Saturday, October 31, 2009

MY UNFORGETTABLE SHIVA CALL


A few years ago, we learned about an unfortunate death of a grown son of one of our neighbors, living in our adult community.  Although I knew the family casually and was in their home only once, I thought it would be nice to pay my respect by visiting them.

My dear friend and neighbor wanted to accompany me.  We agreed to meet out side to walk to their house which was around the corner. As we were walking I told my friend that I had to go back to my house to get the address.  Since I was only their once, I wanted to make sure we knew where we were going.

My friend advised me that it was not necessary, since it was only around the corner.  “If we see a lot of cars, then we know where at the right house,” she said.  “But, what if we walk into the wrong house and someone pulls out a gun on us thinking we are intruders" I argued. She giggled and said not to worry "It is not a good idea.” My friend suggested, “we will open the door slowly, and if we see people, then we are in the right house” Seemed logical, but scary. she giggled and said” don’t worry.” The fuss was because it was not appropriate to ring the door bell when one makes a Shiva Call.  You must open the door yourself and walk in

When we approached the house, I nervously but slowly opened the door.  I saw bridge chairs lined up in a circle.  Recognizing some friendly neighbors, I felt assured it was the right place and motioned my friend to come in,  We eye greeted the ones we knew, and a lady whom we did not know came over to us to say she was a close friend of the family. Then a gentleman came out of the bedroom to acknowledge we were there.  I went over to him and expressed my sympathy over his loss.  He thanked me for coming.  I asked, “Where is your wife” as I wanted to express my sympathy to her as well.  “My wife is dead” he cried. “Oh my God, when did she die” I cried.  No one told me and that kind of news would have traveled fast. Perhaps she died of a heart attack because of the death of her son.  Wild thoughts came into mind.  The gentleman scratched his head with disbelief.  A neighbor came over to us and whispered that we were in the wrong Shiva house.  The one we were to go to was a few doors down. “But there were no cars there, I cried, silently” The room was spinning. My friend and I looked at each other and motioned to leave.  Difficult to control ourselves with this embarrassment, we backed out of the house quietly and left,  When the door was closed and we were safely our on the lawn, we cracked up, holding each other from falling down.  We were hysterical crying. and laughing at the same time  I wanted to kill my friend for not allowing me to get the right address, although her logic was not a bad one,

The hour was getting late and we had to straighten up to compose ourselves.  We still needed to pay the Shiva Call.  We waited awhile until the tears vanished from our eyes. We continued to walk to the next house.  “No cars were there.  How can that be a Shiva House?” we said.  We opened the door ever so slowly.  No chairs were lined up in the living room. There were no visitors except one of our very dear friends  sitting beside the mourner, the mother who lost her son.  We sat down beside the women still trying so hard to hide our emotions.  I had asked the woman how her son died.  She escorted me into another room to tell me her story privately.  I guess she did not want to repeat it again to her other visitor.  While listening with sadness, we heard hysterical laughter coming from the other room.  I figured my friend told our other friend what happened.  But the curious look on the face of the neighbor in morning made me tell her what happened.  “I hope you do not mind me telling you an embarrassing moment a few minutes ago.  I do not want you to think they are laughing because of you.” She replied “Please tell me, I can use a good laugh.”  After the story was told, she broke into laughter and thanked me for changing her mood for a little while.

What are the chances of two Shiva Calls on the same block at the same time?.

Do you have a story?  Please click on the comment box.  Would love to read it.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A FUNNY STORY ABOUT MY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN COSTCO

Shopping at Costco last week was an unbelievable experience.  Among my purchases was a ready made barbequed chicken which was no where to be found . Unaware that I left it behind, I realized it missing when I was about to prepare my dinner for the evening.  After looking in my refrigerator, and the trunk of my car, I asked my husband if he saw it. He told me that if I do not find it soon, the chicken will find me.  (the odor)

I called the manager of Costco and complained my chicken was missing from my groceries.  He told me that a chicken was left in a wagon in the parking lot and someone returned it to the store.  I explained that it never happened to me before as I was always careful not to leave anything behind,  I have heard that people accidentally leave their purses behind because they leave it in the wagon when they shop. I never thought that I would be the one to leave food behind.

"Don't worry," the manager said.  "Just come in with your receipt and we will give you a new chicken."  What a wonderful store Costco is.  I just love shopping there.

That evening I looked for my receipt and could not find it.  I am usually very good with keeping my receipts.  Perhaps this is a comedy of errors. I called Costco the next day and explained my mysterious receipt was missing.  "That's okay" he said, "just come to the counter by the hot dog stand, and we will honor you with another chicken.  Just bring in your Costco card."

The following day Florida had its first cold spell. It was very much welcomed as the hot season in Florida was starting to get on my nerves.  I dressed in my new warm red velour outfit and drove back to Costco.  Here is the experience that exasperated me.

I took the wagon before entering the store as I intended to purchase a few more things.  No one goes to Costco for just one thing.  I noticed the store was mobbed with people.  I guess the snowbirds  finally arrived.   I went to the desk where the manager told me to go.  A nice lady asked for my Costco card and said "are you going to buy anything else?"  I should have answered no and just have gotten a credit, but I did say I wanted another chicken. "Go to the register when you finish shopping" she said.  "Just tell the cashier that you do not have to pay for it and to have her wave to me. I will approve it."  I thought that was a little odd because they usually give a credit or cash and be done with it.  It seemed like such a hassle, I thought.

When my shopping was complete, I went to the register and told the cashier  I was not to pay for the chicken and to please wave to the lady at the desk. "HEY, CATHY" he yelled out loud. "This lady  in red says she don't want to pay for the chicken." I did not say that to him in that way and I became embarrassed because there was a line behind me "Let
the lady in red go, she does not have to pay for the chicken," she yelled back.  I was really getting upset because of spectacle that was being created.  Just as I left the cashier I heard the lady say on her loud speaker to the guy who checks out the receipts before customers are allowed to leave the store, which is standard procedure "The lady in red did not pay for the chicken,  let her go."  The young man with his magic marker in his hand was goofing off with the person in front of me and did not pay attention to the loud speaker. He carefully checked my items and noticed one chicken was not paid for. "Hey lady," he said "you did not pay for the chicken."  I answered,  "If you were not goofing off, you would have heard her tell you on the loud speaker that I did not have to pay for it." At that point, he picked up his microphone and announced "Hey Cathy, there is a lady here in red that did not pay for the chicken." Then the voice over the loud speaker said "Let the lady in red go.  She does not have to pay for the chicken." By the time I got into my car I was so embarrassed I wanted to cry,  I never experienced anything like it.  I do not think I will ever complain to Costco again for missing items, and I will never shop in red.

 At the time I did not think it was funny until I told my friends who were rolling on the floor with laughter.  ROFL

Did this ever happen to you?






Thursday, October 15, 2009

MISSING LITTLE SIX YEAR OLD BOY IS FOUND

Hunt On for Boy Believed to Have Been in Runaway Balloon That Crashed in Colorado

Thursday, October 15, 2009



DEVELOPING: A homemade balloon slowly descended in a Colorado field Thursday, but the fate of a 6-year-old boy believed to be inside was not known, authorities said.
The bizarre scene played out live on television and prompted fears that the flying saucer-shaped balloon would crash with the young child inside.
The child was identified as Falcon Heene, the son of a Colorado weather-chaser. The boy and his family first appeared on the ABC series "Wife Swap" on Oct. 3, 2008 and was then voted back for the 100th episode of the show, which aired on March 13, 2009.


Police in Colorado were performing a ground search for the boy.
Cathy Davis of the Larimer County Sheriff's Department told reporters the balloon was owned by the boy's parents and tethered behind the family's home. She said two sons were playing outside when the older boy saw the younger one go into a compartment at the bottom of the balloon and fly away.
"We'll just have to respond the best we can," Davis said. "This is a first and we'll do what we need to do."

In my humble opinion, it is unlikely that a six year old boy could untie the ropes securing the helium balloon and go inside.  This could be a publicity stunt.  Time will tell.







I still think it was a publicity stunt.  If I am wrong, then I am glad the boy is safe


October 16 interview with family the next day











I am still not convinced.  Stunt!!!





What is your opinion?

IS THERE STILL TIME TO BUY GOLD STOCKS?





Gold shines for investors
- CNNMoney.com - 13 minutes ago
Gold prices have gained luster as of late and many expect it to keep shining as investors look to hedge themselves against the threat of inflation and a weak U.S. dollar.

 

 
In my humble opinion the gold market seems to be in bubble territory.  Yet the hype is still on to buy gold because of the devaluation of the dollar. The oil producing companies of the world are discussing  getting off the dollar (although they are denying it)  as a world currency. What to do?  I was told to buy gold in the 90's.  But who knew?  The tech sector was on fire and that was where all the traders went. So when the herd goes in one direction, do we follow?  Now gold is hot, just like the techs were. Should we believe gold still has legs to go higher?  I am just angrey at myself for not jumping in sooner.  The old saying is "BETTER LATE THAN NEVER". In the 90's I jumped into silver and made a great profit when I sold.  When it went down, I purchased more.  Then I got stuck when silver declined.The Hunt brothers tried to corner the market and got caught with me owning it.  It has been almost thirty years and I am still not even.   All the analysts say Gold is going higher.  So whom am I to go against them?  Some say, if you must buy gold, buy some puts to protect yourself.  Okay, I am going to dabble a little.  Below are stocks for everyone's budget.  All you have to do is research these.

The following is for your review: 
After researching, please comment on those stocks you like so others can take a look as well. We value your opinion.  HAPPY HUNTING!
 
 
 
Metals
Name
Price
Change
%Change
Aluminum Oct 09
0.73
-0.01
-1.01%
Gold Oct 09
1,049.60
-5.80
-0.55%
Copper Oct 09
2.84
-0.05
-1.70%
Palladium Oct 09
323.10
+1.15
+0.36%
Platinum Oct 09
1,331.60
-14.40
-1.07%
Silver Oct 09
17.68
-0.12
-0.70%
Gold 100 oz. Oct 09
928.40
0.00
0.00%
Silver 5000 oz. Dec 09
13.32
0.00
0.00%



Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
GLD   STREET TRACKS GOLD SHARES
IAU    I SHARES COMEX GOLD TRUEST
SLV    I SHARES SILVER ETF
 


Stocks
ABX
Barrick Gold
AEM
Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited
AGT
Apollo Gold Corporation
AU
AngloGold Ashanti
AUY
Yamana Gold
BAA
Banro Corporation
BGO
Bema Gold
BMD
Birch Resources
BVN
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.
CAU
Canyon Resources Corporation
CBJ
Cambior
CCJ
Cameco
CDE
Coeur d'Alene Mines
CDY
Cardero Resource Corporation
CGR
Claude Resources Inc.
DEZ
Desert Sun Mining Corporation
DROOY
DRDGold
EGI
Birch Resources
EGO
Entree Gold
FCX
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
FNXMF.PK
FNX Mining Company Inc.
GBN
Great Basin Gold Ltd.
GFI
Gold Fields Limited
GG
Goldcorp Inc.
GLG
Glamis Gold Limited
GOLD
Randgold Resources Limited
GRS
Gammon Lake Resources Inc
GRZ
Gold Reserve Inc.
GSS
Golden Star Resources Limited
HL
Hecla Mining Company
HMY
Harmony Gold Mining Company
IAG
IAMGOLD Corporation
IMR
IMA Exploration
IVN
Ivanhoe Mines
KGC
Kinross Gold Corporation
KRY
Crystallex International Corporation
LIHRY
Lihir Gold Ltd.
MDG
Meridian Gold Inc.
MGN
Mines Management Inc.
MNG
Miramar Mining
NAK
Norther Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
NEM
Newmont Mining Corporation
NG
NovaGold Resources Inc.
NILSY
Norilsk Nickel
NSU
Nevsun Resources
PAL
North American Palladium
NXG
Northgate Minerals Corporation
OMR
Odyssey Marine
OZN
Orezone Resources Inc.
PMU
Pacific Rim Mining Corp.
PAAS
Pan American Silver Corp.
PD
Phelps Dodge
PDG
Placer Dome
QEE
Queenstake Resources Ltd.
RBY
Rubicon Minerals Corporation
RIC
Richmont Mines
RTP
Rio Tinto Group
RGLD
Royal Gold
SA
Seabridge Gold
SIL
Apex Silver Mines Ltd.
SLW
Silver Wheaton Corp.
SSRI
Silver Standard Resources Ltd.
SWC
Stillwater Mining
TGB
Taseko Mines Ltd.
TRE
Tan Range Exploration
VGZ
Vista Gold Corp.
WTZ
Western Silver Corp.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

JAYCEE DUGARD'S REAL PHOTO AS REPORTED IN THE NEW ISSUE OF PEOPLE MAGAZINE COMING OUT THIS FRIDAY

Looking at her picture on the cover of People magazine was amazing.  She is beautiful. She looks just like her beautiful mother when  she was first kidnapped. Her mother was on National TV pleading the return of her daughter.

I have longed to see how Jaycee and her daughters look today.  Finally we get a chance to see her.. I cannot wait to buy the next issue of People magazine this Friday.  I hope to see more pictures of Jaycee and her daughters, and to read more about her experience. See her recent picture below.

Dugard, now 29, tells People magazine she's "so happy to be back with my family" after being reunited Aug. 27. People published the photo and comments from Dugard in its Wednesday issue.
Dugard is living with her mother, Terry Probyn, 50, and two daughters — Angel, 15, and Starlit, 11 — fathered by her alleged kidnapper, Phillip Garrido. Authorities say Dugard and her daughters lived in a hidden encampment of sheds and tents in Garrido's backyard.
Garrido and his wife, Nancy, have been charged with kidnapping and rape in Dugard's 1991 disappearance outside her South Lake Tahoe home. The Garridos have pleaded not guilty.
Family spokeswoman Erika Shulte told NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday that Dugard decided to release photos to People magazine as a way to "share her joy with the world" and show how well she's doing.
Shulte said Dugard has formed a very close bond with her sister, Shana, who was just a baby when Dugard was kidnapped. Dugard, her two daughters, mother and sister are close, comfortable and happy and says they "seem like any other family."
Dugard told People she rides horses, cooks meals and is thinking of collaborating on a book.


Embedded video from CNN Video






I need your opinion. Here is a beautiful young woman. She had access to the telephone, internet, neighbors and business clients. She knew she had a family and I am sure she knew where she lived. Why didn't she escape or at least call home?

Please comment
Thank you

Friday, October 2, 2009

SOMETHING FOR PET LOVERS




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Easy to put on, unbutton and slip off
All sizes ex small, medium, large
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EMAIL   iketrader@aol.com
PHONE   561 734 1177









BLACK AND METALLIC GOLD
BLACK AND SILVER METALLIC AVAILABLE














Our maltese dog, Mindy loves wearing it in and out
of the house especially when it is cold outside
sooo comfortable
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HAND MADE CROCHET
PONCHOS AND INFANT SWEATER SETS

$35.00



Ideal for newborn and birthday gifts









CUSTOM BOUTIQUE SWEATER SET

$85.00



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HATS

$20.00 

Custom made with your size and colors

100% acrylic -  machine washable on delicate cycle


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GIFTS FOR GIRLS


BERET $ 20.00

Order for the holidays

YOUR CHOICE OF COLORS


email  iketrader@aol.com
phone  561 734 1177