Leg 'O Lamb, Lemon Rice, and that French Onion Cheese Dip

[Sqwertz]

Dry rub brine 48 hours, cooked at 136.8 5.5 hours then seared
under 550F broiler. Served with LEMON RICE (duh!)....

https://i.postimg.cc/yYk0Fq5L/Leg-of-Lamb-Roast.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/qMSywbH4/Lemon-Rice-Peeklaff.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/PJqY30qr/Lamd-and-Rice-Plated.jpg

...and that French Onion Cheese Dip from seriouoseats that Cindy
liked the looks of, but we didn't so much like the taste of - too
sweet.

https://i.postimg.cc/8CVWQ7CY/Caramelized-Onions-Cooking.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/DwGsMr7s/Cheddar-Swiss-Pandano-Reggiano.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/kGh8kwVN/Reggioano-Bread-and-Carnelized-Chese-Dip.jpg

Gratuitous Pee Pee Cam Shot:
https://i.postimg.cc/zDdnbDdL/Pee-Pee-Shot.jpg

-sw

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

If this is the Friday, March 24, 2023, dinner thread I'm having thin pork chops
in the air fryer. Maybe some mashed potatoes to accompany Porky Pig and
probably a banana or an apple later.

[Hank Rogers]

Don't tell the master ... He'll shit when he learns you've killed
porky.

[Bryan Simmons]

I heard some kid talking about how much he
liked peppered pig, and I thought that sounded
good, but then his mother told be that it was a
cartoon, and I was disappointed. You can't eat
a fucking cartoon.

--Bryan

[Sqwertz]

Another spatchcocked chicken (this one is only 5.98 lbs). They
were on sale $.69/lb last week. With roasted potatoes and carrots
cooked aside, and more lemon rice. No apple. No banana [barf].
But I do have a pan of soft caramel with swirled milk chocolate.

-sw

[Sqwertz]

Anybody know WTF he's talking about?

-sw

[Sqwertz]

On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:56:37 -0700 (PDT),
itsjoan...@webtv.net wrote:

BTW: I'd vehemently argue that you can't do thin pork chops in an
air fryer properly. They need seared hot and fast by direct
contact with a VERY hot pan or grill.

A lot of people have forgotten how to cook properly for the sake
of habit and convenience.

-sw

[Hank Rogers]

Hell, I never know WTF you're talking about, especially when you're
roaring drunk and desperately seeking attention.

Easier to decipher kuth's insane babbling.

[Leonard Blaisdell]

That sounds like one of my standard meals, except I hate peeling fruit,
so I just open a couple of individual containers of Mott's applesauce.
Well...since I don't have a air fryer, I fry [saute] the chops in
a smoking-hot, cast-iron skillet.
For everyone's future reference, when I say fry, I mean saute, and when
I say boil, I mean simmer. It might be a regional thing. :)

[Sqwertz]

On 25 Mar 2023 01:02:11 GMT, Leonard Blaisdell wrote:

> On 2023-03-24, itsjoan...@webtv.net <itsjoan...@webtv.net> wrote:
>>
>> If this is the Friday, March 24, 2023, dinner thread I'm having thin pork chops
>> in the air fryer. Maybe some mashed potatoes to accompany Porky Pig and
>> probably a banana or an apple later.

> Well...since I don't have a air fryer, I fry [saute] the chops in
> a smoking-hot, cast-iron skillet.

See? Leo's old-school and knows what's go'in on!

You don't need an air fryer, Leo. But Jill does need a toaster
oven <ducking> ;-)

-sw

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

These turned out rather spectacularly and I used the insert to give
them some nice grill marks.

[Leonard Blaisdell]

On 2023-03-25, Sqwertz <sqwe...@gmail.compost> wrote:

> Anybody know WTF he's talking about?

Peppa Pig. I prefer Charlie Dompler. Same eyes, but Charlie's cool.

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

On Friday, March 24, 2023 at 8:02:17 PM UTC-5, Leonard Blaisdell wrote:
>
> On 2023-03-24, itsjoan...@webtv.net <itsjoan...@webtv.net> wrote:
> >
> > If this is the Friday, March 24, 2023, dinner thread I'm having thin pork chops
> > in the air fryer. Maybe some mashed potatoes to accompany Porky Pig and
> > probably a banana or an apple later.
> >
> That sounds like one of my standard meals, except I hate peeling fruit,
> so I just open a couple of individual containers of Mott's applesauce.
> Well...since I don't have a air fryer, I fry [saute] the chops in
> a smoking-hot, cast-iron skillet.
>

The only fruit I peel are bananas and tangerines.

This is not what I cooked just a reference picture to show the grill marks
when using the insert.
https://i.postimg.cc/tC8w1sXR/Ninja-Grill.jpg

[Sqwertz]

Marketing BS. Those chops are overcooked.

-sw

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

Read my post again " This is not what I cooked just a reference picture."
It should be a clue that those are not pork chops.

[Ed Pawlowski]

On 3/24/2023 10:51 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 19:40:31 -0700 (PDT),
> itsjoan...@webtv.net wrote:

>>>>
>>>> If this is the Friday, March 24, 2023, dinner thread I'm having thin pork chops
>>>> in the air fryer. Maybe some mashed potatoes to accompany Porky Pig and
>>>> probably a banana or an apple later.
>>>>

>>

>> This is not what I cooked just a reference picture to show the grill marks
>> when using the insert.
>> https://i.postimg.cc/tC8w1sXR/Ninja-Grill.jpg
>
> Marketing BS. Those chops are overcooked.
>
> -sw

Perhaps, but I'd want to see one cut first.

Seems you don't like the air fryer. Like every tool, some things are
well suited, others not so much.

I use mine for baked potato, bone in chicken thighs, boneless pork loin
roast

[Michael Trew]

On 3/24/2023 20:41, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:00:55 -0700 (PDT), Bryan Simmons wrote:
>>
>> I heard some kid talking about how much he
>> liked peppered pig, and I thought that sounded
>> good, but then his mother told be that it was a
>> cartoon, and I was disappointed.
>

> Anybody know WTF he's talking about?
>
> -sw

I was going to tell you that you should learn to use a search engine,
but since I have an 8 year old, and I'm nice, I'll give you a hint.

Search: "Peppa pig" ... their accents are annoying (hopefully I don't
offend our over-seas posters).

[Bruce]

Oy, now I'm wondering what East Liverpudlian sounds like.

[Bruce]

On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 23:43:00 -0400, Michael Trew
<michae...@att.net> wrote:

I looked it up. Do you think Janet UK talks like that? Or do you
think she speaks Cockney? If you don't know what Cockney sounds like,
think East Liverpudlian.

[Michael Trew]

If you weren't afraid of your own shadow, you could e-mail me your
telephone number. I'm such a nice guy, that I'd pay for the
international call. They charge me 12 cents/min to call Australian land
lines (47 c/m for Aussie mobile phones).

I don't know what "AUSTRALIA COCOS/CHR" is, but that's $6.12/minute... ouch!

[Bruce]

On Sat, 25 Mar 2023 00:25:19 -0400, Michael Trew

<michae...@att.net> wrote:

>On 3/24/2023 23:45, Bruce wrote:
>> On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 23:43:00 -0400, Michael Trew
>> <michae...@att.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I was going to tell you that you should learn to use a search engine,
>>> but since I have an 8 year old, and I'm nice, I'll give you a hint.
>>>
>>> Search: "Peppa pig" ... their accents are annoying (hopefully I don't
>>> offend our over-seas posters).
>>
>> Oy, now I'm wondering what East Liverpudlian sounds like.
>
>If you weren't afraid of your own shadow, you could e-mail me your
>telephone number.

You clearly have never seen my shadow.

>I'm such a nice guy, that I'd pay for the
>international call. They charge me 12 cents/min to call Australian land
>lines (47 c/m for Aussie mobile phones).
>
>I don't know what "AUSTRALIA COCOS/CHR" is, but that's $6.12/minute... ouch!

"The Cocos Islands, officially the Territory of Cocos Islands, are an
Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, comprising a small
archipelago approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka and
relatively close to the Indonesian island of Sumatra."

Sounds very cool.

[GM]

Why on earth would you use an antique
and expensive technology like "land line" LD calling...???

You can Zoom or TEAMS for free, among other easy options...

--
GM

[Cindy Hamilton]

On 2023-03-25, Leonard Blaisdell <leobla...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> On 2023-03-24, itsjoan...@webtv.net <itsjoan...@webtv.net> wrote:
>>
>> If this is the Friday, March 24, 2023, dinner thread I'm having thin pork chops
>> in the air fryer. Maybe some mashed potatoes to accompany Porky Pig and
>> probably a banana or an apple later.
>
>
> That sounds like one of my standard meals, except I hate peeling fruit,

Bananas are easy to peel. I can't remember the last time I peeled an
apple, but I eat one nearly every day.

> so I just open a couple of individual containers of Mott's applesauce.

I prefer to chew my food.

--
Cindy Hamilton

[Gary]

IMO, thin pork chops are best pan-seared quickly followed by a slow
simmer in mushroom gravy with lid. The two flavors are very complimentary.

[Gary]

itsjoan...@webtv.net wrote:
> The only fruit I peel are bananas and tangerines.

You peel those? Hmmm
I'll try that next time I buy some bananas.

[Bruce]

How would it taste if you put unpeeled bananas in the blender?

[Gary]

Grill marks are standard when cooking on a grill but when cooking
inside, just eye candy.

[jmcquown]

Why the hell do I need a toaster oven? ;)

Jill

[Gary]

Might actually be good. Has anyone ever tried it?

[Cindy Hamilton]

Marinated in gochujang, garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame oil, then grilled
on high heat for 1 minute per side.

--
Cindy Hamilton

[Cindy Hamilton]

On 2023-03-25, Gary <g.ma...@att.net> wrote:

Many people have.

https://www.thekitchn.com/whole-banana-bread-review-23166912

The original source for this recipe is "my" bakery, so I've certainly
eaten banana peels in banana bread.

--
Cindy Hamilton

[Cindy Hamilton]

On 2023-03-25, Gary <g.ma...@att.net> wrote:

Why? Grill marks come from putting something on hot metal. It can be
achieved outdoors or indoors. Or, for that matter, by using a branding
iron.

--
Cindy Hamilton

[Dave Smith]

On 2023-03-25 5:52 a.m., Gary wrote:
> On 3/24/2023 8:51 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:56:37 -0700 (PDT),

>> A lot of people have forgotten how to cook properly for the sake
>> of habit and convenience.
>
> IMO, thin pork chops are best pan-seared quickly followed by a slow
> simmer in mushroom gravy with lid. The two flavors are very complimentary.
>

The best thing I found for thin pork chops is to mix up some salt,
pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano and chopped mint. Sprinkle that on
both sides of the chops and let them sit for an hour or so and then
grill them on direct heat for about two minutes per side. The are nice
and tender and tasty.

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

On Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 4:52:44 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>
> IMO, thin pork chops are best pan-seared quickly followed by a slow
> simmer in mushroom gravy with lid. The two flavors are very complimentary.
>

That is another way to cook pork chops; they don't always have to be simmered
in some sort of gravy. Just like there are other ways to cook chicken, it doesn't
always have to be fried.

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

On Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 5:45:51 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>
> Grill marks are standard when cooking on a grill but when cooking
> inside, just eye candy.
>

Not necessarily. Those little lines are light, light char add a depth
of flavor just like browning in the skillet would impart. Or do you
eat your pork chops 'blonde'?

[Bruce]

Is the skin considered inedible because it's tough or because of the
flavour?

[Hank Rogers]

he's probably cracking a joke about your frigidity.

[Bruce]

Why would you marinate something in corn syrup?

[Bruce]

It's cheaper to make. You get a lot of bulk from something you'd
normally throw out.

[%]

Cindy Hamilton wrote:
> Why? Grill marks come from putting something on hot metal. It can be
> achieved outdoors or indoors. Or, for that matter, by using a branding
> iron.
>

Is that how you tattoo'd your hubby?

[jmcquown]

We all know what can of soup is used for that "mushroom gravy". ;)

Jill

[Ed Pawlowski]

Tough and stringy to eat, but has uses.

Is it good to rub banana peel on your face?
According to Healthline, banana peel, rich in antioxidants, fibre and
essential nutrients, helps brighten the skin and reduce wrinkles. It
even acts as a moisturiser and helps in hydrating the skin. Several
studies have found banana peel to have anti-inflammatory properties, too
just like the fruit.

What does banana peel tea do for you?
Banana peel tea is thought to help support sleep because of certain
nutrients and compounds found in bananas. These are predominantly
magnesium, potassium, and tryptophan. Magnesium is a trace mineral that
is associated with relaxation, which is why it's often used as a
supplement for calming purposes.

What can I do with dried banana peels?
Banana peels have potassium which is an essential nutrient for promoting
more flowers and fruit on plants. Prioritize your dried banana peel
fertilizer on your flowering plants such as Pumpkin, squash, capsicum,
and fruit trees. Promoting flowers will offer more chances of fruit!

[Bruce]

Well, that's a lot more useful than I was expecting. And to think we
tend to throw it out.

[dsi1]

I've used some banana peels in banana bread because I let the bananas ripen until it collapses into a soggy mess. At that point, it's hard to remove the peels because it's all broken down. My goal is a very moist, very dark, bread. The addition of molasses helps with the dark color.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/L7FGde9YC5S1EbWq8

[Hank Rogers]

Asians often add a couple of turds to give a darker color, and also
better texture. After it's thoroughly incorporated, mainlanders
can't tell the difference, but most asians like it better.

[Gary]

We all also know what kind of biscuits, pie crust and pizza dough that
you use. Chicken broth/stock, frozen pizza, canned crab...on and on.

You like to criticize commercially prepared food that you don't use
personally but it's ok for you to use your choices?

If you insist that cooking from scratch is always the best, you should
try it more often.

[Gary]

Ok, I can see that even the lines would impart flavor.
I brown/sear my meat in a flat frying pan - more of that good flavor.

[jmcquown]

On 3/26/2023 5:45 AM, Gary wrote:
> On 3/25/2023 3:05 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>> On 3/25/2023 11:43 AM, itsjoan...@webtv.net wrote:
>>> On Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 4:52:44 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>>>>
>>>> IMO, thin pork chops are best pan-seared quickly followed by a slow
>>>> simmer in mushroom gravy with lid. The two flavors are very
>>>> complimentary.
>>>>
>>> That is another way to cook pork chops; they don't always have to be
>>> simmered
>>> in some sort of gravy.  Just like there are other ways to cook
>>> chicken, it doesn't
>>> always have to be fried.
>>
>>
>> We all know what can of soup is used for that "mushroom gravy". ;)
>
> We all also know what kind of biscuits, pie crust and pizza dough that
> you use. Chicken broth/stock, frozen pizza, canned crab...on and on.
>

If I'm making chicken soup I make my own stock. If I need to add a cup
of it to something else I used boxed stock. So what? I'm not the only
person on this ng who does so. Ditto pie crusts, etc.

> You like to criticize commercially prepared food that you don't use
> personally but it's ok for you to use your choices?
>

Good lord Gary, I don't care if you use cream of mushroom soup. You
bring it up quite often; that's the only reason I mentioned it and yes,
there was a *winky*.

Jill

[Michael Trew]

On 3/25/2023 0:44, GM wrote:
> On Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:25:17 PM UTC-5, Michael Trew wrote:
>>
>> They charge me 12 cents/min to call Australian land
>> lines (47 c/m for Aussie mobile phones).
>>
>> I don't know what "AUSTRALIA COCOS/CHR" is, but that's $6.12/minute... ouch!
>
> Why on earth would you use an antique
> and expensive technology like "land line" LD calling...???
>
> You can Zoom or TEAMS for free, among other easy options...

I have heard of Zoom, but never TEAMS. Nothing is "free"... probably
some kind of spy-ware for your computer or advertisements are bundled
in. I don't have a web-cam anyway, and who knows where my microphone is.

Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.

[GM]

Michael Trew wrote:

> On 3/25/2023 0:44, GM wrote:
> > On Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:25:17 PM UTC-5, Michael Trew wrote:
> >>
> >> They charge me 12 cents/min to call Australian land
> >> lines (47 c/m for Aussie mobile phones).
> >>
> >> I don't know what "AUSTRALIA COCOS/CHR" is, but that's $6.12/minute... ouch!
> >
> > Why on earth would you use an antique
> > and expensive technology like "land line" LD calling...???
> >
> > You can Zoom or TEAMS for free, among other easy options...
>
> I have heard of Zoom, but never TEAMS. Nothing is "free"... probably
> some kind of spy-ware for your computer or advertisements are bundled
> in. I don't have a web-cam anyway, and who knows where my microphone is.

Full TEAMS access is included with my MS 365 account, the grand total is $65.00 per year...

If I send a TEAMS meeting invite to *anyone*, they don't have to be a subscriber, they just
click on the link and go...

No "ads" are present...

Basic Zoom is free...

> Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
> Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
> that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.

I've been known to spend hours per month conversing with those living outside the US, including hobby
and professional topics. This is done via Zoom or TEAMS, I don't have to worry about "cents per
minute"...

This weekend I conversed via Zoom with a bunch of Brits traveling in Germany, they are East German history
enthusiasts (as I am) visiting old East German places, and we all chatted for over an hour...

Next week I'm scheduled to speak via Zoom with our local Land Use Commission...

When I was working I always got full access to Zoom and TEAMS via work accounts... we
made massive use of both...

I also have a Google Voice account, completely free for US phone and texts...

--
GM

[Michael Trew]

On 3/26/2023 12:37, GM wrote:

> Michael Trew wrote:
>
> Full TEAMS access is included with my MS 365 account, the grand total is $65.00 per year...
>
> If I send a TEAMS meeting invite to *anyone*, they don't have to be a subscriber, they just
> click on the link and go...
>
> No "ads" are present...
>
> Basic Zoom is free...
>
>> Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
>> Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
>> that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.
>
> I've been known to spend hours per month conversing with those living outside the US, including hobby
> and professional topics. This is done via Zoom or TEAMS, I don't have to worry about "cents per
> minute"...

That makes sense, then. I can count the number of international calls
that I've made on one hand. I don't personally know or communicate with
anyone over seas, unless on the rare occasion a family member travels.

[S Viemeister]

Skype works well, too.
When my husband and I were stuck on opposite sides of the Atlantic for a
year and a half during the covid lockdown(s), we spoke at least twice a
day using Skype. No charge at all, except what we were paying for
broadband service at each end.

[Dave Smith]

\

When my niece was living in Estonia and then in Latvia we talked almost
weekly over Skype.

[Graham]

I called my sister in Western Australia from Calgary using Whatsapp.

[S Viemeister]

I keep in touch with the New Zealand branch of the family that way.

[lucr...@florence.it]

Yes when three of mine were down in Bequia we used that (not many
choices available) and found it very good. They'll be over in the UK
for the coronation and are going to use same to show my grandson
fulfilling his lifetime dream of a flight in a spitfire!

[Bruce]

King Cheating Charlie, yay!

[lucr...@florence.it]

On Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:04:08 +1100, Bruce <Br...@invalid.invalid>

Oh we all know what a good virginal little girl Diana was!

[Bruce]

Charles cheated on her from day one. One might even wonder who he
spent the wedding night with. What would you expect her to do?

You're always on the side of women, with one exception: the English
(German really) monarchy :)

[Graham]

Although born and raised in England, I don't give a tuppeny damn about
king Chuck, nor that piece of shoe leather he has as a wife.

[Bruce]

King Chuck... lol.

[Leonard Blaisdell]

On 2023-03-27, lucr...@florence.it <lucr...@florence.it> wrote:

> Yes when three of mine were down in Bequia we used that (not many
> choices available) and found it very good. They'll be over in the UK
> for the coronation and are going to use same to show my grandson
> fulfilling his lifetime dream of a flight in a spitfire!

A flight in a Spitfire! For all but a very few, that's the experience of
a lifetime, and the few get fewer.
I used to work right next to "Harrah's Automobile Museum".
He had a lot of great old stuff. Bill Harrah didn't limit himself
to automobiles. He had a Spitfire. I looked at it from a side door
in our plant, fifty feet away and wondered what it would be like to fly
in one.
That would have been circa 1975, when his collection was a big deal.
He had a full-time crew of mechanics, upholsterers and painters working
on many, many old vehicles and bringing them up to like-new condition.

[Gary]

You don't like King Charles? Do explain.
Cheating on Princess "land mines" wasn't good but she was
cheating on him too.

I look forward to the coronation. Interesting tv.
Best part is the 'women's hat' fashion show but I do
like all the traditional old things about England.

Supporting the royal family even now is money well spent, imo.

[lucr...@florence.it]

I figure we do better with them than some government appointed person,
thinking there of the history of the Governor Generals.

[lucr...@florence.it]

On 28 Mar 2023 08:57:10 GMT, Leonard Blaisdell

This is flying from an airport near Chichester - just grass runways as
it used to be. I am blamed for filling his head with stories of
spitfires overhead during the war years.

[Dave Smith]

I would love to see the position of Governor General eliminated. There
is no need for it. They were a good idea years ago when it took weeks to
sail across the Atlantic, but now we have high speed airliners and
electronic communications. Several of our recent Governors General have
spent money on luxury travel as if they were royalty. They expenses go
on for years after their terms are finished.

The monarch seems harmless enough but there is that whole system of rank
and privilege behind it, all the members of the royal family and the
barons, dukes and earls. People used to be rewarded with titles for
service to the crown and now they get knighthoods for being successful
entertainers.

[Dave Smith]

On 2023-03-28 7:18 a.m., lucr...@florence.it wrote:
> On 28 Mar 2023 08:57:10 GMT, Leonard Blaisdell

>> That would have been circa 1975, when his collection was a big deal.
>> He had a full-time crew of mechanics, upholsterers and painters working
>> on many, many old vehicles and bringing them up to like-new condition.
>
> This is flying from an airport near Chichester - just grass runways as
> it used to be. I am blamed for filling his head with stories of
> spitfires overhead during the war years.

When my father went overseas in 1941 he was an air frame technician and
serviced Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lysander aircraft. Then we signed up
for aircrew and was in Bomber Command.

[Gary]

Big niece?
Anyway, I find it a bit odd that you talked to some niece almost weekly.
You must have a very close family.

The ONLY people that I talk to weekly is my Mom and daughter.
Phone and email.
Rarely, my brother or sister.
Even more rare is any other relative.

I "talk" to RFC people more often.

[Dave Smith]

On 2023-03-28 9:35 a.m., Gary wrote:
> On 3/27/2023 11:41 AM, Dave Smith wrote:
>> On 2023-03-27 10:44 a.m., S Viemeister wrote:
>>> On 27/03/2023 15:11, Michael Trew wrote:
>>
>>>> That makes sense, then.  I can count the number of international
>>>> calls that I've made on one hand.  I don't personally know or
>>>> communicate with anyone over seas, unless on the rare occasion a
>>>> family member travels.
>>>
>>> Skype works well, too.
>>> When my husband and I were stuck on opposite sides of the Atlantic
>>> for a year and a half during the covid lockdown(s), we spoke at least
>>> twice a day using Skype. No charge at all, except what we were paying
>>> for broadband service at each end.
>>>
>> \
>>
>> When my niece was living in Estonia and then in Latvia we talked
>> almost weekly over Skype.
>
> Big niece?
> Anyway, I find it a bit odd that you talked to some niece almost weekly.
> You must have a very close family.
>

Good gawd now. I don't call her and I don't answer when she calls.
This is my wife's brother's daughter. She was one of my favourite
relatives. Unfortunately, she had a bit of a breakdown. She came back to
Canada and ended up spending a few weeks in a psychiatric wing. She
seemed fine for a while, but, like many schizophrenics, she is not
taking her medication and seems to be slipping back into psychosis. It
is sad.

> The ONLY people that I talk to weekly is my Mom and daughter.
> Phone and email.
> Rarely, my brother or sister.
> Even more rare is any other relative.

I talk to my son several times a week. I talk to one of my brothers at
least once a week and I talk to my wife's sister once or twice a week.
She is BN's mother. I have to be careful not to talk about BN. SiL
knows that I don't much care for her daughter and understands why,
but.... that thing is her daughter so she is somewhat protective.

[S Viemeister]

My mother was at Bomber Command HQ for most of the war - where was your
Dad stationed?

[Ed Pawlowski]

I talk, usually briefly, most every day, see them for dinner once a
week, maybe for a drink another day.

Granddaughter I see once or twice a week. She does not drive so I take
her places. Sometimes she takes me to lunch

One friend I send her a text every day at 6:30. Long story from when
she lost a son. Talk once a week at least an hour

Another friend I talk to every Saturday morning for 2 to 3 hours. We had
lunch together most every day for 25 years so this is just a continuation.

Call my sister about every two weeks, another friend about the same.

[Bruce]

On Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:35:49 -0400, Gary <g.ma...@att.net> wrote:

>On 3/27/2023 11:41 AM, Dave Smith wrote:
>> On 2023-03-27 10:44 a.m., S Viemeister wrote:
>>> On 27/03/2023 15:11, Michael Trew wrote:
>>
>>>> That makes sense, then.  I can count the number of international
>>>> calls that I've made on one hand.  I don't personally know or
>>>> communicate with anyone over seas, unless on the rare occasion a
>>>> family member travels.
>>>
>>> Skype works well, too.
>>> When my husband and I were stuck on opposite sides of the Atlantic for
>>> a year and a half during the covid lockdown(s), we spoke at least
>>> twice a day using Skype. No charge at all, except what we were paying
>>> for broadband service at each end.
>>>
>> \
>>
>> When my niece was living in Estonia and then in Latvia we talked almost
>> weekly over Skype.
>
>Big niece?
>Anyway, I find it a bit odd that you talked to some niece almost weekly.
>You must have a very close family.

I guess one can't expect his wife to carry the entire burden. Maybe
they have a system in that family and everybody does their share of
Dave duty.

[Bruce]

On Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:55:00 -0400, Dave Smith
<adavid...@sympatico.ca> wrote:

>On 2023-03-28 9:35 a.m., Gary wrote:
>> On 3/27/2023 11:41 AM, Dave Smith wrote:
>>>
>>> When my niece was living in Estonia and then in Latvia we talked
>>> almost weekly over Skype.
>>
>> Big niece?
>> Anyway, I find it a bit odd that you talked to some niece almost weekly.
>> You must have a very close family.
>>
>Good gawd now. I don't call her and I don't answer when she calls.
>This is my wife's brother's daughter. She was one of my favourite
>relatives. Unfortunately, she had a bit of a breakdown. She came back to
>Canada and ended up spending a few weeks in a psychiatric wing.

Yeah well, she talked to you weekly. What on earth did you expect?

[Bruce]

On Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:07 -0400, Gary <g.ma...@att.net> wrote:

>On 3/27/2023 7:04 PM, Bruce wrote:
>> On Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:51:41 -0300, lucr...@florence.it wrote:
>>
>>> On Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:20:24 -0600, Graham <g.st...@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 2023-03-27 8:44 a.m., S Viemeister wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Skype works well, too.
>>>>> When my husband and I were stuck on opposite sides of the Atlantic for a
>>>>> year and a half during the covid lockdown(s), we spoke at least twice a
>>>>> day using Skype. No charge at all, except what we were paying for
>>>>> broadband service at each end.
>>>>>
>>>> I called my sister in Western Australia from Calgary using Whatsapp.
>>>
>>> Yes when three of mine were down in Bequia we used that (not many
>>> choices available) and found it very good. They'll be over in the UK
>>> for the coronation
>>
>> King Cheating Charlie, yay!
>
>You don't like King Charles? Do explain.
>Cheating on Princess "land mines" wasn't good but she was
>cheating on him too.

You sound like Lucretia. Anything can happen in relationships and I
wouldn't easily judge. But this guy cheated on his wife from day one.
He's a dishonest dweeb.

>I look forward to the coronation. Interesting tv.

Boring as bat shit is the expression you were looking for.

>Best part is the 'women's hat' fashion show but I do
>like all the traditional old things about England.
>
>Supporting the royal family even now is money well spent, imo.

It's a retarded fairytale that should have been left behind in the
19th century.

[Sqwertz]

On 25 Mar 2023 02:40:00 GMT, Leonard Blaisdell wrote:

> On 2023-03-25, Sqwertz <sqwe...@gmail.compost> wrote:
>
>> Anybody know WTF he's talking about?
>
> Peppa Pig. I prefer Charlie Dompler. Same eyes, but Charlie's cool.

Silly me. I'm a grown up and not familiar with cartoons that are
only 18 years old.

-sw

[Sqwertz]

On Sat, 25 Mar 2023 00:25:19 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:

> If you weren't afraid of your own shadow, you could e-mail me your
> telephone number. I'm such a nice guy, that I'd pay for the
> international call. They charge me 12 cents/min to call Australian land
> lines (47 c/m for Aussie mobile phones).

They still charge for International calls?

OK, I pay $.01 - $.02/minute to Australia. But I'd never be
calling Australia. Can't stand those assholes and the way they
talk.

-sw

[Sqwertz]

On Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:21:05 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:

> Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
> Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
> that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.

Nobody pays for LD anymore... except you and probably Gary. And
three other people.

-sw

[Sqwertz]

On Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:11:15 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:

> On 3/26/2023 12:37, GM wrote:
>
>> I've been known to spend hours per month conversing with those living outside the US, including hobby
>> and professional topics. This is done via Zoom or TEAMS, I don't have to worry about "cents per
>> minute"...

Professional topics? Like... where the best homeless homosexual
trans-gender dumpster-diving spots are around the world?

> That makes sense, then. I can count the number of international calls
> that I've made on one hand. I don't personally know or communicate with
> anyone over seas, unless on the rare occasion a family member travels.

I called Quebec once. And hung up when they answered in French.

-sw

[Dave Smith]

I called our district office one day and a woman answered in French, so
I asked her to connect me to the boss.... in French. She paused and
timidly asked "Is this French only?|" I spoke a little more French and
she said she didn't understand French, so I asked her why she would
answer in French if she didn't speak it.


It is quite typical when calling government or businesses her to get an
option for service in French or English.

[Bruce]

On Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:26:06 -0500, Sqwertz <sqwe...@gmail.compost>
wrote:

If English was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for us.

[Bruce]

On Fri, 31 Mar 2023 21:50:03 -0400, Dave Smith
<adavid...@sympatico.ca> wrote:

>On 2023-03-31 9:26 p.m., Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:11:15 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:
>rans-gender dumpster-diving spots are around the world?
>>
>>> That makes sense, then. I can count the number of international calls
>>> that I've made on one hand. I don't personally know or communicate with
>>> anyone over seas, unless on the rare occasion a family member travels.
>>
>> I called Quebec once. And hung up when they answered in French.
>
>I called our district office one day and a woman answered in French, so
>I asked her to connect me to the boss.... in French. She paused and
>timidly asked "Is this French only?|" I spoke a little more French and
>she said she didn't understand French, so I asked her why she would
>answer in French if she didn't speak it.

Maybe she knew it was "Dave Smith" and was hoping you'd hang up?

[Bruce]

On Fri, 31 Mar 2023 19:35:36 -0500, Sqwertz <sqwe...@gmail.compost>
wrote:

Don't worry. They're not waiting for your call :)

[Gary]

This is a good example of people that killfile group members for
whatever reason. They don't keep up and they talk nonsense.

As others here know, I gave up my worthless landline almost 6 months
ago. I should have done it 6 years ago but better late than never.

Land line: $45 per month for unlimited local calls.
- home use only
- no text
- no long distance calls (unless you pay extra)

Smart phone: $20 per month
- unlimited talk and text (including long distance)
- 3 GB data (way more than I'll use)
- take your phone with you anywhere
- plus all the extra features that a smart phone offers

[Bruce]

On Sat, 1 Apr 2023 06:14:09 -0400, Gary <g.ma...@att.net> wrote:

>On 3/31/2023 8:40 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:21:05 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:
>>
>>> Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
>>> Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
>>> that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.
>>
>> Nobody pays for LD anymore... except you and probably Gary. And
>> three other people.
>>
>> -sw
>
>This is a good example of people that killfile group members for
>whatever reason. They don't keep up and they talk nonsense.

Yes, some killfilers tend to post what I already said hours ago. And I
said it much more eloquently!

[Michael Trew]

On 4/1/2023 6:14, Gary wrote:
> On 3/31/2023 8:40 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
>> On Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:21:05 -0400, Michael Trew wrote:
>>
>>> Is 12 cents per minute really that expensive for an international call,
>>> Greg? I pay 5 cents/min US long distance, and after the taxes, etc.,
>>> that averages out to $5/mo or so with my usage.
>>
>> Nobody pays for LD anymore... except you and probably Gary. And
>> three other people.

AT&T wanted over $60/mo before taxes for unlimited long distance and
calling features (they don't like to sell either separately). I only
use a half-hour of long distance per month, so my way costs about $35/mo
less.

> As others here know, I gave up my worthless landline almost 6 months
> ago. I should have done it 6 years ago but better late than never.
>
> Land line: $45 per month for unlimited local calls.
>

> Smart phone: $20 per month

> unlimited talk and text (including long distance)

I'm glad it's working well for you. I've had a mobile phone since 2005,
but I'm still not convinced that is an acceptable option for my only
phone. I pay only a few dollars per month for the mobile, based on
usage only -- I carry it, but it's rarely used. I like the way the land
line sounds and feels, and I typically don't want to be bothered by
calls when I'm out and about, anyway. Call me at home and leave a
message -- I'll get back to you on my own time.

[S Viemeister]

On 01/04/2023 19:08, Michael Trew wrote:

>  I like the way the land
> line sounds and feels, and I typically don't want to be bothered by
> calls when I'm out and about, anyway.  Call me at home and leave a
> message -- I'll get back to you on my own time.

When I don't want to be bothered, I turn off my mobile/cell phone.
Callers can leave messages, and I may or may not get back to them,
depending on who the call comes from...