Random Musings of a Curious Mind

The Great Outdoors

Mark and I just celebrated our 7th Anniversary, which means he has been trying to get me out camping for 6 years, 11 months, and 3 weeks. (I got a 'buy week' my first week here. ;-) )

It's not that I don't like being outdoors. Really. I go outside quite often - to the store, to the pool, to the mailbox. It's just . . . you know . . . bugs - and cold and cooking over a campfire and - bugs. (Well, it does bear repeating.)

I think that I may have to revisit my aversion to camping, though. After perusing all of the goodies at Sierra Adventure Gear, I think I could get into the Great Outdoors - on a regular basis. Seriously!

Just look at this stove! You have to understand, in our first apartment we cooked on a two burner hotplate - for almost 2 years - that was not nearly as nice as this camping stove. This thing is fantastic! If it came with an oven, I'd throw out my current stove!

We've got a tent, by the way. Mark bought it a few years ago and, according to Frankie (the only person who's ever used it), it is a great tent. It has three sections - a main 'room' with two sleeping areas that attach on the sides. But, even in Arizona, it gets cold out there at night!

Not a problem, apparently. There are sleeping bags, like this one, that have zippers all the way around - so you can zip two together - and are actually rated by temperature. (I've really got to get educated, it seems.) We can even get pads to put down under the sleeping bags. How cool is that?

It appears that I will be spending time in the Great Outdoors pretty soon. Just as soon as I find the bug spray!


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
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We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Great Cookie Jar Ideas

I get emails from the Folgers Wakin' Up Club periodically. It's my favorite coffee, though I'll drink anything strong and coffee-like. ;-)

If you buy Folgers, you know that the resealable lid is the best - easy to open and close, and great seal. Now, what more could you ask for in a cookie jar? Okay, something that doesn't say Folgers on the side? Problem solved!

Check out these great design ideas: Snowmen, Ornaments, Sledding, Holiday Icons, Banners, or Bows. Not happy with any of those? Download a blank template and create your own design!

I already use my Folgers canisters for flour, sugar, and corn meal. Now I can put great stuff on the outside, too. Cool, huh?


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Blog Photos

As an active blogger, sometimes I really need a picture to break up the stream-of-consciousness writing in a post. You know what I mean - the perfect blog photo to create or enhance a mood or a thought.

Until recently, I had to already have the picture or stop what I was doing to hunt down what I wanted, save it to my computer, modify the size or quality, and upload it to my website. Then, I could - finally - add it to my post. Only to find out that the site where I found it didn't have the legal right to distribute the image and it had to come down.

At that point, the entire thought process was interrupted, at best; totally lost, at worst. Not even remotely a practical way to work. (And, make no mistake, some days blogging is a lot of work.)

Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels the need to streamline this process, because there is a site that has done all of the hard work for us happy bloggers. Just find the picture you want, copy, and paste. Voila!

Just look at these pictures! Aren't they amazing!? Even if I could take images of this quality - I don't exactly have access to polar bears in Arizona. Nor am I guaranteed flamboyant sunsets when I need them. Why try to do it all myself, when I can take advantage of someone else's skills?

I just did a quick browse on topics that I like - landscapes and animals - found the pictures that appealed to me; selected the alignment I wanted (left or right); picked an appropriate size; and clicked for the code. A quick Ctrl-V and the photo was added to this post.

Now, without further ado, I have three great pictures! And . . . it actually took less time to do it than it did to describe it.

Need great pictures for your site, blog, or webpage? Acobox.com has them!


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Pet Promise

I get this great newsletter from Care2.com: Healthy & Green Living. It's filled with great ideas for, you guessed it, healthy and green living. There are natural remedies, cleaning ideas, and great recipes - among other things. I highly recommend it.

Friday's issue included a link to a fantastic site. If you're worried about the food that you're feeding your pet, worry no more! Pet Promise has the answer to all of your questions. I was seriously impressed.

They promise (good word, eh?) no animal byproducts, no added growth hormones, no antibiotic-fed meat sources, no factory farm meats or poultry. Pet Promise also promise natural meat, chicken, or ocean-caught fish; and they know where the meat comes from, because they only work with ranchers who can guarantee that their animals were raised without hormones and antibiotics.

What's even more impressive - to this niece and granddaughter of family farmers - is that Pet Promise didn't intend to be a pet food company. The original goal of their work was to support family farmers and ranchers; the people committed, for generations, to standards of quality and sustainability and humane treatment of animals. You just don't get that from corporate - grow everything with chemical-enhancements in a cage - farms.

I grew up watching my cousins show cattle at the local fairs and helping my aunt collect eggs from the chicken coop. (If you've ever collected eggs, you know that hens don't share well with others.) Not to mention, steak-and-eggs (or fried chicken) dinners that were the best on the planet. My uncle grew corn for the cattle, that lived in the barn and roamed at will. The chickens were in a large coop, with a nesting area that had more room than the bathroom of our old studio apartment.

This is something that means a lot to me - supporting family farmers, healthy foods for us and our pets, and reducing the market for products that flood our systems with growth-hormones and dangerous additives.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Veterinary Emergency Fund Mission

As a pet owner, okay as a person owned by a pet, I live in fear that my baby will have an emergency that I cannot afford. (Given that I can only occasionally afford food, this is a pretty safe assumption.)

Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission

If your pet had an emergency, would you be able to pay for it? Veterinary emergency care can be very costly and most emergency hospitals require payment up front. Lack of sufficient funds can leave an owner faced with euthanasia for a beloved companion. The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission (VEFM) helps locate these funds.

A 'friend' of mine, with years of veterinary experience, understands the fear that many of us face. In 2004, our cat 'Bear' developed a bowel blockage that eventually, painfully, killed him. If we had been able to have him fixed, we would have reduced the probability that he would develop this condition.

If you need help - or if you can help - please visit VEFM.org.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Sports Gift Ideas

It's shopping season, so it's time to find the perfect gift for everyone on that shopping list. Not so easily done. Which is why I'm always on the lookout for something a little different; something special.

I stumbled across a sports gifts site and got really excited. When I moved to Arizona, I left behind all of my Minnesota Vikings paraphernalia. I really miss my jackets!

Well, the site wasn't what I expected, but I'd be willing to bet that these blankets, pillows, towels, and wall hangings are just what a lot of people are looking for. Personalize items for your local team or your favorite PeeWee player. They even have items for Curling fans! Way cool!

I did find the NFL items and - knowing me - will probably be back. Can't have enough Vikings, Bengals, and Buccaneers goodies!

In all fairness, those aren't afghans. Blankets, yes. Afghans, no.

I'm just sayin'.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

GoDaddy.com

If you've been following this blog, you know that I recently changed webhosts. There was a brief adjustment period where I had to learn how to make my forms and pages work with the new host. I'm still learning - or should I say, unlearning.

But, minor disconnects notwithstanding, I am much happier with GoDaddy.com than I was with my previous host. For a number of reasons:

I don't have to use a stand-alone FTP program to manage my files and folders. GoDaddy provides a good one with my account. And, unlike many other programs, I can move files from Folder A on my hard drive to Folder B on my website, without having to change global settings. Most of the time, I need to upload/download to the same folder name. But when I want to move the files within non-matching folders, I can - easily.

GoDaddy allows me to specify which folders are visible and accessible on the Internet. If someone goes looking at my directories, they can only see what I want them to see. There's even an option to password protect those directories, for further security against outside changes. Gotta love that!

My account email options are huge! I can have a slew of domain-related email addresses and specify how messages are routed. For example, if someone sends an email to customer_service@jmarkafghans.com, which doesn't actually exist, I can have the email routed to customerservice@jmarkafghans.com and send an automated response to the sender that alerts them to the correct address. Once it's set up, I don't have to bother with it again.

Another goodie that I just love - Google Webmaster Tools are included. Now, I don't have to use separate software and login to generate sitemaps and update Google on my site content. I'm lazy - this is great!

Probably the best thing about my new webhost is the price and flexible payment options. With my previous host, I couldn't pay early; I couldn't pay for 2 or more months at a time, if I wanted to; and I payed more per month for the inconvenience.

GoDaddy.com has a variety of packages for individuals and businesses, at highly competitive rates. And - right now - you can even save $5.00 !


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Office Furniture

If you'll recall from my last post, I mentioned that we are short on floor space. What I didn't explain is that we are overrun by computer desk. This thing is huge!

A couple of nights ago, Mark crossed his legs and snapped the keyboard shelf out. He's got it fixed, but it tends to pop out rather easily now. So - you know me - I went shopping. (After all, we need to come up with a Christmas gift for the house, don't we?)

Personally, I love shopping for office furniture! There are so many great things in a wide range of styles and prices.

I'm thinking that a smallish desk, plus filing cabinet and wall-hung storage unit would give us the same size work area, but with a much smaller footprint. Just what we need. Not to mention, it would be wonderful to have a desk that the boys haven't torn apart.

Realistically . . . I'll probably just replace the keyboard tray. For now.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

New Partners-In-Shopping!

With the holidays approaching, we can all use new ideas for gifts. Whether it's goodies for a new smartphone, those favorite CDs and DVDs, or the latest in inspirational reading ~ we've got it!

Please welcome our newest 'Shopping Partners' ~


Handango, Inc. offers over 75,000 mobile software and game titles ~ including dictionaries, eBooks, GPS utilities, and smartphone software for Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Palm, T-Mobile G1, and Symbian devices.
Simply select your phone and start browsing!

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f.y.e. has all of your entertainment needs ~ music, movies, and games. New and used, as well as a variety of media storage. Enter to win a Sony Playstation or autographed guitar. Or get a Backstage Pass for even more savings ~ including 20% off on Your Birthday!

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Hay House has what you need, whether you're interested in self-improvement, life inspiration, health and healing, spirituality, astrology, or even feng shui. No time to sit and read? Download your favorites to your iPhone, or any of 500 compatible devices.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Great Vacation Spot

I wasn't looking for one, but I think I've found the perfect spot for a family vacation . . . the Outer Banks!

There is a cottage - if you can call it that - in Duck, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, video and kids' room, a private pool, whirlpool, and fireplace just 400 yards from beach access. The 2-story house has porches on both levels. I just fell in love the minute I saw it. And you just can't beat the price.

The only problem is - with all of the TVs, VCRs, DVD players, and high-speed Internet - I'd never get anyone to the beach!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Safety Products

During a web search for something totally unrelated, I ran across a website for self defense products. Honestly? Most of them scare me. Mace, pepper spray, and stun guns - I just don't like the idea.

Not all self-protection items involve pseudo-weapons, though. There are motion sensors, alarmed doorstops, and - my personal favorites - diversion safes.

You've seen them. They look like rocks and soda cans (and more), but they hold cash or other valuables - hiding them in plain sight. What burglar is going to take the time to go through every can in the pantry or refrigerator? Especially if a motion detector started screeching the minute they tried to open the door.

Best of all? The prices are reasonable and, depending on what you order, shipping may be free.

Now, I just have to remember what I was searching for to begin with. (After I order a couple of safes and a door jam, that is.)



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Moving Services

If you've priced moving services lately, you know that (like everything else) you often get a lot less than you expect - for a lot more money. It's one of the things that keep us from moving. (Well, that and hating to move.) For us, there's just no easy answer.

Being on the 2nd floor, we'd have to haul everything down to a rental van - or any other pack-it-yourself option. Neither of us is in that kind of shape anymore. And, with both of the boys gone, we don't have a free labor source anymore, either. Strike One

Although it would be physically preferable, being on a fixed income with exhorbitant rent, we can't afford a full-service moving company. It's pretty much impossible to get ahead of the bills long enough to put that kind of cash aside. Strike Two

Of course, hitting the lottery for a few million would solve all of our moving problems. Unfortunately, we don't play the lottery. Strike Three

Looks like we're a bit stuck.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Unique Baby Gifts

I am always looking for special products to complement our one-of-a-kind designs. Cuddle up under a Cozy Afghan, with a tasty tub of popcorn - or a yummy basket of goodies. What about a personalized gift for your graduate, paired with a Twin-size Afghan in his/her new school colors?

We've got great gift ideas for Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, your favorite Aunt and Uncle, Godparents, Brother or Sister - everyone in the family. Even Fido and Fluffy! But, I'm still on the prowl for truly unique baby gifts.

Just imagine - a complete layette set, in your favorite colors, with a matching future-heirloom crib afghan. It just doesn't get any better than that!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Sony Vaio

I've decided that it's time to start my Christmas wish-list!

Although there are a number of items that are always on my list - shoes, handbags, watches, yarn - Sony Vaio has captured my attention this year; particularly the NR series. There are so many models, with the speed and storage that I need, without the sell-your-first-born-to-buy-this price tag. Heck, they even come in different colors - Silver, Granite Silver, Wenge Brown, and Silk White!

I'll probably have to settle for a working battery for the laptop I have - but it never hurts to wish!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

New Affiliate Partners

It has been a busy month.

Two (2) of our Partners-in-Shopping have discontinued their programs. We will miss them very much. But, before we had a chance to mourn our missing associates, we acquired three (3) new Shopping Friends! Very Exciting! You've read about CurrentCatalog.com. Now let me introduce our two (2) newest shopping friends:

• Cheryl & Co. ~ "Fresh Baked Cookies, Desserts and Gifts" From a single cookie store in 1981, Cheryl & Co's has grown to include gifts and desserts along with an expanded dessert line which now includes brownies, cheesecake, pies, and cakes.
  
  
• Just Because Baskets ~ "Baskets & Beyond" You decide what goes inside at Just Because Baskets. Build your own or choose from pre-assembled gift baskets; perfect for personal and corporate gifts.

Please stop by our new partners and see what they have to offer. I just know you'll find something to love. I did!




Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

CurrentCatalog.com

I am so thrilled to announce that JMark Afghans, etc. is now partnering with:



For years, Current was my only choice for stationery, calendars, greeting cards, and personalized checks - to mention just a few. They have always offered unique, quality products that appeal to everyone. Somewhere, on one of the pages in the online catalog, there is a notecard set or calendar or gift wrap package or holiday assortment that is just what you need and didn't even know it!

Here's just one example:

First Year Calendar has room for a 3 1/2" x 5" photo on each page; includes 12 birth announcement postcards. 72 milestone stickers included, also; 9" x 12". Second year calendar sold separately ©Morehead, Inc. Designed by Ruth J. or Bill D. Morehead

Imagine the joy on a new mother's face when she receives this adorable calendar, tucked inside a beautiful JMark Afghans Baby Blanket.


Personally, I just love the Pull Bows. Looped and stored flat, you literally pull the different sections out and shape the bow at the time you need it. No more squashed bows - and no more need for tons of storage space.



Another great idea? This Lifetime Address Book & Stickers. Never worry about changed addresses again. Just write the new address on one of the included stickers and place over the old address. Voila!

Why not add this Address Book to a comfy new Afghan? Make updating all that information comfy and relaxed.

Please enjoy shopping with our new Affiliate Partner. I know that I'm going to be spending a lot of time with CurrentCatalog.com!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Artificial Nails

For those of you - like me - who do your own nails, I have a great product for you!

Kiss Natural Curves are absolutely amazing nails. They are more substantial than all of the other nails that you can get at the corner drugstore. And they come in terrific styles.

I just did my nails tonight - and for add-some-glue-and-stick-'em-on-your-nails I don't think you can buy better at this price. They aren't oddly shaped or ridiculously thin. When I put them on, I know that they're gonna stay.

I'd offer a picture of my nails with my favorite style - but none of our cameras capture the nails without making me appear to have old-lady-hands.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Great New Business Idea

Over the last few months, we've been doing our smoking in the bathroom. Keeps it out of the rest of the apartment and keeps it from bothering our soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Kinda reminds me of the bathrooms in high school - which led me to a great idea for a business.

Everyone's heard of the Fluff and Fold concept. Right? Well, I have a similar concept in mind. It involves multiple functions, just not laundry - which we all hate.

Since smoking is not acceptable these days - in keeping with the high school bathroom concept - I propose . . . are you ready? Have you thought of it already?



PUFF AND PEE

Toidies where you can light up. Looks and smells just like your old high school bathroom!

Come on - you know you love it!



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Zootoo: Social Networking with Fur and Scales

I am a huge fan of social networking, with pages all over the Internet. Thanks to these sites, I've managed to reconnect with friends from grade school, junior high and high school. Some of those relationships go back over 40 years.

Today I found a site for Paka and me to join - pets are welcome at Zootoo.com. Unlike some sites, it was really easy to build a profile and add pictures of Paka. I think I even found one of his 'relatives' - amazing similarities.

Meeting people and exploring profiles is fun, but Zootoo.com is much more than just socializing.

All actions on Zootoo.com - adding photos, journaling, reviewing, asking and answering questions - earn points. Those points can be used to support the shelter and/or rescue group of your choice. In my case, I've chosen to help the Arizona Humane Society and Arizona Rescue Center.

I don't know about the Humane Society office in your area, but out here we're in trouble. There are so many abandoned cats, for example, that any new drop-offs are virtually guaranteed to be euthanized. Through my activities, which are interesting and a lot of fun, I can make a difference.

Please consider joining. Where else can you meet fellow pet lovers, get and give help with pet-parenting problems, and give to the organizations that need your help?



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules

Weight Loss Product

It's very easy to find a weight loss product in the stores or on the Internet. But how do you know if the product works or, more importantly, if it's safe?

Well, that's an easier question to answer than you might think. There are websites that have taken all of the work out of choosing the best diet pill.

Simply go online and read the reviews. Learn what works, what is just hype, and what might be risky to your health. In my case, I have blood sugar and blood pressure issues that make it very important for me to know exactly what I'm putting in my system.

Thankfully, I don't have to take unnecessary chances anymore. And neither do you.



Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
You can cast your Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!

Jules