none until the last mile or so when another car made the same turn I did, which was normal considering the route to my apartment community. The last turn was a popular one for many drivers who lived in the same community as I did.

I turned into a parking space right in front of my apartment building and noticed the car that was following continued on. Since my car was small, once I pulled into the space I was unable to see much since the car to my left was a Mercedes and sat much higher than mine. I opened my car door and stood up to notice there was a guy who was walking at the far end of the parking lot. He looked over at me and asked me a question. He was approximately 5-6 parking spaces over from where I was standing. I had to ask him to repeat himself since I couldn't hear what he was saying. As I was asking him to repeat himself, all of the sudden I noticed another guy quickly get out of a vehicle that was still on the main drive (apparently the one that had been following me) and started coming toward me. The one who had asked me something started walking toward me as well.

I lived in a very safe community. No crime ever happened here. I knew. I worked for the apartment management company. But, my instincts told me this wasn't good. It happened so quickly. I was stuck in between two cars parked very close to each other and didn't have enough time to get back in my car, start the ignition, and pull away. Both guys got to my car in seconds. My car door trapped me from fleeing. A gun was put to my back and I was told to hand over the keys and my purse.

It was dark, about 11PM on a Friday night. Why weren't cars driving by, I asked myself? My building was at the beginning of a large community. Cars normally drove passed every few seconds, especially on a Friday evening. There must have been two vehicles following me and they somehow stopped traffic in both directions, I thought to myself.

The silver ring I was wearing was noticed, and he wanted that as well. As I was frantically trying to take it off, I felt a hand go down the inside of the back of the sweat pants I was wearing. Fortunately, his hand quickly pulled out. He must have thought I was wearing jeans and was searching for pockets.

As this was happening, the other guy got into my car from the passenger side. They say you see your life flash in front of your eyes at moments like this, but not for me. All that kept going through my mind was that I was going to be forced into the back of my very small car and it was going to be a very long night. My heart was racing. Please don't push me into that car. It was the loneliest moment in my life. Luckily, I was told to not say a word, go to the back of the Mercedes, lean over the trunk with my arms spread out and stay there until they drove away or I would be shot.

It was over. They were gone. Thank goodness they just wanted my car and not me.

Have you ever had a brush with death?

Who Says 50 Somethings Can't Be HOT!

2009-09-25T19:00:00.003-04:00

Madonna certainly hasn't lost it!

Back in Medieval Times

2009-09-25T11:43:00.000-04:00

What CS reps dealt with back in the olden days.....

Once Upon A Time.....

2009-09-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

Since I don't have a clue what to write about today, I thought maybe ya'll could help me out and chip in your two cents to create a masterpiece beyond anything I could ever write on my own. So......I'll start it off and then you can take the steering wheel and take it wherever your heart desires........

.....on a far away planet, in the galaxy of Almond Joy, there lived this lonely curmudgeon named Reese.

Love Is....

2009-09-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

There are all types of love. Love for that special someone, parents, children, pets, hobby, occupation, etc. Each type of love probably has its own unique elements, but are there certain elements that are consistent in all types of love? Love is most likely unique to every individual as well.

My basic definition of love would be that it is a feeling of fulfillment, and without it, there would be an aching void.

So, what is your basic definition of love?

(If TL comments on this post, I think I'd fall out of my chair)

Tootsie Tuesday

2009-09-22T11:40:00.004-04:00

Tootsie is an avid reader, but she has a prerequisite, it must be about all things small or feet. She is currently reading a book about birds, but when she got to the hawk and owl chapters she became quite disturbed. She much preferred learning about the hummingbirds and chickadees.

Do you have any reading material suggestions for Tootsie?

Oops!

2009-09-21T15:14:00.008-04:00

This humorous little story is totally about my twin sister that I don't have. It's so funny that it must be shared with others to spread laughter where laughter is greatly needed. This particular event happened a few years ago, but it was just this morning that she reminded me of it, so of course I ROFLMAO as I do every time she tells me the story.

She was grocery shopping with her husband and they had stopped in the greeting card section to find a card for an upcoming relative's birthday. She apparently was standing somewhere in the middle of the card aisle when she found what she said was an absolutely hysterical card. When she started laughing, she accidentally let one slip, which could have easily gone unnoticed, but the card was too funny. She tried holding back, but her laughter got the best of her and so did her slippage, which went into full crescendo. Her husband, standing further down the aisle, obviously hearing all the commotion started pointing behind her. She immediately turned around only to find an elderly woman standing just a few feet away.

She says she has never shopped at that particular grocery store ever again.

Now, isn't that the funniest story ever?! Do you have a twin, that you really don't have, but also has the funniest things happen to them?

Don't Supersize That, Pleeease!

2009-09-20T14:32:00.040-04:00

I usually do not post over the weekend, but today is offering nothing but torrential rains so we're stuck inside. While Mr. YnB is stretched out in front of the television clicking back and forth between football, Nascar, and possibly a baseball game, I decided to write what was planned for tomorrow's post. (If I do another tomorrow, is yet to be determined.)

This entire weekend has been a wash out, so Friday afternoon a friend and I went to the movies. I haven't been in years since we built our home theater room in 2002. (We wrote off movie theaters from then on.) But, since we're up at the lake, my friend and I decided to go see "The Time Traveler's Wife" (a chick flick) which ended up being a real disappointment, but that is not the topic of this post.

When we arrived, the theater was empty. Totally empty. In fact, we were the only ones in our screening room. You'd think that would mean extra room for us, but it was no different than being squeezed between other viewers. The seats were so tiny. How an overweight person could have sat down was beyond us. And believe me, in this particular town, I have seen many, many obese people, but they must not go to the movies. Anyhoo, this is still not the topic of this post. (It's a great day for rambling, so please excuse me if you are still here reading this blather)

Okay, I'm ready now to give you what you were waiting for (were you actually waiting for something?). My friend, who frequents movie theaters on a regular basis apparently has this routine of buying popcorn, Junior Mints and a Coke when entering a theater. She inquired if I would like some as well, so I thought, sure, what the heck, let's go all out (since she was treating). I told her I'd have a small drink which was really a large drink at any other establishment. She ordered the same, so the clerk served us two small drinks of our choice. Then it came to paying. Well, that's when the problem came in. See, the "Best Buy" was a package that came with 1 Large Popcorn (which we had ordered and came with unlimited refills) and 2 Large Drinks (their "Large" was more like a trash can that required two hands to hold onto it). Since the small drinks were already poured, we told him that's alright, but we don't want the large. Well then, he told us, we can't get the deal. She would have to pay more than if we had received the two trash can sized drinks (which came with unlimited refills). Of course, there was some dialogue over this. We are the only ones in the theater and they're telling us we have to be served the large drinks for the lower price. Okay then, Mr. Smartypants give us your large drinks. He then takes our cups and pours them into the trash can cups and gave them back to us without filling them up.

The following is not the exact dialogue since we are both ladies and would never think to speak like this, but you can get the feel of what was going on in our minds and would like to have said.

Us: Hey buddy, you tell us we have to get these huge-ass cups, then FILL 'EM UP!!.
Him: Well, I thought you didn't want the extra drink?
Us: Well, Mr. Einstein, if you are going to waste your company's money, do it right, and go all the way, okay!

Needless to say, we didn't finish our drinks.

And, exactly why is our economy in the crapper, our health care system a mess, and obesity out of control??

Another TY&B "Something Fun With a Camera" Contest!

2009-09-18T10:04:00.022-04:00

Okay, the signage assignment was a flop. I removed it a few days early. We can't have failures hanging around our blog site. Gotta keep things rolling and fun for our viewers, so we had another mandatory board meeting this morning with donuts and coffee (and special Yorkie treats) to try and regain our reputation in the contest department. Assignments that require driving around and taking photos have now been dumped into File 13. Contests that encourage fierce competition and result in a winner seem to be more lucrative.

Tootsie came up with what we all thought was a grand idea, so we're rolling out the carpet with another interactive TY&B "Something Fun with a Camera" contest for all you contest junkies out there.

FRONT DOORS

We all have front doors to our homes (at least we assume and hope everyone does) and normally they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, designs, materials, etc. So, go outside (it only requires one step so as not to put you off ), and photograph your front door. Then make sure to give your door a title. It could be a descriptive title that represents just the door itself or your entire home. THEN....email it to moi at ynbspot@hotmail.com. Photos will be accepted through September 30th. The contest will begin on October 1st. (Don't hold us to it though. It could be a day or two later) The object of this contest will be just like the Body Parts contest to guess whose door is whose.

Bloggers....grab your cameras!

Who's Submitted Their Front Doors So Far?:

Keep 'em coming! And if you haven't met some of these great bloggers yet, please do so by visiting their blogs and saying "Hi"!

I Don't Blame Him......

2009-09-17T12:48:00.002-04:00

Not just yet Mom....I can wait.

Never Again Will I.......

2009-09-17T09:04:00.011-04:00

I was tagged by Matty @ Matty Thoughts, but this time I couldn't think of 10 good answers so I made some up. Can you figure out which ones I never attempted? Whoever gets them all correct first, wins a prize!

Never again will I......

Ski (Any type)

Ride a Rollercoaster

Skydive

Eat Raw Oysters

Play Pin the Tail on the Donkey on a farm

Wear a beaded thong

Wear a Merkin

Drive blindfolded

Swim with sharks

What was I thinking?

Oops....I almost forgot. I need to pass this along.

Consider yourselves tagged!
(you don't have to do photos, that was an extra on my behalf)

Claire Collins

Friggin Loon

Bschooled (you better do it this time!)

Corn-Bean

My (REALLY) Bad

2009-09-16T09:08:00.000-04:00

Tootsie Troll Tuesday

2009-09-15T08:52:00.000-04:00

Tootsie Goes Dancing

Within the troll social circle, dancing is not one of the more encouraged past-times, although Tootsie has taken a fancy to it. She knows there are hazards when entering dance clubs, but the sounds and sights just thrill her. The loud base rhythm makes her shake her booty down.

Last week she decided to check out the new downtown club "Masquerade". All decked out in her cape and mask she thought she'd fit right in. Unfortunately, when she was standing in line out front she was accidentally kicked over a couple of times. But, that didn't discourage her from waiting her turn to enter. After approximately an hour, she paid the cover, then slithered along the baseboards so as not to get stepped on. The shoes were amazing. So many styles! Of course, they all offered their own source of torture, if for any reason she got caught underneath one of them. Spikes, which are her absolute faves, can certainly poke an eye out if not totally impale. (The pic is one of the favorites of the night) And flats, are instantaneous death especially in a nightclub with the constant jumping.

But, Tootsie is fearless. She's had much practice in avoidance. She's become a master at it. She finally located a large speaker and somehow climbed on board and danced her little heart out, solo. She wishes she could find that one special troll who will sweep her off her feet, but until then, she'll continue checking out the new clubs in town and shakin' her little booty!

A Snapshot of Ourselves

2009-09-14T09:40:00.003-04:00

As you all know, I post a weekly poll. At first I didn't keep the stats, but 10 weeks ago I decided it would be interesting to periodically give us a little snapshot of ourselves. The majority of us gave the following answers:

We are mostly AFTERNOON people.

Our favorite season is SUMMER.

We prefer swimming in the OCEAN vs. a pool, lake or bathtub.

Our favorite subject in grade school was ENGLISH. (What a surprise!)

Last time we skinny-dipped was LAST YEAR.

Our favorite type of movies are MYSTERY/SUSPENSE.

Bartender, please give us a BEER.

We unanimously prefer NICE LONG SHOWERS vs. a relaxing bath.

We start our days with a cup of COFFEE.

We prefer to RECEIVE a massage than to give one. (Selfish lot, we are)

Nine Eleven

2009-09-11T08:46:00.008-04:00

May we never forget those who lost their lives that tragic day

and for those who fight for our freedoms every day.

Do you remember the exact moment you heard or saw the news?

I remember it like it was yesterday. Mr. YnB called me to tell me something major was going on in NYC. He was driving and could not get details, so I first went to my homepage to check the top news stories, and all I saw was "Small Plane Hits WTC". I then turned on the TV and saw Manhattan totally engulfed in black smoke.

Pretty....Pretty....Pretty....Good

2009-09-10T09:40:00.002-04:00

One of my very favorite sitcoms is Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO. Unfortunately, there are not enough episodes and seasons are few and far between, but come September 20th a new season will finally begin.

Larry David wrote most episodes of Seinfeld, so if you enjoyed that show, Curb is even more hilarious. Here is a sample:

Route #2

2009-09-09T09:45:00.009-04:00

There are two different routes we take to our lake getaway. Route #1 is interstate driving which, on the average, is approximately 20 minutes quicker than route #2 unless there is a major tie-up or we dare attempt the trip anytime near rush hour, in which case it would probably take 1-2 hours longer than route #2.

Route #2 we call "The Scenic Route". This route takes us through rural Georgia and South Carolina. We pass rolling hills, glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains, pastures, a major lake, a wonderful farmer's market where we occasionally stop and have ourselves a treat of homemade peach ice cream or warm fried pies with fillings such as cherry, blueberry, peach or sweet potato (my favorite). They have an abundance of produce, but they also sell crafts and custom furniture. It's a huge place that attracts many passer's by.

I probably should take more photos, but on this last trip (since we were stopping for sign photos) I had the opportunity to take a pic of a quaint little church that catches my attention every time we pass it. It sits on a small hillside along a two lane road, and when it pops into view it always makes me think of the show "Little House on the Prairie". It is so picturesque and quite out of context considering its immediate area. This particular day the sky could not have been bluer which showcased the little church at it's finest.

Click the pic to take a closer look

Do you prefer interstate driving or scenic routes?

Tootsie Troll Tuesday

2009-09-08T10:55:00.000-04:00

Meet Tootsie!

She's finally has been given a name! And not only that, Tootsie has also been given her own weekly post which she decided would be a "Troll's Eye View" of the world. Tootsie sees everything, well, from a foot's perspective, hence the name Tootsie. She figures us humans probably don't understand or have never stopped to think about how different the world must appear from such a low vantage point. Not only can it be a hazard, but it can also work to her advantage at times.

This week she's gardening. Can you figure out the hazards and advantages Tootsie encounters when in the backyard?

Labor Free Weekend

2009-09-05T11:42:00.014-04:00

Have a safe and enjoyment holiday weekend everyone!

We're at our lake getaway for the weekend, so I thought I'd share some pics with you. The weather couldn't be better. There might be more coming.

Docks

Jump

Float

Retirement

Untouched

More scenes from Lake Keowee in the slideshow on top of the sidebar.

PARADE OF SIGNS

2009-09-04T10:57:00.010-04:00

The signs are starting to come in for YnB's September Interactive Assignment: Parade of Signs (Click this link to get the details)

Keep'em coming! Let's make a long and amusing parade for everyone to enjoy!

Click to enlarge the photos

"Toilet Protocol"

Nobbly San @ The Mad Hatters
Mrs. Nobblysan took this pic of a very informative sign when traveling in Italy.

"Watch Out!"

Lisleman @ A Few Clowns Short submitted another informative sign for tourists enjoying the outdoors.

"Don't!"

Joanna Jenkins @ The Fifty Factor took this pic at the L.A. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum but hadn't noticed her godson's finger in the photo until she got home!

"Broke"

YnB saw this sign along a rural road in South Carolina

"Really?"

Submitted by YnB. Another sign in SC.

The First Slice

2009-09-03T08:12:00.011-04:00

I just love sinking my teeth into a great piece of pizza. Unfortunately, Atlanta is not known for great pizza. Great continental dining, yes, pizza, no. BUT, last night Mr. YnB and I checked out a new pizza joint (for us, that is....the restaurant has actually been there 2 years). The establishment is nothing to write home about, which is normally the case, but the pizza was absolutely out of this world. I actually found myself comparing it to pizza I had when I lived in Chicago.

Now, talk about good pizza......Chicago knows how to serve it up. One thing that always impressed me when having pizza in Chicago is how all the establishments served you the first slice. Such a small gesture, but one that I found extremely hospitable and gracious. And it made that first bite seem extra delicious. It is the only city I have ever been to that serves their pizzas in this fashion. I wonder why this is? It only takes a couple of seconds for the server to scoop up the first slice for everyone at the table. Since they are the only person standing, it seems to make the most sense for this delicate operation. Otherwise, what happens....they leave the table with the plates stacked on top of each other and the person closest to the plates has to start dishing it out for everyone. If you're sitting in a booth, it can be awkward with someone sitting right next to you. Or, everyone starts pulling out their own pieces. Then the hot cheese gets strung out here and there and it falls all over the table. What a mess it can be. There is an art to serving pizza and Chicago knows it!

I know this is a rambling post, but as my header points out, this blog is allowed an occasional one. Anyhoo....last night's pizza was fabulous and it is sure to become the only pizza joint we will be frequenting for awhile. Maybe, next time, I should drop a hint about serving the first slice?

Do you have a favorite pizza joint?

Asleep On Cloud Nine

2009-09-02T09:54:00.002-04:00

Remember when we were kids and we slept a good 8-10 hours without waking up once? We probably tossed and turned all night by the look of the covers the next morning, but it never woke us out of our deep sleeps. A kiss good night from Mom or Dad (or both), lights out, and then blissful la-la land until the morning light came tapping at our window. A perfect sleep.

Well, I haven't had one of those in quite awhile. What about you?

Something Fun for September: Signage (An Interactive Assignment)

2009-09-01T11:19:00.002-04:00

I promised ya'll a game this month so I racked my brain for something we could all participate in, and what I came up with is more like an assignment than a game, only because there won't be any voting. Also, since we all live in different countries the assignment will differ slightly.

For those of us who live in the USA: We see them all the time, they're supposed to be uplifting, but sometimes they're just downright funny. Church Signs with inspirational sayings. You know, the ones like this:

So for all us Yankees......our assignment is to find unique church signs. Now, of course, if you should find a sign other than a church sign that you feel must be included, you can refer to the assignment for other countries.

For those who don't live in the U.S. and aren't lucky enough to see such inspirational signs in front of your churches, your assignment is to submit any type of unusual signage from your country. It can be funny, inspirational or just unique and interesting.

So, keep your camera handy during the next 3 weeks (thru 9/22) and whenever you see a fabulous sign you would like to share with us, take a pic and send it to me at ynbspot@hotmail.com. You are welcome to submit as many photos as you would like. I will post your pics, and this time there won't be any voting, just enjoying and probably laughing quite a bit as well.

HAVE FUN EVERYONE!!

So Many Questions

2009-08-31T08:38:00.013-04:00

I’ve been tagged. Thank you, Lynn over at TrippinwithRip!

Apparently, Lynn, wanted to get to know the person behind the troll a bit better since I learned a few things about her last week when she answered the following questions on her blog. So, I grabbed the questions she had on her blog and pasted them below (with a couple of minor changes). Whether you really get to know me much better from these answers, is questionable, but none-the-less it was fun and it gave me a post this morning!

Now, my job is to tag 3 or 4 other bloggers to answer the following questions. Let's see, who would I have the best chances with to actually do this?? Hmmmm.........okay, here goes:

You guys have been tagged:
Delicate Flower@Delicacies
Part-Time Sweats Model
Duncanr@Life With Mrs. D
bschooled@Just Making Convo...

So many questions......

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.
ened street. That was what he would remember, the feeling of

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can & catch _____. my computer monitor

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? Mad Men

4. Without looking, guess what time it is? 8:40 am

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 8:42 am (what a guess!)

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Mr. YnB flipping papers

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? just now when I let Simon out in the back yard.

8. Before you started this Q&As, what did you look at? myself in the mirror as I was blow drying my hair.

9. What are you wearing? t-shirt, cropped pants and flip-flops.

10. When did you last laugh? this morning when I came downstairs and heard our little Yorkie, Simon, snorting up his food (he's such a piglet!)

11. What is on the walls of the room you are in? cabinets, built in bookshelves, a tv, artwork, bulletin boards with lots of crap pinned on them, light switches, 2 windows, a plaque that says "never, never, never give up". In fact, I'll give you a photo......

12. Seen anything weird lately? a baby praying mantis on the underside of the door knob to our back door. After letting Simon out to do his business, I walked back to the back door and I noticed something right before I grabbed the doorknob. I looked underneath and clinging to the underside of the knob was a praying mantis. I carefully twisted the knob to go inside to grab my camera, but when I came back he had moved onto the door frame. Praying mantis' are rare sights.

13. What do you think of this quiz? is this a quiz?

14. What is the last film you saw? Lolita

15. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what's the first thing you would do? scream

16. Tell me something about you that I dunno! I'm left-handed

17. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? get rid of hate

18. Do you like to Dance? oh, do I!

19. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? a miracle (I liked Lynn's answers!)

20. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? a miracle

21. Would you ever consider living abroad? possibly

22. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Hi, how are you? Have a seat. What can I help you with?

23. What time is it now? 10:00 am (This took longer than a regular post! And, I have no idea why the post time states 8:38am)

And for those who would like to see the person behind the troll.......

Zig-Zag

2009-08-30T17:43:00.007-04:00

Hard at work in the corner of our garage door this afternoon.

Cupcake (& Bonus T-Shirt) Friday

2009-08-28T09:59:00.014-04:00

Every week we all experience little unexpected pleasures. I liken them to cupcakes. Something that puts an instant smile on my face. Luscious goodness in a small package.

As some of you have realized (especially Dave H.), the early part of the week didn't get off to a very good start, so there aren't too many cupcakes to share with you this week.

This week my cupcakes had to do with friendship.

1. An afternoon spent with a dear friend who I haven't seen in a few months. Lunch, wine and many laughs.

2. Another friend unexpectedly showing up at my front door with not just one gift, but two! (for some reason she said they were overdue).

The timing of these cupcakes couldn't have been better and they were delicious!

Please share some of the cupcakes from your week.....

UPDATE
Nurse Myra has posted a T-Shirt Friday and since one of the gifts I received this week was a T-shirt(and a cool one at that), I thought I would join in. (although, my pic is not nearly as provocative. sorry.)

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Can You Read This?

2009-08-27T14:13:00.005-04:00

Can yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed i t whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Oddly enough, I think I read this faster than if it were written correctly!

Does Anyone Know Where This Slacker Is?

2009-08-27T08:17:00.008-04:00

Okay, it's been long enough. Vacations don't ever last this long. We miss you and want you back in the office!

If you miss this adorable pooch, please sign the petition below.

Excuse Me?

2009-08-26T09:00:00.009-04:00

Just happened upon this scene at the local YMCA.

Toothpaste, Shampoo, Light Bulbs and a Sob Story

2009-08-25T10:36:00.003-04:00

This past weekend Mr. YnB and I were shopping in a rural southern SuperWalmart when this guy named, Jimmy, appeared out of nowhere and started to talking to us in the thickest southern accent (SC accent that is, for those who can distinguish between the various Southern drawls).

Jimmy, poor soul, was on a mission to share his misery with anyone who would listen. Bless his little heart. You see, Jimmy and the missus had trouble in the bedroom (At least he knows how to capture one's attention). For months they had been trying to have a baby, but nothing was happening. Then, as luck would have it, the missus got raped and she became pregnant (poor Mrs. Jimmy). Now, this is where we must assume, since we are in dead center of the Bible Belt, that she felt there was no other option but to have this child (really, she'd been trying for months and nothing was happening with Jimmy). Unfortunately though, Jimmy didn't take this decision too well and reacted inappropriately (he would not share the intimate details). Whatever he did resulted in Mrs. Jimmy's parents kicking him out, never to speak with their daughter ever again.

But, Jimmy, wouldn't have any of that. He loves the missus and the missus loves him (even if it is only in Jimmy's mind) See, he owns this cell phone (probably one he got right there at Walmart), but he's run out of minutes and this is the only way that the two love birds can keep in touch these days. Can we help him out?

We quickly started pushing our cart in the opposite direction. Panhandling in Walmart. What's next on the shopping list, dear?

Personal Conflict

2009-08-24T15:29:00.005-04:00

How do you handle personal conflict? Do you avoid it like the plague at all costs, or do you meet it head on?

If you deal with it head on, do you keep a level head or go on a rampage? In the end, do you tend to receive positive results or would it have been just as rewarding to have found a wall and banged your head against it?

Cupcake Friday

2009-08-21T07:23:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been around much, but real life's been calling. I don't have any personal "cupcakes" of mention this week, so I thought I'd offer up a couple of photos. The first one here is moi trying to bake a batch. (Pictures are worth a thousand words) Okay, so I'm not the best cupcake maker (but it was fun baking in the buff!). Now, the cow down the street (show-off) won the county throw-down for hers (eat your heart out Bobby Flay).

Have a fun weekend, everyone!

A Drink and A Cig.......

2009-08-19T09:03:00.020-04:00

Maybe it's because I've always loved movies made in the 50's & 60's. Fashion was so "glam" back then. Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, and my personal favorite, Grace Kelly. There was a scene in the Rear Window when she came over to Jimmy Stewart's place wearing this form fitting number to die for, along with a marvelous dangly bracelet. Simple, yet extremely elegant. Anyway, she had brought along an ultra feminine overnight case that, when popped open, a beautiful chiffon & satin negligee burst out of it. (One of my favorite scenes ever!)

Okay, this leads me to last night when I got hooked on Mad Men. Ever seen it? It's on AMC. Our next door neighbors are hooked on the show, but it wasn't until now (the 3rd season) that I happened to catch it flipping the channels. After "On Demanding" it and seeing 3 episodes (1 hour each) I am now hooked. The cast is excellent, the writing is excellent and so are the costumes. And for some strange reason, you'll crave a drink & a cig after watching.

Here are 3 videos. The first one is a scene from an episode (unfortunately, they don't allow you to embed full scenes) The other two are video mixes (Guys, your eyes will pop right out of your head for the Office Manager, Joan Holloway, so please be sure to pick them up before leaving the room. And TL....Sarah can't hold a candle!)

VIDEO LINK: A Scene from Mad Men

Do you have a TV show that you follow? It's very seldom that I find one that interests me to the point of being hooked. So, now I've got some catching up to do......

So, You Don't Like the Way I'm Dressed?

2009-08-18T08:31:00.012-04:00

You see those shorts and shoes over there on the left? Well, let me tell you about the service rep who came to my front door yesterday dressed pretty much the same way, but not quite as nicely. (Oh, did I just hear someone think to themselves "not as nicely?" You mean, you don't like the long baggy shorts and the big clunker shoes that are unlaced? Well, at least the shorts look pressed and he's wearing socks.)

You see the guy who came to my front door was dressed like this: Baseball cap on backwards, a long sleeved, stretched out, gray t-shirt that looked like it had been crumpled up on the floor all night before being put on that morning with the name COMCAST printed across the front, long shorts that came down to the middle of his shins with big-ass black, high-top sneakers with no laces and no socks.

When I turned the corner into my front foyer and saw this guy standing on the other side of the glass door, my heart kind of did an instant jump into my throat because he looked like a thug. It wasn't until I got a bit closer that I could read COMCAST on his shirt. But, even with that, I didn't feel comfortable opening the door. Thank goodness Mr. YnB was home, because if he wasn't, I don't believe I would have let him in. Now, don't get me wrong.... I was not profiling....this guy was dressed so inappropriately for a representative of a company, it was astonishing. Not only that, little Simon (our Yorkie) was also going through his Yorkie Terrorist routine when someone comes to the door that I had to pick him up and lock him in a room in order to open the door. When I came back to the foyer, the guy was fiddling with the door knob like he was trying to let himself in!

We really do despise Comcast as of late, but unfortunately, they are the grand cable lord of our village and satellite is not a feasible option for us. I've thought about calling Comcast to give them a piece of my mind, but the thought of going through the never-ending chain of people to get to someone who MIGHT show concern for my opinion about their slovenly representative, just turns me off.

Have you ever felt like voicing a complaint to a company, but said to yourself "to heck with it" because you know the effort would be in vain and more frustrating than it's worth?

ONE WORD

2009-08-17T08:39:00.011-04:00

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE WORD

This could be extremely easy for some of you but for others it might be difficult. For me it was easy. I was over at Delicacies this morning when the idea of this post popped into my noggin. I had nuttin for this morning until then. So, I give Delicate Flower full credit for this post. Thank you, DF!

My Word: Practical

It can be a Debbie Downer at times being practical, but in most cases I find it is an asset. Although, sometimes I do make myself cast caution to the wind in order to enjoy those unexpected pleasures that come our way!

Note: If this project allowed a second word, it would have been "creative". :-)

Cupcake Friday

2009-08-14T12:22:00.007-04:00

Every week we all experience little unexpected pleasures. I liken them to cupcakes. Something that puts an instant smile on my face. Luscious goodness in a small package.

This past week was another triple cupcake week for me, and this time they all had something to do with blogging!

1. Bearman Cartoons designed a custom image just for TY&B that I am using for my email image on my blogsite because I LOVE it!! He even devoted an entire post to me. I feel so honored! Thank you again Bear!

2. My body part being mistaken for Nurse Myra's and being complimented several times! Compliments are always instant pick-me-ups!!

3. Receiving a gift card to Barnes & Noble from the Misadventures with Andi and using it to buy a couple of books I've been wanting. Freebies are always unexpected pleasures!

Can you name a few of your own cupcakes?

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

The Last Dance

2009-08-13T07:59:00.004-04:00

Tonight the gymnasium looked different. No harsh lights, just the dim lighting that flooded in from the hallways. Boys and girls were dancing to music that was emanating from the speakers overhead. It was her first school dance.

Feeling a bit awkward but optimistic. 7th grade was an entirely new experience compared to elementary school. Junior high, where bells rang and everyone changed classes. New faces. New challenges. Tonight was one of them. A shy girl who was known for her silliness in elementary school but now blossoming into a young woman.

Just one dance. That would make the night complete. As the evening progressed, she chatted with some girlfriends, and waited to be tapped. Then came the announcement. The last dance. Hey Jude. Slow. What were the chances? The song seemed to last forever, but the hope was diminishing by the second. Finally it was over. Maybe next time.

Delicate Flower Turns the Big 55!!

2009-08-12T07:57:00.004-04:00

Today, Delicate Flower@Delicacies is celebrating a very special birthday. As a part of her celebration she is hosting a Wine Cooler Summit all day at her place, so make sure to stop by and wish her a happy 55th and give her a birthday toast!

This is for you DF!

Thank You Bearman!!

2009-08-11T14:43:00.003-04:00

Everybody.....scroll down to my email and see what Bearman did for me!!

Cash For Clunkers

2009-08-11T13:55:00.005-04:00

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint job is getting a little dull, but that's not all. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

BUT HERE'S THE WORST OF IT.......

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

I qualify....what about you?

Aaaahhh....The Scent of Charcoal in the Air

2009-08-11T09:51:00.012-04:00

There's something about the smell of charcoal burning in the air. Over the weekend, when out on the lake and basking in the sun, a whiff of the scent of burning charcoal landed upon me. Instantly, it took me far away from water and placed me on a shaded green lawn with picnic tables, plastic plates, utensils and cups, potato salad, an array of desserts and swirls of smoke rising above a round black barbecue grill.

I miss the classic barbecue grill. We've replaced ours with gas, which even though it has its own appeal, it doesn't hold a candle to good ol' black charcoal. We all grew up with it, but because of known health hazards associated with charcoal and coupled with the longer prep time, it is no longer the #1 means to grill our hamburgers and hotdogs. We have had one of those shiny stainless steel babies in our back yard for several years now and it has served us well, except for those times when we're ready to plop those beautiful steaks or marinated chicken on the rack and we find that either the gas has run out or some integral part has broken leaving us to cook inside. How about you....do you still use a classic Weber? And does the scent of charcoal burning conjure up a certain memory or image for you?

And while we're at it, let's share some favorite grilling recipes!

I'll start with Mr. YnB's delicious Barbecue Ribs....

8-10 Country Style Ribs
2 - 18oz. Jars of "KC Masterpiece" Hickory Flavored Barbecue Sauce
1 Small Jar of Honey
1 Small Jar Orange Marmalade
1 Med. Can of Crushed Pineapple Salt & Pepper to taste

Rinse off ribs, drop in boiling water, bring back to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 1 hour or till meat starts to fall off bone. Remove ribs from stove top and marinate in sauce made from above ingredients. Marinate for at least 2 hours. On gas grill - turn heat to high, sear meat, then reduce heat to low and cook on indirect heat, covered for approx. 10-15 minutes.

And The Winner Is.......

2009-08-10T08:08:00.009-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Part-Time Sweats Model for being this month's winner of TY&B's interactive Body Parts Game with a total of 8 correct answers! She is the recipient of the August Beanie Award which will be prominently displayed at TY&B for the rest of this month. (I haven't tried it, but Sweats if you can copy and paste it, please feel free to grab it and display it at your place as well.) Please be sure to visit Sweats at her blog, and let her feel the love! Thank you all for participating in the August Interactive Game. Another doozie will be on the way for September!

#1 Nobbly San / #2 Joanna / #3 Duncanr

#4 Tannerleah / #5 AlanTruitt / #6 Lynn

#7 Yorksnbeans / #8 Delicate Flower / #9 Nurse Myra

#10 Delicate Flower / #11 Duncanr / #12 Fundamental Jelly

#13 Rick / #14 Part-time Sweats Model / #15 Yorksnbeans

#16 Alan Truitt / #17 Julie / #18 Nobbly San

CALLING ALL ANSWERS!!

2009-08-07T14:23:00.006-04:00

Lynn@Trippin' With Rip is getting impatient and wants answers to the Body Parts Game. There are several of you who have still not submitted your guesses, so to help her out, start guessing! :-)

Thanks everyone for playing this month's TY&B game! Have a great weekend!

Cupcake Friday

2009-08-07T08:28:00.010-04:00

Last week when I started this column (I'm not sure what to call a repeated post, so for a lack of a better term I'll call them columns. If there is proper word, please let me know.), I realized that we probably all experience little unexpected pleasures throughout the week that sometimes go unacknowledged. So, in an effort to bring these small pleasures to the forefront, I thought a weekly column might help (especially for myself). Taking a moment to notice a small pleasure can make the difference in your entire day! This week was a Triple Cupcake week for me (there were probably more, but I'm workin' on it).

Unexpectedly, spending an extra day at the lake last weekend and not leaving until Monday. What a delight!

Being the winner of a weekly giveaway from Andi @ Misadventures With Andi. Thank you Andi!

Seeing the most beautiful orange full moon last night. Does anyone know what makes this unusual sight occur?

What were your unexpected pleasures this past week?

FILL IN THE BLANK

2009-08-06T08:23:00.004-04:00

Funny...my ________ never used to be so ____________.

Smart-Ass Bimbo B*tch CS Rep

2009-08-05T08:14:00.019-04:00

One of the most dreadful things to have to do these days (other than clean out the fridge) is to call a business to get help. But, lately some businesses, especially internet companies, are offering online chat assistance. One would think "Great!", but yesterday I was blessed with a smart-ass bimbo who really got my feathers ruffled.

So I thought I'd entertain you today by saving the thread for today's post. Athough, I did type ONE word in caps, I did preface it with a plea for help. I felt at that point in the conversation I needed to emphasize that one word since she wasn't answering my question.

For the sake of authenticity, I have not changed my name and this will probably be one of the only times I will use it here at TY&B!

Online Chat Assistance:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Alysa'

Alysa: Hi, how may I help you?

Jill: Hi! My account is about to renew, but how do I check to see if the credit card I used last year is still current?

Alysa: I will direct you to a page where you can learn how to update your billing information with webs.com.

If you have a pop up blocker installed, you will need to click on the link.

Alysa: Link to FAQ page

Jill: how do I get to the billing info. page on my account?

Alysa: Which method of payment did you use?

Jill: I think I used AMEX. I need to know what the last 4 digits were.

Alysa: I'm not able to look that information up.

Alysa: The only thing you can do is change your billing information using the link I provided to you.

Alysa: Or you can check with your credit card company, and look at the statement from the time you made the purchase, and ensure that is still valid, but unfortunately we are unable to look that information up.

Jill: The link you sent me was just a FAQ page (NOTE: it did not direct you to where one goes to view their account billing info.)

Alysa: And all of the steps that you require are listed ont hat page, Jill.

Alysa: To update your billing information for your Premium Package if you paid with Credit Card, please follow these steps.

Step 1. When you first purchase a domain or a Premium Package, it defaults itself to automatically renew. In order to turn off auto renew, you need to login to your webs account and click the Site Settings tab.
Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom of the Site Settings page. There is a box titled Other Settings. Please click Cancel my Premium Services.
Step 3. Your Premium Services are now set to expire. Your account it still accessible to the public until it has hit expiration. Make sure you return on the expiration date and do a manual renewal. At this time, you can set things back to auto renew if you wish with your new billing information.

Jill: Okay you're going to have to help me here. WHERE do I go to do this??

Alysa: First of all... YELLING at me isn't going to get the problem solved. So please do not do that.

Jill: I am not yelling. I need to know where to go.

Alysa: Secondly, if you follow those steps to turn off auto renew, and the return on your expiration date, and just RE-purchase the package you are interested in,t hat's all you need to do.

Alysa: To do what, exactly, Jill?

Jill: I do not want to turn off the auto-renew. I just want to know where I can go to see my billing info.

Alysa: I've given you that information twice already. (You can probably tell by now I was getting nowhere)

Alysa: You would need to contact the credit card company itselff, we do not keep that information listed.

Jill: So, if I leave it alone and it is not a good card, then what will happen?

Alysa: It would not renew, and you would need to come back on your expiration date and reenter the information, which is why I suggested you follow the step by step instructions that I've provided to you twice.

Jill: You know something, you have a very smart ass attitude and I don't appreciate it one bit. I will figure out a way to report you.

Alysa: I can transfer you to my manager if you'd like, Jill.

Jill: Most definitely

Alysa: Fantastic, I'm going to transfer you over to Jen now. Thanks so much for chatting today! (This is when the b*tch paused for about 30 seconds to see if I would type something nasty, which obviously I didn't, so finally she pushed a button to transfer me)

Please wait while I transfer the chat to 'Jen'.

You are now chatting with 'Jen'

Jen: Hello Jill

Jill: Hello

Jen: How can I help you?

Jill: I would like you to scroll through this chat and see the arrogance in Alysa's comments. I have never been treated so rudely on service chat or phone call in my life.

Jill: on "a" service chat, that is.

Jen: Alysa is not able to see your credit card information here in chat so to get that information for you we would need to submit a ticket.

Jill: That was the answer I was looking for. Thank you.

Jen: You're welcome

Jen: If you need to update your billing information in the future you will need to cancel your subscription and then manually renew with the new information, that is the only way right now to update.

Jill: Are you not going to make a comment about Alysa?

Jill: Did you not find her replies uncalled for?

Jen: I do apologize if she was coming across as rude because that was not her intention at all.

Jill: I'm sure it wasn't her intention, but regardless, they did come across very rudely. If this is how she deals with customers, it doesn't reflect very well on Webs.

Jen: I will submit a ticket for you and they will contact you about your card.

Jill: Thank you very much!

Jen: I understand completely.

Jen: You're welcome!

Jill: Have a nice day!

Jen: Have a fantastic day, and please contact us again if there is anything we can assist you with.

* Jen did follow through with an email and the info. I was requesting.

Thhhaaaaats All Folks!

Help A Friend of A Friend........

2009-08-04T07:22:00.008-04:00

Joanna of The Fifty Factor has a good friend who is trying to make it to the big time on a PBS RealityTV series. To read more about it and to help her friend achieve his goal, please take a moment and stop by her place to read more about him and view his youtube video. Thanks!

Click on: Help a Friend of A Friend

BTW....she has a great giveaway going on right now, as well!

A Body Part By Any Other Name....An Interactive Game

2009-08-03T17:30:00.030-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Part-Time Sweats Model for being this month's winner of TY&B's interactive Body Parts Game with a total of 8 correct answers! She is the recipient of the August Beanie Award which will be prominently displayed at TY&B for the rest of this month. (I haven't tried it, but Sweats if you can copy and paste it, please feel free to grab it and display it at your place as well.) Please be sure to visit Sweats at her blog, and let her feel the love!

Thank you all for participating in the August Interactive Game. Another doozie will be on the way for September!

#1 Nobbly San / #2 Joanna / #3 Duncanr

#4 Tannerleah / #5 AlanTruitt / #6 Lynn

#7 Yorksnbeans / #8 Delicate Flower / #9 Nurse Myra

#10 Delicate Flower / #11 Duncanr / #12 Fundamental Jelly

#13 Rick / #14 Part-time Sweats Model / #15 Yorksnbeans

#16 Alan Truitt / #16 Julie / #17 Nobbly San

Cupcake Friday

2009-07-31T09:10:00.009-04:00

When looking back at this past week, I realized it was sprinkled with little unexpected pleasant surprises. It made me start wondering how many weeks are probably filled with them and go unacknowledged, so I thought I would begin a "Cupcake Friday" to highlight the past week's sprinkles of unexpected joy.

1. An unexpected visit from one of my brothers and his family last weekend.

2. Seeing an absolutely gorgeous sunset.

3. The return of a dear old friend.

4. Opening a parcel full of goodies that came from a dear blog buddy on the other side of the world.

UPDATE! One more to add to the list!

5. The return of Tannerleah @ Stop Annoying Me

What unexpected pleasures did you experience this past week?

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! (And don't forget to send in your body part!)

The Great FLYdini

2009-07-30T07:56:00.004-04:00

Classic!

The Great Dog Food Heist

2009-07-29T07:59:00.007-04:00

Having been a pet owner for eons, I came to the conclusion several years ago that most of the veterinary practice is a sham. Yes, a sham! Okay, I've said it. Slam me, if you like, but I won't change my opinion. Veterinary medicine almost killed my Yorkie seven years ago after having been a very healthy pup. It was only after I took him off all their shots and pills that his health began coming back. It's been seven years now since I've taken him to a vet and he's thriving.

Alright, the rant is over and now we'll be moving on to the topic of this post which is dog food. During Simon's (our Yorkie) sickly years, he was put on a special diet of Eukanuba's Fish and Potatoes. Of course, since the veterinary practice is a sham (I won't apologize anymore for this attitude), this special dog food can only be purchased from a vet, along with a healthy price tag. Not only does one have to go to a vet's office to buy this hard food, but you can only go to YOUR vet, or they won't sell it to you (unless, of course, you bring your pet in for a check-up first). Now, I'd like to hear one good reason why pet food needs a prescription that only YOUR vet can prescribe? Sorry, but without it, it can't be sold to you. I'm waiting.......

Now....onto the great heist. Soon after we purchased our weekend getaway, when our packing routine wasn't down pat, we realized on the OTHER side of Atlanta that we had forgotten to pack Simon's special "FP" food (fish & potatoes). OH SH*T!! We were going to be away for 3 days. He'll starve. So, this bright idea popped into my head....we'll stop at one of those large pet stores (I'm not going to mention which one, for obvious reasons) and tell them of our dilemma. No way could they refuse our unhealthy pup of his special diet for so many days.

Picture this:

Me: (In a panic) Please help! We're on vacation and we have no food for our little sickly pup who needs FP!

Pet store: Well, the vet has gone for the day.

Me: Certainly, there must be something you can do!

Pet store: Let me check......sorry, the register has been closed down for the night.

Me: Can I give you cash?

Pet store: Oh no...we couldn't accept that.

Me: I NEED FOOD!!

Pet store: (Realizing I'm not going to leave without "FP") Okay, I'll give you a few plastic bags to get you through the weekend. Let me go get the bags.

Me: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Pet store: Here you go. (She hands me 3 small empty plastic bags)

Me: Huh???

Pet store: I'm outta here, go grab yourself some (as she scurries away).

Okay, I'm now left alone in the back of the store, where their vet clinic is located, in a darkened corner (she had turned the lights off as she left). My heart starts pounding. I'm in a frenzy....do I? I ask myself. What would any mother do for her sickly child? So, I quickly search the dim room for the "FP" and all I could find was one of those HUGE 50 lb. bags. Have you ever tried to rip one of those open? Not easy. But, the adrenaline was rushing. Unfortunately, it wasn't a clean tear. The bag ripped wide open and dog food fell out all over the floor. 50 lbs. of it. I began scooping up handfuls and throwing them into the bags. Thank goodness it was winter and I had my puffy ski jacket on. I stuffed the bags inside my coat and began to scurry off when who appears, but Mr. YnB and Simon. (they had been waiting out in the car) I brushed past him with fear in my face as I whispered "Go, go, go".

It wasn't until we were back on the highway that I told him the story. I kept turning backwards checking for blue lights....but none ever appeared. Whew....my only heist ever and it was for dog food.