You guys demonstrate my theory that cottonmouths are "passive-aggressive." Dangerous in that they don't move out of the path, often, and people who are not alert can step on them. Tales of them chasing people are usually highly exaggerated. This isn't to say it can't happen. Just that it's not a common behavior. My best cottonmouth story involved canoeing by myself on Rock Springs Run. I was in an area we call the Flats. Very shallow water, with a lot of grassy vegetation. Makes for slow canoeing as you try to glide through without digging up the bottom. I spotted a cottonmouth in the water, about 2 1/2 feet long, and close to the shore. It had a dead fish in its mouth. I don't think it killed the fish, but I can't be sure of that. But the fish looked REAL dead. It was a panfish of some type (bluegill, shellcracker, one of those) and quite wide, and this snake was trying its best to figure out how to swallow it. The snake worked its mouth slowly around the body of the fish, which was way, WAY too wide for it to swallow, and even tried to force it down sideways. The fish was probably ten inches long and no way was that snake going to get it down sideways. I let the canoe drift over fairly close, as I was enjoying the show. The snake finally began working its way towards the head of the fish, where it would have had the best chance to get it down, but suddenly noticed me or my canoe slowly nearing. If snakes could change expression, this one's eyes would have bugged out and his mouth would have dropped open. If they could talk, he would have been yelling "Holy Sheepdip! Where'd THAT come from??" He did a backflip away from the fish and took off for the weeds like a streak! It was so funny looking, I almost fell out of my canoe laughing at him. I always wondered if he came back later to finish working on the fish. But I didn't wonder about who was more scared by our encounter. He definitely was! Still...I am very careful on the river or in places where cottonmouths might lurk. They normally don't care if you approach them. I admire them, but I don't want to step on one or come face to face with one at any closer range than what I just described. I'm not NEARLY as brave as Wayne! Marcia

Aliceg8 - Marie Callendar's is pretty good. I grew up on Swanson Pot Pies (with enough pepper it wasn't too bad) Here's the recipe as I copied it down (can't remember from where - guess I need more fruits, veggies & fish in my diet right Digit?). I usually just use this as a guide and put however many veggies I feel like (usually more taters & carrots) I'll note changes in parenthesis Chicken & Dumplings 2-1/2 to 3 lbs chicken thighs (can also use a whole chicken) 5 c water 4 red potatoes cut in sixths (I like yellow taters since they're not as waxy but still hold together) 3 carrots, cut in sixths (can use baby carrots) 2 celery stalks, cut in sixths 1 onion, cut in eighths 10 oz frozen peas (or fresh added right before adding dumplings) S&P to taste (I add garlic powder, a couple of bay leaves, fresh or dried rosemary, sage, lemon thyme (or poultry seasoning) to taste since I think it's a little bland with just salt and pepper) In a large stockpot cover chicken with 5 c of water, (I add seasonings at this point); cover and boil on medium heat until tender, about 50-60 mins. Skim fat (optional (-:). Remove chicken, let sit until cool enough to handle. Remove skin and shred chicken. Return to broth. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook 20 mins. (*note - fresh herbs can be finely chopped, or left whole and removed before adding dumplings) Dumplings 1-1/2 c flour 2 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 3 Tbsp butter (I use margarine) 3/4 c milk 1/4 fresh parsley (optional) Sift flour, baking powder & salt, cut in butter/margarine. Stir in milk and parsley. Drop into hot stew. Cook uncovered 10 mins, then cover and cook 8-10 mins until dumplings are done. Hope you like it. Even with 5 of us, there is enough for leftovers, just add more water to thin the broth some, heat to a boil and make more dumplings.

Oh TREKaren I would love to take riding lessons again but when I did I would be scared sick until I was on the horse and then would be OK when the instructor told me what to do. I was thrown off once (my horse) and hit my tailbone and was in pain a long time. Another time I dropped a rein (another horse of mine) and the horse took off and I fell off and that was about the time I quit buying horses. I bought 2 ponies and carts and thought that would be safer and for me it was but then I met a man whose pony took him and a cart over a stone fence and he had the nastiest broken arm I ever saw. I miss my ponies - it was fun taking them in parades. One of my proudest moments was when the instructor pulled everyone into the center of the ring except me and the chestnut mare I was riding. Then she told the others to watch me posting because it was absolutely perfect. Oh my about the Blues poo. *G* Pam I read very fast - I wish I could sew! Thanks for the book recommendation Tikanas. Both sound interesting. I was a weird kid (no comments - lol) and would read biographies. If it's not true it seems like a waste of time to me. If you want a good sleep read the diaries of Lewis and Clark. Knocks me right out. Hmm maybe it's time to read it again. Dee Marie good for you figuring out what works for you. That is the secret to living on a diet isn't it? I guess I have dropped a little weight since last Friday but when I am 100% I usually lose between 3-4 pounds. Would be pushing if I lost half that this week. No patience... I am heading out of town tomorrow-Monday. My calorie count book is going in the truck too. New mattress and box springs delivered today! Whoohoo! I am famous for finding everything barely used but the king size bed set never appeared and I have looked for 2 years. So this is a belated Christmas gift to us. Bye all - talk to you Monday Kathy

I can honestly say I have never seen a pink rainbow - wild! Today rain was forecast. We had some earlier but not for the remainder of the day. Cold north winds are heading for us during the next week with rain and colder temps. Have to wear those rain pants to work this week. Nothing worse than arriving at work drenched! Umbrellas are pretty much useless when the winds are high so I strap down with rain gear head to toe. We spent today visiting our aunt - I made sure to have breakfast and very light lunch because I knew there would be about a 12 point chicken wing, pizza and sponge roll for us...there was. I had 2 chicken wings, waved my WW Shopping Guide around and researched the meal before eating (new strategy...this woman always bugs me about having more and I have declined numerous times)...today she was interested in my weight loss. I had a BIT of everything, enjoyed it and told her how happy I was with things. Also chatted about all the opportunities and events I have to decline EACH week at work for hospitality events...so she is getting the message finally. I am always up tight about this visit every other week because I dreaded the who act between us with the food - but I have been sticking to my guns and actually walk my plate right into the kitchen sink as soon as finished and throw it in the dish water. Can't take seconds when your plate is gone. Can't make my point any stronger than that! I want to reach my goal more than a beer, more than a cheesecake, more than a night out...this is the third year running I have tried to do this and the first time I have made it past a certain point with INTEREST and DETERMINATION to continue. I see myself smaller, I have faith and can now see the difference from when I started. It has been slow. Sometimes too slow...so I give myself small rewards, reread the how to guides, dotties site, discovery health site and then, when I finish reading remind myself how disappointed I have been with myself the last few years for giving up. That is the truest feeling I have to motivate me. I am going to reach my goal - no matter how long it takes. It feels great wearing size 12 for the first time in YEARS. I feel great getting this far. I am feeling much better. I pat myself on the back for sticking with it when I was emotionally drained and down - eating right helped me feel better. What motivates you? Cheers for now, McPeg