I don't want to lead this thread too far afield, but I do want to answer questions posed to me. So.. "Isn't it fun to maximize the result of our hobby?" I think MY response to that question is "no". The problem with "no" (or "yes") is that the question assumes that "we" all want the same thing(s). I would love to have a 'zillion' worms, BUT... I'm simply NOT willing to concern myself over 'techniques' and practices that have no wide-spread consensus OR that "put me out" more than I care to be. "Life" is FAR too variable to imagine that there is a "best" way to raise animals or plants. "Best" CAN be defined IF money is involved, because that qualifies effort and expense, but I am certainly not "in this" for the money. I'm well over 60. I've spent my adult life as a biologist and engineer. I have seen people chase their tails over 'things' that simply cannot be determined to be "true", all in an effort to have, or be, or find, or SOMETHING, "the best". With preciously rare exceptions, "the best" is a VERY elusive target. I've seen too much tangible and emotional energy spent on that endeavor. For those young enough to still be "seeking", I say "go get 'em!". For me, I have "found"; and what I've found is that helping others brings me peace, and worrying about "best" and "most efficient" do NOT bring me peace and there is nothing more valuable than peace. So again I encourage all to do what* you "like", which may very well be to pursue "the best", but most of all, I encourage you to find peace in what you do. Paul * "what" you like is NOT the same as "as" you like.

mscsippy's cat story reminded me of a RAOK I did 4-5 years ago. A local elementary school had closed due to budgets and attendance -- the school was a couple miles out of town, so the school was consolidated with the larger one in town. In August/September that year, I was at the school to vote on something since it is used as an election precinct. Upon walking around the school (very nice, new construction, such a shame it was closed), I came upon a very hungry semi-feral cat. Nearby empty cat food cans were evidence that someone was coming by every now and then to feed it, but not very often. I started coming by at least every other day to leave a can and a bowl of dry food in a somewhat protected area. In time, I worked up a schedule on a calendar so that other visitors would know when the cat had been fed. Custodial workers removed the signs several times, but I persisted. At times the cat would come towards me, but never close enough to pet. In time it seemed content to hang out at the end of an 8 foot bench, with me at the other end. In November, while feeding the cat, I ran across a mother and daughter -- the mother, Katy, told me about the cat -- she had been the school mascot and she was named "Banshee", and until the school closed she had been taken care of by the school custodian, who of course no longer worked there. Winter was upon us by this time, so, since Banshee had once been a sociable cat, Katy and I decided to try and capture her and find her a home. It was quite an endeavor, with two tries over two days no luck at all. We had luck on the third try, with some subterfuge in getting Banshee into the cat carrier, but we did it. We took her to a vet and paid for vaccinations and Feline Leukemia test/vaccination. Thank goodness she had already been spayed. After spending $100 or so on getting her up to snuff, which neither of us could really afford at the time (she a single mother, me unemployed), I took her home, tried to bath her (no go), and sequestered her in a bathroom since my two cats would NOT have been happy to make her aquaintance. They were VERY curious though. I put an ad in craigslist seeking adoption of this wonderful cat who would require some long needed TLC. After a couple of inquiries, I found the right couple who would give her the time needed to completely socialize her again. I know I can do more for my fellow human, but somehow helpless animals need our attention too.

I have been DYING for a banana crepe. Casino Windsor has a buffet that is "okay". The food is fine but I wouldn't run there to pay for my meal. I have been there by invitation both times, otherwise I would not have gone. BUT. The dessert area? They have a crepe station. And the banana crepes are to die for. The bananas are soaking in a caramel sauce, and I always ask that they get as little sauce as possible (or else it would be too sickly sweet). And I also top with some whipped cream, just to put it way over the top! This is my version. Banana Crepes Crepes - (makes about 12) 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 1 cup flour 1 tsp vanilla pinch salt 1/8 tsp baking powder (shush. I always put it in. Leave it out if it offends you ROFL) 1 tsp melted butter (you can use up to a tbsp) Filling - 4 bananas, peeled and sliced 1/2 cm thick 1 cup caramel or butterscotch sundae topping 1 tbsp butter Garnish - Whipped cream For crepes: Beat together eggs and milk. Add flour, stirring with a whisk to remove all lumps. Add salt, vanilla, and baking powder. Whisk in melted butter. Heat a small skillet on medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Spoon a tablespoon of batter into the pan and swirl it to coat the bottom. When the top appears dryish, flip once and let cook for a few seconds on the other side. Remove to a plate, spray the middle of the pan only, and repeat until all crepes have been cooked. I am not a crepe purist. I like mine to have a bit of colour because I think they taste better that way and have a better texture. Note that if you don't want to rest the batter (and I never do) you might have an edge of whispy bubbles on each crepe. I like the whispy bubbles LOL. For filling: Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add the sundae topping, stirring well to combine. Heat over low heat until it starts to bubble a bit. Stir in the sliced bananas. Heat just until the bananas are warmed, you don't want to cook them. To make the dessert: Place a warm crepe on a plate. Fill with about 1/3 a banana's worth of the filling down the middle. Fold the sides over. If they try to open you can flip it seam side down, mine usually stay shut fine. Add a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately. These are relatively small, compared to the one you would get at the casino. You could use two per serving or use a larger pan and make fewer, bigger crepes. If I were daring and liked the taste, I would roll a whole bunch and arrange them on a platter, then flambe with a little heated rum. When the flame dies out (or you blow it out LOL), dole out and garnish with whipped cream. I ain't taking no responsibility for anybody that burns anything down doing that! If you try it, you are on your own ;)

I just wanted to say things have been going a lot better, me and dad sat down had a talk about some of the things I've been holding in for awhile. It feels like a weight has been lifted alil. I am more in control of situations, I speak up before I sit an stew on it, I think part of it was I was holding in, in fear dad was going to hate me/ be mad at me, but I am home all day with kids, so why should i hold a grudge to a child? I should not, I've been looking up lots of chore charts, behavior charts and dinner menu charts since my SS is alwAys telling me what he wants to eat, well he can plan the meals lol, what helps is me opening up and dad really getting behind me :). We still have situations where we don't agree but at least we talk about it. I still have situations where his son does some annoying habits but I walk away, or I tell him, "I'm not mad, I don't hate you, but right now I'm cooking dinner/cleaning, and in 10-30 minutes you can have my full attention, if you want to help me and not be in the way I'd appreciate it." I tried to explain to him about his talking/ and standing in my way is like him trying to watch tv or play his favorite game and me blocking the tv and talking to him, annoying right? Lol. I just have to find ways to say things with out hurting his feelings he does not realize its rude. My own son has been kind of an issue lately. He is realizing saying "you hate me" gets him what he want with my ex! It's hard hearing "you hate me mommy". At 7:30am cause he wants candy and I say NO. Well anyway. Things are looking up and I'm glad I opened up!