Experiencing Nerve Block Injections:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

usmemorial
memday

Montel Bids Farewell:

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:

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

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:

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

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?

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:

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:

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

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.