Where would you go on vacation in the fall with a friend who lives in Saudi Arabia?

Lavergne comments on Sep 12, 2018:

Spain - visit the Alhambra. Great country to visit.

And the fun just never stops.

Lavergne comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Pence is too sneaky/smart to have his fingerprints on this (even tho I agree with you - I think he's behind it). Some low level staffer has been promised something big once Pence is installed as the new monarch.

The Bad and the Ugly

Lavergne comments on Sep 11, 2018:

slightly OCD. But I found that if you harness that correctly, it can actually help you get ahead in your job, in life in general...

What is something you ate growing up that you never ate again once you became an adult?

Lavergne comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Liver. There was a time when that was touted as being incredibly healthy and good for you. My mother stopped cooking and eating it once she found out that organ filters out all the hormones and antibiotics and other crap they put into animal feed. I had been telling her that for years....

If you had to recommend someone watch 5 TV series, what would you pick?

Lavergne comments on Sep 11, 2018:

Will and Grace (some of the smartest writers, ever) Burn Notice Dexter Six Feet Under Ray Donovan

Engagement Photos- a Millennial trend?

Lavergne comments on Sep 7, 2018:

I've seen a number of young people do the engagement photos - I think any time you can memorialize a happy time in your life with pictures, you should do it. One day they may be old and not remember what they had for breakfast - but I'll bet those photos will trigger memories...

What was the biggest fear you lived with your whole life?

Lavergne comments on Sep 7, 2018:

A friend of mine told me that every morning as she looked in the mirror to apply her makeup before going in to work, she would ask herself if today was the day they would find out that she was a total fraud and had absolutely no idea what she was doing - just flying by the seat of her pants. All I could think of was....wow.....you too? How many of us think the same thing?

What do you do better than anyone else?

Lavergne comments on Sep 7, 2018:

Turn lemons into lemonade...

Do men have a duty to provide?

Lavergne comments on Sep 6, 2018:

Men have a duty to contribute. Same for women....one sided relationships tend to be short lived - from what I've seen anyway.

What's been your favorite vacation?

Lavergne comments on Sep 5, 2018:

The Alhambra, Spain.... San Francisco - during the Ghiradelli festival... Mexico, Guadalajara and Playa del Carmen Ocho Rios, Jamaica Hawaii....... come to think of it - I've loved all of them

Is this Vegas swag hot or not?

Lavergne comments on Sep 5, 2018:

If you like that - you need to be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. ;)

Saturday, my daughter and her partner celebrated their legal nc marriage and the upcoming birth of ...

Lavergne comments on Sep 5, 2018:

Congratulations to your entire family!

How many of you dye your hair?

Lavergne comments on Sep 5, 2018:

HA! I started coloring my hair when I was 16....I've been dark auburn, red, strawberry blonde, beige blonde and now silver. I say - have some fun with it. ;)

I was initially doubtful about meeting someone online.

Lavergne comments on Sep 2, 2018:

Congratulations to the both of you!

I wanted to share an update on my "Romantic Situation" here at agnostic since it is This Site that ...

Lavergne comments on Sep 2, 2018:

Congratulations and best wishes!!

What was the worst gift you've ever received?

Lavergne comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Just something to share....every year at Christmas I would try to get all the office employees a little something - it finally got to the point where it was ridiculous. These guys had everything they needed (or wanted) so one year I signed up with that group that lets you buy livestock (chickens, milk cows, etc) to be given to communities in underdeveloped countries in dire need - so I did that - in their names. The guys seemed shocked - one of them said he heard people talk about stuff like that - but he didn't think anyone actually did it. ???????? I think they were actually disappointed they didn't get their usual bottle of booze or whatever.... hahahaha

Breasts

Lavergne comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Now that is hilarious.

Breasts

Lavergne comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Now that is hilarious.

Hey there everyone is this site like other sites where no one ever talks to you I'm a big Beatles ...

Lavergne comments on Sep 1, 2018:

Loved the Beatles early stuff....lots of others, too. The Eagles just hit another milestone - well deserved. Sam Cooke - Sexual Healing.... The list is just too long,

What was the worst gift you've ever received?

Lavergne comments on Sep 1, 2018:

One of my cats brought me a baby rabbit - missing its head (of course) and some of its entrails. The cat was actually quite pleased with himself for dropping this little gift on my doorstep.....me - not so much. :(

I found love on Agnostic.

Lavergne comments on Aug 31, 2018:

Awww.....that is just too damn sweet. Congrats to the both of you and it just goes to prove that it can (and usually will) happen when you least expect it!

One interesting thing I have noticed out of all my years in a traveling sales position.

Lavergne comments on Aug 30, 2018:

I suspect you make people feel comfortable answering questions about themselves - and having done that - kinda wait to see if you offer up some personal info about yourself. Maybe they just don't want to come off looking like they're nosey, you know? Waiting to see what you're comfortable sharing about yourself....?????

I do healthcare research.

Lavergne comments on Aug 29, 2018:

I read an article many years ago written by a Doctor who maintained that the human body doesn't really process milk properly after the age of 6 or so - that it is totally unnecessary to consume and that there are a lot of other ways to get your daily calcium requirements. Add to that the fact that breakfast cereals (tasty as they may be) are one of the worst things you can consume and you don't have to think too hard to figure out why such a high percentage of our population is unhealthy.

Secret recording catches Trump instructing pastors to campaign for Republicans from the pulpit

Lavergne comments on Aug 29, 2018:

He's also telling them that if the GOP loses the house in November, there will be widespread "violence" and the overturning of everything he has done. Fearmongering among those with a very short fuse and an inability to fact check and think rationally and independently.

60/40 I read somewhere that most relationships are 60/40 not 50/50 on give/take Do you believe ...

Lavergne comments on Aug 27, 2018:

I think it fluctuates - depending on a lot of issues that also tend to fluctuate over time (i.e. - who's putting in the most hours at work, etc). When I was a stay at home mom, I did a lot more than my 50% - as is the case now that I'm the one fully retired. If you find yourself "keeping score" - you just might have bigger issues than what percentage you give/take....???

Pope Francis Recommends Prayer, Penance, And Fasting After Sexual Abuse Report | Michael Stone

Lavergne comments on Aug 26, 2018:

Any priest accused of sexual abuse - of any kind - should be defrocked (not transferred to another parish). And any bishop or cardinal who provides cover for a priest by allowing for things like transfers rather than giving them the boot, should be excommunicated. period.

I am finding that planning for retirement is one of the most stressful things I have ever ...

Lavergne comments on Aug 26, 2018:

When I was much younger I would hear people say "one of these days - when I retire - I'm going to do (whatever)." I always thought that was a little weird seeing as how none of us are promised tomorrow - why in the world were all these people waiting to travel, or paint, or crochet, or make quilts, etc, etc etc. So I just did the things that interested me at the time. So now I am fully retired and the first 5 or 6 years were consumed with renovating the latest house (serious fixer-upper) and redoing the yard/gardens which had apparently been neglected for many years........ Now going thru a little "what's next" conundrum because I have also decided that I really don't want to be around people all that much anymore. I suspect this is why young people think old people are a mixed bag of nuts. hahahahaha

What decade is your favorite music from?

Lavergne comments on Aug 19, 2018:

The music of the '80's has always been my favorite...but I also enjoy more recent stuff. I never developed a taste for rap - but other than that, I just pretty much like it all.

Hi world.

Lavergne comments on Aug 19, 2018:

Death by Hollywood .....(Steven Bochco). Had me rolling! :)

A little helpful reminder

Lavergne comments on Aug 18, 2018:

People don't seem to know how to have a conversation with another person who holds a different opinion without becoming defensive - to the point of turning belligerent. Apparently - these days, everything is a contest and either you "win" or you "lose". :(

OMG, an entire state supreme court has been impeached. [cnn.com]

Lavergne comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Not that it wasn't deserved.....but no coincidence over the timing. The Republican governor will be able to appoint all his like minded cronies to those seats just in time for a little redistricting/gerrymandering before the next round of elections. imagine that.

Supporting The Catholic Church Means Supporting The Rape And Sexual Abuse Of Children

Lavergne comments on Aug 16, 2018:

This "breaking news" is not new....this crap has been going on for many, many years. The Catholic Church could have put a stop to it a long time ago - but they would rather close ranks and spin the stories rather than risking less money hitting the collection plates every Sunday. My parents were so thrilled with their new priest - a fairly young man....very sweet and charming and witty - he was invited for Sunday dinner quite often. And then I found out that he had been caught not only molesting the alter boys but he had also been cultivating the friendship of the lonely, older widows of the parish. He cleaned out their pocketbooks and gave them a little "sumpin sumpin" to remember him by. That little piece of work simply got reassigned to a different parish in a different part of the country so the "stench" wouldn't follow him. The sound you now hear is me gagging....

This is what a sales professional office looks like in the evening.

Lavergne comments on Aug 16, 2018:

Our office had that very same set up..... ;) Boss left around noon each day for golf with his friends - got back just in time for happy hour - espresso martinis with the staff. Dirty job - but someone's gotta do it, right?

International Cat Day.

Lavergne comments on Aug 14, 2018:

We have had many cats over the years - these two were with us the longest. Rummy (on the right) passed away this past January just short of 20. His sister, Tess, is still with us and more lovable than ever. I was told that a well cared for, indoor cat can live to be 25. Go for it, Tess!

Have you or any of your friends ever been homeless?

Lavergne comments on Aug 14, 2018:

Seeing it more and more.....when I was young people used to talk about "book smart" and "street smart". The street smart kids frequently went on to become quite successful in spite of limited education. Now - a college degree is a prerequisite for almost every job out there...and frequently the degree only implies that person is "teachable" - not that they actually bring very many skills to the table. It truly is a very different world now and it concerns me, too.

Why does betsy devos’s family yacht fly a foreign flag?

Lavergne comments on Aug 9, 2018:

Donald Trump's "America first" is so hypocritical as to be laughable....every business (product) he's involved in is made overseas. Just selling your name to be printed on the label should not be confused with actually supporting American businesses. DeVoss's yacht(s) (she has 10 or 12) are registered in the Caymens for $$$$$$$ reasons. Surprise, surprise.... phfffffft

Questions About Breaking the Dish Okay, not really breaking the dish, but that's my equivalent of...

Lavergne comments on Aug 8, 2018:

I have the same questions - I want to do away with our very expensive Direct TV but I don't know enough about all the new services to make an informed decision.... We live in an area where internet service can be spotty at times....is that a major issue?

This new book called "Squeezed" looks really good.

Lavergne comments on Aug 4, 2018:

I will definitely get a copy to read - and, yes, the middle class which was the large, driving economic force that propelled our economy to all time highs has been shrinking year by year. I used to be surprised to hear of couples making quite a lot of money between the two of them having so much trouble keeping their heads above water. Now I wonder if its not partly because they are products of the "instant gratification" generation??? Young couples used to rent and save money until they could afford a "starter home". Now newlyweds buy McMansions - justified by needing to be in the best school districts, etc. - most have student loans hanging over their heads - and of course, big car payments....so nothing much surprises me anymore.

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

Lavergne comments on Aug 3, 2018:

Garden chores....deadheading, splitting up some of the big hostas and enjoying the last little bit of Lantana color before the first frost hits. The nuts are already falling out of the trees like crazy - think that means an early first frost date?

I knew Russia was taking over the usa....

Lavergne comments on Aug 3, 2018:

When tRump held meetings with Putin with none of his advisors present. Closed door, private meetings breed suspicion and controversy and anyone who has an ounce of political savvy knows that.

School shootings: Should parents be charged for failing to lock up guns used by their kids?

Lavergne comments on Aug 2, 2018:

Yes - if you allow a child access to a firearm you are "aiding and abetting".

Bucket List

Lavergne comments on Aug 2, 2018:

Traveling to see some of the interesting spots in this country - and abroad. What's stopping me? a 20 yr old cat - her sister died this past January as did our beloved German Shepherd. Little Tess is the last of the mohicans so to speak and we will put all travel plans on hold for what remaining time we have with her. Might sound silly - but we think she deserves to spend the rest of her life being as happy and contented as possible.

Trump’s Boast About Getting Remains From Korea is Collapsing

Lavergne comments on Aug 2, 2018:

It makes me sad to think there are so many incredibly naive and gullible people in this country - willing to believe that N. Korea has simply put aside 60 years of hatred towards us and is now going to dismantle their nuclear capabilities.....all because tRump gave KJU the opportunity to stand next to him on the world stage - as an equal???? He gave them the status and recognition they've wanted for a really long time....and they gave us crumbs - dismanteling one site that in all likelihood was scheduled to be dismanteled anyway, sending back remains that will take years to identify. In the meantime, the gloating and boasting goes on non-stop and his adoring base doesn't question ANYTHING he says. SMH.

Can men and women just be friends?

Lavergne comments on Jul 31, 2018:

Yes - its a hard thing to tell someone that you really like them as a friend but that "chemistry" that would lead to something more --- is just not there. But it can and does happen. Just have to put yourself out there and realize that there will always be guys that will want more than friendship....in the end its up to them to either accept what you're offering or ----move on.

If you could change anything about this world to better it, what would it be?

Lavergne comments on Jul 30, 2018:

I would simply remove the ability for people to feel hatred toward each other (and any other living things). The world would still be just as complicated and problematic - but how nice if all the responses would stop just short of hating someone - or something. ????

Landing in anchorage alaska. Lifelong dream to see Denali.

Lavergne comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Gotta have those blackout shades for your sleeping quarters.....this time of year the sun just barely kisses the horizon and then heads right back up. Be sure to check out the size of the vegetables growing up there. All that sun makes for some verrrrrry big veggies.... ;)

I left my abuser over two months ago but I am still struggling and very unhappy.

Lavergne comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Don't go back.....find a no-kill animal shelter and volunteer -(hopefully one of the other volunteers can help you out with transportation) - and you will find a good deal of inner peace knowing you are helping abandoned and abused animals. Networking is a slow process but if you take the first step, you WILL meet new people and make new friends. Hang in there....

11-Year-Old College Grad Wants to Pursue Astrophysics to Prove God’s Existence – Friendly ...

Lavergne comments on Jul 23, 2018:

The world is still a wonderful, curious and perhaps even a bit mystical for most 11 year olds - regardless of academic achievements. He should follow whatever path his intellectual curiosity leads him down. Would love to get follow ups on this young man - it will be interesting to see what he "discovers".

I am headed to Alaska for a Princess Cruise line land sea tour.

Lavergne comments on Jul 22, 2018:

Have a great trip - don't be surprised to see a moose walking down the street in downtown Anchorage. ;)

The biggest miracle Jesus ever pulled off was having 12 close friends in his 30's.

Lavergne comments on Jul 21, 2018:

Would it be appropriate on this site to say "Amen"? ;) ;)

Every time I think I'm ready to start dating.

Lavergne comments on Jul 21, 2018:

That's hilarious.....and maybe just a little too true for many of us. I think at some point we come to value friendship, companionship, camaraderie more than that constant and sometimes elusive desire to find that perfect love, hot sex, etc etc. Some seem to forever love the adventure of the hunt....others have no problems having sex the way they pay their taxes (quarterly). I guess that's what makes us all such interesting creatures, eh? ;)

How many places have you lived in your lifetime?

Lavergne comments on Jul 18, 2018:

Born in Germany...arrived in US at the age of 1. Have lived in New York (twice), Alaska, Virginia, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina and Tennessee. ;)

Advice please: I haven’t been on a “date” in almost two decades.

Lavergne comments on Jul 18, 2018:

You're making it too stressful. Anything you can attend together - a movie? a sporting event? a gallery opening? End up the evening with a nightcap somewhere? Figure out if there is any chemistry there before getting so domestic... ;)

Would you rather have friends or fans?

Lavergne comments on Jul 18, 2018:

It can be fun to have a number of casual acquaintences that you can just pal around with - you don't lose any sleep when they finally wander off the reservation....I suspect for most people - the number of true friends can be counted on one hand.

Would you rather have friends or fans?

Lavergne comments on Jul 18, 2018:

It can be fun to have a number of casual acquaintences that you can just pal around with - you don't lose any sleep when they finally wander off the reservation....I suspect for most people - the number of true friends can be counted on one hand.

It's funny, some days you look back on your life, and you're proud of some of your accomplishments ...

Lavergne comments on Jul 17, 2018:

Perfectly normal....last sentence is most insightful! ;)

Having a lonely night.

Lavergne comments on Jul 15, 2018:

These are my beautiful Himalyans...the bigger one left us this year - she was almost 20. The smaller one is still hanging on - fiesty, so loveable and cuddly even tho she is most decidedly the alpha girl - she has officially hit 20. I just don't know how anyone can not love cats.

Did anyone see Michael Moore on the last episode of the season of Bill Maher?

Lavergne comments on Jul 15, 2018:

Saw the show....pretty much agree with everything Michael Moore had to say.

I am downing a bunch of shrimp sauted inn butter pino, garlic, and parsley.

Lavergne comments on Jul 15, 2018:

Looks really good.....we love our Shrimp Scampi and everyone I serve it too gets the recipe from me so they can start making it at home too. We're landlocked now (TN) and I have to say - I reallllllly miss the fresh off the boat shrimp (and fish), the blue crabs, the crawfish... sigh.

Having a lonely night.

Lavergne comments on Jul 14, 2018:

This was our Khan....he was a rescue - wild hormone driven boy and full blown heartworms when we took him in. Was a rough year for him between the heartworm treatments, getting neutered so that he could become a more social creature, etc. He went from 65 lbs to 105 lbs and turned into one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known. We lost him this past January after having been blessed with 11 great years with him.

Having a lonely night.

Lavergne comments on Jul 14, 2018:

You have a beautiful fur-baby! Seems like we need more groups that could host "meet and greets" for singletons to be able to attend.....you know - just a casual "mixer" so there would be no pressure - just some human interaction - exchanging of ideas, etc...

Is it true that Dogs have masters and Cats have servants?

Lavergne comments on Jul 11, 2018:

We've had both dogs and cats over the years....they pretty much rule the roost. The smallest cat turned out to be the alpha....was funny to watch her intimidate a 100 lb German Shepherd. Would rather spend my time with them than most of the people I know.... ;)

Where does HGTV find these people?

Lavergne comments on Jul 11, 2018:

I totally agree! If those TV folks represent the majority of this country then apparently I've been living under a rock for a long time. :)

Those of you who have joined this group are very welcome to express any thoughts you may have! ...

Lavergne comments on Jul 11, 2018:

Someone told me once that compromise means that both sides lost.... ????? I thought that was a rather bleak assessment but maybe it explains why its so hard to get moderate (middle of the road) political candidates elected. Seems like the people shouting from the farthest edges are the ones yelling the loudest and being heard.......stop the world, I want to get off.

Sitting at the bar at outbacks in smithfield nc.

Lavergne comments on Jul 11, 2018:

It never ceases to amaze me how so many people - who after reaching a certain level of "success" (comfort zone?) - are in such a hurry to pull that ladder up behind them and slam that door shut in everyone else's face. These days I'm constantly shaking my head and mumbling "why you gotta be like that"? :(

Just got back from being a witness to my daughters civil marriage in red country.

Lavergne comments on Jul 10, 2018:

Congratulations to them - and to your entire family. :)

Death. Do you fear it?

Lavergne comments on Jul 10, 2018:

Because (IMHO) I think that we are hard wired to love being alive....most of us are just not ready to give it up as long as we can keep body and soul together so to speak. But - I see some of the people in the Hospice facility where I volunteer who are in such bad shape physically that death becomes less to be feared and more to be welcomed as a relief from their suffering. So I guess my answer to the question would be that while I don't "fear" it - I'm not ready to embrace it anytime soon.....

For those who are married.

Lavergne comments on Jul 7, 2018:

Very familiar with the concept - married young the first time - we bought into the DINK philosophy (double income, no kids). All he wanted out of life was to be able to hunt, fish, spend time in his boat. Thought that would change once we had children but it didn't. It finally occurred to me that I was - essentially - a single mother who was legally married to a man who had the best of both worlds (live in cook, housekeeper, financial planner, etc etc but free to come and go as he pleased). It took me a long time to realize that "feeling" that I was experiencing was indeed lonliness.

Mortgage free at 61 .

Lavergne comments on Jul 3, 2018:

WOW! Congratulations - that's a really big deal these days. ;)

I Need advice.

Lavergne comments on Jul 1, 2018:

IF the contract is not for a very long period of time - I think it would be worth taking the chance. For one - you might like the new location - closer to Atlanta might help you if and when you do start looking for something else. New people - that means an opportunity to have a wider network...more money is a definite plus.... If you've been looking locally for 6+ months with no results - I'm thinking that it just might be time to consider this alternative. In the end, no one can really answer this - but you. I'm sure you'll make the choice thats right for you - best of luck!

What nonbelievers do you remember from TV growing up?

Lavergne comments on Jul 1, 2018:

Two of my favorites - watched all of their shows. Also Bill Maher.

Neighbor saw this fox on his porch yesterday

Lavergne comments on Jul 1, 2018:

Wow...great picture. We see them crossing thru our property up here in the mountains occasionally - but they've never gotten too close to the house.

This is THE WORST day since November 8, 2016 I am seriously about to cry.

Lavergne comments on Jun 30, 2018:

Someone on the morning shows today said we can stop referring to our "American democracy".....with the appointment of another possible far right leaning justice and a largely supine congress we have become "Trump's regime". We will have big parades on Veterans Day - show off our military and all of its expensive "toys" while shredding what's left of the safety nets for the poor, the elderly ...and, ironically - our Vet's.

Wine or beer with a steak?

Lavergne comments on Jun 29, 2018:

And - on those days when I find myself shaking my head and wondering what is to become of this world - a Negroni (or two)....

Wine or beer with a steak?

Lavergne comments on Jun 29, 2018:

A good dry red wine with steak works for me...definitely a yes to the scotch after. ;)

Cooking

Lavergne comments on Jun 29, 2018:

All of the above except pressure cooker....and, of course, must add outdoor grill to the list. Love to cook - (must be the Italian DNA). Nothing gives you that positive feedback better than watching someone devour what you've made for them and loving every bite.

I thought I would post something different today.

Lavergne comments on Jun 27, 2018:

Thanks for sharing a positive, uplifting message at a time when we seem to be hearing nothing but negative stuff. Its a really nice feeling to see one's efforts and hard work and loyalty bring about a positive effect - for the greater good. Job well done....hope you get a well deserved "vacation".

Retirement!!!??? Reality check!

Lavergne comments on Jun 23, 2018:

I try to only bet on sure things..... ;)

Should I travel and seek a different reality?

Lavergne comments on Jun 23, 2018:

I am fascinated by people who grew up in the same town (sometimes the same house) as their parents and stay surrounded by family and the friends they've made over the years. I was an Army brat - we moved every three years....1st husband followed gov't contracts so we moved about every 3 or 4 years to follow the jobs....I honestly don't know if I would have been happy staying in one place or not because it was never an option. I can say that all that moving around has given me the chance to see how other people in other parts of our country live, think, work, - the way, and what they eat, how they cook, etc. I've met some really interesting people along the way. No one can tell you what will be right for you....but maybe you could find a job somewhere you've always wanted to visit - rent out your house so you can always go back if you decide the move was a mistake. I think you owe it to yourself to at least give it a shot - shake those tailfeathers just a little. ;)

How many languages do you speak? List them in the comments.

Lavergne comments on Jun 22, 2018:

English, Sarcasm and Profanity....and not necessarily in that order.

For months I've thought Trump was like Hitler.

Lavergne comments on Jun 22, 2018:

Actually, I've nicknamed him our Munschausen by Proxy President. Have you noticed how he "creates" a huge problem that never actually existed....lets the media stew about it over 3 or 4 days of incessant coverage....and then he comes up with the perfect "fix". He basks in the glow of his adoring base and reminds them repeatedly that "only he" can fix everything. very, very creepy....

73 degrees , 85 degrees , 95 degrees .

Lavergne comments on Jun 22, 2018:

I feel your pain.....my house has three distinct "zones" but because it was built 40 yrs ago, they slapped one A/C unit and ductwork in there and expected that to be sufficient to heat and cool a chalet style structure (prow and 30' ceilings in one area, etc). HA! A Mini-split system has helped the living room which has those 30' ceilings....But the guest room upstairs - well you could hang meat in there to cure over the winter thats how cold it stays. I remember now why we prefer new construction to buying older homes......but the property itself and the views were definitely the selling feature here....

I don't post this to belittle those that are "believers".

Lavergne comments on Jun 21, 2018:

I like it....

This is fer damn sure.

Lavergne comments on Jun 20, 2018:

So we're going to get involved in a trade war that will hurt our farmers, etc....and we're being told "hey there will be a little pain up front but I'm gonna take care of our farmers"....that's code for -here come the latest round of federal farm subsidies. We (the little guy) will be getting hit harder at the grocery stores and then again at tax time when our taxes will inevitably have to increase to shore up an industry that was doing well until someone decided to have a little fun at our expense. Big oil records record profits year after year and still gets federal subsidies - because they need to be incentivized to drill for oil. ????? Are you kidding me? GE gets a tax refund because of some very creative accounting which allows them to turn a huge profit into a huge "paper" loss... there's a lot of very unsettling things going on and I think its just a matter of time before it all blows up. Our gov't keeps telling us how "fabulous" everything is - but everyone I know is struggling just as hard as ever. Maybe its true what they say "the more things change, the more they stay the same" ?????

How do you deal with Door-knockers?

Lavergne comments on Jun 18, 2018:

We have always been as polite - but short - as possible. Since we moved up here to the TN mountains, we have had them come by - usually groups of two or three men - until a couple of years ago. It was early in the morning when the doorbell rang and while I was struggling to open the door while containing a 100 lb German Shepherd, I had a slight "wardrobe malfunction". I don't know who was more embarrassed -- me or them. They skedaddled pretty fast and we didn't have any more visits for about 2 years - now they've started up again but they're sending the women now! ;) ;)

Morality - What is it to you?

Lavergne comments on Jun 18, 2018:

I agree with your grandmother.... morality is making a conscious choice to do the right thing in a given situation - even when it is not the easy or expedient or self serving choice. And since we are all human, after all, some situations are more difficult to deal with than others so the right choice may well be the more difficult one.

Is anyone here into Westworld?

Lavergne comments on Jun 16, 2018:

The concept of the first season was kind of interesting so I watched the entire season.....the second season doesn't seem to have much coherence and I'm finding it hard to understand the plot lines. ????? This might be one of those shows better to binge watch - seeing the episodes a week apart makes it hard to follow, for me anyway.

Can we have a "Rant and Rave" category for those mornings where you just want to knowingly and ...

Lavergne comments on Jun 10, 2018:

works for me.... ;)

A question that I hope will not turn ugly as I truly don’t mean it to be.

Lavergne comments on Jun 10, 2018:

A number of people who were staunch republicans are now speaking up in the various news outlets about how they can no longer - in good conscience - call themselves republicans. They are very disappointed in how the party has been taken hostage by a group of people who do not follow politics normally - who absolute adore reality TV - and heard Trump say "vote for me and I'll give you all the best reality TV show you've ever seen". That was all it took. They don't care how badly he screws everything up - they just want to be entertained. And they are - he didn't disappoint - his tweets are like crack to his his base. It is going to take a long time to undue all of the damage that he will have done. The people who I hold in serious contempt are the GOP members of Congress who are so TERRIFIED of being primaried this November they are willing to simply crawl under a rock and hide until the November mid-terms. Having said all that - the most appalling fact is that something like 49% of the american public did not even bother to vote....

You have to make love to my mind.

Lavergne comments on Jun 10, 2018:

Yes....totally agree. I've told a few men over the years that the sexiest part of their body was between their ears. Some got it.....some, sadly, didn't...

"Folks, we have a winner ! "

Lavergne comments on Jun 9, 2018:

There simply are no words that can convey how utterly gullible some people are - they believe crap like this because they hear it over and over and over again - and yet - never question its authenticity. The epitome of intellectual laziness...

I seem to run into a number of atheists who believe that while theism is an irrational belief in the...

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

Okay - everyone on this site can sit back and get ready to laugh their asses off. I have been watching a show called "Supernatural" for a little while now. It wasn't all that great in the beginning but when the writers started bringing in the angels and lucifer and the king of hell and his mother - the powerful witch - I have to say.....it it sooooooo freakin' entertaining. Maybe if Catechism had been this interesting, I would have paid more attention. ;) ;)

Are you asocial or a social butterfly?

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

I am a social butterfly with asocial overtones.... ;)

So what are some things that you probably really don't want to do naked.

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

Hmmmmmm.......first thing that comes to mind is gardening. Second would be cooking (ever get spashed by hot spaghetti sauce? ouch-y

Karl Marx's famous quote about religion was written in an era when opiates were commonly used for ...

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

He was completely spot on....without something to believe in - some "carrot" to chase after many people could simply not function day to day through adversity. Gotta give them something that gives them hope and a reason to keep going on - dangle "everafter in heaven" as their reward for good behavior and instill in them the fear of everafter in whatever form of hell their imaginations can conjure up. Makes me wonder if mankind didn't get stuck on one of the rungs of the evolutionary ladder......I think we're still a long way off from being truly evolved.

Discussion with my 10 year-old at dinner: K- Mom, do you think praying over dinner evolved because ...

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

I think praying over dinner evolved because food was frequently scarce.....if you've gone hungry long enough, you'll be thankful for pretty much anything that hits your plate. ;) Having said that, I'm sure there was a lot of "accidental" poisonings due to food spoilage back then - so your daughter might just have a point.

I'm concerned that expanding evangelical coo-coo virus infecting a whole lot of Texans is going to ...

Lavergne comments on Jun 8, 2018:

Life in general has become just a little too easy for people in this country....when they are not faced with adversity day to day - such as wars, plagues, natural disastsers, etc etc - they begin to pick at each other. That's when you start to see this "tribalism" the news keeps talking about. Find a dozen other people who think just like you do - then band together and start denigrating everyone else - build the case that if you're not "with them" then you're the enemy. I honestly thought by the time I reached the age that I am now, I would be witnessing a country and a world that would have evolved to a higher plane. It truly saddens me to see the backwards slide - especially when its cloaked in religion.

Regarding dating sites, I don't look at women's profiles, so I'm curious about something.

Lavergne comments on Jun 5, 2018:

That does seem to be a stumbling block.....how much of your true self do you reveal in a profile or bio? Some people tend to be very private and only reveal things about themselves as time goes on and comfort levels are reached. And - yes - it is way to easy to compile something that makes you sound like absolute perfection. The hardest thing is trying to figure out whether somebody is being serious, snarky, funny....?????? Without being able to hear the tone of their voice and the look on their face - it becomes much harder to discern.

Is it a comedians job to be vulgar sometimes?

Lavergne comments on Jun 4, 2018:

I think its a comedians job to make you squirm a little.....poke fun at things that are considered off limits for the most part. Having said that - vulgarity may be appropriate at times - but I've watched a number of the comedy shows on HBO channels and sometimes it seems as though they use (and over use) vulgarity in totally inappropriate ways. People like Bill Maher seems to have figured out how to zigzag in and around that line to keep you laughing without feeling embarrassed.

“But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Lavergne comments on Jun 3, 2018:

Beautiful.....thanks for sharing.