Mandystar

Of course, Greenleaf can do whatever they choose, but what a craven way of getting the word out. I doubt that any other company has the following they have, and the very least should have been an announcement -- and an explanation by Dean. I am extremely disappointed... to the point of being angry about how this was handled, and I know that others here have been looking forward to this a hundred times more than I. As far as I'm concerned, they've lost me as a committed Greenleafer. Oh, I will still build my minis but except for all of you, who I consider friends now, I've lost my love -- and respect -- for Greenleaf as a company. I'm sorry, Tracy, uthat you had to be the bearer of this news.

Oh, of course it will get better, and I hope it stays better for you! Just take a look at the twinkle in your grands eyes... that should help!

Morgan, did you notice that there are some really nice do-it-yourself kits under the tab by the same name (DIY Kits), with good prices ( http://sasminidolls.weebly.com/diy-kits.html ) ! Comes with the body parts (sounds gruesome, doesn't it?), clothing, etc., so it's all there... you just need to put it together. I just love the expressions on the all her dolls' faces -- absolutely not your run-of-the-mill dolls! The prices on the full-sized dolls may be high for some of us (myself included, unless I give up something else!), but when I think about the hours of work that goes into each doll, not to mention the cost of the mold and other materials, this woman is working for less than a dollar an hour! And every doll is different -- even if 10 people buy "Gina," (at the top of my list), each Gina will be just a little different! I am so tired of using the same old, same old Houseworks (or whatever) dolls, and have been constantly searching for other 1:12 dolls, so that when I found these, I was thrilled. Did you, by the way, see the 1/2 size dolls she has?? How could you not, right?

Happy anniversaries to all of you who are celebrating!

Just found a wonderful doll maker, whose work can be seen at http://sasminidolls.weebly.com/ I found one of her dolls on eBay and was very much impressed by the detail and the quality of her work, that I thought I'd share it here. After seeing (and using) the same old Houseworks dolls, this was like a breath of fresh air!!! The dolls run about $65 each, and I think they're absolutely worth every penny of that price!

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Oh wait up guys! Keurig didn't write the review. Cnet wrote this independent review about the Keurig model I had thought I'd settled on -- not the Hamilton Beach model that Selkie suggested and which, especially because of that lousy review, looks so good by comparison!

Yes, of course, Gloria, I do realize that many people just love their coffee and, even if they have to forego the caffeine, they enjoy it enough to drink decaf! I used to be one of those... I never had a problem with caffeine, and still don't (unless I drink it near bedtime). I'm just getting tired of coffee, I guess, and looking for variety!

No. I didn't say that correctly. Not CNN - my mistake, but cnet -- http://www.cnet.com/products/keurig-k75-platinum-brewing-system/ A ridiculous amount of money when you think about it, considering that I have two perfectly good 12-cup coffee makers right here!

Well, Selkie, it seems that I'm just as un-classy as you are! I drink coffee for the caffeine!!! Duh! That's why I just cannot understand how or why anyone drinks decaf! What's the point??? I drink it in the morning with my breakfast and it lasts until it's finished. Definitely is an eye opener. I've just been getting tired of the same old, same old -- or maybe it's because my daughter likes it so strong. I used to drink a MUG of espresso in the morning -- strong enough so that the spoon stood up in it (or so they said!), but not any longer. I just want a new taste that will also make my eyes pop open faster in the morning. I am not a connoisseur either, nor do I want to be. I know what I like and I like what I know. Maybe hazelnut. Maybe French vanilla. Maybe just a little of each so that I can change every morning for something new without feeling guilty about wasting it. Of course we know what yucky tastes like!!! And if a major reviewer like CNN Reports says that in a review, well, it's certainly enough to make me think twice (even though I strongly disagree with most of their other editorial stances!!!!!). And you are NOT stupid or ignorant! I will fight anyone who says so -- even you, silly lady!

Has anyone here played The Fool's Errand (by Cliff Johnson)? Took us a few months (!) to get to the end and it was fabulously difficult! There's a new one out called The Fool and His Money, which I haven't bought, but this looks like a source not only for this game, but others as well... maybe free ones also... http://www.fools-errand.com/ I will study it when I'm not half asleep, but I wanted to share this while I remembered!

Selkie, how clever this Hamilton Beach unit is, and significantly less than the price of the Keurig I had my eye on. Plus, it'll make a whole pot of coffee for those times it's called for. Definitely in the running, maybe at the top of the list. Hand wash? What's that? I seem to recall that phrase -- right up there, along with ironing, Debra! Hmm. I'll let you know what I decide on, but I must say that one of the Keurig reviews had that model reviewed as making nasty, bitter-tasting coffee. I don't think that's what I had in mind!

That's about what I do with the coffee maker I have now. I can make up to 12 cups in it (if we have friends in, as we often do), but that's not what I'm looking for. I wanted the variety of flavors, without buying a pound of coffee in a given flavor (that I'd wind up tossing if I didn't like it). I wasn't just looking for a good coffee maker to replace what I have; I have a couple of good coffee makers, in fact. It was the idea of what the Keurig (et al) did that intrigued me, which is why I'd asked for reviews! Thanks, Holly, for the suggestion. I always appreciate your advice ;~)!

Holly, are these one-shot deals like the pods? Now that my daughter is here with me (guys, help me hope that she finds a teaching job here and can stay!!!) and she drinks strong coffee, I thought I'd get one of these pod coffee makers so that I'd have the choice of flavors with, literally, next to no work involved!

I, too, love the tights! Mind you, it took me a while to find them, but find them, I did! Tricky, tricky, tricky! I also went through your galleries (in search of tights, but found so many other goodies), Heidi. Nice work!!!

I checked out the Keurig models (and pricing) last night after getting into bed with my iPad. There's only one that gives you a 12-oz serving, and that one is $189.00!! It does come with a 12 pack of assorted coffee pods (a $7.00 value? Whoopee! Not). We'll see. My daughter thinks I'm nuts, and she's right, of course!

Selkie, you know best how to go about getting what you want and need! Most of us just come close, but you sure have got a good reason for wanting AND needing these comforts (I use the word comfort lightly, but definitely don't mean it that way at all!) These things should have been done years ago (?) when you first started having problems with your knees. I'm glad you have the kids to help in any way they can. Keep up the good work!

Oh, Helen, you have accomplished so much. I know what it means to be able to do what seems to be childs play, but it's like climbing a mountain for us. Once you get on a roll, try doing just a tiny little bit more each day! You go, girl!

Planned obsolescence at its finest! Never happened years ago when you could count on things to last -- not to mention, who ever heard of "Made in China"? Made in the USA was standard, as was getting your money's worth from a product!

Very good to know, Kathie, that the Miniature Cottage in Nashville is on a par with Ron's! That will definitely give me a trip to look forward to, and there are many other things that my kids would enjoy seeing there as well, so we might just make a weekend of it. I think your ability to take pictures in Cuba will be severely limited or compromised at best, unless the images have already been very carefully chosen for you, so don't be too disappointed on that account. I/we look forward immensely to hearing about all your adventures when you return!!!

Loverly, huh? Oh how I'd like to say, "count me in!" I thank you all again for your caffeine input. I guess I'll have to give it a try to see if making a large brew (as in a 12 oz cup -- plus lots of ice) won't make the coffee too weak. It sure won't be the first hundred bucks I've parted with for something that spent its life on a shelf in the closet! Nah, I'm being too pessimistic. I think it'll work just fine, and I'll let you know (and probably thank you all again) ! Oh, wait. Canada, Barb? As you may have guessed by now, I'm a bit sensitive to temperature (hah!), so... where in Canada and how hot/cold does it get? Or, is this to be a mythical trip, perhaps using our avatars -- I sure can do that!

Grazhina, you sure do have more on your plate at one time than anyone should have over a lifetime! Thank goodness you did not have a heart attack, but it appears that there are other things either brewing or existing that need taking care of. I'm so glad to hear that your son's surgery went well and had such a positive outcome... now it's time for you to take care of yourself -- past time, I think! If bad things come in threes, that's it! Just stop right there and count 'em! Two divorces on the horizon plus your medical problems (no doubt you realize that even without having had a heart attack, diabetes and high blood pressure can be life threatening) makes three. That's it. Stop right there! Selkie said it first... you are the glue holding it all together -- your family, I mean. if anything should happen to you, it may well all fall apart. So... my point is that you have to start taking care of yourself -- right now -- this minute -- you have to come first and with everything that's going on around you, only you can do this. I'm sure that everyone else cares but they're naturally all too wrapped up in their own problems, so it's up to you! We need you here, my friend, so take care of yourself!!!

Thanks, everyone, for your reviews of these single-serving coffee makers -- and the coffee itself. The last thing I need to consider is that we all drink iced coffee -- and that in a 12-oz. glass at that. No question that I can brew 2 cups to make up that amount of coffee, but need to decide about the fact that it's gonna be an expensive proposition. The coffee maker alone isn't a low-priced item either -- they run well over $100, and I've seen them for half again as much, I'm sure. Then, of course, there's the coffee itself. Where do you buy the coffee? I guess I didn't really look when I was in the supermarket last (Publix or Bi-Lo here in TN) so I don't know. I really wouldn't want to have to go to Bed, Bath & Beyond just for coffee! CJ, I definitely think you need some more coffee!!! Maybe a lot of coffee? Either that or you're being much too hard on yourself!