They Have Feelings Too ---- Missing Kizzy

We are an animal loving family and have several pets that we take care of. Recently we lost our little kizzy and it hurt like crazy as he was not only a dog... not only a pet.... but a family member. Like a family member there are things that we do that may annoy them but we may not realize it. Some of these include:

• Touch is one thing that dogs do not care for. Your dog may enjoy the snuggles that we give them but when it comes to someone else hugging them they may not be so much game. Have you ever noticed how dogs react to hugs from children?? Often they squeeze just a bit tighter and longer. Dogs use touch to show dominance or control over the other animal. Thus you should not allow a stranger to hug your dog as it can make him / her feel uncomfortable Our dogs enjoy belly rubs more than a hug any day
• The slogan " Let Sleeping Dogs Lay " is one that should be followed. As you little doggie lays there taking a nap, their little legs twitching while they are dreaming they may look adorable but this is a time they should not be disturbed. Dogs and their owners are both better off if the dog is allowed to wake by their self after all they may be dreaming about running and chasing that ball in the open. That is one dream I would hate to disturb

• In order to let our dogs know how we expect them behave it is important to discipline them. But there is a difference in discipline methods and yelling. None of us enjoy being yelled at and just like we get stressed out when someone yells at us our dog gets stressed out as well. The tone of our voice when yelling resembles loud angry barking to a dog. This signifies them to prepare for a fight. This is why it is better to talk in a firm voice rather than yelling. 
• Don't stare at me!!! This is what your dog may want to say. A dog does not enjoy a staring contest and often accepts it as a sign of aggression. 

• Our dogs get lonely. To them those individuals he lives with is his pack. Dogs are animals that love to be socialized. One idea is when you go to work or school to leave tv or radio on
• Routine is fundamental for dogs. Feeding, walking and caring for a dog on a routine schedule so they can expect what will happen next. If the routine is constantly changing then you may putting your dog under undue stress. This stress may leave them angry or confused. 

Sounds to me if our dogs are a bit more like humans than what we often think. It is important to treat our pets well. With these few steps in mind perhaps you can work on being less annoint to your pet. 

Who Was Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as he is known by many was born in Salzburg Germany January 27, 1756. His real name was Johannes Chrysostom Wolfgangus Gottlieb Mozart. He lived what would be a short life span in these days and times dying at 35 years of age. Mozart was one of the great European classical music composers. Perhaps, he is the most famous and many consider the most important composer in history.

Around 700 songs including symphonic works, chamber music, piano music, opera musi an choral music. Among his works are Don Giovannie and Die Zauberlote. The masterpieces that Mozart created were some of the most classical during the classical music era. Mastering both the piano and violin by 5 years of age it all seemed to come natural. Composing music on the piano and violin by the age of 17 he was recruited to be a court musician.

Mozart had been blessed by both a mother named Anna and a father named Leopold. The couple had a total of 8 children with Mozart being the youngest. His brothers all seemed to have short lives as they died when he was still little. His father Leopold was a composer and music teacher. His sister learned to play piano at the age of 7 , this is where Mozart himself became interested in piano and writing his own music.

Leopold would take his two young talented children to visit London, Paris, and other places in Europe. Mozart would be appointed the leader of the first violin section in an orchestra at the Salzburg Court. In 1769 he would visit Italy three times and study Italian opera and create two successful operas

In 1781 Mozart was living in Vienna where he created some of his best work. Ten years later he would die leaving behind his wife and 2 sons. Prior to his death he would ignore his health and continue to play and conduct music. Swelling , pain and vomiting his wife and sister in law would care for him. He was only 35 years old when he died and buried in Vienna in St. Marx Cemetery.


The cause of his death was never known. It may of been a number of things from influenza, mercury poisoning, or even disease related to pork tapeworm. The number one thought is behind rheumatic fever. Mozart became even more famous following his death.

Sauteed Mushrooms

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp light olive oil
1 1/2 lbs (24 oz) baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
garlic salt, to taste (or use salt and garlic powder)
black pepper, freshly ground
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice form 1 small or 1/2 large lemon
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Rinse and quickly pat dry mushrooms (go on and rinse them, you have my permission :)). Cut off stems to be parallel with the base of the mushroom (important for sautéing ease).
In a large heavy pan over medium heat, add 2 Tbsp butter and 2 Tbsp oil. Once oil is hot, add mushrooms in a single layer, cut-side-down. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Sautee until bottoms are browned (5 min), then flip over, season again with garlic salt and pepper and sautee until browned on the second side (5 min).
Squeeze in 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp parsley. Stir mushrooms and cook another 1-2 min, adding more seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and serve.

recipe source here

Chicken Pepper and Onions Stir Fry

For the Chicken Fajitas
1 pound Zaycon Fresh Chicken Breasts , sliced thinly
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley if you don't like cilantro
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Peppers and Onions
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 of a yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

In a large bowl combine all of the chicken fajita ingredients minus the lime juice and the pepper and onion ingredients.
Toss the thinly sliced chicken in the marinade until coated, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat a 12 inch cast iron skillet over high heat with 2 teaspoons of the oil.
When the skillet is hot add in the sliced peppers, onion, chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Saute the peppers and onions for about 4 minutes or until they are golden and have softened slightly.
Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet onto a plate and set aside.
Add another 2 teaspoons of oil to the hot skillet.
Add in the chicken fajita mixture and saute until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
Add the peppers and onions back into the skillet along with the juice of half a lime.
Cook everything for another minute then serve immediately.
Serve the fajitas in lettuce cups or on tortillas and top with pico de gallo if desired.

recipe source found here

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Classical Musician Bach Ordinary Man used in Extraordinary Ways

Known often by his last name only Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the great classical musicians. Born near the end of the 1600's in 1685 through the mid 1700's Bach was a German Composer and musician during the Baroque period of time. Bach is known for both instrumental compositions as well as vocal music.

Johann Sebastian Bach was the last child of a musician who lived in Eisenach. At the age of 10 he became an orphan and until his early teens he would live with his eldest brother. During his teen years Bach studied musical development in Linebarg. At the age of 18 he  began working at Protestant churches and later at Weimar courts. Bach would compose music for the Lutheran churches as well as for university musicians. Around 1726 Bach would publish work for keyboard and organ. Later in life he reworked many of his earlier compositions.

Bach would enrich the musical styles in Germany. His adaption of rhythms, harmonies, format and motive not to mention the ability to introduce textures from his travels through Italy and France. Bach's works include cantatas both sacred and secular, church music, motets, and others. While known as an organist

During his lifetime he worked a variety of jobs such as keyboard and string player, teacher and cort or church composer. He was married twice and fathered 20 children. Ten of his children survived into adulthood Four of his children would also become famous composers. Bach gave the glory to God and hard work. He did not believe he had talent but knew his work and worked hard.

Bach had a temper and shared his thoughts often very loudly. In 1717 Bach would be arrested and put in jail partially because of his temper. While working as a composer under the Kapellmeister and Vice-Kapellmeister both of which were son and father Dresse When the older man died Bach believed he should have inherited the job but rather the son became the boss. So Bach left to become the Kapellmeister of Anhalt Corben. The problem was that his first job was not going to let him go so easily. As Bach continued to try to leave his place he cotinued to be told "not happenin" Bach threw a tantrum and was tossed in jail.

Bach was never honored during his lifetime for his musical abilities. Many considered the music he played to be contemporaries and too complicated, too estoreric , too long and in "odd style" In fact, following Bach's death much of his unfinished work as well as that which was simply unpublished was tossed into a dumpster and lost forever. Bach was remembered more as an organist and harpsichordist than as a composer.

After Bach's death for approximately 80 years the music he composed would go unused. Mozart and Beethoven admired his work but it would be a German composer Felix Mendelssohn to perform the Passion of St. Matthew to once again appreciate Bach the composer.

Bach's popularity has grown and the combination of rhythm French dances, the gracefulness of Italian song and intricacy of German counterpoint in one composition could only be Bach. Bach wrote music that expressed how one felt and he demonstrated his devotion to Christ through many pieces that he wrote.

Bach wore many faces through his life time. I believe God used him an extraordinary way 

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Monday Menu

I simply can not wait til the beauty of fall arrives here in Southern Illinois. Here in Southern Illinois no matter the season there are always things to do. With my oldest grand-child running cross country, my middle gal playing soccer and the youngest in flag football we are active as well. Busy comes in when we talk about my youngest son's new business. So much is going on that there are nights that we have planned sandwiches

Mon:
b: honeybuns
l: lunchable if you are going to take your lunch to school or work, for those staying home there is deli sandwiches
s: meatball subs and chips

Tues:
b: breakfast casserole
l: chicken nuggets or pack your lunch with PBJ and chopped veggie sticks with dip
s: chicken steaks, potatoes,

Wed:
b: granola bar or sausage / biscut
l: leftovers or if you are headed to school or work it is chicken sandwich, chips
s: its church night so kids will eat there and adults will have pizza

Thurs:
b scrambled eggs
l PBJ , apple slices for all
s daughter cooking supper

Fri:
b pancake and sausage
l deli sandwiches or grilled cheese
s lasagna, garlic bread

Sat:
b sausage and eggs
l lunchable or mac n cheee
s chilli dog, chips

Sunday
b breakfast at church
l family dinner not sure who cooking yet
s after church supper always is eaters choice


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War Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month. People all over America will stand together for the cause of Feeding America. Food banks throughout the nation are striving to fight the battle of hunger. September is the chosen month to bring awareness to the hunger crisis. It is also the month to do something about it.

Many Americans continue to struggle even while the forecast says that the economy is improving. Millions of individuals still struggle to simply get by. Unemployment, lower wages and rising cost of living are all the reasons that people go hungry.

Adults who suffer from hunger may have children that suffer from hunger as well. Families that struggle with making ends meat and having enough to eat often buy the cheapest food rather than food that is healthier for them.

Kids go hungry as well. Children who do not get enough to eat early in life begin life with disadvantages that may be life threatening. Conditions such as anemia and asthma affect children who suffer from hunger. As these children grow up they will continue to struggle to get enough to eat and more chances than others they will struggle in school

Throughout the month of September I will share how you can help the fight against hunger, and great tips you can use and share as well

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