Kathy Keene: WHBY's Good Neighbor

Belle

2012-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

THIS IS "BELLE"

January 17, 2012

A new addition has come to the Keene household. Her name is Belle and she's a 3 year old black and white domestic short hair cat. We adopted her from the Fox Valley Humane Association on Saturday, January 7th and brought her home on Monday, January 9th. It's been one week since her arrival and she's certainly made herself at home. She's a people cat and loves sitting on your lap or just being near you. What a joy pets bring into your life.

Affinity Breast Cancer Center

2011-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

Back on August 18th I had the opportunity to tour the new St. Elizabeth Hospital Breast Center.
It's located on the first floor at St. E's and has the latest technology for detecting breast cancer.
It's a beautiful, completely new area built with us in mind.

About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).

I urge all women to get your yearly mammogram beginning at age 40 unless you have a history of breast cancer in your family, then talk to your doctor about a screening before age 40. I just had a mammogram using the new digital equipment, it's so easy and fast. The technologists are caring and walk you through the entire process. Don't put off getting your yearly mammogram.

You can take a virtual tour of the new St. E's Breast Center by going on-line at www.affinityhealth.org You can see the comfortable reception area, coffee bar, private waiting area, plus the amazing technology that's so integral in early breast cancer detection.

If you don't like the idea of making an appointment, if it makes you nervous waiting for the day to arrive, fret no longer. Every Wednesday between 8 AM and 2 PM you can walk into the new breast center for a mammogram. How easy is that.

So ladies, please, please, please, don't delay any longer. Schedule your mammogram today.

Alaska Cruise - June 30 to July 8, 2011

2011-07-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

My Alaska Adventure

Alaska is as close to paradise as paradise gets. It’s a land of majestic beauty with its glaciers, fjords, azure waters, icebergs and its rugged frontier. We saw moose, whales, salmon, bald eagles, porpoise, seals, mountain goats, float planes and totem poles.
We purchased Alaska fro Russia for 2 cents an acre. What a great buy.

We flew out of Appleton at 7 AM on Thursday, June 30th. It was a 5-1/2 hour flight to Anchorage out of Minneapolis. Alaska is 3 hours behind us so the time difference was a bit getting used to. As I was getting off the plane in Anchorage, a man coming from first class stopped and let us go ahead of him. I looked at him and recognized him. I asked him if he was Todd. He smiled and said yes. It was Todd Palin. I told him to tell Sarah to keep up the good work. I knew Sarah had to be behind him so I waited in the concourse. Sure enough, she came off the plane dressed in blue jeans, wearing a rust colored baseball cap, pink back pack and texting on her phone. I started walking with her and chatting about her Alaska series, told her I had a group of 50 cruising the Inside Passage and that we were from Wisconsin. She said she loved Wisconsin. She was very friendly and cute as a button. She’s a very petite lady and she was wearing her famous designer glasses and pink lip gloss. Her daughter Bristol was behind us several yards and was watching me like a hawk. She had her son and Tripp with her. Todd walked way ahead of them – didn’t want to draw attention to Sarah. She was very incognito. Very hard to recognize. They were on our plane from Minneapolis to Anchorage. She was there for a book signing. Made my day.

We had a 1 PM trolley tour of Anchorage. Anchorage makes up 45% of the population of Alaska. Alaskans eat the most ice cream and second in Spam consumption. Hawaii is first when it comes to eating the most Spam. We saw a moose in the wild and lots of bald eagles. Drove past some of the homes that sell for $280,000. Anchorage gets 17 feet of snow per year and the average temperature is 5 degrees in January and 60 degrees in summer. The lilacs and bleeding hearts were in full bloom. They get 17-1/2 hours of daylight in the summertime and 7 hours in winter.

We drove to Earthquake Park. In 1964 an earthquake struck Anchorage, lasting 4-1/2 minutes on Good Friday. The earthquake measured a stunning 9.2 on the Richter Scale, making it the strongest North American quake in recorded history. Because Anchorage lies only 80 miles from the epicenter damage to the city was immense. 130 people lost their lives, not from the earthquake, but from the tsunami. The second wave was 90 feet high and coming at 100 mph. They had 1,000 aftershocks. Anchorage also lost 1600 feet of shoreline from the quake. Alaska averages 300 earthquakes per day.

They have a saying in Alaska. If you see a bear, stand tall. If you see a moose, run for your life. We saw a moose. He was lumbering in the wilds near a scrubby open area. They also have special fences so the moose can get in and out without getting hurt. There are 2,000 moose in Anchorage alone.

Gasoline was $3.93 per gallon. Mt. McKinley or Denali as some like to call it, is 153 air miles from Anchorage and is seen only about 20 times a year. It’s usually covered in fog. I’ve seen Mt. McKinley twice in the 3 times I’ve been to Alaska. It’s awesome.

The city of Anchorage has 270 different types of flowers. They have hanging baskets everywhere and they are watered twice a day.

Friday morning I had reindeer sausage for breakfast with an omelet. We took the train to Seward, a 4-1/2 hour train ride through some of the most beautiful country ever. We saw
a moose along the way and everyone was excited. Temperature was 50 degrees with a light rain most of the way to Seward. We passed marshes where 200 species of birds nest. Passed a coal train with 10 engines used to pull it. We saw where gun-mounted cannons were used to shoot down avalanches in winter. Saw mountain goats and glaciers. We passed Kenai Lake that is 82 miles long and 600 feet deep in places.

On Saturday, July 2nd, our first stop was at the Hubbard Glacier. It’s 6 miles wide, 76 miles long, 300 to 400 feet high and the longest and most active tidewater glacier in Alaska. 15% of the glacier is above ground and 85% below water. The darkest blue in the glacier is the oldest ice. Nothing’s more thrilling than watching a massive chunk of ice as it comes crashing down into the bay. And just as exciting is the roaring sound that goes with it. This amazing natural phenomenon is called glacier calving, but to the Tlingit (pronounced klinket) people of the region, it’s “White Thunder”. We saw a harbor seal floating on one of the ice bergs. They are 6 feet long and weigh180 lbs. We saw humpback whales. Humpbacks come to Alaska to feed on the sea’s riches. They have a plate of keratin attached to the upper jaw, which works like a strainer to catch their food. They have no teeth, so they can eat only the tiniest of seafood. Adult humpbacks may eat a ton of food per day. They eat krill (shrimp-like organisms)and small baitfish and can get to be 40 feet long and weigh 40 tons. They migrate more than 3,000 miles from tropical waters like Hawaii to the cooler waters of Southeast Alaska in as few as 30 days. Humpbacks are baleen whales and do not live in family groups but often gather into small feeding concentrations. They often cooperate in a feeding behavior known as “bubble-net feeding”. The whales circle a ball of krill, then surge up from underneath the ball to the surface, engulfing huge mouthfuls of the crustaceans. Some of the people in our group got the chance to witness this unique spectacular activity. Between 3,000 and 5,000 humpbacks visit Southeast Alaska during the summer months, a few stay year-round.

Some orcas were spotted on our cruise. The orca or killer whale is a skillful predator and will eat a variety of prey, including swimming moose and other whales. Orcas live in family units called pods and usually remain with their pod for life. Each pod has its own “language” or dialect. Males reach lengths of up to 25 feet and weigh up to nine tons, females up to 20 feet and eight tons.

Sunday, July 3rd, we arrived in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. It is situated at the foot of the Juneau Icefield, home to 38 major glaciers and 100 smaller ones, covers nearly 1,500 square miles. Juneau was home to the Tlingit, the indigenous people of the area. It is believed the Tlingit first made contact with prospectors. Two of those prospectors were Joseph Juneau and Richard Harris who were led by the Tlingit chief to gold in the nearby mountains and streams. The find was the first major Alaskan gold discovery and in 1880, nearly 20 years before the Nome and Klondike Gold Rushes, the pair staked out a 160 acre town site on the beach. Juneau quickly grew and today the city’s main focus is state and federal government, tourism and commercial fishing. Juneau maintains a definite frontier flavor with its narrow hillside streets and small-town atmosphere. You’ll find lamp posts trimmed with colorful banners and flower baskets – just a few of the many ways Juneau says “welcome” to its visitors.

I rode the Mount Roberts Tramway to the top of the mountain. It’s a 60 passenger aerial tramway that takes you on an 1800 foot ascent over the rain forest to the mountaintop where you’ll find a visitors center, hiking trails, Native culture and art, shopping and dining. We saw Lady Baltimore, a beautiful bald eagle that had been shot in the beak and lost an eye. She will never be able to be returned to the wild. Also saw a bald eagle nest with 4 tiny baby eagles in it. The panoramic view from there was incredible.

When in Juneau, you have to stop at the Red Dog Saloon, said to be haunted. Juneau’s population is a little over 30,000 and is Alaska’s third largest city behind Anchorage and Fairbanks. Juneau is the only capital city in the United States that is not accessible by road. Downtown Juneau goes from sea level to more than 3,800 feet above sea level within a mile of the coastline. One of the more popular excursions is to the Mendenhall Glacier, which has been receding at a rate of about 200 feet per year since 2000.

Monday, July 4th we arrived in Skagway, the gateway to Klondike gold. Skagway is surrounded by rugged mountains and embraces the pioneer spirit of the Last Frontier. As you walked down the boardwalk, you could hear barroom pianos and train whistles throughout the town. We watched the 4th of July parade. It was a very short parade. They go down the main street, which is 8 blocks long, turn around and go back up the street to the starting line.

Skagway has 834 year round residents and takes its distinctive name from the Tlingit word “skaqua”, which is said to mean “home of the north wind.” Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation it shares with the Eiffel tower and Panama Canal. It’s one of the most popular excursions with tourists. Lots of interesting shops
in Skagway including a Sarah Palin Store. Skagway is also haunted. The Red Onion Saloon is home to the town’s most famous ghost. Creeping footsteps, clanking chains and pounding hearts can be heard. And the ghost also seems to like watering the plants.
The Golden North Hotel also boasts ghosts. It was recently converted into a shop.

Tuesday, July 5th, we went to Icy Strait Point and Hoonah, Alaska. What’s more authentic than glaciers, salmon and a legendary Tlingit tale? The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park is millions of acres worth of snow-capped mountains, coastal beaches, deep fjords, freshwater rivers and lakes and tidewater glaciers. Long ago, this was the ancestral home of the Tlingit before a rapid glacial advance forced them to relocate to Hoonah. The village of Hoonah is the largest Tlingit settlement in Alaska. Also part of the Hoonah heritage is the historic cannery. Built in 1912 to service the salmon industry, it also served as shelter for Hoonah’s residents after the fire on June 14, 1944. The fire destroyed much of Hoonah, including homes and priceless Tlingit cultural pieces. The U.S. government assisted in rebuilding the town by providing World War II housing that had been on its way to Hawaii. These “war houses” still stand in Hoonah’s downtown. I took a short bus ride into Hoonah and saw the war houses and how
the Tlingit people live.

We had light rain most of the day. We saw humpback whales, bald eagles and harbor seals. Icy Strait Point has the world’s largest zipline. It’s 5,330 feet long with a 45 minute bus ride to the top of the mountain and 90 seconds to come down at a speed of 60 mph. Cost: $120 per person. Temperature was 52 degrees.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011, Ketchikan, Salmon Capital of the World.
Ketchikan is built on a one large solid rock. Most of the town is built on piers. Fishing has long been the bread and butter of this rustic town and the first fish cannery opened in 1883 and by 1885 three small canneries had opened. The industry reached its peak in 1936, when 7 canneries produced 1.5 million cases of salmon for distribution all over the world. The forests of high-quality timber near Ketchikan spawned the town’s other claim to fame: premium forest products. Red and yellow cedar, western hemlock and Sitka spruce are all in abundant supply here. Spruce was in especially high demand during World War II and Ketchikan quickly became the world’s supply center for premium wood.

Ketchikan is also Alaska’s wettest city; on average, a jaw-dropping 13 feet of precipitation falls here annually. Tourism plays a vital role in Ketchikan’s economy and the city is widely known for its impressive array of shopping opportunities. Handmade native drums and hand-carved masks and totem poles along with carved ivory and whalebone figures. A handmade totem pole will cost you $2,000 per foot and they average 7 to 8 feet tall.

Ketchikan is in the heart of 17 million acre Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States. More than 250 species of birds have been identified in Ketchikan. Migrating humpback and orca whales, as well as sea lions, seals and porpoises, are often spotted on cruise excursions. You’ll also see Sitka black-tail deer, mountain goats and wolves in the higher elevations. Black bears can be seen in streams in search of food.
The world’s largest collection of totem poles can be found at the Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Park. Totem poles were never religious objects; instead, they told stories, kept the past alive. Traditionally the Native men who carved the poles, carved from western red cedar, were the only people welcome in every village and they worked hard for this honor. The carvers went through training before a village hired a pole carver. They made him pass the equivalent of a graduate level exam on local mythology. It could take a year to carve a large pole and if the carver got it wrong, if he did something that changed the story, his life was in the villagers’ hands. Today the new breed of carvers are making totem poles relevant to everyone. They depict the lives and history of the people who create them and represent ancestral pride. Among the figures frequently appearing on poles are animals found in the region, including eagles, ravens, frogs, bears, wolves and whales. A typical “life span” of a totem pole is between 50 and 60 years, after which the pole becomes so rotten that it topples to the g round, where it is left to decay or used for firewood.

I rode the Ketchikan Duck. It’s a state of the art amphibian – it’s a bus, it’s a boat and yes it floats. We traveled to the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek viewing the spawning grounds. The female salmon swish a hole in the sand with their tail to lay the eggs. The male salmon fertilize the eggs and then swish their tail and bury the eggs. Both the male and female salmon then die. The fingerlings feed off the dead bodies. The salmon have a toxin in their skin that gives off an odor so no predator will destroy the food source for the fingerlings. The salmon return 3 years later to the same spot where they were born.
There are five species of Pacific salmon that return from the sea to Alaska’s streams each summer to complete their life cycle. The five species are: king salmon, cohos, sockeyes, pinks and chums. The king salmon is the largest of the five species and are Alaska’s state fish. They are also called Chinooks. Cohos or silver salmon are the last of the salmon to spawn and are great for poaching or grilling. Sockeyes or red salmon are the number one salmon for smoking. Spawning sockeye turn a brilliant scarlet color, their heads are olive colored. Pinks, humpback or humpy salmon are an important commercial fish for canned salmon. Chums are seldom used for food but provide much of the commercial salmon caviar. Alaska Natives feed these salmon to their dog teams.

We saw bald eagles and their babies along the Tongass Narrows. Saw the local fishing fleet with their catch of salmon and viewed the seaplane docks and waterfront community.

There is so much to see and do in our 49th state. It’s a beautiful state and a must on your bucket list.

You Tell On Yourself

2011-05-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

You Tell On Yourself

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,
By the very manner in which you speak,
By the way you employ your leisure time,
By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the clothes you wear,
By the spirit in which your burdens you bear,
By the kinds of things at which you laugh,
By the records you play on your phonograph.

You show what you are by the way you walk,
By the things of which you delight to talk,
By the manner in which you bear defeat,
By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from a well-filled shelf–
In these ways and others you tell on yourself.
So really there’s not a grain of sense
In trying to keep up a false pretense.
-unknown

Mom's Value

2011-04-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching and a recent financial survey estimates mothers are worth over half a million dollars a year. The typical mom conducts the same daily business of seventeen occupations combined. Using salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, a multi-tasking mother's annual salary is calculated to be $508,700.

Raise children (Child care worker) $13,000
Plan vacation and play (Recreation worker) $15,500
Cook meals (Executive chef) $40,000
Serve meals (Food service worker) $20,000
Plan meals (Dietitians/nutritionists) $41,600
Keep house (Property manager) $22,600
Clean house (Housekeeper) $9,000
Care for pets (Animal caretaker) $17,500
Dispense medication (Registered nurse) $35,000
Attend functions (Management analyst) $41,000
Manage family finances (Computer system analyst) $44,000
Manage investments (Financial manager) $39,000
Carpool (Bus driver) $32,400
Homework & discipline (School principal) $58,600
Resolve family issues (Psychologist) $29,000
Keep family schedule (General office clerk) $19,000
Maintain family harmony (Social worker) $30,000

Total: $508,700

Pine Trees and Easter

2011-04-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed the pine tree crosses on Easter Sunday? Pine trees know when it's Easter.

They start their new growth in the weeks before Easter. If you look at the tops of the pine trees two weeks before, you'll see the yellow shoots.

As the days get close to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross.

By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you will see that most of the pine trees will have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest shoots. How amazing.

Happy Easter!

The Aaron Rodgers Story

2011-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is written by a sports anchor from Fox 6 in Milwaukee. It doesn’t get any better than this.

“Save Me A Spot”

This job affords me some incredible opportunities. Being a member of the FOX 6 Sports team means I’ve been able to witness and report on events and people that many can only admire from a distance. I never take these situations for granted and sincerely appreciate being involved in whatever capacity each permits.

Monday marked just the most recent case as I had the unparalleled privilege to be a part of Aaron Rodgers charity event to benefit the MACC Fund, a charity towards eradicating childhood cancer and blood disorders.

Scattered throughout the crowd of rabid Packers aficionados, were the people who I consider the event’s real MVPs. They are the families who’ve been forced to deal with one of life’s toughest sentences – the loss of a child.

Those who sprung for the tickets were not disappointed. In a world where many athletes regurgitate canned and rehearsed responses, the Packers quarterback was refreshingly candid. Aaron addressed a number of topics with in-depth honest reaction – even some that if reprinted and mass distributed might raise some eyebrows.

Aaron stressed the importance of availability and accountability. In his opinion, it is a player’s responsibility to attend all of the team activities as they are all intended to better the team as a whole. And then, similarly, he addressed the importance of taking the heat or criticism when one falls short of expectations and duties.

He is never nervous to take the field. Aaron is supremely confident in the preparation he’s put in during the week leading up to Sunday’s match up. The way the 2009 season ended was disappointing but his self-confidence was not affected by the outcome. One of the toughest realizations was that that combination of players would never take the field together again. He likened the team to a family and admitted that conflict can and does occasionally exist but they try to handle such situations with maturity and civility.

He talked music and his love for tunes at a young age revealing that his mom used to sing and play lullabies and country music when he was a child. Aaron’s record label, Suspended Sunrise, is a product of this passion but also a contingency plan for life after football. His favorite song is Ben Harper’s “Forever” and he’s envious of John Mayer’s guitar skills though not his tabloid reputation. He appreciated my affinity for Keith Urban but gave the audience a thumbs-down when I mentioned fellow country crooner Kenny Chesney.

His favorite book is The Bible and he tries to read it every day not just when life’s challenges and struggles surface.

His favorite movie is The Princess Bride which he admits he’s caught flack for but says he and his childhood friends can recite every line from the film and it is simply a great story.

Rodgers’ answers to questions on this night were certainly admirable. And I honestly didn’t think I could respect Aaron more. But I was wrong.

My friend, the father of that young girl who passed, but there that night. He was one of several attendees brought up on stage where he caught a football thrown by the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

He asked Aaron to sign the football he’s caught. He wondered if he’d make it out to his daughter. It isn’t shocking that Rodgers obliged. What caught me off guard was the dedication he made. It wasn’t until after Aaron left that I first saw the autograph…..and the simple yet sweet message that brought tears to this father’s eyes:

“To Cheri the angel. Save me a spot. – Aaron Rodgers”

I hope that Packers fans realize how lucky they are to have such an upstanding young man leading their team on the field every weekend. I hope they appreciate the challenges that were thrust upon him and acknowledge the maturity with which he handled them. I hope they stand behind the kid and respect him, not only for his incredible talent, but for
his intelligence and honesty, poise and compassion.

My job has afforded me the chance to watch Aaron Rodgers play football for the last few seasons. But I am truly thankful for the opportunity to see the other side of this impressive young man. And pass on some of what I witnessed to you.

The Basic Rules for Clotheslines

2010-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES OF THE PAST:

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging any clothes – walk the entire lengths of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang “whites” with “whites,” and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders – always by the tail!. What would the neighbors think?

4. Wash day on a Monday! . .. . Never hang clothes on the weekend, for heaven’s sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you could hide your “unmentionables” in the middle.

6. It didn’t matter if it was sub zero weather … clothes would “freeze-dry.”

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes! Pins left on the lines were “tacky!”

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next washed item.

9. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.

10. Fresh sheets on the bed guarantee a good nights rest!

A POEM
A clothesline was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by,
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.

For then you’d see the “fancy sheets
And towels upon the line;
You’d see the “company table cloths”
With intricate designs.

The line announced a baby’s birth
rom folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung,
So carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could
So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed,
You’d know how much they’d grown!

It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.

It also said, “Gone on vacation now”
When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, “We’re back!” when full lines sagged
With not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon
If wash was dingy and gray,
As neighbors carefully raised their brows,
And looked the other way .. . .

But clotheslines now are of the past,
For dryers make work much less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody’s guess!

I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best
By what hung out on the line.

The Clothesline Said So Much, by Marilyn K. Walker

EGG RECALL

2010-08-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

The eggs infected with salmonella are all produced in Galt, Iowa by Wright County Egg and are sold in retail stores under a number of different brands.

Here's the list of affected brands:

Albertson
Boomsma's
Dutch Farms
Fresh Farms
Hillendale
Kemps
Lucerne
Lund
Mountain Dairy
Ralph's
Shoreland
Sunshine
Trafficanda

Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons from 6, 12 to 18 egg cartons with Julian dates
ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946.

Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian* date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223 The Julian date is the date the eggs were packed.

*Julian date: usually on the short side of the carton, represents the consecutive days of the year with the number 001 as January 1 and December 31 as 365. So if you have P-1946 223
stamped on your egg carton, it means the eggs were packed on August 11th. (223 days from January 1).

Eggs should be stored in their cartons on the middle or lower inside shelf of the refrigerator, not on the door.

Don't Envy Others

2010-08-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Don’t Envy Other Folks

Don’t think when you have troubles,
That your neighbor goes scot-free,
Because he shows a smiling front,
And battles cheerfully.

No, Man! He, too, has troubles,
But herein the difference lies,
While you go idly moping round,
The other fellow tries.

Don’t envy other people;
Maybe, if the truth you knew,
You’d find their burdens heavier far
Than is the case with you.

Because a fellow, rain or shine,
Can show a smiling face,
Don’t think you’d have an easier time
If you could take his place.

‘Tis hope and cheery courage
That incite one to retrieve
One’s past mistakes, to start afresh,
To dare and to achieve.

So smile, and if perchance you light
The spark of hope anew
In some poor sad and burdened heart,
All honor be to you.
-Anonymous

The Amazing Cucumber

2010-02-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Cucumber

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and viola, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finished a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

The Winter Boots

2010-02-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Winter Boots

(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this)

Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her reception class pupils put on his boots?

He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on.

By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.'She looked, and sure enough, they were.

It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as, together, they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the correct feet.

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.' She bit her tongue, rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so? ' like she wanted to. Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.

No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My Mum made me wear 'em.'

Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'

He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'

She will be eligible for parole in three years.

Smiles

2010-01-29T07:21:00.001-08:00

Here are 20 quotes & sayings about smiles.

1. People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile. -Lee Mildon
2. Smiling is infectious; you can catch it like the flu. Some smiled at me today, and I started smiling too. -Anonymous
3. If you smile at someone, they might smile back. -Anonymous
4. A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. -Charles Gordy
5. A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. -Phyllis Diller
6. Start every day with a smile and get it over with. -W.C.Fields
7. If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it. -Andy Rooney
8. Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it. -Anonymous
9. A smile is a universal welcome. -Max Eastman
10. All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile. -Chris Hart
11. You’re never fully dressed without a smile. -Martin Charnin
12. Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. -Charles Reade
13. Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. -Mother Teresa
14. A smile can brighten the darkest day. -Anonymous
15. The shortest distance between two people is a smile. -Anonymous
16. Wear a smile–one size fits all. -Anonymous
17. Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available. -Jim Beggs
18. Every day you spend without a smile, is a lost day. -Anonymous
19. It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown. -Anonymous
20. I have never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful. -Anonymous

What is Success?

2010-01-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

What Is Success?

It’s doing your work the best your can,
And being just to your fellow man;
It’s making money, but holding friends,
And staying true to your aims and ends;

It’s figuring how and learning why,
And looking forward and thinking high,
And dreaming a little and doing much;
It’s keeping always in closest touch

With what is finest in word and deed;
It’s being thorough, yet making speed;
It’s daring blithely the field of chance
While making labor a brave romance.

It’s going onward despite defeat,
And fighting staunchly, but keeping sweet;
It’s being clean and it’s fighting fair;
It’s laughing lightly at Dame Despair;

It’s looking up to the stars above.
And drinking deeply of life and love;
It’s struggling on with the will to win,
But taking loss with a cheerful grin;

It’s sharing sorrow, and work, and mirth,
And making better this good old earth;
It’s serving, striving, through strain and stress;
It’s doing your noblest…that’s success!

- Author Unknown -

The Boss or the Leader

2010-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Boss Or The Leader?
Here’s a good thought on the difference between a boss and a leader. If you’re in a leadership role, this might be a nice thing to print and stick up on the wall. Even if you don’t read it all the time, at least the people around you will see you’re trying to do what’s right.

The Boss Or The Leader?

The boss drives his men.
The leader coaches them.
The boss depends on authority.
The leader, goodwill.
The boss says “I.”
The leader says “we.”
The boss says “Be there on time.”
The leader gets there ahead of time.
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown on you.
The leader fixes the breakdown.
The boss knows how it is done.
The leader shows how.
The boss says “go."
The leader says “Let’s go.”
The boss uses people.
The leader develops them.
The boss sees today.
The leader looks at tomorrow.
The boss commands.
The leader asks.
The boss never has enough time.
The leader makes time.
The boss is concerned with things.
The leader is concerned with people.
The boss lets his people know where he stands.
The leader lets his people know where to stand.
The boss works hard to produce.
The leader works hard to help his people produce.
The boss takes the credit.
The leader gives it.
-unknown-

Nails in the Fence

2010-01-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

NAILS IN THE FENCE

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.
He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, ' You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Remember that friends are very rare jewels indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed; They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.

Please forgive me if I have ever left a ' hole ' in your fence.

Twas The Month After Christmas

2010-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

Twas the month after Christmas,
And all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
Not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
The chocolate I'd taste
At the holiday parties
Had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
There arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls,
The bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said,
"No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself
In my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again
To do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last
Of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake,
Every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food
That I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces
Have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits,
Or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome,
and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?

Happy New Year!

How to Stay Young

2010-01-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them' .
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Share this with someone.We all need to live life to its fullest each day!! Worry about nothing, pray about everything!!!

A Handbook for 2010

2010-01-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

A HANDBOOK FOR 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn... Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy. Last but not the least:
40. Please Share this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to All!

May we all have a safe, happy, healthy 2010.

This is a two thousand year old method of guaranteeing financial prosperity in the new year, adapted to modern methodology. Here's how it works:

Take a blank check.
Date it with the current date.
Make the check out to yourself.
Use your full legal name.
Leave the dollar box and line blank.
In the memo area write, "paid in full."
Sign the check, "Law of Abundance."

That's it! You will need to keep the check with you at all times in the new year (except when bathing and sleeping). You must complete before the first new moon of the year, which this year is January 13. Good Luck.

12 Questions That Will Change Your Life

2009-12-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

12 Questions That Will Change Your Life

1. How do I spend my alone time?
Do you rely on your old standbys like walking the dog, gardening, shopping to comfort, satisfy and give you a strong sense of self . If you always stick with the same-old same-old, you'll probably find yourself feeling bored and uninspired; it's like wearing the same pair of pants for 30 years. Walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly curious and challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love — what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show? Prepare to be surprised.

2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs?
Do you listen when it tells you that you're working too hard, drinking too much wine, or letting your arm muscles go as weak as a little old lady's? Just think how much you could benefit from treating your body and doing something beneficial to feel healthy

3. To whom am I grateful?
Think of the teacher who coaxed you to express your opinions, the aunt who advised you to fearlessly try new things, the boss who gave you days off to deal with a personal problem. Recall their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit. Realizing how many people you're grateful to, and for what, can totally alter your outlook!

4. Do I compare my life to other people's?
If you expend too many brain cells stacking your life up against others' lives — your kids vs. their kids, your kitchen vs. their kitchen — it's time to free yourself from that keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mind-set. Otherwise, all you're learning is what the Joneses want. When you see them driving around town, are they always laughing and happy? Nope. Sometimes, if you look closely, you'll see Mrs. Jones staring out the window glumly — because she's wondering if her family measures up to the Smiths.

5. Do I spend money on things that speak to my soul?
Can you devote a small amount — say, $10 a month — to something you care about, whether it's a charity that means a lot to you or saving to buy yourself a piece of art?

6. What do I see when I look in the mirror each morning?
If you've been known to occasionally wrinkle up your nose at the little imperfections you see, or at your choice of today's outfit, what if you just gave yourself a great big smile each day instead? Well, for starters, you might find more joy in getting dressed and have more fun wearing your favorite color.

7. Have I figured out a way to handle the less-than-perfect relationships in my life?
Do you yearn for some people to just get it together? Or do you keep trying — and failing — to "fix" them? Maybe it's time to accept that your sister-in-law/boss/best friend are who they are, warts and all — and decide how they fit into your life (or don't) "as is."

8. Do I have faith in something bigger than I am, whether it's God or some other spiritual form?That feeling of awe you get when contemplating a higher spirit — be it God, Buddha, or Mother Nature — brings you out of yourself. We are all connected by something greater than us. Whether you meditate or pray or walk by the river, these moments can help you explore what you find wondrous in life.

9. What positive things do I bring to relationships with my husband, my kids, my friends?
Your sense of humor? Your sage advice? Your habit of baking the world's best brownies for a loved one who's in the dumps? Being aware of what you bring to the party helps you go easier on yourself when you hit inevitable rough moments in your relationships.

10. Is there a space in my home to do the things I love like paint, practice yoga, play cards with friends, quilt?
If not, why not make the room for it now?

11. How many hours a week do I spend on my computer, my TV, my BlackBerry?
If the number sounds high to you, resolve to reduce your screen time next week, and see how it feels not to be in your usual chair at the usual time. See how you use — how you live — those hours instead.

12. Do I feel older or younger than my years? How often do I feel good about being exactly the age I am?
No matter how many birthdays you've racked up, remember this: You can tap in to your potential at any age. You can get and keep your body fit. You can seek out new thrills so you feel as excited as a kid, if you like. You'll also see that age is, indeed, just a number. And you'll free yourself up to ask the most important question of all: How will I live this life that's been given to me?

Is There A Santa Claus?

2009-12-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone,

I thought I would share an interesting story about a mom and her explanation to her son Frankie when asked, "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like, "Why do people die?" and "Where do babies come from?" "Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus?"

The mom prayed for the right words. "What do you think?"

Frankie shrugged. "Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree." "Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree?" Frankie hesitated. "I guess I'm asking both."

The mom wrapped her arms around Frankie and gave him a big hug. "I am so proud of you!" "For what?" Frankie looked puzzled.

"You're old enough now! You see Frankie, while there isn't a man in a red suit, there is something called the Christmas Spirit. But when children are very little, it's hard for them to understand the Christmas Spirit so we say that someone named Santa is responsible for Christmas. Parent's know when a child asks whether Santa is real that they're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit."

Frankie looked surprised. "What's the Christmas Spirit?"

"The Christmas Spirit is love -- pure and simple. Every year, right around December, there's a special feeling in the air. People are kinder, they give to those who have little and spend time with friends and family. Have you noticed a change recently?"

Frankie thought for a moment. "Everything seems prettier. People seem happier."
"That's the Christmas Spirit at work. The Christmas Spirit is a gift we all receive every year. And those who are most blessed, carry it with them all year."

"Parents want their children to remember the gift of Christmas every year, so they put presents under the tree and say a man named Santa is responsible until each child asks the question you asked me tonight. Then they get to share the wonderful secret of the Christmas Spirit."

"A secret?" Frankie's voice was hushed with awe.

"Yes, now that you asked about Santa, I know that you're old enough to understand the Christmas Spirit. But until other children ask their parents, you shouldn't tell them there's no Santa because they may not be old enough to understand yet."

Frankie nodded and winked. "I won't tell, I promise."

"When people ask if I believe in Santa, I say yes. I absolutely believe that there is a Christmas Spirit that visits each house at Christmas. Does it matter whether that Spirit is wearing a red suit? Or what we call it?"

Frankie shook his head. "Nope!"

"So congratulations! You are officially old enough to start learning about the Christmas Spirit." Frankie crinkled his nose. "Start learning?" "Yes. It takes the rest of your life to figure out how to keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart all year long."

Twelve Days of Christmas

2009-12-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas........or so the song goes....Hope you aren't one of the many people who become unglued trying to wrap things up this time of the year.

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. Have you ever wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality, which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy,
Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.

An interesting explanation, whether you believe it or not, to the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Great Book

2009-11-10T14:40:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for an interesting book, I have a great one for you.
Everyone at some point has listened to a song and wondered what the meaning
was behind it. Is the song about love, heartbreak, growing up in a troubled household
or maybe just life in general. Musicians love to say that every song tells a story,
but they are usually tight lipped about the story behind the song. Was it really
scribbled on a napkin? Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind The Song is
a book that touches people of all ages that have listened to all types of music.
The book is co-authored by Jo-Ann Geffen. She moved to Los Angeles from New York
in 1978 to open an office at Motown Records for the Commodores at the peak of their superstardom and traveled the country and the world on tour with them. Pick up a
copy of the book and read the stories behind the songs.....you may never listen to them
the same way again.

Things Your Burglar Wont' Tell You

2009-11-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Lessons on Life

2009-11-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

45 LESSONS LIFE TAUGHT ME

We can all learn a lesson or two from this list. Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written." Here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up
to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this
matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you
did or didn’t do
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d
grab ours back
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

H1N1 vs The Common Cold

2009-11-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

H1N1 flu is upon us and we need to be on top of information regarding it. Here is a comparison to the normal cold symptoms.

Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms:

Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.

Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.

Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.

Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.

Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sewing Machine

2009-11-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

Just the beginning of another week - hope your weekend was great and you accomplished
all that you set out to do. Hubby and I cleaned out the gutters yesterday before the
cold winds blow. Had all of the wire put a round the trees and shrubs done in September so
didn't have to worry about getting that done. Leaves are raked and my yard is ready for winter.
Even filled up the bird feeders and put the corn up for the squirrels.

Saturday I bought a new sewing machine and am so excited. My last machine was purchased
in 1988 and becoming a quilter, I needed something with more choices. Well I got it. 178 built-in stitches including the alphabet, 40 decorative stitches and more. I even had hubby sewing his
name on a piece of fabric. He was blown away. It's the Decorator's Choice by Baby Lock. I'm like a little kid with a new toy.

Tonight is Dancing with the Stars - can't miss that program. But first I need to workout and
loosen up some muscles. So have a nice evening and I'll chat later.

New England Splendor Tour-Day 9, 10 and 11

2009-10-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

Day 9 - Thursday, October 1st

We arrived in New York City for the next 2 days. Had a city tour of the Big Apple, saw the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Greenwich Village, visited the World Trade Center Memorial and then had time to do some shopping. They were filming 30 Rock at Rockefeller Center so some of the group saw Alec Baldwin. We saw Grant’s Tomb, the building where Martha Stewart and the Food Channel broadcast from.

There are 20,000 restaurants in NYC, 37,000 cops and they need 3,000 more. There are 600 McDonald’s, 200 Starbucks, 13,000 yellow cabs, 200 languages are spoken in NYC and 45,000 traffic lights. The Empire State Building is the tallest bldg. in NYC and gets 500 lightning strikes per year. They also have cameras mounted on most corners in NYC. We saw Donald Trump’s Trump Towers with all the marble walls and the water wall inside. Drove down 5th Avenue and visited St. John’s Cathedral. The Statue of Liberty can fit in the middle of the cathedral without its base because the ceilings are so high. It's magnificant inside with the stone work and statuary.

Staten Island has the largest Italian community in the city. Any building that is over 6 stories high, has water towers on top needed for water pressure. It’s a common site to see old water towers – a landmark in NCY. We drove through Hell’s Kitchen which is the theatre district in New York City. Saw Lauren Bacall and Bernie Madoff’s apartment buildings. Also were Jackie Kennedy lived at 1040 West Park Ave. and John Lennon.

Drove around Central Park. It's 2 miles long and ½ mile long with a total of 840 acres. The New York Marathon begins in Central Park. It contains a zoo, lake, tennis and soccer fields, 2 ice skating rinks and of course, Tavern on the Green, which was a sheep barn at one time where we had lunch. Also saw Yoko Ono’s tribute to John Lennon, Strawberry Fields, located just inside Central Park.

Went to a Broadway musical at 8 PM. Saw Jersey Boys. Jersey Boys is a musical biography of the Four Seasons—the rise, the tough times and personal clashes, and the ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. Far from a mere tribute concert (though it does include numbers from the popular Four Seasons songbook), Jersey Boys gets to the heart of the relationships at the center of the group—with a special focus on frontman Frankie Valli, the small kid with the big falsetto. In addition to following the quartet’s coming of age as performers, the core of the show is how an allegiance to a code of honor learned in the streets of their native New Jersey got them through a multitude of challenges: gambling debts, Mafia threats and family disasters. Jersey Boys is a glimpse at the people behind a sound that has managed to endure for over four decades in the hearts of the public.

Day 10 - Friday, Oct. 2nd

We had a 9 AM NBC Studio Tour so headed back into New York City. We were staying in New Jersey because prices are cheaper. The tour was very interesting. I saw where Saturday Night Live broadcasts from, where Jimmy Kimmel's stage is (Johnny Carson also had his show there) and I got to be an anchor and read off the monitor. The make-up people have 90 seconds to get
guests ready for appearances. Saw Robert Bazell, one of the reporters for NBC and Amy Bodard, the TV anchor with Lester Holt on Saturday’s Today Show. Also stood behind the desk of Brian Williams where he does the nightly news. After the tour we started to head home. Had a farewell dinner en route to Cleveland, Ohio, our nights destination.

Day 11 - Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

A day of travel homeward bound allowing us time to reminisce about our experiences in New England, the sights we saw, the meals we enjoyed and the priceless friendships we made. Arrived home in Appleton around 8 PM.

New England Splendor Tour-Day 7 and 8

2009-10-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Boston and Plimoth Plantation

Day 7 - Tuesday, Sept. 29th

We arrived in Boston and picked up a local guide. As we were waiting for the guide, you'll never guess who I saw walking downthe sidewalk right past our bus?? Stephen King! You cannot mistake him. He looked at me and smiled. Too bad I wasn't thinkingfast enough, I could have invited him on the bus to say hello. We followed the Freedom Trail on the way to the Old North Church, Paul Revere's house and a host of other historic sites. We drove down Beacon Street, saw where they filmed Cheers at the Cheers Bar and there’s a part of Boston on Boston Hill where the glass in the windows turns purple. We saw some of those windows. Saw the State Capitol and the gold dome on top done by Paul Revere. Paul Revere learned the silversmith trade from his father and his work gained quick attention in Boston. After the revolution he expanded his business to include metal works and copper plating. Boston is a lovely city, very clean. Saw a guy vacuuming the sidewalk!We spent some time at Quincy Market. We drove past Ralph Waldo Emerson’s home, saw the site of the Boston Tea Party and we also
saw Massachusetts General - it’s the large teaching hospital with 1200 beds.
How many of you remember the TV series Banacek? It was an early TV
detective series starting George Peppard. The opening scene was of a man rowing on the Charles River – that river is in Boston. I WENT TO HARVARD. We walked around the Harvard Campus and rubbed our hand on the toes of John Harvard for good luck. All of the students rub his toes before taking an exam. The statue is bronze but his foot looks gold from
the wearing away of the bronze with all the people rubbing it.

Three U.S. Presidents went to Harvard. Can you name them?

John Adams, John Quincy Adams and John F. Kennedy.

Drove along Boston’s waterfront. Saw the yacht owned by John Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox. Boston has the fifth largest Chinese population. Toronto is first, Montreal second, San Francisco is third and New York is fourth. The street lights and phone booths in Boston’s Chinatown are in the shape of pagodas. We saw Mary Baker Eddy’s Science Church complex with the reflecting pool, Boston Hall - home to the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestra and MIT.

Day 8 - Wednesday, Sept. 30th

We traveled back in time to Plimoth Plantation where the colonists lived. People were dressed in period clothing telling you all aboutthe living conditions back in the 17th century. I met the mayor of the town - he was quite the character.
The people we met at the Wampanoag Homesite talked of the past, but their story is also a very current one, told from a modern perspective. . Surrounded by soft furs, flickering firelight, and artfully woven bulrush mats, we learned about traditional Wampanoag family life as well as the arrival of the English. You can walk around outside and enjoy the scent of stew as it simmers over a wood fire. Discover traditional Wampanoag plant remedies or help scrape out a mishoon (boat) using centuries-old techniques. Gaze upon the tranquil waters of the Eel River and take this time to glimpse the world of the Wampanoag in the 1600s.The Wampanoag People have lived in southeastern New England for over 12,000 years.

One of the interesting sites at the Wampanoag Homesite was the hut or wetu
they lived in. It’s made out of bark from the trees. I asked how they removed the bark to make the huts. In the spring when the sap is running, they cut a circle around the base of the tree and also one about 6 feet up. They then cut a line from the top cut to the bottom cut right down the middle and the bark is pliable enough to pull it off the tree and place it on a structure
they have made out of tree limbs in the shape of a long oval. They continue
adding these pieces of bark in rows around the wetu until it’s completely covered. Inside the wetu are roughly made bunks where they sleep with a fire pit in the center to keep warm. Both men and women took part in the building of a house and the making of a home. The men were responsible for the actual construction, and the women gathered cattail and bulrush reeds to make mats for covering, lining and insulating the houses.

Also toured the Mayflower II. The ship is a reproduction of the one that first brought English colonists to America. Visiting Mayflower II is an extraordinary experience. The details of the ship, from the solid oak timbers and tarred hemp rigging, to the wood and horn lanterns and hand-colored maps, have all been carefully recreated to give you a sense of what the original 17th-century vessel was like. You go aboard and learn about the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower, the perils of maritime travel, and the tools of 17th-century navigation. We explored the cramped quarters of the ship's passengers. Peered down into the lower level "hold," where the food, clothing, furniture, tools and other items necessary to start a colony were stored. Admired the "spacious" Master's cabin, and compared it to the wet and windy accommodations of the common sailors. The ship is very small and narrow. They had 102 people in the lower bowels of the ship including the animals. I don't now how they survived. In fact, 20 women were along on the ship and only 2 survived to make it to America.
The recreated Mayflower II sailed from England in 1957 and is docked at the State Pier in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

History of Plymouth Rock;
Historians say the Pilgrims stepped on the rock after they rowed ashore from the Mayflower on December 21, 1620. The rock lay unnoticed for 121 years when an elderly Plymouthean, Thomas Faunce identified it in 1741 as the landing place of the Pilgrims. In 1775 the rock split as it was being raised from its bed by oxen. The upper part was hauled to Town Square and the remainder left on the waterfront. The rock stayed in Town Square until 1834 when it was moved to the front lawn of Pilgrim Hall on Court Street. The first section remained in its waterfront bed and in 1849, a granite canopy was raised over it. In 1880 the part which had rested on the Pilgrim Hall lawn was returned to the waterfront and the two parts were cemented together. In 1921, as part of the tercentenary observance, the present granite portico was erected over the historic site by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.

Had a wonderful lobster dinner at Wood’s Seafood Market and Restaurant
at the Town Pier in Plymouth for only $9.95. Do you know how to tell the difference between male and female lobsters? The female lobster has a wider tail which she uses to dig holes in the sand to lay eggs.

All in all it was a wonderful day of adventure.

Tomorrow, Day 9, New York City

New England Splendor Tour - Day 6, New Hampshire

2009-10-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Day 6 - Monday, Sept. 28th

We cruised Lake Winnepesaukee and then on to Castle in the Clouds. Castle in the Clouds is located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. It was built by the eccentric millionaire Thomas Plant. It is now part of the 5000 acre Castle Springs estate which is the location of the Castle Springs water bottling plant. We drove the bus so far up the mountain, got out and boarded a trolley for the rest of the ride up the mountain to the castle.

'Castle in the Clouds' is built on the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera. It's hundreds of millions of years old. The Ossippee Mountains are a circular mountain range; they are the eroded rim of a giant, prehistoric volcano. Few people think of volcanic formations in the Eastern U.S., but the castle site affords a great place for visitors interested in rocks and volcanoes. The rock around the castle, and the castle wall itself, is lava. Construction on the castle began in 1913. At one time over 1000 workers were on the property, stonemasons, carpenters, etc.

The castle is actually a house that was built by Thomas Plant for his young second wife. You could see for 75 miles in all directions. Mrs. Plant, her name was Olive, was actually quite tall. Mr. Plant, on the other hand was about 5'4", and had the house built so that door knobs and such were at his height. Even on Olive's bedroom door. In his office you will find a suit of armour he wore to costume parties, which will give you a good idea just how short he really was.

In addition to having a phone, and electricity (which was powered by his own water powered generator), he had the first fire truck in Moultonboro, as well as having fire hydrants IN the house. He also had a central vacuum system, a self cleaning stove and a brine cooled refrigerator.
A little more information for you- Now this has to be the most popular story about Mr. Plant and his first wife. They lived in a beautiful house in Massachusetts. They had a very rocky marriage, but did stay married for quite a while. Mr. Plant went away on a trip to France, and asked the first Mrs. Plant to go with him, however she declined. While in France, Mr. Plant met Olive, a bankers daughter and many years younger, and fell in love. After he returned to the states, the first Mrs. Plant came down to breakfast to find a million dollar check in her napkin roll, and Thomas walked out the front door. Needless to say, she gave him a divorce!

He made "Queen Quality Shoes", and his factory was way ahead of it's time- there was a floor with a cafeteria and gym for the workers to use for free. When the factory burned down (years after Mr. Plant sold it, and had died), it was the hottest fire in Boston's history.
The kitchen floor is actually a jigsaw puzzle. When it was put down there was no glue used. The pieces were made to fit together very tightly and the floor still exists. Teddy Roosevelt often visited the castle and was a friend of Mr. Plants. Mr. Plants fortune was lost on advise given to him to invest in pork bellies. The person who gave him the advise was Teddy Roosevelt. In the end Mr. Plant had to sell the castle and pay off his debts and when he died his friends had to take up a collection to pay for his burial. It is believed he also lost money in the stock market crash.

Tomorrow - Day 7, Boston

New England Splendor Tour - Day 5, New Hampshire

2009-10-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Day 5 - Sunday, Sept. 27th

We had rain on and off all day. Drove along the beautiful Kancamangus Highway and through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. I was on the lookout for moose but saw nothing!

Our stop for today was the Mount Washington Hotel. What a magnificent place.
As grand as the history behind it, The Mount Washington Hotel, located in Bretton Woods, NH, is gracious in ambiance and generous in amenities. A favorite retreat of presidents, poets and celebrities, the Hotel delights every sense with enchanting music, refined dining and luxurious décor.

The Mount Washington Hotel was built by New Hampshire native Joseph Stickney, who made his fortune in coal mining and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Stickney spared no expense in building the imposing hotel. The latest design and construction methods were used. Innovative and complicated heating and plumbing systems were installed. To this day, the Bretton Woods Hotel has its own private telephone system and Post Office.

Ground was broken in 1900 and construction was completed in 1902. Two hundred and fifty Italian craftsmen, skilled in masonry and woodworking, were brought to Bretton Woods and housed on the grounds.

On July 28, 1902, the front doors of this Grand Hotel opened to the public with a staff of no less than 350. The most luxurious hotel of its day, The Mount Washington catered to wealthy guests from Boston, New York and Philadelphia. As many as fifty trains a day stopped at Bretton Woods' three railroad stations. You can see Babe Ruth's golf locker at The Mount Washington Hotel. The Hotel has been host to countless celebrities, including Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth and three U.S. Presidents.

In 1944, The Mount Washington hosted the Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference. Delegates from 44 nations convened, establishing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, setting the gold standard at $35.00 an ounce and designating the United States dollar as the backbone of international exchange. The signing of the formal documents took place in the Gold Room, located off the Hotel Lobby and now preserved as an historic site.
Throughout its history, the Hotel has been renowned for natural beauty and luxurious extras. Indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and fireplaces are just a few of the amenities comforting year round guests. From the Tiffany stained-glass to the crystal chandeliers you'll find the interior is just as impressive as the exterior.

The Hotel's elegant 4-Diamond Dining Room serves four-course dinners with orchestra accompaniment nightly. Every detail, from the serenading orchestra to the menu that changes daily, reminds you that this is a place unlike any other. The lunch we had was $50 per person, buffet style. We ate like pigs! What an experience.
The Mount Washington Hotel is located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, only 2-1/2 hours from Boston.

New England Splendor Tour - Day 4, Vermont

2009-10-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Day 4 - Sat., Sept. 26th

We left the hotel in Lake Placid and traveled to Essex, NY to catch the ferry.We boarded the Lake Champlain Ferry for an hour crossing to Charlotte, Vermont. We stopped at Ben and Jerry’s, the home and factory of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. Of course we all had to have 3 scoops of their famous ice cream. We also drove past the famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company in Shelburne, VT. Gasoline was $2.64 a gallon. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was incredible. Colors were at peak with lots of reds because of the soft maples.

We met our step-on-guide in Stowe, Vermont for a historic tour of the town.We stopped at the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters where they are the only roasters who make the coffee for Air Force One - Jamaican Blue coffee - around $24 a pound! We visited the Trapp Family Lodge and gravesites. Eight mountain ranges come together at the Trapp Lodge. They built there because it reminded them of Austria. The farm is 450 acres and 7 family members are buried on the property including Maria Von Trapp. Maria’s youngest son is still there. He’s in his 70’s.

The next time you watch the Sound of Music with Julie Andrews, it’s one of the beginning scenes where she’s singing in the street, look behind her, you’ll see Maria Von Trapp walking behind her.

Vermont is the second largest state in New England. There are no McDonald’s in Vermont and no billboards on the highways. More people speak Arabic in NYC than the total population of Vermont. Burlington is the largest city in Vermont. Stowe is the ski capitol of the east. The highest mountains are located in Vermont. We drove past Christopher Reeves house
outside Stowe. Bob Keshian, Captain Kangaroo lived in Waterbury, VT. Eleanor Roosevelt climbed Mount Mansfield. Mount Mansfield is famous for the “man laying down” on top of the mountain. The shape of one section of the mountain looks like a man actually laying down. There are no chain hotels in Stowe and Four Seasons with Carol Burnett and Alan Alda was filmed in Stowe. Land prices run from $300,000 to $l million. The March of Dimes started in Vermont as did the Boy Scouts of America.

Vermont had some famous people – Rudy Vallee, Michael J. Fox, Charles Bronson, Carlton Fisk.

Moscow, Vermont has the shortest 4th of July parade in the U.S. It’s .2 miles long. The Maple Vinegarette dressing Emerill Lagassi uses is made in Vermont. Vermont was the last state to get a Walmart store and Newman’s Own is made in Vermont. The number one attraction in Vermont is Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream with over 300,000 visitors a year.

Two U.S. Presidents came from Vermont – Chester Arthur and Calvin Coolidge. Vermont is the first state to outlaw slavery, had the first copper coin, 60% to 80% of the trees are maple trees. Vermont has the largest granite quarry in the world. Pencil erasures came from Vermont, the first blackboard was used in Vermont, first laser eye surgery was done in Vermont, first air traffic control course taught in Vermont, the Diamond Back fly rod sold at LL Bean is made in Vermont.

We drove between the Wooster Mts. and Mansfield Mts. To get to the haunted covered bridge. The story tells of a young girl named Emily who was to meet her lover at the bridge because they were planning on eloping. She was waiting for him at the bridge but he never showed up so she jumped off the bridge. People who visit the bridge say weird things happen there.
Hats blow off on calm days, some people see white lights and some hear a woman calling for help.

Rudyard Kipling lived in Vermont. He had his own zip code because he got
so much mail. He lived in Waite, VT. His neighbor agreed to get his mail in her mailbox.

Vermont is the birthplace of the U.S. Navy. Lake Champlain is 485 feet deep, deeper than the Great Lakes. We stayed in Morrisville, home to the horse Hildalgo in the movie called Hildalgo.

Day 5 - The Mount Washington Hotel

New England Splendor Tour - Day 2 and 3

2009-10-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Day 2, Thursday, Sept. 24th

Left the hotel at 7:30 and spent driving through Ohio and up into New York
along Lake Erie to our destination of Watertown, New York.
Watertown is home to the safety pin, has the largest continually running county fair in the USA, is the smallest city to have a park designed by Frederick Olmsted who designed Central Park in NYC. Watertown is located 31 miles south of Canada.

Day 3, Friday, Sept. 25th

Today we drove through the countryside of Upstate New York. The leaves were at peak color. Gasoline was $2.79 to $2.89 a gallon. Passed Buffalo, NY on I90, they have bronze statues of buffalo grazing on the hillside.We arrived in Lake Placid, had lunch and then met our tour guide.Had a guided tour of the Lake Placid area including the site of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. Lake Placid is a quaint town nestled in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s surrounded by mountain peaks and lakes with Mirror Lake located in downtown Lake Placid. I rode the chair lift to the top of the hill, then took an elevator 8 stories up and finally climbed 2 flights of steps to the top of the ski jump where the starting gate is. My legs and knees were shaking as I took pictures from there. We were 26 stories up. What a view but I couldn't wait to get down to level ground! We also watched them practice their jumps and flips down a couple of ski jumps, landing in a swimming pool. They use the facility all year round. Also saw the Jack Shea Stadium Olympic skating rink and saw the Russian pairs couple who won in 1980, Irina Rodnina and Aleksandr Zaitsev. They were out on the ice practicing. The tour guide told us he's 70. We saw the speed skating oval where Eric Heiden won five gold medals. We spent the night in Lake Placid.

New England Splendor Tour - Day 1

2009-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello - I'm back!

What a great group of people to travel with and wonderful sights to see. My New England Splendor tour began on Wednesday, September 23rd and ended Saturday, October 3rd. In the next few days, I will highlight some of the places we visited and things we did. Keep your eyes
tuned to this spot!

Day 1, Wdnesday, Sept. 23rd

Left Appleton at 6:30 AM and drove move of the day. Drove through Chicago. Saw the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) in the distance. It’s the world’s tallest building with 110 stories with 6,500 to 7,000 occupants, 1.5 million tourists visit the Sears Tower sky deck annually. There are 22 TV and radio broadcast services in the Willis Tower, 25,000 miles of plumbing, 796 lavatory faucets, 43,000 miles of telephone cables, 2,000 miles of electric wires and the building is 12 stories below ground or 48 feet down. Nine separate buildings make up the Sears Tower. It has 16,100 bronze-tinted windows. They have 6 roof-mounted window washing machines to clean the windows 6 to 8 times a year. You can see 4 states from the top and there are 2,232 steps from the ground floor to the top. It’s 253 feet tall and cost in excess of $150 million to build. It opened in 1973.

Chicago also has the largest population of Polish people. They held the 1893 World’s Fair and from that we got the Ferris Wheel. Chicago is home to baseball, jazz, the revolving credit card and the name “the loop” came from the “L” train that goes around the city.

We spent the night in Fremont, Ohio. Fremont is the Tree City of the World and President Rutherford B. Hayes came from Fremont. Before heading to our hotel, we stopped at Lynnwood Kennels for a catered meal served in dog dishes and a presentation on "Jaws with Paws Enforcing Laws". This was the most interesting part of the trip. A master trainer as well as being a retired police officer, Brian Woods showed us how they train dogs to sniff out drugs.

How long do you think it takes to train a dog to sniff out drugs? The answer is 4 to 5 days! How do they train them to find the drugs? What is the one thing dogs love to do???? Play fetch. They put marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines in a PVC pipe, seal up the ends so nothing can leak out. The object has to be something the dog cannot bite through because if he does get any of the drugs on his body or in his mouth, it will kill him. That's why they use the PVC pipe. They begin by throwing the pipe and have the dog fetch it over and over until he loves doing nothing but fetching. A dog can detect the odors of each individual drug because their nose is 200 to 2,000 times more powerful than a humans. It is thought that dogs get just as much information from scent as we humans do from vision.

Once the dog is comfortable with the smells of the different drugs, the handler plants them in various places. How does the dog let you know when he has made a "strike"? Does he bark? No. Does he run back to you and bark? No. Does he run around in circles? No. He does one of two things.....he sits and stares when he finds the drugs or some dogs will start digging in the area where they sniff the drug. Once you get the drugs, you play fetch with the dog because that's what makes him happiest. Gets his mind off the drugs. Dogs are started at 1 or 2 years of age and will work 8 to 10 years. Most of the dogs are purchased in Europe from a dog broker. They must herd and hunt before being registered as working dogs. The American Kennel Club has destroyed most breeds of dogs so they are not good drug sniffing candidates. The breeds are not kept pure. Poodles are water fowl hunters, beagles chase rabbits, retrievers retrieve and border collies are herders. The Kennel Club does not award these breeds for what they can do but has dummy downed the breeds. The dogs they get from Europe cost between $4500 and $5500 each. They usually are Belgian Malinois. They look like a German Shepherd, only smaller in size. Did you know the dogs are not trained in English?? If the dog comes from Poland, the commands are in Polish, if from Holland, then commands are in Dutch and if they come from Germany, naturally they learn the commands in German. The reason?? Because any criminal can give a command to the dogs in English. I would definitely go back, it was most interesting.

Stay tuned for day 2 on Monday.

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

2009-09-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "YES."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things.....your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions....and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.The sand is everything else....the small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you."

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first...the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand".

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked."

"It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Please share this with someone you care about. I JUST DID!

Old Barns and People

2009-08-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

The weekend is here and I thought this story about growing old was worth a mention........enjoy.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking.
He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway.
I told him right off he was crazy.
He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car,
his hands, and the way he talked.
He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn
sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.
I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day.
But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind.
The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful. That set me to thinking.

I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn.
The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den

in a new country home he's building down the road.

He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful.
Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun,

only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying
our souls that nothing else can produce.

And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away
to beautify a rich man's house.
And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off
to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord
has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.
And I suspect we'll be more beautiful
then for the seasons we've been through here...
and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

May there be peace within you today.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
And. . .I do sincerely Thank God for my wonderful friends and family

who love me even though I show signs of weathering.

- Author Unknown -

The Biggest Loser

2009-08-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My friend Linda gave me a push and said I better start blogging again. It's been too long since
my last update.

I have some good news. Cathy Skell, The Biggest Loser, will be a guest on the Good Neighbor Show soon. We are finalizing the date. She's going to share her experience with us on her weight loss, what it was like to be on TV in front of millions of people and what motivated her. We all, at one time or another, have tried to lose weight, have tried countless diets with little or no results and some of us will be dieting the rest of our lives. Keep watching this blog for
a date and time for Cathy.

On a personal note, my husband and I have had to put my mother-in-law in a nursing home
because she fell at home and fractured her back. She's 94 and the most feisty woman I know.
It's been very difficult for her to be there even though it's the best place to be right now.
She's a lady who loves watching the Brewers on TV. She can tell you every players name and
his position. She loves to argue politics, does the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel crossword puzzle every day and still maintains a space at the Kewaskum Antique Mall. She's an incredible lady.
One of the hardest things in life to do is put a parent into a nursing home. You feel so guilty
but sometimes you don't have a choice. Prayers would be most welcome.

Go out and make it a wonderful day.

The Class Reunion

2009-07-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, as summertime nears,
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our 55th is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.

Author Unknown

International Space Station and Penny Postcards

2009-07-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings..........

I am such a space nut so whenever I have a chance to see the International Space Station
fly by, I'm checking the heavens for it. If you are interested in the sighting times and dates
go to this website: www.nasa.gov On the left side of the page, look for "satellite sighting
information", click on it and follow the directions.

Here are a few dates and times:

Friday, July 10th 9:44 PM Going from W to NE
Friday, July 10th 11:23 PM Going from N to NE

Sat., July 11th 10:12 PM Going from NNW to NE
Sat., July 11th 11:48 PM Going from N to NE

Sun., July 12th 1.21 AM Going from NW to NW
Sun., July 12th 10:37 PM Going from N to NE

Penny Postcards
What did your town look like, according to Penny Postcards?
Check out your old stomping grounds, during the times of the penny postcard. The price was raised to 2 cents on January 1,1952. Click on the state and then on the county name to see old penny postcards from that area . . . pretty neat.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

Have a great weekend and we'll chat next week.

Highlights of recent Motorcoach Trip

2009-06-19T12:16:00.001-07:00

Hello,
It's been awhile since my last blog. Yes it's me..........I'm finally home from my travels. I had a great bus trip to Shipshewana, Indiana. We left on Monday, June 8th and returned Thursday night around 8 PM.We ran into a lot of traffic around Chicago that delayed our arrival by an hour. The weather was in the high 70's the first night we arrived and then cooled down to the high 60's Tuesday and Wednesday. It actually was perfect weather for walking around a flea market. We'd get to the market at 8 AM and stay until 2 PM both days. Lots of walking. Found lots of interesting things to buy - naturally I bought some sterling silver bracelets and slides. You know me, I can't resist jewelry.

At the hotel we were staying at in Shipshewana, they had one of the 16 quilt blocks that make up their Quilt Garden Tour.The garden tour is the only one of its kind in the country. It's a 90 mile loop through 7 communities. There are 16 gardens, 16 hand painted murals depicting unique quilt designs. Volunteers treat freshly tilled soil like an empty quilt frame. The Visitors and Convention Bureau furnishes the plants and publicity and area businesses, civic and service groups provide the garden sites. 80% of the gardens' plants must be annuals so the quilt patterns and color combinations can be changed every year. There are about 80,000 annuals in the quilt gardens or about 1600 flats provided by a local grower. The average size of the quilt garden is 800 square feet. The largest garden is 2500 square feet. It takes 2,000 hours to plant all of the gardens and 100 volunteers to plant and tend the gardens from Memorial Day to the first frost. You can pick up a free audio driving tour CD, map and Amish Country Travel Guide to enhance the tour. The CD talks about the area's history with narratives, personal stories and fun facts. I think quilts are such a visual part of our heritage. What a neat idea.
Check out their website to see photos of the quilt gardens....www.QuiltGardensTour.com

Have a great weekend and don't forget to check back next week for more news.

Life Passing Us By

2009-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I was sorting through some papers the other evening and throwing away unimportant documents and things you accumulate over the years - you know, stacks of papers. I found this interesting piece stuck in between some magazine articles I was saving and thought I had to share it. Makes you stop and think!

LIFE PASSING US BY

Today we have higher buildings and wider highways,
But shorter temperaments and narrower points of view.

We spend more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses, but smaller families.
We have more compromises, but less time.
We have more knowledge, but less judgment.
We have more medicines, but less health.

We reached the Moon and came back,
But we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbors.

We have conquered the outer space, but not our inner space.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much.
We have higher income, but less morals.

These are times with more liberty, but less joy.
With much more food, but less nutrition.
These are days in which two salaries come home, but divorces increase.
These are times of finer houses, but more broken homes.

That’s why I propose that as from today:
Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume,
use it every time you feel you want it.

Take out from your vocabulary phrases like “One of these days” and “someday”.
Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “One of these days”.

You do not keep anything for a special occasion,
Because every day that you live is a special occasion.
Search for knowledge, read more,
Sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to the needs.
Pass more time with your family, eat your favorite food, visit the place you love.

Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment, it isn’t only survival.
Let’s tell our families and friends, how much we love them.

Never pass up a chance at adding laughter and joy to your life.
Every day, hour, and minute are special, and you never know if it will be your last.

If you’re too busy to take some minutes to tell someone you love them, and you tell
yourself that you will “one of these days”, just remember that “one of these days” can be very far away, and you may not be there to see it.

Job Opoening

2009-05-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

A new feature on the Good Neighbor Show called "Radio Want Ads" airs every first Wednesday of the month. The concept is to have employers advertise job openings at their companies for FREE.

Today I have a job opening from a private party in the Appleton area looking for someone interested in working outdoors.

The job requires someone that is self-motivated and pay great attention to detail.
The job is an outdoor lawn, landscape and grounds maintenance position. Duties include
lawn mowing, watering, weeding, raking, cleaning light fixtures, indoor dog kennels and tool shed maintenance. Also cleaning and maintaining patios, outdoor furniture, grills, boat dock and more. Starting pay is $12.00 per hour. Call Joanne at 920-422-1924 on Thurday ONLY
between 8AM and 2:30PM.

What My Mother Taught Me

2009-05-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

WHAT MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME

My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. "If you're going to kill each other, do it
outside. I just finished cleaning."
My mother taught me religion. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
My mother taught me about time travel. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into
the middle of next week!"
My mother taught me logic. "Because I said so, that's why."
My mother taught me more logic. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not
going to the store with me."
My mother taught me foresight. "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an
accident."
My mother taught me irony. "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
My mother taught me about the science of osmosis. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
My mother taught me about contortionism. "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
My mother taught me about patience. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
My mother taught me about weather. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
My mother taught me about hypocrisy. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't
exaggerate!"
My mother taught me the circle of love. "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
My mother taught me about envy. "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world
who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
My mother taught me about anticipation. "Just wait until we get home."
My mother taught me about receiving. "You are going to get it when you get home!"
My mother taught me meidcal science. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to
freeze that way."
My mother taught me ESP. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
My mother taught me humor. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to
me."
My mother taught me how to become an adult. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never
grow up."
My mother taught me genetics. "You're just like your father."
My mother taught me about my roots. "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born
in a barn?"
My mother taught me wisdom. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite: my mother taught me about justice. "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they
turn out just like you!"

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Mom's Value

2009-05-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers!

When you stop to think about all the multi-tasking a mother does day in and day out, she is worth over half a million dollars a year. On a daily basis, mom conducts the work of 17 different occupations. Let's break it down using salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Raise children (Child care worker) $13,000
Plan vacation and play (Recreation worker) $15,500
Cook meals (Executive chef) $40,000
Serve meals (Food service worker) $20,000
Plan meals (Dietitians/nutritionists) $41,600
Keep house (Property manager) $22,600
Clean house (Housekeeper) $9,000
Care for pets (Animal caretaker) $17,500
Dispense medication (Registered nurse) $35,000
Attend functions (Management analyst) $41,000
Manage family finances (Computer system analyst) $44,000
Manage investments (Financial manager) $39,000
Carpool (Bus driver) $32,400
Homework & discipline (School principal) $58,600
Resolve family issues (Psychologist) $29,000
Keep family schedule (General office clerk) $19,000
Maintain family harmony (Social worker) $30,000
Total: $508,700

Be appreciative of all your mom does for you.

Month of May

2009-05-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend. Sorry to say my horse, "I Want Revenge", I was hoping to win, was scratched from the Kentucky Derby. I'm hoping "Mine That Bird" goes on to win the Triple Crown. A horse with 50 to 1 odds - amazing story.

How much do you know about the lusty, blustery and many times rainy month of May?
It's an interesting month. Here are some unique facts about May:

* The flower associated with May is the Lily of the Valley and the birth gemstone is an Emerald.
* Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the USA, Canada, Brazil and
Australia.
* Charles Lindberg made the first historic solo Trans Atlantic airplane flight in May of 1927, in
his plane "The Spirit of St. Louis".
* Ameilia Earhart is credited as being the first women to fly a plane solo and nonstop across the
Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland on May 21, 1932.
* Horse Racing fans should know that the first Kentucky Derby was run in May, 1897.
* Gail Borden received a patent for condensed milk on May 14, 1853.
* A patent was issued for an ice making machine on May 5, 1851.
* May is celebrated as:
National Salad Month
National Egg Month
National Barbecue Month
National Hamburber Month
National Bettr Sleep Month
National Photo Month

Enjoy the month of May.

Tidbits of Information

2009-05-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to Friday!

Today I thought I would share with you the basic rules for clotheslines. And let me say you have to be a certain age to appreciate this. I remember this advice well, both from my mother and my grandmother. Growing up in Eagle River, Wisconsin was the greatest. During the summer I had the job of hanging the clothes out on the old clotheslines......enjoy.

THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES

I can hear my mother now.....(if you don't know what clotheslines are, better skip this)

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging any clothes-walk the entire lengths of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang "whites" with "whites," and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders - always by the tail! What would the neighbors think?

4. Wash day on a Monday! . . ... Never hang clothes on the weekend, or Sunday, for Heaven's sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you could hide your "unmentionables" in the middle. (busy bodies, y'know!)

6. It didn't matter if it was sub zero weather . . . Clothes would "freeze-dry."

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes! Pins left on the lines were "tacky!"

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next washed item.

9.. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.

10. IRONED?! Well, that's a whole other subject!

Have a great weekend. We'll chat next week.

Recalls and The Kentucky Derby

2009-04-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Recall.........

McCormick & Company has announced a vountary recall of Lawry's Fajitas Spices & Seasonings packages with UPC Code 2150022500 and a "best if used by" date of OCTO110PX62. Packages were distributed to grocery stores nationally beginning on October 17, 2008. The product is available in 1.27 oz. pouches, and the date code is found printed in black on the back, bottom center of the pouch. The recall was initiated after it was discovered milk was not listed as an ingredient. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date. Consumers do ot need to return the product to the store where it was purchase. Instead, contact Lawry's Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-952-9797 for a replacement or full refund.

Kentucky Derby..........

It's Kentucky Derby time this Saturday, May 2nd in Louisville, KY. I've had the pleasure of
visiting Churchill Downs twice and what a thrill to see the paddocks, the track, the grandstands and all the hoopla that goes with attending the biggest event held in May in Kentucky, the Blue Grass State. If you ever get a chance to visit Churchill Downs, check out the Derby Museum and Gift Shop. Try riding the mechanical horses - it will be a thrill and you'll understand why jockeys are the world's best athletes. Last week I mentioned in my blog that my pick for the Derby is
"I Want Revenge". I'm still sticking with that horse. We'll see.

I would fit right in with the ladies wearing those fancy hats to the Derby. I love big hats!
Speculation has it that when the Derby was first brought to Louisville, they wanted it to be a social affair. They went around to all of the women's clubs in town and invited the women to dress up in their finest to come to the Derby. Of course at that time, the hat was essential and the hat just carried through. I also found out that wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck!

The Mint Julep has an interesting story........Mint Juleps were first served in the early to mid 1700's in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. They were described as "a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning." A sweet concoction that may have been a vehicle for medicine. The tradition of sipping mint juleps migrated westward to Kentucky and soon became associated with horse racing. A Derby party anywhere is not really a Derby party without mint juleps.

Mint Juleps

2 fluid ounces Early Times® Kentucky Whisky
1 tablespoon simple syrup
Mint sprigs
Crushed ice

Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs

DIRECTIONS
Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-oz. glass, then fill with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of simple syrup and one tablespoon of water. Add 2 ounces of Early Times. Stir gently until glass frosts. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, sip and enjoy.
Simple syrup directions: Combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Pour mix over a handful of mint leaves, and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves, but continue to refrigerate. Stays fresh for several weeks.

Sturgeon Season

2009-04-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hello,

It's that time of year - sturgeon spawning. You can view the sturgeon at www.wolfrivercam.com. It's amazing to see those huge fish dating back to the prehistoric times.

An up-date on my friends psycho robin. He's still flying into her windows. I hope he knocks some sense into his head and stops these silly antics.

Join me tomorrow at Krueger's True Value Hardware at 999 W. Winneconne Ave. in Neenah for the first grill out of the season. The chef's from Fox Valley Tech will be grilling up brats and hot dogs and you're invited. I'll be doing my show outside in the warm sunshine. Stop by and say hi.

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner. May 2nd is the big day and I've been to Churchill Downs twice now. What an exciting place and beautiful grounds. Be sure to check out the museum when you are there and ride the mechanical horses. Quite something. "I Want Revenge" is the horse I have picked out to win the Kentucky Derby. We'll see.

Enjoy the warm weather. Go out and make it a great day.

Robin Dilemma

2009-04-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello,

What a beautiful day - blue sky, sunshine and temperatures in the high 60's. Can't ask for anything better this time of year.

I have a friend who's having a real dilemma with a crazy robin. I say "crazy" robin because he insists on flying into her windows and knocking himself down but manages to dust himself off and tries it all over again, and again and again. The theory behind this weird behavior is
it's mating season and he's trying to get rid of his "competition". A number of Good Neighbor listeners called in today with some good suggestions.
1. Put lattice up over the window
2. Place a plastic owl on the window sill
3. Hang a towel on the outside of the window so he doesn't see the glass
4. Put silhouettes of crows or buzzards up
5. Hang pie tins or steamers across the window
6. Get a cat

Let's hope this poor robin finds a mate soon before he does himself in.

Get out and enjoy the nice warm weather. We'll chat again soon.

Dr. Helen Pensanti

2009-04-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

April 9, 2009

Hello and welcome to my blog.

I certainly hope Spring is here and Mother Nature will warm the earth for the Spring flowers to grow and bloom.

Today on the Good Neighbor Show, Dr. Helen Pensanti was my guest. We talked about a number of issues including restless leg syndrome, leg cramps and sleeping problems. I've had several calls from listeners with a suggestion that sounds out of this world but seems to work for most. Put a fresh bar of soap under the sheets in your bed. Unwrap the bar of soap and place it between the mattress pad and the bottom sheet. Place it near the foot of the bed. It sounds funny but hey, try it, it just might work for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Dr. Helen will be on the Good Neighbor Show Tuesday, May 12th and will spend time discussing restless leg syndrome and leg cramps. For more information about Dr. Helen, please visit her website at: www.askdrhelen.com

Wishing you all a Happy Easter. We'll chat next week.

No more spiders

2009-03-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

3/4 cup warm water
20-30 drops real lemon oil from a Health Food Store
2-3 drops Dawn dishwashing liquid

Put in spray bottle and shake well. Spray around foundations, around doors, etc. to keep spiders away.
This is a natural product - is not harmful to kids or pets.