Val Strate

Thanks Daney. Yes, I was going to edit and submit it to the RR section. It's on my ever piling to do list. It's in the 'Inbox' on my desk along with the ever climbing stack of fiction that seems to be over flowing it.

Elbow grease? Eeeww, does that mean we haven't bathed in a while? So we're too poor to afford soap? No stimulus for the writers, so it also means no funds for soap either? So we're on the recycling program of writing? Rewrite, Reuse, and renew? Same old cast with new plot lines? *blink, blink* Or was there ever any plot to begin with?

*Comes out of the woods, pushing back some of the ferns and coming forward timidly* Is this a time of revolution? Do I sense a time of change and a new fire of revival? Are there now county funds for a Wildlife Department and a new Park? *blink, blink* Do we now have a writing stimulus package that will get the ball rolling for new life around Hnet?

Roger, I must say that is worthy of a Pulitzer! Robert Frost, eat yer heart out! Yeehaw! Oh, and about the pinic basket, yeah as a Wildlife Officer of the County, I have to do a pinic basket search. *steps up to the bars and taking the picnic basket*

Ever wonder why evergreens are used in traditional Christmas decorating? Well it has to do with the Greeks and Romans. They threw a party every year around the winter Solicist time to try to bring back spring and make the 'gods and goddesses' happy again. It worked every year because of course, after winter comes spring. Greeks and Romans didn't know about the earth's rotation and changing of the seasons. So anyhow... why talk about this? Well, it's Christmas, and apart of the season of Christmas is to reflect on the year, think about your family and friends, give thanks for all of those you hold dear in your life, and celebrate the coming of Jesus the Christ child and how the good Lord above sent his only son as a scarfice for our worldly sins. Well, folks, I have sinned. We all have. However I have done some big sins this past holiday season and I know I haven't been around a lot lately. I feel bad for that and I feel bad for not addressing some things. The guilt tends to eat a person inside. Yeah, I haven't responded to certain people because I've been afraid to lately. I feel like I've burnned and hurt someone greatly. I kind of feel like hiding from my family here on Hnet because I don't know what to say to them anymore. What does one say when they almost set a verbal torch to the bridge of a relationship? I'm sorry? I guess that's all I can do. Say, I'm sorry. Can I make everything back to the way it was? No, I can't. Recently, my life has taken a change and I can't deny what is happening. However, I don't want to turn my back on what I have and I don't want to burn the brigdes I have. I don't know what is going to happen after this holiday season and some things maybe in for a huge change, but I don't want to leave. I just don't know. So with the spirit of the season and seeing how my favorite color is green, I extend my pine branch of peace to my Hazzard family and wish you all a Merry Christmas. I don't know if that is enough or not but I figure it's a start. Love your Hazzard Co. Game Warden, Valerie Marie Strate

You know, I answered this once before but figure why not do it again... Ten Random things about me... 1) I am working my way up the ladder in my dream career. 2) I just found out that I hate dry wine and have a sweet wine palate. 3) I have a calico cat named 'Callie Fats Sue'. 4) I love stir fry. 5) My favorite subject in school was Biology, then English. 6) I'm in love right now. 7) Maui Melon Mint by Orbit is my new favorite flavor of gum. 8) I want to own a horse someday. 9) I can't wait for this Christmas. 10) I get cold easily.

No we don't have 'Slimming World' in the US but there are weight loss groups and magizines of all sorts here. Weight Watchers is a common weight loss group or Jenny Craig is another. I'm in one called T.O.P.S. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibily), and it's worked for me. Every T.O.P.S. chapter has meetings once a week and we record our progress. I'm still working on lossing weight and I'm about half way to my goal weight. Then when you have lost your weight in T.O.P.S. you get bumped into being a K.O.P.S. (Keeping Off Pounds Sensibily), they don't just leave you in T.O.P.S., they help you out and keep supporting you for as long as you feel you need it. I realize that I need to stay with T.O.P.S. because of the acountability. Weight loss for some people is something they have to think about every day and have to be concerned about it. I don't have a high enough metabolism to process food like everyone else and yes, it's a struggle for me. However, it's no excuse for me to be overweight and allow myself to slowly kill my body with over-eating or even lack of exercise because I'm born that way. Things that are working for me, is to measure my portions, exercise regularly, eat three sensible meals a day, look for spiritual guidance and drink 8 cups of water a day or more, and not eat two hours before bedtime. These tips, I have stuck by and they have helped me loose a large amount of weight. You're going to have slow weeks and fast weeks, where you loose a lot or bearly any at all. Having a weight problem, a real weight problem, I'm talking about over 50 pounds or more overweight, is like being an alcholic. Food becomes a drug to an severally overweight person. You're also stuck in cycles of habits that are unhealthy and they are hard to break. It's hard for someone who is skinny and never had to deal with this problem to understand what it is like. What spurred me to loose weight? It was a number of issues going on in my life currently, but the biggest one is the realization that I'm creeping up to one of those 'mile stone' birthdays soon and I go 'God am I old! Look at the shape I'm in! I'm going to die if I don't do something.' So yes, I'm trying to loose and I'm thankful you brought this up. Maybe we need a weight loss group on the group section in Hnet, 'The Hazzard Fat Farm'! LOL. Val

Yet again, leave it to Daney to be a fence sitter. Say NO to one-liners.

Yes I remember watching 'Kung Fu: The Legend continues' when I was a kid. I also have Kill Bill 1 & 2 on DVD and watch those movies often. He was such a 'bad-apple' in Kill Bill as Bill. You wanted to love him but hate him at the same time! He delivered his lines with such conviction and poise. Plus the action was awesome. I was really saddened when I found out he passed on. I loved the moment when Bill compares 'B' to Superman in Kill Bill 2. His monologue was awesome. Plus when he was sitting there getting drunk right before the sword fight, excellent lines, and who could forget, 'Do you find me sadistic? You know Kiddo, right now is me at my most masochistic moment.' Man do I love those movies! So thought provoking and bone chilling at the same time.

Goodolboy85, You are not alone. There are many that like the show and are your age, and have the same thoughts as you. I grew up with Little House as well. My mom, even sewn me a little dress that was similar to Laura Ingles on the show. I'm not sure if I still have it but I use to wear it to church when I was a little one. I work at a shop with mostly all 'Goodolboy' type men, and I have a coworker who loves Little House and he's probably the same age as you. Yeah, some guys poke fun at him a bit but really, all of us in the shop do like the show. So no, you're not alone.

I just looked it up on imdb, and yes Cathy was on Monk at one time. I believe the episode is called 'Mr. Monk meets his Dad'. According to imdb, her character was named Sara Jo, I think. I haven't seen the episode or really watched the show, but I know the premise and the main actor is pretty funny. So I would imagine that would have been a fun show to watch, especially to see Cathy act again.

I love Ande's mints! I always steal a few off of MaryAnne's desk on the way to my office. She has a whole can of them sitting on her booking desk, but I didn't tell ya that!

Yeah, I'm had the caramel too. They are good, but I am a mint and coconut fan. So those win. I wish Hershey would come out with a vareity box for Valentines day. I like all their flavors really but mint and coconut are my faves.

Bahahaha! Raw liver flavor! That's great. Yeah the Creme de Mint are great Roger. Have you tried them yet? They are soooo good. I guess Hershey releases them only on holidays such as St. Pat's and Christmas. If you're lucky you might be able to find them at a local retailer, left over from the St. Patty's holiday.

How many of you have seen the new Hershey Kisses that are filled with different flavors? There is Cherry Cordial, Caramel, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Creme, Coconut Creme, Creme de Mint, Vanillia, Cheesecake... then you got the solid chocolate ones and the 'Hugs'. But what are your faves, and what favorites do you think cast members from the Dukes would like? I would have to say my favorite is a tie between Creme de Mint and Coconut Creme.

Well he don't have to say at this exact tree over by the edge of Hazzard pond. *chuckles*

Alright, I have a question for you Mr. Best , I hear you are an avid and expert fisherman. Since I love to fish myself and I consider myself somewhat of a conservationist. I would like to ask from someone who has probably been on many of fishing trips all over the place. Where is the best place you’ve gone fishing at? Was it rather unique or special, or did you just like this place because it’s just a great place to reflect? Thank you in advance for answering this question and I also want to extend a personal invitation to you, if you’re ever in the ‘Walleye Capital of the World’ I’d be more than happy to pull out the tackle box and go fish with you! Take Care, Val

You know this sounds like a fun thread. I was with my nephew the other day and we came up with a song of our own after playing 'Rock Band' on the Wii. It's kind of corny but what do you expect from a six year old and his aunt. It's called 'Baloney'. Baloney Ham Loaf, Pimento, Swiss Steak… All of those give me tummy ache Roast Beef, Turkey, Pastrami on Rye, None of these will satisfy… MMMMMMMMmmmmm…. Baloney! Baloney! It’s not phony! I want my Baloney! Cheese and Mustard, Ketchup Oh my! We love Baloney! And that’s no lie! MMMMMMMMmmmmm….. Baloney! Baloney! A side to have with this sandwich of heaven Would be Green Chipies from the Seven-Eleven Cheese Puffs, Funyuns, Coleslaw or whatever ya want A picnic lunch home made Better than a Restaurant…. MMMMMMmmmmmm…… Baloney! Baloney! Kick it into Fried Baloney!!!!! Yeah! BALONEY! BALONEY! Oooo! It’s Yummy! So Nummy! My baloney!

Aaaawww that is so cute and creative MaryAnne. I love the puppies! So sweet and so true. I'm sure MM will love that.

To: MeadowMufn Cookies are great! Cocktails at eight, Hazzardnet is fun, Thanks to Meadow Muffin! Happy Valentine's Day! Val

To: MaryAnne Without you around Hazzard MaryAnne would be Un-bear-able! Happy Valentine's Day! Val

To: Alex Happy Valentine's Day! Val

My dream job would be to be an Environmental Consultant, someone who does environmental assessments for companies or the government. Hazzard Fantasy Job: To be Hazzard's Resident Wildlife Officer or Game Warden.