Free Republic

Are you a pickle connoisseur? If so, extreme weather in Mexico may be impacting the availability of the snack in the U.S. Every year, Americans consume more than 20 billion pickles, but recently, consumers have noticed some restaurants warning of a "national pickle shortage." The warnings from restaurants such as Firehouse Subs, local delis and others are generally bona fide, as both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and experts from North Carolina State University say that the combination of reliance on imports and extreme weather could impact supplies.

Dill pickles can be found in most grocery store refrigerators across America. The crunchy, tart condiment veggie is perfect on a snack plate, on cheeseburgers, or even on its own. But after trying nine different dill pickles, I learned that not all brands are created equally. The top brand from my taste test was the easy favorite with my friends and family who participated and let's just say the bottom brand isn't one I will be buying again, even if it's the only jar left on the shelves at the grocery store. Keep reading to find out the best tasting...

Hump Day is here. Cruising to the weekend. A few things of importance for those taking notes. 1. A fellow sister is back. YIPEEEEEE 2. Anyone skilled in the art of rain dancing, please come to Texas to perform this. You may pitch your tent on Max's property. 3. If anyone has any funny New Years Eve stories, please share. :P