November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

What do you know about the Pancreas??
Do you know where it is located

The Pancreas is located in the center of your abdomen. It is behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas is 6 inches long and shaped like a flat pear.

• The pancreas is vital to our daily food intake and making foods able to be broken down by our bodies
• The endocrine portion of the pancreas is responsible for the task of producing and maintaining many levels of hormones such as insulin, pancreatic polypeptides and glucagon
• The digestive portion of the pancreas is critical to secretion of pancreatic juices.Digestive enzymes are contained in the juices.These enzymes assist in the absorption of nutrients as well as the digestion in small intestine. 

Approximately 53,670 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. Only nine out of every 100 newly diagnosed patients are expected to live five or more years. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest major cancer and has the lowest five year survival rate at just 9%.

Pecan Cranberry Mini Tarts

The pecan tree is the only native American tree nut. These tasty little nuts have been favorites of many for centuries. The first pecan trees planted in the United States took place in Long Island NewYork around 1772. It did not take long for pecans to become a North American Industry. Pecans can be a healthy addition to your diet.

• pecans are natural anti oxidants
• pecans can naturally lower cholesterol
• may help in the attempt to loose wieght
• pecans have heart healthy fat
• pecans are nutritionally dense

Pecan-Cranberry Mini Tarts

1 cup sugar
14/ cup butter or margarine, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
3 (2.1-ounce) packages frozen mini phyllo tart shells
Garnishes: whipped cream, mint

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in cranberries and toasted pecans.
Spoon filling evenly into frozen tart shells. Place shells on a large baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for
20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Cool. Garnish, if desired.

Enjoy Fondue Night

In the winter time we often gather together with friends to play games or cards. We normally bring along or make up easy finger foods. This way we can chat, play the game and have a great time. One of the many things we love to make is fondue.

Traditional Cheese Fondue 

½ Pound freshly grated Swiss Cheese

½ Pound freshly grated Le Gruyere Cheese (Do not use processed Gruyere.  The year we tried the processed is the same year we tried the chocolate fountain.  It will forever be known as the year of the fondue failure and subsequently the year without a Santa Claus)

1.5 Cups Dry White Wine

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

1.5 Teaspoons Cornstarch

1 Garlic clove halved

½ Teaspoon Nutmeg

Salt and White Pepper to taste

3 Tablespoons Kirsch Cherry Liquor

Dippers a few ideas include bread, apple slices or other favorites

Rub garlic on inside of large pot with two forks. Remove garlic solids.  Add white wine and lemon juice and heat over medium heat.  Heat till air bubbles rise but to not boil.  Whisk in cornstarch so there are no lumps.  Reduce heat to low.  Add a handful of cheese. When cheese is melted add another handful.  Do not boil.  Add in nutmeg, salt and pepper and Kirsch.  The Kirsch adds great flavor.  At this point, we add the cheese mixture to a crockpot on high, so it doesn’t burn.  Use fondue sticks to dip. 

Great Way To Use Up Turkey

2 slices rye bread, or sourdough or wheat
2-3 slices of turkey
1 slice provolone cheese
a handful of arugula
1 Tbsp mayo
2 Tbsp cranberry glaze or sauce

Spread mayo on bottom slice of bread.
Layer with turkey, cheese and arugula.
Spread cranberry glaze on top slice of bread.
Put sandwich together and serve.

Live By The Gun Die By The Gun or do they

Most people do not know the name of Henry McCarty , some may not even know the name of William H. Bonney but mention the name Billy the Kid and most may know that the name comes out of the Old West. Billy the Kid was a gunfighter who participated in the New Mexico Territory's Lincoln County War of 1878. Bonney is known to have killed 8 men.

Born November 23rd 1859 the kid would live only 21 years. His crime of life started when Billy was only 16 years old. Henry McCarty was caught stealing some food and was arrested in 1875. In the next few months he would also be arrested for stealing clothing and firearms. William Bonney would escape from jail a few days later and head towards the New Mexico Territory. The summer of 1877 would see Bonney accused of murdering a blacksmith in Arizona territory. Billy the kid would become part of a group of cattle rustlers and headed back to New Mexico territory. Henry McCarty would become a regulator and fight in the Lincoln County War. The spring of 1878 the regulators would kill 3 men including the Lincoln co Sheriff. Billy the kid would be charge in connection with killing of all 3 men.

The stories of Billy the Kid would grow and in the winter of 1880 newspapers in Las Vegas, New Mexico and New York. Bonney would be captured by at Garret and in 1881 Bonney was tried and convicted of murder of Brady. He would be sentenced to hang in May but that April he would escape from jail killing 2 sheriff's deputies in process and evading capture for 2 more months. At the age of 21 Garrett would shoot and kill William Bonney July 14, 1881 in Fort Summer. Billy the Kid was a mere 21 years old or did he?? The Legend of Billy The Kid grew for years and many men claimed to be him.

Cranberries So good For You

There are many great reasons to eat a cranberry. In fact here are 10

Here is a great recipe that uses cranberries. You should try it out and remember all the great reasons to eat cranberries

Cranberry Orange Relish

12 oz pkg of cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 large orange
3/4 cup Sugar


Cut the unpeeled orange into eights; remove seeds.
Wash the fresh cranberries in a large bowl or pan of water, sorting out any squishy or moldy ones (if frozen, just use as is).
Place half the cranberries in a food processor.
Process until chopped about the size of coarse pickle relish.
Place in a bowl. Process the rest of the cranberries.
Place half the oranges in food processor and proceed as above, mixing the chopped orange and peel into the cranberries.
Add the Sugar. Stir well. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to chill, and so the best flavor can develop.

If you prefer a jelled relish, use 1 package of unflavored gelatin. Sprinkle gelatin in 1/4 cup of water and let it soften. Heat in the microwave until dissolved. Add to the relish along with 1/2 cup of orange juice.


Recipe from the sneaky kitchen

Cashew Day

If you have ever snacked on cashews then you know the buttery, sweet and salty taste that they offer. With the shape like no other nut they offer a great source for vitamins and minerals. 

Cashews grow on cashew nut trees. These trees can easily be found in subtropical climates. 

Cashews are great to snack on but also great for our bodies. From helping our blood system to helping to prevent diabetes to helping to reduce blood pressure to protecting against cataracts Cashews can potentially help our health in many different ways .

A small bag of cashews (1.5 0z.) contains 235 calories Vitamin K important for blood clotting is also provided for through cashews.  Cashews also provide Vitamin E important for immune system function can help protect against prostate cancer. 

Try a Snack of Cinnamon Roasted Cashews

1 egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
1 cup whole or halved cashews (salted)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Spray baking sheet with cooking oil

Lightly beat the egg white with water until frothy. Add cashews, then stir until well coated. Mix together the sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the coated cashews. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the prepared pan. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden. Allow cashews to cool, then store nuts in a ziploc bag or other airtight container

this nutty informational post + recipe shared at
a glimpse inside 

Thanksgiving A Day to Count Our Blessings But Not for Everyone

The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.


Most Americans will celebrate by attending a dinner. Whether they cook their own, attend a dinner with family or friends or visit a free dinner we all celebrate with food. Thanksgiving dinners commonly serve turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. To top the meal off a piece or pie or special dessert is normally served.

Many Native Americans look at Thanksgiving as a day of Mourning. The day to them symbolizes centuries of land seizure and erosion of tribal cultures Many Native American groups protest Thanksgiving and believe fabricating the Thanksgiving story. Since 1970 a protest has been organized on this day to protest Thanksgiving.

The Unthinkable... The assassination of a president

That fateful day that helped change the world forever. John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States. On November 22, 1963 at 12:30 p.m. in Dallas Texas the dream would end during a ride in a presidential motorcade. John sat next to his wife Jacqueline as the car drove down the planned route. The unthinkable would happen when the president was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald.

Following the assassination the Warren Commission would investigate the act of what happened. The commission concluded that the man who murdered Kennedy was Oswald. Oswald would be shot by Jack Ruby. The commission believed that both men acted alone when they committed the murders. The assassination of Kennedy was the 4th in American history the short list included Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. President Lyndon B. Johnson became president at the time of Kennedy's death.

Diabetes Awareness Even During The Holidays

Diabetes is a leading cause that often leads to disability and death in the United States. Blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease and other health problems are often the result of uncontrolled Diabetes. One in 10 Americans have diabetes that figures to be more than 30 million people. Another 84 million adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For those with type 2 or at high risk can lower their risk by making healthy changes. Changes such as eating healthy , participating in more physical activity and losing weight can help you avoid Diabetes. 

November is American Diabetes Month. It is a great time to raise awareness about diabetes and risk factors. By bringing awareness it is in hopes that individuals will make healthy changes such as:

• taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• getting regular checkups that includes blood pressure check, cholesterol check and speaking to doctor about risk of diabetes. 
• having a chat with those in knowledge about a good diet and exercise ideas 

Enjoy the Holidays, eat and drink in moderation and have a great time. Here is a carb count chart that contains many popular foods during Thanksgiving I hope it helps you

Winter is Coming Protect Your Dry Skin

The winter weather for many of us has all ready arrived with more,,, much more,,,,, to come. This for me and many others means skin issues will be around for a while as well. Winter weather is harsh on the body and skin has not been left out. Cold weather with low humidity levels result in dry air. The dry air leaves the skin dry as moisture escapes. Dry skin can lead to cracking and bleeding. Harsh winter winds only makes the problem worse. Heat that helps the body stays warm makes the problem worst. Those hot showers that I adore are as bad.

A few tips to try this winter are:

Rather than using that hot water we all love try to replace it with lukewarm water. Your hot shower is most likely the only place that you use hot water. I know for sure I wash my hands a number of times and my face at least 2 times a day. These later times are the times to try to change to lukewarm water.

I can recall my mother keeping a bottle of lotion near every sink in the house and as I grew older I understood why, One of the best times to lotion your hands is right after washing them. As your hands are towel damp use lotion to help seal in some of the moisture.

Protect your skin with gloves and scarves so that the cold will not do so much damage. Sunscreen is very important to protect the skin just like in the summer. The sun is still present giving off those rays even if the day is a lot cooler.

Hydration is very important. Remember to drink a good amount of water. Just like in the warm months you need to stay hydrated in the winter time as well.

Dining on foods high in water content can help you stay hydrated as well. Watermellon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and other watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots can all help you stay hydrated. Get enough vitamin C and zinc to help your skin.

Three Sisters Soup

THREE SISTERS SOUP
From Donna LaChapelle and Patricia Chandler
Makes 4 servings

"three sisters" is a reference to the combination of beans, corn and squash. The three foods that were traditionally grown and eaten together. Many American Indian tribes depended on these crops for food.

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 butternut or acorn squash, pre-baked and pureed
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
 ½ cup yellow corn kernels
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
½ cup hominy, cooked
1 cup white beans, cooked
1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in spices, cook for 1 minute. Add stock, corn, hominy, and beans, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors. Stir in pureed squash, cook for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm with chives and plain yogurt as a garnish

Peanut Butter Fudge

1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped salted peanuts

Prepare an 8″ pan by lining with foil and coating with butter. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Measure powdered sugar into a large bowl and pour hot mixture over the top. Beat till smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Chill till set. Cut into small squares.

Have a Beautiful Day

November 20th is always a beautiful day as it is National Beautiful Day. It is always lovely to look around and see the world as beautiful rather than ugliness in the world. Not knowing for sure who created this day or why it was a bit of stumbling block.

There was a song by the band U2 titled Beautiful Day




The Beach Boys also had a song titled It's A Beautiful Day




I simply wonder if the day was not named for the beautiful autumn days that we are enjoying.

I hope you have a beautiful day

National Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Are you in the search of a new pet?? Consider not overlooking the perfect pet just because of age. Many will visit a shelter in search of a puppy or kitten and over look the others. November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Senior Pets are the most difficult group of homeless pets to find a home for. Senior pets often spend quite a bit of time at a shelter before they find their furever home and some may live their life out in the shelters.

An adult dog or cat normally has their own personality and demonstrates it well. While a puppy or kitten are still developing their own personalities. You should be able to know whether you will work well with their personality. When a new family member comes home we always want it to work out smoothly Perhaps the satisfaction of taking home a senior pet with the knowledge of both their personality and that you may have saved their life will help.

Looking to teach a new pet tricks?? You may want to choose a senior pet that is less energetic and therefore may be easier and ready to learn. On the downside an adult pet may have medical issues that may be needing care. If you are looking to adopt a pet I simply ask that you consider all pets young and adult.


shared this pet related informational post at
funtastic party

World's Toilet Day

For many the days of the outhouse that past generations has gone by the way but did you know that there are still 4.5 billion individuals in this world that live without a household toilet. This means for all those without proper toilet there is no way to safely dispose of waste. This sanitation crisis has caught the attention of many world wide in the past and goals were set.

In 2015 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted. The goal of ensuring that everyone have access to safely managed household toilet by 2030 is an important one. The goal would make decent sanitation central to eradicating extreme poverty. In 2013 the United Nations General assembly officially designated November 19 as World Toilet Day.

When all these toilets are around they will need to be cleaned as well. Here are some tough issues with toilet cleaning

Toilet Ring::
Create a paste of lemon juice and borax Pour a cup or two of white vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let sit in toilet overnight then brush and flush.
Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda all around the inside of the bowl and pour 1 cup white vinegar in bowl let sit 30 mnutes.


Clean inside toilet bowl::
Pour 1/4 cup of Borax into toilet bowl. Swish it around with a toilet brush. Add 1 cup vinegar and sit in bowl 20 minutes. Finish by scrubbing the bowl with a toilet brush to remove hard water stains.

Play a Game of Monopoly

Monopoly has been played since 1935. While many have changed with times and not all play board games there once was a time that they were played for hours at a time. Now do not get me wrong I know that Monopoly has changed with the times and is available in many electronic versions as well. I do recall the days that I would sit with my cousins and play for hours around the Monopoly board game. You may be surprised or maybe not if you spent hours around this game as well to find out that November 19th is dedicated to the World's most popular board game Monopoly. The game has been played more than one billion people in 114 countries around the world.

What will you go after first?? The railroads, utilities or real estate?? It was always my pleasure to capture the railroads as my sister wanted to own the utilities. Perhaps you may wonder why the game was invented with so many treasures to be shared.

There are many great playing pieces as well with two of my favorites the little dog and wheelbarrow being added in the 1950s. In 2013 cat lovers got their piece as well when the iron playing piece was replaced with a cat playing piece. The playing pieces may have changed but the game is still loved by many

Elizabeth Phillips created the original thought behind the Monopoly game in 1903. It was her desire for it to be used as an educational tool. The original name of the game was "The Landlord's game" and the theme was to show that owning large land monopolies was not good and had negative impacts. There has been several varieties of the game created. Buying, selling , and developing was always the goals of the games.

Monopoly the game was developed in 1933. The first year to be sold was in 1935 marketed by Parker Brothers. In 2017 the game can be played as a board game, electronically, as a slot machine and many more ways.

Eat More Veggies --- Veggie Loaf Recipe

In the UK there are many that will take the veg pledge this month. During the month of November individuals will pledge to go vegetarian. The money raised will go to Cancer Research. There are great recipes that will be shared. It is also a great time to learn about what life saving research that shows that cancer will be defeated in the future. Since I have shared in the past about cancer and health issues I thought it would be a great time to share a great veggie recipe that you can use during the month of November, during the holidays or anytime.

The American Institute for Cancer Research also believes that a plant based diet that includes fruits, veggies, whole grains , beans and legumes is the right diet plan to help prevent cancer. Meat lovers may find it hard to switch from their diet to a more plant based diet. It is suggested to change ones diet slowly Here are a few tips to do just that:

• The main course should be planned around plants. In other words instead of meat being the entree switch it to salad. One example would be a salad entree with steak strips to top it. 
• Meatless Monday could be the key to get you started. One day a week on Monday eat only plant based foods. This could get you started in the right direction having you change more meals to a meatless variety. 
• Take the meat out of one of your favorite recipes and replace the meat with beans. 

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 medium onion
• 2 ribs celery
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 15- ounce can cannellini beans or other white beans drained and rinsed
• 14 ounces extra-firm tofu or an additional can of white beans
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown or whole-grain prepared mustard
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon rubbed sage
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaf
• 1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary crushed
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
• 3/4 cup quinoa flakes or quick oatmeal

1. Wash a medium sweet potato (about 7 ounces), pierce it several times with a fork, wrap it in a paper towel, and microwave until done, 4-5 minutes. (Alternately, bake or steam the sweet potato.) Allow to cool enough to handle and then peel and set aside.
2. Mince the onion, celery, and carrot. You can do this quickly by cutting each vegetable in quarters and then pulsing in a food processor until finely chopped.
3. Heat a large, non-stick skillet. Add the minced vegetables, including garlic, and cook, stirring regularly, until they become tender, about 6-10 minutes. Add water by the teaspoon if necessary to keep the vegetables from sticking or becoming dry. Once they’re softened, add the drained beans and mash them lightly with a slotted spoon or spatula.
4. Place the peeled sweet potato into the food processor along with the tofu, soy sauce, and all seasonings, including nutritional yeast. Process until fairly smooth. Add the walnuts and pulse a few more times. Scrape the tofu mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the quinoa flakes and the cooked vegetables. Stir well.
5. Preheat oven to 375F. If you have a silicone baking mat (recommended) place it on a baking sheet. Otherwise line the baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray. Spoon the tofu mixture onto the prepared baking surface, using dampened hands to shape it into an oblong or oval loaf about 2 1/2 inches high. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is evenly browned. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and cook for 20 more minutes. Check to make sure that the center is firm; if not, give it a little extra time. (You can also remove the foil and cook for 5 more minutes for a crunchier crust.) Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Serving Suggestion: Serve alone or with gravy on the side.