Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Early posting of my Home Health Remedy

My father in law is having a heart catheterization tomorrow morning.  Which is why I am making my Thursday Home Health Remedy post tonight.  I'm not sure what time we are leaving and whether or not I'll have the time to get on the computer and do this tomorrow morning. 

Ray called Stephanie to watch Rylie so I can go to the hospital with him in the morning.  Steph is going to come and pick up Rylie in a little while and keep her overnight.  Hm, another overnighter for Rylie with one of her big sisters.  I swear, sometimes it seems like she gets out of the house more than I do, lol.

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These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks!

Broken Blisters

  • To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine®... a powerful antiseptic.
I hope you all have a good day.  If you get a chance, please think of us and send a quick prayer for my father in law.  I appreciate it very much.
 
Thanks and Hugs!

Hello everyone.  It was 3 years ago that my father died in his sleep.  I made the following graphic in his memory.

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My father and I had a difficult relationship.  Yet he was my father, the man who raised my brothers and I.  With the help of my mother he provided us a comfortable home to live in and food to eat.  If any of us had a problem he did what he was able to to help us out.

When he found out I was going to have another baby, he and my mom were so excited.  Especially when they discovered that I was going to have another daughter.  Out of their 9 grandchildren, Samantha and Rylie are the only 2 girls.  They brought me a beautiful antique rocking chair.  Then they found out we didn't have any carpeting in the bedroom that I was a preparing the baby's room.  So my dad went and bought some padding and a piece of carpeting.

It seems so unfair that he and my mom had such a difficult year in 2003.  He was diagnosed with sclirosis of the liver in the summer, then shortly thereafter they discovered my mom had cancer.  What an awful year for my parents.  It seemed that the one glimmer of life and joy he had that year was the upcoming birth of his 9th grandchild, and he didn't even get to live to see her.  Or to learn that my mother would survive her battle with cancer.

My parents were so stressed out that last year, yet they made an real effort to stay informed and involved with my pregnancy.  My father even took me to the hospital for an ultra-sound after I had been told to stay in bed for the remaining 3 1/2 months of my pregnancy.

So he was there with me when they discovered, before 28 weeks, that I was beginning to dialate and would need surgery to save the baby.  I was terribly scared and so thankful that he was there with me.  He tried so hard to keep me calm, even though I'm sure that he was as scared as I was that I would lose my baby.

Yes, he did things to disappoint the family.  Yes, he was often self-centered and controlling.  But he was my father and I am sure that he did the best he could with what he knew.  I'm sure that he had regrets.  Just as I'm sure we all do or will.  At least, I know that I have many regrets of things I have done.  He was human, he was my father and I wish he was here.  At the very least, I wish he had lived to see Rylie Jo born.

Things were so crazy the month of February 2004.  Mom had done so well throughout her battle, but towards the end the chemo did a real number on her body.  I know that I was afraid we were going to lose her and I'm sure my dad was afaid of the same thing.  Then dad was put into the hospital, and on the 25th of the month I was admitted to the hospital so they could deal with my uncontrollable blood pressure and bi-lateral kidney stones.  I'm sure that mom's poor health and my hospital stay had a little something to do with dad leaving the hospital against the doctors advice the week before he died.  Even in the end, he had to be the one in control.

My father wasn't perfect.  But then, who of us is?  He was human.  I'm sure he did the best he could with what he knew.  He loved us to the best of his ability.  I'm trying so hard not to judge him too harshly.  First, because it really isn't my place to judge him, that is in God's hands. 

Secondly, because I don't want my own children looking over every single thing I did in my life and judging me for every decision I made.  I want them to know that through everything, I loved them and always tried to do what was best, given the situation.  But that in the end, I am just a human and made mistakes along the way. 

He was my father and sometimes I get so angry at him.  Other days, I see someone who resembles him and I find myself crying.  Even in his death our relationship remains much the same.  There are days that I love and miss him, and then there are the days that I'm angry with the things he did and wish he was here so I could give him a piece of my mind.

Yes, he had his flaws, but for a moment I want to remember and share the good things he did.  He served his country as a paratrooper in Korea.  He helped establish The Link (a place where people dealing with substance abuse or suicidal thoughts can call in for help anonymously) in Bowling Green back in the 70's.   He served his community by being a city councilman. 

He and my mother took in a foster child, a teen girl thrown out by her father, when I was in the third grade.  I remember him sitting there and helping her with her homework.  He was honestly concerned about her and tried to help her.

He and my mother bought a place by Lake Gage, in Indiana.  They went almost every weekend from the time I was about 10 or 11 and they continued going until after I was married.  He bought an old pontoon boat, a real piece of poop, and re-did it.  He put a new motor on it, and covered it with outdoor carpet that was red, white and blue.  He taught us kids how to water ski behind that old boat.  Later, as we got older, he sold it and bought a motor boat for us to ski behind.

He used to stop at garage sales and buy me porceline figures.  Fancy ladies and angels.  Every year on my birthday, he would get me a birthday angel.  I wonder where those are now? 

He once wrote this really beautiful poem about our family.  He had it typed up and mounted on burgundy velvet in a really pretty frame.  I think he gave it to my mom on their anniversary or for valentines day one year.

When my ex-husband and I seperated, he was there for me.  Even though our relationship up to that point had been very strained and we hadn't talked much the previous couple of years.  He was really concerned about me and was there if I needed help along the way.

Yes, Joe Corral had his flaws, he was human and he was my father. Today I remember his life, the good and the bad.  I remember that he was merely a human being, not the bigger than life hero and perfect daddy that a little girl dreams of.  I hope that I've honored his memory.  I send a prayer to heaven that his soul found a peaceful place to rest.  I pray that he was welcomed home by his parents and siblings and found comfort in the forgiving and loving arms of God. 

God bless you dad.
Jill

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

 Good Morning!
 
                  http://imageshack.us/ 
 
Cast Iron Pans: To gently and effectively clean your cast iron skillets after most uses, wipe out excess food with a dry paper towel, then sprinkle salt inside the pan. Wipe clean with a clean, dry paper towel. The salt acts as an abrasive to scratch off any stuck-on particles of food without using soap and water, which can remove your seasoning. For stubborn stuck-on food, use a putty knife to scrape it off. You may, however, need to reseason the pan after doing this.
 
 I don't know about you, but I love cooking on cast iron pans.  I initially bought my first cast iron pan about ten years ago because I didn't want to use my good pan when we went camping.  I loved cooking in it over an open fire pit, so I took it and put it with the rest of my pans.  I use it, probably, more than my teflon pan. 
 
I love cooking, especially good ol' homestyle.  You know, meat, potatoes and lot's of homemade gravy.  Which is why eating this low carb lifestyle is so hard for me.  I make a mean gravy and I really love it. 
 
I also enjoy baking and making special treats for my family.  The only problem is that there is usually some leftovers sitting around in my kitchen...tempting and taunting me.  "Jill, you know you want us.  Come on, just one lil' nibble."  No, I'm not hearing voices, but I'm sure that is what they would be saying.  LOL
 
Yesterday I came across a low carb blog, Livin La Vida Low Carb,  and I think that reading that will help keep me grounded on my low carb eating.  It has been hard because I used to eat low fat.  However, when you are eating low carb you need to have the fat for energy.  So I am going to make the appropriate adjustments in my food intake and see if that helps.
 
Otherwise, things are going pretty good here.  We had a nice visit with Aimee and her boyfriend on Sunday.  They came to watch the race with us.  Stephanie and Joe stopped by to drop off Aubreigh's pictures.  The grandbaby is absolutely adorable, as usual.  Oh, did I mention that we are expecting another grandbaby in October?  Yep, about 9 days before Ray's birthday.  We are so excited.
 
David is doing well.  He is working for his father, selling life insurance.  I'm glad he finally found something that he really enjoys doing and he feels like he is helping people.  I'm proud of him.  He just turned 21 and is really getting control of his life.
 
Samantha graduates this year and I can't wait to see where she goes with her life.  Christopher is 15 now, he is getting so tall and handsome.  It's hard to believe that our kids are so grown up.  Yet we are still dealing with our little Rylie and her toddler tantrums.  Yep, just got the kids out of the teen tantrums and now we're back to toddler tantrums.  LOL
 
That reminds me, I need to get Rylie in for her yearly picture.  Her birthday is in March, so I usually have them taken sometime in February so we have them back to give out by her birthday.
 
I also want to tell you that we watched the services for Officer Dresslers funeral yesterday.  They started showing it at about 10am.  What a beautiful service they gave him.  I think they did a wonderful job of honoring his life.  I was disappointed in the Mayors speaking, however his uncle really did a beautiful job.  The pastor performing the service was actually Keith's cousin and he did an excellent job.
 
When they did the last call, a call by the police dispatcher to Officer Dressel, that goes out to all the cars, I don't think there was one person who didn't cry.  I know that I sat here in the living room and cried.  It was very moving.  I've heard it repeated on the television several times and I cry each time I hear it.
 
The television crews covered the entire service from before the funeral actually began, to the procession to the cemetary, until they left the cemetary.  There were over 1800 cars there.  It was a mere 3-4 miles from the church to the cemetary.  From the time the first car arrived until they started at the cemetary it was an hour, and there were still police officers walking from their cars.  I'm so glad that the tv station stayed with this for the entire 4 and 1/2 hours.
 
They said that there were cars from 37 different states.  There were even officers from the state of Hawaii there.  What a wonderful show of support for their brother and his family.  I am so proud of the way the community came together to show their support during this tragedy. 
 
Well, have a good day.
Hugs!
Preview

Monday, February 26, 2007

Recipes and a bunch of other stuff

I've got several recipes for you today.  I hope you like them. 
 
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Lets start off with a different kind of salad from Better Homes and Gardens.
 
Arugula and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients
2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets (about 10 cups)
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 5-oz. pkg. arugula (8 cups lightly packed) , or two 5-oz. pkg. baby spinach
1 large red onion, very thinly sliced
4 oz. shaved Parmesan cheese  
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In shallow roasting pan combine cauliflower, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper; toss. Roast, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring twice. Remove; cool.

2.
In small bowl combine vinegar, mustard, and remaining salt. Whisk in the 1/3 cup olive oil until combined. In a large bowl combine cauliflower, arugula, and onion. Add the vinegar mixture; toss gently. Top with shaved Parmesan. Makes 12 servings.
3.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare through step 1. Place the roasted cauliflower in a storage container or plastic bag and seal. Refrigerate overnight until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before combining with greens and onions in the bowl.
 
Then a marinated flank steak from The Spark People.
 
Marinated Flank Steak
Serves: 4
This will bring out all kinds of flavor in your beef.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup salsa
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lime
1 flank steak (about 1.5 lbs.)

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the salsa, garlic, olive oil, and the juice of the lime in a zip top plastic bag. Shake around to mix ingredients.
2. Add the flank steak to the bag. Seal the bag while pressing out as much air as possible. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
3. When ready to cook, remove the steak from the bag, discarding marinade.
4. Grill or broil the flank steak to medium or medium rare. Don't overcook - flank steak can get very tough and unappetizing if overcooked.
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice the meat against the grain into thin slices.
 
I thought we'd try to spice up the plain ole green beans with this recipe from Lawry's. 
 
GARLIC GREEN BEANS

PREPARATION

Preparation Time: 10 Minute(s)
INGREDIENTS

1 package (16 oz.) frozen cut green beans, cooked according to package directions
1 Tbsp. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! ® Spread
1 tsp. Lawry's ® Garlic Salt

DIRECTIONS

In medium bowl, gently toss beans, Spread and Lawry's ® Garlic Salt.

SERVING SIZE

Serves: 6
 
I've been searching for low-carb desserts and this one sounds pretty good so I thought I would put it on here.  I'm sorry, I can't remember where I found it.
 
Low Carb Cool Strawberry Cream Pie 

***Meringue Shell:*** 
4 egg whites 
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 
3 tablespoons Splenda 

***Filling:*** 
1 small pkg. sugar-free gelatin (strawberry or raspberry) 
1 pint heavy cream 
1 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 
1/4 cup Splenda 
1 quart strawberries, cleaned and sliced 

Preheat oven to 275F. Grease one Pyrex pie plate and set aside. Beat 
egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar then beat until whites 
stand in peaks. Add Splenda and beat for an additional minute or two. 
Spread the meringue evenly in the bottom of the plate and up the sides. 
Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes in a 275 F oven, then raise the temperature 
to 300 and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 
while you make filling. Dissolve gelatin with 3/4 cup boiling water. 
Stir in 1/3 cup cold water. Place in freezer for approximately 15-20 
minutes (just until it begins to gel.) When the gelatin is ready, 
whip the heavy cream until stiff (but not dry). Fold in cream cheese 
and Splenda. Fold in gelatin. 

Stir in strawberries (reserving a few for garnish if you like.) Pour 
over meringue shell in pie plate and let chill until firm -- about 2 
hours. 

5 carb grams per serving. 
 

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As long as we're on recipes I thought I would share this little bit of healthy information with you that I got from Real Age.  

3 Good-for-You Drinks

Can't remember your kid's cell phone number? Try a daily dose of apple juice.
Concerned about diabetes? Sip four cups of coffee a day.
Sidelined by an achy knee? Start every morning with a big glass of fresh orange juice.

You can read the entire article at this Real Age ARTICLE LINK.

                       ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

I received this message in one of my Healthy Reflection emails from Spark People.  It's definitely something that I need to remember. 

Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else. You are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

Is your life filled with anger?

When someone cuts you off while driving, or misses an appointment you made together, you probably get angry. Often our imaginations create internal situations and fantasies that perpetuate those feelings until you are boiling and ready to take it out on someone else. Truly though, we waste too much of our time and energy feeling negatively towards all sorts of things in our lives. When was the last time you went an entire day without feeling angry? Think about the times you most frequently feel those tense, frustrated feelings building up in you and examine the root. If the situation is unavoidable, you've got to force yourself to accept it and move past it. Maybe you need to sit down with a co-worker and talk to her about what is bothering you--instead of just letting her idiosyncrasies get under your skin each day. Perhaps you need to find an alternative route home to avoid the daily traffic jam that makes your blood boil. Your body and mind will thank you for the peace such moves provide in the end.

This is a hard one for me.  I've spent much of my life being angry and/or resentful of people who have done something to hurt me or those I love in one way or another.  I often try to move beyond it by ignoring the situation.  I'm sure you can imagine how well that works, lol. 

Kind of like turning your back to a pitbull.  It's still there and will get ya one way or another.  Only thing is, when you turn your back to it, you don't know when it is going to strike.  Ouch!

I know better than to ignore it, that it won't get me anywhere or make it any better.  However, since I don't particularly care for confrontations, it's hard to know what to do.  I'm always afraid that even if I say the smallest little thing about something that I don't like, or that I wish someone would do differently, that they are going to take it the wrong way or blow it up to something bigger.

Speaking of knowing better, I got this from The Daily OM a few days ago.  I liked it and decided to share it with you.

The Past In Light Of The Present
Knowing Better Now

When we look back at the past, knowing what we know now, we often find it difficult to understand how we made the mistakes we made. This is because once we learn new information, it is nearly impossible to reenter the headspace we were in before we learned that information. And so we look back at parents who spanked their kids, for example, and wonder how they could have thought that was a good idea. Similarly, our personal pasts are full of mistakes we can't believe we made. We did things then that we would never do now, and this is precisely because we have information now that we didn't have, or weren't able to access, then.

From ideas about how to raise children to how to treat the environment, our collective human past sometimes reads like a document on what not to do. In many ways, this is exactly as it should be. We learn from living and having experiences. It is from these past actions that we garnered the information that guides us to live differently now. Just so, in our personal lives, we probably had to have a few unsuccessful relationships or jobs, learning about our negative tendencies through them, in order to gain the wisdom we have now.

In order to live more peacefully with the past, it helps to remember that once we know better, we tend to do better. Prior to knowing, we generally do our best, and while it's true that from the perspective of the present, our best doesn't always seem good enough, we can at least give our past selves the benefit of the doubt. We did our best with what knowledge we had. Beyond this, we serve the greater good most effectively by not dwelling on the past, instead reigning our energy and knowledge into our present actions. It is here, in this moment, that we create our reality and ourselves anew, with our current knowledge and information.

                       ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

First I want to post this information for those in our area.

Donations for the family of Officer Dressel can be made in his name and are being accepted at:

  • Cumulus Broadcasting has set up a memorial account at 5/3 bank
  • Toledo Police Federal Credit Union offices located in the Toledo Safety Building at 525 N. Erie St. and at Heatherdowns and Eastgate
  • the Toledo Firefighters Credit Union at 2800 W. Laskey Road.
  • Island Variety at 722 Dearborn will be taking donations through March 2nd for Keith Dressel. There will also a condolence card there to sign.
  • The following credit unions: AP Federal Credit Union, Champion Credit Union, Erie Shores Credit Union, Jeep Country Credit Union, ProMedica Federal Credit Union, Suburban Credit Union, TPS Credit Union, Toledo Area Community Credit Union, Toledo Co-op Credit Union and UT-MUO Credit Union.
  • You can also leave messages on the Bedford Funeral Chapel Website at Bedford Funeral Chapel.

    Today Toledo police officer Keith Dressel is being laid to rest.  I'd like to express my gratitude to him and his family.  I am thankful that there are people like Keith willing to risk their safety to protect our community. 

    It is such a tragedy that his young life (he was only 35 years old) was taken and his family and friends are suffering.  I cannot even begin to find the words to express my feelings of sympathy for his wife and 2 young children. 

    I watched the mayors news conference on Friday when they discussed the details of the funeral being held today.  Officer Dressels wife, Danielle was standing next to the mayor and his parents were also there.  When I saw how young Danielle was, the sadness of it all just hit me and I stood there and wept for her and their childrens loss.

    For all of us, today is just another Monday.  For the Dressel family and friends, it is the day they say good-bye to a loved one.  It is the day they honor his life and the sacrifice he made trying to make our community a safer one.  It is the day they had hoped would never come. 

    I want to offer my prayers of support.  May God be with them all as they face this day and each day after. 

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    Hugs!
    Preview

    Friday, February 23, 2007

    This and that and a wee bit more

    Oh where to begin today...hmmm, well how about with a word of advice.  Be prepared, todays entry is a hodge podge of information about this and that.

    Let's start with something fun.  How about shopping?!  Weeeeeee!  I love to shop, even if it's just window shopping, and today I have been window shopping via the internet and decided to share this cool thing I found with ya'll.  They are bowls made in Nepal from plastic wrappers. 

    Proceeds from the sale of the bowls help fund healthcare and education in Nepal as well as a livelihood for the artist.  I received the link in an email from The Daily OM and you can go there by clicking on Recycled Bowls.

                           ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

    Speaking of the Daily OM, this is a copy of a message I received from them the other day.  I found it to be very interesting and very true.

    February 21, 2007
    Choosing Not To Be A Target

    Emotional Attacks

    Hurtful confrontations often leave us feeling drained and confused. When someone attacks us emotionally, we may wonder what we did to rouse their anger, and we take their actions personally. We may ask ourselves what we could have done to compel them to behave or speak that way toward us. It's important to remember that there are no real targets in an emotional attack and that it is usually a way for the attacker to redirect their uncomfortable feelings away from themselves. When people are overcome by strong emotions, like hurt or anguish, they may see themselves as victims and lash out at others as a means of protection or to make themselves feel better. You may be able to shield yourself from an emotional attack by not taking the behavior personally. First, however, it is good to cultivate a state of detachment that can provide you with some protection from the person who is attacking you. This will allow you to feel compassion for this person and remember that their behavior isn't as much about you as it is about their need to vent their emotions.

    If you have difficulty remaining unaffected by someone's behavior, take a moment to breathe deeply and remind yourself that you didn't do anything wrong, and you aren't responsible for people's feelings. If you can see that this person is indirectly expressing a need to you-whether they are reaching out for help or wanting to be heard-you may be able to diffuse the attack by getting them to talk about what is really bothering them.

    You cannot control other people's emotions, but you can control your own. If you sense yourself responding to their negativity, try not to let yourself. Keep your heart open to them, and they may let go of their defensiveness and yield to your compassion and openness.

    We probably all tend to take the defensive when someone attacks us, or goes off on a rant on us.  I know that I do.  It's hard not to.  I've tried to be more open lately, unless it is truly an attack without cause. 

    Without cause?  No, I don't believe there is ever a good enough reason for someone to attack you.  But I also realize that sometimes people are overwhelmed with emotions and can go off on a rant.  I may not necessarily be the target of the rant, but since I am standing there in the midst of it, it feels as though I am the target.

    More than likely there is a lot going on than just what appears to be the problem.  When someone is lashing out it could be that they are having negative feelings about themselves, or they are going through something else that is bothering them and this "one little thing" just set them off.

    I know that I have a tendency to do that myself.  I hold everything in, trying to keep it all together, trying not to come off as the b*tch about things.  Then after not saying anything, or saying something and being ignored...there will be that one little itty bitty thing that will set me off.  It's as it I am trying to tie it all up in a knot (keeping it in) and I can feel the threads fraying. 

    But there is the problem.  I'm not letting it be known that something is bothering me.  How can people know that they are pushing me to the limit with stupid little things when I don't tell them?  Ahh, there is the quandary.  I am trying so hard to "keep the peace" to not "ruffle any feathers", and in the end I usually end up doing exactly what I've been trying to avoid, but ten fold.

    Instead of worrying about everyone else's feelings and how they are going to react, I need to just tell them how I am feeling when something happens.  If they don't know it isn't okay with me, they'll just keep doing it and I'll just keep steaming inside until I finally blow. 

    Yeah, I talk a good game.  However, I've spent years burying my feelings, letting people walk all over me, and then blowing.  I know it isn't a good way to do it.  I know there are healthier ways of dealing.  It's just hard to change learned behavior.  But I'll try to do better.  Baby steps, lol.

                           ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

    Here is something funny.  The other day I was wandering around the Internet looking for something here in Toledo when I came across this article at The Smoking Gun.  It is about a little heist by some hefty gals.  LOL  It almost seems too funny to be true, but they have copies of the police report right there at the site.  Get a chuckle and go read about the Hefty Milk Heisters.

                           ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

    Yesterday, I kept an eye on my sister-in-laws niece.  Her mom was in the hospital having labor induced.  Peyton is a few years older than Rylie.  It started out okay, but Rylie was a typical toddler, not wanting to share, etc.  And Peyton was a typical older kid, "tell her to stop following me" then running by her laughing, etc. 

    Well, at dinner time Rylie started to look a bit tired.  Next thing I know her head was on the table right next to her plate.  I asked Ray if she was sleeping, he said "nah, I think she is faking".  So I walked over and sure enough she was out.  LOL  It was too cute.  She slept for awhile.  Then later, after dinner, Peyton was sitting on the floor watching tv and next thing we knew she was slumped over sleeping too. 

    We really have to get Rylie around more kids her own age to play with so she can learn how to socialize a lot better.  Right now, she thinks the world revolves around her and whatever she wants.  Yep, we definitely have to work on that. 

    Well, I guess that is about it.  Have a great weekend and be safe.

    Hugs!
    Preview                   

    Thursday, February 22, 2007

    To protect & serve: local news and Home health remedy

    I just want to express my sympathy and prayers for the wife and children of Toledo Police Officer Keith Dressel.  The story about the tragic death of Officer Dressel can be read at WTOL 11, a local news station.

           Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

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               Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

    These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks!

    Boils~
     
  • Cover the boil with Hunt's® tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothes the pain and brings the boil to a head.
  • Campho-phenique-Apply liberally to affected area at bed time and it will be busted by the morning
  • Ice cubes-hold one on the boil till it melts, 3 times a day.
  • Apply Black Salve
  •                        ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

    Is anyone else watching Court TV News?  The hearing is going on in Florida to determine decide the custody of Anna Nicole Smith's body.  It is really odd!  I am left wondering what community college in MEXICO this judge got his degree.  He goes off on some extremely weird tangents. 

    Come on already!  Find out the paternity of the child, get the body buried and get on with life.  I can't believe that woman has been dead for about 2 weeks now and she is still sitting in the fridge.  Food doesn't stay in my fridge that long!

                           ~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

    I hope you have a good day.
    Hugs!
    Preview

    Tuesday, February 20, 2007

    Carpet cleaning and then some, lol

     

    Good Tuesday morning!  Here is todays Cleaning tip.  It is about carpet stain removal and it's a long one, lol.  I hope ya'll find it useful.  

                       http://imageshack.us/ 

                           
    As I say on my Web page
    , these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, please let me know.
     

    Carpet Stain Removal: 

    • Carpet Stain Removal - Method 1

    Mix some neutral pH detergent with a cup of warm water. Blot, don't rub onto the carpet. Prepare a slightly acidic solution of one third of a cup of white vinegar and two thirds of a cup of warm water. Again blot, and don't rub onto the carpet.

    Apply cold water and blot Absorb all of the liquid with clean, white towels. Allow the area to dry thoroughly and then go over it with a vacuum cleaner.

    • Carpet Stain Removal - Method 2

    Soak up as much of the spill as possible. Mix a few drops of dish soap into about a cup or two of hydrogen peroxide. Use a sponge and carefully blot on the carpet.

    Treat carpet stains as quickly as you can. Only use white towels or clothes to prevent bleeding from the material into the stain. When blotting, work from the outer edges of the stain in towards the center. This will prevent unsightly rings from remaining on the carpet. Pretest all mixtures in an inconspicuous area of the carpet before using on the actual stain.

    If the stain persists contact a carpet and rug cleaning professional. With the use of heavy duty equipment, industrial cleaners and steam extraction, they may be able to remove stains that have left you frustrated.

    • Carpet Cleaning tips

    To keep your carpet clean, it is important to clean up spills as they happen. Blot up the spill immediately using clean, white paper towels or a regular towel. Do not rub as this will force the spill deeper into the carpet.

    There are several ways to clean spills that have turned into stains. Club soda makes a great emergency spotter. Pour it on the spot, let it sit for a few seconds and pat it dry with a clean white towel

    Older stains do well with an acidic formulation as follows: combine 2 tablespoons detergent, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and one quart warm water. Work into stain and blot dry. Cover the spot with a clean towel or paper towels and place a heavy item such as a book on top of it to help draw out excess moisture. When the towel becomes damp, replace it with a dry one.

    • Emergency Stain Removal

    It is inevitable that things are going to be spilled.  For gravy spills, big food spills, red wine, soda, coffee or tea, sprinkle with a heavy layer of salt right on the spill.  The salt works like a magic sponge, soaking up the spill, keeping the stain from setting.  Vacuum or wipe up the salt and get to work removing what ever small amount remains.

    • Quick carpet cleaning tip

    Baby wipes are miracle workers on carpet stains, from motor oil to blood, they remove almost anything.  I have used this one several times, it works very well on fresh stains.

    Shaving cream rubbed into a stain often works wonders too.  I've used this to get dried red and purple juice stains out of light carpet and it was amazing. 

    • Remove Candle Wax Stains from carpet

    First, remove as much of the wax as you can by hand after it has dried. You can try using a credit card or a plastic knife or spoon. Then place a piece of paper towel or a wet towel over the wax in the area you want to clean and go over it with a warm iron. (warm not hot! hot temperature will burn some carpets!)

    Keep the iron moving, and move the paper often. The heat from the iron melts the wax, and the paper wicks the wax OUT of the carpet. Repeat until it is gone.

    • Remove Blood Stains

    Blot with a white paper towel to remove as much of the blood stain that you can.  Next, neutralize by spraying the stain with a solution of 1/2 cup cool water and 1 Tbs, of clear ammonia.  Blot to remove exess moisture.  (Use a white paper towel for blotting)  Then spray on a solution made with 1 qt. cool water and 1/4 tsp. of dish detergent. (NOT containing bleach or lanolin) Joy or Dawn are good for this.  Continue if you see the spot being removed.  Now use a spray bottle filled with cool water to rinse.  Then apply a pad of paper towels and place something heavy on top to absorb the moisture. If all of the stain does not come out, moisten the ends of the fabric with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for 1 hour. Blot and repeat until carpet is stain free.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    This is a Healthy Reflection I received from Spark People

    The true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him no good. - Ann Landers

    Magnifying small sacrifices

    How do you treat people who cannot (or choose not to) repay you for the good things that you have done for them? Do you hold a grudge, speak ill of them, or constantly keep score? Think about a homeless man in need of a hot meal, the elderly woman who cannot open the door by herself at the store, or a lost child. Probably none of these individuals could equally compensate you for any sacrifices you make on their behalves. There remains but two choices--help or ignore. Our minds easily jump to putting them out of our minds and going about our days. But imagine the good you could do if you took a small moment of your time or the change out of your pocket. Such a small sacrifice (from your perspective of course), could have a 10-fold positive impact!

    Ray and I believe this to be true...most of the time.  It really depends, if it is someone that you are choosing to help because they really need it, or someone who constantly needs help because they are irresponsible or unwilling to do what is necessary to help themselves.  Ray and I both are willing to give and help freely.  Especially when it is appreciated and absolutely needed, and that it isn't going to harm our family in any way.

    We have gone out of our way many times to help those who need it.  People we know and who are close to us, and people we don't know at all.  Last year Ray helped with one of those habitat for humanity homes.  He was really impressed with the way people came together to help and got the home done so quickly.  It gives you a real good feeling to do something good for someone who REALLY needs it and appreciates what you are doing for them.

    However, I am completely blown away by the lack of responsibility of so many people.  People who have kids and don't take responsibility for them, and I am speaking both financially and emotionally.  People who choose drugs and/or alcohol addiction over taking care of their own families.  People who would rather live off the system than go out and get a real job.  People who would rather sponge off their family members than grow up, become a responsible adult and take care of themselves and their children.  The real irony is when someone does finally grow up and get a job after sponging from the system and their family for years and years, and then they talk about others spongers.  LMBO!

    I always think of that saying "Trick me once, shame on you.  Trick me twice, shame on me."  You have to have half a brain about it.  You should know that if someone conned you once, they are going to try to do it again.  Why not?  If you were an easy mark once, they have that thought that they can get away with it again. 

    "Do you hold a grudge, speak ill of them, or constantly keep score?"  Not unless they have done or said something to attack or harm our family in some way.  Then they find out fairly quickly how angry we are and how long we can hold a grudge.  Especially if the things that they had done was so bad, or if they were spreading hateful lies about us.  LMBO!  How ironic would it be if the thing they were accusing you of, and lying about to other people, was something that they ended up doing?!  Now that would be true irony and something that people would get a real kick out of.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    This seems a good time for a word of the day. 

    The concept of Karma
    Taken from Wikipedia

    Karma is a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The results or "fruits" of actions are called karma-phala. Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward, karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others. In religions that incorporate reincarnation
    , karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well. It is cumulative.

    I love that theory.  Here is another brief description and a graphic that I made using the Chinese symbol for Karma.

    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    pronunciation: yin guoh
    left character - cause, because of
    right character - fruit, result

    Karma
    The total effect of a person's actions and conduct during the successive phases of the person's existence, regarded as determining the person's
    destiny. 

    Yep, I believe in Karma.  What you give out is what you get back, basically.  What you are living now is in effect lifes way of making you responsible for the things you have done in your life thus far.  

    That is why I occasionally have these little hiccups in my journey.  I try to be good, to be positive, to be helpful, but sometimes I mess up.  Especially when I feel like someone is taking me for granted or lying to me.  Sometimes I am too judgemental.  Sometimes I get angry too easily and lose my temper when I shouldn't.  Most times, I hold a grudge too long (what can I say? I'm a Capricorn and it's true, we are stubborn creatures).  

    Yes, I believe in Karma.  I believe in fate and destiny.  I am also a Christian.  I believe in a loving and just God.  I hope that I will be judged on not only the mistakes that I have made, but the things I have done to try to right them.  Some mistakes even had good intentions behind them and I hope that is taken into consideration.  Some mistakes or misdeeds were purely based on being angry, seeking revenge or just pure stupidity or selfishness.  I'm sorry for those and hope that is also taken into consideration also.

    Yes, I try to be good.  To be caring.  To be empathetic.  To be helpful.  But I am also human and have feelings, scars and flaws of my own.  I try...but I'm not perfect.  No one is. 

    Ahh, how I've rambled yet once again.  LOL  I beg your forgiveness once again for going off on a tangent and completely off subject.  As I am about to do yet once again.

    However, to go back to my entry yesterday...I've gotten my free space opened up quite a bit.  Even though I thought I had taken everything off the computer and re-installed the operating system, I found old files and programs.  Ugh!  So I spent some time removing a bunch of that junk.  {{{crossing fingers}}} and hoping I didn't take anything too important off, but since the computer is working, I don't think so. 

    I took AOL off and re-installed it.  Then I kept getting booted off line.  {{{sigh}}}  So I took it off again and re-installed it.  Now it seems to be working well, except whenever I click on anyone's profile it brings up a box and asks if I want to run Active X?!  I guess I can live with that, but some setting must be wrong somewhere.  Hopefully I'll get it figured out, or it will just go away, lol.

    I guess that is about it.  I hope ya'll are well and happy. 

    Have a good one.
    Hugs!
    Preview

     

    Monday, February 19, 2007

    Strange going on's at my aol and some recipes

    Oh mah gosh!  Okay, something has been up with my computer.  My Free space available all of a sudden went down to 3 something-bytes.  So I tried taking programs off to create more space, didn't work much.  I then tried to restore to an earlier time when I had more space available, didn't work.  So I finally just copied my documents folder to a disk, removed the operating system and then re-installed Windows. 
     
    I thought that would solve the problem.  And I do have more free space, just not as much as I thought I would have.  Weird.  But now here's the thing...I lost my AOL favorite sites (lots of PSP places I went for brushes and stuff), and a bunch of other sites that I liked but can't remember at the moment.  The really weird thing is that I have to sign in (even when I am already on AOL) to view profiles.   Yeah, even to see my own profile!  I don't understand that at all.
     
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
    Okay, enough of how I messed up my computer and AOL.  Let's get to the days usual stuff.
     
                      Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
     
    This first one is a recipe I got from the Lawry's site.  I think it sounds really yummy.  Unfortunately, I didn't get the nutritional information. 
    PECAN-CRUSTED CHICKEN

    PREPARATION

    Preparation Time: 5 Minute(s)
    Cook Time: 20 Minute(s)
    INGREDIENTS

    1 cup finely chopped pecans
    1/2 tsp. Lawry's® Seasoned Salt
    1/4 tsp. Lawry's® Seasoned Pepper
    4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 lbs.)
    2 Tbsp. Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Spread, melted
    Island Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce* (optional)

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 350°.
     2. In small bowl, combine pecans, Lawry's ® Seasoned Salt and Lawry's ® Seasoned Pepper. Coat chicken with Spread, then with pecan mixture. On baking sheet, arrange chicken.
     3. Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve, if desired, with Island Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce.
     
    *Island Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce: In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup Wish-Bone ® Thousand Island Dressing, 2 tablespoons mustard and 1 tablespoon honey.
     
    Tasty Traditions Recipe, perfect for family entertaining!

    SERVING SIZE

    Serves: 4
     
    This chicken recipe comes from the Spark People site.  It sounds yummy, but unfortunately, there are way too many carbs for me, at least at this point in my diet.  However, for those who are watching their fat intake, this would be an excellent dish.
     
    Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken
    From Spark People
    Serves: 8
    Removing the chicken fat and skin and adding no salt to the tasty sauce makes this chicken favorite heart-healthy.

    INGREDIENTS

    3 lb. chicken parts (breast, drumstick, and thigh), skin and fat removed
    1 large onion, thinly sliced
    3 tablespoon vinegar
    3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    2 tablespoon brown sugar
    black pepper to taste
    1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
    1 tablespoon chili powder
    1 cup chicken stock or broth, skim fat from top

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Place chicken in a 13x9x2" pan. Arrange onions over the top.
    2. Mix together vinegar, Worcestershiresauce, brown sugar, pepper, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, and stock.
    3. Pour over the chicken and bake at 350º F for 1 hour or until done.
    4. Baste occasionally.

    NUTRITION INFO (
    Serving Size: One chicken part with sauce)
    Calories: 177.2
    Fat: 4.6 g
    Carbohydrates: 23.3 g
    Protein: 11.2 g
     
    My mom used to make cucumber salad in the summer.  Mmm, I loved it.  Lucky for me it is very low carb.  This sounds good to me any time of the year.  Too bad cucumbers are a bit pricey right now.  Oh what the heck?  I'm going to make it sometime this week, lol.  This would also go great with that Spicy BBQ chicken.  I am really dreaming of summertime now!
     
    Cool Cucumber Salad
    Serves: 4
    This simple cucumber salad is great for the dog days of summer.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
    1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    3 tablespoons olive oil
    2 tablespoons cider vinegar
    1 teaspoon sugar
    1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
    pepper, to taste

    DIRECTIONS

    1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber slices and onion slices; set aside.
    2. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients.
    3. Add dressing to cucumber and onion, toss well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

    NUTRITION INFO

    Calories: 106
    Fat: 10 g
    Carbohydrates: 4 g
    Protein: 0.5 g
     
    To finish it all off how about a little dessert?  I hope you like carrot cake.  This should be healthier than most of the boxed cakes.
    Applesauce Carrot Cake
    Serves: 16
    Applesauce makes this cake healthier than your regular cake.

    INGREDIENTS

    2 cups whole grain flour
    1/2 cup sugar
    2 teaspoons baking soda
    1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
    1/4 cup olive oil
    3 large eggs
    3 cups carrots, coarsely chopped

    DIRECTIONS

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
    2. In a separate small bowl, combine the applesauce, oil and eggs. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until the ingredients are well blended. Add the carrots and mix again.
    3. Pour the batter into a greased 9" tube pan, or use a 9" x 13" rectangular cake pan, or two bread loaf pans, or a cupcake pan.
    4. Bake the cake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 1 hour, 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. Set the cake on a wire rack for five minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, and turn the cake out onto the rack to cool.

    NUTRITION INFO

    Calories: 145
    Fat: 6 g
    Carbohydrates: 21 g
    Protein: 4 g
     
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
    Here is today's Healthy Reflection from The Spark People.
     
    Concentration is the ability to think of absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary. - Ray Knight, professional athlete

    Are you able to focus on your goals?
    Calm your mind. Quiet all of the distractions surrounding you. Concentrate on the one task at hand. Often a naysayer can cloud our minds and break our focus. What in your life distracts you? In the moment of need, silence your brain and allow yourself to stay focused. Save your worries about tomorrow and guilt over yesterday's failures for another time. Maybe you need to meditate, pray, or simply spend a few moments quietly gathering yourself before tackling the project at hand. Now is the time for just one thing--reaching your goal. Today, focus your energy, clear your head, and achieve!
     
    Have you ever had so much to do that you spend 10 minutes standing there trying to figure out what to do first?  Or you start on one thing, then find yourself going in another direction before you finish the first thing?  No?  Is it only me?  Sometimes I feel like I am just turning in circles and not getting anything done. 
     
    That's when my obsessive list making comes in handy.  I try to sit down, clear my head and make a list of the things I need to get done.  Then I put them in order of what seems logical to do first.  Of course, having a toddler in the house makes me feel as though I am going in circles more than people who don't have one, lol.
     
    I get up early and try to get some cleaning done before our sweet lil' monster wakes up.  Then around noon time it seems I am picking up the same toys and whatnot again.  Then I try to get it picked up before her daddy comes home in the evening so he doesn't think I did absolutely nothing all day long.  Then I usually have to pick up the same things again later in the evening.  Okay, okay, it may not be the exact same toys...but it sure does feel like "Ground Hog" day (movie reference) around here most of the time.
     
    The diet is going okay.  I'm not making quite as much progress as I'd like to.  However, part of that is because I'm not getting out to the mall and walking every other day like I wanted to.  I am really going to have to try harder if I want that scale to move to the left as much as I want.
     
    I have to go...there are some toyssitting over there that are just mocking me and I have to do something about it.  LOL
     
    Have a good day!
    Hugs!
    Preview

    Friday, February 16, 2007

    Since I wrote about responsibility and choices earlier, I thought I would post this lil' bit of good news.  I've lost another 3 pounds.  That is a total of 9 pounds since I got serious about my diet.  YEA me!

    I have to be honest, this is hard, real hard.  I love carbs!  Especially since Ray and Rylie have all their little goodies in the house.  When I went to the grocery store this past week Ray said "hey, get me and Ry some good stuff" = Get us junk, lol.  Well, I got them all the stuff they love, and I miss, chips, cookies and ice cream, even a bag of Reese's. 

    So what about me?  I knew that with that stuff in the house I had to get myself some things because I've been having some serious cravings.  So I bought some unflavored pork rinds, zero carbs.  And then I found these Breyers carb smart almond bars.  They're ice cream bars covered in chocolate and nuts.  YUM!  The best part is that they only have 4 carbs.  I also eat sugar free jello (0 carbs) and can add 2 Tbs. of whip cream (2 carbs).

    So I am dealing with it and it is working for me.  I was beginning to wonder for a minute there, it seemed I paused on the weight loss but was blessed with good results today.

    C-ya later!

    Responsibility and choices

    This is a copy of the Healthy Reflections I got from the Spark People today.  It got me to thinking and I decided to share the message and my thoughts on it with ya'll today.  It may apply to your life, or it may not.  But I hope you find it interesting.  Frankly, I think it can probably apply to all of us in some degree.  Whether it was a poor childhood, a bad marriage or whatever. 

    The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny. - Albert Ellis

    Do you accept responsibly for your choices in life?.

    Do you feel in control of your life? No matter how negative events or actions may become, you are the only force that is able to determine the reaction. Often we fail to do this, and instead blame the world for our feelings of sadness, rejection, and hopelessness. The reality is that your actions are a choice, and you must claim those feelings and choices. We can be our best cheerleader or worst enemy when it comes to determining the health of our emotions. Do some pep talks with yourself each morning. This will help you develop positive, self-affirming thoughts that will enhance your personal development and growth.
     
    Now, we've probably all experienced some form of dysfunctional family living in our growing up.  It could be slight or extreme.  But have you ever seen, on a talk show, those people who have experienced such extreme abuse as children that you wonder how they can even get up in the morning?  And yet they seem to be dealing with it in such a wonderful way and come across as a person you'd like to be when you "grow up". 
     
    Those are the people that I really admire.  They have taken theirpast and dealt with it and put it where it belongs.  They've accepted that as just a PART of their life, not made it their entire life.  Sure they could dwell on it and pity themselves, they'd have every right to.  Instead they used it in a positive way to make themselves stronger.  I admire that about people, taking the negative and turning it into something they can use for a positive. 
     
    Dave Pelzer comes to mind when I think about things like this.  Have ya'll read the book "A Child Called It"?  It is a great book and he followed it up with "The Lost Boy".  He was on Oprah and I have to tell you I admire him a great deal. 
     
    Anyway, we all have something that was hard to deal with.  It is the way we choose to live our life from this point on that counts.  Perhaps you weren't in control as a child and suffered a great deal.  Or maybe you were in an abusive relationship.  Whatever it was, I'm sorry that you had to deal with that.  I know that there are going to be times when it gets to you, and you feel weak and vulnerable.   But we have choices and are in control of our lives now.  Be thankful that your soul was strong enough to survive whatever you had to. 
     
    You are a wonder of strength and should honor yourself for that.  I'm proud of you for surviving, even if I don't know your story.  I know it took a great deal of courage and you dealt with it the best you could.  I hope your proud of yourself too. 
     
    Or it could be as simple as dealing with destructive people in your life today.  They may be aggressive, or tell lies, or perhaps they are verbally abusive to you.  However, you have a choice in how you deal with someone like this.  Perhaps you respond in the same manner they attack you.  I think that would be an example of letting their vile and negative attitude infest your life. 
     
    Or maybe you will choose to just remove yourself from the situation, or keep them out of your life.  In that case, you have probably made a positive choice by removing their ugly and nasty behavior from your life.  Good for you!  Or maybe you want to try to still have them around and just try to ignore their bad behavior towards you.  I think I need to warn you to be careful in that case.  Negativity has a way of breeding and you may find it manifesting in your life in different ways.
     
    As I said, these are just my own thoughts and opinions.  I'm sure that a licensed therapist could come here and point out all kinds of misconceptions or inaccuracies in my opinion.  Let me share one last thought with you though.  If you have experienced some form of mental or physical trauma in your life, it may do you a world of good to look into therapy or meeting with a group of others who experienced something similar.  You may find something like that very useful to your personal growth.  Well, I think I have rambled on about this long enough. 

    Have a great day.
    Hugs!
    Preview

    Thursday, February 15, 2007

    Snow update & Home Health Remedy-Blood Pressure

     Good Morning!  Well, its finally stopped snowing and the city is back to being "open".  We were on a Level 3 snow warning for a several hours yesterday.  That means no one can be on the roads except "essential" vehicles, meaning Police, Medical, etc.  Most of the counties around here were on a level 2 or level 3 warning. 

    It was fun for Rylie though.  Her sister, Samantha, had no school so she was home all day to play with her.  Sammi got the sled out and they had some fun.  Although Rylies winter coat from last year still fits her, she grew out of the snow pants.  I ended up putting 3 pairs of pants on her, 2 shirts, a hooded sweat jacket, her coat, 2 pairs of socks and her boots.  Oh and socks over her mittens.  Well...I just didn't want her to get too wet and cold.

    That lil' girl is just gonna tall.  She'll probably be towering over me by the time she is in 6th grade.  LOL  Here is a picture I got of the two of them yesterday.  One of them had loads of fun and the other one got a pretty good work-out.

    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                      Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

    These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks!

    Blood Pressure

    Low BP

    •  Drink a glass of raw beetroot juice 2 times a day, for at least a week.

    High BP

    • Mix 1/2 onion juice and 1/2 honey. Take 2 Tbs. once a day for 1-2 weeks. 
    • Eat 1 Papaya on an empty stomach daily for a month. Do not eat anything after for about 2 hours.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
    That's about it for today.  Rylie has a doctor appointment today and I have one right after her.  They are going to re-check her ears and see what's going on there.  I'm gonna see if they can figure out what is going on with this cough that I have had for over a month now.  It is a real pain in the bum.
     
    Well, have a good day and stay warm.
    Hugs!
    Preview

    Wednesday, February 14, 2007

    Hey ya'll!

    LMBO!  It is too funny to hear the news people refer to this little snow blast as the "blizzard of 2007".  A blizzard is what hit us when I was a kid in 1978.  Now that was some snow!  Our front door, which had about 4 steps leading to it, was blocked with snow.  We had to melt ice and boil it on the stove to have freash water.

    Since Tuesday, over the past 24-36 hours, we have gotten from 7-14 inches of snow.  Of course, the problem has been the blowing and drifting.  There are some spots in the yard where there are several inches of snow.  However, right next to the house it may be 2-3 feet high from the drifting.

    We were supposed to go out to dinner tonight, alone...no children...for Valentines Day.  {{{sigh}}}  I can't remember the last time the two of us went out alone.  I was really looking forward to it.  I wanted to go to Red Lobster, the first place we went to on a date.  Not that we aren't going to go, Ray say's we will still go out to celebrate.  It just might be a day or two.  YEA!

    So I just wanted to get on and apologize for not posting yesterday,  I was preparing for our lil' blizzard.  Here are a few messages for ya'll from me.

                    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

               Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Well, not really.  That would be Ray, but since the diet started I sure am missing little things like this.  Mmm.

    I hope you have the best Valentines Day ever.
    Hugs!
    Preview

    Monday, February 12, 2007

    Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole

     I'm always looking for new side dishes to serve and this one that I found at Better Homes and Gardens sounded good.  I hope ya'll like it.

                 Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

     
    Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole
    Source: Better Homes and Gardens
    Ingredients

    1 16-ounce package frozen cauliflower florets
    1 16-ounce package frozen broccoli cuts
    1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
    2 tablespoons margarine or butter
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
    1/4 teaspoon pepper
    1-1/4 cups milk
    2 3-ounce packages cream cheese with chives, cut up
    3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (about 1 slice of bread)
    3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
    2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted  

    Directions
    1.
    Cook broccoli and cauliflower according to package directions. Drain well. Place in a large saucepan. Set aside.
    2.
    Meanwhile, cook onion in the 2 tablespoons margarine or butter until tender but not brown. Stir in flour, salt, garlic powder, basil, and pepper. Add milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cream cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Stir into vegetable mixture. Turn into a 2-quart casserole.
    3.
    Toss together bread crumbs, cheese, and the 2 tablespoons melted margarine or butter. Sprinkle over vegetable mixture. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Makes 12 servings.

    Make-Ahead Tip:
    Refrigerate unbaked casserole, covered, up to 1 day, and bake as directed. Or, freeze up to 1 month; thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through.
     
    Well, since we're on the subject of broccoli, I'll share this soup recipe that I got from Spark People with ya too.  Mmm, next to onion soup served in a bread bowl, this is one of my favorites.
     
    Broccoli Soup
    Serves: 5
    A lower-fat version of your favorite creamy broccoli soup.

    INGREDIENTS

    2 tablespoons margarine
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    3/4 cup chopped celery
    2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli, thawed enough to separate
    2 cups fat-free chicken broth
    1 cup nonfat milk
    1/2 lb. processed reduced-fat cheese (Velveeta), cubed
    salt and pepper to taste

    DIRECTIONS

    1. In medium saucepan, heat the margarine. Add onion, celery and cook until wilted.
    2. Add broccoli and broth. Quickly bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes. 3. Puree in blender (will need to do in two batches).
    4. In the saucepan, stir together the broccoli puree, milk and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then heat. If the soup is thicker than you like, add more broth or milk and re-season.
     
     
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    This is a copy of my horoscope for today from the Daily OM
     
    February 12, 2007
    Paths Of The Heart

    Capricorn Daily Horoscope

    You may feel particularly dreamy today as well as ready to embrace fantastical concepts without a moment’s doubt. As a result, your private and career-related choices may be a reflection of your imaginative mind manifesting itself in your everyday affairs. While you may at first fear that you are doing yourself a disservice by maintaining such a high level of idealism, you will likely soon come to see that it is your hope that is allowing you to embark upon these amazing journeys of the mind. If you can channel this creative energy into your obligations today, you may find that you can use your dreams as beacons that guide you toward success as you pursue your worldly goals.

    Often, in following the dictates of the heart, we discover that we can achieve our practical, everyday goals in roundabout and seemingly unrealistic ways. Since we nurture hope in our souls and are willing to hold tight to ideals that others may scoff at, we are capable of perceiving avenues of opportunity that we might otherwise have missed. We view our dreams as guideposts that lead us toward the successful outcome of our endeavors and are willing to look beyond our preconceptions when mapping our paths. Our choices are consequently very much unlimited, and we are free to explore entirely new worlds of experience that we ourselves create through our open-mindedness and imaginative approach to achievement. Your belief in the power of your dreams will sustain you as you court success through your diligent efforts today.

    I don't know about all that...I was just planning to go to the grocery store before the winter storm, that is suppose to be coming our way, hit.  I hope we don't get slammed like they did in New York.  Ugh! 

    By the way, I began my low carb diet, again, last Wednesday.  I've lost about 6 pounds since then.  YEA!  I'm really, really missing my carb saturated food though.  LOL  But at least it is working.

    Hopefully, this time I will be able to stay on it until I lose the weight I need to.  Then I hope to begin reintroducing some carbs, but mostly just the healthy ones.  Let me tell you, having a salad twice a day...well, it really gets the fiber that you need back into your system.  LOL

    Don't get me wrong, that isn't all that I am eating.  I also have some meat protein with it.  Usually a plain hamburg patty, some ham or a chicken breast. 

    For breakfast I can have eggs.  The only thing is I have to be really careful.  Most of the time, when I eat eggs, a few hours later I get these really awful stomach pains.  I've found that if I add enough milk and something like chopped ham, I don't get the pains.  I don't know if I've developed a slight allergy to eggs or what.  But it really stinks because I like eggs.  Mmm, especially sunny side up eggs with wheat toast dipped in the middles.  YUM!  But then, I can't eat bread on this diet anyway, LOL.

    Well, if you happen to have any recipes for low carb meal ideas, would ya do me a favor and send them my way?  I'd be eternally grateful.  Thanks!

    Have a wonderful day.
    Hugs!
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