mcwalker

March has been officially extended by 30 more days. Happy April, Fools!

Happy March! Looking forward to the start of Daylight Savings Time on the 10th.

February check in. Nice to see the days getting longer.

Happy New Year!

Hello December!

Thanks, Brad, and congratulations to the other winners!

This looks fun. Work to put it together, like a puzzle, then watch it in action: And it is an Amazon Black Friday Deal, 36% Off at $31.99. https://www.amazon.com/Puzzles-Creative-Mechanical-Assembly-Building/dp/B09Z7W8WR1/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?crid=15C40TWAGQV6T&keywords=wood+toy&psr=EY17&qid=1700521895&s=black-friday&sprefix=wood+toy%2Cblack-friday%2C138&sr=1-7-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1&m=A2G5E1RQO32DW3&SPES=1

I have been looking for a decent surround speaker system, but I have some unique requirements as my TV and stereo are installed in cabinets. Anyway, here is a good surround speaker system that would work for most people and enhance sound for anyone who doesn't have a surround system. https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-Cinema-Dolby-System/dp/B097CJYZHD/ref=zg_bs_g_3025451_sccl_1/140-1184086-6166010?th=1

LEGO sets that build a specific scene are cute and fun (I posted one previously), but there is something to be said for just having a bunch of basic LEGO pieces to let a child (of any age) exercise their creativity. https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Classic-Large-Creative-Brick/dp/B00NHQF6MG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2W7P583MP0LID&keywords=lego%2Bpieces&qid=1700319366&sprefix=lego%2Bpieces%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-5&th=1

I am looking for a new desk chair. Here is one that is an Amazon Black Friday special: Comes in black, white, or brown to fit any décor. https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Puresoft-PU-Padded-Mid-Back-Computer/dp/B081H3Y5NW?ref_=Oct_DLandingS_D_b7e56857_1&th=1

A good electric drill comes in handy around the house, so this is a gift for anyone who does not have one. This set is from DeWalt, a good brand, and includes two batteries and a basic set of drill bits. https://www.amazon.com/Dewalt-DCD771C2-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-Compact/dp/B071DFKM3G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=39TCVK6POSWSN&keywords=electric%2Bdrill&qid=1700186470&sprefix=electric%2Bdrill%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-7&th=1

A LEGO set for kids who like to build things (or adults looking for some nostalgia): https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Building-Different-Minifigures-Accessories/dp/B0BLJ6CCXZ/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=lego+building&qid=1700108077&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-6

A rotary tool comes in handy for many tasks around the house. Good for "do it yourselfers" and hobbyists, but really a useful tool for anyone to have around the house. I recommend a corded tool over cordless, but both options are available. https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-200-1-Two-Speed-Rotary-Tool/dp/B002BAHF8W/ref=sr_1_23?crid=K1OZFY8EM9SF&keywords=dremel%2Btool&qid=1699972265&sprefix=dremel%2B%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-23&th=1

A cute dog toy for any one with a dog. https://www.amazon.com/Best-Pet-Supplies-Stuffing-Squeaker/dp/B09BBM5CX8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BS44UB2VZ52Z&keywords=dog%2Btoy&qid=1699846731&sprefix=dog%2Btoy%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1&th=1

How about a model train set: https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Pacific-Flyer-Electric/dp/B001RG0LLE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=23M3VBL1CE9SW&keywords=bachmann+model+train+set&qid=1699715241&sprefix=bachman+model+train+set%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-3 Model trains are most often given to boys, but I have heard some girls and women who said they coveted their brother's model train, so give to either. Around 7 to 10 years old for a first set like this (HO scale). Be sure though to buy a bit of extra track beyond just an oval.

Here we go again...

The first time that I ever shopped Black Friday was 2006. My family avoided shopping over the holiday before that as we always gathered at a rural farm in Texas, but that year we met outside Chicago instead. I joined GottaDeal 10 days before Black Friday to find out about the deals and how people strategized to get them. My young nephew and I lined up outside a Best Buy in Downers Grove while other family members kept sleeping in the hotel. I bought a few things at that Best Buy. One of them was the 32" Westinghouse HDTV for $479.99 on the cover of the Best Buy ad, and also a 19" Westinghouse TV/monitor. We had a better TV in our living room, but those TVs served me well for years. Those were the days!

I will do some shopping online and line up most of what I want that way, but I still like to get out Black Friday morning and hit stores for some items and for the "experience." Most years we make a small trip for Thanksgiving, usually to different places. This year we will be staying in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia) and we will go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the city after I do some morning shopping.

I am partial to homemade (not canned) cranberry sauce, and it is simple to make. Here is a recipe and photo from the web. Ingredients ⅔ cup sugar ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed ⅓ cup water ⅔ cup orange juice 12 oz cranberries rinsed and picked through -- bad/bruised cranberries removed Instructions Combine sugars, water, and orange juice in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugars are dissolved, and bring to a boil. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook cranberries, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes or until all or most berries have burst (careful, there is some splatter) and the mixture is slightly reduced. The longer you cook your cranberries the thicker your mixture will be, but it will also thicken up after standing. Transfer mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Or prepare in advance as cranberry sauce can keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Congratulations winners.

Best Buy was my first stop (where I lined up) for a few years back in the "good ole' days," but likewise has not been in my first 5 stops for years. Depends on what I am looking for in person, but I usually visit Target, Walmart, pharmacies if they still have some deals, Kohl's, maybe Macy's, plus others that just depend.

I will be looking for a new laptop and/or desktop to replace my outdated desktop and outdated and oversized laptop. Also Wrangler jeans at Walmart. Not sure what else yet.

Wrangler jeans at Walmart, most years. I didn't buy last year, but I need a couple this year.

1. I only have two hands, but that won't stop me. 2. These boxes aren't very comfortable--how about some of those free-after-rebate pillows? 3. Check out these "free" pajamas.

Thanks for the stickers and magnets. No postage issue.