Edna's Fun Friday: ShamWow!

Edna: I have a confession to make, dear readers. I am utterly fascinated by infomercials. I don't know what it is about them, maybe it's the fact that everyone is so enthusiastic about their products. (Yes, yes, I know, they're paid to be enthusiastic, but I still find it endearing.) No matter how many times I've seen Mick and Mimi demonstrate the Magic Bullet to a kitchen full of pseudo-houseguests, I still stop and watch if I happen to catch it while channel surfing. I even watched poor Mr. T. hawk the FlavorWave oven. (Which, quite frankly, just seemed a little odd. They didn't even let him wear his gold necklaces.)

My newest fascinaton is with the ShamWow. My goodness, but does this look like a wonderful product or what? The oddly intense spokesman seems to think so, as he spills and wipes up various liquids and waxes rhapsodic about the absorbing power of one single ShamWow. You know, I think this thing would come in handy the next time I spill Margie's special tea. I could just whip out my ShamWow, soak up all of her drink, and squeeze it all back into her teacup with her being none-the-wiser.

But as with all of my favorite infomercials, I always wonder if the product is all it's cracked up to be. So tell me, have any of you tried the ShamWow? Do the Germans really know what they're doing when it comes to making synthetic shammies, or is this thing just an over-hyped piece of you-know-what?

The Winchester Mystery House

"Winchester Mystery House, Near San Jose Before the Earthquake"

Edna: I think I'm going to sue these folks over at The Winchester Mystery House website. I clicked on that link expecting that it was going to be all about my boys on that TV show, Supernatural. But I'll tell you what, there was not one picture of Sam or Dean Winchester to be found anywhere on that site!

I guess it was interesting and all, reading about that spooky mansion out there in California. I won't go into all the details here, but it was built up by the wife of William Winchester, the son of the man who owned the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. When he died in 1881, his wife Sarah inherited his fortune and a huge share in the gun company. Sarah Winchester, in her grief, spent the next 36 years continuously building a mish-mash of rooms and staircases. The place was like a labyrinth, and it's said that she consulted the spirits when making the building plans.

Today, the house itself (now four stories high after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and numbering at approximately 160 rooms) is designated as a California Historical Landmark. There have been some reports of haunted happenings at the house, including footsteps, cold spots, and strange moving lights. To read more about the Winchester Mystery House, go here.

So what do you think Margie, should we have Cousin T pack up the car and head on out to San Jose and visit that place?

Margie: I'm all for that, Edna, but I'll be driving. Hold on and let me get my pistol, box of salt, and silver bullets.

I hope I don't shoot you by mistake, Edna. What a shame.

Edna: Just for that, I'm going to make you stay in the car while I take the guided tour. And I'm not going to buy you a souvenir shot glass at the gift shop either, you harpy. Cousin T, what souvenir would you like, dear?

Cousin T: A pair of earplugs.

Thought Screen Helmet

Margie: Come on, Cousin T and Edna, and eat breakfast because we have work to do. I have found just what we need to keep us safe in this crazy world. It's a thought screen helmet and we have to make our own. This helmet will stop aliens from abducting us.

I think we'll probably have to wear them 24 hours a day because we sure don't want to be abducted in our sleep. Edna, we'll call this our new church hat and we won't need to buy any more hats ever.

Cousin T, we'll buy the materials if you'll make the hats. Lawsy me, I feel safer already.

Cousin T: The thought screen helmet has made you feel safer simply by knowing it exists? Imagine what it might do for you if we made you one. I got nothing to do this afternoon.

I will say this, that gal sure don't look too traumatized for having been abducted for years. And that fella looks like he has a secret alright.

Edna: Did either of you notice this part? It says on that site that these helmets are only successful for abductions from full-blood aliens. It won't work against "alien-human hybrids." How do you suppose we'd know the difference between a full alien and a hybrid that's trying to blend into Earth society? Because I'll tell you what, I've seen plenty of suspicious folks around here in Jericho that just didn't seem quite right.

Cousin T, pick me up a pretty purple hat to go over my helmet. There's nothing that says you can't be fashionable and protected from alien abductions at the same time.

Strange things are afoot at the Toys 'R' Us

Johnny Johnson lived in Pennsylvania before coming west to California sometime in the mid-1800s. He died in Sunnyvale in 1884, bleeding to death after accidentally cutting his leg chopping wood. This occurred on the spot where the Sunnyvale, CA Toys ’R’ Us stands today. Strange things are said to happen in that Toys 'R' Us....

Read the rest of the legend here.

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Cousin T: The fact that Crazy Johnny haunts a Toys 'R' Us in Sunnyvale is more imagery than my poor brain can handle. Not to mention his beloved's name is Elizabeth Yuba Murphy Tafee…

I would like to drive into the parking lot around 3 AM and stake out this Spooks 'R' Us.

Margie: Cousin T, do you think I could go with you? There may be some ghosts of other gentlemen there because I was beloved by many gentlemen who have now passed on. I'm sure they haven't forgotten me.

Edna: Who do you two think you are, the Ghostbusters? My lands, I would expect this kind of hare-brained notion from Margie, but I thought you had more sense than that, Cousin T. Just what do you think would happen in that parking lot at 3AM? Besides, it sounds like that poor ghost is a mite lovelorn. Maybe you should just leave well enough alone.

Cousin T: I guess you're right. Ole Crazy Johnny might see the two of you lovely ladies and follow us home and we don't need no lanky ghost standing 'round the basement with his hands in his pockets nor knockin' over the special tea!

Fun Friday: Hoodie-Hoo

Margie: Friends, you all know how Edna insults me and hurts my feelings. She's always calling me names and being hateful. Well, here's how a good sister acts. I spent my own money and bought Edna a ticket to Jericho's Chocolate and Dessert Festival. It's true. I didn't swipe her credit card or take the money off her dresser.

All I ask in return is for Edna to do me one small favor. I want her to go outside at noon, wave her hands over her head, and shout, "Hoodie-Hoo." That's all.

Not only should that send winter away but Edna's screeching and her bird legs showing should drive the townfolks into laughter like they've never seen. Everybody in town will have a happy day.

By the way, Hoodie-Hoo Day is a copyrighted holiday.

Artisan Week: Heart's Desire

Margie: Edna, there's only one thing in this world that we have in common and that's a love of fine jewelry. None of that blue light special stuff for us.

I know I've found a blog you will love. It's called Heart's Desire. My stars, Edna, grab your checkbook. Even an old miser like you can't resist this fine jewelry.

This jewelry is unique, refined, and is not mass produced. I especially love this piece called "Ripples on the Floor of a Reflecting Pool". Order it for me, skinflint.

Margie: How do you like this blog, Edna?

Edna: Margie, if you want me to buy you something, you're going to have to be a whole lot nicer than that, you harpy.

You're right about this jewelry, though, it certainly is gorgeous and right up our alley. I think I like this piece the best, it would look lovely on my wrist.

Ametrine Twisted Treasure

Edna: I'll tell you what, Margie. You go ask the federal government for a bailout, and then we'll go on a shopping spree. We'll start here first. What do you think?

Margie: Edna, I think you're a nitwit. Just write that check.

Artisan Week: Steampunk Rings

Edna: I must confess, I love looking at and wearing interesting jewelry. And I am jealous of people who are talented enough to design and make their own jewelry. Today's artisan blog is one of those blogs that makes me very jealous indeed.

Steam Powered Rings has the most unique jewelry I've ever seen. The industrial-themed jewelry is so fascinating to me, and it's all remarkably beautiful. Before I came across their blog, I'd never seen anything like it. Some of my favorite pieces use clock gears, like the one below:

Edna: Margie, what do you think?

Margie: I think you'll be shocked when I tell you that I agree with every word you just said. I think this jewelry is incredible.

Edna: Well, color me speechless, folks! Catherinette must weave some magic into her jewelry, because you all know that Margie and I almost never agree on anything. I just knew that jewelry was something special.

Artisan Week: The Silver Sachet

Here at the Basement, we greatly admire those people with creativity and the talent to realize their creative dreams. And through Entrecard, we've been exposed to a great many artisans and the blogs that highlight their beautiful products. We'd like to spend this week talking about just a few of our favorite artisans and their creations.

Margie: Edna, let me tell you about this blog I happened upon. You see, it's called Silver Sachet so I went there looking for some nice sachet to put in my drawers. Lawsy me, it turns out to be a blog about jewelry.

Miriam has lovely silver jewelry and I think silver is most attractive. You know how Mama always said a nice piece of jewelry finishes a lady's outfit. She was right.

Miriam doesn't actually make this jewelry but she does select pieces that she thinks people will like. That saves time and money and we're too old to be out running from store to store. Let her go looking.

Anyway, Edna, I found this silver Unisex ring that you can buy me. It has a price you'll like too.

Sterling Silver Unisex 10MM Herringbone Band, $29.99

Margie: Edna, Unisex does mean one gentleman at a time. Right?

Edna: Margie, you are a shameless hussy and I'm not even going to dignify your last statement with a response. However, I do love silver jewelry, I always have, and you've picked a wonderful site to highlight today. But Margie, you'd better be nice to me or I won't buy you that ring for your birthday.

Happy Valentine's Day

Edna's Fun Friday: tweet, tweet!

Edna: As our readers know, Margie and I do love to talk a blue streak. It doesn't even have to be about anything significant, that never stops us. We also love having an audience for our conversations (Margie is the exhibitionist who talked me into blogging about ourselves in the first place, but I do admit to enjoying the attention). We've been hearing a lot about that twitter thing lately, although Margie swore up and down that it was a bird-watching website. Once I set her straight, she kept hounding me to set up an account for the two of us, so I finally did just to shut her up. Lord-a-mercy, maybe if she keeps herself busy tweeting to you folks, she'll give me a moment's peace and quiet now and then.

To follow Margie and Edna on twitter, head on over to their twitter home page
or click on the twitter widget in the right sidebar.

Have you met Miss Lidian?

The Virtual Dime Museum

Margie: Edna, I never lie so I must admit that I believe I've become a blog addict. I get up of a morning, make my coffee, and start reading blogs.

I love visiting other countries, looking at all the beautiful jewelry, and reading what's going on in other people's lives. One of my favorites is that blog by Lidian. I don't think that's her real name though. She probably uses an alias to stop people like you from snooping in her business.

Anyway, I love her Virtual Dime Museum. My word, those ads of hers take me back in time. You probably don't even know what a dime museum is since you lay abed all day. Lazy bones.

Edna: That is just like you, praising someone else and then insulting your own kin. How about this, Margie? If you're so keen on telling the truth, why don't you let our readers know just exactly how old you are. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Margie: Edna, I'll tell you my age when Hades freezes over. I much prefer reading at the lovely museum to talking to you. You're a nitwit.

Edna: I knew it folks, she'll never completely tell the truth. She's lying about me being a nitwit. Although I will give her this, I agree completely about that Miss Lidian and her blogs. She's a mighty entertaining blogger, and I just love going over to the Virtual Dime Museum. Her Kitchen Retro blog is wonderful, as well. You can tell she does her homework, and she comes up with some obscure, but still very interesting, topics.

Margie, I'll tell you the truth, I'm glad you decided to talk about Miss Lidian today. She truly is one of my favorite bloggers, and that's no lie.

Margie: That statement makes you only a half-wit, Edna. You know a good blog when I find one. I love obscure topics because you're so obscure.

Go to bed, Edna.

Kitchen Retro

Canned Food Month

February is National Canned Food Month; we'd like to ask that our readers honor this month by donating canned goods to their local food banks. Every little bit helps, and in these unsure economic times food banks are struggling to meet demand.

To find a food bank in your area, please check out this directory or check your local phone book.

Margie's Fun Friday

Margie: I'm not one to watch reality shows on TV. I watch TV to escape. If you had to live with Edna you'd want to escape too. She actually deserves her own reality show but who'd want to watch her screech all day?

Anyway, I have discovered one show I do enjoy and that's The Biggest Loser. I bet you can't guess why I like it? It's all because of one of the show's trainers, Jillian Michaels. She amazes me. Thank goodness I don't need a trainer.

I love to watch the folks exercise then hear Jillian tell them, "I don't care if you die. Keep walking." Maybe I watch this show because I'm afraid Jillian might find out if I didn't. Lawsy me. I'd rather face Edna than Jillian any old day.

People sometimes start to throw up but Jillian tells them they'd better just keep on exercising. This lady means business. She does have a little soft side although I doubt she'd want anyone to know. She does support and encourage her team and tells them they can do anything. I like that.

Maybe I could hire Jillian as Edna's trainer? That would sure give me a break. Now where's my phone book?

Can it be true? A "Jericho" movie!

Image courtesy Rubberpoultry

Margie: Edna, do you remember when all those nice folks came to town and made that TV show called Jericho? We met that lovely Jennie Sword and April Parker-Jones and all those other lovely people.

You aren't going to believe what I found out today at the beauty parlor. Guess, Edna.

Edna: Did they finally get up the nerve to tell you that your hair is falling out? Because I've been telling you that for years and you never believe me.

Of course I remember that TV show, you ninny! Now, just tell me what you found out, I can tell that you can hardly contain yourself.

Margie: I'm ignoring your insults today, prune lips. That's because I'm happy since Jericho is going to be a movie. It'll be on the big screen, Edna.

I just know they're going to want us in the movie so who do you want to play the part of you?

Edna: A movie! Oh Margie, that's wonderful news. Why, I'd want to play myself, of course. First of all, no other actress could do me justice (except for maybe Dame Judi Dench, but I doubt she could lose that accent and sound like someone from Kansas). And secondly, you know I always aspired to a film career but Mama and Daddy never approved. Now's my chance!

Margie: Edna, I'm playing myself because I want to do some love scenes. That's what I'm best at doing. Maybe I'll have one with that young Skeet or Brad Beyer. Maybe I'll just have a love scene with all the gentlemen.

We'd best get on the phone to that Mr. Turteltaub and tell him we want to play ourselves before he replaces us. Go call him, Edna.

Edna: Margie, I truly don't understand how you can keep calling me a hussy when you say such scandalous things! I think I will go call Mr. Turteltaub, but believe you me, I'm telling him not to let you near any of those nice young men. You don't want his best actors fleeing the set, do you?

Margie: They can flee to the basement, Edna. What fun that will be. Go call him.

Edna: All right, all right, I'll call. Get off my back, woman! I'll tell you this right now, I'm asking for my own trailer, because I am surely NOT sharing one with you. And before you go getting any fancy ideas, Mr. Skeet won't want you sharing his, either.

Jericho fans got some good news last month when rumors surfaced about a possible "Jericho" movie in the works. We don't want to get our hopes up too high, but we are mighty excited about it nevertheless!

Thank you, The Spinster Chronicles

Last month, we received an award from The Spinster Chronicles, and our thanks are very overdue. So thank you so much, we really appreciate it!

These are the rules of the Proximidade award:

"This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY--nearness in space, time, and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who will choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

We'd like to give this award to the following bloggers:

tryinhere
Laane on the World
Your Dark Passenger
Fashiona

You are under absolutely no pressure to pass on this award, we just wanted to express our admiration for you as bloggers. Congrats to all of you!

Top Entrecard droppers for January!

Apparently, Saturday was Entrecard's official Top Droppers Day. But you know, we're old ladies and we do things on our own schedule. We'd still like to thank our top droppers for January; many thanks to everyone below for sticking by us during the last month! Go check out their blogs, they're good folks.

The Ad Master


First Door on the Left


The Half-Life of Linoleum


KidTech Guru


Marriage and Beyond


Photography by KML


Mr. Soleh's Outburst


Symphony of Love


verITableLife


the way I see it