Ooo, that sounds, good! I haven't been reading many mysteries lately, but I think that I would like this.

"*enragingly smug simper*" Oh, honey, your meant 'engagingly,' didn't you?

To all of you who are more recent TLC readers, you can go up to that gray rectangle below 'Recent Posts' and above the Indie books logo. The last entry is Archives on that rectangle with many years of posts to keep you busy. Those of us who have been here from early years envy you your discoveries.

I can't remember. First as a reader, obviously.

Harley, we had a headless bird left on our porch this morning. I do know who was responsible: the adored black cat who lives here, but I don't adore him killing birds. Can't he just stick to the rodents?

Life-changing? Check. As necessary as morning coffee? Check. New friends that I haven't yet seen? Check. TLC has been a revelation and a revolution.

Way late to the gift party, but… One year I made emergency kits for everyone in the office. I bought Altoid-like tins online, and filled them with bandaids, sewing kits, tylenol, a dollar, Hershey fun size, and I can't remember what else. I got crafty with the lids, but some red duct tape cut to be a red cross would work just as well. I love all these ideas. Archie McPhee's (mcphee.com) sounds like it's much like Stupid.com. Crazy Aaron's Putty World (puttyworld.com) is good for workmates, too.

Class Factotum, my girlfriend is being held hostage by her husband in Alaska (Wasilla, in fact). He knows that the moment his body is cold (have to wait until summer to dig) she is back down in Portland OR or there abouts. I had two winters (and actually quite mild ones) in Vermont. This West coast gal was not born for that stuff.

Congratulations Ramona!!!!! Since we moved to a larger house the day before Thanksgiving, I've had many, many dreams fulfilled. But… a washer and dryer is next. Thank gohd I live in an area where good appliances are put on the Craig's List: Free section. I always indulge in fabric, yarn, art supplies, and books when I insist that I need a shopping experience. I would like to visit that bra shop.

In my sophomore year of high school, I wore my new beige wool straight skirt (the first my mother let me have)(over girdle and stockings) and matching cardigan with pumps. It did make me feel 'grown-up' until I realized that it was only on the outside and I didn't feel any more adult inside. I didn't really feel adult until my late 50's when I was discussing bills with Steve and, for the first time, wasn't hiding some of my spending. Old, bad habits. I feel so free of that now. I flew alone when I was 12, but the flight attendant was in charge of me. Piercing my ears came at 18. Those closed up a few years ago, but I had new ones done at Clair's two years ago. It was painless and I haven't changed my earrings once since then. The only jewelry that I wear.

Hank is trying to comment, but her iPhone and Typepad seem to dislike one another. She wants you all to know that she jumping up and down in frustration because she can't comment.

When I didn't work from home, I set my alarm every day of the week, because on weekends, it was my satisfied joy in life to turn it off and go back to sleep.

We try to buy our coffee (we go through two pounds of Guatamalan Dark per week) on Tuesday, Senior Discount Day at our local grocery. Steve is legal, I'm a year short, but they don't ask for ID.

I love all vegetables although, I am more reserved about kohlrabi. Slice eggplant 1" thick, brush with olive oil, broil until brown, turn, repeat. Now you can saute or layer in cheese and marinara. Or baba ganoush - bake whole until it is soft and collapses, scrape out and puree with garlic, olive oil, lots of lemon, parsley, and a little tahini.

I'm lucky enough to have gotten a 'do-over' in my choices as I've now been five years with the guy I sent the "Dear John" letter to 45 years ago. Isn't changing our minds a prerogative?

I'm preparing for a big move: next door. Yes, we are giving up the 320 sq ft chicken coop for 800 sq! ft! There are no appliances in it yet, so I have been busy on Freecycle and Craig's List getting cheap -- or better yet -- free appliances and furniture and hardware. When we get in, I'll be sewing insulated shades and making rugs and pillows -- I'll have ROOM FOR SEWING! I'm so excited.

I applaud all of you who have opened up to state your fears, vulnerabilities, and inner journeys here on the comments -- Wow! Amy, I hate to go anywhere. I'm happy staying at home. But I'm in the Bay Area, if you are coming to this part of California, and I will be happy to do anything to make your life easier while here.

I also like the photos of Michelle and Barak looking at one another -- they look like they actually enjoy each other. I don't remember either pair of Bushes and certainly not the Clintons enjoying their spouses.

Harley, you forgot to include your cell phone number so we can keep you apprised of BREAKING NEWS among the celebrities ;-)

From Hank: Hey, Joelle! Thanks so.much for being here! I'm in the New Orleans airport on an iPad..which won't let me comment without assistance from the helpful Holly! But about your choir book-so timely with Glee and The Sing-off--is it challenging to write about singing?

Nancy, the amount of salt in that casserole dries out my mouth and makes me reach for a gallon of water. I liked salt and pepper Kettle potato chips until I found out that the pepper oil with the salt was cutting open the inside of my mouth -- I'm very sensitive, she said coyly. Since then it's just been plain potato chip and tortilla chips. Not frequently, either. Damn.

I would be grateful for a One & Two type flushes. I have a lottery going with my toilet and, as usual, the house always wins and I have to use the plunger.

Not quite the same thing at all, and yet… When I was barbering, my hands often knew more than my eyes and brain did about what that head of hair needed. I would be questioning myself on what I should do next to resolve the style, and I'd realize I had already solved it.

Let me guess: EOB means 'Explanation of BENEFITS,' no?

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blgabe.htm Just saying. Notice that the inventor is A WOMAN.