tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80666275622612084942024-03-05T01:46:36.322-08:00PotluckA blog about the loves of my life....my faith, my family, my career, cooking, travel with our RV, and sometimes my feelings on current events!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-50941575066092266632011-09-22T17:23:00.000-07:002011-09-22T17:23:28.957-07:00I've had writer's block!It's been quite a while since I've posted anything and I'm feeling the need to write...but I've been a little "blocked"....child care and travel (not the pleasure kind) have dominated my life since July. I'm helping my daughter with her children (Grace 5 and Asher almost 3) as she completes a 5 month-long school course. The challenge has been that I live in Louisiana and they are in the Nashville, TN area! <br />
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So....I'm traveling with them back and forth between homes each month.....not too bad considering it's a 10 hour long drive with 2 kids. They have really been troopers and it's a good thing I don't mind road trips!<br />
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Also, what makes the stay with them at their home not too bad is that it's located in the hills of Brentwood, TN....lovely area....with great people! I'm loving the opportunity to live and work (what little time I have to spend sharing my Mary Kay) in such a beautiful place. Another plus...it's the beginning of Fall and the leaves are changing and the weather is definitely cooler and less humid than southwest Louisiana!<br />
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Hopefully, I'll have some pictures for my next post....another daughter and her family are coming up to Brentwood in October to see the area...so we will be getting out and exploring more....can't wait.<br />
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Till then....<br />
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IMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-2590007419476516472011-05-29T09:16:00.000-07:002011-05-29T09:16:31.330-07:00Cut Cut Cut!I need to rant, I guess. I'm sick and tired of hearing all of this debate on cutting medicare.....social security....entitlements as the media calls it. Oh, if the Republicans mention cutting medicare (10 years in the future) then the Democrats scream "you want to kill grandma". How disingenuous! The Democrats are the ones who voted for the "Obama Health Care Bill" (now known by another name) where seniors WILL have their health care rationed....that's a death sentence if there ever was!<br />
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It's really not medicare that is the issue as far as I see.....surely it's not Social Security....why that is our own money coming back to us....well, it should have been. The politicians in Washington have raped it for so many years that now it's teetering on the brink of bankruptcy! Something I never hear about is MEDICAID....that's medicare for young people having babies with no insurance. Don't get me wrong...I believe we should help those who are less fortunate or who found themselves between jobs with no insurance or in a job with no insurance. However, baby after baby is being born to mothers who are on drugs and welfare (which probably pays for the drugs) with no other means of support and certainly no means of support from the baby's father....if in fact the father is even known!<br />
One baby to a drug mom is acceptable.....but....the same girl goes back to have multiple babies....crack babies which NICU's all over our nation spend millions to save! Yes, I care about those precious little babies who didn't ask to be born...however, the girl/woman coming in time after time to have these babies should be cut off from all government assistance. How do I know about this.....I have a daughter who has worked in NICU's from California to Florida and especially in Louisiana! It's an epidemic of misuse of our Medicaid system. THAT'S WHAT NEEDS TO BE CUT!!!!<br />
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Now, my rant about SS benefits.......Seniors who have paid into the system for 20-30-40 years...deserve their little monthly checks. However, BIG $$ are going out to recipients who have NEVER paid into the system. This is NOT what SS was meant to be. It's just another "welfare" system which is being used as a tool by the liberals....ohhhh....don't mess with SS....or you will be branded a callous, uncompasionate, "only worried about the rich", mean-spirited conservative.<br />
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You know....all of these programs could be saved for everyone if the fraud is found and taken out! Unfortunately, much of the fraud is perpetrated by the folks in <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">the </span><span style="background-color: white;">bureaucracies</span></span> in Washington D.C. Speaking of which....why do we need .so many people on the Government payroll.....Billions of $$ are spent on dead-head jobs with big benefit packages and even greater retirements...... those are entitlements that deserve some cuts! Can anyone say Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Did you hear the news this week?<br />
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Let me not even get started on the Billions that are sent overseas. Billions that funnel into the hands of people who hate us and use it to kill us or to nations whose officials take the money and pad their own bank accounts! Let's do some cuts in this ridiculous habit we have of throwing our tax $$s to our enemies. We really don't have alot of friends overseas and the ones we do have have been insulted in the last 18 months by our President. <br />
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So, there.....I feel better....at least for the moment. I got it off my chest and on to my keyboard. <br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-72138620822274496642011-05-21T11:57:00.000-07:002011-05-21T11:57:05.102-07:00Florida for a Month! I have been wanting to chronicle our trip to Florida which took place in March and April. We left out on March 11 and returned April 12. Things have been going non-stop since we returned and I have not had the time or the inspiration to sit down to write this blog....until tonight. I felt the urge to write and decided, before this trip is a distant memory, I'd better put down on paper our experiences and events that are due a mention!First of all, let me say that Florida came about for us because of a wedding invitation to Wayne's nephew's wedding. It was to take place on March 26th....on the beach in Sarasota! Ummm...nice...we wanted to attend and since we had a 5th wheel parked in our yard with only one short weekend trip under our belt....this would be a great place to start our "extended" trips. So, we decided to accept the invitation and plan to pull the Paradise Pointe to a camp ground close to the wedding spot. Now, plans got extended when we were invited by my daughter and her husband (Alicia and John) who as travel nurses were finishing up their last month of assignments in the Orlando area., to camp next to them. So, as planning would have it....a two week camping trip to a wedding extended to a month! I mean, really, a two week stay next to them cost the same as a month taking advantage of the monthly discount! So, with a phone call we were booked for a month's stay. We would be parked next to our daughter and her family who had been in Florida for 4 months living in a KOA in Davenport.......close to the entry gates of Disney World (they have 2 kids and love Disney). Alicia worked at Tampa General and her husband worked in a hospital in Cleremont. They only worked 3 shifts a week...so that left plenty of time to play and with Mimi and Paw Paw living next door for a month we could help out with the kids so they could work shifts together. We were anxious to be with Julia 9 and Joshua 6....they had been traveling with their parents for nearly 2 years so we had not been around them very much. They are home schooled....or as they call it "road schooled"!<br />
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On Friday, March 11 at 9:00 AM we were ready to pull out of the driveway...loaded with everything we thought we'd need! Darn...with my check of the lights....back lights and turn signals not working on the trailer. Ok, no big deal....the RV place is close by and it was on our way out. So off we went, staying on the frontage road....going slow....we made it to the shop. Luckily they jumped on the problem quickly....the wiring for the brake plug in in the back of the truck was not wired correctly....so ....with a $65.00 charge and 1 hour of lost time....we were back on the road. <br />
Headed east on I-10....wow....the traffic....bumper to bumper....all the way to the beach turn-off at the east side of the Florida Panhandle...why all this traffic??? FIRST WEEKEND OF SPRING BREAK! Well, we didn't time this trip correctly! So, other than the brake lights and the traffic the trip was smooth so far and uneventful. Until.....40 miles from our intended campground for the evening we decided to pull off for a fuel stop....not yet learning that we should only go for "truck stops" and "travel centers" we were looking for "cheap" fuel and stopped where it was less and sometimes found ourselves in a bind....as we did this one last time. After fueling the truck...we were in a situation that required us to turn right out of the station and then make a u-turn....oh oh......don't turn too sharp.....yep....trying to avoid a big hole in the road....Wayne make a sharp left turn and the next thing we heard was crashing glass and metal grinding. YIKES....our back window was being busted out by the front end of the trailer!!! To make matters worse.....we were approaching a red light....both of us looking behind to see the damage that was unfolding.....and to see our boxer (who was laying on the back seat) being pelted with glass....I noticed the red light...screamed....husband applies the brakes and Boxer goes flying onto the floorboard. I think my blood pressure spiked 50 points at that moment. <br />
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Phew....after catching our breath....assessing that the Paradise Point did not sustain too much damage...we continued on wind blowing in through the back window....temps were dropping as it was now dusk and we were freezing......yes, it's March in Florida...but the cool weather was still hanging around. I won't bore you with the conversation to our night's destination...but the enjoyable trip had just turned into a nightmare. Well, maybe I'm being too dramatic...but my thoughts were: how in the world would we fix this.....get parked for the night....hoping it would not rain and would Wayne get disgusted and cancel this trip before we even get l/2 there? <br />
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Well, I know, as RVing people will tell us.....this is nothing in the whole scheme of things....life happens and we were unhurt....no serious damage....it's just a lesson learned the hard way...and these lessons always come with a $$ price! <br />
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We arrived at the Arrowhead Campground after dark...another lesson learned....too hard to set up in the dark. We had originally planned to stay hitched....but now with the broken window and the glass covering the backseat and floor....something would have to be done to the truck that night. Thank goodness the spot was a pull through....that made it easier.....Wayne worked like crazy to get us level, set up and in doing all of that in the dark...I learned another lesson.....make sure you check the position of the trailer as to the distance of the slide outs from any tree, etc. Only after he had all hook ups done did I notice I could not extend our living room/dining room slide. I was not about to say a word!!<br />
Now let me stop at this point and let you know that my Boxer, Coco, had never been on a trip before much less living in a camper....out of her familiar environment....she hated when we'd go into our trailer to pack or work in it....she never wanted to be in there with us and here we are this night in a very tight situation inside of our living area! Also another tidbit of info.....she's 45 lbs. and has arthritis so she cannot climb into our truck or into the trailer.....she must be lifted every time! So, lifting we did and we introduced her to "camping" in a not so wonderful way (broken glass and tight quarters) ....oh well, when we did get to our destination she will think that the trailer is a mansion compared to this night!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUb7nf24zsX7Oz7bOMFGFiE_DAEZ7APCEGL2OcAvpUpi4RRVkgLESq9mmqPeKmRb3pjWTbMmXoOZPXXJdByb-6vlLYHYOvveFK9NwcA0t7YBaXmJCSL1kIj1W9ntRlcNZa4JzoZD2-ig/s1600/busted+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUb7nf24zsX7Oz7bOMFGFiE_DAEZ7APCEGL2OcAvpUpi4RRVkgLESq9mmqPeKmRb3pjWTbMmXoOZPXXJdByb-6vlLYHYOvveFK9NwcA0t7YBaXmJCSL1kIj1W9ntRlcNZa4JzoZD2-ig/s320/busted+window.jpg" width="240" /></a>Wayne returned from vacuuming the glass out of the truck and he visited WalMart for supplies to cover the back window... He had bought rubber car floor mats and duck tape and there you have it....waterproof, windproof, and looking like a big boo-boo!!.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX55UOi0WYo7A2vKCRCTtRWarmgtr5fQNkrJrP9ezFVrwmbs0U_cE5zd8-psIOqIfICIqye3U9dIFCM6zleBuVUeqyXZZd5O9IIw3jni3abY60rY7sfwqJodqMI3EoFZZMVJmBb35feHwG/s1600/coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX55UOi0WYo7A2vKCRCTtRWarmgtr5fQNkrJrP9ezFVrwmbs0U_cE5zd8-psIOqIfICIqye3U9dIFCM6zleBuVUeqyXZZd5O9IIw3jni3abY60rY7sfwqJodqMI3EoFZZMVJmBb35feHwG/s320/coco.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The first night in our camper was just a quick bite to eat, showers and bed......trying to convince Coco that she would have a place to sleep...remember...we only have two slides and the largest one was not extended! It was tight....but we found a place for her bed and we and she made it through!<br />
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So, that was the first full day of our long-awaited trip. The second day was uneventful....being careful and also being amazed at our Boxer. Coco is a great traveler....she slept almost the whole trip each day and when we would stop she was more than happy just to stay in the truck. In fact, when we tried to get her out to potty....she would be very anxious to return to the truck. Stopping at truck stops seemed to make her very nervous with the engine sounds, etc. She just didn't quite know what to make of what we were doing or where we were taking her! Thank goodness the weather was cool....so leaving her in the truck was OK.<br />
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At about 5:00 PM March 12th we arrived in Davenport....with happy hugs and greetings from the family awaiting our arrival. Now for the next "problem" to solve.....the campsite was not very level. Backing the trailer in was tricky to say the least and then.....mistake #3....unhitching BEFORE you know it's level....so hooking back up pulling forward....putting down boards....backing onto the boards on one side....whew...thank God my son-in-law John was helping....I think for a second time Wayne would have wanted to pack it up and head back home! The KOA was nice, but we were in the "extended" stay part and the sites were not level and there was a definite lack of trees!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A557c7l6CGIBvCG4PFAqMWhC9IJAB-IGlZb0r0mbkVJiIZjWEGAO-1dc2LE4cS_30sOsyrk5baWyoxkca_1e8F7HMBFLIOwQu8PHbRUzG2r3cKCSjkjzNSkUXneYNyvJw31HbkoD2Yuc/s1600/KOA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A557c7l6CGIBvCG4PFAqMWhC9IJAB-IGlZb0r0mbkVJiIZjWEGAO-1dc2LE4cS_30sOsyrk5baWyoxkca_1e8F7HMBFLIOwQu8PHbRUzG2r3cKCSjkjzNSkUXneYNyvJw31HbkoD2Yuc/s320/KOA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamx9HREsf3zheS9AktrxccRamz42mflYHEFtzF54Wzd_Ud9OpJFABPf4aGJji-e9PGFCPL10hLdDgn5tdsFI36pxN0_nvlFZvW7BbRZ1Yu1vB60PLPOcgYjSMGbIc-EjC3MOeVtb3DHCH/s1600/Discovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamx9HREsf3zheS9AktrxccRamz42mflYHEFtzF54Wzd_Ud9OpJFABPf4aGJji-e9PGFCPL10hLdDgn5tdsFI36pxN0_nvlFZvW7BbRZ1Yu1vB60PLPOcgYjSMGbIc-EjC3MOeVtb3DHCH/s320/Discovery.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>As you can see....Coco was getting adjusted to her new "home". She fell right into the routine of leash and bathroom walks 2 - 3 times a day. She loved being out with us and when we had to be gone she was perfectly OK with being left inside to sleep until our return. The Fleetwood Discovery is what my daughter's family has lived in for the past 2 years as they have been travel nursing from California to Florida!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8aY9AfdfmXzBQ0M7qdVn4d56ZAR1BREiGKttDvVJe5janj8KOQEKQz5CaslG6GUV6ATbr5PbPvBGnFx2CUo7bt-Fd8ht0z0edC-OtRLZXHIiyBzHRfH5NpYv8gX_A6Qbrf_-KFvqwVXD/s1600/JuJu+and+Josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8aY9AfdfmXzBQ0M7qdVn4d56ZAR1BREiGKttDvVJe5janj8KOQEKQz5CaslG6GUV6ATbr5PbPvBGnFx2CUo7bt-Fd8ht0z0edC-OtRLZXHIiyBzHRfH5NpYv8gX_A6Qbrf_-KFvqwVXD/s320/JuJu+and+Josh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For the next two weeks we settled in to camper living and visited family south of Orlando in a town called Lake Placid....a quaint little So. Florida town known for it's murals painted on the sides of the downtown historic buildings. Julia and Joshua look like they are painted right in!<br />
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With the help of my insurance company we did find a great collision shop to put the truck for repairs to the back window and also the roof of the cab....it had a little, no , a big dent. They only kept it a week...didn't have to remove the whole roof top...just worked out the "kink" and replaced the window...and we just had to pay $250!! Yeah! Keep in mind...hubby is still feeling badly for what happened and it will take him about a week to relax and enjoy this trip.<br />
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Saturday, March 26th was the beach wedding in Sarasota....so we took the 2 hour drive down south to that beautiful town and beach...I think it's considered the most beautiful beach in USA.....and it certainly was a beautiful day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqalLQzTu8cWKV6KrOBYzp6-lLCmdoyLPg1-bRNoyhq8Y-QgpiNKwnHFEl9A2IBWyq5xg0GW5tb_yMPxLU4DCMgosdkHjZFgYWr_t82AEr1wHKrlgq_UgNFxFtMz5Zqq8lf247t0gOMzmg/s1600/James%2527+on+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqalLQzTu8cWKV6KrOBYzp6-lLCmdoyLPg1-bRNoyhq8Y-QgpiNKwnHFEl9A2IBWyq5xg0GW5tb_yMPxLU4DCMgosdkHjZFgYWr_t82AEr1wHKrlgq_UgNFxFtMz5Zqq8lf247t0gOMzmg/s320/James%2527+on+Beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The James Family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F8p6atbhzdtSL3gow7asm_Ebz9WUT9wS4KlkRzEs4gndiG8FssUu16qGtkg5cIejJLNFKyFrMGc2_KUDazQ5-qxc84VInlTTAjcmafzILye0u2HNoMWZyBa4dX7sFDXeWzT5LMTH_PVK/s1600/Mel%2526Wayne+on+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F8p6atbhzdtSL3gow7asm_Ebz9WUT9wS4KlkRzEs4gndiG8FssUu16qGtkg5cIejJLNFKyFrMGc2_KUDazQ5-qxc84VInlTTAjcmafzILye0u2HNoMWZyBa4dX7sFDXeWzT5LMTH_PVK/s320/Mel%2526Wayne+on+Beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> we were "burning" with no sunscreen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO19zfjhoxey9D0X_NL0WcZqit_BAm81RKoMIslrBOTObAejyVPt99LQF2BsSfiCyhN0g6Or8LJusN6zuSPvsmKGghXTawD4E-sYp13e4QXXH3cxHAnesexuE1-bodvz0tblHg0rboGF3/s1600/Bride+%2526+Groom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO19zfjhoxey9D0X_NL0WcZqit_BAm81RKoMIslrBOTObAejyVPt99LQF2BsSfiCyhN0g6Or8LJusN6zuSPvsmKGghXTawD4E-sYp13e4QXXH3cxHAnesexuE1-bodvz0tblHg0rboGF3/s320/Bride+%2526+Groom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy Bride and Groom</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wade and Laryn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">For most of the time we filled up our days and nights with Disney. We decided to purchase an annual pass since we were so close and could go every day. Also, we had planned to return in December for the Christmas lights and decorations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepAo0MruBsOLhryJeO7ZiEYCbgvUh2cFc8T-6avzjp0n96hLC2pxWfQ2uouPkqb6xRJt-CZH9YJYwy0nOGxblwSxau3d0yhmw7ybA1wUJCPTIWae-iLKvgpK5m-KW5XoOjNrS-6LPvtvG/s1600/castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepAo0MruBsOLhryJeO7ZiEYCbgvUh2cFc8T-6avzjp0n96hLC2pxWfQ2uouPkqb6xRJt-CZH9YJYwy0nOGxblwSxau3d0yhmw7ybA1wUJCPTIWae-iLKvgpK5m-KW5XoOjNrS-6LPvtvG/s320/castle.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcqwItL00LSU0Wxt5VuV37Z5Cj2PA87jFRtm94YxVDJxJr6u9rsp4Flh99UFv8EoubjB_j4Z-hf2q81HM2eD-tWAogNHvEfw1zetU03_fnop6_ukChXvhREY3Xw-r7MHSuLq17Ca_C_NC/s1600/Epcot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcqwItL00LSU0Wxt5VuV37Z5Cj2PA87jFRtm94YxVDJxJr6u9rsp4Flh99UFv8EoubjB_j4Z-hf2q81HM2eD-tWAogNHvEfw1zetU03_fnop6_ukChXvhREY3Xw-r7MHSuLq17Ca_C_NC/s320/Epcot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's very enjoyable to visit the parks when you don't have a "time limit".....when you don't have to worry about seeing and riding everything in 3 or 4 days.....it's a good thing because it was Spring Break for the entire time we were in Florida and DisneyWorld was crowded every day. One day I just had to leave and retreat back to my little abode in Davenport just to "decompress" from so many people....babies and teens on their spring break trips! This Epcot picture is of the last evening we were in town....we decided to close out our trip with a leisurely trip to Epcot and the world Showcase....this one evening the crowds were light....and the weather was fabulous.....we had a very relaxing stroll!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of weather....for 99% of the trip the weather this time of the year in Florida was excellent...warm days and cool nights. Just 3 of the 30 days we were there we were confined to the trailer because of rain and sometimes tornado warnings....well....this was another lesson we had to learn...where to go in the event of threatening weather....thank goodness we were close to the bathhouse....we took that little trek twice! Luckily both of the storm fronts that threatened central Florida were during the daylight hours and the tornados went north and south. For the future....and in case of nighttime storms....I will be purchasing a weather radio!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAPO2Yz0ky1Mbconuy9LOE_6OtfBVKmhOPQ-IjNNEhM0p5U7VjcUTRcKDV_A0CCK2P8VXN3o-CW9oddDhRdTTLnthZy4AyvEk4V_0littn4shMR6dgamFTJQbpIexrcPKPtwsCSBfVEZs/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAPO2Yz0ky1Mbconuy9LOE_6OtfBVKmhOPQ-IjNNEhM0p5U7VjcUTRcKDV_A0CCK2P8VXN3o-CW9oddDhRdTTLnthZy4AyvEk4V_0littn4shMR6dgamFTJQbpIexrcPKPtwsCSBfVEZs/s320/rain.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">This is how it looked from our back window during the day of the 18 hours of rain! We got to experience how the close quarters would feel in bad weather....I have to say it wasn't that bad!! :) However, after two days we did get a little "cabin fever"!!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OzVfUqM9OzxYbZOP6mvyw-KfAqgGKIKgYxsEccO2r1Jsak0JB9u9MdKAfCdG0j3V3SX7t9U5wFYsUY1SD-dKu6fD9sN7jBPgNtDKFqoHPuoKokOpH299SfqD00xP7H9NPNOQNkPU3drb/s1600/Hunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OzVfUqM9OzxYbZOP6mvyw-KfAqgGKIKgYxsEccO2r1Jsak0JB9u9MdKAfCdG0j3V3SX7t9U5wFYsUY1SD-dKu6fD9sN7jBPgNtDKFqoHPuoKokOpH299SfqD00xP7H9NPNOQNkPU3drb/s320/Hunter.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">The last week we were in Florida my oldest daughter Natalie and her son Hunter (almost 3) came to visit and do the Disney thing. We had a great time with the family reunion and enjoying watching Hunter experience Disney for the first time! He was quite the little trooper with all of the lines, etc. Here he is patiently waiting for the tram!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">As the time was coming to a close for our stay in Florida....we had some visitors to our little condo on wheels.....Wayne's brother who lives in Lake Placid drove up for lunch and to see our home away from home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1V_xNRXiHFH-knnp7FnHqqctqF_2fchpKNxLZZj3V_btmhBsrj0LLFnveLo5fQPW12zGxfN_9ZLjPiWdt1uw4VmJ_iNYmCnzkdgEFntyWslPER3JzemTpnQJP_Psa2NaemYytYy91K81/s1600/visitors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1V_xNRXiHFH-knnp7FnHqqctqF_2fchpKNxLZZj3V_btmhBsrj0LLFnveLo5fQPW12zGxfN_9ZLjPiWdt1uw4VmJ_iNYmCnzkdgEFntyWslPER3JzemTpnQJP_Psa2NaemYytYy91K81/s320/visitors.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">We actually had room for everyone to sit and enjoy a nice afternoon! They were impressed with the storage we had in our 5er. I've looked at several larger rigs and have to say for the size we have....the storage inside with the cabinets and the pantry are plenty....I didn't even have everything filled! </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBRRK9_F1nPRVX3oT1hdegWUpJfd6N9WyB0r9pxq3F7jBmZGbHbPaiQpuOkNvaV3mmlphtVL9-d-0pdlphyphenhyphenktQvMRRxpRRUNJAF92Yz1iFza1L-_5hlORsWKdFZRNFW85xS4AhsanBC9b/s1600/Juniper+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBRRK9_F1nPRVX3oT1hdegWUpJfd6N9WyB0r9pxq3F7jBmZGbHbPaiQpuOkNvaV3mmlphtVL9-d-0pdlphyphenhyphenktQvMRRxpRRUNJAF92Yz1iFza1L-_5hlORsWKdFZRNFW85xS4AhsanBC9b/s320/Juniper+Lake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">We pulled out of the KOA in Davenport on April 11th and planned to just "wing it" for our night stopover.....the traffic was much lighter going home and we decided to stop over in DeFuniak Springs, FL at the Juniper Lake campground. Now I know this picture doesn't look too great...but it was a private campground with a very quiet and serene feeling...the lake was beautiful and the campers meet each evening on the deck for drinks and snacks and each morning for coffee. We joined them around 6 PM to meet them and enjoy a little social. This is something we didn't experience in the KOA in FL....mainly because the section we were in were full timing and mostly younger families who worked and kids in school....but the camaraderie we love was not there. </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">I really regret that we could not have stayed a few days in this lovely little campsite....the owners were lovely and the people were friendly. But.....we had appointments to keep at home and so our month-long trip had come to an end. We did experience one last "cool front" coming through the state that night....however, the weather didn't get too bad...so that was fortunate.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">Here are the things that we learned from this experience:</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">1. Don't travel on the first Friday of Spring Break! :)</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">2. Only look for travel centers when needing fuel.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">3. DO NOT MAKE SHORT U TURNS while towing.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">4. Bring leveling blocks and ramps!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">5. Have a weather radio</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">6. We could live in close quarters! This is probably the most important!!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">7. I could live with a small kitchen ( I love to cook!)</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">8. Living w/o a bathtub was not as bad as I thought it would be! :)</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">10. It's best to arrive BEFORE dark</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;">I'm sure there are other lessons...but I guess I'll end with that....hope you have enjoyed my recap!</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"> </div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-28189010512639983552011-04-25T22:25:00.000-07:002011-04-25T22:25:49.145-07:00Easter WeekThis has been a very busy week. Hit the ground running after the re-entry from a month-long trip to Florida (next post will be the recap of that exciting month). Then, appointments with clients, my Nail Girl and my hairdresser....I was a mess from cleaning my RV top to bottom, inside and out....getting my house back to normal after being closed up for a month and then of course not having my nails done from a month of hand washing dishes...ughhhhh, I needed some pampering! By Thursday I was off on another road trip...this time only to New Orleans for an over- night slumber party with two dear friends. Barbara McKneely from Virginia picked me up on her way down from Alexandria, LA, where she was visiting family and we drove to Debbie Cerise's home in Metairie, LA. We had the best time catching up and eating, and visiting New Orleans and eating and shopping and eating! On Thursday afternoon we had lunch at a fabulous seafood restaurant in "Old Metairie" on Metairie Road. I had the Shrimp Salad Stuffed Tomato.....wow, was it good!<br />
Then we drove around, ending up at Lakeside Mall where Deb took us to a great new gelato and sweets place called SUCRE'. It is a precious, happy place to have gelato, chocolates, coffee, pastries, cup cakes to die for.....who la la....I have never tasted ice cream quite like that! Then we were back to Deb's where we rested. Eddie, Debbie's husband had been fishing all day and came home with 30 trout from Lake Pontchartrain....cleaned them, filleted them, and then fried them for supper....absolutely awesome fish....couldn't get any fresher then that! <br />
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On Good Friday morning, we woke late, had coffee and more talk...then after getting dressed we headed out the door to Magazine Street in New Orleans...a quaint, "uptown" street filled with shops and great cafes and restaurants. We shopped a little....then had lunch at GOTT GOURMET CAFE....I had the curry chicken salad....and I can tell you...I usually don't like curry, but this was excellent. It was cool enough, so we ate on the sidewalk table:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed6akqGlG678lSqqffJF_LyMrDjWWJJLSGVBfbxZyv5_wbqbIynbtZ91UY-1gOGgN31GThaQgWBRPfaZGglg38oWX7Hxiy2fPzgMA6f4Bs3UklDJiAPO0JUNJ-CyZnCI1onNbXGLRn4sC/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjed6akqGlG678lSqqffJF_LyMrDjWWJJLSGVBfbxZyv5_wbqbIynbtZ91UY-1gOGgN31GThaQgWBRPfaZGglg38oWX7Hxiy2fPzgMA6f4Bs3UklDJiAPO0JUNJ-CyZnCI1onNbXGLRn4sC/s320/friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Mel, Debbie, Barbara<br />
After having dessert at the Magazine Street SUCRE' (you know we had to get more of that gelato) we loaded in the car and headed for a tour of St. Charles Avenue and the Garden District and then on to Lakeview....to see the progress that has been made since Katrina. The city is bustling and the weather was perfect!<br />
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We drove back to Lafayette Friday night and after saying our "goodbyes" Barbara and her daughter, Maggie were heading back to Alexandria. We had a busy and fun-filled two days.<br />
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On Saturday I got to do some catch up on work, laundry, and shopping for groceries for our Easter Sunday dinner. The gang is coming over for their favorite: Roast, Rice and Gravy and all the extras that go along with it.<br />
Natalie and Alicia and their families will be here....and we'll be missing Jena and her family since they are in Nashville. They have had a busy week, too, with celebrating Passover, Feast of Unleaven Bread and then the Festival Celebration today....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNpVG2Q-Sq2m-j7fF3f7KrGp1jDOUNRVGnY_5jUCxo7qyLLDE9R8lAuXAZMBHBvys34iJKu4-w1GuEy6uI1sIucujOi8PWo2gBpyefsGSjgflTlHVi4TdojddeDl76Ke___PB5bhbCmlB/s1600/Asher+%2526+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNpVG2Q-Sq2m-j7fF3f7KrGp1jDOUNRVGnY_5jUCxo7qyLLDE9R8lAuXAZMBHBvys34iJKu4-w1GuEy6uI1sIucujOi8PWo2gBpyefsGSjgflTlHVi4TdojddeDl76Ke___PB5bhbCmlB/s320/Asher+%2526+Grace.jpg" width="179" /></a></div> Asher and Gracie <br />
They dressed up for the celebration! No they are not Jewish....their Christian Church celebrates all of the Feasts and Festivals which are in the Bible. Wish I could have been there with them.<br />
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Easter Sunday was perfect...the weather stayed nice....I had a great time in my kitchen cooking and baking...and then the "gang" arrived....none too soon as Wayne (hubby) was pacing the kitchen dying to attack the roast before it could be carved for dinner. We were to sit down to dinner between 2 and 3 pm...well, I guess you could call that "late lunch", however, since I served on the "good china" we'll call it dinner! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqNwqFZ_U0CERQ7ksOGfuqmT09mj59Ir_rnFYNY-YgoCV_6Qt5vk2LTb1Yp9-js30Pf9jglyU_AmTREl6MJ1rJ-lGEBfl1hu0OKRkV3i3B_WYx5Z4t-WTEr77cyka0pkf7hpdx8RMwL1/s1600/J%2526J+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqNwqFZ_U0CERQ7ksOGfuqmT09mj59Ir_rnFYNY-YgoCV_6Qt5vk2LTb1Yp9-js30Pf9jglyU_AmTREl6MJ1rJ-lGEBfl1hu0OKRkV3i3B_WYx5Z4t-WTEr77cyka0pkf7hpdx8RMwL1/s320/J%2526J+Easter.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua and Julie waiting to open their gifts<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5Fvn2b4FtnO0iYoEWOhHgSPnyJ53GIoTjz3I43nRaSbYnRlX-Jx47y-2840eqpTz-q7qg1uiQxnoEYEM1b4x3HH50YKEp4fNFaIf5FKEBiwU9ki_tbZgV2e4hXw9Xney4o9bLUVbDtKw/s1600/H+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5Fvn2b4FtnO0iYoEWOhHgSPnyJ53GIoTjz3I43nRaSbYnRlX-Jx47y-2840eqpTz-q7qg1uiQxnoEYEM1b4x3HH50YKEp4fNFaIf5FKEBiwU9ki_tbZgV2e4hXw9Xney4o9bLUVbDtKw/s320/H+Easter.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Hunter with his<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7ajS49jU3WcLHAbFtOu2DMTK0vso2EtimUbMC93U-JVCzDmuVHWPtqDeV7HquZtKMOMNH6S7wC1wKhUOXR3MUrSFBF2hccuBmPsZCoty_SqK8d0_uhA3IzF53f5bkt5M8PU_mPQFteem/s1600/Easter+Dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7ajS49jU3WcLHAbFtOu2DMTK0vso2EtimUbMC93U-JVCzDmuVHWPtqDeV7HquZtKMOMNH6S7wC1wKhUOXR3MUrSFBF2hccuBmPsZCoty_SqK8d0_uhA3IzF53f5bkt5M8PU_mPQFteem/s320/Easter+Dessert.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dessert that was "spiked" and oh so good</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyERxHVkq_YdsePjux9hBvtNZQVmPW7hZegbNcHqH7cFUxWJ8cfLmlJoJEWTdJxp9xkbXgv-1sCrySR_VdV-1nQlLMvs7eqro2F4GqQu69_4InrA6pH6akaQ-hlgBpOXJrWdE4UGXGry12/s1600/Easter+Egg+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyERxHVkq_YdsePjux9hBvtNZQVmPW7hZegbNcHqH7cFUxWJ8cfLmlJoJEWTdJxp9xkbXgv-1sCrySR_VdV-1nQlLMvs7eqro2F4GqQu69_4InrA6pH6akaQ-hlgBpOXJrWdE4UGXGry12/s320/Easter+Egg+Hunt.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Easter Egg Hunt in Mimi's yard<br />
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It was a good day with family and remembering that we are celebrating the Risen Christ who gave his life for us so that we can be saved to live with Him in Heaven!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-26243947132373950132011-04-18T21:52:00.000-07:002011-04-18T21:52:02.993-07:00TAX DAY!!I'm so glad that we've got our tax papers compiled, given to CPA, completed and in the mail before today!<br />
I had to get it done early this year since we were leaving in early March for a month-long trip in our RV!<br />
It was to be our second trip since December, 2010 and we were excited.<br />
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I wish that I would have updated this blog as we were in Florida, however, didn't have access to my computer....was borrowing my daughter's (who was in an RV besides us) just enough to do my Mary Kay business and keep up with bills, etc.<br />
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We are back home....getting caught up on work, organizing, and getting back into a "home" routine. I'm getting the nudge to write, so I'll be compiling an overview of what we experienced in our first extended trip.<br />
It was not without....let's say....lessons we all have to learn!<br />
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Till then....Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-39530722293452442892011-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:002011-02-22T06:50:51.779-08:00Perplexed - don't read if you are PC and are offended by religious talkLike most people I have watched the events that have unfolded in the past month on the news. Namely the Egypt Revolution as well as our country's budget crises. Even if you are not a news junkie you would have to completely have your head in the sand not to have heard or seen what is taking place in the Middle East.<br />
However, on the budget crises....that's another story. You may be bored to tears by the discussions the news channels are having with the elected officials in Washington.<br />
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Let me share some feelings I have on the coverage of the Middle East events. No matter what news program is on...no matter what radio talk show is being broadcast....the discussions are about the uprisings in the Middle East and what is driving them. Religion is discussed. Yes, even on Meet the Press, CNN and MSNBC....they are discussing religion. Don't you find that ironic that in our country where God has been banned from everything possible.....now we are forced to talk about "that" religion. In fact, the very people in our country who proclaim separation of Church and State....who ridicule those of us who are God fearing...they are the ones who are defending this other religion....they are the ones who want to protect their religious freedoms. Wow....what a convoluted society we are living in. Now that prayer is out of the schools and the 10 Commandments are not to be revered in the halls of public buildings....now where our children and grandchildren have been stripped of any "religious freedom" in the market place....we are subjected to another religion and their freedoms and customs are protected. <br />
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I had a thought last night.....maybe God is using these events to bring us back to talking about Him. <br />
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On the budget crises...and the demonstrations in states where the Governors or trying to balance their budgets....don't look at this at face value. There are people and organizations behind the protests....there is no way that thousands of teachers called in sick in one day independently. This had been organized for weeks and months. There are those who want chaos in the streets. Isn't it ironic that the very thing that the Tea Party protests were falsely accused of is the very thing that was going on in Madison Wisconsin yesterday. Signs depicting their Governor as a ruthless dictator. Wow....only because he wants to attempt to protect their jobs, their health insurance coverage....and ultimately their salaries. If our elected officials do not make drastic cuts in the state and federal budgets we will cease to have a country with jobs etc. 50% of my husband's retirement income is taken for health insurance. Gov. Walker in Wisconsin is only asking for state workers to pay 12% towards their coverage... I would gladly take 12%! My husband retired on 30% of his salary. State and federal workers look forward to a retirement of almost 100%. Wow. Can this be sustained? They cannot be fired....and when they retire they will receive 100% of their salary and free health insurance for the rest of their life on a Cadillac plan I must say!<br />
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There is an end to the gravy train. God bless the officials who are standing up and following through on their promise to "balance the budget"! <br />
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Haven't we heard this at the federal level.....over and over...only to have a budget presented this week from our President which was bloated beyond comprehension. We don't need more money for ANY federal program. What is needed is for the corruption and the waste to be stopped. What we need is for the ones responsible for such waste and corruption to be FIRED! <br />
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Our governments (federal and state) are so bloated and top heavy. We could do with 1/2 and still succeed. Oh, and how about NOT sending any more foreign aide to our enemies? Dictators and War Lords all over the world are billionaires with our tax-payer dollars while their people are living below poverty. <br />
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GREED....IDOLATRY....follow the Dollar! Greed will turn a good person into an evil doer. Power corrupts. When we focus on anything else but God we fall in love with that which we focus on. God was removed from our schools and market place many years ago and He was replaced with greed, idol worship, and self- focus. Our people demand "what's in it for me, me, me". Our kids are selfish and demanding. Look at what has happened in our schools, cities, towns. Crime, murder, theft. Bullying....shall I go on?<br />
<br />
Now you may be thinking..."we don't have idol worship". No, we may not whorship a statue...a likened imagine of a person place or thing. However, do your kids live for TV, XBox, food, stuff? Anything that is adored, or put first in our lives is an idol. I know that sounds extreme....I thought so too until I started studying what God says about greed and idols in the Bible.<br />
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We need to turn back to God. We need for our officials to define who are the TRUE enemies of our country. Not Sarah Palin, not Newt, not the Tea Party people.....the TRUE enemies. Those from within and without. <br />
Those who want to kill us....destroy our country and it's people. Call it like it is. Get rid of PC. We have enemies within our own borders plotting our demise. What are we afraid of? Enforce our laws. We can only survive with the "rule of law". Our founding fathers wrote the Constitution to be followed for our own protection and freedoms. Which by the way....our right to freedom is from God....not the government.<br />
<br />
If you read II Chronicles 7:12-22 you will see God's promise and warning to a nation....to His people. We must take heed and believe this for us today!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-34621344004362585222011-01-29T06:05:00.000-08:002011-01-29T06:05:13.771-08:00Happy Birthday Julia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMcQDiecwcYzJJ3aWllJM01FgHh6arEDQIUsREbJ7e9iowh_86mfcJ0LGvSsoWXCRbNYFSkpBMl4oEZAZjheXEodQdRrI46XtmA3qzxT9sJvjwLa_Fl8TNoZH6tHM8XMsmpsr651449T8/s1600/Julia+James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMcQDiecwcYzJJ3aWllJM01FgHh6arEDQIUsREbJ7e9iowh_86mfcJ0LGvSsoWXCRbNYFSkpBMl4oEZAZjheXEodQdRrI46XtmA3qzxT9sJvjwLa_Fl8TNoZH6tHM8XMsmpsr651449T8/s1600/Julia+James.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Today is Julia James' birthday! She is my "oldest" grandchild and the main reason we moved back to Louisiana from Houston, TX. She is the firstborn of my daughter Alicia and her husband John. They are the "travel nurses" and so now Julia is mostly on the road and NOT in Louisiana near us. Today, she is in her favorite place...Disneyworld....staying in a luxury room in the Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the savanah and watching wild animals and eating in fabulous restaurants and having breakfast in bed and enjoying a special birthday cake in the shape of Barbie! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRgzTVsP24O6Etpn1_5TSa-eVFWUanNxhR1bRX28gle42FuFDOz9fee8sYqin0Wx8ByVD9eUVnwIQ1BnoGXBBxBnt1dzhat6kXf-Ow0abEOaRcd53_ByJg3zhaZqdQh2v4EfgOoW-yrU_/s1600/Barbie+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRgzTVsP24O6Etpn1_5TSa-eVFWUanNxhR1bRX28gle42FuFDOz9fee8sYqin0Wx8ByVD9eUVnwIQ1BnoGXBBxBnt1dzhat6kXf-Ow0abEOaRcd53_ByJg3zhaZqdQh2v4EfgOoW-yrU_/s200/Barbie+Cake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">Ah...what a life. I'm so happy for her and Joshua her 6 year old brother who lead a very special life traveling with their parents, being homeschooled (or roadschooled). They are trully enjoying a life of freedom along with education!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadWoNp2Dlz-YlnPE41QeQkCrOw7CUHr7mBTpkVk-NsZ1gZLarRm_ERRJWugpY9Al0013a-KRJNacD1EUgybNyrM9bvilfyDFQjj6ISYdeQMXGKsheggVL2l0yBkShQCIkzETLl5QcSUa0/s1600/Josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadWoNp2Dlz-YlnPE41QeQkCrOw7CUHr7mBTpkVk-NsZ1gZLarRm_ERRJWugpY9Al0013a-KRJNacD1EUgybNyrM9bvilfyDFQjj6ISYdeQMXGKsheggVL2l0yBkShQCIkzETLl5QcSUa0/s200/Josh.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua James<br />
<div align="left"></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>With what is going on in our world today, especially in Egypt, I can't help but think how fortunate we are to live in a country of freedom and opportunity. I praise God everyday for His Hand on our children and our country. We should work to preserve this for our children and grandchildren preserving their innocence as long as we can.<br />
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We will be traveling to see our JuJu and Josh in March and enjoy some of their time in Florida. We have other family there and we all will be going to a wedding on the beach in Sarasota (my first beach wedding!) and of course getting in some "Micky Time". <br />
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Have a great time today Julia and know how blessed you are!!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-7259490726811370452011-01-26T17:17:00.000-08:002011-01-26T17:21:55.278-08:00Little MikeyI experienced something this past weekend that I had never before. We had to put our Yorkie to sleep.<br />
<br />
While I was out of town in Houston, Wayne called to tell me that Mikey was not doing too good. He was laying in the same spot in our bedroom and had not moved. That did not sound good.<br />
Mikey had been with us for 15 l/2 years and in the last 2 years he was showing signs of deterioration and old age. He had lost his spunk, was aggravated with the grand kids, was not going outside very much, etc. He had developed a stomach condition and threw up quite a lot. He had lost most of his teeth.<br />
He was starting to relieve himself in the house (we changed most of the flooring to tile for that reason), and he was getting blind. We knew the day was coming for the dreaded trip to the vet. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><blockquote>When I returned from Houston on Friday night...Mikey was still laying almost lifeless in the middle of the walkway into our bedroom. It was almost like he didn't want to go to his normal spot under the dresser...like perhaps he wanted to let us know that he was not well. The vet had told me that dogs do not show their pain...they hide it. I wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in his bed.....he didn't move. We went to bed knowing that the vet was open l/2 a day on Saturday and we would take him if he wasn't better in the morning. Early in the morning, I heard him moan....well, that was it. I didn't want him to be in pain.</blockquote></blockquote>We got up and I tried to offer him water (he had not gotten up to eat or drink in over 24 hours). He just turned his head away from me. <br />
<br />
At that point, I picked him up and held him wrapped in the blanket, and said my goodbyes. It was sad. He had not really been an "active" participant in our family for some time...but he was with us for so long that Wayne and I both felt sad and moved by the way he looked.<br />
<br />
So, off to the vet.....I had a meeting to attend that I could not miss....so I didn't go....I don't think I could have watched the procedure....even though I knew it was painless and he would no longer have to feel bad. <br />
<br />
It's taken me a few days to write this....to document the last days of Mikey. I've tried to find a picture of him...I guess he never came out of his cave long enough for us to snap a picture. He was cute in his day...a little big as Yorkies go...so the girls had named him Yorkzilla.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrWaZ5M5_GIj-1g3YcTQXL5O_gIbh9ULa51hs2pTbkECqpWqcytZeGyA6g-NSwblzlcwXgJXh2FqROyVThjazlBa_jtJZ_lhMb1CiZuCn9-A0MZDC2sEZmKnn6cOq6oXZCQ4JN29e51Ph/s1600/coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrWaZ5M5_GIj-1g3YcTQXL5O_gIbh9ULa51hs2pTbkECqpWqcytZeGyA6g-NSwblzlcwXgJXh2FqROyVThjazlBa_jtJZ_lhMb1CiZuCn9-A0MZDC2sEZmKnn6cOq6oXZCQ4JN29e51Ph/s1600/coco.jpg" /></a></div>We still have Coco who is our female Boxer....she is 13 years old...so getting close to her end. However, she still has some spunk....sleeps most of the day, but has a great appetite and is loving and great with the kids.<br />
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I'm trying to get her used to getting in our 5er and feeling comfortable there...so we can take her on trips with us. We'll have to see....she's pretty set in her ways!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-47071355938089698822011-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:002011-01-10T21:31:12.486-08:00Fun Day with Family & FriendsWe had an extension of our Christmas Celebration with the arrival of our daughter and family from Tampa, FL where they are travel nurses. They came home on their 5 days off to see a new baby born in John's family, to celebrate Julia's birthday with family and to exchange Christmas presnts with everyone since they could not be here in December.<br />
<br />
I was requested to cook Julia's favorite meal....Roast Beef, rice and gravy and Joshua's yeast rolls. I added a family favorite of Broccoli covered with white sauce and cheese. I had a ball in my kitchen cooking a 10 lb. sirloin tip roast as per "Emeril" and it came out excellent if I must say so myself! Nana (the other grandma brought fresh fruit salad, cajun rice dressing and 2 KING CAKES....yes, it's that time. Alicia had of course brought the Birthday Cake decorated in "rock star" motif and Julia dressed like Hannah Montana. It was a fun day, complete with Miley Cyrus music!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WLkkX8ELrTSl2a1i-imGtt6q8r_LPzaOebVMyzF6lY6jOMdFv1RUFB-lZW1CFMXOQheJlhHHsDzQJxWvav2syH3yC8hrI9RDTQturd7qY4bW5d_owHBff8tltCkmzSwbKjdEIdaK9Y0q/s1600/birhthday+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WLkkX8ELrTSl2a1i-imGtt6q8r_LPzaOebVMyzF6lY6jOMdFv1RUFB-lZW1CFMXOQheJlhHHsDzQJxWvav2syH3yC8hrI9RDTQturd7qY4bW5d_owHBff8tltCkmzSwbKjdEIdaK9Y0q/s200/birhthday+girl.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div align="center">Julia James (9 years old)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's the progression of the food...</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau1mhzL6Ov7iH3zxDI5Kfdmg_Bm7m5v_4-byBEcKix7UZVNRJvw07X4uv5v6V7LSpQyMqNtQg1nsPkSxjgU_W28UiVwWjBVrJ19Qslr0_uyc5bTJZ2or96oy6LG1XEOtUwNnJrU3gwl_A/s1600/preparing+the+roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau1mhzL6Ov7iH3zxDI5Kfdmg_Bm7m5v_4-byBEcKix7UZVNRJvw07X4uv5v6V7LSpQyMqNtQg1nsPkSxjgU_W28UiVwWjBVrJ19Qslr0_uyc5bTJZ2or96oy6LG1XEOtUwNnJrU3gwl_A/s200/preparing+the+roast.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I did the tradtional (my family) stuffed roast ....stuffed with garlic and green pepper...cutting slits in meat I season with a rub....into the slits and all over then stuffing with the garlic and green pepper...now this was a 10 lb. sirloin tip roast so I used about 5 or 6 toes of garlic and about l/2 pepper...the rub I used was Emerils Essence which I made up from Emeril's recipe which he posts with many of his recipes. After seasoning and stuffing I dredge the whole thing with flour and then brown in a large skillet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMF55rsYXMFawuopGH4Oo6YaN7DFyktJFca7a2fI_A1_PF2k5lgDf2b2CPVa5uW0gV1HRpv_DmzCHbzI3tpEiIPe3ycV0A9IBoG4keqJIEy1QYwjFJzHWVudjM7zOSL3zQHjrDGymo6BL/s1600/browning+the+roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMF55rsYXMFawuopGH4Oo6YaN7DFyktJFca7a2fI_A1_PF2k5lgDf2b2CPVa5uW0gV1HRpv_DmzCHbzI3tpEiIPe3ycV0A9IBoG4keqJIEy1QYwjFJzHWVudjM7zOSL3zQHjrDGymo6BL/s200/browning+the+roast.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>After browning I put into a large roasting pan (I needed my oven for other things), I love the Nesco Roaster for large roasts, turkeys, etc. I baked at 325 degrees for about 4 hours (l/2 hour per lb.) If cooking in a regular oven I put in granite roaster and bake at 350 degrees...see earlier posts...(The Way Momma Did It)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpiFUiYifiRZli_f10wJ9lXRiqOeeSCY4kYF75ILhnc0kkLsjfiDu2SjMAaKY8YQuMn3Wb7lTOa2ZVMdbKqTEvXp5gXHTKWnW0bWwt_I4pa1Yl-uIBDz-Sef-FsaH2cjvPXzAtRW8qb4t/s1600/Nesco+Roaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpiFUiYifiRZli_f10wJ9lXRiqOeeSCY4kYF75ILhnc0kkLsjfiDu2SjMAaKY8YQuMn3Wb7lTOa2ZVMdbKqTEvXp5gXHTKWnW0bWwt_I4pa1Yl-uIBDz-Sef-FsaH2cjvPXzAtRW8qb4t/s200/Nesco+Roaster.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">this is a 12Qt. roaster and the 10 lb. roast and a 12 lb. turkey fits perfectly</div><div style="text-align: left;">While that was baking I started on the white sauce for my broccoli casserole:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWULBMwm2n6O7iZMLIrVUVdeuLMTnQbfzFoddoNr3LKcwxsIrAjVUIMG9ZHHo7M__cOtOLI1jffe2ynqvBLbQFl6ZpZxUlqjlZ34bXvgQVG0AEzR_-BmZM2r12n-gjM0UyHTYtbGtyvsB/s1600/white+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWULBMwm2n6O7iZMLIrVUVdeuLMTnQbfzFoddoNr3LKcwxsIrAjVUIMG9ZHHo7M__cOtOLI1jffe2ynqvBLbQFl6ZpZxUlqjlZ34bXvgQVG0AEzR_-BmZM2r12n-gjM0UyHTYtbGtyvsB/s200/white+sauce.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK4VSjFwoyw7bWIeZGOuZZXeUrGC7-7NomIu1wq5klG391qzk2xRakagDPkUwZesUdsUs1W6tC9zdeGOUT5CBZL9XWPvCE-eQCSLXFyn9ZexQbsPpIeNtsz9v4c3tX-Ur-PUa_UzF7ZUP/s1600/cheese+white+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK4VSjFwoyw7bWIeZGOuZZXeUrGC7-7NomIu1wq5klG391qzk2xRakagDPkUwZesUdsUs1W6tC9zdeGOUT5CBZL9XWPvCE-eQCSLXFyn9ZexQbsPpIeNtsz9v4c3tX-Ur-PUa_UzF7ZUP/s200/cheese+white+sauce.jpg" width="150" /></a>added grated cheese</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdsnCkqRrigg2yI02qygbe27fRzzYonLQ-G0mEZ2jIaDTyyPNNE2GLrUMVNCdribpNtBLWXIp-kndXXJiMqrxpuwWX0OoAus8miw6s0UuPfP0UW_YzJd3BMeNH0j-NFIzyYAkZk8G_0Fd/s1600/steamed+broccoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdsnCkqRrigg2yI02qygbe27fRzzYonLQ-G0mEZ2jIaDTyyPNNE2GLrUMVNCdribpNtBLWXIp-kndXXJiMqrxpuwWX0OoAus8miw6s0UuPfP0UW_YzJd3BMeNH0j-NFIzyYAkZk8G_0Fd/s200/steamed+broccoli.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">poured over steamed broccoli and topped with more grated cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;">and of course the "Joshua" rolls.....rising to to be baked</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOODq_P0RkgY5Ypzia1VitHY4EUUwCW55VDI-SjTPQZgoRjcelh47Zo6kUG875zeEwAT-SnAlzwrbEZfYXGpCBGLH52p3z_tjsleNDUSMJ1Tyl8l8byxZ2RnD2iVTQo-qPNkRFaRthW8Td/s1600/rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOODq_P0RkgY5Ypzia1VitHY4EUUwCW55VDI-SjTPQZgoRjcelh47Zo6kUG875zeEwAT-SnAlzwrbEZfYXGpCBGLH52p3z_tjsleNDUSMJ1Tyl8l8byxZ2RnD2iVTQo-qPNkRFaRthW8Td/s200/rolls.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Josh loves bread and rolls and especially these yeast rolls...so we call them "Joshua" rolls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5OOkGwdRxrDN9WAs6tiNL0dFm8sKnOpNgDafKPPGmX4LjdQ7ABpt7HF5yGBCJ1B8btlNFcQOcz4syUhvXQR8lvem4EVDBILV9V74PNZ0iwjCDztkd25_qOETiGvjuJ98V6K8yM_urSfY/s1600/kids+at+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5OOkGwdRxrDN9WAs6tiNL0dFm8sKnOpNgDafKPPGmX4LjdQ7ABpt7HF5yGBCJ1B8btlNFcQOcz4syUhvXQR8lvem4EVDBILV9V74PNZ0iwjCDztkd25_qOETiGvjuJ98V6K8yM_urSfY/s320/kids+at+party.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Josh is on the left, Lindsey (neighbor) is in back and Alexa (cousin) is next to the birthday girl, Julia.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Another cousin, Jacob, has his back to the camera helping with opening the presents!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyemedyobSa7J5rBapCNYIp2tPryhIr_tOsDtVaVyMFgPO9CoLwjztOzqhhO9oq877YNiO7_tpo772GS0t8HM9r2kU2f2hcyoKqxxZU-PWH5trnFlBw1PnveXuc8oRInPBNsajVD3vdtVJ/s1600/twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyemedyobSa7J5rBapCNYIp2tPryhIr_tOsDtVaVyMFgPO9CoLwjztOzqhhO9oq877YNiO7_tpo772GS0t8HM9r2kU2f2hcyoKqxxZU-PWH5trnFlBw1PnveXuc8oRInPBNsajVD3vdtVJ/s320/twins.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The youngest at the party...twins Jessica and Katie had a good time too!</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-17129688411110836992011-01-06T14:47:00.000-08:002011-01-06T14:47:45.198-08:00Beautiful Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlHoutzkyzTp_CiauIxrp6EqHsUI9UU-0HngiCQSWbwL8frBaDAneNZSPEro1XAaCWPoVdfmGTWy89AND4ZCRzJWGzF-x9CcVp8xO42jI9QSPCA-Y-mYoq7QguHVfa4ySSh93N0mYMrEU/s1600/blue+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlHoutzkyzTp_CiauIxrp6EqHsUI9UU-0HngiCQSWbwL8frBaDAneNZSPEro1XAaCWPoVdfmGTWy89AND4ZCRzJWGzF-x9CcVp8xO42jI9QSPCA-Y-mYoq7QguHVfa4ySSh93N0mYMrEU/s200/blue+sky.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>It's 61 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.<br />
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</div> Man I wish I could spend the whole day outside....however, I had work to do for my business this morning. So...got that done and then went out for a mile walk...then Wayne and I had a punch list of things to be done in the "Pointe". The glass in the Overhead cabinets had become loose and on our maiden voyage we even had a crack happen <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdyLjNzKDmg-nkKKuNHNRsWUS2kKhkHbtuyb3O9nG7tmEi807_PFRZDXXLChBHhAY6ZNQZkZIqFWz6kzfz5WYUmyA6lkUu_R4N9y5_gAt2U5I1SXxERK_UGqlwAw3-oavc2OZmFH8keAe/s1600/crack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdyLjNzKDmg-nkKKuNHNRsWUS2kKhkHbtuyb3O9nG7tmEi807_PFRZDXXLChBHhAY6ZNQZkZIqFWz6kzfz5WYUmyA6lkUu_R4N9y5_gAt2U5I1SXxERK_UGqlwAw3-oavc2OZmFH8keAe/s200/crack.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZJLEqYfebDNdNZYGCukw390zxHMYHhLC5x05QtYBWr20_VcjeQtOnKZ2arkW7Cvmlvdd7fZI3vWOyxpvndtiljGmQBmSou9Zy_xXKMZ5JDRVKVetQbxFSimZyqIFaJWCvaHdVg0F13S1/s1600/overhead+cab..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This overhead was empty except for a rack from the refrigerator which probably banged up to it in the ride. Oh Oh! So, upon checking Wayne found that all of the glass inserts were loose....so he took the time today to secure and glue all of the overhead glass inserts </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZJLEqYfebDNdNZYGCukw390zxHMYHhLC5x05QtYBWr20_VcjeQtOnKZ2arkW7Cvmlvdd7fZI3vWOyxpvndtiljGmQBmSou9Zy_xXKMZ5JDRVKVetQbxFSimZyqIFaJWCvaHdVg0F13S1/s1600/overhead+cab..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZJLEqYfebDNdNZYGCukw390zxHMYHhLC5x05QtYBWr20_VcjeQtOnKZ2arkW7Cvmlvdd7fZI3vWOyxpvndtiljGmQBmSou9Zy_xXKMZ5JDRVKVetQbxFSimZyqIFaJWCvaHdVg0F13S1/s200/overhead+cab..jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also are thinking about taking our Boxer with us on our next trip. Now Coco is 13 years old and has arthritis. When we go into the RV for any work or packing...she stands at the door and cries for us to come out. She doesn't seem to want me in the RV....so we thought we'd invite her to come in and "check it out". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We have a wonderful neighbor who takes care of our pets when we travel. But for an extended trip...we just don't want to impose. We have to find a house sitter or take Coco with us...so...up in the rig she went. Now...she cannot climb up the steps any more....so we worked with her and tried but she just would not do it. So here we go lifting 45 lbs. of stiff muscle....and long legs...into the "Pointe"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLZZzeUlLO-KyeVk013O9svA5pytFPs8NPj6ZrycaRd_5PYFJxlFlyStuM1zalk784qUSkV9PDzIGJabQoEENE6e_OZPY0xlwVyJnLHblAfuYNGhRQWeh7_LMgB-YaV3XDQuPl2blU00f/s1600/coco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLZZzeUlLO-KyeVk013O9svA5pytFPs8NPj6ZrycaRd_5PYFJxlFlyStuM1zalk784qUSkV9PDzIGJabQoEENE6e_OZPY0xlwVyJnLHblAfuYNGhRQWeh7_LMgB-YaV3XDQuPl2blU00f/s200/coco.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She acted very nervous....went around the whole rig sniffing....made it upstairs without much effort....but she was as anxious to get out as she was about us being in there. She went to the open door and jumped out landing on her face....I screamed....she twisted....didn't know if she would be able to walk....but jumped up apparently OK. We cleaned her off, and lifted her back into the rig. We tried to sit with her and make her comfortable, but she was not a "happy camper"! Don't know if this is going to work....but we'd love to bring her with us. She is old, but still has some spunk. Maybe she is too old to teach her some new tricks or another way of life! We'll see!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-81130428777905066242010-12-31T23:42:00.000-08:002010-12-31T23:42:10.506-08:00Happy New Year!Out with the Old....In with the New! That's a favorite saying of mine. I cannot believe another year has flown by...can you? Time used to drag....when we were younger. Now....whew....the days, weeks, months and years are like a mouse on a wheel. <br />
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I am looking forward to a new beginning. So much I still want to accomplish, even though many people my age are looking at retirement or have already "retired". What is retirement really?? Certainly not sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch watching the neighbors drive by.....or complaining about every ache and pain...or bugging your kids for a visit. That was in the prior generation. No, today things are different. We want to be active and healthy and keeping up with what's new and happening. We still need to make money...even in retirement...thanks to the downturn in the economy, inflation, and the diminished 40lK.<br />
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Wayne and I brought in the new year watching back- to- back funny movies on the big screen TV in our media room....well, really, we're not that rich...but we do have a rather large bedroom complete with not only bedroom furniture, but also a table & chairs, recliner, entertainment center and of course the HD TV. It feels like a media room when we lower the lights and settle back to watch....I love it. Don't get to do it very often but that's one of my choices for the new year.....watch more movies that make me laugh and cry.<br />
Now, as we were finishing up with the last movie the clock was nearing midnight....the weather has been rainy all day...so the fireworks were few and far between. What a let down....not one big boom for the stroke of midnight.....what?? Where are those people who would spend $$$$ on the beautiful and loud fireworks? Maybe the rain and stormy weather got to them....or maybe it was the 2010 economy. In any event, we had a quiet ending to the old year.<br />
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My prayer is that January 2011 will usher in a stronger economy complete with more jobs, more home sales, more cash flow....etc. Also, with God's guidance I want to remember and reflect on who and what is most important in my life....to savor the moments and happiness and not take anything or anyone for granted. <br />
This past year was marred by family tragedy and friends who lost loved ones. Also some of us had health issues to deal with....I don't want to take health for granted anymore. We need to preserve it....take care of yourself and those close to you. I love to cook....as you all know by now....but I commit to cutting down on the butter (sorry Paula), the salt and cooking and eating more fiber, fruit and veggies. <br />
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Life is so precious...we should relax, have fun in work and play, appreciate more, laugh more, cry more (and with those that are hurting) and eat less.. Be vulnerable. Be spontaneous. I love the song "It's not the breath you take, the breathing in and out...but the moments that take your breath away"!<br />
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I want more moments like that...or at least I want to be available for them...be aware of them. I want to visit my kids and grandkids when they can't come to visit me...(buying the RV will help with that). I want to visit family and friends that we rarely see....also spend some time with lonely people who no one visits.<br />
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It's now 1:30 AM Jan. 1... an hour and a half has already been taken from 2011....I thank all of those who read my blog. It's amazing that anyone would be interested....but I know that I love to read about others and their lives...it's a new phenomenon....this blogosphere....I love it...it's therapy for me.<br />
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When I'm feeling up, or down, or anxious...I can express through the keys and it makes me feel more at peace.<br />
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I wish for you peace....love.....joy and a wonderful, successful, happy New Year!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-90802531530967918502010-12-30T23:41:00.000-08:002010-12-30T23:41:36.429-08:00Christmas Gumbo<strike></strike>We started a tradition in our family many years ago....presents would be open on Christmas Eve after a meal of Chicken & Aundouille Gumbo (aundouille is a German Sausage made in south Louisiana with the best place to buy it being LaPlace, LA where we lived for 20+ years). LaPlace is the AUNDOUILLE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD....this is even written on the water tower of the town! The Jacob family has been making it for as long as I can remember and beyond and they have a product that has not been duplicated anywhere else...even here in Acadiana where I live now. Anyway...I'm sure I'm spelling it incorrectly...it's not a word found in the dictionary and I cannot ever remember how to spell this sausage.<br />
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So, every Christmas Eve I would get going with the preparations....making potato salad to go along with it and of course crispy french bread! We would eat the gumbo...and then in a circle, with gifts given to each child, they would open them one by one in an orderly fashion savoring every exciting anticipated moment!<br />
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Advance ahead about 20 years and you will see 3 daughters who have produced 5 children ranging in age from 8 to 2....3 spouses and of course Wayne and I.....the candle-lit Christmas Eve dinners are a thing of yesteryear...and forget any type of orderly opening of the presents! By the time you get the kids situated around the table...and then you serve yourself and your spouse...the kids are through...or spilling, or trying to get down and run around the tree, etc. etc. I think you get the picture.<br />
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Well, the gumbo still is good. I still take out the fine china....the candles are lit...however, Gracie (the 4 year old) cannot stand to see one burning and wants it put out...Hunter (2 years old) wants to chew on them....but with a promise that we will pick up the tradition maybe by the time they are 10 or 12....we do enjoy the gumbo!<br />
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I thought I'd give my step-by-step guide to how I make a Southern Creole-type Gumbo in this blog. By the way, you may have noticed that I use "creole" a lot when describing certain dishes that I prepare....what I mean by that is NOT just a Cajun using cayenne pepper....but a recipe using the "trinity" of seasonings: <br />
<div align="center">ONIONS CELERY BELLPEPPER</div><div style="text-align: left;">Step 1:<br />
Get out the gumbo pot and boil the sausage which has been sliced (this year I had forgotten to purchase my LaPlace Aundouille ahead of time, so I had to use a local smoked sausage....not as much flavor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDo6mzdyi7MYzfw-AiVHdLlu-pbFUXj9lQm7yCfd6FWwgUgJl70pe7UkxasdjQujSsFXD1m3Lmi2c2627YT6rYfL-a9aR0oq_8MDWJ4upGQU_vVMpWUjCnkHX-HLHzkuKstqdvMe3x90j/s1600/start+gumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDo6mzdyi7MYzfw-AiVHdLlu-pbFUXj9lQm7yCfd6FWwgUgJl70pe7UkxasdjQujSsFXD1m3Lmi2c2627YT6rYfL-a9aR0oq_8MDWJ4upGQU_vVMpWUjCnkHX-HLHzkuKstqdvMe3x90j/s200/start+gumbo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 2:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Season (with Tony Chachere's) the chicken and brown in a skillet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bCQGmXtpaWdwLWUXRgB90EoVmVvX4B5kCLlnvNpMJlhywiK4-OK_b3K7s_tHaqEB2YTC5wKWgs0cnAuW_ebNEfaOKPSCz8nsqbYOE-9YpFYUiM-f7SAyelOGwHqsx-M-mDMICpg782pq/s1600/chicken+for+gumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bCQGmXtpaWdwLWUXRgB90EoVmVvX4B5kCLlnvNpMJlhywiK4-OK_b3K7s_tHaqEB2YTC5wKWgs0cnAuW_ebNEfaOKPSCz8nsqbYOE-9YpFYUiM-f7SAyelOGwHqsx-M-mDMICpg782pq/s200/chicken+for+gumbo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I use thighs since my family likes the dark meat</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 3:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Start your roux which is equal amounts of flour and oil which is browned to a deep caramel color </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I do my roux in the microwave...cooking and stirring every 3 minutes, then 2 minutes, then 1 minute then down to 30 sec. between stirring to get it to the right color and NOT burn it</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjbWeAhMsLTrXfDxAJEnrmol4kUG1vuwwfs-Y1PIcvtOI24V2Lmluy1WbKeZbO-iJRoWE-py30ScsrF1VtwjOaJAdKRUPLgIrGD793WnhHy4uCoCOOJqopcnsiMzk892_XjbF_Wriijb0/s1600/roux+beg..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjbWeAhMsLTrXfDxAJEnrmol4kUG1vuwwfs-Y1PIcvtOI24V2Lmluy1WbKeZbO-iJRoWE-py30ScsrF1VtwjOaJAdKRUPLgIrGD793WnhHy4uCoCOOJqopcnsiMzk892_XjbF_Wriijb0/s200/roux+beg..jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQBgWBU2GlxhNUkAVMj2YfR7ITmRnSUj6P_U9dEMqaiEyxY1THROxQQcXkJWrLGURCO8bs-qZJ494LsDM6v8hjlq1XXoZYxligxeS5Q8vuoNl_6h-1aNOh6uEU6FOwBIeSTbYkuADYa2Z/s1600/roux2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQBgWBU2GlxhNUkAVMj2YfR7ITmRnSUj6P_U9dEMqaiEyxY1THROxQQcXkJWrLGURCO8bs-qZJ494LsDM6v8hjlq1XXoZYxligxeS5Q8vuoNl_6h-1aNOh6uEU6FOwBIeSTbYkuADYa2Z/s200/roux2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDJR2ipOIZpWovbeVOK9E0kW1x2wXSnz6ug4znWWESjkLK21mdMEPkW_bJ-wvUf9QOqk2bv88Tt0b4eP_gVGqEgw5_RXrFkYbvSgBnQjC8kuVkoAWd-chMVR-8_lO5J9oUxmWGepFlAzi/s1600/roux1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">you can see the natural progression of the color </div></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IVmsLKUBOs5tqAsMN5uyTu6lE8Pj-Tjmt7aNrTy61jODmyt-u1e3RS11L7x2oQD8Fn3QAFFyey1Ni0jGCT9TME6GvBJGb2o7gpjrzUVMilZKX75Vbr4zA7DsVTP0eF5HfnRay-hQJ9PN/s1600/roux3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IVmsLKUBOs5tqAsMN5uyTu6lE8Pj-Tjmt7aNrTy61jODmyt-u1e3RS11L7x2oQD8Fn3QAFFyey1Ni0jGCT9TME6GvBJGb2o7gpjrzUVMilZKX75Vbr4zA7DsVTP0eF5HfnRay-hQJ9PN/s200/roux3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point you will throw in a bag of Picksweet frozen seasoning (onions, celery, bellpeppers) and about 3 toes of minced garlic and you will fry it down in the roux mixture until soft.....then it all goes in the gumbo pot </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrpBbHE1mjsLDL9RWQC0To9Zb4N5NeHrZ12FmFior-a2CM7izIWZbx1_R30wdSIT-94mlulLxY4y-9MjO-aLbPFUTbFfCHGLNLiN1UH3HQOWToLSI5p-BxpbHjruv9KCyrmZvTnC9AXxj/s1600/gumbo+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrpBbHE1mjsLDL9RWQC0To9Zb4N5NeHrZ12FmFior-a2CM7izIWZbx1_R30wdSIT-94mlulLxY4y-9MjO-aLbPFUTbFfCHGLNLiN1UH3HQOWToLSI5p-BxpbHjruv9KCyrmZvTnC9AXxj/s200/gumbo+pot.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which has the water, sausage and the chicken pieces from the fry pan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO8v-V3Hw3_Xo73eXuuqHveh_octj9Q6ltweEmzHjBPJ0EHBWebqcdUszwJE0HyC0I3-fcgtl0Jq6JgCZhtLsrcNLb4L8B710avyW25ujFKk3OrIAdB0Ob0Z29jZVI5nEgs5w9G4GhjS/s1600/gumbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO8v-V3Hw3_Xo73eXuuqHveh_octj9Q6ltweEmzHjBPJ0EHBWebqcdUszwJE0HyC0I3-fcgtl0Jq6JgCZhtLsrcNLb4L8B710avyW25ujFKk3OrIAdB0Ob0Z29jZVI5nEgs5w9G4GhjS/s200/gumbo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let it come to a boil and then turn down to medium heat and let cook....finally to simmer (covered)...one thing about gumbo..the more it cooks the better the flavors....you will also want to add more cajun seasoning (tony's)...or salt and pepper to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may notice that I don't give measurements except for the roux....this is not a scientific recipe...it's one I watched my Mother do and just tweeked it for my lifestyle....i.e., frozen seasoning and using the microwave to make the roux. My Mother and Grandmother would chop all of the seasonings and cook that roux in a black iron skillet on the stove!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a few months from now...I'll share with you my Shrimp and Okra Gumbo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I leave you.....here's some pictures of 2 of our grandchildren playing on Wayne's display in the yard on Christmas Day....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqIWVFA1X4BMJcPfrypfYG3AO4lBdWnolmlfOusxxSFWtWvFx4c6Hk7lGZtZBjKrijL3Ems3ajEUHGRY-fYDhce8If6WLSwiJonnjgBZxxtJw6SkO7cBB4NiykBxCGmSejuVdb_wvQVFp/s1600/Grace+on+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqIWVFA1X4BMJcPfrypfYG3AO4lBdWnolmlfOusxxSFWtWvFx4c6Hk7lGZtZBjKrijL3Ems3ajEUHGRY-fYDhce8If6WLSwiJonnjgBZxxtJw6SkO7cBB4NiykBxCGmSejuVdb_wvQVFp/s320/Grace+on+Train.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n6thIaxiRwXb_EQ8MoxkKtOviitUJHP6FD9eFZRAydIx05unIdgAVGOJE72XuQrqBjU36gD8cACf9u1hDz3Y8BFbPfTMk9j6BN1rEnLt1JEgAWw1CzHqWYAaAwgkRUzvTQZnbm1QjBBE/s1600/Hunter+on+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n6thIaxiRwXb_EQ8MoxkKtOviitUJHP6FD9eFZRAydIx05unIdgAVGOJE72XuQrqBjU36gD8cACf9u1hDz3Y8BFbPfTMk9j6BN1rEnLt1JEgAWw1CzHqWYAaAwgkRUzvTQZnbm1QjBBE/s320/Hunter+on+Train.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv5l-XfNAtJalHcKEInWBliXrv45ncuwwf8r5O88WN46yTlN_YFUOzNJ68iLCER7TckrKUjkhGjwst7yHlVZvvwBGWksGjuZTEtWQd4yd0gxPW4KGoHP9wioEKHzAQ66SWddPQ9OEJGc0/s1600/Grace+with+Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv5l-XfNAtJalHcKEInWBliXrv45ncuwwf8r5O88WN46yTlN_YFUOzNJ68iLCER7TckrKUjkhGjwst7yHlVZvvwBGWksGjuZTEtWQd4yd0gxPW4KGoHP9wioEKHzAQ66SWddPQ9OEJGc0/s320/Grace+with+Angel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grace and Hunter who love to follow their paw paw out in the yard and play with the wooden lighted displays! By the way, our two oldest Grandchildren Julia and Joshua were already in Tampa for Christmas, but they are coming here in 2 weeks for us to celebrate the holiday with them and Julia's 9th birthday celebration....maybe a candle light dinner will be manageable for that dinner.......I'll keep you "posted".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Till tomorrow when I'll share some thoughts on 2010. See you then!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrpBbHE1mjsLDL9RWQC0To9Zb4N5NeHrZ12FmFior-a2CM7izIWZbx1_R30wdSIT-94mlulLxY4y-9MjO-aLbPFUTbFfCHGLNLiN1UH3HQOWToLSI5p-BxpbHjruv9KCyrmZvTnC9AXxj/s1600/gumbo+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-20684365155083822062010-12-29T21:24:00.000-08:002010-12-29T21:24:28.367-08:00Rain Is Coming DownI'm feeling very cozy in my home office room behind the computer and the writing desire is taking over....especially listening to the rain coming down, the flashes of lightening and rounds of thunder...ummm...besides wanting to curl up in bed...the fingers get the itch to type! Thought I'd share the experiences we had on our short RV trip as I stated in my last post.<br />
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We were going to Mississippi for Wayne's family reunion and my daughter and two grandchildren were going to come with us. Ah...let's take the Paradise Pointe and try it out by staying in a campground (Percy Quin State Park) which was about 25 miles from the event. <br />
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So, loaded up...buckled in Gracie (4 yrs. old) and Asher (2 years old) along with my daughter, their mom, Jena. We pulled off, not knowing how the truck would do, or the trailer, or me...not to mention Wayne driving (and our nurves!)<br />
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Well, the truck towed like it was designed to...the trailer followed and we got there 2 l/2 hours later (140 miles) in tact and with enjoyment. The only learning curves were:<br />
1. The hitch is a little hard to unhitch unless the truck is pulled forward a slight little bit to disengage...should not be that way...but it is what it is.<br />
2. Got a very pretty site, however, the sewer connection was further back then normal so we needed the extra hose length Wayne had prepared for...the only problem...forgot the extra fittings..(lesson learned)! We did know not to unhitch until all connections were measured and sure they would fit!<br />
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Everything else worked great....had hot water in no time...did find that we had a slight overload with heater and coffee pot going at same time...had two overloads...but quickly learned where the fuse box was!<br />
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We did have a little issue with the furnace not working all the time when we wanted it to (temps got down to 30 degrees both nights) however, we had brought an electric blanket and little electric heaters.<br />
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The kids really had a great time...inspite of Asher developing a fever and a bad cold...oh well, such is life.<br />
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We are looking forward to going back to this park...it's very pretty and has a beautiful lake. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uQa3AjUEMie1ON0kMoDWBu-139vaRvXV1RwIfOi1V8OHNxkfr9-sSnVEm8NBEdTJ41dSDep-N80KND1tBbo7_wErNBZe7QVqYLp506-gTgztev-Q-w-CC4XJssxQGQE-gMSuzsJtubwB/s1600/PQ+Pic+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uQa3AjUEMie1ON0kMoDWBu-139vaRvXV1RwIfOi1V8OHNxkfr9-sSnVEm8NBEdTJ41dSDep-N80KND1tBbo7_wErNBZe7QVqYLp506-gTgztev-Q-w-CC4XJssxQGQE-gMSuzsJtubwB/s320/PQ+Pic+I.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizToDcv3FcQC2UEmjWRVwoKrNKun53ywMRp934ZhcKXOjxfEKkMAUmT8mIUIbPxm6LcaqlMC8L3d185URqU8mPBzgxA-9908IIK8JCJFbCUweJ6KE1YiffGVtAD7wfU3xAwi5lfD11DMie/s1600/PQ+Pic+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizToDcv3FcQC2UEmjWRVwoKrNKun53ywMRp934ZhcKXOjxfEKkMAUmT8mIUIbPxm6LcaqlMC8L3d185URqU8mPBzgxA-9908IIK8JCJFbCUweJ6KE1YiffGVtAD7wfU3xAwi5lfD11DMie/s320/PQ+Pic+III.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq6nzcQp7vQi6DIGHZuIeYvGDH0uUu1zY853xFAEGCIZuqHD-NdXjI4S-_OFvsbO3kVeBwahQs2cFo8b9hPXKfWCLYd1QETJYBXGTLx_UBjmf2Jq1rJN1gS-4eEhP7L87utbJf75QoXSk/s1600/PP+with+awning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq6nzcQp7vQi6DIGHZuIeYvGDH0uUu1zY853xFAEGCIZuqHD-NdXjI4S-_OFvsbO3kVeBwahQs2cFo8b9hPXKfWCLYd1QETJYBXGTLx_UBjmf2Jq1rJN1gS-4eEhP7L87utbJf75QoXSk/s320/PP+with+awning.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Even though we did not put out our awning for this trip (too cold to stay outside) I'm posting a picture of it...it's brand new a replacement from the RV Dealer when we purchased!<br />
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So, we made it back in an uneventful trip...just a few mishaps inside: One glass front to the overhead fell out (did not break) and one cracked. Don't know what could have caused that to happen since nothing was in the cabinet...however, some of the roads in Louisiana are so bumpy maybe that is what caused it. Who knows. <br />
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I do know this....loved the experience and can't wait for our next trip!<br />
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Speaking of next...I will share some of my Christmas Eve cooking in my next post....till then...listen to that rain... I wonder what that would sound like in the "Pointe"??Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-33873793932577928232010-12-09T23:16:00.000-08:002010-12-09T23:38:23.013-08:00Preparing for the Maiden VoyageThis has been a 2 and l/2 month process.....finding a 5th Wheel trailer, finding and buying a truck to pull it and then setting up the trailer and truck for the trips. Whew....didn't know so much would be involved. Lots of telephone work, looking, and decisions. It was fun and sometimes stressful, but then I stress a lot. Hopefully, with our condo on wheels I'll learn to relax and take in nature and have time to reflect and learn and well, you who camp...know what I'm talking about. Now don't get me wrong....I'm NOT a camper....I'm a RVer! I've learned there is a difference.....a camper loves to "rough" it....cooking over open fire, not going inside very much. They like bathhouses, or maybe no bath at all. I, on the other hand, want all of the creature comforts of home...king size bed, recliners (that are comfortable) shower, potty room...you know a condo...just on wheels. I do like the outdoors...and love a fire in the fire pit......grilling on a gas grill....and having a nice place to retreat to in inclement weather! Ok, so I'm a campground Diva! I do put makeup on and cook (you know I love to cook) in my "camper".<br />
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Here are some pictures: 2006 33'Crossroads Paradise Pointe<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtts3fR6e8hpMrIbR502Id_fKYAA4YFb3ISvINuicbD080r8awRpK3ZKxT1oa4fTPJ6KjNv9vOBxlVenbJM8SFryvUVQLae4hf73i1DOShcOjdtg7kn1meC_9BQBcwcbXFnnggfG47lMT/s1600/Paradise+Pointe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtts3fR6e8hpMrIbR502Id_fKYAA4YFb3ISvINuicbD080r8awRpK3ZKxT1oa4fTPJ6KjNv9vOBxlVenbJM8SFryvUVQLae4hf73i1DOShcOjdtg7kn1meC_9BQBcwcbXFnnggfG47lMT/s320/Paradise+Pointe.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08tblh3-mm9tiSIrJAjIB_zBMeiFdeJ_Fpv3ui0LvQQ3zOHFP4QNE11MUlx5iTJpEaKI0vm0jvAHaCTocTw8KEWNxKJ1E95V6u80U-ShT123zofBIZUo_okRp4PBPAYn5GgvUow0as1Te/s1600/Living+Room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08tblh3-mm9tiSIrJAjIB_zBMeiFdeJ_Fpv3ui0LvQQ3zOHFP4QNE11MUlx5iTJpEaKI0vm0jvAHaCTocTw8KEWNxKJ1E95V6u80U-ShT123zofBIZUo_okRp4PBPAYn5GgvUow0as1Te/s320/Living+Room.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living area with leather recliners....that are actually comfortable!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4DeDf3OAMbk_WIWZk6IrpZri7VYcK4GZRHr87tiXeQQRa3AKrsS_FK4Kga2_LIUMbzmqcx5K7qs8ll4NRxsNt5BMtmDovL_LNKhxjSnE2IMt0Yhiz397nA1Icgr76C2rxsuUVe6HfLAu/s1600/dining+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4DeDf3OAMbk_WIWZk6IrpZri7VYcK4GZRHr87tiXeQQRa3AKrsS_FK4Kga2_LIUMbzmqcx5K7qs8ll4NRxsNt5BMtmDovL_LNKhxjSnE2IMt0Yhiz397nA1Icgr76C2rxsuUVe6HfLAu/s200/dining+room.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved that this unit had the table and chairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fPAWAeH0dyrO5erXae0CsNRSVij3C3zIrCiMeYbicEBLZUcDcbTMiTJQu24vCiN1CfpMTFcBRPuABUU5-qeB8wGxoW861rZec1BLgoNaZeP8Ul_5BSjjbd-EJUngPo5nx98zh3TQAxtT/s1600/bedbath+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fPAWAeH0dyrO5erXae0CsNRSVij3C3zIrCiMeYbicEBLZUcDcbTMiTJQu24vCiN1CfpMTFcBRPuABUU5-qeB8wGxoW861rZec1BLgoNaZeP8Ul_5BSjjbd-EJUngPo5nx98zh3TQAxtT/s200/bedbath+room.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">king size bedrrom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJGiZHNnaFOlXFEZ_O8n6AC0r2dXzdMgizsLrgZgMjFze48qFcYCPIJonV7qK_LYqlXHroE0EDWzTIx8FY1RHTWfWYiYXISxg8mGtBPBkiQVftYX-a60tjwNYWM4FMQrXMOmKr54EzL4T/s1600/bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJGiZHNnaFOlXFEZ_O8n6AC0r2dXzdMgizsLrgZgMjFze48qFcYCPIJonV7qK_LYqlXHroE0EDWzTIx8FY1RHTWfWYiYXISxg8mGtBPBkiQVftYX-a60tjwNYWM4FMQrXMOmKr54EzL4T/s200/bedroom.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>We also have hook ups for a stackable washer and drier. That's a plus if we ever get to travel for extended trips...we may want that convenience as well!<br />
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Here's the tow vehicle: ....a girl has to "ride" in style!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mXkz3rlUVv-XI-JojKM6efChyphenhyphenmsIJrWpcRbhJekFpwqBkiFNGLkKS51uslA-N2hErtF6vq3GyhvhQDg6U6WwZXyu9a1bfMF3bhAVMk5GSxSyjBsAFtakZd6xps8s0jGdM9OM1Sf8R1S_/s1600/Black+Beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mXkz3rlUVv-XI-JojKM6efChyphenhyphenmsIJrWpcRbhJekFpwqBkiFNGLkKS51uslA-N2hErtF6vq3GyhvhQDg6U6WwZXyu9a1bfMF3bhAVMk5GSxSyjBsAFtakZd6xps8s0jGdM9OM1Sf8R1S_/s320/Black+Beauty.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> It's a 2002 F-250 with a 7.3 ltr. diesel. Yes, I drive it and I'm really enjoying the ride! It's a pretty truck and the interior was in perfect shape....since I have to ride around town in it and on trips....my standards were high! We wanted an older truck...for the engine...but it had to look new....well, that took some time to find!<br />
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So, there you have it....we're planning to take it out on December 18th and 19th to Percy Quin State Park, Mississippi, near where a family reunion will be taking place. It will be cold and we will be cozy! Taking Jena with Gracie and Asher....that should be fun! :)<br />
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I'm sure I'll be posting about that adventure....stay tuned!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-70052534619489058592010-11-25T22:53:00.000-08:002010-11-25T22:53:50.964-08:00Is it a Lost Art?I think I've perfected the "art" of making pralines. Now in case you think I'm being a little too cocky, let me explain. There are many versions of Pecan Pralines out there. Sugary, creamy, made with chopped pecans or made with pecan halves....I believe I make the "creole" version....yep, you guessed it....the way my momma made them. No microwave pralines for this Louisiana gal! It's a blend of certain ingredients....cooked to a certain stage....beat to perfection and turned out at just the right time....whew...no instructions...just trial and error. I used to watch my mother, Elta Miller, make these mouth watering perfections from a child growing up in Destrehan, LA. I even had the "chore" as a kid of being the stirrer of the mixture of milk, sugar, syrup, pecans....as it bubbled it's way to perfection. I hated doing that in those days....more years ago than I wish to admit! My inheritance among other things, were the vast assortment of hand written recipes from Mother's kitchen. That was the treasure I wanted the most...even though at the time I didn't cook or enjoy cooking the way I do now. I guess I just knew that was where my desires were....to develop the art of cooking as Mother had done. She was not a chef....but was known for her wonderful meals and treats she often baked.<br />
I found that praline recipe many years ago and only tried my hand at making the scrumptious treat once a year at the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holidays. I failed many times. Spooned them out to "turn"...only to end up with taffy and not the smooth, melt -in -your mouth candy Mother was known for. In an earlier blog I shared how I came about realizing that my recipe was flawed. That was only about 7 or 8 years ago....so for about 20 years I've failed more times than succeeded with this candy. But, now, I can whip it together and put out a praline...none like you will ever find in a local store or souvenir shop. <br />
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As I whipped up a "batch of pralines" (a term my mom used) last night before Thanksgiving Day.....I took some pictures of the progress which I will post in this blog along with the recipe. The ingredients are few...it's the technique that has to be practiced....my ingredient list came with only one instruction. I will try to give the reader of this blog a few more hints as I have learned how to perfect this art of making pralines.<br />
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<strong><u>PECAN PRALINES</u></strong><br />
1/3 cup light Karo corn syrup<br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
6 oz. evaporated milk (l/2 can)<br />
pinch of salt<br />
2 cups pecan halves (toasted at 200 degrees for 15 min.)<br />
1/4 stick butter<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
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Put the first 4 ingredients in 3 quart. pot over med heat and stir till starting to bubble<br />
Add pecans and continue stirring adjusting the temp. as to not stick....letting it boil gently<br />
Let it cook to<em> firm soft ball stage </em>(deep caramel color)<br />
Take off fire and put on heat pad to "beat"...adding the butter and vanilla<br />
You will beat till just before candy begins to "turn" then drop by teaspoon on to waxed paper<br />
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(this is the tricky part...how much to beat...if it hardens too much...add a (very) little more evaporated milk and return to stove to melt....then go back to dropping by spoonfuls)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSRL3mWPjYL5WsG9zuu_I4b4HvgWfFtOOjbiaL8bNN9w7YV2Lwq5Df5UeG-yKokUvtSoHNV-rayooQoBez3X1AH4tuM5TRiRdcbNedt7m2soeiB8Cb8VpN0KdLs_62mLLDw7hV3aHlwJd/s1600/Pralines1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSRL3mWPjYL5WsG9zuu_I4b4HvgWfFtOOjbiaL8bNN9w7YV2Lwq5Df5UeG-yKokUvtSoHNV-rayooQoBez3X1AH4tuM5TRiRdcbNedt7m2soeiB8Cb8VpN0KdLs_62mLLDw7hV3aHlwJd/s320/Pralines1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cooking to reach the "perfect" stage </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHxTscwmnrnWN8oUPM4bYZX69bOAJ-XkPDWJYUBVxTH0QELcHziL9UfeVOsAoU8TEv4QLrCR6ocIsoVVrxRSCdZMrXBmuZgXl8e7qut4_JKthV1QMuemx8o0WVcffjy2O-2UBAJvDMhBH/s1600/Pralines2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHxTscwmnrnWN8oUPM4bYZX69bOAJ-XkPDWJYUBVxTH0QELcHziL9UfeVOsAoU8TEv4QLrCR6ocIsoVVrxRSCdZMrXBmuZgXl8e7qut4_JKthV1QMuemx8o0WVcffjy2O-2UBAJvDMhBH/s320/Pralines2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Just right "caramel" color ready to 'beat"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGrsdd81IYrV7pxtAhWiWRVAT1qAoa_Gfxk6sNVk3JDoCjIcBPL5fOMCD0o245jrCQAy_KylJR7z3xfUs6IWvEwJniGEzgpqFCSELKiUokV4PvzcmAezhIuBZzREffDKyK9d53KHboemq/s1600/Pralines3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGrsdd81IYrV7pxtAhWiWRVAT1qAoa_Gfxk6sNVk3JDoCjIcBPL5fOMCD0o245jrCQAy_KylJR7z3xfUs6IWvEwJniGEzgpqFCSELKiUokV4PvzcmAezhIuBZzREffDKyK9d53KHboemq/s320/Pralines3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"beating" to the turn out stage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYumQPnDBlh4XIfIiMzwFFoe7UXjcPYZ8MOorqU4twAp2nawJ1CrIidLa9mXs9tkHuW3V0-f_Xo9zKJrF7V8431I4t-eXJW7Z76BJHeFdn_zDiIXY0RsCPr4bIGOVR-8Q2D_UD8P9FIHa1/s1600/Pralines4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYumQPnDBlh4XIfIiMzwFFoe7UXjcPYZ8MOorqU4twAp2nawJ1CrIidLa9mXs9tkHuW3V0-f_Xo9zKJrF7V8431I4t-eXJW7Z76BJHeFdn_zDiIXY0RsCPr4bIGOVR-8Q2D_UD8P9FIHa1/s320/Pralines4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> dropping by spoonfuls...not completed "turned"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWPeksUVK37a2G23TDqkwwYw-TRLxckiXyOg9wx8tthHQLfaDhgg7GKhJfIH7VWmMsezOVornzhlZBs0FO4YYHxMFbNm2UJX4WyZYRy8xz9obSsLxxqfmllKCgdVcNDkDfMrOn3CRj0pQ/s1600/Pralines5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWPeksUVK37a2G23TDqkwwYw-TRLxckiXyOg9wx8tthHQLfaDhgg7GKhJfIH7VWmMsezOVornzhlZBs0FO4YYHxMFbNm2UJX4WyZYRy8xz9obSsLxxqfmllKCgdVcNDkDfMrOn3CRj0pQ/s320/Pralines5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> "turned"!! <br />
If you decide to try your hand at this candy making family recipe....let me know how yours comes out. I'd love to hear! <br />
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-83417174967028842752010-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:002010-11-21T10:26:05.290-08:00Early ThanksgivingFriday, November 19th was Thanksgiving at our home this year! My daughter, Alicia and her family were due to come in from California where they had been travel nurses for the past year. Two days earlier she had text me and asked if I would make our "traditional" Thanksgiving meal on that day since they would only be in town for 2 days before having to leave again for their next assignment in Tampa, FL. They would not be with our family for Thanksgiving, so she wanted her "momma's" Turkey feast!<br />
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Of course, like any mom who likes to cook would do, I text back...."sure"! Here I was on a Wednesday.... not having the turkey or any of the fixin's that go with such a meal. So, after my Mary Kay sales meeting....it was a dash to Wal Mart and picking up a turkey and as I planned in my head the dishes they liked and what I needed....I shopped through the store at 10:00 PM picking out the bird, and the ingredients for: Dirty Rice, Broccoli Casserole, yeast rolls, and.....of course pies.....that's it....I would make a simple meal...not one with 25 different dishes...just a simple family meal with the family's favorites. Yes, I could do this in two days!!<br />
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When Friday arrived, the bird was thawed, the ingredients were gathered and after some last minute work in my home office, I closed the door and went into my kitchen to start the meal. We would be eating around 7 PM since they would not be arriving in Sunset until around 4 PM. They had been crossing the country since Tuesday in their motorhome stopping along the way with my husband, Wayne, to show him some of their favorite sites and experiencing their favorite Texas steakhouse....THE BIG TEXAN in Amarillo. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYHfsfz4lbemveZKWnfHWJYXt3bOLcPzIeqaJxd86nl39Y7jhNk1mVu7t5oZMEHBPEaRbv2v-lK_33jJNRJJ-7gaVg6mYbWRZBpYXMxeM2TYZ-4IC3kNMQUnTbFaur6f49Holih5dtaV/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGYHfsfz4lbemveZKWnfHWJYXt3bOLcPzIeqaJxd86nl39Y7jhNk1mVu7t5oZMEHBPEaRbv2v-lK_33jJNRJJ-7gaVg6mYbWRZBpYXMxeM2TYZ-4IC3kNMQUnTbFaur6f49Holih5dtaV/s320/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's one of the spots where they stopped: The Meteor Crater in Flagstaff, AZ<br />
Wayne had flown out to California 2 weeks earlier to spend the last few days with them there and ride home in the "bus" with them.<br />
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So, here I was in my theraputic kitchen....yes, cooking is my therapy....I know some of you may think I'm nuts, but I LOVE TO COOK! I will post the recipes at the end of this blog....nothing elaborate just two of their favorites and I'll tell you what kind of turkey I buy and how I prepare to cook it.<br />
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Anyway, here's a look at Julia exiting the motorhome when they arrived:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOlOh2aN-n0_1B3iA2kcuovp-pGrRQQbpLkyI7AnAjhVLrSqGg0lfu5K5OnyboP2DLonrYb8FuW3mU1-NckAtQozHCn3TrYTqYNBUmmOfgocKkeGPUdJpkNB0Pj_WFnW6rLayCR2iaI59/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOlOh2aN-n0_1B3iA2kcuovp-pGrRQQbpLkyI7AnAjhVLrSqGg0lfu5K5OnyboP2DLonrYb8FuW3mU1-NckAtQozHCn3TrYTqYNBUmmOfgocKkeGPUdJpkNB0Pj_WFnW6rLayCR2iaI59/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>She was very excited to be home and came running with arms wide open! Sorry for the darkness...my iPhone is only a 3G!<br />
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Now, on to the meal and recipes:<br />
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<strong><u>Dirty Rice</u></strong> (family recipe and with more of a creole flavor then cajun flavor) <br />
1 lb. of Jimmy Dean pork sausage with sage (it comes in a roll)<br />
2 lbs. of ground chuck<br />
l pack of picsweet chopped seasoning (or if you want to chop yourself: onions, celery, bellpepper<br />
parsley (to taste)<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
Tony Chachere's Creole (original) Seasoning<br />
2 cups of rice(uncooked) I buy my rice at Sam's... the Basmati Rice in burlap sack....truly the best rice<br />
Fry the pork sausage first...then add the ground meat...frying both together, adding Tony's to taste (be carefull as it is salty)......then add the seasonings along with the garlic......frying all together until the seasoning is cooked with the meat....add fresh parsley to the mixture and cook slightly more. In the meantime put the rice in a rice cooker and cook. When done add the rice to the meat mixture and then you have "dirty" rice.<br />
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<strong><u>Broccoli Casserole</u></strong> (white sauce with cheese)<br />
1 family size bag of frozen broccoli flowerets (you can steam fresh broccoli if you'd like)<br />
1 lb. of cheddar cheese (your choice) you may not use the whole block of cheese<br />
white sauce....(I use the Better Homes & Garden's recipe for medium white sauce and double the ingredients)<br />
salt for broccoli<br />
Steam the broccoli.....grate the cheese.....make the whitesauce....adding grated cheese to mixture when done<br />
Spread the broccoli in a 13"x9" baking dish...sprinkle salt over all (not too much)<br />
pour white sauce mixture evenly over broccoli and then top with remaining grated cheese<br />
bake till bubbly in 350 degree oven<br />
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<strong><u>TURKEY</u></strong><br />
My favorite is the ButterBall turkey...but any kind will do<br />
I do not stuff my turkey<br />
I bake it in a NESCO roaster....18 qt. size....frees up the oven for other things<br />
After rinsing the bird and taking out the necks, gizzard, etc. I pat it dry with paper towels<br />
sprinkle Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning all over as a rub...in the inside and under the skin<br />
take softened butter and rub over the bird<br />
(if cooking in a regular oven....put in now and bake about 15 min. per lb. on 325 or 350)<br />
For cooking in NESCO I then put "browning sauce" over the entire skin of the turkey<br />
put in roaster....cook for about 3 hours (12 lb. turkey) <br />
comes out succulent....jucicy.....perfect!<br />
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I also made pecan pie and pumpkin pie.....recipe on canned pumpkin is the best<br />
The pecan pie recipe is simple:<br />
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<u><strong>PECAN PIE</strong></u><br />
1 cup of pecan halves....toast them in toaster oven on 200 degrees for about 15 min.<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup light Karo syrup<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1 l/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/4 cup melted butter<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
Beat eggs. Add sugar and syrup, salt, vanilla, and last, the melted butter. Place the pecans in the bottom of a 9 inch unbaked pie crust. Add the filling and bake for 50-60 min.<br />
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I did make a salad to go with this meal and of course, Rhodes Frozen Rolls.....<br />
The best yeast rolls....found in the freezer at the supermarket...little balls of dough that you let rise for about 4-5 hours...I use muffin pans and put one roll per spot....or you can let the dough defrost in the frig over night and cut the balls into halves and put 3 pieces per muffin spot....to make cloverleaf rolls.....bake according to package directions.<br />
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So, that's it....my simple, favorite Thanksgiving meal. Wish I would have taken pictures to show...but, will try to remember next time.<br />
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Have a very blessed Thanksgiving. I'm working on an "attitude of gratitude" this year and being content and looking to the simpler things in life. God has trully blessed us and I want to give him all of the praise and honor and glory!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-28612864405461959602010-10-30T00:28:00.000-07:002010-10-30T00:28:19.267-07:00Election TimeAre<strike><strike><strike></strike></strike></strike> you feeling like I'm feeling? Yeah, Yeah, same old, same old. I do want to get excited about "change".....about new leadership in our Congress. I'm trying not to be cynical and just believe that when they tell us that they are going to go to Washington and reverse all of the destructive legislation that has been done, that they really are going to do it. When they say they are going to stop wasteful spending, stop "earmarks" and get rid of the deficit, is it campaign rhetoric, or the truth? They tell us that they are going to not compromise and legislate with a conservative "pay as you go" system. However, when they get to Capital Hill....they must go through some "inside the Beltway" orientation and learn the phrase: "with all due respect", or "reach across party lines"....or "reach across the aisle". This is not a time for compromise or for "playing nice". No conservative who ever compromised with a liberal ever survived!<br />
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Yes, I am one of the conservative (notice I don't say Republican) women...fed up with those who run for office promising to legislate with conservative values and ideology. Then, after they are sworn in, you cannot recognize them as being conservative. I see the rundown each night on the news of those who may be winning on Nov. 2. Oh, they look so promising...they are pledging to America to bring our Great Country back to the the principals of our Founding Fathers. Back to smaller, less intrusive government, securing our borders (don't even get me started on that topic!), and making sure our interests here and abroad are protected from those who would terrorize and kill us. They promise to fund and support our Military and protect our homeland first and foremost. How about promising to defund the organizations here and abroad who are corrupt, i.e., Acorn, foreign countries who harbor terrorists, the U..N., special interests groups here and overseas who are NO FRIEND TO THE U.S.A. My uneducated guess would be that if we stopped funding pork barrel projects that have no effect on our well being, along with stupid giveaways to warlords in 3rd World countries, we'd have no problems here with funding legitimate needs of our country. <br />
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Yes, I will vote on November 2. It's my privilege and duty as an American. However, I will be watching closely as those who take office will conduct themselves and how they represent me and those who put them in that place. Contrary to what President Obama, Sen. Kerry, and numerous other elitist "insiders" think and say, we are informed, enlightened and watching every move very closely. Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-9465017153014941332010-10-12T12:50:00.000-07:002010-10-13T18:08:14.833-07:00Family TimeIt's awesome when the "forces" all come together! Alicia and John with the kids have arrived from California for 2 weeks. I picked up Jena, Gracie and Asher in Texas and brought them home to Louisiana, Natalie, Sergey and Hunter are close by and Wayne's family are driving in Saturday....all for several celebrations! A family wedding on Saturday (John's side of the family) and Wayne's 64th Birthday!! The Celebrations start Saturday and will continue on through Monday, October 11!<br />
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That's how our life has been going....every month seems like there is something to celebrate! How wonderful is that?? We have been blessed for sure and since we have acquired a new vacataion home on wheels, we'll be celebrating even more in various places! <br />
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Some couples purchase a lake home, or a "camp" as we call them in Louisiana, but we decided we wanted to be "mobile" in our vacation time. <br />
As soon as I figure out how to post pictures on this blog, I'll be sharing. It's a 33' Paradise Pointe 5th wheel...complete with leather recliners and a king size bed (very important at our age!!)<br />
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Even though RV's are not "investments" we did get a very good price on this one. It's a 2006 and the depreciation hit has already been taken. Was not in our plans for a few more years...but this one was too perfect. Besides, as we thought about doing some travel, we realized that between now and the next 5 years was the best time for us to be able to be "on the road, while we are healthy and have energy! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy1bXrQhyphenhyphenHy7sfqkme55oi-1u_ihtUYxjeKT-a7zFVoYMVnDuuA5l7nN9MHzzst0lhL8lKFTJ9sm466Kg3irl9jX1CvdnF_U1Brfgy6MvDnFtkaF30XSUmuPbuBMAIH34u3S_009vkCjV/s1600/paradise+pointe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy1bXrQhyphenhyphenHy7sfqkme55oi-1u_ihtUYxjeKT-a7zFVoYMVnDuuA5l7nN9MHzzst0lhL8lKFTJ9sm466Kg3irl9jX1CvdnF_U1Brfgy6MvDnFtkaF30XSUmuPbuBMAIH34u3S_009vkCjV/s320/paradise+pointe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm planning ways I can use our new 5er (that's RV talk for a fifth wheel RV) for my business since I have consultants in other states that I rarely if ever get to see.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-47357200896328731852010-09-24T23:14:00.001-07:002010-09-25T00:13:25.930-07:00The Way Momma Did It!It's been almost 2 weeks since I started this blog. After posting 3 times I went into a writing desert. Didn't have anything of a driving force which made me want to write. So, now here I am...thinking of my other passion....COOKING! Yes, I said that right....I love to cook! Most of us who are not chefs, or cook for a living try to get out of cooking....but I love it...it's theraputic for me. "Sorta" like writing! Don't get me wrong...sometimes life keeps me too busy to really "cook"....that's when I revert to throwing something together. However, when I have time to get in the kitchen and dive into the ingredients...I have a good time. I find myself thinking as I cook a family recipe..."why do I do it this way?" The answer always is: "because my mother did it this way". For instance...I love to cook rump roasts and I serve them all the time when we have company. Someone asked me recently....what do you do to the roast? I replied that I season the meat, make pockets to stuff garlic and green pepper, then dredge (Mother's term) the roast with flour and sprinkle with paprika. Finally, put in a granite roasting pan, drizzle with oil and put in 450 degree oven for about 10 min. for it to brown. After 10 minutes or so...pour a little water over the roast and then cover and turn oven down to 350 degrees and cook the roast for about 30 min. per lb. <br />
Yesterday, as I was pouring the water over the roast, I chuckled to myself when I thought of all the years I've done that for no other reason then that's the way Momma did it! <br />
My mother has been gone for about 20 years now, but I can imagine her looking down over my shoulder and making sure I "do it right". I think of all the years I could not make the pralines (from Mother's recipe) turn out right. I struggled and struggled...most of the time coming out with a taffy-like consistency. Well one day I couldn't take it any longer and called my sister Marilyn (my second Momma) and told her of my delimma. She had me go over with her the way I was cooking the ingredients...then when I told her what I used and how much of each ingredient she solved my problem! All I had to do was decrease the amount of "Karo" syrup I was using and voila! The next batch of pralines came out pefect and have been perfect ever since! In fact, they are now my husband's favorite!!<br />
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Yes, my mother sure did like to cook. She was always in the kitchen. Ironically, she never taught me. Can you believe that....well, maybe she did teach me. I watched her cook and what's caught is sometimes more important than what's taught! <br />
I suppose I learned by watching and subconsciously it became a part of me. Now don't get me wrong...when I was first married, I would call her and she would help me over the phone to cook stuff as easy as Red Beans and Saugsage! Man, if only we would have had Food TV back then!<br />
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That brings me to how I honed my skills...yes...watching the Food Network particularly, Paul Deen. In fact, she is what I guess you can call my kitchen hero. I have her cook books, go to her website all the time, have a subscription to her magazine..which I have every one she has done..they are collector's items. Her recipes are easy, simple ingredients and never come out bad! If one has sour cream, butter and mayo on hand you can prepare anything she has in her books!<br />
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That brings me to drop in a little political flavor <br />
here..about..butter...please Mrs. Obama don't get your husband to ban butter. Restaurants will have to sneak it in the food if the government has their way! Paula Deen may even be in danger of sanctions or God forbid, arrest! Butter flavors everything and makes it all better, from bread to green beans and yes, even my pralines!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-44780507802976323682010-09-13T19:51:00.000-07:002010-09-13T19:51:50.913-07:00September 13....two special Birthday's to CelebrateMondays....27 years ago when I worked a J.O.B. I hated Mondays. After a busy weekend of shopping, house stuff, family stuff, more shopping, cooking, getting caught up on sleep....Church activities.....etc. etc., then...the dreaded Monday...get everyone up..dressed, out the door with lunches or lunch money...carpool rush...then make to the office on time.<br />
Whew...are you tired yet? <br />
<br />
Fortunately, 27 years ago I joined a cosmetics company as a beauty consultant. My life was to become my own...more time for Church activities, family, shopping, house stuff, etc. etc. This brings me to today...SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 IS THE 47TH YEAR MARY KAY COSMETICS HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS! What a journey...and I'm still on it. Happy Anniversary Mary Kay Inc. and thanks for the opportunities to live my life with more excitement, fun, more friends, and experiencing places I would probably never have gone. <br />
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September 13 is also the birthday of a special brother-in-law, Warren Bergeron, Sr. He's married to my sister Marilyn. He turned 80 years young today...and I don't say that lightly. He's a young looking 80...they have had a great retirement life...beautiful home, wonderful kids and grandkids and great grandkids...travel.. and they run an awesome "bed and breakfast"...well, not commercially but whenever I need to travel to the New Orleans area and need an overnight place to stay! <br />
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Sadness entered their family 2 weeks ago when their first-born son lost his 8-year battle with cancer...leaving a wife, children and grandchildren. He was an avid hunter, fishmerman and loved life...lived it to the fullest that he possibly could with that awful disease. <br />
Warren Jr. was special to a lot of people...and that is a testament to his parents. They raised him "right" as the saying goes! <br />
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I honor not only my company today, but also Warren Sr. on his special day and my sister as they deal with the pain of the loss. I admire their strength and how fortunate that they have each other to lean on. <br />
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We never know what life will throw us. How will we handle it? My mentor in Mary Kay, who recently lost her husband, shared..."It's not what life gives us, it's how we handle it"! <br />
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Birthdays and Anniversaries are special. Enjoy each one. Embrace life and live your dreams. On the wall of my office are three plaques which read: <br />
LOVE BELIEVE DREAM<br />
<br />
Dreamin, <br />
MelMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-12865495207936951532010-09-12T23:19:00.000-07:002010-09-12T23:19:26.855-07:00A 9/12 AttitudeHave you ever heard the phrase: "I'm a 9/12er"? About a year ago Glenn Beck started the 9/12 Project. It's basis was recapturing the feeling you had on September 12, 2001...the day after the terroists attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, PA We were amazed, frightened, extremely patriotic, and most of all generous with help and love to our fellow man. Families were drawn back together, neighbors were friendlier, churches were full again. Do you remember? <br />
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Well, today being 9/12/10, I decided to spend most of the day researching and studying all that I could about the craziness we have been seeing on the TV news reports, namely, the never-ending Ground Zero Mosque controversy. What have we become in 9 years from that all-encompasing day of September 12, 200l? Why are race relations seemingly at their worst? Why is political correctness the order of our day...causing us to be labeled as "fobic" behind the name of any group we go up against. <br />
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I am not violent, not racist, just not silent anymore. I fear for our country. I fear for my grandchildren and what kind of country they may have to live in. In researching the building of the so-called Cordova Community Center I came up with something interesting. It's named after Cardova, Spain where a huge mosque was errected where once a battle raged and the Muslims were victorious. Don't you think that naming the "ground zero" mosque...Cordova is a little suspect as to what might be the purpose of that mosque? <br />
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I also found several authors and commentators who I had seen on different TV appearances and read more about them today, i.e., Brigette Gabriel, and Pam Geller. They are both outspoken passionate women fighting for our American ideals to be preserved. Have you heard the term: Islaminization of America? Yes, that's what I said....could we ever have thought such a thing 9 years ago? I'm sure you have heard the term "Sharia" law. Actually, I learned today that one should say simply Sharia because the name means law. Islamic Law. The Iman Rauf, leader of the "ground zero" mosque has said in interviews that America should be Sharia complient! <br />
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I won't bore (or should I say scare you) with what Sharia is, however, I will ask you to google it. Read all you can about it. I really don't think you'd want that to be imposed here in America. Oh, I bet you are thinking right now....that could NEVER happen in our country. Well, I also found out that Sharia is in 5 areas in Great Britian. Yes, in the Muslim communities which are growing in England....they have imposed Sharia. Look up Pam Geller....she has researched this and speaks of it in her book.<br />
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We have a President who says, just yesterday, we are not at war with Islam. However, Islamic Law...Sharia, demands its followers to destroy infidells (that's me and you if you are a Christian, a Jew or any other religion other than Muslim). An American Muslim-convert was on the streets of New York yesterday in the counter protest shouting out that very statement....one news report did show him!<br />
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Brigitte Gabriel, a Lebanon-born American writes and speaks passionately about growing up as a Christian in Lebanon. She and her family experienced the terror of Sharia from Muslims who came to her country as refugees and the government there insisted that they be accepted,therefore,infiltrated the Christian sectors of Lebanon. Terroists destroyed her home and the world she knew....she escaped to the United States and lives to tell about it today. <br />
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I know that God is in control. I pray every day for His hand on our country, our leaders, and His guidance to them as to how they should govern. We don't want to think this could ever happen in America, but if we don't watch and be aware and speak out....it could. Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066627562261208494.post-6749124657568096792010-09-11T06:37:00.001-07:002010-09-11T07:26:21.913-07:00What were you doing 9 years ago today?I have wanted to start a blog for a few weeks now. The one thing holding me back was I could not come up with a name. I've researched how to name a blog. I've asked family and friends for their ideas. Nothing came to mind so I put it away...out of my mind. Yesterday, I was driving home from running errands, I noticed a sign on what I think was a restaurant....POTLUCK. That's it!! That's a great name for my blog. For you see, I wanted this to be a mixture of my passions, my rants, the loves in my life, and of course it would have to be a little political. However, I didn't want only my political rants....I wanted, however, to be able to express my love of cooking, my family....just whatever stirs the passions within me for a particular day....hence POTLUCK. With that discovery, I came home, opened my Facebook page to find a post by a long-time friend, Debbie, who commented after one of my "political status updates", "Mel, do you have a blog"? That was the affirmation that I needed to go back and complete the start of this blogspot. You see, one of my daughters had asked me, "why do you want to do this....why would you want people to read what you have to say"....that had put a doubt in my mind....I pushed the desire down thinking, I'm not that important that anyone would want to read my rants. However, writing down thoughts, dreams, desires, exasperations, is therapy for the soul...at least for me. If I'm upset and I write about it....it's calming...with a feeling of..."there, I've got it out....I feel better" and I can go on with my day. Hence, the reason I'm putting these words on cyperspace paper......to feel better....to share (I love to share ideas) to vent....to give opionions (we all have them) whether anyone reads this or not....I feel renewed!<br />
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It's 8:54 AM CST on 9/11/10.....9 years after the first plane went into the 1st tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. I watched the FNC Special about that day last night. Yes, it was a repeat of the special they had put together a few years ago....it still made me cry. I still get emotional when I see the events unfold. Thank you FOX for being the only news outlet that still shows the people jumping out of the top of the WTC to their certain death. We should all watch that every year as a rememberence of what we are fighting. I know that some think it's not respectful of the families of those who jumped...however, I think it's that one image among all of the others that brings the emotions to where they should be. WE MUST NEVER FORGET..who did this horrible act that day. Why they did it. And, why they continue to scheme and plan for another one just as horrendous. <br />
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That brings me to today, well, the news events of the last few weeks. Would anyone, 9 years ago, be thinking that we'd be in the discussions that we find ourselves in with mosque building, Koran burning...or that we'd even have a President with a Muslim name?<br />
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Americans forget. Americans have a forgiving spirit, along with a generous spirit. We give more than any other country in the world to foreign aid, even to our enemies....that one is for another blog on another day!<br />
But, we should NEVER forget what happened to our country and our people 9 years ago. We should never forget the soldiers of our military who have died trying to fight our enemy with one hand tied behind their back. <br />
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The news media should turn off the cameras on that loon in Gainsville, FL and that Iman in N.Y. and focus on the men and women who died that day in N.Y. at the Pentagon, in Shanksville...on the planes ....and on the battlefield for the last years since we were attacked. Those are who we honor today and remember. They are the heros in my mind.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15918563973239961065noreply@blogger.com4