Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Daughter's Quilt & Cat

I said, "Ok, Miss Grace Kitty please move so I can take a photo of that quilt."  Her royal majesty just laid there and looked at me like she had no intention of moving. I think she was telling me this was her bed and I just needed to go away. This is one spoiled cat.
I love quilts. This quilt is one that my mom gave my daughter when she was in high school...YEARS AGO! It is my daughter's favorite quilt and she has never had it off her bed, so now it is getting a little frayed around the edges. I am sure the pattern has a name, but I don't know the name. This is the center of the quilt, with this beautiful star burst type pattern.
I love the black, yellow and blue fabrics the quilter put together. The back of the quilt is a pretty black flowery patterned fabric. Around the edges of the quilt are these big square patterns with the star in the center. It amazes me how precise the points all match in the pattern. It was machine quilted all over, after the individual blocks were joined together. Beautiful work of art.
I hope you like quilts too, because I will be showing you other quilts that I love in future blogs. The quilts I have made for my kids and grand kids were not beautiful works of art, but just plain love from the heart.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Laundry

When I look at this washing machine, it makes me feel guily for complaining about doing laundry! I don't remember one like this, but I do remember the big white tub with the wringers on top. This and other wonderful things can be seen on Historic Route 66 at the Western Oklahoma Historical Center inside the Cedar School House at 520 West Main, Weatherford, Oklahoma.
Note the wash board, used to scrub clothes, laying in the tub on the right.
These irons were heated on top of the wood stove. Lordy, I do not like to iron at all much less have to heat the thing up on the stove! Oh and they are very heavy too.
I do remember using a sprinkler much like this one. We would have a basket of washed and dried clothing that needed to be ironed. Usually it was a LARGE basket full. We would sprinkle the garment with water from the sprinkler bottle and then iron it. My husband tells the story of his father hiding his mother's Christmas present in the bottom of the laundry basket, because he said she would never get down far enough to find it!
Before commercial laundries and dry cleaners, there were lots of people who took in ironing to make money. They usually charged so much per piece for ironing the clothes. I was surprised the other day, when I saw an ad in the local little free ads paper, someone was advertising to do ironing. My rule is that if it has to be ironed don't buy it! 


Monday, August 29, 2011

New Recipe Pork Loin

My husband has come up with yet another Crock Pot Pork Loin recipe! YUM.
First he took a 3 pound CENTER CUT PORK LOIN and put it in the crock pot
with 1/2 cup water and
added salt and Accent seasoning about a tablespoon of each.
He let that cook in the crock pot on high for about 4 hours until the meat was hot.
Next he added
2 large Fugi Apples peeled and cut in hunks (your favorite apple will work)
2 medium white onions cut in hunks
1 pound of baby cut carrots (or regular if you like to cut your own)
last he drizzled approximately 1/4 cup or more of honey all over the top.
Continue to cook on high 4 or 5 more hours until the pork loin is done.
(My husband says this crock pot does not get as hot as ones he's had in the past, so you may not need to set your crock pot on high.)
We take our lunch to work, so this is what the crock pot pork looks like in my husband's lunch dish. The apples got a little over done, but oh my they are good! I put a little spicy mustard on my pork in my lunch dish. Little quick run through the microwave at work and lunch is ready!
This is my husband "honey" the cook, with his container of honey.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Color Is Good

COLOR IS GOOD

 
Yesterday I went to the doctor
 
For my yearly physical.

My blood pressure was high.

My cholesterol was high.

I'd gained some weight,
 
and I didn't feel so hot.

 
My doctor said eating right

doesn't have to be complicated and
 
it would solve my physical problems.

 
He said:

Just think in colors.
 
Fill your plate with bright colors.
 
Try some greens, oranges, reds,
 
maybe something yellow, etc.
and eat an entire bowl of
 
bright colors.


And Sure Enough,
I Felt Better Immediately !!
I never knew eating right could be so easy !!
Now stay healthy, eat your colors,
and have a nice day!

It is so blooming hot we needed a little laugh today.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Brick Craft

This is the cutest little brick! It belongs to my Mom and I wanted to share it with you. It would be so simple to make. Just paint the face of the brick and then paint a simple design on it. Personalize it for gift giving or to keep for yourself. Mom has this one sitting on the ledge, but it could be used as a door stop too.
Tie a piece of ribbon or fabric around the brick to match the painted colors.
I would suggest to go to a salvage or some where they are taking down a building and recycle the bricks. Check in the bins at the fabric or craft stores where they sell small pieces of ribbon or fabric to use with this craft.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Hand Grenade Drink

My daughter's friend Tiffiany made a trip to New Orleans, and found what she and my daughter swear is the best drink on the planet. They sent these photos to share the information. BUT, the catch is you MUST order the drink mix from the Tropical Isle!! So, she went on line to http://www.tropicalisle.com and ordered the mix.

Mmmmm...don't know what all the remotes and candy bar have to do with drinking this???

As you can see they only mixed a "little" ??
And just in case you are tempted to try and look up how to make the drink with out ordering the special mix.....don't even think about it.....read the following information:
The One and Only
Hand Grenade®
THE HAND GRENADE®
New Orleans Most Powerful Drink™

This secret recipe was invented by French Quarter nightclub owners Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt in 1984. The drink has a federally Registered Trademark and no GRENADE™ may be sold in the U.S., the Bahamas or Mexico, other than Tropical Isle® or its licensees.
Tropical Isle's® Trademark is protected by the copyright firm of Gregory H. Guillot, Chartered, a Washington D.C. intellectual property law firm.

This great tasting melon flavored drink is sold in exclusive souvenir cups and Hand Grenade shaped one-half yards, on the rocks or frozen.

So, come on down to the most fun place on the face of the planet- Bourbon Street and the French Quarter- where the party never ends, there are no closing hours, and you can walk down the street with your Hand Grenade® and no one cares!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE HAND GRENADE®
NEW ORLEANS MOST POWERFUL DRINK™ is also New Orleans' most popular drink. People come from all over the world to enjoy this powerful concoction- BUT BEWARE!

Any drink or recipe for a drink purported to be a HAND GRENADE® or GRENADE® is a FAKE unless it comes from one of our New Orleans locations. DON'T try one of these illegal "recipes" on the Internet- not only is it unlawful to display these recipes in the United States, but they taste putrid. Legal recourse is being pursued against these imposters.



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Laughing Lindsay Giveaway

The following is from one of the blogs I love to follow. LAUGHING LINDSAY is giving away Safari Towels and I wanted to share her giveaway with you. Go to her blog and sign up:


Safari Towels #Giveaway
So, the road to better health involves a lot of sweating. Who knew? I hate the sticky/yucky feeling after I exercise, especially during the summer. However, I don’t always have the time to workout and then take a shower right after during the school year. So, I was interested in the new Safari Towels from Anti-Monkey Butt.

The new Safari Towels are pre-moistened, heavy duty disposable towels that you can take with you anywhere. At 14”X24” they’re big enough to clean yourself head to toe, and tough enough so they won’t tear or shred.

I received the convenient 3-pack to try. I was pleased with the durability of the towels. They are pretty thick, but not rough on the skin. Granted, they aren’t as good as a shower. However, they are great for getting the sweat and nastiness off of my body. They are refreshing. Plus, the big size is good for the whole body (versus say just your face). The packaging allows you to take them to the gym or on a trip to freshen up. It would be handy to keep a pack at the house or dorm as well.

WIN!
1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a package of Safari Towels.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to try this product.

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the “extra” entries. Comments like “enter me” will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, Google Buzz, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

7. Add the Get Healthy Event button to your blog.

Giveaway ends on September 6th at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don’t hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I’ll pick another.

GOOD LUCK!
*Open to US residents only

Disclosure: I received a free sample of Safari Towels. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Food Network 8-27-11

Be sure to tune into Food Network on Saturday morning, August 27, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. central time to see the new Pioneer Woman show.

This information was found on www.foodnetwork.com
Ree Drummond is a writer, photographer, ranch wife and mother of four. Her blog, ThePioneerWoman.com, attracts more than 20 million page views per month and was named Weblog of the Year at the 2011, 2010 and 2009 Bloggie Awards. Ree is also the author of the #1 best-selling cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl and the 2011 memoir Black Heels to Tractor Wheels — A Love Story, which debuted at #2 on The New York Times Best Sellers list for nonfiction hardcover. Ree’s children’s picture book, Charlie the Ranch Dog, which chronicles the adventures of her much-beloved basset hound, also premiered at #1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Drummond has appeared on numerous national talk shows including Good Morning America, TODAY, The View and Fox & Friends.

Ree Drummond - Food Network Photo
For more information and photos of upcoming shows check out http://www.foodnetwork.com/

I have Ree's cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks and her Black Heels to Tractor Wheels Love Story book and totally love both of them! I have given copies of Charlie the Ranch Dog to Granny's Love aka my grandson, my friend Pat's grandson and to another special little girl and they all love the book. I would recommend that you purchase your own Ree Drummond books. I can't wait for the cookbook she is working on now! I will certainly be in front of the television Saturday morning watching her Food Network show.
Ree and JK at OKC book signing.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Irlen Syndrome

After mentioning Irlen Syndrome in my blog post yesterday, I thought....mmmmm....maybe I should let you know what I was talking about.


Irlen Syndrome, or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, was first identified by Educational Psychologist Helen Irlen while she was working with adult learners in the early 1980's. Until described in her book, Reading by the Colors, there was no explanation or treatment for this perceptual disorder. Many people with this disorder were misdiagnosed as dyslexic or slow learners. In 1991, Dr. Margaret S. Livingstone of Harvard Medical School published research which offered a medical explanation for this disorder.

Individuals with Irlen Syndrome perceive the printed page and/or their environment differently. If they are severely affected, they must constantly make adaptations or compensate. Individuals are often unaware of the extra energy and effort they are putting into reading and perception.

Reading may be slow and inefficient, or there may be poor comprehension, strain, or fatigue. Irlen Syndrome can also affect attention span, listening, energy level, motivation, work production, and mental health.

People with Irlen Syndrome are often seen as underachievers or as having behavioral, attitudinal, or motivational problems. Irlen Syndrome can also coexist with other learning problems, such as attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, or autism. Treatment for Irlen Syndrome may lessen many of the symptoms of these disorders.

What are the signs of Irlen Syndrome?

If an individual answers yes to 3 or more of the following questions, there is a good chance that they are affected by Irlen Syndrome, and they should be tested by a qualified Irlen Screener. In the screening, he/she will find out for certain if they are affected, determine their level of severity, and learn about what they will need for treatment. Each individual is different and the treatment will be designed for that individual.

•Do you skip words or lines while reading?

•Do you lose your place or reread lines?

•Does reading make you tired

•Do you need to take frequent breaks while reading

•Do you find yourself blinking or squinting when you read?

•Do your eyes hurt, or get watery or dry when reading?

•Do you prefer to read in dim light?

•Do you find you head moves closer to the page as you read?

•Do you use your finger or a marker to help you read?

•Does reading get harder the longer you do it?

•Do you get restless or fidgety when reading?

•Are you easily distracted when you read?

•Do you find it hard to remember what you have just read?

•Do you try to avoid reading?

Other signs of Irlen Syndrome include:

•Words appear blurry, or appear to shift on the page

•You are bothered by bright, glossy paper when reading

•You develop a headache or nausea during or after reading

•You have trouble copying from the board or produce unequal spacing when writing

•Have problems with depth perception, e.g. catching balls, determining distances when driving

•You have difficulty with headlights and streetlights at night


This is one example of how someone with Irlen Syndrome sees a written page:
 
There are other ways that a page will look to different people, therefore they struggle to learn to read. The problem is.....this is the only way they have ever seen the page, and DO NOT know that the page looks different to them than it does to other people!

In my daughter's case she was seeing a page that looked like someone took a half dozen white out brushes and ran them down the page like little rivers. She was not seeing entire words, so learning to read was a totally awful experience! On the other hand if she ever heard something it was locked in her memory. Her teachers thought she was just not putting forth the effort, when in fact she was doing twice as much to learn as those around her.

If you know anyone who you think might have any of these problems, I recommend you find a Irlen screener near you and have them checked. It was a life saver for us.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Baby Girl's Birthday


Time flies so fast! Today is my baby's 34th birthday and it seems like only yesterday she was the little girl in this first photo. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!
Brenda and Kennda December 1977

Kennda at 4 and 5
Since this is my blog I get to use MY favorite photos, like the ones above. I know she will not be amused, but just look at her! She is just the cutest little girl ever!

Kennda at 14
Dad's Pride and Joy "The Baby's College Graduation"
Dennis and Kennda 2001
I am compelled at this point to tell everyone to NEVER GIVE UP! My baby girl wanted to be a teacher her entire life, and seeing her in the above photo is proof that if you want something and try hard enough you can do it.

She is now a High School Special Education Teacher, despite the fact that her high school counselor told her that she did not want to waste a ACT packet on her! My daughter struggled with reading all through school, and we did not find out why until she was in high school....she has Irlen Syndrome and needs colored lens in her glasses to be able to see the page like everyone else. At any rate the school district made this same counselor a vice principal and she is still doing the same things to students! Sorry, it still makes me mad!

Kennda, Kenny Rogers, Brenda
My baby girl is fun to go places and do things with, like this concert where we got to meet and have our photo made with Kenny Rogers. She loves Kenny Rogers and has listened to his music since she was a little girl, so this was exciting for her to meet him.
Kennda 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
WE LOVE YOU!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Celery

Celery often used as a diet food, also has lots of other good qualities. We think of it as a vegetable that is mostly water and has almost no calories. While its known  for stringiness we don't think of it for its goodness. Most people have yet to discover that celery adds its delicate flavor, its nourishing properties, along with detoxifying and protective effects on both brain and body to our recipes.

Mildly salty, with light pine and citrus notes, this aromatic vegetable is a member of the carrot family. Celery’s outer stalks, also called ribs, surround the tender, mildly flavored innermost ribs, called the celery heart. Most celery is light green, but you can also find white celery and the more intensely flavored red celery. Celery seeds can be used whole or ground as a seasoning.

The vegetable’s bold texture and crunch can bring a satisfying contrast to all kinds of dishes. And its leaves, too often discarded, are supremely edible, adding a dash of good flavor, and celery’s highest concentration of nutrients, to salads, soups or virtually any other dish.

Luteolin found in celery, carrots, peppers, olive oil, peppermint, rosemary and chamomile can reduce age-related inflammation in the brain and may help prevent memory loss.

Celery contains coumarins, compounds that help prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Coumarins also enhance the ability of certain white blood cells to eliminate harmful cells, including cancer cells.

One serving of raw celery, about two to three stalks, or a little more than 1 cup chopped, provides 44 percent of the daily suggested amount of vitamin K (good for blood and bones) and 14 percent of vitamin C (an immune-system booster).

Celery is a good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium, all associated with reduced blood pressure.

The acetylenics in celery have been shown to inhibit tumor growth.

Celery contains active compounds called phthalides, which contribute to celery’s distinctive aroma and help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and aid detoxification.

My husband does not like celery at all! There are very few things he does not like, but celery is one of them. Another thing he does not like is black jelly beans. When he buys a bag of jelly beans he sorts them out and puts the black ones in a ziplock bag for me to eat! One time he was being funny and said as nasty as celery and black jelly beans taste I should eat them together! He saw me taking this photo and said, "What are you doing?" I just laughed!
All this time we thought celery was only for making "ants on a log" (celery with peanut butter and raisins on top) or to put in dressing at Thanksgiving. I find that if I keep celery cut into pieces in a ziplock bag in the frig, I will snack on it instead of having something sweet. It provides the "crunch" I crave, plus the taste prevents me from wanting something else. Eat more celery!
















Saturday, August 20, 2011

Gift Bags

I had a variety of gifts I needed to take to a wedding, and ran into the Family Dollar Store to pick up wrapping paper and a curly bow. As I turned the corner these shiny bags caught my eye. They were $2 each. Very heavy duty and could be reused by the bride. They came in other colors, but I loved this bright pink. I found curly ribbon bows 2 on a card for $1. The bags were so much easier and looked a heck of a lot better than my gift wrapping! I stapled the bows on front of the bags.
I knew I had basket paper at home. I looked through my basket paper assortment and picked the pink, blue, yellow to put on top of the gifts in the bags.
Always remember, after every holiday, to go to the sale isle for that seasonal item. Look for basket paper, tissue paper, plates, napkins, tablecloths, etc. anything that can be used throughout the year for other events. I try to never by party supplies at the full price.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Craft Stick Box

This CRAFT STICK BOX might be a good project for a youth group or scout troop to make. I used 64 craft sticks, Elmer's glue, a wooden bead, and a piece of craft foam to make this 1 3/4 inch tall box, but you could use more craft sticks to make it taller. First I glued the sides of 11 craft sticks together on a piece of plastic wrap to make the bottom of the box.
Next glue craft sticks across both ends of the bottom, then glue craft sticks on opposite ends. You will be stacking up like logs with a little space in between each layer. Layer the craft sticks until you get the height of the box that you desire. Let everything dry for several hours.
When all the glue was dry I cut a piece of craft foam to put in the bottom of the box.
While the box is drying make the lid. Glue 11 craft sticks together side by side just like you did the bottom. Then glue a stick on the top of each end to hold the top together. Next glue a wooden bead on top for a handle. You could use any type of bead or button on top.
I also used the other half of the craft foam and cut out letters to put on top of my box. This is where the boxes can be custom designed to match the personality of the person you plan to give the box. You could paint it, put stickers on it, put craft jewels on it or almost anything decorative.
These craft sticks are the size of popcicle sticks, but craft sticks come in mini and jumbo to make other size boxes. These craft sticks were already colored. I have a box of assorted colors craft sticks.
I have more sticks in more colors...do you have any CRAFT STICK CRAFT ideas? Post a comment and share your ideas.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Protect Your Laptop

Our state office sent this out the other day, and I thought it was good information to share with you and for you to share with others about laptops or cameras or other expensive electronic equipment.



A laptop computer defines convenience and mobility. It enables you to work from home, a hotel room, a conference hall, or a coffee shop.
Maybe you've taken steps to secure the data on your laptop: You protect your information with a strong password and you're too smart to fall for those emails that ask for your personal information. But what about the laptop itself? A minor distraction is all it takes for your laptop to vanish. If it does, you may lose more than an expensive piece of hardware. The fact is, if your data protections aren't up to par, that sensitive and valuable information in your laptop may be a magnet for an identity thief.

Chances are you've heard stories about stolen laptops on the news or from friends and colleagues. No one thinks their laptop will be stolen– at least not until they find the trunk of their car broken into, notice that their laptop isn't waiting at the other side of airport security, or get a refill at the local java joint only to turn around and find their laptop gone.
Keep these tips in mind when you take your laptop out and about:

Treat your laptop like cash. If you had a wad of money sitting out in a public place, would you turn your back on it – even for just a minute? Would you put it in checked luggage? Leave it on the backseat of your car? Of course not. Keep a careful eye on your laptop just as you would a pile of cash.

Keep it locked. Whether you're using your laptop in the office, a hotel, or some other public place, a security device can make it more difficult for someone to steal it. Use a laptop security cable: attach it to something immovable or to a heavy piece of furniture that's difficult to move.

Keep it off the floor. No matter where you are in public – at a conference, a coffee shop, or a registration desk – avoid putting your laptop on the floor. If you must put it down, place it between your feet or at least up against your leg, so that you're aware of it.

Keep your passwords elsewhere. Remembering strong passwords or access numbers can be difficult. However, leaving either in a laptop carrying case or on your laptop is like leaving the keys in your car. There's no reason to make it easy for a thief to get to your personal or corporate information.

Mind the bag. When you take your laptop on the road, carrying it in a computer case may advertise what's inside. Consider using a suitcase, a padded briefcase or a backpack instead.

Get it out of the car. Don't leave your laptop in the car – not on the seat, not in the trunk. Parked cars are a favorite target of laptop thieves; don't help them by leaving your laptop unattended. That said, if you must leave your laptop behind, keep it out of sight.

Don't leave it "for just a minute." Your conference colleagues seem trustworthy, so you're comfortable leaving your laptop while you network during a break. The people at the coffee shop seem nice, so you ask them to keep an eye while you use the restroom. Don't leave your laptop unguarded – even for a minute. Take it with you if you can, or at least use a cable to secure it to something heavy.

Pay attention in airports. Keep your eye on your laptop as you go through security. Hold onto it until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector – and keep an eye out when it emerges on the other side of the screener. The confusion and shuffle of security checkpoints can be fertile ground for theft.

Be vigilant in hotels. If you stay in hotels, a security cable may not be enough. Try not to leave your laptop out in your room. Rather, use the safe in your room if there is one. If you're using a security cable to lock down your laptop, consider hanging the "do not disturb" sign on your door.
       Keeping Laptops From Getting Lost or Stolen

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Grasshoppers

When I dropped my husband off at his office the other morning I saw that the building and parking lot were cover with grasshoppers. It is so dang hot and dry in Western Oklahoma that the grasshoppers are struggling. The next morning I snapped these photos, and there were only about half as many grasshoppers as the day before.
My daughter's junior high school insect collection must have traumatized me more than I thought! Every time I see insects it runs through my mind that I should put them in a jar. The insect collection assignment is in the late fall after the insects are pretty much long gone. Yes, my daughter and all her friends had nice insect collections that were turned in for a grade. I am still traumatized!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Card Table

Card tables have been in my life as long as I can remember. My mother always has a half a dozen of them and I have no less than two at any given time. On a visit to the Western Oklahoma Historical Center (520 West Main, Weatherford, Oklahoma), I saw this wonderful old card table. It was not like any I had ever seen before. It obviously had been used to raise funds for some project long ago. I figured the size of the advertising must have indicated the amount donated, by each business listed on top of the table.
On one corner was this information. Maybe it was a VFW fund raiser?
This was a neat ad on one of the center triangles. The funeral home where my daughter and now my granddaughter work part time was founded by R.L. Lockstone, and ran for many years by his son Stony. Now it is operated by Stony's son Marty and his son Adam.
This Wright's Service Station ad grabbed my attention because of the telephone numbers.
Then I looked at the Berrong ad and I guess they had two numbers one for in town and one for rural. Just think how fast the kids could text if they only had one or two numbers to punch! LOL
There were so many other neat features about this table. It was made of wood and in very good shape for its age. The Western Oklahoma Historical Center and Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Society are both places to visit that you can take a step back in history, and find neat things like this old card table.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Handmade Wedding Favors

We attended a wedding where the bride and one of her bridesmaids had handmade little pots for each wedding guest. The pots contained a bag of potting soil with two ready to plant hearts that contained seeds. The pots were pink and green the brides wedding colors with a card attached to the bag of soil and seeds that said "Where two hearts are planted, love will grow."
There was a pot placed at each guest's seat at the reception.
The pots were all just a little different since they were individually made.
The paper hearts came with seeds embedded in them.
On the back of the pot the bride and her bridesmaid put their initials.
This was just such a neat idea I wanted to share it with all of you.