[Emerald U.]

General Discussion Thread 04.11.2025​

Happy Friday, dear GrayViners! How are you doing? I hope you're staying well and happy!

I always treat myself to good food after a long week—and today, I’m craving something spicy. Have I ever mentioned that I can eat raw chili? (Yes, really!) Now it’s your turn: Share a random or silly fact about YOU! Let’s have some fun reading each other’s quirks and surprises!

 

[Jewish Santa]

I was in the National Inquirer

 

[MaggieG]

Treat myself on Saturday to a veggie pizza. Look forward all week to not fixing anything to eat and have left overs for Sunday night. My treat to myself most weekends

 

[families2008]

Love cold baked bean sandwiches with sliced raw onion, salt, pepper and mayonause.

 

[Arkie98]

One of my cold treats are Banana flavored Popsicles. Use to get Root Beer ones also but they are not available.

 

[Kelly]

What is raw chilli. ? Is that like a hot pepper?

 

[babycakes]

I was a Shriners poster child for 2 years. Born with bilateral congenital hip dysplasia. Then shot with a double barrel shotgun on Christmas Eve at the age of 12. Other mishaps and I'm still here. God does exist for me.

 

[Gayle B.]

I was selected to be part of the McDonald’s marching band for the Rose Bowl Parade in the late 60’s! What an honor to be chosen! I’m sad however that I couldn’t go when it was time to leave.
By the way Emerald, I’ve never seen raw chili before. Unless you had it without the meat being cooked? That truly is a weird thing

 

[57raider]

HI gang. I'm 68, retired, and play the Strat-O-Matic baseball board game practically every day. First started playing in 1967. I thought I was a bit silly but learned that there are thousands of guys 40-70 that also play Strat-O-Matic baseball. PLAY BALL!

 

[Emerald U.]

I was in the National Inquirer

Ohhhhh What was the headline, @Jewish Santa ? I bet there’s a great story behind it—care to share more? Sounds like a memory worth reliving!

 

[Emerald U.]

Treat myself on Saturday to a veggie pizza. Look forward all week to not fixing anything to eat and have left overs for Sunday night. My treat to myself most weekends

That sounds like a perfect weekend, @MaggieG —no cooking and two nights of delicious comfort food! Definitely a treat!

 

[Emerald U.]

Love cold baked bean sandwiches with sliced raw onion, salt, pepper and mayonause.

What a unique combo, @families2008! I’ve never tried it before, but it's definitely intriguing!

 

[Emerald U.]

One of my cold treats are Banana flavored Popsicles. Use to get Root Beer ones also but they are not available.

They sound delightful, @Arkie98! I'd like a root beer flavored popsicle too!

 

[Emerald U.]

What is raw chilli. ? Is that like a hot pepper?

Yes, exactly! I meant raw chili peppers, @Kelly —just fresh and straight-up spicy. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the kick!

 

[Emerald U.]

I was a Shriners poster child for 2 years. Born with bilateral congenital hip dysplasia. Then shot with a double barrel shotgun on Christmas Eve at the age of 12. Other mishaps and I'm still here. God does exist for me.

What a powerful story, @babycakes. It’s incredible what you’ve been through, and even more inspiring that you’re here to tell it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

 

[Emerald U.]

I was selected to be part of the McDonald’s marching band for the Rose Bowl Parade in the late 60’s! What an honor to be chosen! I’m sad however that I couldn’t go when it was time to leave.
By the way Emerald, I’ve never seen raw chili before. Unless you had it without the meat being cooked? That truly is a weird thing

Being selected for the McDonald’s marching band for the Rose Bowl Parade must have been exciting! Just being chosen says a lot—that’s no small thing.

Also, @Gayle B., when I said raw chili, I meant those little hot chili peppers, eaten just as they are! Sorry for the confusion haha

 

[Emerald U.]

HI gang. I'm 68, retired, and play the Strat-O-Matic baseball board game practically every day. First started playing in 1967. I thought I was a bit silly but learned that there are thousands of guys 40-70 that also play Strat-O-Matic baseball. PLAY BALL!

That’s fantastic, @57raider! It’s great when a hobby stays with you through the years—and how fun to find out there’s a whole community out there who loves it too!