July 26:  went to church Sunday, got a free bag of corn on the cob when I left,
LOVE my church and living in the country!! Today my husband and I are going
bike riding then tonight it's a seafood dinner out with friends.


July 21:  my birthday was Monday and my husband as he always does, made it
so special.   I woke up to a wonderful card & tried not to cry after reading it as I
started work.   When he got up, he presented me with a painting he did of a
bird that is often in our back yard, the Eastern Bluebird.  It was amazing and I
love it!  He had also made up 5 meal options for the day & gave me my pick.  I
picked lunch at a family owned diner that's been around for 50 years.  It was
very retro and I LOVED it.  Because we were first timer's we got a free home-
made donut before our meal.  I ordered the granola and berry waffle with butter
and maple syrup and it was excellent!  My husband got the "Pioneer Meal,"
biscuits and sausage gravy and hash browns, enough food for two. The hash
browns were really good, not dry like they often are because these were made
with home-made mashed potatoes, they had a crunchy outside and soft, hot
inside, I know cause I sampled them a few times!  After lunch, we went to this
outdoor park on the river that has old war vehicles like trucks, helicopters and
big ships, it reminded me of MASH and Hogan's Heroes all at the same time.
We got to go inside an old submarine too.  Was that ever cramped and stinky. I
now have so much more respect for the men and women that live their military
lives on sub's,  all for our freedom.  After that we came home & my husband
had yet another surprise.  Gifts...a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses I've been
wanting, a fun kid book filled with facts that I had seen months ago and wanted,
he remembered, and the 3rd gift...we started to write a song together, a
worship type song for church.  In the 3 years we've been married, that has
been a dream of mine so needless to say, I started crying. We got the chorus
pretty much done and a start on the rest of it and it was really fun!  Dinner was
a bbq place I had been wanting to try and the food was great!  Mac & cheese,
fried mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, beef
brisket and root beer. We then came home to watch the Cardinals on TV and
eat our favorite chocolate mousse I made earlier that day. The perfect end to a
perfect day with a most perfect man!  One thing he did not do but said he will
soon is give me a pie in the face.  Something I have always wanted as well! I
know, weird, but it always sounded so fun, I can't wait!

July 17:  Interesting stuff on our current generation of kids, now I understand
them a lot better!
Generation Y from Wikipedia
With the introduction of the Internet in 1992, most of the generation grew in a
world that revolved around the web, with cell phones and iPods becoming
highly associated with the generation; Music icons included Eminem (left) and
Britney Spears, along with other best-selling musicians and singers; Internet
social media websites, such as (left to right) Youtube, Facebook, MySpace,
Blogger, and Twitter, become the most used form of social communication; The
British Harry Potter series is widely regarded as the most read coming of age
book, with record breaking sales across the world; Generation Y workers use
computers and other digital devices extensively.Generation Y, also known as
the Millennial Generation, Generation Next or Net Generation describes the
demographic cohort following Generation X. Its members are often referred to
as Millennials or Echo Boomers. As there are no precise dates for when the
Millennial generation starts and ends, commentators have used birth dates
ranging somewhere from the mid 1970s to the early 2000s.This generation
generally represents an increase in births from the 1980s and 90s, not
because of a significant increase in birthrates, but because the large cohort of
baby boomers began to have children. The 20th century trend toward smaller
families in developed countries continued, however, so the relative impact of
the "baby boom echo" was generally less pronounced than the original boom.
Characteristics of the generation vary by region, depending on social and
economic conditions. However, it is generally marked by an increased use and
familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies. In most parts of
the world its upbringing was marked by an increase in a neoliberal approach to
politics and economics.
The term Generation Y first appeared in an August 1993 Ad Age editorial to
describe teenagers of the day, which they defined as separate from Generation
X, and then aged 13–19 (born 1974-1980), as well as the teenagers of the
upcoming ten years."Generation Y" alludes to a succession from "Generation
X" and also reflects a change in the sexual openness of the younger
generation.The name "Echo Boomers"relates to the size of the generation and
its relation to the Baby boomer generation, preserving conservative views and
beliefs. One analysis of American demographics locates the increase in births
between 1978 and 1994. By this calculation there are 60 million members of
the generation, just shy of the 78.2 million baby boomers (as of 2005).
Generation Y'ers are largely the children of the Baby Boomers. Younger
members of this generation have parents that belong to Generation X.
"The Spirit of Generation Y", a 2006 Australian study, found 48% of those
polled believed in a God, while 20% did not believe in a God and 32% were
unsure if a God exists. A 2005 American study looked at 1,385 people aged 18
to 25 and found that over half of those in the study said that they pray regularly
before a meal. A third said that they talked about religion with friends, attend
places of worship, and read religious materials weekly. 23% of those studied
did not identify themselves as belonging to a religious denomination.  A recent
poll by the Pew Research Center on religion and Generation Y showed that
64% of Americans in this generation believe in God.
This generation is also sometimes referred to as the Boomerang Generation or
Peter Pan Generation because of their perceived penchant for delaying some
of the rites of passage into adulthood longer than most generations before
them, and because of a trend toward living with their parents for longer than
recent generations.The primary cause of this increased trend can be defined in
economic terms. Economic crises, including the dot-com bubble in 2000, and
the United States housing bubble that led to the current financial crisis have
made paying market-level rent, or any rent, difficult for a generation riddled with
high unemployment levels.However, economics is not the only explanation. Dr.
Larry Nelson, one of the three Marriage, Family, and Human Development
professors noted that some Millennials are delaying the transition from
childhood to adulthood as a response to mistakes made by their parents. "In
prior generations, you get married and you start a career and you do that
immediately. What young people today are seeing is that approach has led to
divorces, to people unhappy with their careers. The majority want to get
married--they just want to do it right the first time, the same thing with their
careers."
The Millennial Generation, like other generations, has been shaped by the
events, leaders, developments and trends of its time.[54] The rise of instant
communication technologies made possible through use of the internet, such
as email, texting, and IM and new media used through websites like YouTube
and social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, may explain
the Millennials' reputation for being somewhat peer-oriented due to easier
facilitation of communication through technology.Members of this generation
tend to use Google and Wikipedia uncritically as sources of information and to
freely share information online without regard to copyright. This trend of
communication is continuing into Generation Z. Expression and acceptance has
been highly important to this generation. Flash mobbing, internet meme, and
online communities have given some of the more expressive Generation Y
members acceptance, while online pen pals have given the more socially timid
individuals acceptance as well. In their 2007 book, Junco and Mastrodicasa
expanded on the work of Howe and Strauss to include research-based
information about the personality profiles of Millennials, especially as it relates
to higher education. They conducted a large-sample (7,705) research study of
college students. They found that Next Generation college students were
frequently in touch with their parents and they used technology at higher rates
than people from other generations. In their survey, they found that 97% of
students owned a computer, 94% owned a cell phone, and 56% owned a MP3
player. They also found that students spoke with their parents an average of
1.5 times a day about a wide range of topics.Other findings in the Junco and
Mastrodicasa survey included that 76% of students used instant messaging,
92% of those reported multitasking while IMing, and 40% of students used
television to get most of their news and 34% the Internet. The Millennials grew
up amidst a time during which the internet caused great change to all traditional
media. Shawn Fanning, a Generation Y member, founded the peer to peer file
sharing service Napster while in college. Though the RIAA won a lawsuit and
shut down the service in 2001, as a result of these innovations in technology
the Millennials had access to more music on demand than any previous
generation, and have forced the recording industry to adapt to new business
models. Due to the Global financial crisis of 2008-2009 this generation is also
beginning to be compared to the Lost Generation of the early 20th century.
The Millennials are sometimes called the "Trophy Generation", or "Trophy Kids,"
a term that reflects the trend in competitive sports, as well as many other
aspects of life, where "no one loses" and everyone gets a "Thanks for
Participating" trophy and symbolizing a perceived sense of entitlement. It has
been reported that this is an issue in corporate environments.Some employers
are concerned that Millennials have too great expectations from the workplace
and desire to shape their jobs to fit their lives rather than adapt their lives to
the workplace. Born in the mid-1980's and later, Generation Y legal
professionals are in their 20s and are just entering the workforce. With
numbers estimated as high as 70 million, Generation Y (also known as the
Millennials) is the fastest growing segment of today’s workforce. As law firms
compete for available talent, employers cannot ignore the needs, desires and
attitudes of this vast generation.
Tech-Savvy: Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform
their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cellphones and other
gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This
generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather
than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to
traditional lecture-based presentations.
Family-Centric: The fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who
is willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a
better work/life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as
narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Generation Y legal
professionals have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize
family over work.
Achievement-Oriented: Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to
make the mistakes of the previous generation, Generation Y is confident,
ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their
employers, seek out new challenges and are not afraid to question authority.
Generation Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve.
Team-Oriented: As children, Generation Y participated in team sports, play
groups and other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and
affirmation of others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, Generation Y
is loyal, committed and wants to be included and involved.
Attention-Craving: Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and
guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and
reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help
guide and develop their young careers.

July 13:  had dinner with friends last night.  On my way out I went to the
restroom and spotted a baby cricket on the floor.  I had to rescue it.  So I
trapped him in my hand, it took me a few minutes and I am sure viewing diners
wondered what I was doing (I did not care), and I walked out the front but there
was no grass near by and I couldn't let him go to be squashed by a car so I
walked across the lot and gave him his freedom in the grass...

July 5:  Yesterday for the 4th, w had rain all day that stopped by 5, no
thunderstorms like was forecast either & we knew the weather'd be perfect
come party time and it was. We had a GREAT 4th with 24 friends & family here.
The food was amazing as well!   The best gazpacho I've ever had, 7 layer dip,
brats & dogs & even veggie dogs, deviled eggs, baked beans, watermelon/feta
salad, tuna burger sliders, chips, brownies, cake, caramel rolls, potato salad &
ice cream bars! Our neighbor did his stadium fireworks shows practically over
our house, it lasted 20 minutes.  
A friend went on a recent date, here is a paraphrase of what she told me..” he
picked me up and drove while mapquesting directions on his cell phone. Dinner
was nice but he did reference his ex 3 times (who he apparently still lives with in
a partitioned bedroom). He asked me what my zombie-pocalypse plan was.  I
asked what that was - he couldn't believe that I didn't know - it was a plan for
survival when zombies take over the world. I laughed and that was not well-
accepted. He proceeded to tell me his entire plan for when this will occur.
Needless to say, we did not go out on a second date.

July 2:  Here are 2 things I'm serving on the 4th:
Gooey Butter Cake  
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick melted butter
1 egg, beaten
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 1/2 c powdered sugar (and extra for sprinkling over the top)
Chopped pecans
Mix cake mix, butter & 1 egg. Spread into sprayed 9 x 13 pan. Mix cream
cheese, 2 eggs & powdered sugar. Spread over top of cake mixture. Bake 350
for 40 minutes. Remove from oven & sprinkle with powdered sugar & chopped
pecans. Cool completely before serving.

Gooey Caramel Rolls
22 count frozen dinner rolls or 2 loafs
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box vanilla pudding mix (NOT instant)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
¾ c packed brown sugar
1 cup pecans, chopped
The night before: spray 9 X 13 & place the frozen rolls in. Sprinkle dry pudding
on top then pecans. Melt butter & stir in sugar then & pour over rolls. Place pan
in the cold oven overnight. Check them before turning oven on & if they rose
over the top of the pan, push the rolls hanging over back GENTLY. Turn oven
to 325 & bake about 25 minutes.  Remove & let cool 5 minutes in pan. Turn
onto platter & quickly invert.

July 1:  Our garden is doing so well!  I planted sweet corn for the first time and
it's waist high already.  Potatoes were so good last year, I did a ton more, I also
have tomatoes, some heirloom played softball with my church yesterday, hadn't
played since I was in grade school.  Woke up today with a note my husband left
me, "Good morning slugger.  I was so proud of you for playing yesterday even
tho you weren't in your element."  What a sweet man!  I did learn yesterday that
I'm not a bat thrower anymore, that was good for all around me! as well and I
did parsley and garlic chives.   Played in our church softball game last night
and my husband got me out at 1st base....he is such a good player!!  

June 29:  Went to see a chick flick yesterday, Letters to Julia.  It was pretty
good, I would see it!

June 25:  We're off tomorrow to see my 94 year old grama in South Dakota
we'll also go to some junk stores and have dinner at a diner I used to go as a
child where grampa always let me get a pizza burger (they hid cheese and pizza
sauce inside the burger).

June 24:  friends have been staying here the last few days and before they
came, my husband pitched right in and did some heavy cleaning, dusting and
vacuming..what a man I have! He never complains either. My life is perfect!  If I
had any doubt that I was a country girl before, I know now. All day yesterday it
rained and we had thunder and lightening. Today is still raining and there's
lightening and thunder and all i want to do is go check on my corn to make sure
it's ok as the heavy rains have been toppling it over to the dirt. Just took a dip
in our horse tank, ahhhh..refreshing then I jumped in the hot tub..92 outside,
103 in the tub and still it was wonderful!

June 17: Just watched the daddy Cardinal teach one of his babies how to fly. I
have never seen that before, amazing! I am sad tho becase now they are gone.
I am guessing they won't return to their nest? A few weeks ago an egg fell out &
I put it back in. When the 2 babies left today I looked and that egg is still there,
am ...I right in thnking that one suffered trama in the fall and won't be hatching?
Laura Lee Cochran gave me this recipe...No Flour Peanut Butter Choc Chip
Cookies.  1 C Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 C white sugar, 1/2 C brown sugar, 1/2
C choc. chips, 1 large egg beaten, 1 t vanilla. Mix up. Spoon onto cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Excellent!
I got the CUTEST drinking glasses at The Dollar Tree...they're the perfect
weight & they have colorful fruit slices all over them and they were a dollar each
I made Martina McBride's peach cobbler recipe and while the peach part was
great, the topping was tough...won't make that again.
My neighbor told me about an interesting dish that I am going to try next week,
has anyone else ever made this...you slice potatoes & onions, pour a can of 7-
Up over it and bake at 425 for 40 minutes covered then 10 minutes uncovered.
She says it makes a really good sauce too.

June 16:  Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight
is in the law of the Lord & on His law he meditates day & night. I am like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf
also shall not wither & whatever I do I shall prosper. Psalm 1

June 11:  God is faithful...do you believe that?  Are you waiting on Him for
some things, are you patient, hopeful, angry...?  The Word says 'You keep him
in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.'  Stay your mind on God..if you
don't you will fret and that only causes harm. If you find yourself fretting, say a
promise from the Bible out loud, it is medicine!  The fretting will leave.

June 5: If you have not read Andy Andres new book, The Heart Mender, RUSH
OUT to buy it. It's one of the best books I've ever read! It's a true story too.
Andy finds some old war relics buried in his yard and his quest to find out what
they are and the truth he uncovers will keep you burning a candle late into the
night...amazing story!!!
Going out today to buy a game we played last weekend, Bananagrams. Have
you ever played it? It's a blast and even 2 can play, so watch out my handsome
husband, I am aiming to beat you! :)

June 3:  A new report says those who do not eat organic food may be
ingesting up to 67 pesticides from certain foods. There are 12 fruits and
vegetables dubbed the “Dirty Dozen,” which contain 47 to 67 pesticides per
serving. They're most susceptible because they have soft skin that tends to
absorb more pesticides. The list was based on pesticide tests conducted after
the produce was washed with the USDA’s high-power pressure water system.
Produce that has a strong outer layer provides a defense against pesticide
contamination. The group dubbed that group the “Clean 15.”
The Dirty Dozen:  Celery, apple, bell peppers, potatoes, peaches, domestic
blueberries, spinach, kale and collard greens, imported grapes, strawberries,
nectarines, cherries & lettuce. The Clean 15:  Onions, pineapples, asparagus,
eggplant, grapefruit, avocados, mango, kiwi, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, corn,
peas, cabbage & watermelon.

June 2:  got a new tab for you to check out, it's titled 'faith' and it has all kinds
of cool things in it, stuff to read and videos too.  It's in the tabs under my 'e-mail
Kat' picture.

May 23:  Thanks to computer guy Steve Watts, I am now virus free and will
remain that way.  It took him 5 hours but it is GONE, praise God! My garden's
starting to come alive, even the corn, I am so excited! We made the garden
smaller this year and coming out of the grass where the potatoes were last year
are 2 potato plants. I must have left 2 in the ground and they decided they will
not be stopped. There is a spiritual lesson there somewhere!

May 20: After years of putting the toilet roll on "backwards" I have decided to
change and try it the "right " way, we shall see.  These are the kinds of things
that occupy my day. Birds have built a nest in a hanging planter right by our
front door - a busy spot, so I don't get it.  I am having to water very carefully
now.

May 18:  I went dog walking with my friends Kelly and Jewel yesterday and we
all got loaded with ticks yet the dogs had none.  When we got back, Kelly paid
tribute to our experience in a poem..

Tick tock
You SO don't rock
You creep about
And stalk
The innocent
The unsuspecting
Those out to enjoy sunshine
Nature, a nice breeze
What makes you think
I want to share
Some plasma or white cells?
No hesitation to strike a match
Or crush your tiny head
Beneath my grocery cart wheels?
Inspired by a walk and a freeloading nest of nasty bloodsucking ticks.

May 14:  I finally have signs of life in my garden, the onions are coming out
first  Today I have a lot to do, I'm getting 4 new tires on my car, I have family
coming for a weenie roast tomorrow night. Then I & a few friends are having a
tea at church tomorrow afternoon.  There will be lots of yummy things, some
tired and true, some new.  My sister-in-law's orange cookies she makes at
Christmas may steal the show!

May 8:  I got my garden in this week...5 kinds of potatoes, 5 kinds tomatoes
including heirloom, 3 kinds of onions, parsley, 3 kinds of sweet corn and garlic
chives.  I have never tried corn before so I am curious to see how that works.  I
even like it un-cooked, right off the cob.

April 8:  How To Plant Your Garden
Plant 3 rows of peas:
Peace of mind, Peace of heart & Peace of soul  
Plant 4 rows of squash:
Squash gossip, Squash indifference, Squash grumbling & Squash selfishness
Plant 4 rows of lettuce:
Lettuce be faithful,  Lettuce be kind, Lettuce be patient & Lettuce really love
one another
No garden is without turnips:
Turnip for meetings, Turnip for service & Turnip to help one another
To conclude our garden we must have Thyme:
Thyme for God, Thyme for each other, Thyme for family & Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE & CULTIVATE LOVE.   
DON'T FORGET, YOU REAP WHAT YOU  SOW.

April 1:  Last night's dinner of elk and pheasant was appreciated by my
husband and his brother.  The only problem, they bit down on bird shot.  Who
knew...I guess there's an art to getting it all out.

Mar 26: Imagine yourself in a situation where you wanted to say something
about someone.  You’re better off being positive than negative. That applies to
words you say to yourself as well.   Speaking good about you is important, even
if you’re the only one listening. Look for something good in the people you are
around & say it!  “You look marvelous,” “you're such a great leader “you have
such a peace about you.”  You can’t go wrong when using feel-good words to
describe others.  Here are some great ones: admirable, amazing,
approachable, blessed, bright, brilliant, caring, cheerful, compassionate,
courageous, dedicated, delightful, determined, empathetic, energetic,
enthusiastic, extraordinary, flexible, friendly, generous, gifted, gracious, helpful,
incredible, inspiring, kindhearted, loyal, marvelous, motivating, remarkable,
respectful, selfless, sensational, sincere, stable, steady, trustful, understanding
and unique.

Mar 25:  I just took both dogs to walk behind our church.  Malchus started
getting all excited and smelling the air when we passed by this area of downed
trees by the railroad tracks, and thank you Jesus I had a good hold on him
because he flushed out a coyote.  Ruby was a little ahead so she thankfully
didn't see it right away or she would have caught it.  She chased it all the way
to the water and in trying to hold Malchus back, the leash tore into my skin. The
coyote was not running that fast so it must have been sleeping and a bit Mar
25:  I just took both dogs to walk behind our church.  Malchus started getting all
excited and smelling the air when we passed by this area of downed trees by
the railroad tracks, and thank you Jesus I had a good hold on him because he
flushed out a coyote.  Ruby was a little ahead so she thankfully didn't see it
right away or she would have caught it.  She chased it all the way to the water
and in trying to hold Malchus back, the leash tore into my skin. The coyote was
not running that fast so it must have been sleeping and a bit drowsy.  He was a
big one and not that skinny either &he was about the height of a lab.  Many
have been asking about our Great Dane Malchus and his recent surgery,
here's an update...Malchus will have what remains of his staples out Monday
(he's torn most out) and the wound will heal open but bandaged, for awhile
longer.  I was there yesterday for a bandage change and the vet told me the
results of biopsy was in from Colorado State University.  He did not have a
tumor after all, he had a wound where something had gotten in and there was
such an inflammatory response it caused a tumor like growth.  When my vet
and the 1st vet diagnosed it, the liquid they took out was filled with plasma
cells,  making them think it was a plasmacytoma tumor. Turns out any
inflammation would have plasma cells as well.  Even so, she said it still would
have had to be taken off as it was a spongy mass and not just a lump filled with
liquid and it was getting larger by the day.  He must have gotten it while we
were out in the woods one day as the dogs run all over the place there.  It has
been a rough few weeks but God is faithful and we are doing great...soon it will
all be back to normal. My husband & his calm way is the reason we are doing
so well!

Mar 22:  Made beef tongue taco's for my hubby last night and he said they
were really good. He said the meat just melted in his mouth.  I cooked it all day -
9 hours in my crock pot.

Mar 9:  If you want to send someone in the military a care package, some
soldiers at Fort Hood Texas told me the best things we can send over:
1.  Any home made cookies, it takes 2 weeks for them to get there but most
fare quite well they say, just package them well for shipping.
2.  Magazines - any are good especially motorcycle ones, specifically cruisers.
3.  Calling cards so they can call home
4.  Books (he's a Christian so that kind would be great!)
5.  AA batteries for their flashlights, they never can get them fast enough from
the base.
The guys at Ft. Hood say these would be the best things to send as they're
hard to find at the base store and the store has basically anything else they
could need.
Theresa just told me you can send those packages in a flat rate box so
no matter how heavy, it goes for one price & once you start sending
those packages you get really good at packing them tight.

Mar 4:  Notes from Fred Astaire's screen test. "Can't dance. Can't act. Can sing
a little." So, that was just one person's opinion.  Do not let one person's opinion
stop you either!

Mar 3:  To keep potatoes  from budding, place an apple in the bag with the  
potatoes.
Buy mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a  year.
If you  accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop  in a peeled
potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an  instant 'fix-me-up.'
Wrap celery in  aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will  keep for
weeks.
Cure for  headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your  forehead. The
throbbing will go away.

Feb 26:  The Wonderful Egg White. 1 large egg white contains about 16 - 17
calories.  It has no cholesterol, fat, carbohydrate and is rich in protein. It is also
less likely to harbor the dangerous salmonella, which happens more frequent in
egg yolk. 1 large egg white can contain up to 3 g of protein, 2 mg of calcium, 4
mg of phosphorus, 45 mg of potassium, 55 mg of sodium and the tinniest bit of
riboflavin.  Eat 1 egg yolk and you almost reach your daily cholesterol
allowance of 300 mg.....
1 egg white contains about 40 different proteins, the main ones are these (in
percentage together with their natural functions in egg white):
•Ovalbumin - 64%, blocks digestive enzymes
•Ovotransferrin - 12%, helps to bind iron
•Ovomucoid - 11%, blocks digestive enzymes
•Globulins - 8%, plugs defects in membranes and shell
•Lysozyme - 3.5%, enzyme that digests bacterial cell walls
•Ovomucin - 1.5%, thickens egg white and inhibits viruses
•Avidin - 0.6%, binds vitamin (biotin)
For an average active person, you need about 1 gram of protein per pound of
body weight per day. For a non-active person, you might only need half the
amount. Just so you know, protein is the building blocks for muscle. It's also the
primary food for your brain.
When you workout, you should get protein into your body within 15-30 minutes
following your workout, to build muscle.

Feb 24: today I am making banana muffins for our cheddar baked spaghetti
dinner, a twist from the usual garlic bread.  I finally used the laundry soap I
made it  worked great, each load costs one cent so I guess I'll be making my
own laundry soap from now on plus it's super easy to make!

Feb 19:  A wonderful day.  Snow falling, hot cheese/broccoli soup, warm polar
fleece sweats, the Olympics,  sleeping dogs, quiet house, new furnace that's
toasty warm, and a God who loves me.

Feb 17:  I had a lasagna break thru last night and this is HUGE!  You know how
the bottom noodle always stuck and it gets very tough and leather like....well,
put a layer of Saltine crackers in the pan first, then those first noodles, then
your filling and the bottom noodle will come out perfect!  Here's one more tip -
you don't need to pre-cook the noodles, if you bake it for an hour, they are
cooked to perfection!

Feb 16:  I feel like Ma Kettle..I made laundry soap yesterday after seeing a
recipe on-line. It has to sit 24 hours till I can use it..we shall see. It smells really
good and it'll be easy on my septic!

Feb 14:  I have the most wonderful husband!  He gave me a box of chocolates
for Valentine's Day plus a card where he wrote the sweetest things.  I think I've
read it 10 times now. Yesterday was my mother-in-law's surprise 80th birthday
party.  It was so fun and she loved it!  She was beaming and I got some great
pictures.  I will post them on my facebook account soon. To be my friend on
facebook, go here and scroll down and you will see the icon in the left margin.

Feb 10:  My hubby and I rebound (exercise on a mini trampoline and here are
some of the reasons why)
Rebounding:
1. increases the capacity for respiration.
2. circulates more oxygen to the tissues.
3. better ratio between the oxygen needed by tissues and the oxygen available.
4. muscles move fluids through the body better,  thus lightening the heart's
load.
5. tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during
exertion.  
6. lessens the time which blood pressure remains abnormal after severe activity.
7. holds off the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
8. increases the activity of bone marrow in the production of red blood cells.
9. aids lymphatic circulation and the flow in the veins of the circulatory system.
10. encourages collateral circulation.
11. strengthens the heart and other muscles.
12. allows the resting heart to beat less often.
13. lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
14. stimulates the metabolism.
15. promotes body growth and repair.
16. tones up the glandular system, especially increasing the thyroids output.
17. adds to the alkaline reserve of the body.
18. chemically attains absolute potential of the cells.
19. reserves bodily strength and physical efficiency.
20. expands the body's capacity for fuel storage and endurance.
21. improves coordination.
22. affords muscular vigor from increased muscle fiber tone.
23. offers relief from neck and back pains and headaches.
24. enhances digestion and elimination.
25. allows for better relaxation and sleep.
26. results in a better mental performance and learning.
27. curtails fatigue and menstrual discomfort.
28. minimizes colds, allergies, digestive disturbances, and abdominal problems.
29. slows down aging.
30. reduces the likelihood of obesity.
31. stimulates the cells of the eyes and visual cortex,  thus improving eyesight.  

Rebounding is not strenuous on the joints and skeletal system because the soft
surface absorbs 87% of the shock.  It's alternating weightlessness and double
gravity pulls waste products from the cells and forces into them oxygen and
nutrition from the bloodstream.  The aerobic effect you get often surpasses that
of running.  Jogging on the rebounder for 20 minutes is the equivalent of
running 3 miles.  The lymphatic system rids you of toxins such as cancerous
cells, wastes, fat, viruses, metals, and other junk from cells.  Since the
lymphatic system does not have its own pump,  rebounding helps do that.  It
also increases oxygen and that helps us burn calories, destroy toxins, rid
bacteria and stimulates our heart.  Sickness is blockages in the body and with
increased oxygen and blood flow,  rebounding can help to remove the
blockages, return blood flow and circulation. What's great is,  rebounding works
at the cellular level so you don't get tired.  Do it every day or at least 3-4 times
a week.  

"For security reasons,  I exercise indoors so if you see somebody jumping up
and down on the second floor of the White House,  that's me rebounding."
President Ronald Regan

"I keep my rebounder at the foot of my bed and use it daily."  
Almost 100 year old Bob Hope

"Never in my 35 years as a physician have I found any exercise method that will
do more for the physical body than rebound exercise."  Dr. Henry Savage  

"Rebound exercise is the closest thing to a 'Fountain of Youth' that science has
yet found.  Author and Ph.D.,  James R. White   

"Levels of oxygen uptake were significantly greater while trampolining than
running,  a difference of 68%. "  N.A.S.A., Journal of Applied Physiology

"Rebounding is by far the most efficient and effective form of exercise yet
devised by man. Bouncing creates resistance so you're working your legs,
buttocks and abs.  Congested lymphatics result in disease and sickness &
some examples of congested lymphatics:  Allergies,  Sinusitis,  Heart disease,  
Eczema,  Loss of Energy,  Fibrocystic disease,  Chronic fatigue,  Parasitic
infections,  MS,  Edema,  Lupus,  Inflammation,  High blood pressure,  Viral
infections,  Puffy eyes,  Bacterial infections,  Low back pain,  Cancer, Inner ear
problems,  Arthritis,  Headaches,  Cellulite and Obesity."    "The New Miracles of
Rebound Exercise" by Albert E. Carter

Feb 5:  George Phillips, an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going
up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed,
which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door
to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing
things.  He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"
He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing
from me. Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock
your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."  George said,
"Okay."  He hung up the phone and counted to 30.  Then he phoned the police
again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people
stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now
because I just shot them." and he hung up. Within five minutes, six Police Cars,
a SWAT Team, a helicopter, two fire trucks, a paramedic, and an Ambulance
showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed. One
of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"  
George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

Feb 5:  Thanks to my new Canadian friend Mary Richardson I just learned a
new word,  we say 'boonies,' Canadians say 'willywags.'  I love that!

Feb 2: ALWAYS welcome interruptions in life and at your job and if you
welcome them - you’ll GET what they were intended for - to be a blessing.  

Feb 1:  I saved this from a show I saw on TV years ago...How To Potty Train..
*The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until 2 years of age to
potty train. You can demonstrate or have the doll demonstrate the process of
"going potty." Find out who your child's superhero is. The hero will provide the
motivation.
To begin potty training your child, you will need to have a few items:
A doll that wets
A potty chair
"Big kid" underwear (not diapers)
Also have LOTS of liquids for your child and the doll to drink
Your child will learn by teaching the doll how to go potty. Have them name the
doll then give it something to drink. Walk the doll to the potty chair with your
child.  Pull the doll's "big kid" underwear down and watch the doll go potty
together. Make sure the child sees it hit the potty. When the doll successfully
goes potty, throw a party – with hats, horns and celebrate! Give lots of
attention to the doll so that your child understands that going potty is a good
thing.
Let your child know that when he/she goes potty, they will have a potty party
too. Not only that, make sure your child knows they get to call their favorite
superhero to tell them what they just did,  right after they do it. At the beginning
of the process you placed "big kid" underwear on your child's doll. Now it's time
to take away the diapers and put "big kid" underwear on your child.  Give your
child plenty of fluids to drink. The sooner he/she has to go potty, the sooner
you can begin potty training. Ask your child if they need to go potty. Your child
might say no and that's OK. Because you've given your child plenty of fluids,
they will soon need to go. If your child has an accident in their underwear, don't
scold them. You want this to be a positive experience.
Take your child to the potty, pull their underwear down, and have them sit
down. Do this 9 times. This builds muscle memory & your child will eventually
go. When your child successfully goes potty, throw them a potty party. Most
importantly, your child can now call their favorite superhero and tell the hero
about what they just did! Enlist the help of a friend to play the hero & take the
phone call.  When your child has an accident, simply take them to the bathroom
9 times in a row as you did before. This will continue to build their muscle
memory & don't forget to keep up positive reinforcement.

Jan 31:  From an on-line devotional I read…"Be not afraid nor dismayed...for
the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15).
I believe Jesus lives in us if we're born again. I believe Jesus is greater than the
devil. I know the Word of God says that therefore, I must act like it's true. That's
when it becomes a reality, and that's when Jesus goes to work for me. If I go to
pieces and act like I'm trying to fight the battle, then Jesus is not fighting it. And
then I'm not taking advantage of what He has done for me. So I don't try to
figure out the situation. I just lie down and go to sleep, no matter what's going
on. During the years I pastored, almost every church the Lord sent me to, was
a church that had trouble. One church in particular no one wanted to pastor.
God dealt with me before they contacted me, so I took it. But I didn't have any
trouble. I rolled that church and its problems over on to Jesus. I would say to
the people, "I'm not going to bother about that." I meant I wasn't going to worry,
even if the deacons had a fist fight in the church yard. I would have just let
them fight & afterwards I would have gone and prayed with them & gotten them
lined up so we could go on with God.
Confession: I refuse to battle. The battle is not mine, but God's. He is
the Greater One, and I have put Him to work in my behalf by knowing
His Word and by acting like it is true.

Jan 30: Are you discouraged right now?  Have you been waiting for
something?  Do you feel like God has forsaken you?   Take heart then,
everything you need you already have.  Never give up!
~ 23 publishers rejected Dr. Seuss's first book
~ Michael Jordan's high school basketball team cut him
~ 21 publishers rejected M*A*S*H
~ Henry Ford went broke five times before succeeding.
Be thankful - Always forgive - Press on no matter what.

Jan 29:  Grammy's are Sunday night and I just got my 3D glasses at Target to
see the tribute to Michael Jackson.  I love anything 3D!   I had a great lunch at
the Cracker Barrel with my friend Stephanie yesterday.  She had beans and
greens and I had friend apples and buttermilk biscuits, yum!  It's amazing how
fast a 2 hour lunch goes when you're deep in great conversation.

Jan 24: You know how people always ask ‘how was your weekend?’ and
sometimes something spectacular happens and sometimes it does not.  There’
s almost a sense of when people ask me that, that I have to come up with
something grand, especially if they experienced something grand on the
weekend.  Well, ask away because I had something happen to me this weekend
that was a first.  Ok, not a true first but a gold medal performance, I can say
that for sure!  I was making homemade cucumber ranch dressing.  I wanted to
get it just right, so I was tweaking it & adding a few things. I didn’t check to see
that the lid of my Vita-Mix was secured and since I’d just been using it, I had the
speed already on high.  Can you see it coming….  I flipped the on switch and
the top flew off and I got green tinted cucumber ranch dressing on the following
areas:  the floor, the rug on the floor, the counter tops, my chocolate brown
Ugg boots, my white socks, the cupboards, 2 bowls in the cupboards, the Vita-
Mix, water jug, toaster, the kitchen back splash, my t-shirt, jeans and the
electric tea pot.  FOURTEEN things.  My husband as he was helping me clean
up said, (trying to make me feel better), ‘that’s ok, it’ll only set you back about
10 minutes.’  It took 30 but I recovered well and now my kitchen sparkles. The
only causality was the rug.  It could have been worse (I usually never like when
someone says this) but it could have been worse, it could have been scalding
hot soup which I frequently make.  All to say, God is good, I am over it and now
to some football.

Jan 20:  Kind of a girl thing but I was searching for home remedies for dry,
cracked heels & this is what I found.  Put shortening on your feet, then socks
and leave on overnight. You should see some positive results in a few days.
Coat your feet in raw honey then do socks before going to bed at night. This
not only softens your feet, but helps heal fissures as well.
One person says the best one & the cheapest is using shortening.

Jan 18: We had the BEST potluck at our new church Sunday.  Our first one and
we couldn't believe how much food there was.  There must have been 10 crock
pots with hot food in them & an entire table of deserts!  I think more churches
need to bring the potluck back.  Great food and great fellowship make for a
great day!  We are really excited about our new church.  Debating on seeing a
movie today or just hanging around home. Part of tonight's dinner I made
yesterday - buttermilk cheddar biscuits that I'll bake today, thanks Barefoot
Contessa.  The blender chocolate mousse I made is set so tonight all I'll have
to make is Beer Can Chicken,  mashed Yukon Gold's with sour cream and milk
gravy, plus baby portabello mushrooms sauted in Mirin, to make them kinda
sweet...yum!! Can't wait!

Jan 16:  Got 2 great new tips for you in my First magazine.  To get pills and
balls off sweaters, rub them with the rough side of a Velcro strip gently in a
circular motion.  To roast potatoes like a restaurant does, so they're crispier,
rough any cut part with a fork.  This creates more routes for moisture to escape
and make the roasted potato crispier and not mushy.

Jan 15:  Saw this on Facebook today…Call the Nestle Crunch Hotline at 1-800-
295-0051.  A lot of people are calling it so you may get a busy signal for awhile
but keep trying. After Apolo Ono talks you will be asked if you want to continue
in English or Spanish, do nothing, just wait quietly for 5 seconds. Then press 4.
Then press 7.   Cute and it’ll make you smile. I also pressed 1.
I'm ready for a catch up weekend. Got some movies to watch, bathrooms to
clean,  09 tax stuff to get ready & dogs to walk. A few days ago one of our dogs
Malchus ate something in the woods on our walk.  It was all fur, no blood and
looked like the biggest deer tail I have ever seen.  Despite my screaming, he
swallowed it whole before I could even get near him.  I trusted God that He
would cover our dog and that thing would not block his system.  After all, wolf's
in the wild must do this all the time. He was fine and now we see fur daily (if you
know what I mean...)
From Facebook:
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy,
it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng
is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn
mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Olny 55% of
plepoe can raed tihs.

Jan 12:  last night my husband and I were in a commercial.  We had to eat
dinner with another couple and look like we were all having fun.  The truth is,
we were!  The other couple, Jim and Stephanie were great and they made it all
so easy!  We found out they, like us, met on-line and are also very happily
married.  We'll be married 3 years this August and they have only been married
4 months.  We had so many other things in common with them as well!  I love
when God does stuff like that! For the commercial, before they began shooting,
they had picked my husband to be the main guy, he had to have a surprised
look on his face when they put his food in front of him.  After I heard that I got
very relaxed, pressure off.   But.....at the last second they moved him out of the
hot seat and put me there so now I had to have the up close shot and come up
with a natural surprised look on my face.  I started to get cold and nervous. He
said some reassuring words to me and it all went great.  I was having so much
fun and almost forgot why I was there so I didn't hear my cue a few times but
they got a good take and in an hour we were done.  Here is the biggest thing
tho.  I had to eat a chicken enchilada.  I have not eaten meat since 2001.  I
didn't want to say anything and look like a diva, so I ate it and God covered
me!  I went to bed and slept great and had not one problem.  It did not bring my
taste for meat back but it did increase my faith that God is able to cover that
which I give to Him. I forgot to add that my husband in the most gentle of ways
told me last night seconds before the shoot that my nose was about to release
some snot....God bless that man!

Jan 8:  I have a new blog that I love, you must check out Soiled Wings.
Here is the latest entry...
Let me confess something, the thought of Universalism/Unitarianism is a lovely
idea. During my wandering, New Age, seeking-something-greater-than-my-
childhood-faith years, I favored and EMBRACED the idea that no matter which
One Supreme Good All Knowing deity you followed – all paths led to one place,
to one true God.  I felt that more than a handful of us were honestly trying to
live good lives, help others, seek peace and honor a loving creator of all
things.  And the slightest change of birth place and language, resulted in giving
the same God a variety of images, titles and names.  I secretly hoped that we
were really more the same than different when it came to the ”fillings” in the
god-shaped-hole of our hearts. At the end of the day, when all is said and
done, I thought (and still hope) that no one, except truly evil people and those
who purposely hurt animals, belong behind the gates of hell.  (fyi: I’m not a
vegetarian, as I can attest to here, I do love my beef, pork and poultry – but I
also love live breathing animals and can’t stand seeing them abused and
intentionally hurt…those current Humane Society commercials are killing me
softly). Anyways, back to blissful Unitarianism.  I wish it were true, it would ease
my mind and heart.  I have had LDS friends as a child and co-workers as an
adult; I’ve always been fascinated by their beliefs and rituals (PS: Big Love
starts soon, and I really kinda dig this show).  But regardless of what I’ve been
taught about our differences, I’ve always thought – they are good people –
great morals –  strong families – and aside from some special undergarments,
pluralism, secret names, and handshakes – they are really good people who
love “God”.  Ditto with Hare Krishna, Gnostics, Buddhist, Hindus, followers of
Judaism and the newer Church of Oprah. You can read the rest here.

Jan 6: This is amazinng!
Turns out the plastic knee joints in Barbie's long legs make good knuckles in
prosthetic fingers. Jane Bahor, who makes lifelike body parts for amputees at
Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., has used knees from Barbie
dolls to make new fingers for about a dozen patients."I've been making artificial
fingers for a long time. And of course the thing that makes fingers work the best
is movement.  In brainstorming one day with a patient, we said, 'How could we
make a finger move? Most of our artificial digits are just stable….If we could
make them move like a Barbie leg.' And then the light bulb went off." Bahor and
a patient, Jennifer Jordan, then a North Carolina State University engineering
student, came up with the idea three years ago while discussing how to make
Jordan's prosthetic finger more realistic and useful. Last fall when Bahor
thought the idea was really going to work, she called Mattel and asked to buy
some knee joints. Mattel was so impressed that it sent Bahor a bag full of parts
for free. "Once you free the joint out of the Barbie doll, you can insert it into the
prosthetic device. And then the patient can manually manipulate that joint,
bring it up and down to change the positions of the finger and function," Bahor
explains. Wearers of the artificial fingers bend them in the same way they would
bend Barbie's leg. They can use their other hand to bend the joint, as if
cracking the knuckle. Just like Barbie's legs, the fingers stay bent until the
owner straightens them. Being able to bend prosthetic fingers makes it easier
for an amputee to hold a pen, pick up a cup or grip the steering wheel.
"Working with these patients and seeing what their needs were, their need to
be able to hold a pin - very simple functions that you and I don't have any
difficulty with - we really wanted to try to make these nice-looking prosthetics
more functional for people," Bahor adds.

Jan 2: from something I read...
I went to America some years ago with the captain of a steamer, who was a
very devoted Christian. When off the coast of Newfoundland he said to me,
"The last time I crossed here 5 weeks ago, something happened which
revolutionized my Christian life. We had George Mueller on board. I had been
on the bridge 24 hours and never left when George came to me, and said,
"Captain, I must be in Quebec Saturday afternoon." "It is impossible," I said.
"Very well, if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way. I have
never broken an engagement for 57 years. Let us go down into the chart-room
and pray."  I thought to myself, what lunatic asylum can he have come from? "
Mr. Mueller," I said, "do you know how dense this fog is?" "No," he replied,  "my
eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every
circumstance of my life." He knelt down and prayed a simple prayer and when
he had finished I was going to pray; but he told me not to. "First, you do not
believe He will answer and second I believe He has, and there is no need for
you to pray."  He said, "Captain, I’ve known my Lord for 57 years & there has
never been a single day that I have failed to get audience with the King. Get up
& you will find the fog gone.” I got up & the fog was gone & on Saturday
afternoon, George Mueller was in Quebec.

Jan 1 2010:  Isn't it weird that we're now in 2010.  It sounds so futuristic to me!
My Christmas break was so relaxing and so fun!  My husband had 10 days off
so we had a great time, went out to lunch, did some shopping, watched movies,
ate lts of Christmas cookies and egg nog...well, he drank the egg nog, I just
can't drink anything that smells like Juicy Fruit gum...yuck! I have the best book
series I am reading, they are by painter Thomas Kinkade.  You will LOVE them.  
If you like Karen Kingsbury, you will love these too.  I got them at the library and
they are hard to put down.

Dec 23:  lots to get ready the next few days, cakes to make, lasagna and mac &
cheese too.  We're seeing family over the holidays plus they'll come here too.  
Can't wait for all the fun to begin.  Christmas Eve when my sweetie comes home
from work we'll celebrate with hot chocolate that we'll dunk buttered english
muffins in to, yum!  A childhood fav!!  During the rush of all you have left to do,
try not to forget Jesus is who we are celebrating and honoring.  He is the
Reason, He is the Life, He is the Savior, He is the Healer, He is God come down
to earth in the flesh so we too could spend eternity in paradise, sins forgiven,
body made whole. Make a vow to tell people about your faith in 2010, don't just
keep it for the time you're in church Sunday...a hurting world needs the hope
you know and are learning about. Be bold, the time is short...

Dec 17: me and my newly dyed back-to-blond hair are starting on my Christmas
cookies tomorrow, yeah!  I plan to make 3 kinds tomorrow and 3 on Saturday.  I
am really excited for Christmas next week...there's a candle light service at
church the 24th, then going to a family dinner the 25th, a family dinner here the
26th, then another family get together the 27th..where we get to see my niece's
new adorable baby girl.  Good food, fellowship & babies - 3 of my favorite
things!  I am taking some time off as well - Dec 25th and back Jan 4th.  I went
out to do 2 hours of errands today and at the first stop realized I was wearing
my slippers..and it's snow covered here to beat.  Heard this on the radio today.  
Maybe someone needs to hear it.  How can I make the person happy they’re
married to me,  actions lead toward feelings, if I act loving toward my spouse, I
will feel loving toward them.

Dec 11:  My husband loves Christmas cookies so here is what I'll be baking this
year, some old, some new recipes...Grandma Verna's Peanut Butter Balls,
Butter Cookies with Lemon Frosting,  Chocolate Coconut Macaroons, Maple-
Pecan Sticky Bars,  Bailey's Irish Cream Truffles & Thumbprints.

Dec 10:  The Twelve Days of Christmas (what it all means)
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)
5 Golden Rings refers to the first 5 books of the Old Testament: 1)
Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which
gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the
creation of a people to be a light to the world.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the 6 days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom ,
Understanding, Counsel (right judgment), Fortitude or Courage, Knowledge,
Reverence, Fear of the Lord).
8 Maids A-milking refers to the 8 beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in
spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8)
those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the 9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy,
Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-
control).
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the 10 commandments: 1) You shall have no
other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in
vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do
not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false
witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)
11 Pipers Piping refers to the 11 faithful apostles: 1) Simon Peter,
2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8)
Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James.  
(Luke 6:14-16).  The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot
who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the 12 points of doctrine in the
Apostle's Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven
and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He
descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He
ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will
come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8)
the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of
sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Dec 9: Back in the 1500s: - History Trivia -
They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot
& then once a day it was taken & sold to the tannery.......if you had to do this to
survive you were "Piss Poor" But worse than that were the really poor folk who
couldnt even afford to buy a pot............they "didn't have a pot to piss in" &
were the lowest of the low. Most people got married in June because they took
their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June... However,
since they were starting to smell . .. . brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide
the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting
married. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the
house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and
men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all, the babies. By then
the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying,
"Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!"  Houses had thatched roofs-
thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for
animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived
in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would
slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs." There
was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real
problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your
nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top
afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence. The
floor was dirt.. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the
saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the
winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their
footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened
the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the
entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold. In those old days, they cooked in the
kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire.. Every day they lit the
fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get
much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to
get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food
in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot,
peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. Sometimes they
could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over
they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man
could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests
and would all sit around and chew the fat. Those with money had plates made
of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto
the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with
tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered
poisonous. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt
bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the
upper crust. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination
would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking
along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They
were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would
gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up.
Hence the custom of holding a wake. England is old and small and the local
folks started running out of places to bury people So they would dig up coffins
and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When
reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks
on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they
would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up
through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the
graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus,someone
could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer.... And that's the
truth...Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! !

Dec 8:  watched a great Packers game last night with my hubby.  Aaron Rogers
is such an amazing player.  Today we watched "Dan in Real Life."  really cute
movie and my husband even liked it.

Dec 4:   It's chilly today and I love it! I have some new boots for walking the
dogs in cold weather and I love them, check them out here.

Dec 2:  Charlie Brown was preempted by Obama last night, so it'll now be on
Dec 15th.  Tonight Rudolph is on and I just have to watch it or it's not
Christmas. The really cold weather is starting to set in here finally and I LOVE
it!  I have all my cold weather clothes now to walk the dogs, the house is also
stocked with lots of dry firewood and our hot tub has all new water to carry us
through the winter.  There is little as amazing as sitting in a toasty hot tub while
it's freezing or even snowing outside.  Ours is by Nordic, the BEST, I did my
research!

Dec 1:  Christmas is nearly here and I am ready!  The house is decorated, the
tree is dressed with the presents all wrapped under it.  I only have 2 left to buy
then I am all done!  

Nov 25:  Blessings on your day with friends and family tomorrow!
A Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray
We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold
But Lord, I'd like to take a few minute more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for
For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head
I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know
Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure
That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace
So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited  Amen!

Nov 23:  I had the BEST compliment the other day, my husband reads this blog.
Who knew...Go see Tim McGraw's new movie, "The Blind Side," it is the feel
good movie of the year!  Anyone shopping the day after Thanksgiving?  I was
until the store where I got my new recliner gave me the day after sale price
early, this past weekend, now I can sleep in that day!  Do you know some
stores open at 4 AM the day after?  We are going to my husband's aunt and
uncles place for Thanksgiving and we're excited!  There will be about 18
people, the more the merrier I say and all the food will be great as well.  I am
bring a new cake my cousin made last week.  She and her husband said it was
the best cake they've ever had.  

Nov 19: My husband and I rented 5 movies from the library and watched one of
them last night. "Harvey" staring Jimmy Stewart.  A classic and it's excellent.  
Jimmy said it's his favorite movie he ever did.  I made chocolate cake last night,
it is SO good!  It came from my fav site, allrecipes.com and it really is the best
chocolate cake I have ever eaten! One half I did with chocolate butter cream
frosting and the other half I filled in spots with raspberry jam then frosted it with
regular butter cream - yum!!  I had to have a piece of each!  On our walk
yesterday, the dogs found a young raccoon.  He was not acting quite right and
someone told me distemper in wild animals is bad this time of then year. I am
trying to find a wildlife rescue person today to come out and take a look at it to
see if it has disease of if it's just hurt.  I know I should let nature take it's course
but when I see hurt animals, I have to help.

Nov 12:  This is from listener Nedra Morrell from Goldsmith, Texas about last
nights CMA awards and I have to say I agree...
"What has happened to country music?  I watched the CMA awards and I have
to say if Taylor Swift is country then God help country.  The gyrations and
clothes she and Carrie did and wore were a disgrace to country.  Gee, do I
sound like George Jones?  But, come on, can you see Loretta or Barbara
doing some of those things on stage?  Thank you.  I just had to have my say."
I read an obit I had to share with you.  The founder of the Sonic drive in died
recently at 87 - Troy Smith, Sr.  The obit said something we all need to hear
and need to adopt in our lives, "in his business interactions, he was known for
chuckling in the face of bad news and greeting colleagues with effusive praise.
In September, when he could not appear at a company convention because of
his health, he taped a message for company employees, apologizing for not
thanking them enough over the years."

Nov 11:  for anyone who has any kind of cancer, here are some things to
consider, told to me by a few friends...it will give you a TON of hope!
http://www.polymvasurvivors.com/http://www.polymvasurvivors.
com/testimonial_breastcancer.htmlhttp://www.polymvasurvivors.
com/testimonial_breastcancer_june_black.html
Jane Plant 'The No Dairy Breast Cancer Prevention Program
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312291671

Nov 9:  A wise old owl lived in an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke, the
more he heard, why can't we be more like that old bird?  The weekend was
glorious!  My husband sold 2 paintings to my long time friend Tom, so that was
really cool!  It is hard to part with them, really!  The greatest thing about his
paintings is they always make you feel happy and make you smile and laugh.  
He is SO gifted.  I was busy this weekend, did some laundry and cleaning but
still have to get to the bathrooms, I froze a bunch of bananas for our smoothies,
I got some reading done on the interesting subject of physical healing, I saved
some money & printed my own address labels, and I almost rode horses with
my neighbor but the one I was to ride was limping, so we couldn't go, drats!

Nov 6: Ways to Go Green…my niece Molly found this, thanks Molly!!
The single biggest electricity user in your house is the refrigerator.  Cleaning
the coils every 6 months will help you use less energy and save money. (Flip
up or remove the kick plate or toe grill, and clean with a vacuum attachment or
bottle brush. Make sure to unplug the fridge or turn off its circuit breaker first.)
Unplugging TVs, DVD players, computers, and other major electronics when
they're not in use could keep thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide out of the
air each year. To avoid the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging, plug
several electronics onto one power strip and switch it off.
A whopping 40 percent of the water used in your home goes down the toilet.
Put a brick or plastic milk jug filled with pebbles in the tank. The space it takes
up reduces the amount of water needed to fill the tank, so you'll save gallons
(and money) with each flush.
Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you don't waste water as you wait for it
to get cold from the tap," she recommends. "And turn the water off when
brushing your teeth."
By washing clothes in cold rather than warm or hot can eliminate 500 pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions a year & your clothes will last longer too.  If cold isn't
going to cut it with your kid's grimy duds, opting for warm over hot – it’ll save
energy & get clothes clean. Clean out the lint filter of your dryer before each
load, you'll reduce your energy use by up to 30 percent.
Drive the speed limit.
Bottled water is often just tap water with a fancy label and a high price & it's not
any better for you. Consumer Reports found that about a quarter of bottled
water comes from the tap.

Nov 5: I found this on the net and thought it was interesting.  Make your own
decision about getting the shot or not.  I just hadn't heard this take before.
The swine flu vaccines now being used have never been tested yet, amazingly,
people are lining up to take the vaccine, absent any safety testing whatsoever.
There is absolutely no safety data on the use of adjuvants in infants and
expectant mothers -- the two groups being most aggressively targeted by the
swine flu vaccine pushers. The leads us to the disturbing conclusion that the
swine flu vaccine could be a modern medical disaster. It's untested and un-tried
& its ingredients are potentially quite dangerous.
Here are 8 things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine…
#1 - The vaccine production was "rushed" and the vaccine has never been
tested on humans.
#2 - Swine flu vaccines contain dangerous adjuvants that cause an
inflammatory response in the body - suspected of causing autism and other
neurological disorders.
#3 - The swine flu vaccine could actually increase your risk of death from swine
flu by altering your immune system response. There is zero evidence that even
seasonal flu shots offer any meaningful protection.
#4 - Doctors still don't know why the 1976 swine flu vaccines paralyzed so many
people.
#5 - Even if the swine flu vaccine kills people, drug companies aren't
responsible as the U.S. government granted drug companies complete
immunity against vaccine product liability.
#6 - No swine flu vaccine works as well as vitamin D to protect you from
influenza.
#7 - Even if the vaccine actually works, mathematically speaking if everyone
else around you gets the vaccine, you don't need one! (Because it can't
spread through the population you hang with.)
#8 - Drug companies are making billions from the production of swine flu
vaccines. That money comes out of your pocket because it's all paid by the
taxpayers.

Oct 27:  Prunes are excellent for increasing one's vitality. They help in normal
blood circulation & they’re good remedy for sore throat.  Prunes are also high
in antioxidants (phenols) and are believed to be beneficial to the bodies
tissues. Phenols are helpful in blocking oxygen-based free radicals from
damaging the body’s fats. As skin cell and brain cell membranes are composed
mostly of fats, drinking prune juice may help protect against cell damage to
these vital areas & helps to slow the aging process of the brain and body.  It
has a ton of Beta-carotene (cancer fighter) and Vitamin A. As an antioxidant,
beta-carotene protects from additional free radical damage. By drinking a glass
of prune juice a day, studies suggest you are strengthening your body’s
defense against disease. Many studies have been done on the benefits of a
potassium rich diet. Those who have high regular potassium intake are
believed by some experts to have a lower risk of stroke and high blood
pressure. Prunes are an excellent source of potassium! The most beneficial
nutrient in prunes and prune juice is soluble fiber, an immensely helpful
nutrient. Fiber normalizes blood sugar levels, slowing the body’s consumption
of glucose or sugar. Prunes are also beneficial to the body, particularly in liver
and intestinal function. Prunes are a natural remedy for sluggish bowels. They
contain sorbitol a stool loosening sugar. Prunes helps to build and preserve
bone mass in animals so this might give women a natural way to preserve bone
mass. The antioxidants found in prunes may help to prevent oxidation of
cholesterol in the blood stream which could lead to plaque formation in the
arteries. Prunes are an unusually good source of vitamin A & are relatively low
in calories at about 20 calories per prune. It's best to eat whole prunes rather
than prune juice to get the benefits of the fiber.  Prunes help lower cholesterol
through binding bile acids and carrying them out of the body through the feces.
Prunes provide bulk and decrease the transit time of fecal matter, this
decreases the risk of colon cancer. When prunes are in the large intestine they
provide 'food' for the friendly bacteria, when the prunes are fermented by this
friendly bacteria they produce a short chain fatty acid called butyric acid which
helps keep your colon healthy.

Oct 26:  check on my recipes section for the granola I made this weekend that I
can't stop eating.  It is extra good with coconut milk & cinnamon!  Tomorrow we
are having friends for dinner and I am going to make 2 new deserts.  Anytime I
have someone over I make a few new things that I have been wanting to try.

Oct 22:  I have the best person to recommend if you have computer issues.  
Tom Sweet has a company in New Hampshire, 3rd Level Solutions and he can
help you no matter where you are.  With your ok,
he can hop on your computer and see what you are seeing and he can fix
anything!  I adore him and he is so nice and smart and he never makes you
feel stupid for your computer problems.  His hourly rate is very reasonable and
I would highly encourage you to call him. Tom is at 603-448-2400

Oct 20:  The new applesauce cake I made the other day was HORRIBLE, my
hubby said the only use for it would be a high school food fight!  BUT, I did
good last night and make some divine lemon bars, chewey, creamy and very
lemony!  I could have eaten the whole pan!

Oct 18:  Today I picked the 2 pumpkins that I planted and God grew.  One
weighed in at 44 pounds and was very lopsided.  I never thought to move them
as they grew.  The other which I thought was 100 pounds only weighed 56
pounds, and at least one side looks beautiful.  I was going to cook them down
and make my own pulp but I have no room in any of my freezers plus the
canned is so good, and so much easier!  My husband and I went shoe
shopping for him and he found a great pair and on sale!  Right now I am
making a new applesauce cake that you pour a glaze of sugar and lemon juice
on as it comes out of the oven. Can't wait to try it!  The cake could not have
been easier and just a few ingredients so I hope it's a keeper.  I had my hair
dyed brown on Friday,  wanted to give it a rest from being blond and streaked
for awhile.  Now my husband has a whole new me to look at.  The good thing is
he likes it and I am getting used to it, and like it more every day - it is quite a
change.  Had a great time at our new church today, we really like it and looked
for a long time to find it, so we are thrilled.  It's Assemblies of God so some
people raise their hands, some don't, and no one feels odd or singled out.  The
worship is amazing, the pastor humble and very gifted, and we just like
everything about it!

Oct 12:  this is an update on Paul Luchsinger.  His story is on my home page.  
This was sent to me by an RN friend of his that is helping his family make sense
of all his medical stuff.   Kat, right now Paul's sisters have raised almost
$10,000 dollars; however, his medical bills after his most recent procedure is
over $72,000 dollars.  On September 24th the doctors went in to replace the
stent that they had placed in his liver; they were hoping to leave it out but
actually had to place two stents in this time.  He will have those replaced
sometime in November.  Paul actually has two different things going on; Primary
Sclerosing Cholangitis (which requires a liver transplant), and, he has the
Hepatocelluar Carcinoma, the liver cancer, which also requires a liver
transplant.  The doctors wanted to do a procedure this last time called a Radio
Frequency Ablation, where they would go in and cauterize the cancer; its not a
cure, but they said it would buy him some time.  For that procedure they wanted
$10,000 dollars.  Paul declined the procedure because it would drain all the
money that has been raised thus far.  He said that he needed what was in the
account now just to make the payments on his current medical bills.  I'm an RN
and I have been going with Paul and his family to his procedures, primarily so
that I can ask questions and then translate between the family and the doctors.  
What is sad is that Dr. Tierrany said that because they found the cancer so
early, there is no reason for Paul to die from this; however, he will if something
is not done soon.  Every day that passes, we are loosing ground.  Paul is on a
fast track for disability; if we can get him qualified for disability, then Medicare
should pay for a good portion of the transplant.  So.... that is where we're at
now.    For the most part, Paul has been in good spirits.  He loves the Lord very
much and is very much at peace with "whatever" is in store for him.  He lost
about 24 pounds over a month and a half, but this last month he had gained
back 12 pounds, so thats good. Before all of this happened, many of us had
been praying for Paul and his family that God would bring resolution and peace
to his family.  A positive aspect of all this is that it has brought he and his
children closer.  They had been essentially estranged for almost 2 1/2 years,
but now they have pretty much rallied around him. The doctors told us that Paul
has had the Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) for years... it probably began
when he was in his late teens and early 20's.  One of the side effects of PSC is
high Ammonia levels in the liver.  High Ammonia levels can cause an array of
side effects from lethargy, hot flashes, flu like symptoms, rage, incoherent &
erratic behavior.  Although it doesn't excuse any bad behavior that Paul may
have exhibited in his past, it certainly does explain it... just knowing that has
helped his children in understanding some of Pauls behavior when they were
younger. People have asked me why Paul doesn't have outburst now like he
had in the late '70's and '80's, if indeed the episodes were caused from the
PSC.  The best way I know to explain it is to compare it to a college student who
takes there first drink of alcohol.... at first it only takes 1 or 2 beers to get them
"high" or drunk.  However, after years of drinking,  that same college student
may be able to drink a 12 pack and still be able to function just fine without any
side effects, all because his body has gotten use to it.   In the early years of
Paul’s illness, it only took small elevated levels of ammonia in his liver to cause
erratic behavior.  Over the years, however, his body has gradually become
accustomed to the rising ammonia levels and thus no erratic behavior.  It's
interesting to note that when Paul had his first surgery in July, I had a patient in
the ICU in Amarillo.  My patients family had called the cops because the man
had went nuts; smashing furniture & breaking things - they thought he was on
drugs.  The cops brought him to the hospital and the man wound up on a
ventilator in ICU... his problem was liver failure, his ammonia levels were sky
high at very deadly levels.  Pauls Ammonia level in July was three times higher
than my patient in Amarillo, yet Paul was walking, talking, laughing.... the
reason is because over the years, Paul's body has grown accustomed to the
high Ammonia levels.   I have heard Susie's testimony.  It's heart breaking.  But
at least now we may have a reason for why Paul acted the way he did in the
early years of their marriage; again, it doesn't excuse it, but it does explain it.  
Had the medical profession known 20 years ago what we know now, perhaps
the outcome of Paul and Susie's marriage would have a different ending. Many
of Paul's friends and family have begged him to tell his side of the story;
however, Paul will not.  He simply says that God will take care of it in the end.  
But mean while, people are reluctant to help a man whom they feel is
"deserving" of the illness that has been placed upon him.   Respectfully, Wanda
Jo Love, RN

Oct 5: I just had the best time with my family all last week. They were here from
Seattle and we did lots of eating, antiquing and playing Mexican Train
(Domino's). We had a yummy breakfast here Sunday morning and my mom and
sisters finally got to meet my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law and of course
they LOVED them!  I have the best extended family!

Sept 28:  My new trick tho it's not new at all, just to me, I made bacon in the
oven instead of in a frying pan and it was so easy and no mess. I don't eat
meat and my husband has real bacon maybe twice a year but we have family
coming to breakfast Sunday morning and my family loves it plus my husband's
mom does as well.  I did a trial run today and it turned out great, crunchy and
not burned.  Here's how you do it.  Line a baking sheet with foil, place the
bacon on that & put it in a cold oven.  Turn the over to 400 and in 17 minutes
it's done and the clean up could not be easier.

Sept 25:  I had a great week.  My mom and 2 sisters are coming here next week
so I got a lot done for that.  Tomorrow I will rest!  I am going to do some
reading, watch House Hunters, and maybe even put in a chick flick.  I haven't
seen "Serendipity" for a long time.   I am also going to put flannel sheets on all
the beds, yeah!   My 2 pumpkins are getting huge, I will get pictures up when
we pick and weight them.  Tonight I am going to hard boil a ton of eggs for our
dogs and maybe clean the fridge..we shall see. God bless all reading this.  He
is able to do far more than we can ask or even think.  How encouraging is that!

Sept 23.  I am having an interesting week...some joys, some trials. The trials I
see as minor road bumps.  I have learned some great lessons, never buy a
lawn mower from Menards, never buy the Lawn Man brand either, never but a
Stihl weed eater...all brands and companies that have less than great customer
service.

Sept. 21:  have a new love.....found it this weekend....the fish sandwich at
Burger King.  Awesome!  Beats McDonald's hands down!!  It's twice as big and
twice as tasty. The best tartar sauce too!  I had  2, nearly had 3, could have
had many more.

Sept. 17:  check out my home page for an amazing recipe - the cake Mary
Todd made for Abraham Lincoln while they courted (before he was President)
and he said it was the best cake he's ever eaten, I have to agree, as far as
white cake goes.

Sept 15:  I found some great 'healthy' home cleaners.  We are on septic so I
decided to make my own and found some great, easy recipes.
Here they are:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2
gallon water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on
bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar & water in a spray bottle. Spray on
stain, let sit for several minutes & brush or use sponge and warm soapy water.
Heavy duty cleaner:  Mix 1/4 cup each: salt, borax and vinegar. Rub into carpet
and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
Stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or
olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 T baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply
using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour
some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean
cloth.
Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use ¾ c baking
soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste & spread in oven
interior. (avoid bare metal & openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula
and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm &
Hammer Oven Cleaner.
Toilet Bowl: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let
it set for a few minutes. Scrub.

Sept 11: found this on the net - make sure you have a box of Kleenex close
by... They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying
in his pen.The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only
been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college
town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them
on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my
new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to.
And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said
they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had
come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant.
They must've thought I did. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me
in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys
almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter
from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got
home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to
give him to adjust to his
new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we
were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he
wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of
my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff,
that I'd get him new things once he settled in but it became pretty clear pretty
soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me
he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them
- when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name -
sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd
just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him
sigh and then grudgingly obey. This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a
couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he
resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two
weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone
amid all of my unpacked stuff.  Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the
shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed
the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most
enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie,
you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in
my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented
sigh and flopped down. With his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it
either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when
I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay,
Reggie, let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".... .....
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter
could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If
you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab
after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have
packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip,
but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong...
which is why I have to go to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab
in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves
tennis balls. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He
usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't
done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be
careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost
cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but
I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come,"
"heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you
put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left.
"Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when
he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He
knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained
Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot
dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and
again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the
brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info
with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be
forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't
know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give
him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his
whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily
car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or
complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which
means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with
someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....
His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped
him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll
get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt but I just couldn't
bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that
handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see
him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it
means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means
that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who
knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving
you problems.
His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this
and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the
shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they
received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have
no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with and it was my only real request of
the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone
call the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for
adoption. Luckily my colonel is a dog guy too and he knew where my platoon
was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this then he
made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing,
even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was
writing it for a wife and kids and family but still Tank has been my family for the
last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will
adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional
love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something
selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things...
and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up
Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service
and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at
the shelter. I don't think I'll say another
good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on
him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss
goodnight - every night - from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul
Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed
in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he
gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I
leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the
dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked
and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking
on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head
tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered.
His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his
ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of
contentment just seemed to flood him.I stroked his ears,rubbed his shoulders,
buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and
me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So
whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like
that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room & when
he came back he had 3 tennis balls in his mouth.

Sept 10:  today is going to be an easy one cuz I did all the house cleaning
yesterday.  I will attempt to clip the dogs nails, and test the chemicals in our hot
tub, we don't do chlorine, but a healthy alternative.  We LOVE out tub, it is like
having a masseuse any time you want one and if you buy the kind we have,
Nordic, I will send you a prize package with all kinds of fun things.    I may take
some time to swing on my tree swing today and see if the Honeycrisp apples
are in. My absolute favorite!

Sept 7:  we labored a little on Labor Day - got most of our garden taken out,
tossed tomatoes at each other, and hit a few with the bat, then tonight it's
cheese stuffed buffalo burgers on the grill, mashed potatoes from our garden
and no flour peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth. Low call due to the
flour being taken out.
Here's the recipe:
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 c white sugar & 1/4 c brown sugar (if it’s peanut butter with sugar in it, if not
you might do ½ c of each)
1 egg
Splash of vanilla
Oven to 350. Combine ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet
and flatten a bit. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Sept 4:  Reba's younger sister Susie's X-husband, Paul's 53 & has liver cancer.
Doctors give him 3-6 months to live. Paul needs a liver transplant & a miracle.
Due to lack of insurance & the price of a liver transplant, Paul won't be
considered for one until he has $250,000 up front (total cost about a million
dollars). Please pray for him & if you'd like to donate, you can do it at any Wells
Fargo bank under the Paul Luchsinger Donation Fund OR  you can send a
check payable to: Paul Luchsinger Cancer Donation Fund and send to: Cathy
Hervol (Paul’s sister), 5495 Highway 549, NE Deming, NM 88030

Sept 3: just walked the dogs on a rainy day, now I want to stay inside, reading a
book, all cozy and warm.  I am taking Monday off, and not sure what we have
planned yet.  Maybe an outing to a small town close by the see if they have a
fun place to eat and a bakery would be a HUGE bonus. What do you have
planned for the holiday weekend?

Sept 2:  a beautiful day and I just got done walking the dogs and pulling up
many of our old flowers and plants, getting ready for winter.  I am now off to
gather tomatoes and put some in the freezer for chili, thanks to my friend Barb
who freezes whole, raw, tomatoes.  I love to learn new things like that!

Aug 26:  yesterday my husband and I celebrated 2 years of marriage.  We met
2 /12 years ago on relationships.com.  We have a blessed life, still have not
had a fight and we see more and more how perfect we are for each other.  We
waited longer than most for each other but God had a plan and we're glad now
that we waited. For dinner last night, I made a steak, baked potato's the way
you get when you go out to eat - crusty outside and fluffy inside,  sourdough
bread, tomatoes from our garden with sweet onion dressing & I also made his
grama's lemon meringue pie - YUM!  Life is good and God is faithful.  The Bible
says and we believe it, "those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."

Aug 17:  My hubby and I have decided not to do the farmer's market anymore,
it's just TOO much work and it took me almost 2 full days to bake, so now I'll get
my days back!  It was a fun experience but we had no idea what all was
involved.  This week we're going to see that new movie about Julia Child.
Tonight I have a yummy dinner planned, grilled mahi mahi, corn fritters, green
beans from our garden and zucchini pie. A listener sent me the recipe and says
it tastes just like apple and her kids can't even tell the differance..we shall see,
I'll let you know!

Aug 10:  the market last week went so well we're going again this week.  I have
so many green tomatoes I may try and make a green tomato pie when I've
heard tastes just like apple.  I am also going to add cherry pie this week and pie
dough cookies.  Remember them from your childhood?  When my mom would
make pie there was always extra dough and she'd roll it flat, sprinkle it with
sugar and cinnamon and bake it crisp.  They are so good and they have just
the right amount of sweetness.

Aug 4:  tomorrow my husband and I are trying a new farmer's market to sell at
and today is baking day one,..I will be making 3 gooey  chocolate/coconut pies,
2 crustless apple pies, 2 peanut pies, toffee bark and 4  lemon drizzle bread.  
Tomorrow, right before we go, I will make a couple of rhubarb pies and one
sauerkraut pie and croutons too...

July 28:  today my husband and I are having Indian food for lunch, I LOVE their
nan bread!  Check out my home page for 2 new amazing recipes I found and
made this week!  Have a blessed day and remember that God's love for you is
unconditional!

July 20:  I had a wonderful birthday yesterday thanks to my amazing husband!  
He always gets the best gifts and the sweetest cards, I am living heaven on
earth everyday!  Tonight we're going out to dinner as he had to work last
night.  I'm not sure where he's taking me as he knows I love surprises, so I can't
wait.  I had a great chat with Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Tracy Lawrence
the last few weeks and you will hear more about on my show in the weeks to
come.  All 3 guys were a delight and what nice men!  I will also be writing
articles about them in upcoming issues of Country Weekly magazine.

July 17:  today is a catch up date.  I will get 4 dozen eggs from Dorothy, my
farmer egg lady, I am going to feed the horses next door rutabagas from my
garden, I don't like them, and I will maybe pull a few weeds too.  I need to clean,
mop and vac all my floors, then read my new Karen Kinsgbury book!

July 14:  Last night we had an amazing dinner - baby red potatoes from our 1st
garden, yum! There is nothing like eating a potato right out of the ground.  I am
a healthy mushroom gravy using hazelnut milk and it was surprisingly good.  
We also sampled sugar snap peas from the garden.  I made guacamole with
avocado, a tiny bit of that Mexican mayo with lime, chopped sweet onion, a can
of chilies and hot sauce.  To dip in that I took pita bread & topped it with mayo
and parm and baked it crunchy…it was really good!  I also made half a chicken
on the grill for my husband that we bought from our good friends the Hasslers
cuz they don’t use hormones or antibiotics.  I marinated that in Italian dressing
for a few hours then basted it on the chicken as it cooked.  He said it was very
tender and delicious!  I also made the new chocolate cake I found with butter
cream frosting.  I got the recipes on allrecipes.com and it’s the best chocolate
cake and butter cream frosting I’ve ever had!  I made both things dairy free
using hazelnut milk and Earthbalance instead of butter but you’d never know it.

July 8:  I'm sitting here working and listening to a huge thunder storm.  It's like
hearing the voice of God.  Amazing and powerful!  

July 2:  Just read the new Karen Kingsbury book, awesome!  Soon I will have
some to give away on the show.  It's the kind of book you just can't put down!

July 1:  check out my home page for the brand new CD from my husband,
Canteen Slim!  He is a singer/songwriter and I love his stuff and I hope you will
too!  They make great gifts too!

June 26:  I just wanted to encourage you today if you are struggling with a
burden.  God is faithful.  He is on your side.  If you follow and serve and honor
Him, He will bless you. If you walk in faith concerning what troubles you, He will
honor that and rescue you.  Read Psalm 91, it has many powerful truths.  
Today my plan is to "swim' in our horse tank as it'll be HOT here today.  I also
have to vac the entire house and do my bi-weekly trek to Wal-Mart!

June 24:  Got a new pic of Blake Shelton and me in my 'photo's' link.  He is
such a nice guy and so funny too!  I saw him near Grand Rapids last weekend.  
Even tho there was a flood and his set had to be cut way short, he was really
cool about it.  We're going to friends for dinner tonight and I am bringing the
"dump cake" only I'm not using cherry pie filling this time, I'm using blueberry
and instead of yellow cake mix, I'm using lemon.  I can't to see if it's as good as
the original.  Went to Kohl's today with my $10 off coupon and got a deal!  A
paif of black velvet pants and a cute tangerine sweater.  Regular price it would
have been well over $100, but with the $10 off and how marked down they
were, I ended up paying one dollar and forty one cents TOTAL!

June 16:   There is a movie you HAVE to get for the kids and for the whole
family, "Facing the Giants" - it's Christian and not wimpy and about football.
You will cry and you will love it plus the kids will too...a MUST have!!

June 15: We are putting up a rope swing and I am SO excited!  My husband
climbed up a big willow tree in our backyard and put the rope around a limb and
today he will put it all together.  Not sure yet who will do the maiden flight, we
may have to draw straws on that one!  All I know is we will use it all the time and
our nieces and nephews will too.  There is something so wonderful for the soul
to swing.  It brings us back to such great memories and it keeps the childlike
part of us alive as well.  Our garden is also coming along.  We had salad last
night from our own spinach and soon we'll be eating lettuce, parsley, broccoli
and more.

June 11: I have a few variations for the dump cake. Instead of yellow cake, try
brownie mix.  That with the cherries will make it like Black Forest.  Buy the best
quality cake mix you can, someone tells me that makes it even taste better.  
Also try 2 cans apple pie filling (no cherries) and a box of spice cake mix.  

June 9: Got some new news on Garth, make sure you tune in to the show
tomorrow!  Today has been stunning - sunny, not too warm or humid.  My
spinach is in and ready to eat.  The first thing I have ever eaten from my 1st
garden.  I will use it for a salad tomorrow for my mother and sister-in-law.  
Tonight my husband and I are going to our nephews baseball game but not
before we stop at Quizno's for one of their Toasted Torpedo's.  Have you had
them yet?  They are a foot long on skinny baguette type bread and SO good. I
get the tuna and my hubby something with meat. They are a deal at $4 but if
you go here, you can get 50% off the second one.

June 8: I am so excited for today.  My sister-in-law is coming here for lunch and
I am making cherry dump cake.  My neighbor made it this weekened and it was
a hit with her whole family. This weekend I worked on my paint by numbers
painting of a hummingbird.  I am close to being done and now on the hard part
where you have to mix paint.  What are you thankful for today?  I am thankful
for my health & my husband's heakth, I am thankful for Jesus Christ and my
relationship with Him & I am thankful for the fact that all my needs are met and I
am so blessed.

June 4:   Think a hot tub is bad for you, think again...Soaking in a hot tub
brings you many health benefits. One of the biggest is that soaking in hot water
will dilate your blood vessels & this will aid in your blood circulation and lower
your blood pressure. The bubbles will help lift your limbs, relieving the weight,
which reduces the workload for your heart by 20%. The hot water causes you
to perspire, and rid of toxins via your pores. The pressure from the jets helps
grow white blood cells and antibodies, that might travel to ailing body parts to
allow healing to occur. When you are immersed in water up to your neck the
volume of blood in your chest cavity and even in your heart will increase and
that's the best thing you can do for your circulation system. Regular immersion
benefits to your pulmonary, musculoskeletal, renal and endocrine systems.
Water has always been known to soothe pain away, it will loosen up cramped
muscles & the vapors from the steam entering your nose can loose up
congestion.  The swirling action of warm water eases out joints and help ease a
number of diseases such as arthritis, aches, and stiffness. Studies in the New
England Journal of Medicine have shown that people suffering from type 2
diabetes have significantly brought their blood sugar down by regularly soaking
in a hot tub 15 to 30 minutes each day. Doctors speculated benefits of hot tub
therapy could be due to increased blood flow to skeletal muscles.  Soaking in a
hot tub raises your body temperature increasing your blood flow in much the
same way as exercising. Soaking prior to exercising is a great way to warm up
and condition muscles for work. The National Sleep Foundation has shown that
a short soak prior to bed creates a deeper, more restful sleep. Other studies
have shown benefits include lowering back pain, relieving stress, reducing body
pain, relieving fatigue, lowering body weight, and aiding digestion.

June 2: I got the COOLEST cake pan.  It's by Wilton and it's a giant cupcake
that serve 10 people.   Check it out here!

June 1: Sorry I have not blogged in awhile!  I have been busy at the farmers
market on Saturday and baking for it takes 2 days.  It's been going well but
we've decided to take some time off and start back again after the 4th of July.  
Now I know what products work and what don't and we also decided to add
some new things like bird houses.  My husband is going to make them and
paint them and I know they're going to be a huge hit!  Everything he does is so
good and he's so creative. I have now officially become my parents...my hubby
and I bought a 2nd fridge for our basement.  Our neighbor was selling one and
it's great!  Now our fridge isn 't like a puzzle anymore, trying to make room for it
all.  I can actually have a half a watermelon and not have to cut it up to try and
make it fit!  God is good, our new garage sale fridge is a BIG blessing!

May 22: Today is gonna be BUSY!  I am making various bread for the farmers
market, the 1st time my hubby and I have ever done that!  He is selling his
paintings and the t-shirts he designed for me and I'm doing spelt bread, lemon
bread, chocolate cake, my own croutons and toffee bars from an old family
recipe.  It means I will have one less day to sleep in but that's ok, it's over by 1
PM, so then I can nap if I need to.

May 14: I am not liking the results from "American Idol" last night, Danny is
clearly the better pick and now I'm not excited at all for the finale next week....
The last week my husband and I have been hunting for morel mushrooms and
so far we've found almost 4 pounds and they have been big ones, many 6
inches tall and 3 inches across.  Morel's are n my Top 5 favorite foods of all
time.  If you have never had one they don't even seem or taste like the
mushrooms you are used to from the store, they have an incredible flavor and
texture and they are amazing!  The other items in my Top 5 foods of all time
are:  sourdough bread,  tuna burgers,  'Red Vines'  red licorice but it has to be
soft and #5 - potato chips.

May 13: There was a HUGE thunder storm last night so the dogs were upset
and I lost out on sleep BUT I feel great, an am ready to take on the day.  
Tonight I am making 2 new things for dinner that I saw made on the Food
Network last weekend.  TV stuff isn't ways as good to eat as it looks on tv, so
we shall see.  The "Idol" results show is tonight and while I like Adam, his
screechy sound is getting to me and all along my pick for the winner was
Danny, and I'm sticking with that.  His voice is amazing and I like his humility and
humor too.  Later today I am heading to Wal-Mart for my favorite thing they
carry in the entire store, their sourdough bread.  It is SO sour and I crave it,
and I usually look at the day old rack first and usually find a few loaves or rolls.  
People are so funny about buying day old stuff but not me, it's every bit as
good and fresh!

May 12: I am curious what the best cleaner for stainless steel is, boy, that stuff
gets fingerprints on it easily!  Any ideas?  Since I got married, I now live in the
country and I KNOW the wonder will never leave that I feel when I see a deer
running across our yard, or the wild rabbits that I feed carrots or the beauty of
the red cardinal and the bluebird.  It will never get old for me!  I am off today
with my husband to go a small town nearby known for being all antiques, they
also have a bakery and a great place to eat, so I can't wait.  Plus anytime I get
to hang out with my husband all day is the best day for me!  God bless your
day today, love those around you and strive to be easy to get along with.

May 6: My new gas stove was installed yesterday and I cooked on it for the 1st
time and just like everyone says, I'm never going back.  Today I put in my 1st
ever garden and I got it all planted but the potatoes which I will do tomorrow.  
There is so much to learn!  I was reminded of a scripture as I did it, we plant but
God causes the watering and the growth.

April 30: I am off this weekend to see my 93 year old grama.  She is a
treasure!  She taught me to be giving, she had such joy in giving things to
people.  We are taking her to Dairy Queen for lunch because she loves their
foot long hot dogs with the works.  

April 28: I found a GREAT way to cook mushrooms.  Get the button kind, baby
portabello's are the best.  Saute them in butter then add Mirin - it's a Asian
cooking wine.  Let it caramelize for 10 minutes or so and eat hot, warm or cold,
they are hard to stop eating so make a lot of them! I also add a ton of cracked
black pepper.

April 27: I saw The Soloist this weekend with Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr,
it was fantastic, a must see.  Today I am making a new sweet bread, zucchini
with lemon zest plus you pour over it the juice of 2 lemons mixed wuth
powdered sugar,  I can't wait to try it tonight!  

April 23: Part of a story by Rod Dreher, a Dallas Morning News editorial
columnist. Susan Boyle was born a the Scottish village of Blackburn, struggling
in the housing projects. She had a learning disability, making her a mark for
school bullies. She retreated from their cruelty by devoting herself privately to
song.  Boyle, now 47, never married and has never been kissed. She raised
her eight brothers and sisters, cared for their parents until their deaths and
volunteered at her Catholic parish. She's in middle age, with no job, all alone,
dumpy, poor and, by the world's standards, a loser.  So when Susan stepped
onstage the other night on Britain's Got Talent , the judges and the audience
sniggered. Then she opened her mouth, singing the ballad "I Dreamed a
Dream" from Les Miserables. Her angelic voice brought the audience to its feet
in seconds. It was a moment of spectacular grace – and it has now been seen
by more than 30 million on YouTube. Boyle told the British press that she
overcame self-doubt and entered the contest to honor her late mum, whose
2007 death left her depressed.  Susan Boyle reminds us of the unheralded
beauty and human dignity that dwells among us – but that we, in our
everydayness, overlook or even scorn. And her feat shows that until we
breathe our last, there is always hope that dreams will come true, that the
humble will be exalted.

April 18: I just bought the prettiest lipstick I have ever had.  It's from Avon and
they're on sale right now for only $3.99 each.  It's their Perfect Wear
Extralasting Lipstick.  It comes in 10 colors and I got Totally Twig and Forever
Pink.  They look good mixed too. It stays on a LONG time and does not dry
your lips out and it comes in the skinny type of tube that you roll up.  If you do
not have an AVON lady, find one!

April 16: l am sipping on a smoothie I just made in my Vita Mix and it's SO
good!  An apple, water, honey, frozen banana, frozen blueberries and frozen
strawberries plus lime juice and the kicker...a generous pinch of cayenne
pepper!  Today I am off to buy a new range, I am getting a gas one for the 1st
time and I am so excited!  

April 10: Thanks you Ronde from Las Vegas for buying my hubby's newest
painting!   It is hard to part with it but I know she will love it!  His latest thing is
painting on old vinyl record albums and they are amazing as well plus they're
easy to hang.  I will put them on the site if we have any left from the farmer's
market where we will be selling them. If you want to see them right away and get
1st pick, send me an e-mail and I will get you photo's.  kat@nashvillekat.com.  
Have a blessed Easter and may the true meaning of this important day go all
the way thru to your heart!

April 7: I just joined facebook so if you want to check it out, head to facebook.
com and do a search for Nashville Kat.  I have to say it's kinda fun!  Today I am
off toTarget for a free smoothie and a free fancy coffee drink with my husband.  
We got the coupons in the mail.  We also decided to sell his paintings, my t-
shirts and various kinds of baked goods I make at the local farmer's market this
season and we are so excited. It will be a first and we are just excited to see
how it goes. It's Saturdays
and we can choose the ones we want to be at, so that makes it a win/win!  Have
a blessed day!

April 3: My husband and I just got done doing an 8 day fast.  We drank the
liquid mentioned on the "Master Cleanse."  It's water, lemon juice, maple syrup
and cayenne.  He lost 13 pounds and I lost 11.  It was quite an experience.  
Here is what we learned after we did it...All I can say is wow…..why don’t more
people fast?  Dr. Chauncey Crandall is writing a book on fasting that’ll be out
next January.  He says,” fasting is very beneficial to the body making it cleanse
itself of everything except vital tissue.   Although protein is being used during a
fast, a person fasting for 40 days on water will not suffer a deficiency of protein,
vitamins, minerals or fatty acids. Healthy cells, though they may reduce in size
or strength, also remain perfectly sound. A well-nourished man can live from 50
to 75 days without food, provided he is not exposed to harsh elements.   
Cancer goes away when fasting is present. Anabolic processes, such as tissue
and bone healing, also proceed at a maximal rate during the fast.   The first few
days of a fast can be rough due to the quantity of waste passing into the blood
stream. After the third day of the fast, there is a little desire for food. The
second stage is cleansing of mucous, fat, diseased and dying cells and the
more easily removed toxins. The last stage is the cleansing of toxins that have
been accumulating in your cellular tissue from birth, and the microscopic tubes
that carry vital elements to the brain. To overcome a severe disease like
cancer, it is important to continue through a series of fasts to the point where
the full scouring action of catabolism removes the disease from the tissue. One
of the surprises that comes from fasting is an increase in mental acuity. Large
amounts of blood and nervous energies have to be sent to digestive organs to
digest a meal. During a fast, these energies are not required and may be used
by the brain for better thinking. This increase doesn’t usually happen until after
the first few days of a fast because the body is busy cleaning out toxins. During
a fast, a metamorphosis occurs. The body undergoes a tearing down and
rebuilding of damaged materials. For this reason, fasting is famous for its ability
to rejuvenate and give the body a youthful tone. Fasting dissolves diseased
cells and leaves healthy tissue. Fasting is beneficial for arthritis, asthma, high
blood pressure, lupus, chronic fatigue, colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis,
cases of paralysis, neuritis, etc.

April 1: I just found out about a great company who helps farmers in 3rd world
countries farm coffee and all the proceeds go back to the farmers.  I also hear
it's amazing coffee as well.  There is a link on my "Fave Sites" if you want to
check it out.  I just ordered some today and will get back to you on how it is in a
few weeks when it gets here. I am off to Wal-Mart later today and do you do this
- I write my grocery list in order of what I come to first so I don't have to run
back and forth across the entire store.  

Mar 26: We got a new scale today after testing the 2 scales we already had.  
The ones we had were so inaccurate.  The new one got rave reviews, it's by
Tanita and digital.  It also measures body fat but I am pretty sure I don't want to
know that!  

Mar 23: I did go horseback riding and we went bareback.  A word for the wise...
if you have not ridden bareback in 20 plus years like me, don't.  I now have
sores unlike anything I have ever had.  3 days later, every step I take hurts
BUT I am on the mend and getting better everyday!  

Mar 20:  It's the 1st day of spring and I get to go horseback riding today!  I can't
wait.  This is my favorite time of year.  It's sunny, I can wear short sleeves and
eat dinner on our porch.  I have some ceiling fans on toward the end of the day
and I leave the doors open all day.  This weekend we are having friends for
dinner and I am making buffalo stroganoff, my crunchy romaine toss and my
coconut cake with lemon filling - all recipes are on my site.

Mar 17: I just added a new link in my favorites.  If you like salt but can't take the
sodium or just want to cut down, I found an excellent salt substitute that tastes
great and does not have that bitter after taste it did years ago.  I think it's a
great way for people to have salt and not suffer the harm it can do.  

Mar 13:  You MUST try the Target brand, Archer Park's dill pickle cashews!  My
sister Amy told me about them & they are awesome! There is a lipstick you also
must try.  Cover Girl Outlast (I think it's called), it's their all day one that looks
like a lip gloss and the color is #550.  A really good neutral color that you will
love!  I am off to get 4 more bales of straw, the yard is getting mucky again and
doing floors takes time, so the straw is a wonder.  

Mar 10:  My new t-shirts are here, thanks to the amazing design by my hubby.  
If you want to see them, click on the t-shirt to the right of this screen.

Mar 6:A HUGE thank you to the paintings that were purchased today, my
husband is so encouraged!  I love what he does and it truthfully is hard to part
with any of them.  One thing I know for sure, his paintings make you happy.
There is something special about them.  He paints new ones all the time, so if
you do not see one you like, check back often!  
I went to the feed store yesterday to buy bales of straw.  It is a bit mucky
outside and our Great Danes track in huge amounts of dirt, so I thought straw
put in the muddiest places may work.  Guess what...it did.  I am thrilled and it
cuts down on my housecleaning time a ton!  
Have a great weekend and God bless all that you do!

Mar 4:  This weekend I am going to rent a movie I haven't seen in 9 years,
remember "The Straight Story" with Richard Farnsworth?  He was nominated
for an Oscar for his role.  It was about 2 brothers who were made at each other
for years and one of them rode on his riding mower to go see him.  It took him
days and his top speed was 5 MPH.  It is an amazing story of forgiveness and I
highly recommend it.  Yesterday I made a buffalo roast for my hubby, it cooked
all day in my slow cooker, 8 and a half hours.  I added 1 can of beef broth,
cumin and chili powder & he said it was the best roast he has ever eaten.  We
have a freezer full so that was good news!

Mar 2: My weekend was full of cleaning and more cleaning and today I still have
the bathrooms to do.  When you have 2 big dogs, it's a daily thing to keep up
with it all but it is SO worth it!  I watched a lot of one of my favorite shows,
"House Hunters," I also jumped on our tramp while watching the Food Network,
plus I taped a whole bunch of shows that I have to get watched today.  I am also
adding some new paintings by my husband later today so check back,
especially if you love flowers!

Feb 26: I love gadgets so I just got the new Fabric Sweeper from Pledge - it's to
get pet hair off your furniture, I'll let you know if it works. My husband & I are
into tongue twisters lately – it’s a lot of fun & these are from Fox in Socks by Dr.
Seuss
Luke Luck likes lakes.Luke's duck likes lakes.
Luke Luck licks lakes.Luck's duck licks lakes.
Duck takes licks in lakes Luke Luck likes.
Luke Luck takes licks in lakes duck likes.
Freezy breeze made these three trees freeze.
Freezy trees made these trees' cheese freeze.
That's what made these three free fleas sneeze.
When beetles battle beetles in a puddle paddle battle & the beetle battle
puddle is a puddle in a bottle they call this a tweetle beetle bottle puddle paddle
battle muddle.

Feb 24: This is the kind of article that changes marriages.  Read it with an open
heart, is it speaking to you?  Are there things you need to change to be like
this?  It will save your marriage or it will make your already great marriage even
better.
A Wise Woman Builds Her House by Debi Pearl
A wise woman doesn’t take anything for granted. She is thankful to be loved
and seeks to make herself more lovely.
A wise woman doesn’t allow herself to be a liability but strives to be an asset to
the marriage bond. She looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely.
Her husband knows he is a richer man because she is his wife.
A wise woman seeks to be a part of her husband’s life. His interest becomes
her interest. She looks for ways to help him in every endeavor in which he is
involved. When he needs a helping hand, it is her hand that is there first.
A wise woman knows that his peace of mind (and sometimes, wise
understanding) is something she can give or take away by her observations
and conversation concerning circumstances or people. She limits her
conversation to the positive.
A wise woman sets a joyful mood in the household. She uses laughter, music
and happy times to stir the children to a positive, joyful frame of mind. She
knows this light-heartedness helps take stress off her husband.
A wise woman gauges her husband’s needs. She seeks to fulfill his desires
before even he is aware of them. She never leaves him daydreaming outside
the home. She supplies his every desire.
A wise woman understands that her husband’s need to be honored is not
based on his performance but on his position. She learns quickly to defer with
enthusiasm to his ideas or plans. She looks for ways to reverence him. She
knows this is God’s will for her life.
A wise woman is not pitiful, puny, or whinny. She seeks to be confident, capable
and thankful.
A wise woman does not dream of what “could have been.” She sees clearly that
she is not God’s gift to men; thus she is blessed in her present circumstances.
She learns to be content.
A wise woman never expects anyone to serve her; therefore she is never
disappointed. She is ready to help—a giver. By her example her children learn
to serve cheerfully and energetically.
A wise woman doesn’t attempt to instruct her husband through feigned
questions. Her questions are sincere inquiries concerning his will.
A wise woman is always learning. She is open to change. She is ready to hear.
She wants to know. She doesn’t cloud her mind with the foolish folly of
entertainment. She uses her time wisely.
For more great articles, click here.

Feb 23: I'm not a big magazine person but I LOVE First for Women.  They often
have country stars in it, Reba is on the cover now.  They also have the best
household tips like these....
To sharpen scissors snip through 3 layers of tin foil.  Repeat till blades are as
sharp as you want them.
So your burgers don't dry out as you grill them, mold patty around a chunk of
ice, hide it completely and your burger will stay moist.
To minimize pet shedding, mix 2 tablespoon's of olive oil into their food twice a
week.  It will also make their coat shine.
I use olive oil to take my mascara off.
1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a pot of boiling water will make your pasta stop
sticking together.
Wrap cheese in a paper towel that's been spritzed with vinegar and store in a
food storage bag. No mold will form and the vinegar will not flavor your cheese
either.
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for every 3 eggs will make your omelets super
fluffy.
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