Life's A Journey

A Country Thanksgivin' (song lyrics):

2011-11-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mama stuffin' Mr. Turkey
Grandma choppin' gizzards
Grandpa fryin' hush puppies
Papa haulin' white lightnin'.

Outside the trees are bare
Leaves fallen everywhere
There's a chill in the air
Remindin' us winter's near.

Chorus:
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'.

Musical Interlude

Cranberries poppin' on the stove
Collards simmerin' with onion
The kitchen fillin' up with love
Smellin' of thanksgivin'.

The time is here, the table set
Turkey, roll, pies on the left
Friends and family sit
Prayer, then eat till nothin' left.

Chorus:
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'
'Tis a family tradition
A country thanksgivin'...fade.

Tysabri

2011-10-28T10:04:00.001-06:00

My husband has MS and has been currently getting Tysabri infusions once a month. Tysabri is considered one of the best medications to prevent/slow down the progression of MS. You can only get an infusion once every 28 days. This medication has slowed down the progression in my husband. He tried Rebif and the other shots available to no avail--they seemed to aggravate his system. If you are considering Tysabri then you also have tried everything else--because Physicians don't use Tysabri as a first line of defense--it is generally the last line of defense in slowing the progression of MS.

Tysabri is very expensive, around $8,000 per infusion.We are on a very limited income so we can't pay $8,000 per month. However, the manufacturer of Tysabri, does help by providing Tysabri at reduced cost or free. You will have to fill out some papers providing the income of all persons in your household. You will fill out additional information regarding your monthly outgoing expenses. All this is considered in the decision of whether or not you qualify for reduced or free Tysabri.
Then your insurance should tell you how much your part for the infusion will cost you each month. My husband and I are on a Medicare PPO--Humana and pay only $35.00 per month--this January it will be $40.00 a month.

Before my husband started Tysabri he had to get a specific blood test to see if he was more or less susceptible to PML. He was susceptible therefore every so often they need to do another blood test to be sure he hasn't contracted PML.
PML can be deadly. The rate of PML cases is very low though. Your doctor will discuss the problems associated with PML--then it will be your decision as to whether or not you wish to go forward with the Tysabri.

Knit Baby Booties

2011-10-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

These are the baby booties I knit for our fifteenth Grandchild.

Recipe Corner: Fruit Gel

2011-05-27T12:41:00.000-06:00

Fruit Gel

Makes about 4 cups
This is an all natural alternative to Jell-O. Agar powder and kudzu (“kood-zoo”) are natural plant-based thickeners available in natural food stores.

1-1/2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen

3/4 cups apple juice concentrate

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon agar powder

1 tablespoons kudzu powder

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Chop strawberries by hand or in a food processor. Transfer to a pan. Add apple juice concentrate, water, agar, and kudzu. Stir to mix.

Bring to a simmer and cook 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and chill completely.

Fold in blueberries and transfer to serving dishes.

Per 1/2-cup serving: 77 calories; 0.5 g protein; 19 g carbohydrate; 0.2 g fat; 2 g fiber; 9 mg sodium; calories from protein: 2%; calories from carbohydrates: 95%; calories from fats: 3%

Recipe from Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Patricia Bertron, R.D.

Knitting Corner: Amber's Dolly

2011-05-22T11:56:00.000-06:00

I knit the cute Fairy Doll on pages 24 to 27 of "KNITTED TOYS" by Zoe Mellor for my Grand-daughter's second birthday. I made my own changes though. I didn't make the doll a fairy as my grand-daughter is a bit hard on some of her toys therefore I opted for No Wings. I also did Not use as many stripes in the project. However, it turned out great. The directions for knitting are very easy and straight-forward. I was a little bit confused as to why she did not have the arms knitted unto the project, like the legs, to where they also could be stuffed as one with the doll. It still turned out fine. I found she posed nicely even. When my grand-daughter received her she was very happy as I did her in shades of "Purple" her favorite color. I did change the way I put on the hair though. I used a crochet hook and hooked it under the yarn on the skull. That way my grand-daughter would not be able to pull the hair out so easily. I know how 2 yr. olds are. We have 14 grand-children--10 girls and 4 boys. Our grand-children range from the eldest of 20 yrs. (girl) to the youngest of 2 yrs. (girl) and a 15th on the way (girl).

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day:

2011-05-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

My Knitting Corner: Knit Doll from Yarn Stash

2011-05-09T19:39:00.002-06:00

I knit this Doll for my niece's second birthday this year. The dress is attached to the doll so nothing is able to be taken off (except the hair ties). The doll is small but a nice way to use up your scrap yarn and a good size for small hands. The pattern is in the book "KNITTING WITH LEFTOVER YARN" by Ruth E. Braatz on pg. 72. It was easy enough for me to knit. I would say Advanced Beginner - Intermediate (maybe?).

An Alternative Way to Rid Yourself of Ants/Roaches

2011-05-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

Use rubbing alcohol to get rid of those pesky ants and/or roaches. It is safer and cheaper on the pocket-book. Not to mention a lot safer around your children and pets than the poisons they sell on the market.
Put the rubbing alcohol, straight (undiluted) into a spray bottle and squirt it along your counters and other areas where you have seen ants and roaches. Do NOT rinse it! The insects will become dehydrated when they walk through it which will cause them to die. You can also spray the roaches directly with it--as they take a bit more at times.
This is a much safer alternative and cheaper too compared to all the insecticides you will find out on the market. If you are like me, times are tough and I live on a budget--especially these days. So if I can find an inexpensive, yet effective way to do something, I will do it. It is even better if it doesn't mean a lot of chemicals involved since I am hyper-sensitive to chemicals and my husband has asthma. Hope this is helpful to somebody else. Thought I'd pass this tip along as someone passed it on to me.

My Knitting Corner: Sleeveless Top

2011-05-01T11:06:00.000-06:00

I love to knit. I find it "mostly relaxing." There are moments when I can get frustrated. It is then that my hubby goes and hides in the bedroom-LOL. It also keeps my mind sharp, most times from the "fibro fog" I experience from Fibromyalgia. Also, I find it keeps my fingers nimble, helping with the fibromyalgia (once again).

The sleeveless top below I knit for my Grand-daughter's 12th birthday. I combined a series of three yarns to come up with the effect. It was knit on a size 15 needles so it knit up quickly. I found the pattern in the book "Hip To Knit" by Judith L. Swartz. It is the "No Sleeves Funnel Top" on pages 48-51. You can knit a single-strand version with a chunky yarn or a multi-strand version with three differing strands of yarn-which is what I chose to do. On page 51 the author explains how to combine your own yarns, if you wish to use yarns you have readily available (or de-stash your stash) instead or buying the yarns she has listed in the book. I used yarns from my own stash. I used a cotton Tahini and Cha-Cha yarns.

Carbon Monoxide Facts

2011-04-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

Quick Fact Sheet

THE HIDDEN DANGER OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

1. Headache

2. Dizziness

3.Irritability

4.Confusion/Memory loss

5.Disorientation

6.Nausea and vomiting

7.Abnormal reflexes

8.Difficulty in coordinating

9.Difficulty in breathing

10.Chest Pain

11.Cerebral Edema

12.Convulsions/Seizures

13.Coma

14.Death

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Often, several members of the same family or those in a given building will complain of the same symptoms. Children are thought to be more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than adults. Some people may not suspect that CO poisoning is occurring until major symptoms appear. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can mimic gastroenteritis (nausea and vomiting). Other manifestations may cause the appearance of what may appear to be a neurological or psychiatric disorder. High risk groups include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a previous history of cardiac insufficiency or chronic obstructive lung disease.

MEDICAL CONSEQUENCES

Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) is also a common result of severe carbon monoxide poisoning. This life threatening condition entails the destruction of brain cells by compressing them into themselves within the cranial compartment. Drugs that are normally used for the treatment of cerebral edema, like Dexamethasone and Mannitol, do not seem to be of assistance in the treatment of CO induced cerebral edema. Studies have shown that cerebral edema caused by CO poisoning can cause delayed neurological problems that involve the "higher" or cognitive functions, and may cause a Parkinsonian-like brain syndrome.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS

Other incidents have been reported in apartments where gas stoves are being used for heat. In at least one case, carbon monoxide poisoning was caused by the use of a charcoal grill within an apartment's bathtub. More than fifty percent (50%) of all carbon monoxide incidents occur within homes. Twenty percent (20%) of all incidents occur in businesses of various types.

TREATMENT

1.Move the victim(s) to fresh air, this will only relieve immediate symptoms of acute poisoning, remember if you have chronic poisoning that is low level and that has gone on for some time your deteriation may be gradual so it could be some time before you notice.

2.Activate the Fire/Emergency Medical Service System, if victim(s) are experiencing any symptoms, if the fire department is called and they have the equipment ask them to record the CO PPM (parts per million of carbon monoxide in the air). This could be used to help your doctor diagnose your illness, also should you decide to pursue a legal claim may well help your legal team.

3.Monitor for respiratory problems, get a COHb test to check for carbon monoxide levels in the blood.

4.Ventilate the affected area

Upon arrival, it is recommended that Basic Life Support (BLS) (e.g. EMT) personnel should:

1.Evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonic.

2.Administer humidified 100% oxygen by tight- fitting face mask. Assist ventilations as needed

3.Monitor Vital Signs

4.Monitor level of consciousness

5.Consider early transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for severely poisoned patients

6.Place the patient in a position of comfort and keep them warm

It is recommended that Advanced Life Support (A.L.S.) (e.g. Paramedic) personnel should:

1.Further evaluate the respiratory tract for dysfunction or possible compromise - intubate and assist ventilation as needed

2.Draw a blood sample for Carboxyhemoglobin analysis

3.Provide 100% humidified oxygen, do not delay administration of oxygen while performing blood sampling

4.Administer normal saline or other crystalline parental fluids at 2/3 to 3/4 of normal maintenance rates

5.Prepare for the possibility of generalized seizures in severe cases. Give diazepam (Valium) in 2-10 mg. doses (as needed) to terminate and control seizure activity

6.Perform electrocardiogram monitoring of the patient, be especially aware of ventricular ectopic beats and heart blocks. EKG changes seen most commonly in CO patients are ST segment depression, T-wave abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, and PVCs.

7.Any patient found unconscious, seizing, or with EKG changes and with an associated history should be treated as a severe carbon monoxide poisoning until proven otherwise

8.Consider direct transport to a Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy facility, with Oxygen being administered enroute, for severely poisoned patients

9.If the patient's history suggests any possibility of CO Poisoning, treat him/her as though they were exposed

PREVENTION AND CONCLUSIONS

Many lives could be saved and much disability prevented if citizens could learn to recognize and prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Preventive efforts such as checking furnace flues, chimneys, and vents could help to alleviate the hazard. The use of good common sense in not using open flames, ovens and other appliances not intended for heating, could reduce the number of carbon monoxide related incidents. It is also recommended that homeowners have their complete heating systems checked before every heating season.
Only by being aware of the peril, and understanding the nature of the hazard, can we help to prevent unnecessary exposures to deadly carbon monoxide. By understanding the mechanism of injury, we can be better prepared to treat the effects of this toxic product. In this way, it is expected that the number of people who succumb to carbon monoxide's "deadly clutches" can be reduced.

from the Carbon Monoxide Site

Golf Course Review:

2011-04-29T09:48:00.003-06:00

I am trying out a "new feature" here. My husband Russ, has been golfing since he was 7 years of age. He is now in his late fifties. He has MS but that does not stop him from still going out and playing his usual 18 holes. With my Fibromyalgia I only get in 9 holes--I usually play every other hole. I call odds or evens before we start. My new idea for a feature here is to have Russ "Review" Courses we play on. He may even give tips--he's not sure about that yet. Living now is Southern Utah gives us a lot more Opportunities to play even a much wider range of courses. We live only 45 minutes from St. George UT. Forty-five more minutes down the road is Mesquite NV then another hour and a half from there is Las Vegas, NV.

I will ask the questions and Russ will answer them since he tells me I'm the writer not him.

Today's Course of Review will be in Las Vegas, NV.:
Desert Pines Golf Club: 3415 East Bonanza Road (702) 388-4400 http://www.waltersgolf.com/

1) What was your overall impression of the Staff at Desert Pines? Very Good, helpful, and accomadatinng.
      We were an hr. early and they got us on the course within 15 mins. They were very friendly. They also
      have a Course Marshall who goes around and checks on everyone.

2) Do you think the Fees charged are fair for this course? This is the Prime Time of Year so it will be high
      at this time. Also, you must remember it is Vegas.

3) What was your impression of the Pro Shop? It was well-stocked and had everything anyone would
      need.

4) What did you think of the Course in General? Each hole has it's own personality. You can get yourself
      into trouble or make it easy on yourself. The fairways are narrow and the greens are large, making you
      want to go for it. All the greens are challenging. There are plenty of water hazards, sand traps and trees.

5) Would you Recommend Desert Pines to Anyone? Yes.

6) How would you rate your overall experience at Desert Pines? (1-10 ten being Excellant) Ten.

FYI:

NFL FOOTBALL LEGENDS 1 MILLION DOLLAR FOOTBALL SHOOTOUT IN LAS VEGAS

Here is your chance to play a couple rounds of golf and party with some of your favorite NFL Football legends including Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Billy Joe Tolliver, Steve Beuerlein, Garo Yepremian and Butch Byrd to name a few... join us June 2nd - June 5th, 2011 for the "Football Legends $1,000,000.00 Shootout" at the exciting MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in fabulous Las Vegas. This incredible 4 day weekend is packed with pure excitement and fun. Two days of tournament golf partnered with a "Legend" of the NFL. One day of golf at the Desert Pines Golf Club and a second day at the Royal Links Golf Club.

This remarkable event is sponsored by The MGM Grand and offered by Desert Pines Golf Club

GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP AND PLAY.http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com/promotions/special-event-golf-deals/

What To Do In A Poisoning Emergency:

2011-04-29T05:45:00.000-06:00

First Steps in a Poisoning Emergency

A poisoning may have occurred. What should I do?

Follow these basic steps at the first sign of a poisoning.

If the person inhaled poison: Get to fresh air right away. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

If the person has poison on the skin: Take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

If the person has poison in the eyes: Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

In some cases, you should not try to give first aid: If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

What should I do if my child swallows something poisonous?

Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Every poisoning is different. Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too.

Should I use activated charcoal when I suspect someone has been poisoned?

No. Activated charcoal addresses certain poisons, but it is difficult to use. Your poison center will decide if activated charcoal should be used. The poison center may call a hospital to advise what type of treatment to use.

From Poisoning Site

Green Beans with Rosemary & Garlic (crock pot) Recipe

2011-04-28T09:45:00.000-06:00

We at T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) were having our annual "Induction of Officers" potluck. So each of us were bringing a dish. I made some alterations to one I found in a Crock Pot Cookbook since I had just gotten back from Las Vegas 4 days earlier. I had brought back some fresh rosemary from my brother's garden which I wanted to use. This is the recipe I ended up with and the gals loved it.
*note since we have had such a horrible time with fresh vegetables lately I didn't find any good fresh green beans. The original recipe said fresh or canned. I don't ever use canned (due to high sodium/so mushy) so I had substituted frozen, by thawing the beans out in the refrigerator overnight (in there original pkg.) then draining what little water there was by placing them in a colander. The gals said they thought they were "fresh green beans".

64 ounces reg-cut frozen (do NOT use french style cut) Green Beans, thawed overnight (in refrigerator), drained in colander OR Fresh Green Beans

2 tsp. Beef Bouillon Granules

1 1/2 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary

2 Tbsp. minced Garlic

1/4 cup Water

Fat-free Cooking Spray

1. Spray slow cooker/crock pot with fat-free cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients and mix well.
3. Cook on high 3-4 hours.

Notes:
If you like, add 2 Tbsp. minced onions to step 2.

Per Serving: 46 calories; trace total fat; 7 total carbohydrates; 1g protein.
serves 8

Notes:
Check the label on the frozen green beans for an accurate Calorie Count. The green beans I got were Smith's Brand (Kroger Value) and were 30 calories. Some of the other brands I found - C&W=30 calories, Birdseye=35, and ones just listed as frozen=27. Therse are for 1/2 cup to 1 cup servings. So check labels for both serving size and calorie count. Especially if you are watching your weight like me.

Migraine Quiz : Migraine Survival

2011-04-28T06:10:00.001-06:00

Migraine Quiz : Migraine Survival

My Recent Brush With Cancer

2011-04-22T13:45:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago my Doctor's Medical Assistant called me. She told me that the Mammogram I had in Dec. showed something and that I needed to see a surgeon for a biopsy. She gave me the Surgeon's name and phone number so I could schedule an appointment. I asked her which breast it was and she said she didn't have that information in front of her. I was a bit annoyed about that since I had worked for 30 years in the Medical Profession, part of it also being in Doctor's offices and Clinics before I moved on to Hospitals and Surgical Centers. We never gave information like she gave me over the phone for one. We always made an appointment for the patient to come in for a follow-up to have the doctor tell the patient. Also, why was it all of a sudden urgent when it has been 3 1/2 months since my Mammogram? Why did I not get a call sooner? Was it forgotten in the two appointments that I had seen my doctor in between on since the Mammogram? It seemed so wrong the way it was handled. And yet she DID NOT even have the RESULTS WITH HER when she called me!! I NEVER called a patient without the results right in front of me in all my 30 years of being in the Medical Field!
I made the appointment and my husband went with me to see the surgeon who was a very intelligent man. I was sent to another hospital for a different type of biopsy, than the more invasive surgical one the surgeon performed, due to the minuscule size. They were so tiny,actually 1/10th the size of buckshot. We had to view them with a magnifying glass. We had to drive to St. George, 45 minutes away, the biopsy was performed with a long needle and four little pieces were retrieved and a tiny titanium tag placed where they were removed. The tag was for future reference for either the surgeon if more surgery is required or future mammograms. Either way it is permanent & will not set off metal detectors at the Airports I'm told.
I waited four days for the results. Yesterday, I received the results that "I do not have Cancer". I am grateful since Breast Cancer took one of my Aunts when she was 54 and I am currently 51.
I am glad I have been having my Mammograms since the age of 40 years old. I had two fatty adipose masses taken out 7 years ago. Back then they were not detected when they were so small. They also watched them over a three year period. The first year the did a needle biopsy by withdrawing fluid only. Year two was no growth or anything. Year three they had tripled in size so they did a ultrasound and decided to remove them. They were benign also. We had expected them to be 99% benign before they were removed though.
Therefore, I am a great advocate about getting your Mammogram every year. It is very important. DO NOT PUT IT OFF. Early Detection is the best way for Early Treatment. The new Mammogram technology is great especially how they could detect such a small tiny tumor as they did on my mammogram this year versus 7 years ago was totally amazing to me. It sure proved to me that if it had gone the other way I would have had very early detection and a very very good chance of Treatment and Recovery.

Earth Day 2011 Sweepstakes: Be an Eco Hero!

2011-04-22T13:14:00.001-06:00

Earth Day 2011 Sweepstakes: Be an Eco Hero!

The Green Life: Tips for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine

2011-04-22T13:02:00.002-06:00

The Green Life: Tips for living well and doing good from Sierra magazine click link

Smoking & Tobacco Widgets | HHS.gov

2011-03-26T16:01:00.000-06:00

Whispers (in the Wind)

2011-03-24T17:03:00.004-06:00

Whispers(in the Wind)

No place to hide the pain
That’s clawing me inside
As here I stand
Holding your hand..

Heated words and Pride
Roaring…like the wind
Threatening to divide
Whispers…crashing end to end.

Reminding me, what love is
What matters most, Us
Not who’s right, life and time
Our vows and love that binds.

Mis-spoken words, scorching Pride
Floating...whispers in the wind
I pray it’s not time…to decide
I whisper..God, don’t let us end.

Whispers, floating in the wind
Whispers, like prayers I send
Whispers, spoken in your ear
Whispers, God did hear
Whispers…..in the wind
Whispers…..my love....

March 24,2011

Dedicated to my husband Russ
Who I almost lost in July 2010.
But after 5 days in a coma he
Awoke. The doctors had already
Given up on him on the 4th day.
I had many prayer chains going
On his behalf--so the Dr. in charge
Called Russ the Miracle Man.

Update On My Life With Fibromyalgia

2010-06-22T23:16:00.004-06:00

My Fibromyalgia has been hard to control. I haven't been doing any writing for over a year now-as you can see. I am going to try harder though. I had surgery on my right rotator cuff 10 wks. ago. I had injured it on a trip we took to the East coast to see our Grandchildren in January. It was great to finally see them. I am now strengthening the rotator cuff. It is taking a long time to heal and progress as I had fell on it once 5 weeks post-op. That set me back about two weeks in my physical therapy. I am looking forward to knitting and doing more with my shoulder once again.

My son and his daughter will be moving out here soon. My daughter and her family are even considering it too. It would be nice to have my side of the family nearby me for a while-it's been ten yrs. since my children have lived nearby. I have missed alot of my grandchildren's growing up.

My husband is having more problems with his MS as I have been with my Fibromyalgia. My biggest problem with the fibro is that I can't take any pain pills they prescribe because I am always being allergic to them. My body just keeps rejecting them each time and keeps being allergic each time-even the pain patches. It's difficult to control the pain with just ice and motrin. I have recently begun a regimen of Magnesium which does help "some". Also, by experimenting with foods I have found that Cherries and Bannanas also help with pain. And the Bannanas eaten before bed also help me sleep a little better too.

Gingerbread Men

2009-12-21T00:41:00.002-07:00

Roll, roll the brown dough
Spread the flour thick
So the dough don’t stick
On the rolling pin.

Cut out little men
With a cookie cutter
Put them on the pan
Cook in the oven.

Pull them out when done
Decorate cookies with icing
Making smiles and buttons
Eat them while still warm, yum!

Poet's Corner: Pasties

2009-06-04T05:08:00.000-06:00

Pasties

Don't forget the Pasties
Tonight for the Party
Party? Pasties?
That's a new side to my hubby.

He came in the door
At half past four
I displayed pasties in red
He grinned and shook his head.

I buttoned up, as we dashed out the door
Off to my husband's brothers
Oh No, oh me, oh my
I learn, Pasties are a Pie.

I'm Back

2009-06-01T22:37:00.001-06:00

Hi, Did you miss me?
Let me tell you what's been going on and where I've been or should I say where we are now?.

First off Russ wasn't working due to his MS..so he had to apply for SSD. In the meantime we tried living on mine. Which wasn't easy 'cause we couldn't pay our mortgage at all.

Let me tell you DO NOT BELIEVE THE B.S. THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL HELP PEOPLE WITH THEIR MORTGAGES BECAUSE IF ANYONE NEEDED IT BADLY WE DID AND THEY WOULD NOT! They are only wanting to help those with Perfect credit and high-paying jobs! We didn't fit either category! So we made a choice to give up the house before foreclosure.

Russ finally got his SSD in March and we looked at places closer to his kids. We didn't want to be too close due to we didn't want them to decide, at the last minute, to drop off the grandkids for us to babysit. We found a fourplex that we liked. The landlords normally didn't take pets without approval, so we had to take Sammie and Jaws on an interview. They were both on their best behavior and passed. We are twenty one miles from the kids--we figured that's far enough that they will call for us to babysit. We have already babysat once and will be doing so this weekend and Monday too. It's nice to have it planned out in advance this way though.

We live outside our little town of Buhl, seven miles outside of it--near the dairies--and into the country. Three miles down the road is the Hot Springs, five miles from us is a pool, a few more miles is some of the best fishing in this part of the State (being that we live in the Thousand Springs Area). Yes, there is a Golf course nofar either as it is Russ' favorite sport. Buhl is the type of small country town that you can go get a burger and bump into farmer Frank and talk for an hour and a half about this and that and never be in a rush. Nobody at the burger joint rushes you, Frank doesn't nor do you..you just sit and relax and enjoy the day that way. It's the way of country life here. Our day begins with the sounds of cows mooing, birds chirping, dogs barking, geese cackling, pheasants crowing and the sun peeking into our bedroom window. We walk the dogs outside to the fence and watch as the cows in the pasture mosey around and the clouds drift by the sun while the wind blows through the grass. Right now spring has sprung the tulips have blossomed red and yellow. Purple and white crocuses in their crowning glory, the rhubarb is growing taller by the day, Sammie and Jaws are rolling in the green grass, the wind is softly playing the chimes. Sammie goes on point as the cows move toward home as the sun becomes lower in the sky. She's thinking this may be the time she gets herself one (haha), Russ calls her back, the first time Jaws heard a cow moo he hid behind me (not anymore though), now he tries to climb through the fence. Purple and red fill the sky as we walk to the porch and watch the sun finish setting. Sigh.....the end of another day in the country.

As for our health -- finally I found a pain specialist in Pocatello before we moved who found the right combination of meds that are working for my Fibromyalgia. I am going to keep going to her every three months. As for Russ--the shot for $5,200.00 per month wasn't working so they took him off of it a few weeks before we left. They want to wait four months and start him on anti-rejection drugs for his MS. Our total time from renting the apartment to moving was six days then we didn't have internet for so long that's part of the reason I've been gone so long too. Besides not feeling even good enough to type on the keyboard nor even knit.

Well, take care everyone.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:58:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas From Santa Puzzle

2008-12-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ho Ho Ho Jigsaw

2008-12-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas Holly Puzzle

2008-12-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays Snowmen Jigsaw

2008-12-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Seasons Greetings Jigsaw

2008-12-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Caroling Penguins Jigsaw

2008-12-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Stardust Christmas Tree Puzzle

2008-12-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Christmas Presents Jigsaw

2008-12-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Chistmas Bunny Puzzle

2008-12-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Christmas Ornaments Jigsaw

2008-12-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Christmas Holiday Lights Puzzle

2008-12-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Bronze Christmas Balls Jigsaw

2008-12-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas Bells Puzzle

2008-12-02T06:21:00.002-07:00

Holiday Stockings Puzzle

2008-12-01T18:19:00.004-07:00

A Fall Jigsaw To Do:

2008-10-26T16:57:00.001-06:00

Finally Diagnoised:

2008-08-30T12:45:00.005-06:00

Well, since my last update I will tell you that I have talked to Dr. Hope and we will not do anymore injections in the neck. However, since then he did inject both of my knees which did help about eighty percent. Of course the first three days I was in excruciating pain which kept me from my physical therapy. My other joints continue to ache too. Therefore, he told me to go back to the other specialist for some medication regime also. On Sept. 15th I am having both of my hips injected for some relief. I am in hopes it helps as much as it did for the knees. In the meantime my neck, back, shoulders, ankles, hips, jaw, fingers and wrists continue to ache awful every morning I arise. Therefore, I continue to wrap a heating blanket around me (even in above 80 degree weather) and use a heating pad for my back.

I did get a diagnosis for my abdominal pain: fatty liver and lactose intolerance.
I also got a diagnosis for my joint pain: Fibromyalgia. Well, now I know what is going on with me. For the Fibromyalgia the doctor gave me trial samples of Cymbalta and Lyrica. I am to take the Cymbalta for three weeks then switch to the Lyrica for one week and call the doctor and let her know which helped the most. So far I have been taking the Cymbalta for eight days without much of a difference. Only time will tell.

Poet's Corner: A New Day

2008-08-27T19:51:00.003-06:00

A NEW DAY

Sweet Harmony of the wind
Passes through my hair
As the trees bend
On a early morn, so fair
My spirit loftily ascends
Into the dewy air.

Watching the sun rise
Over the mountain peaks
Such an awakening for the eyes
To see the orange hues streak
Illuminating the skies
As a new day breaks.

Restaurant Review: BJ's Bayou

2008-08-04T10:47:00.000-06:00

BJ's Bayou is located in Roberts Idaho. It's menu items are those with Cajun Flair.
We went there for the first time on our One Year Anniversary on August 1st. The outside of the building says nothing for the elegance you will find when you walk into the restaurant. It's fine white linens accented with glass goblets, matching cloth napkins and lace curtains are just an appetizer to the fine dining experience you will have. There is also a full bar for those who wish to indulge. Along with a nice variety of wines and Louisiana Bottled Beer.

Prices are very adequate, mostly beginning at $16.95 a plate and up. However the hamburger selection is a bit less. I regret to say I didn't peruse the exact prices on the burgers since I was there to eat a favorite I have missed for a long time--Alligator.

I chose the Alligator tails with oysters. You have a choice on the fried menu of mixing several selections (at varying prices). Or you can have the whole deal for just over $40.00 if you are wanting to try a bit of everything and share with a friend. I also had the gumbo which came with the meal and choice or fries or onion rings (with the fried food dish). I enjoyed the meal which also came with a moderately spicy version of cocktail sauce. Accompanied with a few spears of Asparagus. My husband enjoyed the Shrimp Creole, which I asked to be made at level one of the 1-10 spicy range due to he is not into heat. Dessert was Pecan Pie which was simply divine. I was only disappointed with the fact that they were out of Hush puppies that day and didn't make Sweet Potato Pie. Otherwise we enjoyed our dining experience immensely lingering there for nearly two hours.

There is also a selection of various hot sauces and T-shirts available for sale at the establishment. There are two alligators sunning in the front window to add to the Cajun experience. We plan to return again whenever we are nearby. It was definitely worth the special trip for our anniversary though.

Poet's Corner: Summer Days Gone By

2008-08-03T11:06:00.001-06:00

SUMMER DAYS GONE BY

Sitting in my beach chair
Watching the gulls fly
The wind rustling my hair
Reminding me of days gone by.

Days spent upon the beach
Collecting Seashells
And inspecting each
Invigorated by the salty air.

With my dog beside me
Playing volleyball
By the edge of the sea
Until nightfall.

Traveling place to place
Camping under the stars
Beside a fire's blaze
Strumming my guitar.

Icy water tickling my toes
While crossing a stream
Spying a white-tailed doe
Illuminated by the moon's beam.

The days of summer
When life was so free
Childhood reminders
Of days gone by.

Health/Medical Insurances And Disabilities:

2008-08-01T01:30:00.000-06:00

Bidding my time on Disability until they can find out how to control my dizzy spells and what is causing my joint pain is not any fun. They keep this gal poked and prodded at least once to three times per week. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have three health insurance plans.

There are so many people out there without any health/medical insurance coverage or not enough. My husband has only one, it helps pay sixty to eighty percent--but we pay the difference. Except when it comes to his MS IV therapy which is once a month. He takes Tysabri; it's original cost before insurance is $5,124.00 for one treatment for one time per month for the rest of his life as long as it works. His insurance pays $2,120.00 and we must pay the difference.

My husband needs to go on disability but can't due to he will loose his only insurance and we can't survive on my little check of $640.00 per month for nine months while they determine if he's eligible. While determining eligibility the person applying for disability must have ZERO income. I don't know how the government expects people to survive for even a month on no income let alone up to nine months. Oh, of course they will back pay you, after they minus three months for the eligibility waiting time.

But what creditors, mortgage companies, grocery stores, car dealership, utility companies are going to wait up to nine months?..and then there's the chance you will be denied. Nobody waits and Medicaid won't help either until you have gotten your disability status from Medicare. If you are denied you have the right to appeal but that takes even more time. Also, when you get disability you are allowed to apply for SSI, Foodstamps, and State Medical assistance (it's Medicaid where we live). However, you are not entitled to Federal Medicare benefits until you have been on SSD (Social Security Disability) for Two entire years. Then you can finally have your secondary insurance--but in that case Medicare is then your primary and state medical secondary. It can be pretty confusing to those with limited capabilities of understanding. It is very tough to live on your SSD check and find doctors that will accept your state medical card alone (without you having a secondary insurance). And when you do the quality of care I believe is somewhat compromised in the fact that they know that you can't pay it or won't or that the state pays so darn little (which is very true).

My advice: Don't get sick without Medical Insurance or become disabled in America!

My Physical Therapy Routine Etc:

2008-07-30T01:02:00.000-06:00

Lately, most of my time has been spent at the doctors' offices or having physical therapy. I had twelve falls in about a week's time. Eight of those times I ended up falling, with my full weight, unto my Right knee. Needless to say I had to go get a MRI of the knee. It's nothing surgical my doctor says and just adds additional orders to the physical therapy I am already getting. I had started only a month earlier receiving physical therapy for a fall that involved my neck. Because of this I have no idea if the shots that Dr. Hope had given me truly has worked (I'll let you know more in a moment). During Physical Therapy last week my therapist tried a technique that is suppose to hopefully decrease my dizziness of my Menieres. We talked about it for about two weeks so we went ahead and did it. However, the worst part was not the way he pulled me down so fast or twisted my neck making me dizzier. It was that I could not bend over of lie prone for three full days afterwards. No leaning over even more that a three to five percent angle. Well, I blew that the second day, when nobody was here, and I dropped something and bent over to retrieve it. I told him today. He plans on re-doing the technique again this Thursday (July 31st), in the afternoon.

The morning of July 31st I will be seeing Dr. Hope in regards as to whether we should continue the nerve block injections. I have such terrible pain, where I cry so much for the first 48 to 72 hrs. However, it's suppose to get better each new time-- Dr. Hope says it should lessen over time. If I do it we will have to see how often the shots are needed to best benefit my pain management. I only have one big problem with this-------it's not helping my joint pain below the neck/shoulders.

I still have fatigue and joint pain in the early morning and late afternoon each day. I'm also have some intestinal problems which I will blog about later as I have been diagnosed with both fatty liver disease and lactose intolerance these past two months.....I am currently awaiting another status of an additional test.

Some Books/Ebooks Worth Checking Out:

2008-07-24T06:18:00.000-06:00

I find summer a wonderful time to catch up on some reading. I have previewed/read some of these books, therefore I recommend that you check them out for yourself.

THAT SUMMER PLACE

BONE YARD:

IRON COWBOY:

Song Lyrics: That's Life

2008-07-23T06:37:00.000-06:00

These are some song lyrics I wrote a while back. It's intended for a Country Western song.

That's Life
by Pamel Starr-Welsh
written 8-2-05

VI:
Your truck won't start
Cause the battery's dead
You need to go to Kmart
So you pay your neighbor Ed.

VII:
Your house is broken into
They took your guns
The dog and barbecue
Your day's just begun.

Chorus:
Well, that's life
Problems come and go
In everyday life
Some you fix, some you let go
Because that's life
That's life.

VIII:
The sink is leaking
So you replace the flange
The door is creaking
So you oil the hinge.

VIV:
Your being dogged
By your boss
So you quit your job
With good cause.

Bridge:
Well, that's life
That's life.

VV:
You get mugged
The doctors realize
You're allergic to the drugs
Oh, what a surprise.

Chorus:
Well that's life
Problems come and go
In everyday life
Some you fix, some you let go
Because that's life
That's life.

Tag:
Well, that's life
We live each day
Despite the strife
So go on and say
That's life
That's life...fade.

Give All Americans Affordable Health Care!

2008-07-20T02:52:00.000-06:00

Hi,
I just signed the petition "Give All Americans Affordable Health Care!". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 20,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts.

Give All Americans Affordable Health Care!
Target: U.S. House and Senate
Sponsored by: Divided We Fail
Health care expenses are growing by the day. Premiums have risen 98 percent since 2000, but wages are not keeping up. American families and businesses are struggling to balance quality health care with financial demands. Millions of Americans are just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.
In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 29 percent of respondents indicated that health care was the most important problem for Congress and the president to address - more than terrorism, the economy, immigration and taxes. Congress must put making quality health care affordable for all Americans a top priority.

Click Here to Sign Petition Letter

Help Protect Our Marine Ecosystem:

2008-07-18T02:58:00.000-06:00

Support Protection Plan for Stellwagen Marine Ecosystem
Target: Superintendent Craig MacDonald, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Sponsored by: Ocean River Institute
Located off the coast of Massachusetts, the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is home to a marvelous diversity of marine life, including whales, sea turtles, fish, birds and cold water coral. But the Stellwagen is under assault from multiple fronts: habitat damage from trawling and draggers, ship collisions, depletion of fish, pollution and global warming, just to name a few.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has proposed a Stellwagen Bank Management Plan. The proposal lays the foundation for restoring and protecting the sanctuary's ecosystem. It recommends actions that should be taken now, and some that should be considered in the near future, for this special place.

The Sanctuary Superintendent is accepting open comments on the proposal until August 4. The marine life in the area need your help! Add your support for the proposal during the open comment period.

Click Here To Sign Petition and Add Your Comments

Help Maintain Tranquility At Lionhead:

2008-07-16T11:36:00.000-06:00

Hi,

I need your help.

A rugged land of sparkling lakes, 10,000-foot peaks and
world-class wildlife habitat, Montana's stunning Lionhead
Recommended Wilderness, just west of Yellowstone National Park,
is a dazzling area of tranquility. The area is so rugged that
the Forest Service proposed that it be off limits to all
mechanized travel, including mountain bikes.

But the proposal to protect the rugged Lionhead area is in
danger.

That's why Lionhead needs your help before July 18. Tell the
Forest Service to do the right thing.

Click here to sign petition

Poet's Corner: The Rainbow

2008-07-13T09:40:00.000-06:00

The Rainbow

God's covenant for you and me,
Is His own wonderful design,
The rainbow, a colorful array,
Of a continuous arc of lives,
A promise, set in the sky,
To bring to our minds,
That we will never again see,
Like in Moses' time,
The land covered by sea,
The rainbow's our sign,
Of God's covenant for eternity.

Banana Berry Caribbean Twist Smoothie:

2008-07-08T07:10:00.000-06:00

I made this smoothie as a fluke. I had the ingredients for one of the ones in the book but also wanted it to be more icy since it is so hot. Therefore, I made a few changes to it and voila I got a fabulous tasting smoothie out of it.

Banana Berry Caribbean Twist

1/2 cup soy milk
2 ice cubes
1 kiwi; peeled & diced
1/2 papaya; peeled and diced
12-14 frozen blackberries
1/2 banana; peeled and diced

Place all ingredients into blender. Blend 45 seconds on low. Increase speed to medium; blend 30 seconds. Increase speed to high then puree for another 30-45 seconds until ice cubes & frozen fruit gone and smoothie is smooth and lump free.

Enjoy!

The Smoothies Bible: review

2008-07-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

The Smoothies Bible written by Pat Crocker is an excellent book about smoothies. It has a great variety of smoothies. They vary from soy based, juice based, frozen yogurt or ice cream based. The book includes smoothies that range from fruit and vegetable to those including fiber additives such as grains and nuts.

It also has smoothies and information for the following medical/health conditions: Aids/Hiv, Aging, Allergies, Alopecia, Alzheimer's/Dementia, Anemia, Anxiety, Arthritis, ADD/ADHD, Breastfeeding, Bronchitis, Cancer Prevention, Candida, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Common Cold, Constipation, Depression, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Diverticular Disease, Endrometriosis, Eye Problems (Cataracts, Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration), Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Flatulence, Gallstones, Gout, Hangover, Headaches (non-migraine), Heart Problems (High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular disease, Heart Failure & Stroke), Heartburn, Herpes Simplex (cold sores and genital herpes), Hypoglycemia, Immune Deficiency, Impotence, Indigestion, Infertility (male and female), Influenza, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kidney Stones, Laryngitis, Liver Problems, Low Libido, Lupus, Menopause, Menstrual disorders, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Overweight, Parkinson's, Peptic Ulcers, Pregnancy, Prostate Enlargement Benign, Sinusitis, Skin Conditions (Acne, Dry skin, Psoriasis & Rosacea, Quit Smoking, Urinary Tract Infection, Uterine Fibroids, Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids, & Water Retention.

This book by no means replaces your doctor's advice. The smoothies help you better your health by acknowledging the foods that are good for you to consume for your particular disorder. It also tells you which foods can aggravate it so you can eliminate or avoid them in your diet.

The smoothies in this book range from simple thin based ones to thick creamy or icy ones that are nice and cool. I have enjoyed making several smoothies so far from this book and they all taste great.

I have also changed one or two items in some of the smoothies for a different taste or texture. Like in the soy based ones they are thin unless you reduce the soy milk to half cup (instead of three quarter cup) and add 2 ice cubes and add some frozen fruit. I learned this technique by trying several of the smoothies in this book. I recommend the book just for the great smoothies. If you want to use it for one of the disorders go ahead. You will learn what foods may disagree with your disorder so you can eat better to control it.

Pat Crocker put a lot of information in this book and went to a lot of trouble to research the disorders and what foods are compatible. I believe this is a very good book to have in your recipe book collection, especially if you are wanting to drink smoothies.

Update on Nerve Block/Trigger Point Injections:

2008-07-03T11:02:00.000-06:00

Well, I would generally say it worked like a charm. However, the trigger point injection didn't seem to work so well. That kink in my neck only got worse. So bad that my cervical neck bones were in so much pain. Also, my entire right side of my neck, where the trigger point injection went, was swollen and very painful. I went to the Emergency Room thinking I had an infection or something like that going on. They made me comfortable with pain and anti-inflammatory medications then told me I must now do physical therapy to help recover.

As far as the Nerve Block injection I would say it has made about a sixty to seventy percent decrease in my neck pain. However, it hasn't done anything for the rest of the muscle pains in the other parts of my body. The doctor told me it wouldn't though. Therefore, the doctors still have no clue as to what I have yet.

Short Story: Destination Freedom

2008-07-03T07:39:00.000-06:00

She watched the tall man with the black beard and big black stovepipe hat. He wore a black suit and stood very straight. He was the President her grand-daddy told her. Her daddy wasn’t here today because he had gone to fight the war. He never came back. Her grand-daddy said that her daddy was a hero who helped win the war. Still she wanted her daddy. Also, he was nice to everyone including the colored folks. That’s why daddy went to fight the war. He believed in this man here and the things he said.
The President had a deep voice "that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

"Ireland serves neither King nor Kaiser. We need to fight for our own freedom. They are recruiting women to fight alongside the men. We can carry pistols and dispatches for our countrymen. Who will go with me?" The other five women in the small room looked about and three looked to the floor.
One with red pigtails of twenty years jumped to her feet "I’ll go with you Helena" she declared "I believe in freedom for our people." "Me too." said the fifth woman, though not as enthusiastically.

Sitting beside her new husband she tugged at her white gloves anxiously. She had not enough time to be prepared for attending the Presidential State of the Union Address. He should have given me more notice she mused as she smoothed out her dress. She felt a bit slighted that their honeymoon had been cut short for this.
She returned her attention to President Roosevelt and his speech about the Four Freedoms. "The fourth is freedom from the fear-which, translated into world terms, means a world wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-anywhere in the world."

The attic was cramped with about a dozen of them. Here they hid like animals trying to survive. Outside they heard planes drone above them. In the deepest recesses of the night they would hear the sirens braying loudly warning of incoming bombers on their way. Then they’d feel the ground shake as bombs fell far away. When their ears would literally pop from the shrills they knew they were nearby. Then the house, whose attic they hid in, would shake. As did their bones and teeth from fear and the cold, not just from the bomb’s aftermath. What’s that now? God no! Hands grabbing at everyone, yanking them from the attic. "No! Let go! Ow!"
"Run!" a woman’s voice shouted.

"..that freedom can be the future of every nation." Click.
"Hey Steve, I was watching that."
"Bush is full of shit." I don’t want him on my t.v. If you want to watch him go somewhere else."
"Fine!" She grabbed her dark woolen coat and red scarf and bundled herself up. Grabbed her purse and keys, slamming the door behind her. Walking the half block in the chilly November air, tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Opening the pub door she was greeted by the odor of cigarette smoke.
"A Bud" she told the bartender as she sat upon the stool and watched the Presidential Address continue. She slid him a couple of one dollar bills before he could say a word. "The advance of freedom is the calling of our time; it is the calling of our country. From the Fourteen Points to the Four Freedoms, to the Speech at Westminster, America has put our power at the service of principle." "Another?" the bartender asked as she guzzled the Bud down. She nodded and pushed a few more singles out for him as he placed another in front of her.
She turned her attention back to the t.v."...we believe that freedom -- the freedom we prize -- is not for us alone, it is the right and the capacity of all mankind. (Applause.) Working for the spread of freedom can be hard. Yet, America has accomplished hard tasks before. Our nation is strong; we're strong of heart. And we're not alone. Freedom is finding allies in every country; freedom finds allies in every culture. And as we meet the terror and violence of the world, we can be certain the author of freedom is not indifferent to the fate of freedom."

She felt something warm and sticky upon her cheek. She wiped at it with her sleeve. Finding it to be blood. Smoke stung at her eyes. Someone grabbed her arm and helped her to her feet. She looked back and saw the Paratrooper. Using his ray gun he pointed to the right. Above the din she heard him shout "Run to-"

"Free---dom!" Tess turned looking around cautiously into the graying dimness of the stark room. Did someone say the word or had the word crept through her own mind? No, she couldn't allow it. He would see her thoughts. He always could tell. She wasn't good at hiding anything from him. That's why he could control her so well. She placed her hands over her ears and slid her back down the wall. Dropping to the cold concrete floor. Tears trickled down her face. No! She mustn't! No tears, no emotion. He played on all that. He used it all against her. No more, no more. She slumped over in total exhaustion and slept.

"I may have found the common thread in her time travels lately, Sir."
"Well, Lieutenant Xin What is it? Don’t keep me waiting. You know what happens to men who do!"
"Sorry Sir. I believe that they all have to do with Freedom."
"Freedom? Freedom? What are you trying to tell me Lieutenant?"
"Sir, Freedom means the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints. It also means immunity from an obligation or duty."
"Where would she get this idea about Freedom and why? She’s a time-traveler!" Lord Cappalla slammed his fist into the table’s console and stormed out. The silver doors slid open then shut upon his exit.

Lieutenant Xin looked around the table at Corporal Pierre and 2nd Lieutenant Venne. "We need to destroy her. She is no longer of any use."
"Excuse me Sir. But wouldn’t it be easier to just send her off without a retrieval to someplace?" asked Corporal Pierre.
"Excellent idea Corporal. Do it, but don’t forget to remove her chip first."
The Corporal and 2nd Lieutenant stood gave nods toward Lieutenant Xin then left for their assignment. "Do we remove the chip tonight or in the morning then?" asked Venne
"Let’s wait till morning. She’s asleep now anyways." replied Pierre.
"Dinner then at my place?" smiled Venne
"Not till this is over." answered Pierre
"Oh, right." Venne replied flatly not showing her dejection.

The next morning, in the lab, Pierre and Venne oversaw as Dr. Zaghn removed the chip from Tesszalda.
"She’s ready for deportation" the Dr. stated as he went about closing the incision with the laser. "She’ll sleep for another two hours. So you have time now if you wish to finish with the business." He turned back to putting away his instruments.
Pierre and Venne transported Tesszalda from the lab in a portable cubicle to the transport room.
"Where to?" Venne asked Pierre.
"Who cares. Just turn the dial and zap her out into space somewhere. Then she’s no longer any of our worries." He replied brusquely.
"As you wish." Venne did as instructed.
Whirl.....whoooosh.

"Grandma, what year was it? How did they fall into the Ohio River?"
"Henry, my turn. My turn Grandma. What did President Lincoln say again? That’s my favorite part. What did he say about your book when he met you? Please tell it again. Please. Oh pleeeze" Mary pleaded.
"One at a time, my dears" she clucked at her two grand-children. Henry, it was the year Nineteen-hundred-and-thirty-eight Eliza fell into the Ohio River because it cracked beneath them. The water drenched her and the baby in it’s icy fingers. Mary dear, don’t you ever tire of hearing that story?" She looked upon the child’s black pigtails swaying back and forth as she shook her head no.

Sighing she continued. "It was around the beginning of the Civil War when I met President Abraham Lincoln. He was a big figure of a man, tall and lean with a big black stovepipe hat. My son Charles claimed that President Lincoln looked down at me with his coal nugget eyes and said, "so this is the lady who started the great war!" I don't recall the incident,but Charles was with me. If it was said, it is a terrible accusation to put on anyone. True, my book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, did stir up the hornet's nest, but the seeds of unrest were planted and a nation had been the harvest before it had been written."

"Grandma, one more question. What do you think was the secret password for the Underground Railroad?" asked Mary.
"It was a secret. It also changed frequently." Harriet looked upon her two grandchildren with loving pride. "I will tell you though that those who worked the Underground Railroad had a belief. Actually two words that summed up what they wanted for all people and that’s---destination, freedom."

Smoothie Recipe: Caribbean Crush

2008-06-27T03:33:00.000-06:00

I just started making smoothies for one of my meals for weight loss and also for nutritional value needed. I also may be lactose intolerant. Therefore, this smoothie is made with soy milk.

I found it to taste more like the kiwi in it; so you'll have to like kiwi (like me). I enjoyed this one so much I am going to make an alternative by changing one of the fruits for more variety.

Caribbean Crush Smoothie
1 serving

3/4 cup plain soy milk
1/8 cup of lime juice
Half Mango; peeled, pitted and chopped
1 Kiwi, peeled and chopped

In blender combine soy milk, lime juice, mango and kiwi. Blend on low for thirty seconds; blend on high for an additional thirty seconds or until smooth. Enjoy.

I am going to substitute the Mango with a Papaya next.

Followup On Neck Nerve Injections:

2008-06-21T02:00:00.000-06:00

Went back on the 18th of June for my second injection. This time I also needed a trigger point injection in the side of my neck. Somehow I had tweaked my neck according to the Specialist.

The trigger point injection was the same kind of Cortisone and Marcain mixture as the Specialist put into my neck between my vertebraes. However, with the trigger point injection it is not necessary to have to go to the Surgery Center in order to have them. The specialist told me I could get them at his office easily enough. They don't need x-rays taken like the nerve block injections. They palpate the site where the knot from your pulled muscle, or strain or whatever is and then they place the shot mixture into the site. There is no premedication of Marcain it is mixed into the shot. Therefore, it is a bit painful when injected. Then the site is massaged with pressure. This was uncomfortable yes. However, I noticed relief in the area within twenty-four hours. So it is a great way to get relief when it can be done.

As for the first Nerve Block Injection I had not noticed much pain relief, except for one week after the shot. After that my pain returned. The nurse who called me, to remind me of the Injection, stated that most people find the greatest relief after the second part of the shot is administered. Therefore, with great trepidation and hesitation I went forward with the second injection.

I still got a migraine as I did last time, however it only lasted about forty-two hours instead of seventy-seven hours as the last time. I also had a lot of aching and need for the Vicodin and heating pad for the first forty-five hours. The first time it lasted closer to seventy-four hours. Therefore, the side-effects for the second shot did not last as long as the first one. I am, at this moment, fairly comfortable with less aching in my neck and shoulders than I have been yet. I am hoping this feeling of relief continues.

I am to call and schedule an appointment with the Specialist anytime in two to four weeks. At the appointment we will determine whether or not to continue this therapy. It will depend on the amount of relief I seem to be getting. I will keep you posted.

Check Out My Stuff On EBAY:

2008-06-14T03:08:00.000-06:00

I just began selling on EBAY. I have a variety of things available and will still be adding more items as the days continue to go by. There's computer related materials, clothing and sports cards at the moment. I'll be adding more articles too, so check me out whenever you can. You can find me under Pamel1959. Hope you stop by.

Poet's Corner: Voyage Of The Ark

2008-06-09T03:49:00.000-06:00

Behind the old man and his staff,
They entered the ark, two by two,
First came the antelope to giraffe,
Then came the birds of many hues.

Behind the hippo they did trail,
With the zebra being the last,
Now aboard it was time to sail,
They closed the door, raised the mast.

From the Heavens the rain just poured,
For forty days and forty nights,
Outside the wind whistled and roared,
Causing man and beast much fright.

From above, they heard the rain cease,
Looking outside, land was in sight,
Anxiously awaiting their release,
So ended their forty day plight.

Houstan Death From Salmonellosis:

2008-06-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

The CDC is currently investigating the death of a Houston woman, Wednesday, to determine if it is related to current raw tomato outbreak of Salmonella. The woman had an immuno-suppressed system as she had lymphoma.

There have been approximately, to date, one hundred and forty nine people infected from the Salmonella outbreak.

The Texas Board Of Health has determined that the source of the raw tomato outbreak is not from any tomatoes found in Texas. The Whole Foods grocery chain in Texas has however pulled the tomatoes off the shelves for the public's safety.

The CDC states the safest way to deal with tomatoes is not to buy the roma, round or pear-shaped tomatoes. The safe ones are homegrown, ones attached to the vine, grape and cherry tomatoes. However, if you already have the others don't eat them raw. If you cook them at one hundred and forty five degrees this will kill off the Salmonella germs. Also, please be careful in washing your hands before and after handling tomatoes. Keep tomatoes separate from all raw meat/seafood. Wash all cutting boards/utensils/countertops, that you use for cutting tomatoes, with hot soapy water, rinsing well afterwards. Also before cutting any other food.

Using can tomatoes is one of the safest options; some restaurants are beginning to use this option for the public's safety. One such restaurant includes Jack In The Box in California. To date only one person in California has been infected, it is believed she contracted it on a recent trip to Houstan though.

Seek medical attention if you suspect Salmonella poisoning. The symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, headache, stomach pain and occasional vomiting.

Update Of Tomatoes And Salmonella:

2008-06-05T13:54:00.000-06:00

With all the testing that has been so far they have found three varieties of tomatoes are linked to Salmonella poisoning. These are the the roma/plum tomatoe and the round red variety.

The salmonella seems to be linked to the skin of the tomatoes and once sliced/cut the salmonella enters the inside of the tomatoe making it easier to get sick from it. The varieties, at this time, that seem safest are homegrown, cherry and grape tomatoes and the varieties that still have the vine attatched. If you are going to eat tomatoes than remember to wash them well before slicing them, then wash your hands with an anitbacterial soap. The best way to do this is to use a vegetable and fruit wash.

There is a great fruit and vegetable wash that is know to be economically safe for the enviroment too. It is known as CleanGreens. It cleans off pesticides, animal waste, organic fertilizers, toxic residues from other chemicals from produce that's not organic. It's great for both organic and non-organic produce. Another wash that's great for cleaning produce without harming the enviroment and is biodegradable is Vegiwash. It cleans the dirt, pesticides, fungicide, waxes, oil, and herbicide residues. There are many other fruit and vegetable washes available also. I have put their links below.

What it boils down to is that many growers still use pesticides, eventhough they rinse them prior to sending them to market, many times the rinse water is not emptied and often enough thus it is just not cleaning off the produce that goes to restaurants and consumers. Thus, we continue to get produce like tomatoes now, and spinach last year that is causing us to get ill. The only protection we have is at home when we implement the use of a fruit and vegetable wash into our daily routine. This reduces our risk of contracting diseases and illnesses due to the produce industry.

Even organic produce can become infected by the use of organic fertilizer, because the fertilizer is a by-product of worm or cricket poop and some are even a by-product of fish meal. All this is exposure to animal by-products. It doesn't mean that organic fertilizer isn't much safer than commercial brands that include herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. All it means is that for your health all your produce whether organic or non-organic should be rinsed in a fruit and vegetable rinse. This is your family's best protection against possible illness such as Salmonella. Let's give our families the best and safest fruit and vegetables. The recent Salmonella outbreak in tomatoes should wake us up to the fact that we need to better rinse the produce we eat. Happy eating.

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Tomatoes Cause Salmonella Poisoning

2008-06-04T07:50:00.000-06:00

About nine states so far have had Salmonella outbreaks. These nine states are: New Mexico, Texas, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Illinois, Kansas, and Indiana. The common thread of the patients seem to be consumption of fresh tomatoes either at restaurants or grocery stores. Which type of tomato has yet to be determined. Neither has it been determined yet as to where the source is from. Thus leaving us to wonder if the red juicy beefsteak or roma tomato may possibly make us ill. Or if it is another culprit altogether.

It is known that after the ingestion of whatever unknown type of tomato. That if you have gotten a bad tomato; a Salmonella carrier, that you can begin to see signs of illness anytime between twelve to seventy-two hours. The symptoms are: diarrhea, cramping, and fever. Salmonella lasts from four to seven days.

People infected with Salmonella can actually get better without any type of medical intervention. However, some elderly, children and those with immuno-suppressed systems need to seek medical treatment. Due to the fact that those people are at a higher risk of complications like infections; in some of these cases there is a possible increase of hospitalization. Death can occur, however, at this time nobody has died. So be wary before you consider that tomato. If you do go ahead and eat tomatoes than by all means watch your health vigilantly. In the event you get any of the symptoms above please seek medical attention.

Celebrating Dad On Father's Day:

2008-06-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

Celebrating Dad

Father's Day is about remembering Dad and all the sacrifices he made for the family. Remember all those hours he worked overtime when you were young? You missed him and didn't understand. Yet, when Christmas came around we had a fresh cut pine standing in the living room. The house was warm as the family decorated the tree. Then come Christmas morning we'd at least receive one or two of our most coveted gifts. Dad/Father/Padre whatever you call him (the man who raised you) made some of your wishes come true. Remember the evening horseback rides or wrestling with him? The times your family would cram into the family vehicle and go for a Sunday ride without knowing where you'd end up. Sometimes he'd even get you lost, if you were going somewhere special, however even then you'd discover something new or some exciting new place to eat. The picnics, camping trips, fishing and learning to swim in the lake all spent/supervised by good ole Dad. These were all made possible by his hard work and overtime pay.

Now it's time to remember Dad by showing him appreciation for all he did/does do. That's the real meaning of Father's Day. To celebrate Dad for all those memories, gifts, his help in completing a school science fair project/or with your math homework. The times you needed him when your dog got run over by a car or you broke-down in your car and he came to your rescue. Dad's are known to be our heroes; silent heroes who never ask for nothing in return. So don't forget this is how Dads show love in their own special way. Most Dads aren't too sentimental in their early years, however they become a little more so as time ages them.

If you are wondering what to get for him on Father's Day here are a few suggestions:

1) Gift Cards to his favorite store; Sportsman's Warehouse, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, Sears (for those Craftsman tools many men love). Or even to his favorite restaurant; after all what man doesn't like to eat. Also, giving a gift card is easier than mailing a package at today's shipping costs (and what if he doesn't like what you picked out?-he'll keep it anyways in his closet; never using it. What a shame). You can make it even more special by making his Father's Day card yourself. Therefore, you are giving him two gifts.

2) You can have a family barbecue in his honor. Just let him sit back and relax in the sunshine and fresh air; while you do all the grilling and cooking. More than likely, if there are grandkids that's where you'll find him; playing games or entertaining them. Don't forget to make "his favorite foods" for this special day.

3) If you want to really give a gift with a package and bow then most Dads have a need for new tools. Tools are different in everybody's hobbies/careers. There are tools for drafting, mechanics, woodworking, cabinetry, sculpting, model shipbuilding, gardening, and home remodeling. You see where I'm coming from? Be sure that whatever career or hobby your Father has that he doesn't already have that particular tool. Unless it is a better one than he has already. Be sure to fit the tool to your Father and to make it one he will use. Or if you Dad is a sports enthusiast or goes golfing, fishing, hunting, roller-blading, biking, ect.; you can get him something related to that sport. Try and use the concept of something he needs/wants in this area. It could be an autographed football by Brett Favre, tickets to the next basketball game, a special edition autographed copy of a book by Sports Celebrity he really likes.

4) If you are an only child or your siblings live faraway, and can't spend Father's Day with Dad, then just the two of you do something together. This can range from going to the golf course, fishing, playing billiards, to a rodeo/car show/races or other sporting event. Make it special, take a few pictures to record the event. Later put these pictures in a photo frame and give it to him as a reminder of the day you spent together.

5) Photos of grandchildren are a definite hit with Dad's. You could design a collage by making a tree with branches leading to each child's photograph. Remember to put the name, birth date and date of picture either below it or next to it. If you have siblings with kids be sure to get photos of them as well. This way you could include pictures of all Dad's grandchildren; thus, creating a piece of family history he will treasure. Maybe your siblings could help make it too so it can be from all of you.

6) Handmade cards; you can add little treasures from special outings with Dad as you were growing up. Which could be anything from a seashell collected in the family trip to Hawaii to ticket stubs from a Yankee game, or even a concert program in which Dad came to see you in.

Most of all, remember to honor your Dad with showing him you love him and appreciate all he did for you. If you have a problem with communicating with him than this may be the right time to reach out and either forgive him or tell him you're sorry. He is only human and he loves you even if he doesn't say it. He speaks it with his heart when he worked hard to get the things you needed/wanted (even if you didn't get everything you wanted he did try). Dads are that way; they are warriors and heroes who don't show as much emotion as Moms. That's what makes him your hero; did you know that? It's because he was fearless in the face of all those monsters under your bed, held unto you during a tornado and calmed your fears after your nightmare. Celebrate him with love, even if you are faraway at least call. If your Dad is passed away then remember all those times you had with him on this day; honor his memory and toast him for the man he was/what he did and accomplished. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

Experiencing Nerve Block Injections:

2008-05-30T09:30:00.000-06:00

It was my decision my husband told me, after the doctor explained the procedure and risks involved. I was considering having nerve block injections of cortisone for my neck pain. Since over twelve years ago, due to a motor vehicle accident (MVA), I had a C5/C6 fusion. A fusion is where they place a piece of bone, from a cadaver (deceased donor), into the body to replace the one that is broken, ruptured, herniated or otherwise damaged. The fusion has held well over the years, I've been in three other MVA's without any further damage to it.

However, a fusion is when bones fuse/meld together to where they can no longer bend. This constricts some of the person's movement to that area. Therefore, the other joints in my neck have had to take some additional stress creating now some herniation in the above and below discs of the neck. This in turn has caused even more pain in and around my area of fusion. Thus even some numbness and tingling coupled with pain has preceded down my neck, shoulders and into both arms. This all caused me to seek pain relief from a specialist.

My specialist informed me that due to my fusion that reduces my chances by about twenty to thirty percent of the injections success rate. However, being that the success rate is still sixty to seventy percent with minimal risks I weigh my choice of whether I want to go ahead or continue in pain. My biggest risk is a headache which I will more than likely get due to my history of migraines anyways. I will also have some pain for one to two days, which is normal, before relief begins. There is a three percent risk of the specialist accidentally hitting the spinal column and thus breaking the membrane to where spinal fluid will leak causing me a spinal headache.

I had a spinal headache once in my life following a spinal tap and it was far worse than my migraines. The only way to relieve it is to go back exactly into the same spot, puncture site, and inject your blood (which they draw from your arm) into it. It's called a blood patch and this patch will actually rid you of the spinal headache within five minutes with no side affects or anything. It was truly amazing, I've never had a migraine that's been totally relieved like that spinal headache was--however spinal headaches are not fun at all and I never want one again if possible. Therefore, this was my worst fear. Yet, the specialist informed me he'd only had three cases of hitting the spinal fluid himself, which was a bit reassuring.

I decide to go ahead with the nerve block procedure. The specialist informs me that there will be a series of two procedures performed a few weeks apart. One month following the second procedure we will do a follow up to see if there has been any relief and if it is significant to continue with this treatment. If we continue then we will try and find a treatment plan that fits my body. Some people need to have it done every three months while others only every six months. I'm scheduled and given my instructions to stay off blood thinners and aspirin, motrin, ect. for one week prior to the procedure. Of course I have to have someone to drive me home too. However, I can eat prior to this I am told--that's good news.

The day arrives, I'm too nervous to eat too much in the morning. My husband and I arrive at the Surgery Center and do all the normal paperwork required. I'm taken back, my husband is allowed to accompany for a short time. We talk once more to the specialist who answers any questions and goes into details how the procedure will proceed. Since I am allergic to dye they will not be able to inject the iodine dye that the do prior to placing the nerve block injections. However, the doctor is confident that he will have no problems locating the area without the dye. I'm given a gown and am told only to disrobe from the waist up. I also put on a surgical head cover along with surgical shoe covers over my shoes.

I am led from the room into the operation room. I am told to lie on my stomach, they place my chin on a rest and my forehead on a pillow rest also. This leaves my mouth/nose area hanging in the open with a cloth just draped below the area. This enables the specialist full access to my neck area to where he will be placing the injections. I am not given a general anaesthesia. Therefore, I am fully awake during the entire procedure. The attending nurse then proceeds to cleanse the area with Hebicleanse since I am allergic to betadine. The doctor then informs me he will begin by giving me injections at varying levels of depths to numb me prior to the initial cortisone injection. The first injection of lidocaine is given about about a quarter of an inch into my skin to begin numbing me. They get a few other things ready as I lie there for about three minutes before another injection is given about an inch deeper. I breath through the pain. Within minutes the specialist informs me he will be injecting the cortisone and some pain medication with it. I feel pressure and still some stinging as it is injected into my neck, therefore I breath through it again. About a minute later I am told that the procedure is over and to continue to lie still until the nurse is done cleaning my neck and applying a band aid. Afterwards, I sit up, it is then I become dizzy. Which I am told is sometimes common from the medication and lying on one's stomach. The doctor shows me a x-ray he took of where he placed the injection. Says I did well and goes to speak with my husband.

I go get my upper clothes back on and am given instructions to call the next day. I meet my husband in the waiting room, he has a copy of patient instructions on what I can and can't do for the next few days. We return home. In a few hours the lidocaine wears off and I am in terrible pain. The instructions say to apply a heating pad or ice to the area for twenty minutes then take off for up to one hour. I am not to take any aspirin, motrin or anti-inflammatory for four hours following the procedure (these they have had me off of for one week prior). Therefore, I still have an hour before I can take anything like that so I apply the heating pad. It helps with the pain, I am relieved. When time comes I still require more pain relief and take two aspirin (I am allergic to tylenol and can't take motrin due to it affects my liver). I continue over the whole night and next day with the heating pad and aspirin for controlling my pain. It is a common occurrence for cortisone injections to cause flare ups for 24-48 hrs following the injection. I wonder will it be worth it?

It has now been one week since the injection, I have had some relief. Not a significant amount by far. However, the specialist did tell me I would not know if it would work or not for sure until after the second procedure. I am scheduled to go back on June 18th. Then I will see the doctor a month later, this gives the cortisone time to do it's work. At my appointment we will discuss whether or not it is working for me and if I should continue with this therapy or not. It was as painful for me as was giving birth. However, if I can actually find relief at least by sixty percent from the constant pain it will be worth it. I think I could endure doing it as often as every three months if it meant so little pain for me to endure. Especially since it only lasted a few minutes, followed by two days of worse pain. This has been my experience so far. I will let you know how things progress.

Idaho Spud King Dies:

2008-05-27T06:03:00.000-06:00

J.R. Simplot had achieved his ambitions during his long life of ninety-nine years. He became known as the Spud King here in Idaho. For a lad at fourteen years old leaving Iowa and starting out alone in a new state, Idaho, he had a vision and took aim to pursue it.

In 1923 J.R. arrived in Idaho and began working in the potato sorting workhouses. He then took his money, eighty dollars and put it into hogs in which he kept all winter, selling them for $7,500 after fattening them up. With this money he bought a electric potato sorter and managed to buy/build thirty to thirty three potato warehouses beginning in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This was the beginning of the Simplot Potato (now Food) Manufacturing Company, which is still in operation throughout Idaho today. He continued to invest in other ventures as he saw they would also help his current trend in food processing. He bought timberland to make wooden boxes for his potatoes, he also bought a fertilizer company to provide fertilizer to grow the potatoes. A phosphorous company also, as phosphorous is a key element that is included in many of today's products that range from food, fertilizer to cleaning products. His expansion didn't quite end there as he also bought a cattle ranch. J.R. Simplot was a man of large vision and one who understood that in order to make the best dollar you had to have most of the materials at the cheapest prices. In order to have your materials at the cheapest prices it is easier if you own them or manufacture them yourself, now that's what I call a visionary or a scholarly man. He did this and at the same time provided jobs for many local Idahoans.

One of the most prominent things J.R. Simplot will be forever remembered for is making the french fry commercial to the fast food industry. In the 1960's J.R. introduced the first frozen french fry to McDonald's Ray Kroc. Today Simplot Foods still provide McDonald's with over a third of their fries along with other fast food chains such as Wendy's and Burger King. It was a known fact, up until his recent death, that every week J.R. could be seen driving up to a McDonald's for fries or hash browns (both of them supplied by his company).

In the 1980's J.R. was one of the first people to invest in the little known Boise company of Micron. They were just barely starting out and having a bit of trouble in the beginning and he helped them out, thus investing in stock at that time. Today it is estimated that the investment that he kept in Micron is about 250 million dollars in value. Before his death Simplot was estimated to be worth over three and a half billion dollars.

Mr. Simplot sure had a great aptitude for knowledge of the business world for starting out in it at fourteen. Wouldn't you agree? That only goes to show us that with a lot of hard work and continued endurance what someone can accomplish. Remember, he didn't come from a family of means but made his own way in this world with barely anything to begin with. He worked hard and was honest in his work and with those with whom he dealt. No wonder he made such an impression in not only the Business world but also the Political world in Idaho and beyond. My best wishes go out to his family that are left behind. I hope that his hard work ethics will be instilled and kept in practice for future generations in memory of this great man known as the "Spud King."

Crock Pot Cherry Cobbler:

2008-05-24T06:25:00.000-06:00

We like this easy to make cherry cobbler with one exception I generally find the original recipe does not have enough filling so I add extra. It is your choice though so I put it in parenthesis for you if you decide to make it the same as I do.

Makes 6 servings

21 ounce can of low-fat cherry pie filling (I use two cans)
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup low fat milk (I use carb countdown milk)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt (I use sea salt without iodine)

Heavily grease the crock pot. Pour pie filling into bottom. Combine, in bowl, remaining ingredients. Beat until smooth. Spread over pie filling.
Cover crock pot and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Help Stop Global Warming Here:

2008-05-21T05:02:00.000-06:00

If you are interested in doing something, even in a small way, to help lessen the impact of global warming visit this site:

Help stop global warming by offsetting one pound of carbon emissions - for free! When you click this link, Care2 makes a donation to offset one pound of carbon emissions, every day that you click.

Carbon, and other greenhouse gases, released into the air by power plants and cars
contribute to global warming.

Each day, you can take a small step in slowing global warming by offsetting some of your emissions. Forward this message to your friends to help offset even more!

Simply go to the site and click on the "Offset One Pound Carbon" button.

It takes one second. Remember, you're only allowed one click per day, so tell everyone you know!

Just click: stopglobalwarming

Craft Donations Needed For Autism:

2008-05-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am all for giving Autism a helping hand and will be sending some knitted items to this benefit. Therefore, I offered to post the information about the need for donation for the raffle on my website. It is a great cause, as Autism is affecting many of our children each year. If you are someone who is a crafter please consider giving to this worthwhile event. If not, maybe you will be willing to buy some of the items that will be listed in the story ( I will post that information when the time comes). pamel

Autism Awareness Project
My 24 yr old nephew is trying to raise Autism awareness by doing a yearly drag race benefit (he's already got most of the approvals) and the first awareness race is scheduled for late next month. Brian is now working on getting the necessary permits and approvals to hold a raffle at the event(s) and I have agreed to help him get donations of homemade items for the raffle (I’m I crazy or what? J ). Even if he can't get the permits/authorization for this year’s race, Brian shouldn’t have any problems for the following year’s race. For the smaller items that might not be suitable for the raffle or if Brian isn’t able to get the necessary approvals in time, all items will be sold in my Etsy store with 100% going to the Autism Foundation.

How can you help?

This looks like it’s going to be an ongoing project so donations of any finished homemade goodies will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate to this great cause please let me know. I can be emailed at Bnewns@csudh.edu

Thanks…
Bea

Making My Favorite Sandwich:

2008-05-19T07:39:00.000-06:00

The best ingredient by far for any sandwich is homemade bread. Especially when you have taken the time to mix, knead and wait for it to rise. Knead it again, let it rise once more, then bake it in the oven. The whole process takes about five to six hours to complete. However, you efforts are fully rewarded with fresh home baked bread for your favorite sandwich. Can you smell it? The aroma wafting from the kitchen as it sits upon the counter cooling to the correct temperature to be cut. It makes my mouth water all the more in anticipation for my favorite pastrami and swiss cheese on warm freshly baked wheat bread. Some people prefer rye, others even white for their pastrami and swiss cheese sandwiches. Whatever your preference it's always best with homemade bread.

After the bread is cooled enough to cut, without tearing it, you then proceed to smear a bit of mustard unto one slice. On the opposing slice you slather it with some Miracle Whip. Then you get out the baby swiss cheese, as it has the best flavor of most swiss cheeses when combined with pastrami. Placing plenty of cheese, on the bottom slice of bread, that has the Miracle Whip on it. I like at least two slices maybe three on my sandwich, I don't like skimpy sandwiches at all. You could choose Turkey pastrami if you are on a diet but I'd rather have the real thing even when I'm dieting. I want my mouth to enjoy the full flavor-fest of my experience of a pastrami and swiss cheese sandwich. After all, why make it if it's not that enjoyable? Then I add loads of pastrami as I pile it on thick in a folding motion, like rolling a third on top of one another. I do this with four slices across the size of a normal size piece of bread. Then I do another layer on top of that once more in the opposite direction. Using this method I am sure to cover all the corners of the bread, including the crust with plenty of pastrami inside. Yes, I love pastrami, don't I? Then I place a slice of lettuce and three to four pepperoncini peppers on top. I then top it with the other slice of bread. Holding the sandwich together I then cut it diagonally. Ever since I was a child I have always thought sandwiches tasted better when cut diagonally opposed to cutting straight across. I know it probably sounds silly however it is how I enjoy my sandwiches best. I then place a dill pickle spear or two, to the side of the sandwich, upon the plate. A pile of chips or potato salad with a glass of iced tea. A perfect meal.

Memorial Day:

2008-05-18T02:32:00.000-06:00

Memorial Day first began as "Decoration Day" in remembrance of those soldiers who died in the Civil War. It began on May 5th in 1866 when the townspeople of several different areas went about decorating the graves, of soldiers, with wreaths, flowers and crosses. Also flags were flown at half-mast in honor of the fallen soldiers who died so bravely. Two years later, General Logan declared "Decoration Day" be made official. However, he moved the date to May 30th because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, in attendance were General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant.

In 1882 the name was change from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day" in order to honor fallen Veterans of all wars not just the Civil War.

In 1971 Congress created the National Holiday Act making Memorial Day a three day weekend, by having Memorial Day observed on the last Monday in May. This was to allow families to have more time together for reflection and to be able to take time to travel to wherever it was needed to pay their respects. In retrospect it was a good idea, however it only seemed to backfire. Most of the nation's people decided to use the time to take mini-vacations instead of honoring our fallen soldiers as was intended. Traditions have fallen to the wayside nowadays. Many graves of our soldiers, who fought for our freedom, lay forgotten and bare on Memorial day. It is this day in which we are to show our respect and honor them for what they gave freely given, their lives for ours. Yet, we go off camping and merry-making without a moment's thought for them leaving their graves unadorned. Such a sad state of affairs we have let this National holiday for them become. It seems that changing the date only undermined the real meaning of the solemnity of the day.

In December 2000 Congress, in an attempt to get Americans to remember the true meaning and significance of Memorial Day, passed into law the "National Moment Of Remembrance Act." This was signed into law by the President to be sure that our American Heroes and Fallen Soldiers are not to be forgotten. This act, "encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation."

What we need to do is ask Congress to put Memorial Day back on May 30th where it belongs. Let it go back to it's original day so we can rekindle the feelings of kinship that go with this day. For over the years many places have let the traditions fall to the wayside. Towns no longer host parades. Those that do go to cemeteries, decorate any loved ones' grave in memory of them. Memorial day is set aside to remember our Fallen Soldiers or Veterans and pay tribute to them. It is their graves that get decorated, parades are held in their honor and memory. You can go any other day of the year and remember your other loved ones and honor and decorate their graves. Let's remember the true reason behind the observance of this day and bring it back to it's original purpose once more.

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memday

Montel Bids Farewell:

2008-05-17T03:58:00.000-06:00

Friday May 16th, Montel bid farewell after seventeen seasons. He said his final goodbye as the host of the television show "Montel". We laughed, we cried, we listened to his advice, we cared for his guests. Now it all comes to an end.

Montel was diagnosed with MS in 1999, approximately in his eighth season of "The Montel Williams Show". Montel continued to host his show despite his MS. His celebrity status gave courage to others, afflicted with MS, that they could find hope in continuing to lead normal lives. He established the Montel Williams MS Foundation in 2000 for further research in finding a cure in the future. For more information on the foundation click here: MontelMS

In January 2006 he became the spokesperson for a medication program named PPA. It assists those that are under insured and not insured to be able to get medications. To date Montel has assisted over five million people nationwide get the medications they need. PPA and those people are grateful for his involvement in the program. To get in touch with this program please check out this link: PPA.

We will miss you Montel. You were more than a talk show host, more than an entertainer. You were someone who showed compassion, truly listened and gave inspiration to others. You cared as you even followed up on your guests to see how they were doing. You went beyond what normal talk show hosts have done before you. You set a higher standard to follow. Thanks, we love you and shall miss you dearly.

Tips In Avoiding Kidney Disease:

2008-05-16T10:45:00.000-06:00

In today's society due to the many medications,and other factors, Kidney disease has become more common than Diabetes now. Kidney disease will help bring about deterioration to the heart and premature death along with contributing to osteoporosis and anemia. Putting more pressure and deterioration on your kidneys causing one to have to undergo dialysis or even kidney transplant when it is severe enough.

Therefore, we must be better prepared in taking care of our kidneys. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent or avoid Kidney Disease for as long as you can. Hopefully entirely.

1) Do not take large doses of pain relievers like Advil, Aleve, Motrin or Aspirin on a daily basis. As this can damage your kidneys.

2) When taking medications Please follow all directions carefully. Do not take extra medication without consulting your Doctor or Pharmacist--when you do ask how it will affect your kidneys if you are needing to take extra for a short time.

3) Remember to tell your Doctor about all the medications, vitamins and even herbal remedies/supplements that you may be taking over-the-counter (non-prescribed). This way your Doctor is aware of everything you are putting into your body and knows how they are best interacting with your liver and kidneys. The Doctor may then be able to best inform you as to if you need to change or quit taking something as it may be harmful to your kidneys in conjunction with some of the other medications and supplements you are taking too.

4) Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Cut down on colas/soda pop as they tend to form kidney stones.

5) Limit your protein intake. As protein has been found to stess kidneys that may already be slightly damaged or burdened.

6) Reduce your salt. Salt isn't excreted by kidney's well if they are damaged. Besides it will also lower your blood pressure.

7) Lower your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure it will affect your kidneys. Thus, lowering it will cut your risk for kidney disease.

8) Being overweight increases your risk of kidney failure. Therefore, loose weight if you need to and keep it at the correct weight for your frame size. Before beginning any weight loss regime please check with your Doctor.

Remember, we only get one body and our body is our temple. Therefore, it is up to us to keep them in good shape. By following these tips I am not telling you that you will never get kidney disease. But I am saying that you may be able to help fend it off or prevent it longer. Hopefully, you will never get it, but I can't promise that. Water is an important factor for kidneys and most of your vital organs therefore, replenish your body frequently year round with plenty of water.

Bloggers Unite: Human Rights Day

2008-05-15T08:50:00.000-06:00

In view of "Human Rights Day" for Bloggers Unite I thought I would invite you to join me in helping sponsor International Children across our globe. It only takes a click each day for your donation. How simple is that? And I'm not personally asking you for any money like they do on television. So please read on then visit the url and click. Thanks for your much needed help for these precious children.

I need your help to sponsor children in need.

Go to: children.care2

Care2's Race for Children in Need is sponsoring several children through Children International. Your click helps generate donations from sponsors to support these children from some of the world's poorest regions. Clicking daily helps ensure that all of Care2's kids are sponsored all year long. How can you help? It is easy.

Just go to: Join Care2.com's Race for Children!

and click on the "click to help button". It only takes a second and it could make a significant difference in the lives of Care2's kids. You can help even more by inviting your friends to become racers. More clicks means that more children can be sponsored!

Just click: children.care2

Some of the kids you can help:
Rocio: Playing with dolls is six year old Rocio's favorite activity. Rocio is the youngest of 5 children and lives with her parents in a two bedroom home. Rocio hasn't yet started school, but helps her mother with the household chores.

Nishchal: Nishchal is five and enjoys playing with his friends and dancing. He has one younger sister and lives with his parents (both aged 21). The family's monthly income is $42.00 and they live in a two-room cottage with mud floors in Nepal.

Yelize: At six years old, Yelize enjoys dancing, playing soccer and doing artistic crafts in school. She has one brother. Her family's monthly income is only $75.00 and they live in Colombia.

Idaho's Capitol For May:

2008-05-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

Governor Otter has chosen Priest River as the town to be the host Capitol for May. Priest River is seven miles east of Washington State and seventy-five miles south of Canada. It has a population of approximately 1,700. It will be "Capitol for the Day" for Governor Butch Otter and members of his staff on May 20th.

The Governor and his official staff will meet with the local officials between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They plan to discuss a variety of issues, concerning to the local people, which range from flood control, transportation, land endowment and economic development.

idahoexaminer

Poets Corner: Springs Rebirth

2008-05-10T15:02:00.000-06:00

Springs Rebirth

The snow is melting

The sun does shine

The birds are singing

It's Spring divine.

I see tulips

Peeking up

From the earth

Signs of Springs rebirth.

Is Giving Better Than Receiving?

2008-05-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

I may not be wealthy enough to buy everyone what they want in life. Somehow, I do manage to give something to each person that they will appreciate. My mother and children learned years ago not to go card shopping with me. Why? Because, I felt that even if I couldn't have the money to send a gift to a friend for their birthday I would send a card. The card had to be perfect for that person. I could spend up to five or six hours in stores searching for just the right card with the perfect sentiment. I'd read every card in every store until I'd find the right card. It always paid off, as I was always complimented with "you always send the perfect cards. How do you ever do that?" I'd chuckle under my breathe and think 'if you only knew how long I searched, but you were worth it.' But in reality I'd just say "Aw shucks, it just said you." It was my way of giving myself by searching out for that perfect card. Nowadays, we can make our own on the computers. We can create our own greeting prose and pictures even, this personalizes it even more. It also ends those grueling searches, how I miss them though.

All my life I have enjoyed giving more than receiving, even as a child. I enjoyed watching others open cards and gifts I'd give them with baited breath. I wanted to be sure it was the right thing, not something disappointing. I wanted to see that smile from ear to ear. Yes, I've enjoyed receiving, but I must admit I am addicted to giving the most. I can not afford to give as I would like due to finances though. So I must shop ever so diligently all year at clearance sales to find my treasures of pleasure. I also am a crafty and artistic person which comes in handy in creating some of my gifts. For some of my recipients would rather have something handmade than store-bought. A plus for me, I might add. I have a closet in which I place all my items I make or buy throughout the year. These items are normally made/bought already with someone special in mind. Therefore, they are placed in a separate bag for just that person. As that person's birthday comes about a gift is wrapped and readied. The same for Christmas and other occasions such as upcoming bridal/baby showers. I love to give with love on a budget.

Green Television Sneak Previews:

2008-05-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

TLC has two new upcoming television shows for it's July schedule. They both deal with being eco-friendly. They aired the sneak previews on May 04. They are called Wa$ted and Greenovate.

Wa$ted deals with showing how you can be more eco-friendly by living more of a green lifestyle. The preview showed a couple (the green team masters I like to call them) going to New York to visit a couple (two men with a dog) who lived in an apartment. They brought along with them the men's garbage (complete with dog poop) for the entire year. This was to show them how much waste they were actually throwing out that could be recycled. They then told them the amount of their carbon footprint which was well over what they should be for the little apartment in which they were living in. The apartments had recycling bins already in place on the rooftop however the guys just weren't taking advantage of them. Plus they were wasting a lot of excess food which could be composted with a worm farm for their plants in the apartment. They also kept the television and lights on during the daytime for the dog while they were at work all day. The television and lights (during daytime hours), for the dog, was costing them around $500 per year extra. That's wasted money and resources. They also used a lot of cabs, no public transportation at all. They drycleaned many of their clothes also. The "green team" showed them how to become more efficient by composting the excess food in place of trashing it, using the recycle bins, turning off the television and lights when not at home, recycling the hangers from the drycleaners (by returning them for reuse instead of trashing them). They also helped them get an energy efficient heater, and folding bicycles. They asked them not to use the cabs and to switch to a drycleaner that was eco-friendly. They challenged them to better their carbon footprint by telling them they would give them the amount of a year's savings, of what they had accomplished, when they returned. The green team comes back in three weeks and find that they now have a second dog. They have reduced their garbage immensely, have gotten their neighbors into recycling along with them, they are turning off the television and lights when at work, they are even composting with the excess food and worms too. However, one of the guys has still used the cab a few times (but cut back immensely) and they still use a dry cleaner that isn't eco-friendly. However, they are recycling the hangers and actually drycleaning less clothes than before since they are washing more laundry now. They reduced their carbon footprint by thirty-nine percent and got $3,000. I found the show had great ideas and am looking forward to more episodes in July. I definately give this show my rating of a 10.

The next previewed show is called Greenovate. I think the title says it all. It's a renovation show with green appeal. The renovator turns an older 1930's home into an updated Green home. He uses low energy with low flow plumbing throughout the home. I was really impressed with the waterless heater. I think I'll check into that to replace our hot water heater with in the future. The renovator also added an addition unto the house making it larger. He used a metal roof for the entire house stating it allowed air flow to pass through thus keeping the home from getting too hot in the summer months. I learned something there since I always thought metal roofs would make a home feel warmer. See what you can learn when you watch television. The house was a great renovation except I wasn't too thrilled with the exterior paint color. Hey, if the man wants an eggplant colored house than that's his choice. I really enjoyed the show and am looking forward to more episodes in July as well with this show. Afterall, I am a home owner and always looking for new ideas and ways to improve my home's efficiency and be more green in the process when I can. Therefore, I give this show my rating of a 8.

Fitzel Update:

2008-05-02T10:57:00.000-06:00

Now a neighbor who resided in an apartment just above the basement reported noises. He further states that Josef told him that it was the gas heating system. He also saw him taking wheelbarrows full of food into the basement. However, the basement was also suppose to be where he had built his nuclear bomb shelter and he assumed it was his supplies. He also managed to have a supposed office there in which he did design work, that was his cover for his wife apparently. The heating system had been inspected on several occasions and worked fine. Not far from there was the entryway to the rooms in which Fitzel kept his captive second family.

It seems Austria was okay with the fact that Josef was a convicted rapist in the 1960's. He had no problems adopting his three grandchildren in the courts, with their knowledge of this fact of his past, in order for them to live and be raised by him and his wife. How odd of a farce is that? Adopting your own children? Well, I guess he thought it was in his best interest so as not to raise suspicions. However, the courts did have social services go to his house and do check ups on the children.

Apparently Fitzel may not face all the charges for his crimes of rape due to how long ago they happened. I can not believe this! It's appalling, this was an on-going criminal rape. It was continuous over the years. However, he may be facing a murder charge for the infant twin who died at birth. He happened to incinerate the baby in the furnace afterwards in order to dispose of the body. What a heartless act. It's a maybe though, however this writer sure is in hopes he does face murder charges for the baby's death. Because the murder charges will carry a sentence of twenty years to life if he does. That will be justice in my book.

Meanwhile, his daughter and grandchildren remain in the hospital. The nineteen year old girl in a coma, his daughter Elisabeth (42) with no teeth due to poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency, the two boys with health and mental problems to face. Doctors predict the five year old will be the best candidate to come through this with the best prognosis in the future ahead.

Recipe: Cinnamon Chicken

2008-05-01T07:22:00.000-06:00

Another of my children's favorite chicken recipes while growing up was cinnamon chicken. I designed this recipe because, like hamburger, chicken then was inexpensive to buy. Therefore, I needed to find several different ways in which to create meals that my children would enjoy.

Ingredients:

1- cut-up chicken
Cinnamon
Pepper
DO NOT FLOUR!

Sprinkle chicken with cinnamon and pepper. Place chicken pieces skin side up on a cookie sheet. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. There is no need for butter or oil; the chicken skin contains its own fat. It is not necessary to turn pieces during the baking process. After 1 hour in the oven the chicken will be crisp and brown.

The children will love it and it couldn't be easier, less calories and easier on the digestive system.

Austrian Man Holds Daughter Captive:

2008-04-29T10:18:00.000-06:00

Josef Fitzl held his daughter captive for twenty-four years in his basement. Claiming she ran away all this time, after he had handcuffed and raped her in the basement. His wife apparently has been unaware of his actions. During these twenty-four years he has continued to rape his daughter, fathering seven children. One of those children a twin at birth died shortly after. He continued to maintain the illusion that his daughter had run away and joined a cult even when he took three of his daughter's children out of the basement to live with him and his wife upstairs. He told his wife his daughter contacted him in regards to leaving the children in their care. The other three children remained with his daughter in the basement to live, never seeing the light of day.

The eldest grand-daughter, in the basement, aged nineteen fell unconscious. Therefore, Josef's daughter pleaded that he take her to the hospital. He did as she asked telling the hospital staff, and his wife that his daughter left her on his doorstep with a note that said to get her medical care. Unknown to him the daughter had placed a note in the girl's pocket pleading for help. The nursing staff discovered the note and issued a statement on the news that "more information was needed from the mother of the child to please come forward." The daughter pleaded with her father to take her and the remaining two children to the hospital, which he did. He told his wife that their daughter and her remaining children had finally returned home and needed to go to the hospital.

It was then that the daughter told her story. After she was promised that she would never have to see her father again. She assured authorities, that she believed, her mother never knew about her whereabouts or the rapes.

The mother and children are being treated. They will have a long road ahead since some of this will be mental--never seeing the light of day for these children in their lifetimes.

The basement was investigated and they found a small living quarters set up. Josef was arrested and confessed. He is now facing fifteen years. Fifteen years?

I have a problem with him only serving fifteen years. This has impacted many people. His daughter who he began molesting at age eleven. Then when she was eighteen he tricked her to go into the basement with him, drugged her then handcuffed her to a bed to hold her captive. Since then he has raped her for twenty-four years. The three children who lived with her now aged nineteen, eighteen and five year old never saw the light of day while in the basement. Then there's the three children who believed their mother didn't want them but gave them away. And the infant twin who died at childbirth due to not having proper facilities. It's definitely not long enough in my book. What's your opinion?

Videos:
24yrcaptive
cellar

reference

Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags:

2008-04-27T02:05:00.000-06:00

Plastic has a big affect on our planet as most of us have probably heard over the past week; known as "Green Week." You can make a big impact by choosing not to use plastic bags from your shopping trips. That means trips to the malls, and grocery store too. You can choose paper but then that will be choosing to cut down more of our trees to accommodate the bigger demand on paper bags being chosen.

Please watch the following video to see the impact that the plastic is having on our planet and the lives of our wildlife: garbagepatch.

Then what do I use? you are asking. Reusable bags is the viable option. There is many different options for reusable bags ranging in types, styles and costs. I found that one market, Fred Meyers sells some for as low as .89 cents, Walmart has some for $9.99. Retail stores and online markets vary from $1.99 up to $250.00 depending on what you are looking for in a reusable bag. Most people want something not so bulky to haul around. Some women will just choose a tote type reusable bag to go to the mall, therefore something possibly stylish for this outing is more preferable.

I find that I really like the totes that you can actually fold and zip/velcro up and put in your pocket/purse to carry are easy and accessible. In this way you may carry more than one thus have more on hand when grocery shopping. If you are interested in this type of tote/bag you can find them at: ecobags or shagbags. Also a similar option is the foldable bags: go-again bags.

totes:
greenkit
bagsontherun
ivillage
piperlime
3beans

Poet's Corner:

2008-04-26T13:58:00.000-06:00

A Rose, A Life

Just as life blossoms and grows,
It's much like the story of the rose,
Young petals are silky and scented,
Life's woes stay simple, as thorns are tended.

With age, rose petals once sweet,
Now lifeless, withered fall to one's feet,
As memories dance, upon a last breathe,
Mingled with rose petals, love mourns death.

Beauty Companies Becoming Eco-Friendly:

2008-04-25T01:55:00.000-06:00

Some of the make-up/beauty companies have actually begun to become eco-friendly. They are using packaging that is recyclable/biodegradable. Also, their manufacturing companies are offsetting their carbon emissions by using recyclable materials when they manufacture their products.

These companies are: Burt's Bees, Aveda, Nude Skin Care, Paul Michael's Tea Tree, Louise Galvin's Sacred Locks (haircare), The Body Shop and Stem Organics (skincare).

Each of these companies are currently using more natural products in their line. Along with making them without preservatives or chemicals. This protects our environment and our health.

The two safest companies' products, listed above, at this time are Paul Michael's Tea Tree and Stem Organics. Below I have placed a link to a site called skin deep where you can check on your cosmetics to see how dangerous the chemicals are to you for that particular cosmetic.

Also, there are still many beauty/cosmetic companies out there that are exposing us to who-knows-what since they don't have to list everything on cosmetic labels. So please read the following statement (from the petition). If you agree please sign the petition to make our products safer.

Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them.

This is unacceptable. Sign the Environmental Working Group's petition to Congress to turn this around and make personal care products safe.

Sign the petition now:
Petition
cosmeticdatabase

Cleaning Museum To Be Eco-Friendly:

2008-04-24T01:16:00.000-06:00

Don Aslett, who made his fortune selling cleaning products, is currently constructing a museum of clean in Pocatello, Idaho. The construction of the museum consists of using Green technology. The museum will have a solar energy for lighting, cooling and heating. Bricks from the original structure, an old dairy building, are being recycled and used in the building of the museum to defray from them ending up in the landfill. An alley is being converted into a greenbelt, along with a rooftop garden is going to sport native Idahoan plants. The rooftop garden will also offer insulation and filter rainwater into large underground tanks to be recycled for usage.

The museum will cost over six million dollars to construct. It will house all aspects of Cleaning. From soap to various implements, such as vacuums, in which we use to clean with in our daily lives. Some items dating back over 200 years There will also be an interactive globe, which will be a three story cleaning world. This is for children to go in and learn how to be clean and make their beds etc.

Video

April Recalls:

2008-04-23T12:35:00.000-06:00

Fire Hazard Recalls:
Gas Water Heater by A.O. Smith due to Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards; A.O. Smith of Ashland City, Tenn. is recalling Natural and Propane Gas Water Heaters. The flue's gas temperature can exceed safe limits. Thus posing a fire hazard by exceeding safe temperatures in the venting unit. Also, the unit's exhaust possibly can leak which creates a carbon monoxide danger.

Serenity Spa Hot Tubs; Gecko Alliance of Quebec, Canada is recalling the spas due to the controls can possibly overheat thus causing a fire hazard.

Helicopter Battery Chargers; Hobby-Lobby International of Brentwood, Tenn. is recalling Lithium-polymer battery chargers and Lithium-polymer batteries due to they can cause a fire hazard by igniting while charging.

Charge-It-All Valets; HSN of St. Petersburg, FL. is recalling all charge-it-all-valets due to the wiring in the powerstrip is the wrong size. Thus causing a fire hazard.

Deck Cleaner; Cabot Stains of Newburypoint, Mass. is recalling Cabot Composite Deck Cleaner due to the fact that it reacts with the packaging by releasing a chlorine gas and heat. Thus it creates a fire and inhalation hazard.

Candle Holders; Walmart of Bentonville, Ark. is recalling Holiday Times Candleholders due to glass holder can break causing cuts, and they can easily tip over causing fires.

Heating and Cooling Units; Goodman Manufacturing of Houstan, Tex. is recalling Gas-Electric Heating & Cooling Units due to the wrong wiring could be installed thus a possibility of a fire could result.

Fire Alarm Control Panel; Gamewell-FCI of Northford, Conn. is recalling Gamewell-FCI 7100 Series Fire Alarm Control Panels due to main circuit board malfunction. Thus when there is a malfunction there is no alert sound to signify it.

Strangulation/Choking Hazard Recalls:

Children's Hooded Sweatshirts; Brents-Riordan of Shreveport, La. is recalling hooded jackets and sweatshirts due to the drawstring through the hood cause a strangulation hazard.

Imaginarium Activity Centers; Toys r Us of Wayne, NJ is recalling Imaginarium multi-sided activity centers and jungle activity centers because the small parts on the toys can come off and children can choke on them.

Plush Insect Toys; Dollar Tree Stores of Chesapeake, Va. is recalling Cuddly Cousins Plush Insect Toys due to their small parts can cause a choking hazard to small children.

Children's Board Book Sets; Dalmation Press of Franklin, Tenn. is recalling Little Builder children's board book sets with toys due to they can cause a choking hazard. The hazard is created because the tailgate of the toy dump truck and the cylinder of the toy concrete mixer can come off.

Magnetic Dart Boards; Henry Gordy of Plainfield, N.J. is recalling Fun 'n Games magnetic dart boards due to the magnets at the end of the darts can come off. If a small child ingests these magnets they can choke, have other problems and sometimes even die.

Lead Paint Recalls:
Lock and Leash Locks; Master Lock of Oak Creek, Wis. is recalling the Lock and Leash Locks due to lead in the red paint exceeds regulations.

Western Rider Push Toys; Santa's Toy Corp. of Los Angeles, Calif. is recalling Western Rider Push Toys due to lead in paint on glove, pants and shirt of rider exceeds regulations.

Seasonal Writing Pens; Michaels Stores of Irving, Texas is recalling all seasonal writing pens= Easter, Flowered, Christmas and Spooky due to their coating exceeds the regulations for lead.

Fake Teeth; FUNTASTIC of Houstan, Texas is recalling Hillbilly teeth due to the gray paint exceeds regulations.

Children's Sunglasses; StyleMark of Osmond Beach, Fla. is recalling Children's Main Street Drag Sunglasses due to orange lettering on temples, of glasses exceeds regulations.

Toy Robots; OKK Trading of Commerce, Calif. is recalling Interchange toy robots due to lead in surface paint exceeds regulations.

cpsc

Wells Assists Idaho Theater Fundraiser:

2008-04-21T15:44:00.000-06:00

The Pix Theater, located in Nampa Idaho, had a fundraising event for renovations on April 19th. One of Idaho's current "resident stars" of Driggs was the "main attraction." Who is Idaho's star who came to the Theater's rescue? None other than Dawn Wells; who everyone remembers as "Maryann of Gilligan's Island". Ms. Wells and the Idaho Film and Television Institute donated a paid trip to Hollywood to the fundraiser.

It is estimated that two to three million dollars will be necessary in expenses to fix the damages to the landmark theater. In July 2003 when the roof collapsed during some renovations at the time.

Originally the theater opened in 1946 having an occupancy of 688. Future plans for the theater include renovations that will keep it similar to it's original appearance with some inner modifications. The proposed inside modifications are that the occupancy will be limited to 300 in the theater. This is so a restaurant can also be available to patrons. The new facility will not just be used for movies, but also live theater, comedy, music and additional significant events.

history
reference

Mother's Day: History And Ideas

2008-04-18T19:51:00.000-06:00

In 1908 Anna M. Jarvis campaigned the church, for a day called Mother's Day to become official, in remembrance of her mother Anna Reeves Jarvis. Her mother had devoted twenty years to the church doing Sunday School teaching. On May 10, 1908 at Andrew's Methodist Church, in Grafton Virginia, a celebration was held. To honor her mother and in celebration of peace. This celebration was the first official Mother's Day celebration in the United States. Other women in previous years, most notably Julia Ward Howe, had celebrated Mother's day unofficially mainly on July 4th. In 1914Woodrow Wilson made history as he officially signed the paper to make the second day in May Mother's Day.

Through the ages many different meanings have been attached to Mother's Day. Or as some cultures call it Mothering Sunday. Did you know that in other regions of the world it is even celebrated at different seasons/months of the year. Some countries celebrate the church as the Mothering Spirit in which they are grateful to as other's give offering to other deity's. Celebrations can last just for the day of even up to three days in the observance of the Mother. Whether the Mother image is Mom, church or deity; the thankfulness for the giving of love, inspiration, life, and protection is the main thread.

Therefore, remember your Mother in some way this Mother's Day. Be thankful for what she has done for you. Maybe, she wasn't a perfect Mom or always there like you wished. Mothers are not infallible, they are human after all. If you have a problem or issue that has kept you apart; then maybe the best gift of all could be resolution, forgiveness or at least talking it over (actually listening to her side without interruption). If your Mom is still around and you need to resolve something -- don't wait till it's too late. She is always going to be there for you (even if you are the one at fault-- she will forgive you). That's what a Mom's love is all about.

Now, ideas for those that need them:
You could get the regular standbys of chocolate, flowers, or a card.

Or you could dress up those options:
1)Don't buy a card - make one;Mom's love handmade things, then if you live nearby make her either breakfast or lunch too and do the dishes afterwards.
2)Hand-picked flowers in an unusual or hand-painted vase with a photo of you (or your family attached) to it.
3)Home-made candy or chocolates or even bread or cookies (whatever she loves the best) on a home-made ceramic plate with her grand-children's hand-prints drawn/painted and glazed (dated too).

Don't live nearby; Here's a few options:
1)With liquid embroidery draw around one of each of her grand-children's hands, placing one hand on each side of a plain white potholder. Place the child's name and age inside the hand print. If you have four children you can make two potholders with this method. If you have more than four children you can also do this same method on a plain flour sack kitchen towel. It will be treasured by her believe me, I still have the one I gave my Mother (I got it after she passed away). One year I did a Kitchen Curtain Set for my Mother, by gathering all her grand-children together, who at the time were ages 6 months to 8 yrs. I had each of them draw, write and color (with liquid embroidery) whatever they wished upon the plain white material I had sewn into curtains. Of course I had to measure her kitchen windows when she wasn't home. She really loved those curtains, she put them in her cedar chest when she moved and they wouldn't fit any of her other windows.

2)A Handmade card; this is still a great option. You could also include a coupon book. The coupons you could make to say little things like; this entitles you to an I'm sorry Mom; this entitles you to I love you Mom; this entitles you to a phone call to me no matter what time and I'll listen; this entitles you to me calling you on your birthday; this entitles you to me coming to dinner (if you only live an hour or something like that not out of state)-- you get the idea. *remind Mom in the coupon book to let you know she is using her coupon at the time if it's over the phone and not in person.

3)A handmade photo frame with a picture of you/your family. You could dress up the photo frame with dried rose petals, confetti, lace, smaller photo collage images, buttons, seashells from a childhood family vacation or make it from twigs. Please wrap it in bubble wrap if it is fragile and ship it accordingly.

4)Make a dvd or cd of the grand-children, your children, singing songs and telling stories. Mail this to her. Then call her on Mother's Day to allow her to talk to the children and let them know how much she enjoyed the dvd/cd. I still have a cassette tape my children made for my Mother one year when we lived in Wyoming and she was in California. (once more I got it after she passed on in 2004--one day I will probably play it for my grand-children so they can hear their parents as kids).

Most of all, whatever you do for Mom, do it from the heart. Celebrate her with love, enjoy the fact that she is your Mother and has cared/done what she could to raise you. Embrace her, forgive her if necessary, Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the woman she is/has been. If your Mother, like mine, is passed then sit back and remember her in fond memories. Celebrate her life as she would want you to do. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there.

history

Relationship Problems:

2008-04-11T11:57:00.000-06:00

Now, you may even be considering whether he/she is really "the one" after all. This is a very natural response. When there may be doubts it should be weighed out. So here is a way to do just that;
Write down "twenty good qualities" of your partner/spouse. These qualities are ones you admire, like and respect about the person. They can range from "she's a good cook", "he's not abusive", "nice to my buddies", "my best friend", 'great father", "tells great jokes", "caring", "supportive financially", "dresses nicely", "helpful around the house"; you get the picture.

Now, "honestly" ask yourself when was the last time you thanked or complimented him/her about any of these qualities. Remember these are qualities you like/admire. Okay, maybe the person hasn't been doing them that often lately. Have things been more tense lately? Well, then it's very possible they don't feel at ease enough to be them self. Therefore, they aren't dong those qualities as often.

Before, you decide your relationship/marriage is over, Don't you believe you should give it another try to reconnect. Try by just complimenting/thanking your partner/spouse on things on your list. If they aren't really doing any of those listed items much right now. Then start with simple everyday things that do get done.

Before we married we hit a rough spot and I had my doubts. It wasn't difficult to make a list of twenty qualities I liked/admired about him. I still have that list. It's what inspired this article, as it sits on my desk. In case I get upset at him, I re-read it. I also began telling him thank-you for all the little things he'd do around the house. In addition to letting him know I admired him because he paid the bills on time. Which was one of my twenty qualities on my list about him. He asked why, the first three times, I told him I admired him about paying the bills on time. I answered him truthfully "because my ex never cared about whether the bills got paid."

You may feel it mundane to thank your spouse/partner for cooking the meal, taking out the trash, folding the laundry, doing the dishes, running to the store, or picking up a prescription. But it's not. People want to feel "appreciated", even for the little things. Relationships/marriages oftentimes fall into routines/ruts when one/both spouses take things for granted. Appreciation and admiration helps keep relationships from becoming taken for granted.

Give this a try for no less than sixty days. Then re-evaluate, I'm sure you'll see a difference. You may be the one partner/spouse who must initiate it. You may also not be too comfortable saying thank-you. However, remember you must be consistent and committed for the entire time. Eventually you will notice the other person will begin also. As you begin to notice more admiration and compliments coming your way too. Which will bring about a more harmonious and happier relationship. As you each will be feeling better about yourselves and reflecting that in your relationship to one another.

Also, you will learn what he/she actually admires about you. Which is what attracted him/her to you in the first place. Or maybe it's an admiration that's been cultured within your marriage/relationship. Either way you have a good foundation on which to continue to build. Keep up those thank-yous and compliments.

Poet's Corner:

2008-04-09T02:09:00.000-06:00

One Last Hike?

I can see the majestic eagle soar,
Over the distant mountaintops,
I can hear the river's babbling roar,
As it flows over the rolling rocks.

I behold the effervescent waterfall,
I watch silently, the wildlife below,
As they frolic at the edge of the watering hole,
Under the waterfall's mist, I eye a rainbow.

Leaving this oasis of nature, I suddenly turn sad,
Fearing the future, I drop to the ground, in angst I cry,
Mining, Power Plants, Homes, will displace nature, makes me mad,
Unless we speak out, with nowhere to go, everything will die.

*Dedicated to all our Wildlife that's loosing their homes and lives. To our Roadless and Wilderness areas that are being destroyed. We have a voice that we must use to stop this senselessness before it goes any further. Stand up and be heard. For our precious natural resources, our wildlife that share this planet with us. Also for the future of your generations to see and share in the same experiences.

Capital For The Day: April

2008-04-08T22:15:00.001-06:00

Firth Idaho;

Firth is a small town with a population of around one thousand the town was the capital of Idaho for April 8th. Governor Otter, his staff of various advisers attended a town hall meeting. The meeting with the citizens of Firth lasted about six hours, in the small city hall office.

When Governor Otter took office, he set aside one day per month to name a city as capital for the day. In this way he is able to get out of the big city capital of Boise and met the smaller populations in the state of Idaho. Idaho has many small town's and cities spread across a large state. In most cases the town meetings that are conducted in each Capitol for the day meeting is similar in content. The majority of questions pertain to issues on energy, water, education, health, economy, manufacturing issues, and immigration. Along with the possible solutions or finding/funding of any solutions available.

Update For Clinics Spreading Disease:

2008-04-08T01:47:00.000-06:00

The Nevada clinics will be held responsible to those they have put in harm's way. If you were treated at the clinics, I previously mentioned in my other articles, please get checked. Especially if it was between March 2004 and January 11, 2008.

The contamination was mainly due to syringes being contaminated by a patients blood borne disease. These would have then been injected into the vials that they were obviously re-using. Which were suppose to be single patient use only vials. Then the medication would be withdrawn once more from that vial and used on a new patient. Thus putting that patient at risk of a variety of diseases:HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Symptoms of any of these diseases may not show up for years. Therefore, even if it was in 2004 that you used the clinic's services it is very important that you still get checked.

Symptoms for HIV are:
Flu like symptoms for the first 3-6 wks;
Between 2-10 yrs later you will develop any of the following number of symptoms;
Lack of energy
Weight loss
Frequent fevers and sweats
A thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth (thrush) that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat
Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infections
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or severe and frequent infections like herpes zoster
Periods of extreme and unexplained fatigue that may be combined with headaches, lightheadedness, and/or dizziness
Rapid loss of more than 10 pounds of weight that is not due to increased physical exercise or dieting
Bruising more easily than normal
Long-lasting bouts of diarrhoea
Swelling or hardening of glands located in the throat, armpit, or groin
Periods of continued, deep, dry coughing
Increasing shortness of breath
The appearance of discoloured or purplish growths on the skin or inside the mouth
Unexplained bleeding from growths on the skin, from mucous membranes, or from any opening in the body
Recurring or unusual skin rashes
Severe numbness or pain in the hands or feet, the loss of muscle control and reflex, paralysis or loss of muscular strength
An altered state of consciousness, personality change, or mental deterioration
Children may grow slowly or fall sick frequently. HIV positive persons are also found to be more vulnerable to some cancers.

Symptoms for Hepatitis B:
One half of people infected will symptom free;
Others will have flu-like symptoms within 1-6 months with any of the following symptoms;
Appetite loss
Feeling tired (fatigue)
Nausea and vomiting
Itching all over the body
Pain over the liver (on the right side of the abdomen, under the lower rib cage)
Jaundice - A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow in color
Urine becomes dark in color (like cola or tea).
Stools are pale in color (grayish or clay colored).

Many types of acute viral hepatitis have similar symptoms (hepatitis A, hepatitis C).

Fulminant hepatitis is an unusual illness. It is a severe form of acute hepatitis that can be life threatening if not treated right away. The symptoms develop very suddenly.
Mental disturbances such as confusion, lethargy, extreme sleepiness or hallucinations (hepatic encephalopathy)
Sudden collapse with fatigue
Jaundice
Swelling of the abdomen
Prolonged nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration. If you have been vomiting repeatedly, you may notice these symptoms:
Feeling tired or weak
Feeling confused or having difficulty concentrating
Headache
Not urinating
Irritability

Symptoms of liver failure may include the following:
Fluid retention causing swelling of the belly (ascites) and sometimes the legs
Weight gain due to ascites
Persistent jaundice
Loss of appetite, weight loss, wasting
Vomiting with blood in the vomit
Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum or blood in the stool
Hepatic encephalopathy (excessive sleepiness, mental confusion, and in advanced stages, development of coma)

Call your health care provider if you have any of the following:
Nausea and vomiting that does not go away in 1-2 days
Yellow skin or eyes
Dark-colored urine (like tea or cola)
Pain in the abdomen
Either of these situations also warrants a call to your health care provider:
You think that you might have been exposed to someone with hepatitis or that you might be at risk for any reason.
You have other medical problems and think that you might have hepatitis.

Hepatitis C symptoms:
Basically the first signs are like the others in early stages flu-like;
Slight fatigue
Nausea or poor appetite
Muscle and joint pains
Tenderness in the area of your liver
In the event you develop chronic hepatitis C then you possibly may have some of the following symptoms earlier or develop them later on or not at all;
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
Low-grade fever

Hepatitis C can still be communicable even if you aren't having symptoms yourself. It can also damage your liver without you being symptomatic too. This is why it is very important to tested at the earliest convenience if you are someone that could have been exposed at any of those clinics. Especially since this alert has been issued.

These clinics will have there day in court. There are already many lawyer firms offering free consultations for those that were treated at the Nevada Clinics during the time in question. All you need to do is an internet search for Hepatitis Malpractice Lawyer, Endoscopy Center Patient, Nevada Endoscopy Lawyer, or even just Nevada Hepatitis C Clinic. It will bring you a list of lawyers ready to assist you in your case. I hope all of you who were exposed get checked and are okay. I also hope you get the justice you deserve for all the pain and suffering that the Clinics are putting you and your families through. My best wishes to you.

HIV
HepB
HepC

Global Warming Affects Our Health:

2008-04-07T00:05:00.000-06:00

Global Warming is more than just weather it also affects our health in various ways. With the shifts in temperatures brought about we see more droughts and floods, thus we will see a rise in more people having health problems.

Severe heat waves normally means some deaths occur every year. With the severe heat also comes the release of toxic greenhouse gases, pollution, and infectious diseases. The ozone's happen faster at higher temperatures and the emissions of pollutants, like CO2, that force the ozone to go up even more. Therefore, as Global Warming rises the number of deaths rise also.

Higher temperatures is a breeding ground for malaria and mosquito borne illnesses. It is reported that approximately anywhere from 7,000 deaths per year are from Malaria. Another mosquito borne illness that's been on the rise these past few years has been the West Nile Virus. It is expected to continue to feed off the Global Warming's effects of the rising temperature. As the mosquito continues to move into areas, once too cold for them, they have new breeding grounds and opportunities to expand. As the summers are exceedingly hot the mosquitoes will then be able to transmit this sometimes fatal disease.

Smog is another element when added with extreme temperature to our ozone layer that is causing severe health problems that have lead to deaths in the past. It tends to damage our lung tissue, causing respiratory and often heart-related illness and deaths. This includes asthma in many of our nations children. Smog related deaths are projected to increase by 4.5 by the year 2050.

It is reported that there are at least 160,000 deaths per year related to Global Warming. Thus, the CDC has began preparation, for diseases as a result from Global Warming, as one of it's top priorities. We can only slow day Global Warming's progression by reducing the deadly CO2 that is being emitted into the atmosphere. Being Environmentally friendly and doing your part by going Green will help. You are not just saving the planet for future generations but possibly giving yourself and your loved ones a healthier one as well.

healthrisks
ecosystems

Children's Behavior in Restaurants:

2008-04-06T11:53:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have gone to a few restaurant's over the past few months noticing some children's behavior as unruly. In our Grand-parent's, Parent's and even our time of being Parent's such behavior was not allowed. I understand that in some states it is considered child abuse (in Utah) to even spank your child in public. However, there does come a time where some discipline needs to be made or the parents need to pack up the kids and leave the restaurant. Patrons pay to go there to "enjoy" a nice meal and an evening out. Something some people can afford to do more often than others. However often people get to do so, it should still be a pleasant enough experience. They should not have to deal with children running around their table yelling nor shaking their table nor kicking their chairs. All because the children's parents may feel disciple is unnecessary or want to raise their children naturally. Maybe it's just that the parents have tuned them out or just can't control them so they ignore them instead. Whatever the reason it's disruptive to the others in the restaurant. This includes even fast-food places, except the areas that have play-yards so that children can run and let off steam.

In my opinion, the parents need to diffuse the situation as quickly as it starts. They could take the child to the restroom and either talk to them or give their hand or bottom a slight swat. I'm not saying beat them. A little tap will get their attention even if it's just across the fingers. After talking in a firm voice or a little hand tap give them another chance to sit at the table. If that fails get your food to go. Then pack up your family and leave the restaurant. Being sure to let your children know it's because of their actions. Make sure that they don't get any dessert. Even if dessert was ordered do not pack it to go, just leave it behind. Let them know the dessert is being left because they couldn't behave. Maybe next time if they behave through an entire meal, and you can stay at the restaurant, they will get their dessert. Do not cave in, no matter how young and innocent they are, you need to be strong and stay decisive. Remember, there are other people to consider in the restaurant too. If you want your children running wild when you are eating then just stay home and eat until they are old enough to behave or get a baby-sitter.

In my day my parents would have paddled my bottom right there in front of everyone. If any of us kids still continued to be disruptive we would then be sent to the car. We would then wait in the car while the rest of the family finished eating, we knew better than to get out too. Then when we got home we were sent to our room. In society today discipline is more lax due to children claiming abuse (sometimes untruthfully). It's very easy for children to scream abuse now and the cops show up and parents be in trouble just because they "spanked" their child. Therefore, many parents opt to not spank children as a disciplinary action. However, you can't totally let children go without any discipline whatsoever. You must find an alternative means that works. Even if sometimes it means you will have to make concessions. Such as go out less or get a baby-sitter if your child can't behave in public. Or even leave a movie or restaurant early due to the child's behavior.

Make Money Without Website:

2008-04-05T13:02:00.000-06:00

I found an interesting article on how to make money on the internet. I know what you're thinking people make money everyday on the internet. You are right. However, what was interesting is that you don't need to have a website to do it. This is a reprint of the article. Yes, I have permission since she gave me affiliation rights. I hope you find a gem or two in it. I have always said one is never too old to learn anything new. Yes, I know that's been around for a while. However, it is very true. We can still learn new skills and things no matter how old we become. Learning should be something we do daily anyways, otherwise life would become pretty dull if you weren't always expanding your knowledge. Enjoy:

How To Make Money Online Without A Website
by Melanie Mendelson

You don't need to have a website to make money on the
Internet. Here is a proven strategy to make money online
without a website:

Step 1: Find Affiliate Product

Find a product to promote where you make good commission on
each sale. Generally, you will get the biggest commissions
on digital products. Digital products are defined as
something that is downloaded directly to a customer's
computer after purchasing, like electronic books or
software.

Since there is no extra cost per unit, no inventory and no
shipping, the commissions are much greater than on regular
"physical" goods. The most common commission on digital
products is 50%. The best place to find such products is
Clickbank.com.

Sign up as a reseller (also called affiliate) for a product
that looks the most appealing to you. After you sign up,
you will get a unique affiliate link where you need to send
people to purchase the product.

Your affiliate link will have a special code that will tell
the product owner that it's you who referred the customer.
The affiliate link code will allow your commissions to be
tracked correctly and assigned to you.

Step 2: Get Domain Name

Get a domain name to redirect to your affiliate link. A
domain name is a .COM name (like yourproduct.com). You can
get it for under $9 at GoDaddy.com. GoDaddy.com will allow
you to redirect your domain name to your affiliate link at
no extra cost.

So when someone types in your .COM domain in their browser,
it will go to your affiliate link. The visitor will see
the website with the product you promote, and the
commissions will be tracked correctly.

The reason why you need a domain name is that it's
memorable and it makes you look more trustworthy. Affiliate
links tend to be too long and arouse suspicion. For
example, most people would rather click on the link
bestwidgets.com as opposed to abcwidgets.com?reseller=john

A domain name will make your affiliate link look like it's
your own website. So basically, you will have a product to
promote and a website to send people to and get commissions
- without really having your own website.

Step 3: Get Traffic

In order to make sales, you need to get visitors to your
domain name (which will forward them to the website of the
product that you resell). You can pay for advertising and
hope that your profit will be greater than advertising
cost, or you can use free ways to generate traffic.

The most effective way to get free targeted visitors to
your domain name is by writing and submitting articles. You
can write short articles on the topic related to the
product that you promote. At the end of the article, you
include your author bio and your domain name link.

You will then submit your articles to various websites, and
allow them to publish your articles as long as your link is
included. Your articles will get published in many places
on the Internet, and will be advertising your affiliate
link at no cost to you whatsoever. People will read your
articles, like what you have to say and click on your
domain name link ready to buy.

Once you start getting regular sales from your articles,
you can go back to step 1 and find another product to
promote using this strategy. After a while, you will build
up a nice source of Internet income - without even having a
website.

About The Author:
Melanie Mendelson is a stay-at-home mom who makes a
full-time living on the Internet! Read her story at
http://pamel.tspecial.hop.clickbank.net

Educational Toys For Toddlers:

2008-04-04T03:27:00.000-06:00

Children grow up so fast nowadays. It is in the best interest of our children if we can help educate them in fun ways. By doing so we can buy educational toys in lieu of just fun toys. Educational toys can be fun also. Therefore, when they are young, as toddlers, we can begin making playtime a learning experience. This allows our toddlers, in their early years, to develop more important skills of learning at a faster pace. Then if we waited until they actually were enrolled into preschool or began kindergarten.

Leapfrog, Playskool, Sesame Street are all familiar brand names of children's toy manufacturers. They manufacture toys that are fun, safe and educational. Many toddlers see these toys at the stores and ask for them. They want many of these toys since they recognize the characters that are put out by the manufacturers. Many of them are character-oriented that have adventures which are learning related. Characters such as Spongebob, Diego, Dora, Big Bird, Pooh, Elmo, Scooby-Doo, Barbie and the list goes on. The fact that the child asks for the toy is even all the better. Dora and Diego are bilingual, teaching the toddler to speak more than one language. What's wrong with that? Nothing, it is preparing children to be able to interact with children of other races. I find that refreshing and educational. I have a grand-daughter who is into both Dora and Diego. She can now say hello in five different languages, along with a vocabulary of many other multi-cultural words. She is not even three years old yet. I think it's wonderful.

That's why I believe that toddlers benefit from educational toys. Because they learn earlier on how to to count, the alphabet, colors, shapes and even to read a bit.These are important foundations that they can use when they go to kindergarten. To actually know these before they begin kindergarten will give them an advantage to excel even more. The same grand-daughter knows most of her alphabet and many of her colors. Her parents play a game with her alphabet refrigerator magnets. They have her find a letter on the refrigerator and bring it to them. If it's the correct one she gets a round of applause from everyone in the room. If not she's told to go try to find the letter again until she finds it. It is very entertaining for her and interactive. It is also allowing parents to interact with the toddler in many ways. Instead of just placing the child in a playpen with a drum to beat by him/herself. Interaction is a much needed part of a child's growing up. Loneliness and separation will only promote children to become introverts of society. It will also not promote a close relationship with the parent and child for the future. Where if the interaction occurs with the parent and toddler through the use of learning to read together. In the future there may be a much stronger relationship between the child and parent. Therefore, starting in the toddler years with educational toys can be a positive step in any child's life.

April Is Autism Awareness Month:

2008-04-03T02:16:00.000-06:00

April 2nd has been named Autism Awareness day. The entire month of April is devoted to Autism awareness. All month World Wide events are being held to raise funds for autism and also to host autistic children in activities/fun.

Autism has been reported to now be rising in numbers. It seems that one child in every one hundred and fifty will develop autism. This seems to be such an alarming number. A study was even done that states that in areas with inclement weather, with children indoors watching television more, that could provide an environmental trigger for autism. Especially since the rise in numbers for how many children watch television now. However, the data is inconclusive to support this statement. Therefore, it is not proven scientifically nor sensibly enough to give it much merit. I only mentioned it because it caught my attention as to the only answer so far as to why the increase in the number of children developing autism today than say fifty years ago. Some speculate that autism could be caused or the dormant gene awakened by vaccines.

Boys are four times more likely of developing autism than girls, the factor is yet unknown. Autism is not contagious yet it is genetic. If one parent carries the gene chances are you will pass it on to your child. There is also increased chances that if you have more than one child then more than one child may develop autism but not all children in the family will. Why? That is yet unknown too.

What is known? It is known that in premature births with complications of cranial bleeding, studies have predicted that over ninety percent of those children will develop autism. These groups of children need to be watched and followed closely for developments/symptoms that may be related to autism. Symptoms of autism will typically appear by the time the child becomes three. These signs include delays in motor development, learning problems, language skills, social interaction and repetitive behavior.

AutismSpeaks
autismvideo
autisminschoolvideo
tvautismreport
preemies

Make-up Tips For Natural Beauty:

2008-04-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

In the past I believed a large assortment of colors to match my wardrobe was the best way to go with makeup. Especially since there is more than a rainbow of colors/palettes available. However, I do not feel that way anymore. Men actually like the less made-up look. Therefore, let your make-up be subtle, more natural looking.

In today's world more women are staying away from the traditional liquid foundations of the past. Mineral make-up has become the new standard. It is less likely to cause break outs and other skin problems associated with wearing make-up. That is due to the fact that is allows your skin to breathe more by not sealing off the pores under all the gunk like past make-ups such as liquid foundations did. Also, it doesn't just stay on top of the skin like a mask. Mineral make-up is made up of natural ingredients so it doesn't irritate the skin. That's why less breakouts and why it's great for those with sensitive skin. Most mineral make-ups will have an SPF included in it for protection from the sun's rays. Another alternative is air-brushing your water-based liquid foundation on. This allows it to be put on ever so lightly that it allows your skin to breathe also. In the same sense the mineral make-up does. I have not used the air-brushed technique yet myself, but have a friend who swears by it. Whatever choice you make be sure to choose a foundation that closely match your skin tone. With mineral make-up you can mix two different dry powders together to come up with the exact match to your skin tone. This is the method that I prefer for this reason. It is great since I have fair skin, except in the summer I may get a light tan. Then I can adjust the mixture to allow for the difference in the tan. That is why I find this the best alternative.

Before applying your base coat first apply a good non-greasy moisturizer. Wait two to three minutes for it to absorb into your skin. Then mix your mineral make-up to match your skin tone. When applying mineral make-up most of the time you will use make-up brushes. Depending on what brand of mineral make-up you decide to buy, most will come with brushes in the kits. With your powdered mineral make-up base you apply it and buff it into your skin. It goes into your pores. Carry the color all the way down under your chin, down your entire neck and a bit unto your bodice. This prevents any unfinished look. This is your primary base. Now with a mineral blush, best to use all minerals if possible, apply sparingly. A little bit of your primary color, either tan or light pink, stroked upon your cheekbones. Followed by a lighter color, usually a white, slightly above. Then in the hollows of your cheeks, for evening wear, place a tiny bit of a darker color for shadow or a sparkling highlighter. Also place in the hollows of your throat. Now, rebuff lightly another coat of your base color of mineral make-up over everything. This will give you a natural look, not too made up.

Now for your eyes. Some people prefer eyeliner I don't. I believe it makes people too made up. If you want to use it for special occasions or a night on the town fine. When you use eyeliner, after penciling it on, take your finger and gently smudge it. This will make it more softer and in tone with the rest of your make-up. I belive is that just eyeshadow with a touch of mascara is all one needs for the eyes. First, choose a natural eye color that is best for your eyes. No pinks, purples or lime greens. The best natural colors are browns, light blue (if you have blue eyes), olive green (great for those with oriental complexions),smokey gray (for the night on the town over black). By far the range of browns is the best even for blondes. Use off white too for accentuating the highbrow or outer areas of the eyes. You will always use two colors to do your eyes, one lighter to accentuation. For me I use a taupe brown and an off white; therefore I will demonstrate with my eyeshadow colors. Take the off white and cover the eyelid and highbrow area completely. Afterwards, take the taupe and on the lid one third in from the eye corner color in that area. You can touch up the off white again in the eye corner smudging it a bit into the taupe so it blends therefore not having a line there. I use a smudge-proof waterproof mascara. First, I curl my lashes with a eyelash curler. The I take my mascara and just use it on the tips of my lashes so it is not so heavy or thick looking. Remember we want a natural look. My mascara colors that I use are either clear, brown or brownish-black. I don't use plain black. Sometimes for added fun and flair I might use a clear glitter mascara.

For the lips; Lip care is an important feature. Your mouth is what people pay attention to as you are talking to them. Therefore, you must maintain your lips in good condition. Be sure to apply a lip moisturizer or chapstick on a routine basis. I do this every morning and evening routinely. I even apply it as needed during the day. Chapped lips can ruin lip gloss results. Since I like a natural look I prefer lip gloss instead of lipstick. The choice is yours though. Even under the lip gloss I put a coating of lip moisturizer before I apply the lip gloss. Occassionally for a special night on the town I will want a two-tone look. For this I use a lipstick base over the moisturizer topped off by a lip gloss in the pout area. I use mineral lip sticks and glosses.

You can find mineral makeups through online distributors or even at some retail stores now. I buy mine both places. My lip glosses I get at retail stores as they have a wider variety. However, I tried many mineral makeups until I found one that was convenient and that I preferred over all. Now, I stick with that one. You must find the one that works best for you.

Poet's Corner:

2008-04-01T08:12:00.000-06:00

LIFE'S LOVE

Life is our chance,
At love and romance,
Relax, enjoy, embrace,
Life's limitless grace.

Never look down,
Nor carry a frown,
By always looking up,
Will overflow your cup.

A broken heart,
Is a lesson that smarts,
Don't douse love's flame,
Nor discard what you've gained.

With happiness divine,
Let your love shine,
With arms open wide,
Welcome love's tide.

Walk through the strife,
Embrace love in your life,
Wrap yourself in rapture,
As you seek life's treasure.

Chicken Recipe:

2008-03-31T09:35:00.000-06:00

EASY ORANGE CHICKEN

When my children were young, chicken was a less expensive meat, therefore I made a lot of chicken recipes. So many that I actually had to invent new recipes to keep my children interested in eating it as often as we did. Since it was mainly for them I kept in mind that their tastes were simple and less refined than adults. Therefore, I came up with this simple easy chicken recipe. I also found it a good change of pace from ordinary. This recipe though is not for those on sugar-restricted or diabetic diets.

Grocery list:
1)One cut-up chicken or chicken legs and thighs combination
2)Salt
3)Pepper
4)One 10 ounce can of frozen Orange Juice concentrate

Preparation:
1)Take out and allow to thaw at room temperature or in a bowl of water the frozen Orange juice concentrate.
2)Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3)Remove skin from chicken pieces.
4)Wash chicken pieces and pat dry gently.
5)Pierce the pieces at least once per side with a fork. This allows the flavor of the orange juice to permeate throughout the chicken.
6)Place chicken in shallow baking pan.
7)Lightly season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
8)Pour thawed Orange concentrate over chicken pieces.
9)Place in oven to bake.
10)Baste chicken every fifteen to twenty minutes during baking process.
11)Chicken should be done in one hour to one hour and twenty minutes.
12)Check for doneness by piercing the pieces. When the juices run clear then they are done.
13)Remove from oven and baste one last time.
14)Let stand for ten minutes.

This recipe is great served with any type of potatoes or a green/macaroni salad. Rolls/bread sticks/garlic bread or also great with it too.

Is It Heartburn Or More?

2008-03-30T01:04:00.000-06:00

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, that builds up behind the breast bone, that feels like you are on fire. It generally comes after eating a huge or spicy meal. It affects at least sixty million Americans each month. Occasional heartburn does not necessarily mean you have a health problem. However, it is irritating nonetheless. So let's see what are some of our options for treating occasional heartburn.

Antacids
Loose weight
Eat smaller meals
Wear looser clothing
Don't eat too close to bedtime
Eat more slowly, chew your food thoroughly
Avoid food and beverages that are acidic or have caffeine
Drink warm tea following your meal to help with digestion

For Heartburn that occurs frequently please see your doctor for an evaluation. I have also placed links at the bottom of this post for you to take a few quizzes in regards to other conditions that sometimes mimic heartburn symptoms. Take the quizzes then take your results with any questions to your doctor.

gerdquiz
herniaquiz
ulcerquiz
infantrefluxquiz
gastritisquiz
gastroparesisquiz