Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome is a type of Tic Disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. The entire group of disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions that are known as Tic Disorders. Individual groups of disorders exist with in this larger group. Tourette Syndrome, Chronic Tic Disorder and Provisional Tic Disorders are all Tic Disorders that have their own personal tic whether motor, vocal/phonic or both as well as how long the tic is present.

To qualify for the Tic Disorder to be Tourette Syndrome there mush have been at least two motor tics and at least on vocal / phonic tic that have existed more than a year. Chronic Tic Disorders only have either motor tics or vocal tics present for at least a year. Individuals who have had tics present for less than a year are considered to have Provisional Tic Disorder.

Those who suffer with Tourette's syndrome hae unwelcome behaviors that they can not control. 

Movements that occur during tics are considered motor tics. These movements may be eye blinking, facial grimacing, jaw movements, head bobbing or jerking, shoulder shrugging, neck stretching, and arm jerking. Complex motor tics involve multiple muscle groups or combination of movements Individuals with complex motor tics may appear to hop, twirl, jump etc...

Vocal or phonic tics produce a sound. It may be simple such as sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, hooting and shouting. It could be complex such as words or phrases whether recognized or not but always out of context. Some cases may appear to be inappropriate via using swear words, ethnic slurs or other socially unacceptable words. When the language is inappropriate the tic is known as coprlalia and while some believe this type of tic is common it truly only occurs in less than 20% Of individuals with vocal tics.

Because the disorder is very complex it is believed that the causes too are extremely complex. Many other disorders can be rooted from Tourette's disorder. Disorders such as OCD , impassivity, depression can all be found to be related to Tourettes 

Tourette's Syndrome is something that no one has ever asked for. No one has ever said "I will take a case of Tourettes so I will not be bored in life." Rather, Tourettes is a condition that many have to live with and many strive to not react when they can not control behaviors. Whether for embaressment or pain of the condition many strive to survive the hard days and enjoy the days of their lives like the rest of us. So next time that you may run into someone that has Tourettes and may behave a bit differently than others do not sit and stare because they can not control them. 

World Blood Donor Day

Every year on the 14th of June countries around the world will celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The first year of the event was 2004 the goal was to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products. This day is also a day to thank blood donors for the life saving gifts of blood. 

Blood is needed for many medical services as well as emergencies. Both my daughter and mother required blood after giving birth to their children. Take a look at the breakdown of a few procedures and how much blood is needed to perform. 

By donating blood you are a hero. You are saving lives. 

If the warm feeling inside this provides is not enough take a look at a few of the rewards you receive as well"

Junes Strawberry Madness and Recipe for Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake was something I have fond memories of during my childhood. My daddy who was a farmer at heart that grew a garden had a small strawberry patch that grew larger every year. The bulk of the strawberries that we made strawberry shortcake from were not from his patch but rather from a road side stand. The berries that did come out of his prized strawberry patch were very special and tasted sweeter than any I have ever had. Primarily because they were daddies.

I fondly remember mom making up strawberry shortcakes like the ones pictured above. These were normally reserved for the few berries that dad would pick from the small strawberry patch in the back garden. Other times mom would take time with a large mess of berries to create shortcake from scratch. But for the beauties that featured dads berries you may not have had many in your bowl but goodness for sure they tasted the best of all time.

Make up some Strawberry Shortcake for your self Follow this recipe

EASY STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE WITH HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM

INGREDIENTS

2 pints fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed, cut into segments lengthwise
8 vanilla cake shells
1 pint whipping cream
1 tablespoon 10x confectioners sugar
4-5 strawberries, halved with greens intact

METHOD

Place strawberries in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir to combine. Let sit while preparing the homemade whipped cream.

For Fresh Whipped Cream

In a medium bowl whip heavy cream with a wire whisk until liquid has a heavy creamy consistency and begins to reach stiff peaks. Approximately 10-15 minutes – time varies on whipping speed and amount of breaks – you can do this! Shift in confectioners sugar and whisk to ensure completely combined. Do not over whip mixture as it will stiffen and take on a buttery quality.

To Completed Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Whipped Cream Dessert

Place sweetened strawberries onto vanilla cake bases to fill each just slightly over flowing. Add a tablespoon of fresh whipped cream and top each on with a strawberry half. Serve chilled. Store unused whipped cream in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Serves 8 with additional strawberries

While we are discussing Strawberries may I ask if you caught a glance of Junes full moon commonly known as Strawberry moon

Safety Alert

Accidents in the home are the fifth leading cause of death according to the National Safety Council. In the United States there is someone that dies from an unintentional injury every four minutes. That is an average of 120,000 people a year. So what is it that you can do to help prevent this number from going up and protect your family from any unintentional injuries or deaths?? 

Ensuring that prescription painkillers are put up so that those that should not have them do not and that those that take them take them as prescribed. An average of 18 women die every day from prescription painkiller overdose. The number of those using these drugs continue to grow while women are the highest population of deaths from overdose.

Slips, trips and falls are common ways that older adults age 65 and over are injured. Falls often lead to broken bones an other health problems. The elderly can prevent falls by increasing mobility, getting active and exercises that will help improve balance 

If an emergency was to happen in your home do you know the numbers to call??

Call 911 for emergencies.  Be ready to describe where you are located if needed
Poison Control Number is 1-800-222-1222
Check and make sure your smoke alarms are working. Replace batteries if need be.

Baby Bath Time

One of the earliest ways to connect with your baby is to give them a bath. Not only will this offer precious one on one but it will also make the baby feel better, look better and sleep better. The warm , relaxing bath offers a soothing comfort followed closely by warm feelings of being dressed in warm pjs.

One of the easiest ways to offer your baby a bath is using a bath seat or a bathtub. I primarily used the bathtub but we also had a bath baby seat. Infants up to 18 lbs and 28" long the infant bath tub can easily be placed in a large sink. Infant tubs may also have slings that help support for infants as well.

When the baby is large enough to sit in the family bathtub you may want to use a thick bath mat to save your knees. This will help you stay more comfortable and add more to baby. A non slip mat will help keep baby tub or seat from sliding around.

Water Temp is another point that should be considered. A temp between 90 and 95 degrees is considered a good safe temp. This feels warm to touch but not hot. Fill the tub and check the temp before bring baby into room. The running water may startle the baby making the bath hard.


Using a soft washcloth is perfect for babies skin. Mild baby soap will do a great job and not harm babies skin as well.

Playing in the tub is a great chance to interact with the baby. After washing the baby allow him or her to play with bubbles, splash the water and play with bath toys. The bath should be fun not a chore.

Another great item to have and use after bath time are hooded baby towels. After bath time is perfect time to rub baby with lotion. The baby bath is a great chance to play with the baby and should be enjoyed. Take time and cherishe the baby bath routine they will never be this small or young again.

Happy Flag Day

Hello and Happy Flag Day to you. Flag Day is observed on June 14th of every year. The holiday was first created by President Woodrow Wilson and a presidential proclamation that established a national Flag Day on June 14. Flag Day honors the day that the United States of Americas flag was adopted on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. 

Today where I work as well as outside many homes including my own you may have seen The Grand Old Flag displayed. It is and should be an honor for those in the United States to hang the Red, White and Blue with those great stars and stripes. The flag with 13 alternating red and white stripes as well as white stars on blue field. Stars have been added as each state was added to the union. 

Day by the River and Legends of River Pirates

My view of the river through the Cave in Rock is vast and beautiful. Those in the water may be looking in at me as well and inside the cave they would never see me. 

The United States many years ago was a dangerous place. The dangers that the early rugged Americans faced were dysentery, starvation and river pirates to name just a few Outlaws and thieves alike would prey on American pioneers. River travelers often willing to help kind strangers would be robbed.

Cave in Rock often considered a River Pirate Cave is a small rock formation on the banks of the Ohio River between Southern Illinois and Kentucky. The cave is located in a town that goes by the same name Cave In Rock. I live approximately 30 minutes from the cave and have often visited. The town is located in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest and is in an empty area. At one time the little town and area may of boomed but there is little there now but the memories and legends.

The cave itself is around 55 feet wide which is quite small in comparison to others. In the late 1800s travelers would use the cave for shelter as well as a port for riverboats. Earlier in history the cave had been a favorite point for thieves and murderers. Travelers would be led to the cave under false pretenses of food, supplies and guidance. Rather than help the pirates would often take the lives of the travelers.

I find it interesting to find out how people lived in the past. Some of those that interest me are the hermits, loners and those that simply have a way of showing up. The reason behind this is that my grandfather Bob or was it Andrew Stewart, you see he went by Bob as far back as any one knew but his real name was Andrew. That is not where the mystery begins or ends. You see, there was an entire town that knew my grandfather in fact he was a very important man in that area. The only problem was that no one knew when he arrived in town, where he came from or better yet besides his brother who was his family and where were they.

The story was that his mother was a black cherokee indian that belonged to a white man who did not treat her very well. When the time came that my grand-father and his brother were old enough to live they did. No one knows what happened to his mother after that point. At my grand-fathers funeral a couple did come that had native American blood and shared that they were related to my grandfather. They had read his obit in the newspaper and wanted to show their appreciation for him.

My attention was brought back to my grand-father because of a post I recently read. The gentleman was from the same area as my grand-father and I thought the post super interesting. You may want to read all about another man who became a hermit. You can read the post here 

June perfect time for a Rose

June is the month for the rose. Roses have long been a sign of romance and poetry. June is a perfect time to start a bit of romance and why not offer the one you love a rose today??

With many color choices available you should be able to find the perfect one for the love of your life

The rose symbolizes friendship, passionate love and appreciation. If your birthday is in June then your birth flower is the rose:

By nature you are a romantic person, you are outgoing and make friends easily. You are not very stubborn and adjust easily to new situations. In times of difficulty your best will come out.

Garden For Weeds

Yes you read that title right garden for weeds. While many are ridding their garden of weeds you may be surprised to find that weeds are good to eat as well. Here are just 2 weeds that are commonly known that can be of good use to anyone that wants to. Enjoy!!!

This weed goes by the name of chickweed. This weed is a great source of vitamins A, D, and C and iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. This weed has a flavor much like spinach and is commonly added to sandwiches and salads. It can also be hidden when prepared in soups and stews. Chickweed has medical uses as well, It can easily be used for minor cuts, burns, eczema and ashes. This weed is also a mild diuretic being able to relieve cystitis and irritable bladder symptoms

Daisies are beautiful flowers and are commonly used naturally for making daisy chains but they have so many more uses than that. Daisy greens and petals can be eaten raw or cooked. The flavor may be a bit bitter to some pallets. Daisies have been used in medications when brewed into tea. The tea is used for gastrointestinal as well as respiratory tract disorder treatments. Daisies have also been used in anti inflammatory properties. 

Dandelions commonly grow in lawns. The dandelion is full of vitamins A, B, C, and D and minerals like iron, potassium and zinc. So for nutrition you need not look any further than your back yard. For many years dandelions have treated liver problems, kidney disease, heartburn and appendicitis. They are also commonly used in diuretic, appetite stimulants and treatments for liver and gallbladder. 

There is no need to toss any of this plant out. The entire plant from roots to blossom are edible. The leaves are great in sandwiches and stir fries and offer more beta carotene than carrots. The roots can be made into herbal tea or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. The head of the daisy offers color to salads and can also be made into wine. 

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A bit of History of Sweet Tea

In the united states there is iced tea and then there is sweet tea. Yes, I know many think they are the same and while they are very close in relationship there is one big difference. Sugar!!!!!

Southern states rely on their traditional sweet ice tea. They not only rely on it but they demand it and drink it by the gallons. While many think of tea as a summer treat the tea drinkers in the south desire it all year long and serve it with most meals. Other areas outside of the south may meet your order of iced tea with unsweetened or "black" tea. 

History records South Carolina as the first place in the united States where tea was grown and produced tea commercially. Andre Michaux a French explorer imported the tea and other beautiful plants to please the wealthy socialist Charleston planters. Charleston would be the location of these early plants. 

The 1800s show that tea drinks were made with green tea rather than with black tea. Tea punches which were teas spiked with liquor were popularized during this time. Towards the middle of the nineteenth century the tea punches were given popular patriotic names a change from the earlier names that were famous for giving credit to the prince and kings. 

Recipe for Tea Punch from a Kentucky Cookbook

“Tea Punch – Make a pint and a half of very strong tea in the usual manner; strain it, and pour it boiling (hot) on one pound and a quarter of loaf sugar. (That’s 2 1/2 cups white sugar) Add half a pint of rich sweet cream, and then stir in gradually a bottle of claret or of champaign (sic). You may heat it to the boiling point, and serve it so, or you may send it round entirely cold, in glass cups.” 

The 1900s would see cheaper black tea replacing the previously loved green tea. The 1904 worlds fair and the heat during the fair would help popularize the iced tea. Many thought invent it but no it was all ready invented and simply made more popular.Making iced tea even more popular were the goblet glasses, long handled spoons and  lemon forks that were popular around WWI. 

Prohibition era would again popularize iced tea because of the early accepted tea punches. With no liquor , beer or whisky legal the many tea punch recipes began once again to appear in cookbooks. The lady social groups widely accepted the definition of tea to be:

.“TEA – Freshly brewed tea, after three to five minutes’ infusion, is essential if a good quality is desired. The water, as for coffee, should be freshly boiled and poured over the tea for this short time . . . The tea leaves may be removed when the desired strength is obtained . . . Tea, when it is to be iced, should be made much stronger, to allow for the ice used in chilling. A medium strength tea is usually liked. A good blend and grade of black tea is most popular for iced tea, while green and black are used for hot . . . To sweeten tea for an iced drink-less sugar is required if put in while tea is hot, but often too much is made and sweetened, so in the end there is more often a waste than saving . . . Iced tea should be served with or without lemon, with a sprig of mint, a strawberry, a cherry, a slice of orange, or pineapple. This may be fresh or canned fruit. Milk is not used in iced tea.”

World War II would leave us once again on tea supplied by England grown in the Indies. 

Make your own

6 regular tea bags

1/8 teaspoon baking soda –

2 cups boiling water

1 1/2 cups sugar ( you can use splenda )

6 cups cold water

Place tea bags, baking soda, and boiling water together in a sauce pan.

Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Take teabags out, then add sugar. Mix till dissolved.

Add cold water.

Chill and serve with ice 

Enjoy!

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Beef Jerky Recipe For Food Dehydrater

Beef Jerky 

4 lbs of beef (you can use any cut you like, but round steak works well)
1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce
1 teaspoon of dry Italian style dressing
1 and 1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 and 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Cup of Soy Sauce
1 Cup of Worcestershire Sauce
4 Tablespoons of Onion Powder
A couple pinches of salt

Cut your meat into strips about a quarter inch thick and cut off any of the fats.
Add in and mix thoroughly all the ingredients together to create the marinade.
Marinade your strips in a bowl and cover it up. Put the marinade in the fridge, and leave it for at least over night. You can also leave it longer if you prefer. The longer the marinating time, the more tender and delicious your meat will become.
Remove your marinade from the fridge the following day.
Toss them in your dehydrator, and dry until it’s bendy but not brittle. Serve and savor!

This is a great basic beef jerky recipe for your food dehydrator since you can use it as a jumping off point for lots of other experiments. One of my favorite variation is to use ranch instead of Italian dressing and when it’s done sprinkle a little brown sugar.

Peanut Butter Cookies

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

2 cups  all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped peanuts or 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Peanut Butter Cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 - 3 minutes). Beat in the peanut butter. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the peanut butter mixture and beat until incorporated. Fold in the chopped peanuts, if using. (If the batter is too soft to form into balls, place in the refrigerator for about an hour or until firm.)

Roll the batter into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, placing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Then, using the tines of the fork that has been dipped in white granulated sugar, make a crisscross pattern. 

Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container, for about a week. Freeze for longer storage.

Makes about 40 cookies.

Re

Crowded Nest Day

As a mother of adult children I have seen each and every one of them go out on their own. I often suffer from empty nest syndrome as I adapt to the changes of them being gone. Some of them make it and some of them struggle. As mom I am always there to pick them back up.

Life is rough and divorce, lost jobs, and other causes have seen my children return back home for periods of time. My grandchildren have returned with them as well. Financial reasons have seen them return and set off on their own again. Some times it is because life changes and they want to come back home to gather their self and set off again. Whatever the reason I am always here for them.

I personally enjoy the hectic atmosphere of my children returning home. I love to help them get back on their own as well. I guess you can say that is who I am mom, many call me mom my children and others that I have helped as well. So at the moment when a few of them are out on their own doing great and I am enjoying my own life as a few of my children as well as 2 grand-children are living here with me

Gooey German Chocolate Cake Cookies

GOOEY GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE COOKIES
YIELD: Makes 25 cookies

For the cookies:
1 (15 oz.) box German Chocolate Cake mix
2 large eggs
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the frosting:
1 cup Karo® Dark Corn Syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes

For drizzle:
1/2 cup chocolate chips or candy coating


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For the cookies:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs and melted butter. Beat until well mixed. Batter should be sticky and thick. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 6-8 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting and topping:
In a medium bowl, whisk corn syrup, butter and vanilla. Stir in pecans, chocolate chips and coconut flakes. Spread frosting over tops of cooled cookies.

For drizzle:
In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over tops of frosted cookies. Place in refrigerator to set completely.

Enjoy!

Wrap It All In Bacon

• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 4 ears of corn, shucked and cut in half crosswise
• 4 slices bacon

Heat broiler. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper and salt. Sprinkle corn with half cayenne-salt mixture and wrap each piece with 1/2 slice bacon, securing ends with a toothpick.

Broil corn on a rimmed baking sheet, turning frequently, until bacon is crisp and corn is tender, 9 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cayenne-salt mixture.

• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 8 chicken tenders (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 8 slices bacon

Place a sage leaf on each chicken tender, then wrap each with a bacon slice. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add tenders, sage side down, and cook until fat is rendered and bacon is browned, about 6 minutes. Flip and cook until tenders are cooked through, 6 minutes. With tongs, transfer to a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet to drain.

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