tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29858561343370655342024-03-14T01:28:01.031-07:00Lisa AldridgeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-212452486739466242013-06-02T18:31:00.001-07:002013-06-02T18:34:54.098-07:00My 92 Year Old Grandmother (Part 1 Salon Hopping)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qhoO1FZZHg/UavytZTqfoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/m2DVafAur_U/s1600/hair+salon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qhoO1FZZHg/UavytZTqfoI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/m2DVafAur_U/s1600/hair+salon.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> At
age 92, my grandmother’s white hair grows faster than a celebrity can get
extensions. She likes to shop for new
clothes, but lately her style is something akin to the J.C. Penney version of
Garanimals; matching shirts and pants with embroidered butterflies or
hummingbirds. Her favorite pastimes are
exchanging the new clothes for newer ones and getting her hair cut
frequently. She loves for me to drive
her to the store and salon, then out for lunch.
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> When
she moved near me, she made a list of every salon in town. One-by-one she visited each of them for a
hair cut, crossing them off her list with notes like: “made my ears show” or
“left it too long in front” or “uneven on the sides.” Thirteen salons later, she outlived the list
and started over, that’s when she started getting her reputation as a “salon
hopper.” </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> She’s
easy to spot. She drives a sleek walker
with a custom red-and-black metallic paint job.
And she goes fast, parting the crowd like Moses to get in line first or
to get the last electric cart at the grocery store. The walker is too large for her, she’s only 4
feet 10 inches. It belonged to my
grandfather; but when he died, she decided to take advantage of the
situation. It empowered her. Salon owners hurry to assist her through the
doors and to a comfortable seat. They
take extra care to adjust the water temperature and compliment her thick, white
hair. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Regardless
of how courteous the hair stylist is, my grandmother believes that
nonagenarians have the God-given right to say whatever is on their mind. Grams takes full advantage of this geriatric
endowment. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> At
the eleventh salon, a young beautician, sporting a modern spiky style,
approached Grams cheerfully, “How would you like your hair cut today?”</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Not
like yours! That’s how my hair looks
when I wake up in the morning.”</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The
young beautician blushed and glanced at me.
I gave her an apologetic look and mouthed, “I’m sorry.” She tried to follow my grandmother’s
impossible requests, gave her a new-customer discount and the senior
discount. Despite her best efforts,
Grams had decided to not like it.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “Would
you like to schedule your next appointment?”
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Grams was a salon hopper, she would
never go to the same place twice. When
she said “Yes,” I was surprised.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “For tomorrow, with that lady over
there,” Grams pointed to another hair stylist who had been cutting someone’s
hair across from where she had been sitting.
</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As
I ushered my grandmother outside, I looked back over my shoulder and apologized
again to the young woman. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “I don't like it. What
do you think?” Grams asked, looking in the visor mirror. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “I think
maybe you should wait to insult someone until <i>after</i> they’ve cut your hair,” I chided. She laughed sheepishly. Nonagenarians can say whatever they want.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-47490901595729955582013-05-27T22:07:00.004-07:002013-05-27T22:07:26.243-07:00The Lawnmower Incident <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKkXvnuzo-k/UaQ7fFakiJI/AAAAAAAAAGA/E6xFE6bI5LM/s1600/lawnmower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKkXvnuzo-k/UaQ7fFakiJI/AAAAAAAAAGA/E6xFE6bI5LM/s1600/lawnmower.jpg" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lucille usually drove the creamy yellow Oldsmobile and Ed drove his
white Chevy truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since they had
the grand-kids for the weekend, Ed drove them all in the Oldsmobile.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“This
is the poor man’s Cadillac,” he told the grandson and granddaughter sitting in
the backseat. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
drove to Lowe’s to look at the latest models of lawnmowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ed examined each lawnmower as if he were
choosing between a Michelangelo or a Lorenzetto sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chose the one he wanted and Lucille pulled
out the credit card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could have
paid cash, but Lucille liked to funnel every purchase through Visa or
MasterCard. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“How
are we going to get this home?” the granddaughter asked.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Your
Gramp said it will fit in the trunk,” Lucille said.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Out in the parking lot, Ed took the
screws out of the handles and the top portion folded down neatly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That
ought to do it,” Ed said.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ed,
that’s not going to fit,” Lucille said.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
it will.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No
it won’t.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
it will,” he said as he hefted the mower into the trunk</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No
it won’t Ed.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It
will fit.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ed, that thing is too big, the lid won’t
close,” Lucille said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the
grandchildren never heard Lucille sing, they did notice her voice rose at least
an octave this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grandchildren
exchanged a look, but didn’t speak out loud.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s
going to fit,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ed brought the
lid down gently and it wouldn’t quite close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He lifted it again and adjusted the position of the mower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried it again, but there was still a gap.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lucille
peered at the space between the trunk and the lid, “Ed, It won’t fit.”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It
fits.”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ed,
it’s not going to close!”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes
it will!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slammed the trunk lid down
as hard as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The unmistakable
shape of the lawn mower protruded through the once smooth trunk lid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-67374554232428239862013-05-19T19:46:00.004-07:002013-05-20T14:56:39.690-07:00The Tornado Next Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPa1ZTpqia4/UZmStLSDuTI/AAAAAAAAAFw/gm64IhQWq0s/s1600/Uprooted+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sPa1ZTpqia4/UZmStLSDuTI/AAAAAAAAAFw/gm64IhQWq0s/s1600/Uprooted+tree.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have learned to love
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something like a scary movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know it’s
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electricity, or feel the vibration of thunder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m not sure why I enjoy a good
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The storm picked up and I shook
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I know,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But it’s just a hard rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t wake me up for every little
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I lay awake for what seemed
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I did what any thoughtful wife
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</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We quickly gathered our small
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</span>Their huge roots were higher than the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody could get out of their driveway, too
many trees were down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to cut our
way to the dirt road and then start clearing the driveways of the nearest
houses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The tornado had gone between our house and my grandparent's house next door.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My uncle was visiting from
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was staying at
my grandparent’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tornado had taken
a large branch and thrust it through the side of their house, like a giant’s dagger,
into the bedroom where my uncle was sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as we cleared the driveway, he got in his truck and left for
California and never came back to Arkansas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was all very frightening at the time. Perhaps that's why storms remind me of scary movies; they start out small and benign, harmless. But then they build to a threatening climax and what happens next is a bit unpredictable, just like a good story with a twist....or in this case, a twister.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-54886886404616102272013-05-09T07:54:00.001-07:002013-05-09T08:07:02.310-07:00The Picnic or How I Almost Killed My Boyfriend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was Saturday
and the weather was great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could smell
lilacs when we got out of the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
boyfriend had suggested we go on a picnic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He brought the food and I picked the location. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew just the perfect place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of those hidden places that the
rest of the world hadn’t discovered yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, maybe some of them had, but it was on private property so they
weren’t allowed there without permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It belonged to our family friends and they said we could stay as long as
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We rolled out our
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Illinois River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Songbirds were chirping
and calling to one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squirrels
chased each other in quick spirals up and down the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby and I were having such a nice time just
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As we started
taking the food out of the picnic basket, I was impressed with lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently our friends’ pesky springer spaniel
was impressed too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stuck his wet nose right between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His tail wagged so hard and fast that his
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Go home
Cotton!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go home!” I yelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cotton backed off a little bit, but the aroma
was irresistible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you have some Kibbles ‘n Bits
somewhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go home!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cotton retreated.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the dog gone, we could enjoy our
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here was a young man who could
cook!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> I was prepared to eat sandwiches, but he laid out fried
chicken and potato salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had even
made dessert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I forgot
something in the car,” Bobby said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
made hors d’oeuvres Be right back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, I waited
patiently and let my thoughts wander to my feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really liked this guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, a warm nuzzling next to my ear
startled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stupid dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met his nose with an elbow.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Ow!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh oh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bobby’s nose immediately started bleeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am so sorry!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt awful for confusing him with the dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held a napkin up to his nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll just go down to the water and wash up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made his way down the grassy slope of the
boat ramp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt just horrible for
giving my boyfriend (if he even still wanted to be my boyfriend) a bloody
nose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll come help you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran after him, not realizing the steepness
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of the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This part of the river was
not only swift, but deep too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
approached the bank, I wanted to be comforting and helpful, to make up for
mistaking him for a spaniel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I patted
him on the back, it was enough to make him lose his precarious footing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slipped right into the water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabbed onto tree branches and roots to
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safe, but wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very, very wet.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All the excitement
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for five minutes, but wagged his tail like he hadn’t seen us in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to evict him from the picnic all over
again before we could start eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Apparently Bobby
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me, but he kept his distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate and
talked until his clothes were dry enough to get in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We drove to the
University of Arkansas campus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
a fun place to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the center of the
plaza, between the Student Union and Mullin’s Library, was a large fountain,
much safer than the Illinois River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every semester somebody puts soap in the
fountain and big mounds of suds foam over the rim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it was pure water, as blue as the
sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breeze blew a spray of cool
water into our faces on one side of the fountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had been enough water for one day, so
we walked toward the library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are several
layers of steps that climb toward the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bobby reached for my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess he didn’t see anything dangerous or life threatening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was safe to hold my hand as we went up the
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of the stairs was a
row of benches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stretch all the way
across the front of the massive library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We walked to the end of the row and I jumped onto the first bench.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It seemed like a
fun idea to run along the benches, leaping from one to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby ran ahead all the way to the end of the
long row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leapt from one bench to the
next, trying to be as graceful as a ballerina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I got to the last bench, he stood with open arms, ready to catch
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took my last graceful leap into
the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the last second, I decided
to dramatize my leap by throwing my arms back, arching my back and lifting my
knee into an elegant finale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I
actually did was thrust my knee full speed into his solar plexus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went down gasping for air, but didn't drop me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that I had knocked the wind out of
him and I quickly stumbled off and tried to help him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But apparently a blow to the the solar plexus
can cause the diaphragm to spasm, which meant that he was in great pain and
couldn’t breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He eventually
asked me to marry him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it, I
was literally a knock out!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-51656487493404555062013-05-04T21:14:00.003-07:002013-05-04T21:26:10.545-07:00My Obsession with Germ-X<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hi Everyone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I want to explain my fondness for Germ-X, so read on:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ruOqhSddlg/UYXcpkWyvvI/AAAAAAAAAEw/QqEvD_sYIck/s1600/Germ-X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ruOqhSddlg/UYXcpkWyvvI/AAAAAAAAAEw/QqEvD_sYIck/s1600/Germ-X.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">According
to the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control, products
like Germ-X are beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only
confirmed what I already knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it
comes to germs, my imagination knows no limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From trips through the sinus passages on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Magic School Bus</i> to the 2006 episode of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Office</i> called “The Convention” in which Michael Scott and
Dwight Schrute look at a hotel room under a black light, I’ve learned to fear
the microscopic and protect myself with an invisible alcohol-based force field.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Michael Scott</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: [<span class="fine">turns on black light in his hotel room</span>] Now would you do me
the pleasure of hitting the lights, sir? [<span class="fine">Dwight turns off
lights and they see stains all over bed</span>]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Michael Scott</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Whoa. What
are all those stains? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933988/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dwight Schrute</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Blood,
urine, or.... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/?ref_=tt_trv_qu"><span class="character"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Michael Scott</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: Oh... I
hope it's urine! </span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Long before Monk’s obsessive
compulsive behavior was popularized for television, I had mastered the no-touch
bathroom regimen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time I realized
my bathroom habits were nontraditional was when my mother-in-law went on a trip
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a Chevron bathroom, one
of the worst kind; gas station bathrooms are disgusting, barely a step above
National Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kicked open the
swinging door, assessed the best approach, then tore off a small piece of paper
towel to use like an oven mitt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I
used the paper towel to push the lever to get more paper towel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used it to open the stall door, slide the
lock into place, and flush the toilet that was never touched by any part of my
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Washing hands is the best part of
public bathrooms, but then getting out of the bathroom can be problematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What should I do with the paper towel with
which I dried my hands?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s needed to
open the door, then I have to dispose of it properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully there’s a trash can near the door,
preferably one that doesn’t have a swinging lid because that takes precision:
push and drop before the lid swings too close and touches my hand or the
washing process has to be redone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
part has to be timed like an Olympian passing the baton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother-in-law watched me as she recklessly
touched every microbe-infested surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic had
its perks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was introduced to new
varieties of Germ-X; citrus scented, aloe infused, and fresh breeze scent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was over three years ago, and my
obsession with Germ-X has increased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel the need to carry small, pocket-sized bottles of Germ-X in my bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have travel-sized Germ-X approved by
Homeland Security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel safer having
Germ-X than I do from having extra airport security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have larger pump bottles of Germ-X in my
car; that’s the first thing I do when I get in after shopping, rub my hands
liberally with original Germ-X.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
have economy-sized bottles throughout my house; beside the kitchen sink, in
both bathrooms, and next to my bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would never stay in a hotel without it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are times that my obsession
with Germ-X effects how I interact with other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, my students—who come to class
sick or with allergies—cough and sneeze on their papers before turning them
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t take them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students have to stack their papers on the
desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually I gel up before
grabbing the papers, stuffing them into a bag, and re-gelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politely shaking hands means fake smiling as
the microbes race toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to
quickly kill them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I can sense germs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Test driving cars requires liberal amounts of
Germ-X to counter the steering wheel germs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I read somewhere that the dirtiest items in our culture are hospital
remote controls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have become the
standard by which I judge the filthiness of all other material culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Door knobs are slightly better than hospital
remotes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything in a lobby, any lobby,
is dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hand railings, chair arms,
lockers, gym equipment, money, and windshield squeegees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But tied with hospital remote controls is DVD
rentals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I rented Season 2 of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Office,</i> I used Germ-X on the DVD
cases. I laughed uncontrollably at Michael Scott’s insane fear of germs and
bacteria.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-75821080540436055912013-04-27T15:07:00.000-07:002013-04-27T15:09:17.619-07:00German Apple Cake: One of my favorite cakes in the whole world!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vexvqLz1EJE/UXxMfI7IhNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/LH27EkkGlmQ/s1600/Apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vexvqLz1EJE/UXxMfI7IhNI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/LH27EkkGlmQ/s1600/Apples.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
The first time I saw this recipe, I said, "This is either going to be the worst cake in the world or the best cake ever." Fortunately, it is the best ever! Use any kind of apple, I've tried them all and they all work.<br />
<br />
I remember one time I set out to make this cake and forgot the cocoa. It was still good, but not perfect, so I immediately made another one; that time I forgot the cinnamon. I was so frustrated, but my perfectionism got the better of me, so I made a third cake! Third time's a charm. I had six sons and one daughter still at home, they were really happy I had made so many mistakes! <br />
<br />
<br />
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German Apple Cake</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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<span lang="ES-AR" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-AR;">1 c. vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span lang="ES-AR" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-AR;">2 c. sugar</span></div>
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2 ½ c. flour</div>
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2 T. cocoa</div>
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2 t. cinnamon</div>
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1 t. baking soda</div>
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1 T. vanilla</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
4 c. finely chopped apples (peeled)</div>
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1 c. chocolate chips</div>
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<br /></div>
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Beat eggs until foamy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add sugar
and oil, mix well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add dry
ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add vanilla, apples, and
chocolate chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour batter into
greased 9”x13” pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake 350* for 35-40
min.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is one of my favorite cakes in the whole world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use Hershey’s or Ghirardelli semi-sweet
chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cake is moist and, if there’s
any left, I store it in the refrigerator.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Enjoy this one. I painted "Three Green Apples" after I fell in love with German Apple Cake. </div>
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Ciao!</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-13832379268837039682013-04-22T07:00:00.001-07:002013-04-22T07:17:40.653-07:00A word about high-tech dating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO5H6gLlJ38/UXVGVFNaooI/AAAAAAAAAEA/34b8X3pbd3U/s1600/Aaron+and+Ana+wedding+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO5H6gLlJ38/UXVGVFNaooI/AAAAAAAAAEA/34b8X3pbd3U/s1600/Aaron+and+Ana+wedding+day.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology has changed our lives in significant ways,
including the way we date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modern
dating, the way most of us did it, is also a result of technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, cars changed dating practices in
America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, the dating pool
became much larger when one could court someone from a nearby town, rather than
relying on walking or riding a horse to meet a potential mate. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our high-tech society has caused dating to evolve in a
similar fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has enlarged the
dating pool once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer
have to rely on dating people we meet at work, school, a club, or in our local
congregation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dating has reached new
heights in its geographic scope. Our dating pool has gone beyond local,
regional, or even national.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today’s
dating pool is global.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a Marriage and Family instructor, I have witnessed this
phenomenon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each semester I ask my
students to raise their hands if they would consider dating someone they met
online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several years ago, the answer
was unanimous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within two semesters that changed; a few
people raised their hands and said they might consider it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, one or two students admitted to
having dating someone they met online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, there are several students each semester who not only admit to
finding dates online, but some have found their spouses through online dating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had two students who took three different classes from
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first semester they were
dating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They blushed when the subject of
online dating came up, but admitted that was how they met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived in different states and met on a
Christian singles dating site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
semester I had them, they were engaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had the privilege of attending their wedding and now they are happily
married students pursuing life together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another student met her husband online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she attended school in Missouri, she
spent breaks going to Florida in order to become better acquainted with her fiancée
and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both live in
Florida now and are happily married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my son returned from Argentina, he became acquainted
with a young woman from Chile whom he had met only once or twice while they
were both in Argentina. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After becoming
facebook friends, and then talking on the phone, then Skyping for a year, my
son traveled to Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are now
happily married and I'm thrilled to have her for a daughter-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, this isn’t the first time technology has changed the way
we date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in 1939, when my grandparents
eloped on a motorcycle (and her father wasn’t very happy about it), the
technology of the day enabled them to date and marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology changes society. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, the cautions are the same now as
they were in 1939.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out the person you are talking to,
listen to that inner voice that has kept you safe so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double date, that way you still have someone
to talk to if s/he turns out to be a dud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get to know the person and meet in a public place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think with logic, not just emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be afraid to say, “Sorry, this doesn’t
feel right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn’t work for me.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the time
comes, don’t be afraid to say, “Yes!” </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-44198972084341755942013-04-04T15:46:00.004-07:002013-04-04T16:13:21.296-07:00Banana Bread By the Bunches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYfyRiLLTs/UV4DRhhkSbI/AAAAAAAAADA/oEgRoJ9XLgM/s1600/Bananas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LYfyRiLLTs/UV4DRhhkSbI/AAAAAAAAADA/oEgRoJ9XLgM/s1600/Bananas.JPG" /></a></div>
Bananas by Lisa Aldridge<br />
<br />
I have a husband and eight children who all love banana bread. One time my husband went to the local grocery store and they had three carts full of ripe bananas for 5 cents per lb. My husband bought a cart full! I had to come up with a way to use lots of bananas because my family conspired to not eat the bananas in order to force me to make banana bread.<br />
<br />
Visit my other website to see more of my paintings: http://www.aldridgeart.webs.com/page1.html <br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Banana Bread By the Bunches</b></h3>
3 1/3 c. sugar<br />
1 2/3 c. butter or margarine<br />
10 T. milk<br />
10 eggs<br />
8 3/4 c. flour<br />
10 t. baking powder<br />
5 t. baking soda<br />
5 c. mashed bananas (about 10-15 bananas)<br />
Optional: chocolate chips and/or nuts<br />
<br />
Blend the sugar and margarine. Add the milk and eggs, mix well. Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Then add the mashed bananas. Mix thoroughly. You can add chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts as desired. Makes about 10 miniature loaves or 5 large loaves.<br />
Pour into greased loaf pans until they are about 2/3 full. Bake 350 degrees. If you are using miniature loaf pans bake for about 35 min. If you are using regular-sized loaf pans bake for about 55-60 min.<br />
<br />
Enjoy warm or cool, spread with butter or eat all by itself.<br />
Ciao! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-6337682521451928052013-03-24T16:43:00.001-07:002013-03-24T16:46:04.070-07:00Snow Day and Caramel Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4Q5a5v6p0/UU-Hnq0mnrI/AAAAAAAAACw/1qDIDoJtevk/s1600/snowy+tree+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4Q5a5v6p0/UU-Hnq0mnrI/AAAAAAAAACw/1qDIDoJtevk/s1600/snowy+tree+2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Everyone loves a Snow Day now and then. Especially if it means staying home from work or school with a warm cup of hot cocoa and a good book; or in today's world, "snuggling up" with a good story on a Kindle or Nook or on a laptop. In this high-tech society, I still like to read actual books; although I admit the convenience of virtual books is wonderful too. Do you think books will become an artifact of the past?<br />
<br />
Whatever your method of reading, it's nice to have a fun snack. One of my favorites is caramel popcorn. This recipe came from my mother-in-law; it turns out every time.<br />
<br />
<b>Caramel Popcorn</b><br />
<br />
Pop 5 quarts of popcorn. Remove unpopped kernels.<br />
<br />
1 c. margarine, melted<br />
2 c. firmly packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 c. corn syrup (you can use light or dark)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla or other favorite flavoring (sometimes I use hazelnut)<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
<br />
Melt the margarine then add the sugar and corn syrup and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Then boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and add the baking soda. It will bubble up and become frothy at this point. Immediately pour it over the popcorn. Mix it well; I usually use a long-handled wooden spoon.<br />
Now you have to make a choice. Are you going to eat it on the gooey side? Or do you want it drier? If so, bake it in the oven at 250 degrees for about 45 minutes, turn it over frequently. Break it apart and store it in an airtight container. Rumor has it that it is really good for a long time, but we always ate it too quickly to find out.<br />
This makes a fun food gift! Put it in a decorative tin or jar that you've decorated yourself.<br />
Enjoy! Ciao!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-11478048642305321392013-03-10T17:50:00.003-07:002013-03-10T17:50:42.278-07:00The 7 Heavenly Foods for Your HeartHi Everyone!<br />
I have compiled a list of 7 foods that are really good for your heart and help prevent heart disease. Yes, dark chocolate made the list! I've always known in my heart that chocolate was good for me!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2985856134337065534" name="article-start"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Salmon </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since I
suffer from arrhythmia, Salmon is good for me because it has been shown to
prevent erratic heart rhythms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
improves </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">cholesterol ratios and lowers blood pressure. You should eat
this a couple of times each week. Grilled salmon with grilled asparagus is my
personal favorite.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Beans</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are
so many kinds of beans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, I
love beans, but there is one that I refuse to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think black-eyed peas taste like little
bags of dirt, so I will never eat them (not even as part of New Year’s
tradition; sorry Grandma, my Southern roots can only take me so far).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> health benefits of beans are great.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High in fiber-will make you feel
full and help lower cholesterol<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Potassium-keeps the heart muscle
strong and regular <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Folate-this is a B vitamin and it breaks
down certain amino acids that increase the risk of heart disease <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beans are really versatile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They work in things, like soup and salad, or
as stand-alone dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once ate pinto
bean cookies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you can grind the dry
beans and replace part of the flour with the bean flour and it tastes great!
You should eat them several times a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So explore this marvelous food in its many varieties.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Berries</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And you felt guilty for eating jams and ice cream toppings,
not anymore! Besides being a great treat, they are good for your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These little gems can prevent cell damage
because they are full of polyphenols. We have a new old saying, “A strawberry,
blueberry, and boysenberry a day keeps the doctor away.” How? Berries can help
your body fight diseases with their natural antioxidants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can add them to so many things; cereal,
oatmeal, yogurt, salad, or eat them alone for a snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Oatmeal</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mom was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns
out oatmeal is good for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s full
of vitamins and minerals that are good for your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, it is a great source of fiber and since
it’s a whole grain, it helps lower your cholesterol. It’s good for your digestive
system and can help protect against some cancers. We always think of it as a breakfast
food, but my family likes it as a dessert too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Try this, a scoop of warm oatmeal with a scoop of ice cream on top…mmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m kind of sneaky and throw a handful of
oatmeal into many main dishes when no one is looking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, two cups of dry oatmeal added to
a meatloaf makes it much healthier.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Skim Milk</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know
milk has calcium and that calcium is good for your bones and teeth, but did you
know that it can help lower your blood pressure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also good for your arteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever source of calcium you choose, make
sure you are getting enough, it doesn’t all have to come from skim milk, but a
glass a day is a really good idea to get you started.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. Vegetables</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mom was right again. It seems veggies contain carotenoids
and flavonoids, both good for your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eat them as fresh as you can, sauté them instead of boiling them until
they turn into sludge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fresher the
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be side dishes or main dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out your local farmer’s market for
inspiration.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Dark Chocolate</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hurray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew
it had to be good for my heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
time I was right and Mom was wrong, dark chocolate contains antioxidants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It protects us from free radicals (those
crazy atoms, molecules and ions that go bezerk in our bodies and cause all
kinds of problems). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dark chocolate also
lowers our risk of having a heart attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somehow I knew that, but having modern science verify it gives me the
justification I need to indulge! But don’t get carried away, one square of dark
chocolate each day is supposed to be enough. So, dip a berry in chocolate and
enjoy a healthier heart!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ciao! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-71635532617716316652013-03-09T20:04:00.003-08:002013-03-09T20:04:49.704-08:00Reaching Out Close to HomeHi Everyone!<br />
<br />
Americans seem to be less involved socially than in the past. Community ties are not what they used to be and all of this leads to more people who are isolated and lonely. We all know that lonely individuals can become depressed, especially when they are not involved in a religious organization, because churches are a wonderful source of social integration.<br />
<br />
Some individuals are more at risk than others. For example, adults who lost a parent when they were younger, and adults who suffered from low-esteem as children/teens are more likely to suffer from chronic loneliness as adults.<br />
<br />
Lonely people report more health problems and mental health issues. Some other common effects of loneliness include depression, mood swings, addictive behaviors, low energy, chronic fatigue, and poor sleep patterns. It can even effect how well one's body responds to a flu shot! <br />
<br />
Reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors who may be suffering from loneliness can be rewarding for everyone. Invite them to join you for a walk around the block. Invite them to a social/community activity or church meeting. Share a snack or current events item.<br />
<br />
Older members of your community or church have a wealth of information about the past. Ask them about a specific historic event, or about their childhood. Have them tell you a story or share a recipe. Share a bit of your time and enjoy the rewarding feeling that comes from helping others.<br />
Ciao! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-76197638871079862572013-02-22T17:22:00.001-08:002013-02-22T17:22:40.591-08:00My Favorite Brownie RecipeWe finally have a snow day and campus is closed. One of my former students said she was bored and would make brownies if only she had a brownie mix. Well, my friends, this may be a bit old-fashioned but you don't need a brownie mix. Brownies are fast and easy to make and better than a mix. Here is my favorite brownie recipe and it makes a nice batch in a 9x13 pan:<br />
<br />
1 c. margarine, melted (2 sticks)<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 c. flour<br />
1/2 c. cocoa<br />
1/2 t. baking powder<br />
1 c. chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Melt margarine and add sugar, mix well. Add eggs, mix well. Mix flour, cocoa and baking powder, then add to wet mixture. Blend in chocolate chips. Pour batter into a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray (or greased). Bake 350 degrees for about 30 min. Sometimes I pour the rest of the bag of chocolate chips on top and let them melt, then spread it and let cool. <br />
<br />
You'll never need another brownie mix.<br />
Enjoy! Ciao!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-83490321647974051412013-02-07T12:15:00.003-08:002013-02-07T12:15:36.535-08:00Taking Care of Ourselves and Our FamilyThis week has been full of all-night writing sessions. I couldn't do it if my husband wasn't the most supportive guy on the planet. But, if you're like me, a few time management coping strategies are helpful. Here is a list of time-management suggestions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Do more than one task at a time</li>
<li>Have a Plan B</li>
<li>Say "No" to additional time demands</li>
<li>Break large jobs down into smaller jobs</li>
<li>Make a list of your priorities</li>
<li>Ask your family to help, even young members of the family can and like to help</li>
<li>Budget your time so that you don't feel overwhelmed</li>
<li>Leave work in the workplace, don't bring it home (when you are a stay-at-home mom, the lines become blurred, but you need time away from housework too)</li>
<li>Make 'to-do' lists</li>
</ul>
Use technology to lighten the load--when I realized that I didn't have to iron everything, my world got better! My favorite way to iron is to throw it back in the dryer for a few minutes. My grandmother still irons sheets/pillowcases/handkerchiefs!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a list of strategies for taking care of yourself:<br />
<ul>
<li>Give yourself permission to be a less-than-perfect housekeeper</li>
<li>Allow special time for each child</li>
<li>Eat nutritionally balanced meals</li>
<li>Engage in family activities</li>
<li>Spend time together and make it count</li>
<li>Interact with your spouse (this benefits both of you)</li>
<li>Take time for yourself to do something you enjoy</li>
<li>Engage in a hobby</li>
<li>Attend social, religious, group meetings</li>
<li>Exercise </li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-44470490018122784802013-02-03T15:19:00.000-08:002013-02-03T15:19:06.073-08:00The Creepy Story Behind "Bon Ami""Bon Ami" is a flash fiction piece that was just published by Running Out of Ink Literary Journal. The main character, Devon, was in another story I wrote called "The Covering Up." Devon was a secondary character in that one, he was definitely on the creepy side, but my fellow readers/writers wanted to know more about him. So, I wrote this piece that gives us greater insight into Devon and his love interest, Lucy. <br />
<br />
What's interesting about Lucy is that she never speaks or moves on her own in the story...for good reason. Devon is a bioarcheology student who has been spending way too much time in the lab. Lucy is always there too. He fantasizes about her and falls in love with her. Unfortunately, Lucy can't return his affection because she has been dead for a few million years. Lucy is the name of the Australopithecus skeleton found in 1974 in the Awash Valley in Ethiopia. <br />
<br />
My family thought the whole thing was a little creepy; Devon didn't seem to have a problem with it though. By the way, I wrote this on Halloween night, maybe that has something to do with it. I hope that you enjoy reading it.<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><a href="http://www.runningoutofink.com/bon_ami.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.runningoutofink.com/bon_ami.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Ciao! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-59904365313120142832013-02-01T09:45:00.001-08:002013-02-01T09:45:43.106-08:00The Story Behind the PoemHere's the story behind my poem that took third place in the Reader's Choice Awards from Northern Liberties Review:<br />
<br />
It started out with an idea, a memory really, of a time when I painted signs at the rodeo grounds in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. One day I was painting the biggest sign on the grandstand. I had to stand on the chutes in order to reach it. It was a really hot summer day and I was pregnant with my fourth child. I was enjoying the quiet, it was afternoon. <br />
<br />
Apparently no one realized I was there, because suddenly someone let a group of horses into the arena! They came barreling through the chutes I was straddling! I was holding a can of paint in one hand and a brush in the other. I was scared; scared of losing my balance, scared of dropping my paint or brush into the fray and having a horse rear up under me, scared of getting trampled to death, etc. All I could do was stand there, one foot on each side of the chute, trying to stay balanced against the vibrating metal and thundering hooves. <br />
<br />
Inspiration did not come at that point, just perspiration! But looking back on that moment, what an image it created in my mind. One that came alive with words and eventually ended up as a poem. Think about events in your life that are vivid images. Write them down and see where they take you.<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-32625497068206778792013-01-30T06:03:00.005-08:002013-01-30T18:58:02.895-08:00PeaceI remember the first time we commemorated Martin Luther King Day as a nation. Since that time, I've taught many American Diversity classes about the tactics Martin Luther King Jr. used in trying to make positive changes for African Americans. His civil disobedience tactics were often patterned after Gandhi, who was a great man of peace. Gandhi was assassinated 65 years ago today. I think we should have a day to commemorate him. Ironically, he was murdered while at a prayer meeting. He was the world's greatest advocate of non-violence in this century. If you haven't watched the movie "Gandhi," you owe it to yourself to rent it now and watch it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-71250640361957864372013-01-28T22:59:00.004-08:002013-01-28T22:59:45.590-08:00Canadian CaperSometimes we have events that don't seem like anything important at the time....until later. For example, 29 years ago today President Ronald Reagan announced that he would seek re-election. Looking back, we realize that he was a very good president and many believe his wisdom could help our economically troubled country now. It's easy to look back and remember things as being simpler, easier. But I remember when President Reagan warned us that we would all have to make some sacrifices in order to achieve a more economically prosperous time. He gave us a time-frame and at the end of that time he asked us to reflect on whether or not we were better off than we were before his presidency. It should be that way with every presidency, every governorship, every parent, every person. Did we make improvements? Did we work hard? Did we make a positive difference in the lives of others? Are we willing to sacrifice to help others?<br /><br />In 1980, 33 years ago today, there were six Americans being held hostage in Iran who escaped because there were people who were willing to make a sacrifice, willing to do something difficult in order to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Thank you to the Canadians who saved their lives. Thank you to people who were willing to issue Canadian passports to US citizens because lives are more valuable than rules/laws. This real life drama,known as the "Canadian Caper," was recently the subject of a 2012 film, "Argo." <br />
<br />
My point is that a simpler time is now. We can make lives better through simple acts of kindness and love. We can simply be courageous in doing what is right. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-20183762708277089202013-01-24T10:42:00.002-08:002013-01-28T22:25:59.615-08:00The Day After PieYesterday, when I opened a bag of chocolate chips, my seven-year-old son came and held out his hand for the customary sample of chocolate chips. (Keep in mind the chocolate chip ratio is # of chips:age) He looked in his palm and said, there are only six! I added another one. Then he said, "Mom, does that mean you get about ninety chocolate chips?" Very funny. He doesn't know I can set the clocks forward an hour and his bedtime will suddenly come sooner.<br />
<br />
There are too many things to do today! When this happens, sometimes it is difficult to clear your head of the mundane things in order to focus on the more creative things. On the other hand, I have a writer friend who spent quality time with her moldy shower and wrote an interesting prose piece inspired by the different colors of mold. I guess that goes to show that we can draw inspiration from just about anything.<br />
<br />
Try finding a bit of inspiration from something simple today. Write about it, looking for words that make vivid images, and see what results.<br />
Ciao! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2985856134337065534.post-68572306499357521882013-01-23T09:43:00.002-08:002013-01-23T11:17:32.789-08:00National Pie DayIn honor of National Pie Day, here is the best kept secret of the chocolate chip world: Hershey's Special Dark chocolate chips. They are so versatile, I try to keep a few of them near me at all times. Everyone knows they come in handy for chocolate chip cookies, but they are also a great snack all by themselves. The basic rule of chocolate chips as a snack is that you get one for every year old you are. (If you lie about your age, then you can only eat the lie number, it's a punishment for lying.) But the other thing about these chocolate chips is they make a great Chocolate Ganache Pie, here is the super easy version, you can all thank me later:<br />
<br />
1 Oreo crust<br />
1 package Hershey's Special Dark or Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips<br />
1 cup of heavy cream<br />
1/2 cup of caramel syrup<br />
<br />
Pour the caramel syrup evenly in the bottom of the pie crust. Melt the chocolate chips and cream over a low heat and then pour mixture into the pie crust. Chill until hardened. Garnish with whipped cream.<br />
<br />
Let me know how you like it by leaving a comment! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11572943776319293084noreply@blogger.com0