Good morning gang.

It's cold here to start the day. -3* and we should reach a blistering 7*. The good news it we're only 29 days till spring.

Word of the day is effulgent.

This is the origin of the month February.

Today is NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY

Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is celebrated annually by thousands of people, across the nation, on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate is combined with either peppermint, spearmint or creme de menthe to make delicious chocolate mint.

Chocolate mint options are available in ice creams, brownies, cookies, cheesecakes, fudge, candies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, cocktails and much more. It is also marketed in a non-edible form as beauty product.s, air fresheners and etc.

The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.


** Chocolate mint is also a type of herb. This herb is part of the spearmint family with edible leaves that taste like chocolate and mint.

** Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies first sold in 1953 – they account for over 25% of the annual Girl Scout cookie sales. **

Below is a favorite frosting recipe for chocolate cake. It looks great decorated with chocolate mint candies……Perfect to celebrate National Chocolate Mint Day!

Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake

1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed – beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.

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Following are some other “tried and true” chocolate mint recipes for you:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/layered-mint-chocolate-fudge/

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/c ... 3f-407c-aeda-6e234de14751

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/m ... 36-441a-9909-ae78409d6da6

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-mint-pie/

And, for those who are thirsty: http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink2861.html

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY HISTORY

Within our research, we have failed to find the creator and origin of National Chocolate Mint Day, an “unofficial” national holiday.

What is not to love with chocolate and mint....

The drama continues in the trucking business.....Had to fire my number one driver yesterday due to the fact my insurance company would not insure him due to his past driving record. A reckless driving and following to close tickets on his record got him fired. I don't like the fact that the insurance companies can tell me who to hire and not. They are saying that the first thing I need to do is call them with the drivers name and they will approve him or not......I think its BS but since I just filed a claim against them for lots of money who am I to say anything.......Now after 3 years those violations drop off and he is good to go. Its only been 2 years. I'm new at this and the driver knew he was not eligible to drive but did not let me know that but he needs a job to feed his family....but then that put us at risk if he would have had an accident.....

I don't know.....back in the day if you were breathing and had a CDL you were good to go.......not anymore...

Why is it so damn cold? I am so tired of it........ Somebody make it stop....

Have a safe day Guru's........I think it even cold where Tommy lives......but probably not where Bill lives.........

Good Morning CGs!

Man is it cold outside. -7 right now with a high of 5 today. WTF? It seems like it's against the laws of nature. Chills you to the bone.

Went over to mom's last night to check out the floors and drop off some stuff. While I was there I checked out her laptop (windows 8.1). Wasn't working right and couldn't figure out why. Ended up installing 37 Windows security updates from the past 6 months. Norton was also causing interference issues. Got that all resolved and now it's working all right.

Marcus - sorry to hear about the trailer woes.

TB - how did the plumbing go Are the vacation plans getting any more clear?

Hope everyone has a great day!

Matthew

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70 today, 61 tomorrow then 3 days of low 50's before temps go back up.

Morning guys....Plumbing went ok, Sharkbite valves work like a charm. The only thing that seemed to be bad was, when I was using my Fein cutoff tool, too cut off the compression ring, my hands were wet from the excess water coming out when I removed the valve and I was laying on the wet floor. As I cut my hands were touching a couple of srews holding the body of the tool together and I was getting shocked...not a pleasant experience.

Well, I need to head to school.

That's shocking Tom......that will just add fuel to the fire of your hatred....

In honor of Chocolate Mint Day I will devour some chocolate mint Girl Scout cookies. Temp right now is around 57*. Drops tonight to the mid to high 30's then we'll get back to seasonal norms of lows in the high 50's and highs in the 70's. Brought all the critters indoors except for the pigs. I covered them with blankets, so they were happy. Missing a Russian tortoise. Might have been stolen.

You're right, Marcus. I hate plumbing! Have I ever mentioned that?

Looks like we will by-pass Chicago, at least on the way up, Matt. Return trip hasn't been planned yet.

We will be going up through Fort Wayne, maybe try to meet up with Captmike. Stopping in Auburn and go through the Auburn, Cord and Dussey museum.

SUNNY AND COLD IN THE NATIONS. I THINK I SHOULD HAVE HIBERNATED.

INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE RIGHT UP THERE WITH LAWYERS AND THE MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD MARCUS. AFTER THE REVOLUTION WE WILL DEAL WITH THEM ;-)

I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. -- Will Rogers

Cold here too, 16 this morning and of all days, someone sends their employee over here with an F350 for me to measure for a wrap. It's not even a cash deal, just a trade. But I get to free my ass off out there doing it. Dude couldn't even wait till I got in the door good and settled and got the computer on before getting here. I HATE that. But - all in the name of job security. Thus far I have my installer so buried he'll never see the light of day.
Sorry for your trailer problems, Marcus. I can relate to the bad driving record, unfortunately
Rejoice - tomorrow is Friday

Sorry Letty...then you can't drive our trucks..... Geez is it just me or am I freezing my ass off out there today.....I can't get warm it seems....

I can't seem to get untired.....My butt is dragging, my head spinning. Glad I had that flu shot or I'd feel terrible.

Did my delivery in Key Largo this AM. Ran to the bank, parts store for glow plugs and to my credit union to make a deposit to pay for my dental insurance. Stopped by the Porsche shop and bs'd with my mechanic then went to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Drove around in the 928 and stretched it's legs a little. Came across a ZL1 Camaro that wanted to show me what it could do. Impressive. Came home and got a call from Sue. She wants me to meet her and help her spread some rock on the driveway at the nursery. Was thinking of poking a sharp stick into my eye so I can get out of it. Might as well just do it and get it over with. (Poke the stick in my eye I mean) This 59 y/o back isn't to happy about movin rock around.

Yet another beautiful smile ..........

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I need to go back to work. Maybe I can get a job in security at one of the local dancing emporiums.

Meanwhile in Boston

http://www.whdh.com/story/28152007/fi ... muter-rail-greenbush-line

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I'm pretty sure she's an accountant, but ok.

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Judging from the pictured melons I would say she works in the produce department.

Look what the Kansas house passed today.

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GOOD GOING KANSAS

Problem is when you carry a squirtgun in an open carry state, the cops will still shoot you without provocation.

Or maybe that depends on your skin color.


Anyhow more open carry, responsible gun owners in public = less oversensitive wussies = less pissing and moaning for more gun laws.

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GOOD POINT AND QUITE RIGHT. STILL, FROM AN INDIVIDUAL STANDPOINT CONCEALED CARRY IS MORE TACTICALLY SOUND.

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So this is for open carry not concealed carry....? I would rather conceal carry as opposed wearing my weapon out in the open for all to see.....I think CC should require a permit.....and some training.......am I wrong on this?

It would be strange for me to see people in Wal-Mart packing a weapon....

Cold and snowing here in the nation's Capital.... well at least 15 miles south in VA.

Good going for Kansas. I have been seeing more open carriers lately.
Will

Like this you mean....?