Heaven in a Punch Cup

Oh Lawh!  We went to the wedding of  Clay and Kellie Veal this morning at 11:00.  The reception was a full blown meal that consisted of all the favorites of the bride and groom.  We were served smoked Boston But, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pasta salad, chip and dip. cream cheese cup cakes, red velvet cupcakes, baked beans, and potato salad.  The piece de resitance was one of the punches that was served.  It was called Southern Coffee Mocha Punch and to be honest it would send a diabetic into sugar overload.  I had to get the recipe and share it with you all because it would be great for a shower, luncheon, brunch....I took a small sip.  Frank had a whole cup and loved it.  Even the children were crazy about it.  If you are a coffee, frappe, latte, etc. drinker and you frequent places like Starbucks for those frozen coffee things....you will love this.

Southern Coffee Mocha Punch

Ingredients:

1 quart chocolate milk
1 can of condensed milk

1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream,

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream,

1/2 gallon coffee ice cream, all cubed and softened

2 quarts strong coffee, chilled

1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
ground nutmeg (optional)
grated chocolate (optional)

Directions:

Combine first 6 ingredients in a punch bowl and stir until ice cream melts.

Garnish with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg and or grated chocolate, if desired.  This fills one large punch bowl.  If there is more than your punchbowl holds just put the remainder in the fridge to add when the bowl starts getting empty....and it will...I promise.  I am telling you...it is truly heaven in a punch cup.

The New High School Principal

I was sent a powerful email Friday morning and had to mull it over during the day before I actually decided to share it with my readers.  I wish I could say I said this because I believe in what this man said.  The email was entitled, "New high school principal" and it speaks volumes. We watched high school principal Dennis Prager of Colorado , Tom Brokaw on TV a couple of weeks ago....what a dynamic, down to earth speaker. Even though Sarah Palin and Tom Brokaw were also guest speakers they did little but nod and agree with him. This is the guy that should be running for President in 2012!  This is a Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give, it is by Dennis Prager, and goes something like this:

"To the students and faculty of our high school:

I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.

I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.

First, this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.

This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America , one of its three central values -- e pluribus Unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America 's values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.

Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism -- an unhealthy preoccupation with the self -- while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interested in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.

Second, I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America 's citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here -- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English --but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.

Third, because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.

Fourth, no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property -- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "Ni**er," even when used by one black student to address another black, or "b**ch," even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.

Fifth, we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way -- the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago -- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.

Sixth, and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will be devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue... There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately fortunate -- to be alive and to be an American.

Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you."  I wish I had the courage to be that outspoken about what I do for a living, where I live, and what I am.  Independance day is on Wednesday....and you know...I am pretty danged proud of who I am and where I live.  Are you?  If you are...then stand up for what you believe in. n Happy Friday!

Reasons to Hire a Postpartum Doula

I have a guest blogger today and I am excited about her post because it is something I didn't know that much about until I read this.  My guest blogger is Katie Moore and I hope you enjoy her writing style.  My daughter was a birthing coach earlier this year and had to attend some doula classes.  I did not want to look stupid so I just nodded my head in understanding...instead of asking what a doula was.  I had my children back in the day when Lamaze and La Leche were the big things.  I understand from watching movies that there are a lot of different birthing methods and such out there today.  That is why I decided to let Katie share her story. 

Reason to Hire a Postpartum Doula

As thrilled as a new mom may feel about entering motherhood, she may also carry a bit of fear and uneasiness too. After all, taking care of an infant comes with a lot of responsibilities. On top of that, having a new baby in the family can be an emotional time for the entire household.

To ease the transition into motherhood, many new moms hire postpartum doulas for guidance, support, and general aid with the new baby. Although hiring professional help brings extra expenses, the benefits often outweigh the extra cost.

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who specializes in labor and postpartum support. There are many types of doulas, and a postpartum doula focuses on assisting new moms after labor. Their responsibilities include helping with infant care, breastfeeding, meals, caring for other children in the family, household chores, and general support.

 Although doulas do not replace medical professionals, their constant assistance makes them a valuable service to obtain. A doula can help educate a mother about available options during labor and delivery like pain management choices, umbilical cord blood banking and immunizations. sA doula also is great for educating a mother post-delivery about how to care for her baby.

Benefits of hiring a doula

Infant care

Taking care of a newborn is exhausting. You have to work around the clock to ensure his comfort and wellbeing. It’s especially hard on moms who had a C-section and are still healing from surgery, moms who breastfeed and wake up several times during the night, and single mothers who lack partner support.

With a doula, you are not the lone caregiver shouldering all the responsibilities. You can take a break from mommy duties and take a nap, enjoy a walk, or just have some alone time. When you have been tending to a needy newborn day after day, some time off makes a world of difference.

Plus, as a new parent, you don’t have the knowledge and experience to handle questionable situations – is going to the bathroom six times a day normal? Should I swaddle my infant when it’s hot in the room? Why does my infant spit up formula but not breast milk? A doula’s experience can guide you through uncertain times, and help you become a confident parent.

 Emotional support

The birth of a baby is a sensitive time in your life and can bring a flood of emotions. You have to adjust from your childless lifestyle to an inherited a world of responsibilities. Plus, having just given birth, you can feel extra sensitive emotionally and are recovering physically from delivery.

Having a doula for company can bring comfort at this delicate time. They are your support, advisor and friend. They are an outlet when you need one. They are there to help you through difficult times.

Help around the house

When you are busy with the little one, household duties such as cleaning and cooking can seem minute. However, a clean space and homemade meals are still important for a healthy lifestyle. A doula can help with household tasks so you can focus on the new baby and not worry about chores.

With all of the extra support that a doula can provide, a mother will have no troubling adjusting to her new lifestyle with her new bundle of joy!

“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Volume 83

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. To play along just answer the questions on your own blog then add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post by clicking here. Afterwards hop around and see what your neighbors are saying. Remember there will not be a Hodgepodge next Wednesday (July 4th)...July 11th will be the next 'official' Hodgepodge.

Here are my answers to this week's questions-

1. What do the words 'freedom' and 'liberty' mean to you? Does your mind go in the direction of not being persecuted or discriminated against or does it head in the direction of doing what you please?

My miind goes in the direction of not being persecuted or discriminated against.  Having traveled internationally I have been places where this is NOT the common.  I am glad that I have the right to worship where I want to and not have to hide my worship for fear of death.  Here I have the right to defend myself and carry a permit that gives me the right to bear a weapon.  Here I can express myself through protesting, I know I will receive far treatment if I am accused of something...innocent until proven guilty, and I can write, speak, think, and act without fear of reprisal as long as I stay within the confines of the law.  There are many who have fought here and on foreign soil to make sure that this is so.  When I think of freedom and liberty I think of how much it cost the patriots before me and the soldiers now and I am thankful...so very thankful!

2. Nathan's sponsors a hot dog eating contest every July 4th. Last year over 40,000 people attended the event and almost 2 million watched it on TV. The winner ate over 60 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. How do you like your hot dogs? If I am in New York, Chicago, Atlantic City or at a ball game I prefer it with mustard and relish....with maybe a few onions.  If it is just off the grill I like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, kraut.  If  I find myself at Daniel's in Valley, AL I want a scrambled dog with chili and slaw added to the mix.  I love hotdogs....but not enough to attempt 60 in 10 minutes, 

 

3. If you were going to enter an eating contest what would be on the menu? There is not a food around that I want to enter and eating contest with.  I like the taste of many things...but don't have the urge to be that much of a glutton over any of them.  I am not even a buffet fan.  I want a set portion set before me.

 

4. Do you run your house more as a dictatorship or a democracy?  All of our children have homes of their own now and Frank and I  pretty much discuss everything, which feels very democratic.  When the kids were living at home it was closer to a dictatorship.  I set rules and they followed them.  We discussed the rules when the kids felt they were unfair....but I was still the final decision, after all....I was the parent.

 

5. Where was your favorite summer place as a kid?   I'd probably say the beach and Lido Pool at Lake Worth Beach if we were local.  One of the mothers would take us as often as possible.  I lived about 5 minutes from both.  We could also ride bikes when we were old enough to go alone.  If it were a vacation then it would have been Melbourne, FL, Sanibel Island and Captiva.  They are still some of my favorite places today.

 

6. Do you have a guest room? Would you want to stay there?  I have two guest rooms.  One is used as my office and very cluttered right now with stuff from my moms, photos I am going through, and crafty things.  I would not want to stay there....but summer plan number 2 is to get that room in order.  The second room is lovely and yes I would love to hide away there.  It has a Martha Stewart pillow top on the mattress and I have worked hard at making it look homey.  I love that room. 

 

7. Next Wednesday America celebrates her independence. Do you have any special plans for the 4th of July? If you live outside the USA when and how does your country celebrate its own patriotic holiday?   We will do the small town celebrating by attending a cookout at friends.  We will sit on our front porch later that night and catch the fireworks from Lake Wedowee. I am making a strawberry, blueberry trifle for the cookout and the beans.  Our church is doing their patriotic Sunday this week.  I will be singing "God Bless the U.S.A." as the special.

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today is Bob Keeshan's birthday....if you don't recognize the name and you are close to my age you might remember him as Captain Kangaroo.  I loved his show when I was a kid.  He and Mr. Green Jeans entertained me for the time frame that they were on.  Today is also Helen Keller's birthday.  Her childhood home, Ivy Green, is in North Alabama and a beautiful place to visit.  Her story has always fascinated me.  Today also is the day the Happy Birthday song was penned.  What was your favorite kids show when you were younger?  Did you have a historical person you loved reading about?  If today is your birthday...then I hope it is happy....if today is just June 27th for you then I hope you have a good day.

I Spy DIY Style

About the Book:  I Spy DIY Style is a go-to guide for girls who want to "get the look" on a budget.  Radosevich brings her readers the most stylish DIY ideas.  She has taken her favorite clothes and accessory trends and tuned each into a simple, step-by-step, do-it-yourself project.  If you have a wardrobe that needs some new life breathed into it this is your source book.

About the Author:  Jenni Radosevich was born and raised in the midwesst.  She was determined to create her own style and he affinity for creating current "looks for less" has manifested into a column for InStyle and a website:  www.ISPY-DIY.com . She currently resides in New York City.

My Thoughts on the Book:  This book was amazing.  I have already tried out a couple of the projects myself at home and found the directions were thorough and eas to follow.  This book should be on the bookshelf of every DIY'er.  It is full of colorful pictures of the projects before, during, and after.  The directions are plainly put....anyone can understand them.  Radosevich has produced a wonderful idea book for people who enjoy taking something old and making it look amazingly different.  This is a must read and own.

Disclaimer:  I was asked by Crown Publishing Group and Net Galley to review this book and give an honest opinion.  I was not paid for my opinion and the comments given are my own.  This book is wonderful and if you are someone who enjoys DIY and crafting then you should be downloading this book as you read.  It is amazing!

The Bridge

About the Book:  Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago.  Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville and after several years on the road touring with a country music duo he can still hear the voice of the girl he can't get out of his head.  At least he can visit The Bridge - the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin-and remember the hours he and Molly once spent there.  For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, even through dismal book sales and the rise of digital books.  Then in May, the hundred-year flood swept through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.  Now the bank is pulling the lease.  Despondent and without answers, Charlie drives through a blinding snowstorm and considers ending his life.  But before he can decide, he hits black ice and crashes.  Life changes and miracles and second chances begin to unfold. 

About the Author:  USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 20 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 50 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.  Karen Kingsbury is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction™ and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year.

My Thoughts on the Book:  Having been an avid Karen Kingsbury fan for years I was delighted when Simon & Schuster allowed me the opportunity to preview this book.  It was Karen Kingsbury at her finest.  The story is a touching tale of a young couple from differing backgrounds, an older couple who run a long standing bookstore, mother natures fury, tragedy, miracles, and second chances.  It is the kind of book you do not want to put down.  The characters are so real that you feel as if they are a part of you, which is the Karen Kingsbury style of writing.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to see what can happen when God is in control.

Disclaimer:  This book was given to me to review courtesy of Net Galley and Simon and Schuster.  I was asked only for an honest review and no payment was exchanged.  If I had to rank this book I would give it a 5.

Project 365 - Week 25

We are almost at the half way point of the year.  Where has 2012 gone?  It is that time of week when I post my photo journal for the week and hook up with Sara over at her blog.  I wish you would hop over there by clicking here and you will see some amazing pictures.  It has been a hot week this week and I have tried to stay inside as much as I could.  So what did my week look like?

Sunday, June 17th - Father's Day

I came home from Canada today.  I had been gone since Thursday and this was Frank's sign for the week.  I am glad I got a shot of it.

Monday, June 18th

Saturday night while I was in Canada Joel Dollar had an auction over in Standing Rock.  Since I was not going to be there he let me come by on Wednesday and leave a silent bid for anything I wanted.  Frank ended up going to the sale so he made sure I got the three things I wanted.  Monday morning he brought them in and we opened them up.  It was like Christmas at the Korb house.  I got a 5 qt. stainless Kitchen Aid mixer, the coolest toaster ever....it defrosts!....and a cheese holder with 4 wine glasses that has grapes etched in the glass.  I could not wait to unpack my prizes and get them placed.  Of course when we got the Kitchen Aid and toaster put up it made my pots and pans look pitiful so tomorrow we are going to get some new ones.  Whoooo hoooo!

Tuesday, June 19th

Tuesday morning we ran some errands and got tomatoes and South Carolina peaches at the truck farmer in town.  The corn came from the Robertsons at our church.  I am cooking it and fried green tomatoes for supper tonight.  I want to use the new cookware we are going to get.

Wednesday, June 20th

Wednesday I picked these peppers off the pepper plant the Robertson's gave Frank to plant.  It still has a bunch on it.  The bag of already snapped beans came from the Houze's garden.  I am cooking these bad boys tonight for dinner.  I cannot wait.

Thursday, June 21st

 Thursday we had some special visitors.  My niece Ramona was here to audition to be on the Family Feud and she and her precious boys - little Will and Drew man came and spent the morning with us.  I could just squeeze these babies to death they are so sweet.  Will is constantly on the go and Drew was fascinated by the donkey in our back yard.  Beau was checking out the donkey too.  I think the donkey was a bit curious about all the commotion in our backyard as well.  I had a wonderful visit with the three of them.  Kat is supposed to be home from Moldova today.  I can't wait to hear her voice.  She has been gone since the beginning of June.

Friday, June 22nd

We have a church bird house in the front yard that my friend Mary gave to me when we first moved in to the parsonage.....anyways the roof was removed from it for the second time.  Last time we picked up the roof and put it back on.....but I think the birds have taken it off....and for a reason.  Inside the bird house there were four sky blue little eggs and one roan egg over to the side.  I can't wait to see them hatch.  I have enjoyed watching the momma and daddy bird fly in and out bringing food and stuff to the little ones.

Saturday, June 23rd - Kat's 32nd Birthday

We went to a graveside funeral today in Daviston during the heat of the day.  This was for the aunt of a friend of ours.  At 3ish we headed down the road to Marcie's house.  Grillmaster extraordinaire Tracy was cooking and we were instructed to bring sides.  He and Frank sat out in the yard and discussed world events while the meat grilled.  The results of the cooking was a pan full of country style ribs, a pan full of assorted sausages and hotdogs, and a pan full of boston butt.  The meat was delicious.  Tracy outdid himself once again.  When the sun finally went down the guys went across the street to Tommy's house to do some target practice and when Frank came back we came home.  I was going to post this last night but was so tired.  Today is my Kat's thirty-second birthday and I hope she had a good one.  We are going to go and have lunch with her on Thursday.  I hope you have a good week and don't forget to go over to Sara's blog and check out the rest of the gangs offerings.  I know you will love them. 

Happy Birthday Rosebud!

If you will spare me a few sappy minutes I want to acknowledge a special day in my life.  Thirty two years ago God blessed me with the greatest gift....my little Rosebud.  The moment they laid her in my arms she opened her eyes, yawned, grabbed my finger and had me from that moment on.  I honestly believe she smiled at me.  I was lost in amazement at the perfection of this little ball of copper fluff. 
When she would sleep I would drag my chair near the crib and watch her mouth move, her twitch and stretch and just be in awe at this mighty miracle God had made.  At night when I would rock her to sleep I would sing a little ditty my mom used to sing to me called "Sweetest Little Rosebud."  When she was big enough to talk she would tell me that the song was about her....so I modified the lyrics and they became this:  "  Sweetest little rosebud, everybody knows, don't know what to call her but she's mighty like a rose."  "Sweetest little baby, sweet as she can be, she's my little darling and her name is Kathryn Leigh!"  She would giggle in a sleepy voice and doze right off.  She filled my life with love, laughter, and pride.  Over the years she has been called munchkin (she was the shortest in the family), Kat, mi hijita, and even as she matured she allowed me to do this.  When she was in Moldova (picture above with one of the orphans) she informed me that she was a grown woman, other people were reading her facebook posts, and munchkin had to go.  Sigh!  My little girl has grown up.  She is a bundle of joy topped off with red hair.  When she went away to college she was going to be a Social Worker.....but God had other plans for her.  Amazing plans!  She became a Special Ed teacher and even though I personally know how hard being a teacher is she excells at it.  She has the calling of a true teacher.  Her heart is so full of love for others that it makes mine want to bust with pride.  Ten years ago she married her high school sweetheart and believe me the two of them are made for each other.  God was ever present when they became a couple and the two of them are mighty God warriors.  Last year and this year they took vacation time and went to Moldova with Philip Cameron Ministries to work with the orphans there.  Those orphans will never be the same because they have been touched by Kat and Brian.  When Kat loves you.....she loves you to the pit of your soul.  When she hurts for you....she hurts as deeply as you do. The smile you see in the picture above is the one she always presents to the world.  She has an amazing soul and I love her with all my heart.  Today is her birthday and I hope she has a day that is as special as she is.  Happy Birthday to you mi hijita preciosa!  I love you, Momma

People Are Strange When You're A Stranger

Ok, I promise that this is my last post on the KLAMS trip....but this one is not a weblog or journal...this one is about strangeness. The Doors did a song about it years ago and if you click on my word strangeness you can hear it.  The dictionary defines strange as: 

 strange (strnj) adj. strang·er, strang·est

1. Not previously known; unfamiliar.

2.

a. Out of the ordinary; unusual or striking.

b. Differing from the normal.

3. Not of one's own or a particular locality, environment, or kind; exotic.

4.

a. Reserved in manner; distant.

b. Not comfortable or at ease; constrained.

Synonyms of strange:   peculiar, odd, queer, quaint, outlandish, singular, eccentric, curious.  Ok...with that said for those of you who know me personally.....you know that I cover most of the synonyms myself.  At any given time I can be any of the above.  Yes, I will be the old woman who wears purple........but not with a red hat.  I want to be like this woman we saw in Toronto.  I want my hat to be a different shade of lavender and my skirt to be carmine colored....and I want to wear lavender flip flops when it is hot.  This lady made me want to get off the tour bus and take photos of her.  She was so striking......the lady with no face.  I wonder what kind of story her face would have told.

My second subject was a man crossing the street.  We were downtown....everyone was dressed fully....and yet....here he was....tats and all.  I have always had an issue with men being able to remove their shirts in public....yet, women can not.  I have also have a fascination with tats and what they say about a person.  I believe they are most artistic....but....for me....they are a form of pain and I am not going there....so I will enjoy them on other people....like this guy.

Throughout the tour of Tornonto we saw purple people, buskers (street musicians), tourists, spiderman,

and this strange little man.  Our bus was stopped at one of the scheduled places and standing outside of a building was this guy....and his Barbie doll.  Susan leaned forward from her seat and told me to grab the shot.....and I did more than that....I grabbed several shots....because this man was most interested in his Barbie doll and what was under her skirt. I have to admit that he kind of reminded me of someone I once met in Hazzard County, Kentucky and the fascination with what he was doing kept me focused on his actions.   He did not know anyone was watching....I was on the top of the bus....clicking away as he stood there.  Now...that was really strange.

Ok...I don't know about you....but Barbie doll man kind of worried me.  I love people watching.  I love looking at their expressions, body stance, speed of walk, position of hands/arms, I could sit for hours on a park bench and write forever.  I love creating what I think their story is in my mind.  Ok...I know ....I am strange.....but then....aren't we all?  Have a wonderful Friday.  I am excited....Kat and Brian are back from Moldova, an answer to this momma's prayers for a safe journey.

Go Mom!

Now this is what I am talking about.....Tuesday, Frank and I went to Auburn to do some shopping.  We needed some new pots and pans to go with my new Kitchen Aid mixer and toaster.  We had several places we were going to stop and one of them was for lunch at Moe's in Tigertown.  As we left Lowe's and stopped at the light I saw a mom sitting in a chair and three young teens standing in front of her holding up a sign.  As we drove past I was surprised to see what the signs read: "I got caught sneaking out smoking cigarettes & weed. This is my punishment". I wanted to get out of my car and shake this mother's hand.   Go mom!!!  Here was a mom enjoying a day in the sun while her three youth (around age 13) paid for their crime.  As a high school teacher I see so many things kids do that they shouldn't and it bothers me.  Several years ago a good friend of mine's son came to the high school and she told me if I ever saw her son misbehave to let her know.....he fell into the wrong crowd and I called her and told her that he was hanging with a bad bunch.  I was reprimanded by her for judging this "nice" young boys...we never spoke again.  Parents need to realize that as teachers we see and hear all.  When I was young I always wondered how my mother always knew when I did something I was not supposed to.....now I know....she had her teacher telephone on....and listened.  When I became a parent I told my children to own up if they did something wrong....they knew I was a teacher and would find out at school the next day.  I would rather them tell me....then hear it from a student in the middle of my class. You would be surprised at what I hear....especially after the weekend.  But come on....honestly, do you think I have better things to do than tattle on your child?

Hodge Podge - Volume 82

It is Wednesday again and that means Joyce is serving up another weekly helping of Hodgepodge.  She has given us the questions and it is our job to answer them, link back to her, and read the others responses.  Are you up for a good challenge and to find out interesting facts about people.....if so...click here and check out Joyce's post with her answers.

1. Summer officially rolls in with the Hodgepodge this week, for those of us in the Northern hemisphere anyway. What song says summer 2012 to you?  Because I just got back from Niagara Falls, Canada and witnessed Nik Wallenda cross the falls on a tightrope my song would have to be Leon Russell's song, "Tightrope."  The whole time Wallenda was walking that song was playing over and over in my head.  Since that was the big kickoff of my summer vacation I guess it will be my Summer 2012 song.  Here are the lyrics and a link to the youtube video for you: 

I'm up on the tightwire
one side's ice and one is fire
its a circus game with you and me
I'm up on the tightrope
one side's hate and one is hope
but the tophat on my head is all you see
And the wire seems to be
the only place for me
a comedy of errors
and I'm falling

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
you look into my past
well maybe you're just to blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
ohh does it feel right
ohh the altitude
seems to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
flanked by life and the funeral pyre
putting on a show
for you to see

**Chorus**
Like a rubber-neck giraffe
you look into my past
well maybe you're just too blind to - see
I'm up in the spotlight
ohh does it feel right
ohh the altitude
really gets to get to me

I'm up on the tightwire
flanked by life and the funeral pyre
putting on a show for you to see

2. What's your favorite quintessential summer food?   That one is easy it is fresh fruits and veggies straight off the plant.  I also like something grilled to go with that.

 

3. I've spent a lot of time traipsing up and down the NJ Turnpike in recent weeks. Did you know the rest areas on the turnpike are named after people who lived or worked in NJ? Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Molly Pitcher, Joyce Kilmer, Thomas Edison, and Gover Clevland just to name a few. Of those I listed, who would you most like to have known and why?  As a writer I would have loved to have sat down with Walt Whitman, Joyce Kilmer, and James Fenimore Cooper just to get some hints on their writing styles and techniques.  As a woman/teacher I would have loved to have met Clara Barton. 

4. At what age did you move out of your parent's house and what prompted the move?  I was 19 and I came to Alabama to attend Auburn and help take care of my grandmother. 

 

5. What's more satisfying to you-saving time or saving money?  I personally like them both but saving money is my all time favorite.  I have found in life that when you save time....someone else has to pick it up somewhere down the road.  I love a good bargain!

6. Name something you think brings out the good in people. Wow!  This could be an endless answer and something as simple as a smile.  For me, a smile, a hug, respect, courtesy, kindness, are things that definitely bring out the good in me. 

7. This last question comes to you courtesy of Kathy over at Reflections...will you be taking a vacation or a staycation this summer? If so where will you go? If a staycation is on the calendar have you made any special plans to fill the time?   I have started my summer running.  I have been to the beach for a week with Frank and some of our good friends.  I just got back from Niagara Falls after a long weekend girl trip called KLAMS (KLAMS stands for Karen, Linda, Amanda, Melissa, and Susan).  We started this last year and went to Martha's Vineyard....we AND got to see Nik Wallenda cross the falls. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Today is June 20th and that means it is the Summer Solstsice.  In keeping with Joyce's summer theme do you know what Summer Solstice is?  Well....if you don't...Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 at 7:08 EDT will mark this year's summer solstice, the exact time when the sun is the farthest north in the sky and directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Even though the solstice is the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, it doesn't tend to be the warmest.

Fried Green Tomatoes

One of the things I have acquired a taste for in the South is fried green tomatoes.  I did not grow up eating them but have discovered their tastiness in the past few years and before I left for Canada was given some green tomatoes which I am planning to cook tonight.  I love summer time when all the fruits and veggies are fresh.  I could so be a vegetarian in the summer.  My grandmother, on my dad's side made fried green tomatoes when I was a kid and I never ate them....they looked nasty to me then.  I wish I could apologize to her today....but somehow I think she knows my eating pallete has changed and is laughing her head off.  I found her recipe for them when I was cleaning out my parent's house.  I thought I would give them a try and decided to share this with you guys.  Down here in the south when you eat a meal like this....you must of course be sure to include the table wine of the south - a big ole glass of sweet tea (I drink my tea unsweet).

Grandma Sasser's Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large green tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons salt ( I use sea salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•  vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Slice tomatoes 1/2 inch thick. Discard the ends.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium-size bowl. Scoop flour onto a plate. Mix cornmeal,  salt and pepper on another plate. Dip tomatoes into flour to coat. Then dip the tomatoes into milk and egg mixture.
3. In a large skillet, pour vegetable oil (enough so that there is 1" inch of oil in the pan) and heat over a medium heat. Place tomatoes into the frying pan in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Do not crowd the tomatoes, they should not touch each other. When the tomatoes are browned, flip and fry them on the other side. Drain them on paper towels. I am telling you....this is heaven on a plate. 

Lelawala - The Maid of the Mist

As you all know I love a good story and am a storyteller by nature.  I come from a long line of them.  I could sit and listen to anyone who spins a good yarn for hours and one of the things we did in Niagara Falls was go to the IMAX production about the history of the falls.  I was hooked from the beginning when the story was about an Indian maiden.  As a kid I read every book I could get my hands on about Indian maidens....I loved Sacajawea and Pocahontas.  Anyways, I am off task....it seems that once upon a time, the peaceful tribe of the Ongiaras lived beside the Niagara River. For an unknown reason, Indians were dying, and it was believed that the tribe must appease the Thunder God Hinum, who lived with his two sons in a cave behind the Falls.  A first, the Indians sent canoes laden with fruit, flowers and game over the Falls, but the dying continued. The Indians then began to sacrifice the most beautiful maiden of the tribe, who was selected once a year during a ceremonial feast. One year, Lelawala, daughter of Chief Eagle Eye was chosen. On the appointed day, Lelawala appeared on the river bank above the Falls, wearing a white doeskin robe with a wreath of wild flowers in her hair. She stepped into a white birch bark canoe and plunged over the Falls to her death. Her father, heartbroken, leaped into his canoe and followed her.  Hinum's two sons caught Lelawala in their arms, and each desired her. She promised to accept the one who told her what evil was killing her people. The younger brother told her of a giant water snake that lay at the bottom of the river. Once a year, the monster snake grew hungry, and at night entered the village and poisoned the water. The snake then devoured the dead. On spirit, Lelawala told her people to destroy the serpent. Indian braves mortally wounded the snake on his next yearly visit to the village. Returning to his lair on the river, the snake caught his head on one side of the river and his tail on the other, forming a semi-circle and the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. Lelawala returned to the cave of the God Hinum, where she reigns as the Maid of the Mist.  I know...this was a great story....right?  I loved it.  I especially loved it....when in the 1960's a family on a boating excursion had engine trouble and was pulled into the current of the falls.  They were all tossed overboard....the sister was saved by some men at the observation point of the American side of the falls, the father drowned, and the young boy, Roger Woodward, was swept over the falls.....the sister was heartbroken to see her brother die such a tragic death.  Unbeknowst to the people watching this scenario unfold, many feet below, the Maid of the Mist tour boat was headed towards the fall on one of their many daily runs...when a passenger saw the boy and yelled for the crew to something.  They threw out a life ring and pulled the very much alive young man in the boat.  At the end of the re-enactment...standing on the rocks above the falls....was the beautiful Maid of the Mist....Lelawala.  Ok...I know I am a sap...but it was a great story.....and who knows...was it a myth, legend, legend, fact, or fiction.

Niagara Falls on Dwellable

Project 365 - Week 24

What a week I have had.  This was the week for the annual girls trip and this year was Niagara Falls.  I have shared some of the shots from our adventure on my post today and I have not been home long so that is why I am so late today.  I hope you will check back and see more about our trip.  Sara is our hostess and if you want to see some more amazing pictures click here and see everyone elses stuff.

Sunday, June 10th

We started a new Bible Study at church tonight and I am loving it.  It is called a Disciple's Path.  I have missed being part of a Bible Study and this is a six week course so it should be a blessing.

Monday, June 11th

Frank and I went by Mr. Larry's and Mrs. Betty Jean's this morning to grab some shots of her plants that were blooming.  The two hibiscus are her pride and joys and huge.  The beans and tomatoes in Mr. Larry's garden were an added plus.  I love her yard.  There is always something blooming.

Tuesday, June 12th

My cute new little flower shop bird house I bought down at Snip and Stitch.  I love it and could not wait to get home and get it up.  I bought a chime too but have to do a little addition work to it before I hang it.  I can't wait to show it off.

Wednesday, June 13th

My little bucket garden is not yielding a bunch.  The peppers Mr. Louis gave Frank are really putting out....my squash and the tomato...not so much.

Thursday, June 14th - KLAMS 2012 - Day 1

Today began the KLAMS 2012 trip.  This year we are headed to Niagara Falls - Canadian side.  We will be flying out of Atlanta and landing in Buffalo, NY!

The girls are holding up a picture of my friend Mary.....we are taking Flat Mary with us...because this Niagara trip was something she always wanted to do.  Susan, Amanda and Linda at the Atlanta airport.  We will meet Melissa, our other teammate in Buffalo shortly.  Once we get there we will be hitting the ground running.

We ate lunch at a great place in Buffalo before crossing the border into Canada. It was a brewery and the ceiling fans were run by pullies. 

Talk about a room with a view.  Believe me we had one.  This shot was made from the 29th floor of the hotel....right out our window!  The big boom you see is the preparation for Nik Wallenda's walk that will happen on Friday.  Wow!...and we did not even plan for that when we booked our trip back in February.  This is Horseshoe Falls.  Wallenda will walk from the American side to the Canadian side. 

Friday, June 15th

Breakfast at the hotel with our new friend, Mark who was just a peach of a guy.  We have a lot to do today...we are going to Niagara on the Lake and St.Catherines on the wine tour and have to be back in time to see Nik walk the falls.

Saturday, June 16th- Mary's Birthday - Toronto

We spent the day in Toronto with flat Mary.  Took the big red bus to tour the city and had a wonderful time.  We returned to our hotel late, packed up, and got ready to hit the road to the airport in the morning and head home.  I will be catching up on posts with a travel weblog for each day we were gone with more pictures....if you are interested.  Just check back after tomorrow.  Internet was not my friend in Canada and really messed up my plans to blog each day about the trip.  I ended up having to do it the old fashioned way....written.  Hope your week was as good as mine.