Monday, October 31, 2011

Spider Sucker Craft

Spider Sucker Craft
Dum Dum Sucker
Chenille Stems (pipe cleaners)
Beads or Craft Eyes
Glue
Since I was using Dum Dum suckers I cut two chenille stems in half.
Wrap each chenille stem around the stick of the sucker, so you have legs on each side.
Shape the spider legs.
Glue on the eyes.
If using regular size Tootsie Pops you would want to use four full size chenille stems to make the legs. I used two tiny beads for the eyes on this spider, but google craft eyes would look better on the bigger spider.
These spiders would make fun table decorations for a Halloween party or you could hand them out to those who Trick or Treat at your house.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Sunday, October 30, 2011

BHG $25,000 Holiday Sweeps

Enter at:
www.bhg.com/holidaysave

OFFICIAL RULES


Void outside the 50 United States and where prohibited. Do not proceed to enter if you are not at least 21 years of age and a legal resident of, and located within, one of the 50 United States, or the District of Columbia, at the time of entry.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

The $25,000 Holiday Switch & Save Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (“E.T.”) on 09/01/11 and ends at 11:59 p.m., E.T. on 11/30/11. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm, E.T. on 11/30/11 and will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa.

ENTRY: Enter at www.bhg.com/holidaysave by submitting a completed online entry form. There is no cost to register or enter. Please include a postal address, not a post office box, with your entry. For prize fulfillment purposes, a potential winning entry having only a post office box address will be disqualified.

LIMIT: One entry per person with a valid email address per day. No group entries. Any attempt by an entrant, or any other person, to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins, or any other methods may result in disqualification by Sponsor, in its sole discretion.

ELIGIBILITY: Legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, 21 years of age or older are eligible to enter, except employees of Sponsor, and any other organizations affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion of the Sweepstakes and/or their respective agents, affiliates, subsidiaries and members of their immediate families or household members. “Immediate family members” shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses. “Household members” shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year.

WINNER SELECTION AND PRIZING: On or about 12/14/11, Sponsor will conduct a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. One (1) winner will receive a $25,000 check. Winner will be notified and prize will be delivered approximately thirty (30) days from date of winner verification.

Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize (or portions thereof) of equal or greater value if prize (or portions thereof) cannot be awarded as described. Sponsor will determine all elements of prizing in its sole discretion. Prize may not be assigned, transferred, or changed, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee express or implied by Sponsor. Sponsor disclaims all and any liability for the actual provision, quality or nature of any third-party product or service accepted by the winner. The awarding of any prize is contingent upon full compliance with these Official Rules. Entrants agree to be bound by Official Rules and agree that if winner fails to provide proof of identity, refuses to provide required documentation, is found to have violated Official Rules, or otherwise does not meet eligibility criteria, prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner in a random drawing. Entrants understand that Sponsor is not liable for injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising from participation in this promotion and acceptance, possession, and use of prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the sweepstakes or in the announcement of the prize. Decisions of Sponsor are final and binding in all respects.

ODDS of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received.

PRIVACY: Registration for Sponsor’s www.bhg.com website is required to enter the Sweepstakes. When you register, we collect personally identifying information about you, including your name, mailing address, and email address. The information that you provide will be added to a centralized Sponsor database so that you will simultaneously be registered for Sponsor’s other websites as well. By entering and providing the required registration information, you acknowledge that Sponsor may send you information, samples, or special offers it believes may be of interest to you about its publications or other complementary goods offered by Sponsor. Sponsor may also include your name and postal address in postal address lists that Sponsor sells or rents to third parties for marketing purposes. For more information about how Sponsor uses the information you provide, see Sponsor’s privacy policy at www.bhg.com. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SHARE YOUR INFORMATION, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THIS PROMOTION.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Except where prohibited, by participating Sweepstakes entrants agree that: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of participant(s) and Sponsor and its agents shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction. Entrant agrees that any action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to this Sweepstakes, or awarding of the prize, shall be filed only in the state or federal courts located in the State of New York and entrant hereby consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such action. Except where prohibited, by participating in this Sweepstakes, entrant agrees that: (a) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or awarding of the prize, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; and (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with participating in this Sweepstakes but in no event attorneys' fees; and (c) under no circumstances will any participant be permitted to obtain awards for and hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

OTHER: Sponsor assumes no responsibility for entries it is unable to process due to network, hardware or other technical failures; or any other reason, or incomplete, damaged, misdirected, or lost entries. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the web site or otherwise in violation of these Official Rules. Sponsor further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this promotion if not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention, or any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or integrity of the sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it believes has tampered with the entry process, and/or cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the sweepstakes. In the event of cancellation, Sponsor reserves the right to select winner(s) from among all eligible entries received prior to date of cancellation. The use of automated entry systems or any other conduct that impedes the integrity of the sweepstakes is prohibited. In the event of a dispute regarding online entry, entry will be deemed made by the holder of an established e-mail account associated with the entry.

GENERAL: Except where prohibited by law: (i) entry constitutes permission to use entrant's entry, name, hometown, voice, likeness, photograph and any statements regarding this sweepstakes in all media now known or hereafter discovered, for any purpose, including without limitation, in connection with, and to promote, market or advertise, the sweepstakes, in whole or in part, without review, approval, credit or attribution, notification or payment from or to entrant or any person or entity, worldwide, in perpetuity, or on a winner’s list, if applicable; (ii) potential winner may be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability/Publicity within ten (10) days of notification or an alternate winner may be selected by random drawing. If winner notification is returned as undeliverable, an alternate winner may be selected by random drawing. By participating and winning a prize, winner releases Sponsor, its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and agencies and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any and all liability with respect to the prize won and participation in the sweepstakes. Subject to all U. S. federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. Taxes on prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099-MISC tax form in the amount of the prize retail value as stated herein. For winner’s list, available after 12/31/11, send a separate, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Winner’s List, $25,000 Holiday Switch & Save Sweepstakes, 1716 Locust St. LN-102, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Check Your Cat

Booksey Rose 2000-2006
Cats get cancer. Our first cat, Booksey Rose, died from cancer five years ago this month. Since October is cancer awareness this is a good time to share our experience. Cat cancer is very common, just as it is for humans. If we live long enough, it is likely that we will develop heart disease, cancer or some other disease. I don't like to think about it, but it is true, eventually we all die of something. This is also true for our family member pets.

Booksey Rose and I were doing our nightly cuddle when I found the lump on her shoulder. We took her to the vet and he did surgery to remove the cancerous lump. He said he got it, but that it would probably reoccur. Booksey Rose lived for another year before it came back.
Booksey Rose loved to help with everything!
Here she is as a two year old helping the printer.
Cancer can develop in any organ or body system. Some cancer involves the development of tumors, while other forms (like leukemia) involve changes in the blood or bone marrow. Cancer can occur in the skin or under the skin, and it can affect just about any location or organ in the body. There are also several types of cancer that can develop in different locations throughout the body.

Here are some things to watch for:
1. A lump or growth that grows quickly
2. A mass that seems to be attached to the underlying tissue
3. A mass that changes its character
4. Weight loss or loss of appetite
5. Coughing or difficult, labored breathing
6. Bloody urine or difficulty urinating
7. Lethargy or a decreased energy level
8. Change in personality

Booksey Rose after cancer surgery.
The hard part was having to keep her in a cage for weeks while she healed.
Cancer treatments can be expensive. Booksey Rose's surgery, medicine, etc. was around five hundred dollars. Treatment often involves surgery, but it can also involve radiation and chemotherapy. The cost can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars. I personally would not put a pet through radiation or chemotherapy, the surgery was tramatic enough.

Cats leave paw prints on our hearts!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Spiders and Bats Crafts

Easy to make spiders and bats crafts.
Foam craft sheets
Sissors
Google Eyes
Glue
Just cut out spiders and bats shapes out of the foam sheets and add eyes.
I just freehanded these, but you could make a pattern if you make several and want them to all be alike. On the bat I used cut out circles of another foam sheet for the eyes.
These spiders and bats can be used to decorate a school bulletin board, windows, or you can attach a piece of fishing line to hang from the ceiling or to make a mobile.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Witch

Normally I decorate the front door and porch area of our house for Halloween. This year I just did not get around to it. Last Saturday I was in Walgreen's and saw this $1.99 door cover and thought that I at least could tape that up and be some what festive. After I taped it to the front door I went about my usual Saturday type stuff. I put in a load of laundry, went to check my e-mails and download some photos from my camera. When I headed to put my camera back in my purse, I saw my husband over by the front door.
He was squatted down doing something to the door witch. So I took these photos of him being "caught in the act" of being too funny! I e-mailed the photos to some of my friends so they could laugh with me. The responses were....tell us something we didn't already know! That made me laugh even harder. My husband said it was kinda like putting up a "beware of dog" sign. Ha Ha
Gotta love him...he makes me laugh.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

S'mores Bars

S'mores Bars
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Mix together
1 package sugar cookie dough mix (dry)
1 sleeve/pkg. graham crackers (crushed)
1 cup margarine (melted)
Press into bottom of 9 x 13 baking pan
Bake at 375 for 20 minutes
As soon as you take it out of the oven 
Pour 3 cups milk chocolate chips on top
quickly spread the chips so they melt
Next pour a package of small marshmallows on top of the melted chips
Put under the broiler until the marshmallows are brown
CAUTION: Do not burn your mouth trying to eat when they are too hot!
This is what the S'mores Bars look like when they are cold! My daughter forgot to take step by step photos and send to me. She is a really good cook and if I ever get her into the habit of taking photos for this blog we can all enjoy her skills. You can cut a square of the cold ones and stick in the microwave for a few seconds and they are just like the fresh out of the oven ones again! They are really good!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Not Yo Chips

One of the guys my husband works with had extra jalapeno peppers in his garden, and he gave a bag to my husband. Normally I make my Nacho (Not Yo) Chips with canned jalapeno peppers, but OH MY I LOVE them with fresh jalapeno peppers!

First I put the chips on the plate and then slices of Velveeta cheese. On this serving I added a sliced Bar S smoked sausage dog and then the sliced fresh jalapeno peppers. Pop the plate in the microwave for about 2 minutes and all the cheese melts over the chips. YUMMY!!!
Some times I put chopped onions on my Nacho Chips too.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

DUMBO 70 Years!

My all time favorite movie is DUMBO, because DUMBO is my hero! When others make fun of you and think you can't do something, you have to believe that you can. That is an important lesson Timothy the mouse taught DUMBO in the classic Disney movie. The shortest Disney movie only 64 minutes, is well worth watching with your children and grandchildren.
Dumbo is a animated Walt Disney movie that was first released on October 23, 1941 by RKO Radio Pictures. The fourth film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics, Dumbo is based upon a child's book by Helen Aberson and illustrated by Harold Perl. The main character is Jumbo Jr., a baby elephant who is delivered by the stork and then cruelly nicknamed Dumbo, by the other elephant mothers on the circus train. He is ridiculed for his big ears, but surprised everyone when he was capable of flying by using them as wings. Throughout most of the movie, his only true friend besides his mother is the mouse Timothy, making fun of the stereotype between mice and elephants.
It is hard for me to believe that DUMBO is already 70 Years old!
This DUMBO sits atop a ink pen and rests in the pencil holder on my desk at work. He has a little spring holding him on the pen and is surrounded by feathers. I found him at Disney World in Flordia, along with a few other DUMBO trinkets. My daughter drew me a DUMBO when she was in high school and I have received DUMBO cards from family members. I love DUMBO.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Sweeps4Bloggers Giveaway

Giveaway – $50 RedEnvelope Gift Certificate – Ends 11/10/11
Check out Sweeps4Bloggers and enter this RedEnvelope giveaway. Be sure to check out Red Envelope if you have not seen the great selection of gifts they have to offer.

RedEnvelope
Red Envelope launched in 1999, their mission remains to make gift giving for every occasion easy and fun. The name RedEnvelope comes from a firmly held belief in Asian cultures that the color red is an auspicious symbol of happiness. Gifts are often presented in a simple red envelope – a timeless tradition that carries with it well wishes of prosperity, good fortune, appreciation and love.

When you’re looking for Christmas gifts (or gifts for any other occasion), RedEnvelope is a great place to start! They have a beautiful selection of very carefully chosen gifts that will make the recipient feel special.

HOW TO CONNECT - You can like RedEnvelope on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and subscribe to their newsletter.

PRIZE - RedEnvelope $50 Gift Certificate

Here’s what ya gotta do to enter to win ….GO TO: http:// sweeps4bloggers.com and follow their instructions...

***MANDATORY ENTRY: Leave a comment – just say something nice ***
Optional Bonus Entries: (must do main entry first – post a separate comment for each bonus entry)
* Fan the Sweeps4Bloggers Facebook Page
* Subscribe to Sweeps4Bloggers by email (green sidebar button)
* Subscribe to Sweeps4Bloggers by reader (Orange sidebar button)
* Post my button on your blog and comment with the link
* Follow Sweeps4Bloggers on Twitter
* Tweet about the giveaway and comment with the link to your tweet (you may TWEET DAILY for 1 bonus entry each day)
* Post on your blog/website about the giveaway and comment with the link (5 entries)
* Check out Giveaways4Prizes today – either add one of your giveaways to a linky or look at a giveaway that’s listed (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
* Follow RedEnvelope on Twitter
* Like RedEnvelope on Facebook
* Enter the Berricle Giveaway (ends 11/7)
* Enter another current Sweeps4Bloggers giveaway and let me know which one you entered (enter as many as you’d like, but only 1 bonus entry)

Giveaway ends November 10, 2011 at 8pm Pacific Time. Giveaway is open for residents of the US only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Subject to the official rules. No purchase necessary – void where prohibited by law. Disclaimer/Disclosure: Review sample and prize provided by the giveaway sponsor

Sweeps4Bloggers has awesome giveaways, so be sure to sign up and receive their e-mails!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Flower Pot Spider Craft

FLOWER POT SPIDER CRAFT FOR HALLOWEEN
ONE 3 INCH FLOWER POT
BLACK, GREEN, WHITE ACRYLIC PAINT
CHENILLE STEMS (PIPE CLEANERS)
GLUE
PAINT THE FLOWER POT BLACK AND ALLOW TO DRY
PAINT ON THE SPIDER FACE WITH THE WHITE AND GREEN ACRYLIC
CUT THE CHENILLE STEMS IN HALF
GLUE THE TIP OF THE CHENILLE STEMS INSIDE THE POT
AND BEND THE PART STICKING OUT INTO SPIDER LEGS
This is such an easy craft to make for Halloween decoration. Use different size flower pots and make a spider family! They can be used to decorate for a Halloween themed dinner by placing down the center of the table, or used as place card holders and a gift for each guest, etc. You can also flip the flower pot right side up and paint on a pumpkin face and fill with treats.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Milk Toast

Milk Toast
Two pieces of bread
Toasted in the toaster
Break up the pieces of toast into a bowl
Sprinkle with a little bit of sugar
Add milk
Stir and eat
My husband has always said when he was growing up that they did not have much money. He cracks me up, because compared to our family, his family was much more comfortable. Milk toast was one of the things we had for breakfast on a fairly regular basis. Of course as you can see I still crave the comfort of eating it once in a great while even today. We also ate a lot of corn meal mush. Any left over mush from breakfast was poured in a dish and chilled. The chilled mush was sliced and fried for lunch or supper. I could live for months on the things my children toss out!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Easy Feet

Easy Feet - As Seen on TV
My husband got this Easy Feet, as seen on TV, foot scrubber for the shower as a gift. Its claim to fame is "no more bending to clean your feet" and it cleans, exfoliates and massages your feet. It has a pumice stone that smooths your heels. There are over 1,000 bristles and the suction cup bottom grips to any floor. You can secure it to any tub or shower.
My husband said he didn't mind me taking photos of him cooking, but was not too sure of being my "foot model" for the Easy Feet photo! He also can't stand for his feet to be touched so he said the Easy Feet really tickles unless you just push your foot in it fast. Just add a squirt of soap and work your foot in and out for that spa feeling.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

$5.99 Fashion

Why pay more when you can only pay $5.99






You have to keep checking to see the new stuff listed for $5.99 or less. They have lots of sale items for under $5.99.

A couple of weeks ago I ordered 4 necklaces and 2 bracelets $1.99 each and with shipping it was under $20. The young lady I had them sent to thought they were great. You can sign up to get on their e-mail list and they will let you know when new stuff is listed.
These are the categories listed on the website:
(some categories have lots of stuff and others not so much)

SALE
Plus Size
Tops
Short Sleeve
Sleeveless
Long Sleeve
Dresses
Jewelry
Pants
Cosmetics
Fashion Belts
Handbags
Scarves
Sunglasses
Shoes
Shorts
Skirts
Jackets
Undergarments
Hair Accessories
Hats
Hosiery
Sleepwear
Jeans
Sets
Boys
Girls
Infants
Newborns
Mens


Ladies fashion long sleeve hooded jacket w/zipper closure and decorative applique $5.99.....even just working in the garden or running to the store this is a buy!

Check out $5.99 Fashion and see if you can find some fun stuff too.









                                           NEW ITEMS

Monday, October 17, 2011

Cheddar's

Cheddar's Restaurant in Midwest City, Oklahoma
Onion rings with two types of dip were pretty yummy.
One of the girls had "The Pain Killer."
They will not serve more than two of these per customer!
The glass is dipped in honey and then has toasted coconut applied to the rim.
This is the sirloin steak served on a bed of onion straws with corn and baby back ribs.
Chicken fried steak with loaded baked potato and broccoli.
Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Strips with red beans and rice.
(You get two sides with a meal.)
This was the Ribeye Steak with loaded baked potato and coleslaw.
This was suppose to be a medium rare and came as a well done piece of meat.
No pink at all! We sent it back.
 They found one with lots of fat and grissel to bring back, but it was medium rare!
My husband was hungry or we should have sent it back too!
Prices at this place are medium, just beware of the steak cook.



Sunday, October 16, 2011

Painted Ceiling

Don't be afraid to go wild and paint the ceiling! My granddaughter wanted her room at our house painted hot pink and lime green to match the colors in the curtains, sheets and bedspread. So we painted two walls hot pink and two walls lime green. Then I nearly broke my neck, painting flowers on the ceiling to match the linens and liven up the space.
After all it is only paint and can be painted over when it is time to change the decoration.
On a couple of the corners I painted the flower petals down onto the wall below, just for fun. Those are some of the paintings she did in art class when she was ten.
Don't worry about trying to make all of the flowers or whatever match exactly. It is way more interesting if you do a variety. I spaced them differently and made small and large ones all over the entire ceiling. I painted different color centers in the flowers to bring in the other colors in the curtains and bed linens. Since I was free handing it worked great. Except for my neck.
You can see the curtains in a couple of the photos above. This is the bed spread and the sheets match the curtains. It is certainly bright and wild in this small bedroom.
I found this neat photo frame that had similar "flower" shapes, around the word FAMILY, to add to the room. This photo makes the walls look more gold, but it is really lime green. She and her friends loved it. We often forget the ceiling when adding flare to our decorating plans. Another thing I have seen is the vinyl wall clings for decorating children's rooms. There are also vinyl cling sayings usually used over doorways, etc. Either of these  would be great on the ceiling! 

Saturday, October 15, 2011

White Cane Day 10/15

This is a version of the post from White Cane Day last year. AWARENESS of White Cane Day is important in our family.

When my husband was born he weighed 1 pound 14 ounces. Not believing that he would survive they put him under a high dose of oxygen, that cost him his eye sight. He is legally blind. He only has limited vision 20/200 out of one eye, so he uses a white cane when he is in unfamiliar surroundings.
My husband....this is the guy who cooks at our house.
Read past blog posts to see his awsome dishes.
Note to other husbands...you too can cook!

Under Oklahoma law (check your state), only blind people may carry white canes, or white canes tipped with red, which are universally recognized as mobility aids for people with vision impairments.

Legal blindness occurs when vision is 20/200 or more in the better eye with the best possible correction, or the visual field is restricted to 20 degrees or less.

“Oklahoma law (check your state) requires drivers to completely stop their vehicles 15 feet away from pedestrians who are visually impaired and identified by their use of white canes with red tips or dog guides," Rep. Pittman explained. “People who violate this law are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three months or $100 fine or both.”

In 2002, the Oklahoma legislature lengthened the stopping distance from three to the 15 feet currently required by state law. The same law protects people who are deaf or hard of hearing using signal dogs identified by bright orange collars and those with physical disabilities using assistance dogs.

The white cane is not just a tool that can be used to achieve independence; it is also a symbol of the blind citizens in our society. To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, we observe October 15th of each year as “White Cane Safety Day." Today, the white cane works both, as a tool for the blind as well as a symbol, but this has not always been the case.

Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick have existed as traveling aids for the blind and visually impaired. Dating back to biblical times records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path. For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel and it was not until the twentieth century that the cane, as we know it today, was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind.

This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists. It was not until ten years later that the white cane established its presence in society. In February, 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by rotary clubs throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931 the BBC suggested in its radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would become universally recognized as a symbol indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired.

In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lion's Clubs International. In 1930, a Lion's Club member watched as a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. With the realization that the black cane was barely visible to motorists, the Lion's Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists. In 1931, the Lion's Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who are blind Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, blind persons had walked with their canes held diagonally in a fixed position, and the role of the white cane took on a symbolic role as an identifier.

But when the blind veterans of World War II returned to America, the form and the use of the white cane was further altered in an attempt to help return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home. Doctor Richard Hoover developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. These white canes are designed to be used as mobility devices and returned the cane to its original role as a tool for mobility, but maintained the symbolic role as an identifier of blind independence. During this period, the white cane began to make its way into government policy as a symbol for the blind.

The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois. It granted blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. In 1935, Michigan began promoting the white cane as a visible symbol for the blind. On February 25, 1936, an ordinance was passed by the City of Detroit recognizing the white cane. To promote the new ordinance, a demonstration was held at City Hall where the blind and visually impaired people were presented with white canes. The following year, Donald Schuur wrote the provision of a bill and had it proposed in the Michigan State Legislature. The proposal gave the carrier of the White Cane protection while traveling on the streets of Michigan. Governor Frank Murphy signed the bill into law in March, 1937.

During the early 1960's, several state organizations and rehabilitation agencies serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of the United States urged Congress to proclaim October 15th of each year to be White Cane Safety Day in all fifty states. This event marked a climatic moment in the long campaign of the organized blind movement to gain state as well as national recognition for the white cane. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of The United States of America to proclaim October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." The resolution read, "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that the President is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15th as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon the people of the United States of America to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Within hours of passage of the congressional resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson went down in history as the first to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.

The Presidential proclamation emphasized the significance of the use of the white cane as both a tool and as a visible symbol. In the first White Cane Proclamation President Johnson commended blind people for the growing spirit of independence and the increased determination to be self-reliant and dignified. He said in part: "A white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind person's ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of the blind on our streets and highways."

During most years since 1964, the President has proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Safety Day. On October 15, 2000, President Bill Clinton again reminded us of the history of the white cane as a tool, and its purpose as a symbol of blindness: "With proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way. As we observe White Cane Safety Day, 2011, let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a staff of independence. Let us also recall the events that have permitted us to celebrate October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.

History of White Cane Safety Day by Philip Strong was obtained on the American Council of the Blind web site.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Inexpensive Flowers

This time of year inexpensive pots of mums in every color can be found at most grocery, discount or garden stores. I needed to send flowers to the funeral home and knew it would cost a minimum of thirty dollars. I could not afford to spend that much money on a potted plant or spray.

 I saw these gallon potted mums outside our grocery store priced 2 for $14. They were just beginning to bloom so they were perfect. I got a pot of them for seven dollars. I went to the Family Dollar store and picked up some green shiny wrapping paper for one dollar.

I went home and put the green paper up around the pot and tied it with a pink and green ribbon. I also had a card holder I had saved to stick down in the plant, and put a card on just like the florist. For nine dollars I had a plant to take to the funeral home and it looked as good as the other expensive ones that were there. 
Always check your craft, fabric, and party sections of the store to get good deals on ribbon. Especially after holiday seasons when stuff goes on half price. Get a box or a tub to put your supplies in...ALWAYS BE PREPARED!


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Onion and Peach Salsa

My new favorite salsa...VIDALIA ONION AND PEACH SALSA...found at of all places the Tractor Suppy Store! We buy my husband's Wrangler Jeans at the Tractor Supply Store. The Tractor Supply Store has awesome after Christmas sales on toys, etc., but I never thought I would find salsa and jellies at the Tractor Supply Store!
To top it off it says on the side of the bottle that it was made by Griffin Foods - House of Webster. The House of Webster located in Rogers, Arkansas has really really really good jams, jellies, mixes, you name it they have it in beautiful gift baskets.  

I found a recipe to make ONION AND PEACH SALSA, if you don't have a Tractor Supply Store. I might come close to being as good as this stuff is...don't know, but it would be worth a try. Or you could look up the House of Webster to see if they have it to order on line.

VIDALIA ONION AND PEACH SALSA 
(Vidalia Onion is a registered certification mark of the Georgia Dept. of Ag) 

1 large Vidalia onion, peeled and quartered
3 Tablespoons jalapeno slices
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
1 (11 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
(I am sure fresh peaches and fresh tomatoes would be lots better in this recipe)
1 (11 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1 pinch cumin
1 pinch chili powder
1 Tablespoon vinegar
Place the onion, jalapeno and bell pepper in the food processor. Pulse until the vegetables are chopped. Add the peaches and pulse until they are incorporated.
Place the processed ingredients into a large bowl. Stir in the tomatoes, lemon juice sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and vinegar.
Mix well. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
(Makes 2 to 3 cups)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

War Eagle Craft Fair

Go to Northwest Arkansas
and enjoy the annual
War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair
October 13, 14, 15, 16, 2011.
It is one of the biggest in the US.

There is a lot of history surrounding this working grist mill on War Eagle River — history that began four years before Arkansas was admitted as a state. The year was 1832.
A young man by the name of Sylvanus Blackburn had moved west from Hickman County, Tennessee, settling in the untamed country near present-day Bentonville. Blackburn worked hard to build a homestead and nearby grist mill. In time, he sent for his young bride, Catherine Brewer Blackburn. The couple would have eight children in the near-wilderness. By 1838, the War Eagle community had developed and included a blacksmith shop, carpentry shop and saw mill.

This is a ONE LANE bridge and you have to wait for the car coming from the other direction to come across, before you get your turn to cross over. Your tires must be lined up on the board planks to drive across. Makes me hold my breath every time I have ever went over it!

War Eagle River, however, is prone to floods. After heavy rains in 1848, the 16-year-old mill and mill pond dam would be washed away. War Eagle Mill was rebuilt soon after by the Blackburn family. The grist mill’s role in the War Between the States would prove dramatic. Sylvanus and Catharine owed a considerable number of slaves. The Blackburns were affluent, respected leaders in the young community, a developing force in the recently admitted slave state of Arkansas. All five of the Blackburn sons joined the Confederacy. As the bloodshed drew closer, Sylvanus Blackburn left Arkansas, taking Catharine and other family members to the relative safety of Texas.

Today, we see grist mills as quaint structures of an earlier, simpler time. During the Civil War, however, mills were simply targets. The food grains produced there were essential to armies. Efforts to capture or destroy grist mills were part of each army’s strategy. On February 28, 1862, Eugene Carr Union colonel encamped at the Cross Hollows Camp near War Eagle wrote, “Colonel Dodge came in this morning with all the men and teams he had at the War Eagle Mills*; he regretted very much to leave them, and says the inhabitants begged him to stay. Blackburn, the owner, is very fearful that the mills will be burned.” On March 4, 1862, Confederate forces rode into the War Eagle Valley, burning the mill to the ground.

Sylvanus' son, James G. Blackburn, would later be killed by bushwhackers. His tombstone in the War Eagle Cemetery simply reads, ”Murdered by a Union Soldier.” Another Blackburn son, James Austin Cameron Blackburn, rebuilt the grist mill in 1873. War Eagle was given a post office that year. Catharine Blackburn passed away on March 13, 1890. Sylvanus died less than a week later.

James A.C. Blackburn’s mill, the third on the property, would last 51 years. In 1924, War Eagle Mill burned down. The site lay empty for decades. The rural population dwindled. The post office closed in 1967. In 1973, however, War Eagle Mill was rebuilt by the Medlin family. Today, it is Arkansas’ only remaining grist mill and is reported to be the only working undershot waterwheel in the nation. The18-foot waterwheel turns 30-inch stone buhrs, now grinding corn year-round.
The War Eagle Fair, founded in 1953 and known as the grandaddy of all Ozark craft fairs, fills the pastures just across the old War Eagle Bridge, built in 1908. The fair is an Ozarks tradition, drawing visitors by the thousands every fall and spring. When I was there on the first of October they were already putting up the acres and acres of tents for the arts and crafts exhibitors. At the same time as the War Eagle Fair most of the other communities and towns in Northwest Arkansas also have events to attend. You can make an entire weekend of checking out some awesome displays.