Hollerin' contest

In 1969 a contest to see who could do the best Hollerin' took place. The contest was held in Spivey's Corner North Carolina. Now hosted in the fall the hollerin' contest first took place the third saturday in June. Hollerin had at one time been conditioned down to an art to communicate from long distances. Hollerin' was an amusing form of entertainment as well. This was before the telephone or any electronic devices were made available. The money raised through the contest goes to the volunteer fire department. 

2013 would see the Hollerin' contest become part of the heritage festival. The festival is held each year on the second Saturday in September. Now, from what I see the hollerin' contest may be no more . An art form lost if anyone has any information on where this art continues please leave comment

Take a listen to find out all about this awesome event

Battle Of Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill occurred during the American Revolution June 17 1775. The Americans were led by General Prescott who instructed "no one fires until you see the whites of their eyes" This battle would start with a British retreat. At the top of the hill the two sides would end in hand to hand combat but the outnumbered Americans would be forced to retreat.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought over that Bunker Hill yet most of the fighting took place on Breed's Hill. Colonial militia was pitted against British regulars and while the British would capture the ground the Americans would take pride in the fact that they could stand and fight against the British army. In the end 450 American lives would be lost as well as over 1,000 British.

PCOS Awareness

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a surprisingly common health condition. It affects 10% women in the United States. Doctors are not sure what causes the PCOS and many may have it and not be aware of it. Knowing that you have it and what symptoms to expect will help you receive the right treatment and diagnosis.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder where too much of the hormones androgens are created. The extra surplus of hormones can result in missed periods, thick body hair and hair growth, weight gain and acne. Infertility may be a result of the extra hormones as well. A normal cycle where a egg is released in a women's cycle once a month. Women who have PCOS do not have a normal cycle and the follicle often sticks around and forms a cyst.

The cysts can be seen on an ultrasound. The doctor will look for other symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and acne. There is no test that will diagnose PCOS Many women with PCOS will have pre diabetic symptoms. Insulin resistance can cause increased hormone levels

Obesity in women often may lead to PCOS as well. Losing 5% of body weight will have an impact on a woman's metabolic profile. Oral contraceptives can also help relieve symptoms by regulating menstrual cycle and hormone levels.

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Ladies Softball

It may be played with a larger ball and on a smaller field but softball is played with as much heart as the grand old game of baseball. The game of softball was invented in 1887 in Chicago Illinois as an indoor game. At different times in history it has been known as mush ball, kitten ball, playground ball, and ladies baseball. In 1926 the title softball was given to the game because of the softball used to play the game.

Interest was built around the game when it was spectated at the 1933 Chicago World's fair. Today the Amateur Softball Association of America which was founded in 1933 governs the game of softball in the U.S. The World Baseball Softball Confederation or WBSC regulates the sport around the world. In 1996 Women's fast pitch softball became a summer olympic sport, in 2012 the game was not played in the Olympics but will return in 2020.

The most common type of softball is known as slow pitch softball where the ball must arch on its path to the batter and 10 players are on the field. Fast Pitch softball is played as the game says with a fast pitch and only nine players. Modified softball has some regulation with the pitching but is played much like fast pitch. All three styles consist of 7 innings of play.

Chicago Illinois was the birth place of softball. The game was played on thanksgiving day 1887 George Hancock was the creator of this great game. The Farragut Club set the rules for the game and was known then as "Indoor Baseball" to help maintain skills during the winter months. The name of the game changed to Indoor Outdoor baseball the following year and was set up for exercises for firefighters. The YMCA is credited with naming the game "softball" during a meeting.

I would love to take a moment and give a shout out to all the great ladies who played softball for the Carbondale Illinois SIU Salukies.

Summertime Smores Fudge

1 cup mini marshmallows
2 graham crackers, broken
12 ounce package chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Sprinkle the marshmallows and crackers over the bottom of the pan.
In a small saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and milk until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the marshmallows and crackers.
Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 12

shared here 

Have a Little Garden

It does not matter what age you are you can grow a garden I can remember having my own garden when I was old enough to do the work myself. I can recall working with the family in the garden as we grew the crops that we would enjoy for the fresh season and winter season as well. If you have never had a garden it is not to late and can be in as little space as a bucket. If you know a young person in your life that would have a great time watching their garden grow then by all means start a family garden together.

Tomorrow is never promised to any one but if there is any sign that tomorrow will arrive then it is through a garden. Watching each and every day the plants in the garden grow a bit until at last the fruit of the garden is ready to enjoy.

shared at vintage show and tell

Arkansas Black Apple Pie

Arkansas Black Apple Pie Recipe

From: Diep Tran of Good Girl Dinette

Makes: 1 pie

For the pie filling:

3 lbs. Arkansas Black apples, cored and sliced thin

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. freshly ground cinnamon

1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

½ tsp. freshly ground coriander

4 tablespoon butter, cut into cubes

The zest and juice of 1 lemon

A good pinch of salt

A bit of sugar

For the crust:

3 cups unbleached AP flour

2 tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. granulated sugar

2 ½ sticks very cold unsalted butter

½ - ¾ cup very cold water

1 tsp. vinegar

1. To make the filling, toss the sliced apples with sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, making sure to coat all the slices. Transfer to a strainer placed inside a saucepot. Let the apples macerate at room temperature for an hour, or place in the refrigerator for as long as 8 hours.

2. Transfer the macerated apples to mixing bowl. Place the pot with the liquid from the macerated apples on the stovetop and reduce by a third. Take off heat and add the cubed butter, swirling to incorporate into the syrup.

3. Let the reduced apple syrup cool down to 100 degrees, then add cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, lemon zest, and the reserved macerated apples. Mix well. Taste and add more lemon juice and/or cinnamon to your liking.

4. Place the filling in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pie.


5. To make the dough, mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

6. Cut butter into 1 tablespoon pats and toss into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour, breaking down the butter into roughly pea-sized pieces. It's okay if there are larger chunks of butter. Put flour-butter mixture into the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the butter.

7. Mix together the iced water and vinegar.

8. Once the flour-butter mixture has been properly chilled, take it out of the freezer. Using your fingers, make depressions all over the surface of the flour. Sprinkle some water into the depressions. Still using your hands, gently incorporate the water into the flour. Repeat the process and continue adding water until the dough, when pressed, holds its shape. Depending on the humidity and the flour, you might not need to use all the water.

9. Gently press the dough down to create a flat mass of dough. Using a bench scraper, cut the dough into eight sections. Stack four sections onto of each other and press down, creating layers of butter trapped inside dough. Flatten dough again and wrap in plastic wrap. This is for your bottom crust. Repeat with the remaining four sections to make dough for your lattice top. Place both packages of dough in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to relax the gluten.

10. To assemble and bake the pies, preheat oven to 420 degrees.Take out both packages of dough and roll them into 11-inch disks. Put one disk back in the refrigerator and use the other one to line the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan (glass or ceramic is best). You should have some overhang.

11. Add the apples to the pan and place in the refrigerator while you prep the dough for the lattice top.

12. Take out the remaining package of dough and, using a bench scraper, cut into 16 strips. Take the unfinished pie from the refrigerator and top with strips of dough placed in a lattice pattern.

13. Cut away the overhang and crimp the edges using the tines of a fork, then sprinkle the top with a bit of sugar for a little gloss.

14. Bake at 420 degrees for 30 minutes. Lower the heat to 400 degrees. Rotate the pie if it's browning unevenly on one side. Bake for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Law Enforcement Prayer

Elder Abuse Awareness

America is getting older. The baby boomer generation is aging and have made up a major segment of society. Baby Boomers are starting to account for the major population in the United States over the age of 65. The decision makers of the United States are getting older. 

As Americans get older a new crime has been awakened and is starting to increase. The crime of abusing the elderly happens to one out of every 10 seniors. Elder abuse is defined as any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or risk of harm to an elderly adult. Many of these cases of abuse will not be reported and the abuse will continue. The trend of reporting elder abuse is increasing so that one day it hopes that Elder abuse will be in the spotlight and not hid behind the door of the elderly. 

Nursing Assistant Day

After being a CNA for 20+ years I have learned what being in fit to do that type of work is all about. You see, yes we lift heavy patients but there is so much more than that to being a nurses aide. Start with the feet there will be lots of standing and moving and sometimes quick moving and if the next shift member does not show up then you have to fill in for them as well. Only, you use your feet and not theirs.

As I have said the back is something that you must have but there are many ways to get the individual you are helping. You do not always have to do a total lift there are many other things you can do as well. A good humor will help you through any thing even if the work is a heavy load.

As most nurses can admit to it is not all that hard to talk about body functions and what comes out of them while eating after becoming a nurses aide. The odors may still sometimes get to be too much you will learn how to control them.

Big heart and ears that listen well are needed. When you take care of those that are ill, old and hurting they will have stories they want to share and need a shoulder to cry on. You will be there to listen and hugs are always encouraged as well.

Being a nurses aide is not an easy job and at times there will be challenges that you will have to work yourself out of. It will be worth it because to the ones you take care of you are their outlet and very much needed.

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