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You are here: Home / Another day / You have questions, we have answers

You have questions, we have answers

December 15, 2009 ·

For the second time in a week, P has written the bulk of this post and, for the second time in a week, I cannot remain silent while he takes over. So my (helpful and insightful!) commentary will be written in green.

I was so excited all day knowing that P was hard at work answering your questions. Mainly because I had no idea what I’d write about. But then, BUT THEN, I watched Sing Off on NBC last night and I’m dying to know if I’m the only one who noticed that the female judge’s hair appeared to be blowing in the wind at random times. I found it very disconcerting.

Dear NBC,

We know your little singing show is being filmed indoors, therefore there should be no wind. Also, tell Nick Lachey that I loved him on Newlyweds, but he needs to speed up his delivery as host. Not even Casey Kasem enunciates that clearly and deliberately. And Bert Parks never took that much time to announce a winner and he was hosting the most important of all shows, Miss America.

Sincerely,
A potential fan of
Sing Off who’s trying to decide if she’s opposed to people making musical instrument sounds with their mouths

But this post isn’t about a singing competition. This is all about the great outdoors. This is the post where all your questions will be answered. Or at least seven or eight of your questions will be answered. Whatever.

Before I let P take over, several of you asked to see an up close picture of Caroline’s flowerpot nativity and I aim to please.

img_5780.jpg

Seriously. Mary looks rough.  And is it just me or does she have a little bit of the crazy eye going?

Now to answer the questions:

1. Do you have any ideas for fishing? What can I possibly get for the fisherman that has it all?

Some ideas for fishing…how can I answer that? It’s like asking what to wear out on a date, too many variables. (He has no idea the nights I debated over the bandana print wrap skirt with my denim vest versus the floral skort.)

Not knowing any specifics (What is there to know?  It’s fishing.), I would say a Mister Twister electric fillet knife, the Cabela’s head lamp (I think all of you need to get your man a head lamp just for good measure.  There is no end to its uses and the Coalminer’s Daughter references), a rain jacket that folds up really small, a new tackle bag (It’s like a little fishing purse!), some Columbia/Patagonia fishing shirts and a good pair of polarized glasses. I have several pairs of Costa Del Mars and love them.

You know what I have?  Several pairs of sunglasses from Target in various stages of disrepair.  P would say that I don’t need nice sunglasses because I always lose them or break them.  And I would say he’s probably right but that’s not the point.

2. Do you have any ideas for reloading?

The problem with this situation is not knowing what your reloader already has. A gift certificate to Midway USA is always a safe bet.

3. Can you recommend a gun for personal defense; small enough to carry concealed, yet easy for a woman to handle? I currently have a Taurus 38 revolver, and my husband has a Browning High Power 9mm. As it stands now he takes my gun if he is carrying, and since I cannot pull back the slide my only hope of defending myself is to hit the intruder with the butt of the gun.

You are spot on with .38 special revolver, that’s what Big (sweet term of endearment) has too.  (I had no idea that I own a .38 special revolver.  No telling what else belongs to me out in that gun safe.) If you were going to get another one I would get a hammerless one if your other one doesn’t have it and maybe look at Smith and Wesson.

4. Melanie, do you have any suggestions for stylishly carrying a concealed firearm? While convenient and practical the fanny pack is not high on the list of fashion dos. A holster perhaps, but then how do you disguise the bulge? Or do you bedazzle it and call it a trendy new accessory?

Well, now that I know I own a .38 special revolver I may have to figure this out.  Of course there isn’t a stylish option in the world that will hide the fact that I managed to shoot my foot off.

5. Can you recommend a decent bow for deer hunting (maybe something at Cabela’s since we have one close by)? My husband is using an old bow, and apparently bow technology has changed a lot in the past 5 years or something like that and he feels left out and wants a new bow. I’d like to surprise him with one, but of course haven’t the faintest idea. So, is there something good you could recommend?

I am a hardened Mathews bow fan. (There is no better bow for when you’re afield.) They are the standard the rest of the industry shoots for. Mathews does such a good job in their research and development department that they tend to release a new bow every 6-10 months. With that in mind, I would look at Ebay or Craig’s list. You can find a bow with only a couple of seasons on it that is still better than any other brand, at a fraction of the cost for a new one. (I bet there’s a good chance that we have one or six we could sell you sitting in our back house.)

6. Is there an advantage to the orange handle on the knife? I guess it is so you can find it in the dim light if it fell on the ground.

I’m a fan of orange and yellow accessories that are not part of the hunt/kill. If you drop them they are a lot easier to find.

7. My husband feels he needs something that tells him how to shoot the bow based on how far away the animal is. Does he need a scope or a rangefinder? And is there one that would also work for rifle AND bow?

He needs a range finder and I use my Bushnell when bow hunting but it will work just fine for rifle hunting out to 400-500 yards, further if the animal is twice its normal size and wearing a reflective suit.  (P made a joke!)

8. We live WAY up north in South Dakota. He would like a pair of really warm boots that are warm enough to snowmobile in. Do you have any suggestions in that arena?

I have no idea, cold to us is 35 degrees. A good pair of Smart Wool socks takes care of us down here. Some good brands would be Danner, Rocky, Irish Setter and I have had several pairs of Cabela’s name brand boots with excellent results.  (Judging by the fact that I haven’t been warm in weeks as the temps here have hovered in the 50’s, I’d bet that I wouldn’t need warm boots if I lived in South Dakota because I’d never go outside.)

And now I’m off to go find another blanket to wrap around me.

It’s in the 60’s here today, so BRRR.

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Comments

  1. Mary

    December 15, 2009 at 2:26 am

    This post just made me all manner of happy — from the crazy eyed Mary (and I’d probably be a bit crazy eyed if I’d just hauled my pregnant self all the way to Bethlehem only to find out it’s like game weekend in any college town — no rooms at the inn and I have to sleep in a barn and then I go into labor. Yep, definitely crazy eyed).

    And P, you are the King of afeild blogging. My hubs would love this, but he has an aversion to this whole internet-twitter-facebook thing (his phrase).

  2. Jane

    December 15, 2009 at 2:59 am

    P made a joke AND a pun: “They are the standard the rest of the industry shoots for.” For making bows.

    Props on working “afield” in again.

    If I hadn’t already bought my hunter dad’s gifts, I would totally use this list. As it is, he’ll be receiving a marionette from Prague (those things are scary and tacky – perfect for our annual Tacky Gift Exchange) and fine dining napkins with deer heads silk-screened on them. Because deer head napkins are not tacky. They are exactly what you need when you sit down to your venison steak at the cabin.

  3. Jane

    December 15, 2009 at 2:59 am

    P made a joke AND a pun: “They are the standard the rest of the industry shoots for.” For making bows.

    Props on working “afield” in again.

    If I hadn’t already bought my hunter dad’s gifts, I would totally use this list. As it is, he’ll be receiving a marionette from Prague (those things are scary and tacky – perfect for our annual Tacky Gift Exchange) and fine dining napkins with deer heads silk-screened on them. Because deer head napkins are not tacky. They are exactly what you need when you sit down to your venison steak at the cabin.

  4. Monica

    December 15, 2009 at 7:05 am

    That Nativity scene is PRICELESS. I can see it under her tree when she has her own family. Just like I proudly hang my Baby Jesus tucked in a walnut shell that I Made in 1st grade. 🙂

  5. Monica

    December 15, 2009 at 7:05 am

    That Nativity scene is PRICELESS. I can see it under her tree when she has her own family. Just like I proudly hang my Baby Jesus tucked in a walnut shell that I Made in 1st grade. 🙂

  6. Bev

    December 15, 2009 at 7:31 am

    My priceless Nativity is a white sock Baby Jesus with a big ole grin on his face, nestled in a brown paper bag manger given to me by my then 3-year-old grandson. It always has a place of honor under our tree.

    I love Caroline’s! It made me laugh – I was hoping to get a better look, so thank you for the closeup.

  7. Rachel

    December 15, 2009 at 7:32 am

    That was great! I know nothing about hunting and my husband doesn’t hunt, even though my 8 year old son is currently begging him to go hunting I still read every word of that post. Now I’ll be prepared if they ever do go.

    Also I was just in San Antonio last week and I almost froze to death.

    Also please vote for Voices of Lee on the Sing Off. It is my alma mater and a great school. Voices is a fantastic group! And I totally agree with you about Nick Lachey.

    I love the nativity scene too. Her eyes express exactly how I would have felt if I would have had to give birth in a barn.

    Thanks for my morning laugh.

  8. Lisa

    December 15, 2009 at 7:41 am

    I dont know why I always find hunting talk so funny. I have a couple of friends from the south that hunt everything that moves, including aligators. They find armadillo chasing to be fun and they go mudslining. You guys forgot to mention the stuff you rub on yourself to make yourself not smell like yourself….then there is the “pee” or something or other that I dont even want to know about. 🙂 Wolf or cyote pee or something. Also you didnt write about that thing that you stand in the tree for hours on end with. I will never get hunting 🙂 Just make sure you dont take out Santas reindeer before they get here. I always love our posts even if I am not a back woodsy kind of gal.

  9. Amanda @ Serenity Now

    December 15, 2009 at 8:04 am

    I bet I could get my husband to subscribe to your blog if I showed him P’s posts. 😉

    I think Mary looks pretty realistic. Think about it. You’d look rough too if you gave birth on top of a pile of scratchy hay with no epidural. Then again, I probably look like that right now and all I’ve done so far this morning is cook two frozen waffles for my girls and try to cover up the circles under my eyes.

    Great post, “Big” and P! 🙂

  10. Kathryn

    December 15, 2009 at 8:04 am

    Thanks, P. Perhaps I will get my husband a new gun for his birthday this year.

    Big,
    I’m with you, which is why I have a revolver – you just point and shoot. A semi-auto on the other hand requires far too much work to get a bullet in the chamber, ensure the safety is off…not to mention the very real possibility of actually shooting yourself in the foot while pulling back the slide. With my luck I would do everything correctly by some miracle and have the stupid thing stovepipe.

  11. Kelley

    December 15, 2009 at 9:04 am

    I’m with Amanda….if my future husband knew that P was posting, he’d be a subscriber.

    I’m with you. We too have a gun safe and for some strange reason I’m guessing a gun in there is mine that I have no idea about. : )

  12. Courtney

    December 15, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Oh Lawd! Mathews bows too! “Big”, I feel your pain! I quit listening to the “I need a new bow” spiel somewhere around the time Mathews released the Q2…..several years ago. That’s the last one I remember the name of. I did hear something about “the new one is more square, and blah, blah, blah…….I need it”.
    Also, I used to think I could never have expensive glasses either. But 9 years ago Britt (a huge Costa fan also) bought me my first pair of polarized glasses. I had a headache for a week trying to get used to them. 9 years, and 9 pairs of Costas and Maui Jim’s later, I’m officially a fan! And again, you couldn’t ask for better customer service! I broke the nose piece off a pair of the acrylic framed Costa. (Filament is the style, GREAT for women)They were 2 years old! I got online, printed a shipping label, for $40 they sent me a brand new pair!!! Can’t beat that with a stick!
    Love the nativity! Carlie made one when she was 4, but ours don’t have face at all!
    Merry Christmas!

  13. Cynthia

    December 15, 2009 at 9:22 am

    You hooked me into the post with your reference to “Sing-Off.” I noticed the wind, too! AND…Nick’s suit didn’t fit! It was driving my husband crazy, all bunched up on Nick’s right hand side. Or maybe Nick was carrying a big concealed weapon there? PLEASE tell me we weren’t the only people to notice that!

  14. Lisa

    December 15, 2009 at 9:29 am

    I love Caroline’s Nativity Scene; perhaps she would like to borrow my macaroni pasted to construction paper king to go with it?

    Judging by the fact that I haven’t been warm in weeks as the temps here have hovered in the 50’s, I’d bet that I wouldn’t need warm boots if I lived in South Dakota because I’d never go outside. It’s one above in IA today BUT the sun is out. What’s not to like about that?

  15. Bettina

    December 15, 2009 at 9:37 am

    I sure hope I remembered to wear the waterproof mascara this morning because if not, I look like a big ole raccoon. I’m laughing so hard my eyes are watering. I’m with you about the cold. I’m so afraid my husband will be transferred to Wisconsin to the company headquarters and I won’t be able to step outside for at least 6 months of the year.

  16. MNStacey

    December 15, 2009 at 9:38 am

    I also watched Sing Off last night and noticed the female judge’s hair blowing. It happened to one of the female contestants on stage too. I figured there must have been a fan blowing somewhere, but it bugged me too.

    I’m in Minnesota and it’s -5 today!

  17. Traci@TotalMomsense

    December 15, 2009 at 9:45 am

    You need to get a Lavender Lady- it’s a .38 small enough to carry in your purse, it’s easy to fire, and it’s lavender. Check it out- it may take care of your fashionable carrying dilemma.

  18. Mel

    December 15, 2009 at 10:19 am

    I have a sword, although I would be surprised if a burglar got pass our dog.

  19. Blessed

    December 15, 2009 at 10:39 am

    I get to take my concealed carry class next year and then I’ll get to get my own handgun and then I’ll need some fashionable carry recommendations… my sister-in-law carries a humongous purse with a special pocket for her handgun. I might have to look at something like that!

  20. Stephanie

    December 15, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Aww…I love the little nativity! My girl made on from toilet paper tubes when she was small.

    I’m totally with you on the cold thing…it’s been in the 50s here in SC and I’m pretty sure I have frostbite on my toes. Hypothermia should be setting in today.

  21. Omom

    December 15, 2009 at 10:51 am

    I was so excited for P to do another post. Why? Your color coded commentary is the BEST! 🙂 he he.

  22. Brickhouse

    December 15, 2009 at 10:57 am

    Of course Mary looks rough! In her ninth month of pregnancy, she travelled cross country on a donkey and then had to give birth in a barn on hay. And then, instead of getting sufficient rest, she was visited by wisemen and sheppards and a kid with a drum. I never really thought about Mary’s true role until I gave birth. I mean, I was frazzled after childbirth in a hospital with an epidural with only my closest friends and family. She was one tough cookie!

    And Mel, I love the shooting of the foot reference. I say it all the time. I would be more of a danger to myself than any intruder. My safest bet is an airsoft gun. Just make them mad enough to escape.

  23. lindalou

    December 15, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Answers to questions I would never ask, but appreciated that there are many “hunty” people out there.

  24. Chris

    December 15, 2009 at 11:22 am

    I watched Sing Off too and was bothered by the female judge all together. The fact that she told one of the groups that they were dope and made herself sound like an idiot was just one of the ways that I was annoyed. I’m still not sure if I’m a fan of that show. I thought it would have been better. I kept comparing it to any of the a capella songs that they did on “America’s Got Talent” and none of them compared.

  25. shayne

    December 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    My dear BigMama and P and Caroline (might as well address the whole fam) ~ I have a small fashion dilemma that one or the 3 of you may be able to chime in on. (I’m using my fancy english today…hence the terms “hence” and “fashion dilemma”)

    My daughter (17) has a very new, very sweet boyfriend. His family owns a farm with horses and llamas and all sorts of animals. He loves to hunt and he has farm chores that he has to do that involved muck and hay and feed and stuff. Anyway…it appears that my girl is now in the market for some boots and a camo jacket. My dear sweet Lord I can’t believe I just typed those words about my daughter.

    Anyhoo…suggestions???

  26. Sturgmom

    December 15, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    What will you do when P starts getting eqipment for free to review on your blog from all these companies he’s plugging, when you still haven’t heard anything from Anthropologie? 😉

  27. Jennifer

    December 15, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    Another winner. You and P need to team up more often. Not that you aren’t great on your own. Because you are…..

    I’m leaving now.

  28. Carlisa

    December 15, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    I would like to chime in and post a comment for the person who asked question #8: A few years ago I worked for a short time in a hunting store. It’s really a fish out of water story since I am much more well suited to selling make-up or ladies shoes, but the store paid well and had good hours–I digress. I had the “privelege” of sitting through the reps boring presentations on various boots. Now that was back in college, but at the time DANNER had the best BOOT. I would recommend a SILK LINER SOCK or a product like a WICK AWAY liner sock and a high quality WOOL SOCK. Stay away from COTTON blends in any form. And don’t cheap out on the socks. They may be $20 a pair, but warm and toasty. Happy Hunting.

  29. Benae

    December 15, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    “Of course there isn’t a stylish option in the world that will hide the fact that I managed to shoot my foot off.” -That comment made the whole outdoorsy post worth reading! Thanks for the laugh, as usual!

  30. Heather

    December 15, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    Hey, give poor Mary a break. She just gave birth in a manger for goodness sake. Of course, she has the crazy eye. 😉

  31. Lindsay

    December 15, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    I love the P guest posts! The dynamic between the two of you is great. It makes me smile to read about a fun loving couple who really seem to enjoy each other. Merry Christmas!!

  32. Dona

    December 15, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    I love, love, love the nativity. I have a “wise man” or possibly just a “king” that we made when I was like 2 out of a toilet paper roll, thread spool, tin foil & felt. I still love that thing and put it out every year.

    P- thanks for all the advice. My hubs, The Sarge, doesn’t hunt. He says once you’ve had to shoot at people who are shooting back, shooting at game is kinda lame. However, my 13-yr-old son is getting into it big time. Since I don’t know anything about the sport, I’m thrilled to have someone advising me on the basics to aquire.

  33. Lucinda

    December 15, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    I laughed all the way through this. Your husband & mine would be such good friends if they knew each other. In fact, reading this made me feel like I was listening to my husband as he’s always talking about range finders, hunting boots & clothing, bow technology and other hunting/outdoorsy stuff that I could really care less about. Also, the Sun Glasses! Why is it that my husband has 2 pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses worth over $300 and I have no less than 8 pair of assorted Ross, TJ Maxx, & Target sunglasses worth maybe $75? I loose mine too, or they fall off my head and break when I bend over to pick something up, or I just decided I don’t like them anymore and pass them on to my kids to play with.

  34. shayne

    December 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Oh Lordy…I just realized that Mary is the one on the LEFT. Now I understand the crazy hair, crazy eye observations.

    Don’t hate me because I’m oblivious.

  35. Melanie

    December 15, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    “Do you have any ideas for reloading?” nearly sent me off the couch. Only at Big Mama’s can we find advice on firearms and a good pair of jeans.
    Classic Post.

  36. Sheryl in WA

    December 15, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I agree with Sturgmom. When is Anthropologie going to step up?

    Love the guest posts. My husband is an avid duck and moose hunter (and has hunted various other species as well) and is the proud owner of many items on P’s list. I also love the green comments and was impressed with your use of “afield” again. Still laughing…

    Oh – and he has many, many pairs of Danner boots and swears they are the best.

  37. Sally Green

    December 15, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    I’m sorry but still laughing OUT LOUD at the poor Mary and her eye comment.

  38. Gina

    December 15, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    Not only did the female judge’s hair blow in the wind but several contestant’s did as well. I thought I was imagining it! :O)

  39. FoeHammer865

    December 15, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    For those looking for an answer to #8. If warmth is what you want, a good pair of Sorel boots. I have lived in MN and SD all my life, and been outside for most of it. You can’t beat Sorel’s for durability, waterproof and especially WARMTH. They have many styles, some warmer than others. I have a pair that I got 15 years ago, still in AWESOME shape and still the warmest boot I have ever used.

  40. Jennifer Perkins

    December 15, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    #3 — get a LadySmith. I have never actually fired one, you understand, but it is SO CUTE!!! (and fits in my hand)

    http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14753&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y

    Jennifer

  41. Annie

    December 15, 2009 at 8:39 pm

    So, is P getting a spinoff? Because that reflective deer joke was darn funny!

  42. Deciduous Heather

    December 15, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    Brrr here too, I swear we are kindred spirits…only I don’t swear, so I will just declare it honey!
    LOL~

  43. Jan @ Little Glimpse

    December 15, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    All my sons pictures look like those of your Mary and Joseph…at first I thought they were supposed to be surprised or scared, but when EVERY face looked that I way I realized it was just his “gifted” artistic ability. Flower Pots – 59 cents, Nativity Set – Priceless.

  44. Steffj89

    December 15, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    Ahhh Big, I too have a “my” gun in the gunsafe that I am pretty sure if it came down to it I could open but after several days of training me and the kids and many hours of target practice C finally told me — Look if someone breaks in you just get the gun out of the safe and give it to K he can outshoot you in every way. Gotta love it when he is telling me to let the 5 y.o protect us…
    I had the gun safe installed while he was gone one trip after waking up to him shooting holes in lr floor area w/ the pellet rifle….he was shooting @ mice…um…hello there are traps for that. yeah he says, but I wanted the practice. Ohhh the joys of being married to a country boy and living in the country…gives a city girl a whole different perspective on life.
    Steff

  45. PollyS

    December 16, 2009 at 2:27 am

    Melanie, I too have all manner of firearms in our safe that I’ve never seen. Why he buys these things for me is a mystery. I’d be much happier with a new pair of black boots to wear with my black skirt. But what do I know?

  46. DeLinda

    December 16, 2009 at 7:01 am

    Very funny AND practical. I also was surprised to learn that I “owned” several types of firearms in our gunsafe. (Not that I have ever seen or touched them.)

  47. Shannon

    December 16, 2009 at 11:20 am

    Awwww . . . thanks so much for answering my questions. I took your advice and ordered Cabela’s boots yesterday! They are rated at like 2 billion below zero. Hopefully they should work!

  48. Katie

    December 16, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Oh gosh! I thought we were the only ones watching the Sing Off! In fact when Nick made the comment to one of the groups that they were being seen by millions of people, my husband looked at me, and said, “Or maybe just two..” Did you find it odd how they referenced Omaha?? We were just in awe! I thought it was just farmers and country-folk up there! In any event, I really like the group that was all guys…I don’t remember their name, but they were really good!

  49. Sara

    December 16, 2009 at 6:55 pm

    I LOVE SINGOFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    But I am having trouble getting past 60 degrees as “cold”. Come on…man up! (woman up) For crying out loud it was 18 this morning! FARENHEIT. lol. 60 degrees we break out the sunscreen and lay out on the beach. LOL. Global warming my foot. But YAY MICHIGAN THE COLD CREATED A GREAT HOCKEY TEAM! GO RED WINGS!

  50. Amy

    December 16, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Thanks for the post, P! I was the asker of question #5. Now I must start searching eBay or Cragslist (or else come raid your back house!).

  51. Amy

    December 16, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    Thanks P for all the great ideas!

    Big – I too, according to J, apparently am only worthy of Target or Walmart sunglasses while he is busy wrapping his HIGH DOLLAR glasses in some sort of special cloth that comes with a spray cleaner….but I am not as uptight about sunglass care as he is….and he is not as uptight about fluffing the couch after sitting on it as I am. I am also apparently the “owner” of some firearms in the gunsafe as well.
    Great posts all week Melanie!
    Amy

  52. Darlene

    December 25, 2009 at 1:29 am

    My cousin was on Sing-off (Voices of Lee), and although I did enjoy watching her, I did not enjoy listening to Nick Lachey. Your description seems to be pretty accurate!

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Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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