The Importance of Sleep

One of the most important things we can do for our health is to get sleep. Many o us burn the candle a bit to long and never seem to get enough sleep. Sleep is as important as eating healthy and exercising for your overall healthy life. Thus sleep can be seen as a nature healer.

Many of us, including myself, do not get enough quality sleep. Because of this there are ways that our bodies often suffer. A few of these ways include:

• Being sick more often ==== without enough sleep can impair the immune system leaving you unable to fight off infection. 
• inability to cope with the pressures of the day. ===== without sleep stress hormones of cortisol and adrenaline build up causing ill effects
• weight gain ==== poor sleep habits are closely related with weight gain. The reason is that without enough sleep the hormone responsible for weight control can not be normalized. 
• memory issues === not reaching the level of deep sleep affects how nerve cells of the brain connect brain control behavior to the ability to learn or remember
• health risks === heart disease and strokes are very much related to not getting enough sleep Not getting enough sleep has shown to provide a greater risk of heart disease or strokes than others who get the recommended sleep. 

With all these reasons to get enough sleep I believe I will offer you a good = night and allow you to go rest. If not now then hopefully soon you will be able to get a bit of shut eye.

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Kite Cookies

April is National Kite Month. Through out the month many communities will hold kite flying events, workshops and demonstrations. There are many different styles, colors and ways that kites are constructed.

Refined flour (maida) 1 cup
Butter 1/2 cup
Powdered sugar 1/2 cup
White sesame seeds toasted 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon
Rice flour 1 cup
Edible yellow sprinklers as required
Edible green sprinklers as required
For sugar icing
Icing sugar 1/2 cup
Milk 1/4 cup

Preheat oven at 180°C.
Cream together butter and powdered sugar in a bowl using an electric beater. Add vanilla essence and mix. Sieve in refined flour and rice flour and fold well.
Add sesame seeds, mix and knead into a stiff dough. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape them into balls.
Transfer a portion of dough on the worktop and roll out to make a thick sheet. Cut the sheet into few diamonds using a medium size diamond shaped cookie cutter. Cut out few of small diamonds using a small size diamond shaped cookie cutter. Discard the excess dough.
Place medium size diamond cookies on a baking tray. Cut small diamond cookies into triangles and place each triangle each on one edge of each medium diamond cookies and press lightly to give them a kite shape.
Place the baking tray in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
To prepare sugar icing, combine icing sugar and milk in a bowl and whisk well. Fill the sugar icing in a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle.
Transfer the baked cookies on the worktop, pipe out sugar icing on top and decorate with some yellow sprinklers and green sprinklers.
Place the cookies on a serving platter, pipe out some sugar icing to make kite threads and serve immediately.
recipe resource here

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Do Know Stress

Most of us at one time or another has felt stress. Stress is that primary physical response when some thing seems to feel out of control. stress makes the body feel as if it is under attack and goes into a 'fight or flight' mode. Under this mode a mixture of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol prepare the body for physical action. Thus the body can over throw certain systems when high stress is present.

The good thing about stress is that chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol offer a rush of energy. Adrenaline can present itself through the heart pounding, fast breathing and a grand boost of energy The chemicals that kick in helps one to focus attention and respond quickly to the situation at hand. This fight of flight feeling helps us even in the modern day situations that may occur. However, there are those times when our bodies go into a state of stress in inappropriate situations.

When our bodies are under stress during the fight or flee stage blood is forced to the most important muscles that can help us at the time of need. At this time brain function is put to a minimum. which may lead to a moment where 'thinking straight' is impossible. Stress that is present for longer periods of time our health can be influenced in a bad way. Elevated cortisol levels increases sugar and blood pressure levels. However, there are some ways to reduce stress.

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History In The Southern United States

The American Civil War was fought in the United States between 1861 to 1865. It was a battle that was fought between northern and southern states. One of the largest controversies at the heart o the nation was over the enslavement of black people. Another large part of the issue was the secession of the Confederate states in the South. 

As of February 1861 there were 34 states in the United States. The confederacy grew to control over eleven states as well as the states of Kentucky and Missouri. However there were two slave holding states Delaware and Maryland that did not join the Confederacy. 

The remaining states stayed faithful to the Union. The Confederate States never recognized the government of the United States. Both the Union and Confederacy raised volunteer to form armies that would battle for state rights. The battles took place primarily in the south. In addition, more than 620,000 to 750,000 individuals were left dead. 

The war ended when Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. After the war and battles fought much of the southern states laid in ruin. The presumed government known as the Confederacy collapsed, slavery was abolished and more than four million black slaves were freed. 

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Food Cuisine of Arab Americans

With all the news of Arab nations in the news the truth about these individuals may be overlooked. April is  a month that wants to share more about Arab Americans and that includes their cuisine. A few of these top dishes include

• Hummus= made up of a puree of chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic. This mixture goes with many foods from veggies, meat and bread. In fact try it spread on sandwiches, burgers or pastas. Hummus comes in a number of different flavors including red pepper, pesto, garlic, artichoke, and the list goes on. 

1 can garbanzo beans rinsed & drained

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

salt to taste

Combine garbanzos, olive oil and garlic and lemon juice in a food processor - puree until smooth.

Add salt if desired.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Best served at room temperature.

recipe resource here

• Shawarma also known as "street meat" in the United States. This dish made up of chicken, beef, lamb or vegetarian was brought to America by Arab nations and has become a hit. The meat is often placed in pita bread with garlic and pickles. It makes for the perfect on the go inexpensive meal. 

• Tabbouli is a dish made up of parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur, mint and lemon. This dish is healthy, fresh and pleasing to the eye. Whether you choose toe eat on a bed of lettuce and bread or mixed in hummus

• Falafel made from grounded chickpeas and parsley can be eaten plain, with hummus, or garlic or in a sandwich wrap. 
• Moroccan Couscous has been served for centuries . Side it with meat, fish, and veggies 
• Many mediterranean restaurants serve up grape leaves stuffed with meat or veggies. 

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Tips Take Care of Your Car

My grand-daughter just walked into my room waving around some pink and white keys. "For my car she said" oh my at the age of 10 she can still pretend that she has her own car and that is fine with me. The thought of her getting her own car is quite a thought that brings a bit of adrenaline. It takes a lot of responsibility to become a driver and one of those is taking care of your car. Some easy steps to car maintenance may surprise you.

• Toothpaste==== helps clean foggy headlights. Simply place a bit of toothpaste on the foggy headlight and let it remain a few minutes. Now wipe it off you should notice your headlight is good as new
• Toothbrush === use to clean dashboard and remove crumbs from upholstery. The bristles in the toothbrush can also help scrub off crumbs that you can not otherwise get up
• a flat head screwdriver paired with a piece of cloth can help reach places that you other wise can not. For instance in between the seats of the car
• rubbing alcohol can help keep those dirty windshields clean. Wipe the rubbing alcohol on the windshield wipers as well as wipe the dirt off the windshield. 
• Clay or slime may be the perfect toys that kids love but they are also perfect for cleaning the car. These items love to suck dirt into it as it is played with. This is why it is the perfect tool for cleaning cars. Imagine getting the dirt from the interior of the car as well as helping to shine the exterior of the car. 

I told you that you may be surprised but these tips and tricks have been proven to work and I would suggest you may want to try to see if they work for you

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Accepting those with Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month. During this month many will try to make others not only aware of Autism but share the love of acceptance as well. Our youngest grandson has Autism and the disorder affects many areas of his life but it also affects others in his life. Those affected include our entire family, his friends, classmates, our family friends and community members. Thus allowing everyone in his life to create a world for him full of acceptance and celebrate him.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects language and communication, sensory processing and motor skills, cognition and social interactions. It seems that nearly all areas of life are or can be affected by Autism. The autistic individual begins developing differently from birth. The way that an autistic individual sees the world is different than how we see the world. The brain of an individual with autism develops differently than others. Communication, cognition, sensory processing, motor control and social behavior is different and predictable . Perhaps it is not the individual that is disabled but rather society is disabled because it is not designed to work for individuals with autistic brains.

Autism Acceptance Month is exactly what it says. It is all about treating autistic people with respect and allowing them to feel welcome in the world.

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Tell A Lie Day

Today is April 4th and it is National Tell-a-Lie Day. Have you ever told a lie. Most of us have as they said "stretched the truth" sometime or another. Some of the most common lies include:

• tweaking the truth about how far away you really are like "we are almost there" or "just 5 more minutes"
• when you have had enough and need to zone out but somehow someone keeps calling or texting you may be tempted to say "the phone died" 
• when you overspend whether you simply lie to yourself or you lie to someone else you may tempted to say "it wasn't that expensive anyway"
• Do you recall those moments when we had an assignment due and would reply "I almost done" but you had not even started as of yet
• remember that time you were re-introduced to a person from your past and you do not recall them but instead you actually say "I remember you"
• that old stand by answer when someone asks "How are you" you reply "I am doing fine" even though you truthfully are not 
• How about someone fixes a treat for you and you know you do not like it but you reply "this is delicious" 

Face it we have all stretched the truth, fibbed or told an all out and out lie before but there are times that these lies are better than being honest. So today, if you have to tell a lie and don't let it both you at all after all it's "tell a lie" day

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April Plays Host To Sad Days in American History

April brings some sad moments in history as the month hold a few dates that Presidents of the United States passed from the pages of history into a better place

• William Henry Harrison born in 1773 passed away April 4th, 1841. Serving as an American military officer was elected as a British subject at the age of 68 years old. Harrison would not finish his term, in fact 31 days after he took the role of president he would pass due to complications of pneumonia. 

• April 14, 1865 devastation would occur, however many would not believe the news as the information system of those days was not fast or reliable. On that date in history the President from the state of Illinois would be shot at Ford's Theater by John Wilkes Booth. The next day the president would die. 

• April 12th 1945 was the date that the United States 32nd president died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Franklin D. Roosevelt had faced many issues during the four terms, 12 years in the White House as president. The United States had not only fought World War II but also faced the Great Depression. Perhaps the saddest part is that his life ended just as victory was in sight.

faced with much controversy Richard Nixon had resigned from being president but he was elected to the office of presidency and thus is included in this post as a former president. Nixon passed from the earth April 22, 1994 shortly after his wife Pat did of lung cancer. Richard Nixon would die from a massive stroke in New York City and was buried next to his wife in Yorba Lida, California

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Cordon Blue Casserole #Recipe

1 (10-3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 pound thin sliced deli ham, coarsely chopped
6 slices Swiss cheese
1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
paprika for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl combine soup, mayonnaise, milk, mustard and black pepper. Remove half the sauce to another bowl and set aside.
Stir the chicken into the large bowl of soup mixture, then spoon into prepared dish. Sprinkle the ham evenly over the chicken mixture, then place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of ham. Pour the remaining sauce over the cheese.
In a small bowl mix the bread crumbs and butter, sprinkle over the sauce. Evenly sprinkle paprika on top then bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and heated in center

recipe source Mr. Food


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The Golden Rule ...

The Golden Rule comes from an ancient time period but should still be followed in modern day.
The Golden Rule was told in a religious manner but is adaptable for the secular world.

The Golden Rule is mean for each and everyone of us and is a rule for the masses to follow as well.
The Golden Rule offers you and me and all of us a chance to think about how we want to be treated and then treat others in that manner.
The Golden Rule offers us a chance to share in relationships with others, animals, and the world.

With all that the Golden Rule offers us to be treated the way we want to be treated why would we not follow it??

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Buffalo Bill Cody

One of the best known Pony Express riders was Buffalo Bill Cody. Starting at the age of 14 Cody rode with the Pony Express. Later he would fight in the American civil war and serve as a scout for the army. However, it was most likely the Wild West Shows that brought fame to Buffalo Bill Cody.

Facts about Buffalo Bill Cody:

• Born William F. Cody February 26, 1846. 
• Cody worked as a messenger and wrangler early in life
• at the age of 14 Buffalo Bill joined the Pony Express and was hired for the position as he was "skinny, expert rider who was willing to risk death daily"
• Served in the American Civil War. He would gain his nickname during his run in the military in 1867. To feed construction crews that were building railroads Bill would kill buffalo. In under 2 years Buffalo Bill would kill 4,280 buffaloes

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Cowboy Beans ::: Celebrating the Pony Express

These cowboy beans provide a hearty meal but tagged up with cornbread it becomes something special. The dark beer reduction and BBQ sauce, brown sugar and molasses offers the beans a rich, sweet and spicy taste. Add in the beef and bacon to complete and delicious meal one fit for anyone needing a bit of energy. While this recipe serves a crowd it can be reduced by cutting the recipe in half or smaller sizes. Enjoy

Beer Reduction
2 (12-ounce) bottles dark beer
Meat, Bacon & Vegetable Sauté
½ pound Applewood smoked bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
1 medium to large red bell pepper, diced
½ cup chopped green onions

Baked Bean Medley
2 (16-ounce) jars of fine-quality Boston-Style beans
1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained
1 small can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles, drained
Kosher salt & fresh coarse ground black pepper, to taste
Texas BBQ Baked Bean Sauce
1½ cups Beer Reduction
1 cup Kansas City-Style BBQ Sauce
¾ cup ketchup
¾ cup unsulphured molasses
¾ cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons Dijon or spicy grain mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Cayenne pepper (hot sauce) to taste (a few dashes)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Optional Topping
8 slices (about ½ pound) Applewood smoked bacon
4 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

Prepare the Beer Reduction: In a heavy saucepan over high heat, bring beer to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to simmer until reduced by half to 1½ cups, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Arrange oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 350º F. Lightly grease two 2-quart (9×13-inch) baking dishes.

Prepare the Bacon & Vegetable Sauté: In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and bacon until browned and just about crispy, about 5 minutes. Reserve rendered bacon fat in pan. Add onion and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in chopped red bell pepper and green onions; sauté until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Baked Bean Medley: Combine beans and chiles in large bowl or stock pot; season with salt and pepper. Scrape bacon and vegetable mixture into beans. Season with salt and pepper; stir well to incorporate. Using rubber spatula, scrape and pour into bowl or stock pot and stir into bean mixture.

Prepare the Texas BBQ Baked Bean Sauce: Add all of the sauce ingredients to the bowl or stock pot with the bean mixture. Stir well to incorporate. Using rubber spatula, scrap and pour mixture, evenly dividing, into baking dishes.

Bake in preheated oven until sauce has thickened, is bubbling and cooked through, about 90 minutes. If desired, top each with four bacon slices and sprinkle light brown sugar over the bacon after 30 minutes of baking. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack to rest before serving, about 5 minutes. Serves: A LOT!
recipe source here

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Take A Ride Back To The Pony Express

My dad seemed to wear many different hats in his life time. He was a wonderful dad, an all around fix it man, he worked in peoples gardens, yards and often at plant nurseries, worked as hospital maintenance man but most of all one of his biggest jobs was that he worked for the United States Postal Service. His job was as a rural route mail carrier and he would drive a large part of the day making sure individuals got their mail. Perhaps this is why I have often found those that rode for the Pony Express so interesting

April celebrates the riders of the pony express. The unique mail delivery system known as the Pony Express took place as the same time of the wild west. With no FedEx, no Postal service that ran so far away, no modern delivery convinces there was no real way of communication. In fact the mail if sent at all took quite some time and often got lost. However, that was before the day of the American Express.

The companies of Leavenworth and Pike's Peak Express Company took an opportunity to fill a need. The Pony Express only existed for 18 months between the dates of April 3, 1860 and October 1861. A major employer of young riders who were selected to deliver the small packages and letters that needed to get past the gateway of St. Joseph Missouri. Not every one that wanted to was selected to ride with the pony express. In fact, the company selected riders with a certain age, size and weight of individual in mind.

Oath taken by Pony Express Riders.
 “I do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.”


Often only young riders were selected to work for the Pony Express. Riders that were light in size and hosted a resiliency to do the job. The horse was often more important than the rider and if the rider was in fact light in size the more the horse could run, the more the horse could carry and the further they could go. Perhaps it all sounds like the Pony Express had it all under control but one may be fooled as well

The Pony Express was truly a remarkable development and did the work with resiliency but it was not profitable. Wars with the Indians often led to shutdowns of the pony express. The cost were also heavy and led to financial ruin due to high operation cost and the inability to secure a governmental mail contract. In the end the Pony Express lost $200,000

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National Adopt a Greyhound Month

With less than twenty greyhound racing tracks across six states remains in the United States. With the decline in track attendance leading to decreased tracks it also leads to the number of greyhounds in need. Thus creating the need for a need of awareness that the month of April has gladly been given.

April is National Adopt a Greyhound month in hopes of bringing awareness to the Greyhound need. Adoption groups across the country have stepped in to help these elegant dogs. The Greyhound Project is not only offering these dogs help until they are adopted into a permanent home but strives to spread the message of greyhound adoption awareness to ensure 100% of the greyhound breed find caring owners and new homes. Offering these dogs that make great pets and companions a chance.

Greyhounds are fast runners, many running around 40 mph. They are more than speed though they are gentle giants that love to lounge around and play with their owners. Have you ever considered offering a permanent home to a dog?? Perhaps you would consider adopting or helping to spread the word as the need for permanent homes for these dogs is critical.

The Greyhound Project works to support over 300 greyhound adoption groups around the world. In addition to promoting National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month, the charity publishes wall and desk calendars for adoption groups to resell and maintains an international directory of adoption organizations. Founded in 1992  The Greyhound Project is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Helping to promote the mission of protecting the welfare and adoption of greyhounds
by providing support and information to adoption organizations, adopters, and the public

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Theres No Yolk About It Ways to Substitute for the egg

For whatever reason you Have decided to go egg free but you still follow recipes that call for eggs??? There are some easy ways that you can replace the egg with a combo or single ingredient.

 

While there are products at the grocery store that you can purchase to replace the egg there are also replacement methods to substitute for the egg with items you may have right at hand  

 

• 2 TB. cornstarch = 1 egg
• 2 TB. arrowroot flour = 1 egg
• 2 TB. potato starch = 1 egg
• 1 heaping TB. soy powder + 2 TB. water = 1 egg 
• 1 banana = 1 egg in cakes
• 1 TB. milled flax seed + 3TB. water = 1 egg (makes light and fluffy cakes according to Vicky)
• 1 TB. ground chia seed + 3 TB. water = 1 egg (let mixture sit 5 minutes or so to gel)

Do you have any more egg substitutions to add to this list?

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Penny Candy and Dr Pepper Peanut Brittle #Recipe

In the 1800s and 1900s general stores would sell lots of penny candy. While at that time even penny's were hard to come by when ever kids did get hold of one they could go to the store keeper and get a scoop of candy out of a jar or bin. A big bag of candy would cost a nickel or a dime and a stick of candy or a few small pieces could be purchased for a penny.

The penny candies were normally hard drops or sticks of sugar that kids would suck on. Flavors of fruit, peppermint and cinnamon were often available. Herbs often flavored the candy in the olden days. Herbs like anise were often used. Many candies of the past often were used for medical uses as well. In addition there were candies that   

• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cups butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 cup Dr Pepper
• 2 cups roasted and salted peanuts
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Special equipment:

• Candy thermometer

I

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the sugar, butter, salt, cayenne, Dr Pepper, and peanuts in a pot. Insert a candy thermometer while cooking on medium heat, bring to a boil stirring often. When the temperature reaches 290° F, remove from heat and stir in the soda. Mixture will foam up and double in size. Spread mixture thin on baking sheet using a silicone spatula and let it set. Once hardened, break into pieces and serve. Will keep in an airtight container for 1 week. 
2. recipe resource here

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Early Spring Gardening

As a kid I can recall spending hours in the garden with my parents. My parents were both born and raised on farms and while we lived in town we had a large size garden. Our parents would work long hours whenever possible in the garden and bring us with them. In addition to spending time together we also learned a lot about the science of gardening

Spending that much time in the garden turned out to be a good thing. We may not have been aware of it at the time but gardening is considered to be moderate to high intensity exercise. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention believe up to 330 calories can be burned by working in the garden for an hour. In addition, the National Institute of Health recommends that gardening be part of a good weekly exercise for 30 to 45 minutes a day three to five times a week.

Spring Time Garden Chores may include:

• Cleanup may be the first thing that needs to be done. During the fall and winter month are gardens may be left with broken branches, leaves and plants that we may have left behind. It is nearly impossible to begin our spring planting without cleaning up the previous garden spaces. 
• prepare needed gardening tools so when you are ready they are as well
• Prepare soil for planting this can be done by a rake, pitchfork or other gardening tool. Make sure that any and all weeds have been removed from the area and then add compost or manure to offer nutrients to the soil. 
• Plan your garden, what you will have in it, what will be by what etc... You may want to do some research to see what grows best in your area as well as what grows well by what 

Happy Gardening!!!!



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Witnessing to the Atheist

The bible says that we should tell all those about the love of Jesus. Some will deny his name and existence and claim they are atheists. Atheist often believe that Christians are ignorant followers of superstition. They believe there is no God However, this does not mean that they can not come to believe in Jesus Christ.

The bible has revealed that non-believing atheist can come to believe in God. This is not an easy task as most times they are not interested and do not believe you have anything interesting to tell him. Questioning why he does not want to listen may open a conversation you should be ready for. When you can try your best to work in a conversation like the following

• Your real problem is whether YOU exist, not whether God exists. If there is no God, then everything is just physics and matter, molecules and forces. Then your brain is essentially no different from a rock on the ground, except for the particular arrangement of those atoms. And the next thing that you say is just brain chemistry. There is no YOU that speaks, just brain chemistry producing sound out of your mouth. Is that right or not?

Good Luck as you may be up for a challenge but one that God will bless you for

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Lupus Alert Day

Today, April 1st is Lupus Alert Day. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes swelling and inflammation. Lupus has a wide variety of symptoms including

• Achy joints 
• Unexplained fever 
• Swollen joints 
• Prolonged or extreme fatigue.
• Skin rash.
• Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation.
• Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
• A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose

Lupus affects everyone differently. While some may suffer greatly with severe symptoms others may have only a few symptoms of Lupus. Lupus has the ability to damage any part of the body including skin, joints, and / or organs. It leaves the immune system unable to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs. In addition it will leave the Lupus sufferer fighting a battle against their own body

Lupus can leave the immune system unable to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs. Naturally our bodies produce proteins known as "antibodies" that protect the body from foreign invaders. Those that suffer with Lupus often have "autoimmunity issues" because their bodies can not tell the difference between foreign invaders and healthy tissues. Because of the way the immune system works those with Lupus often find Lupus attacking healthy tissues.

Lupus is not contagious and can not be spread by someone with it. It is not related to cancer even though those suffering with Lupus are often prescribed the same medication as patients undergoing chemotherapy. My dad lived with Lupus for years and now my son is living with it as well. To our family it is not a battle he faces alone but one we fight together.

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National One Cent Day

The first penny was issued by the United states and minted in 1787. The designer of this one cent coin was Benjamin Franklin. Both sides of the coin were printed with words with one side saying"mind your business" and the other "we are one." In addition this early coin was made up of 100% copper and was known as the Fugio cent.

A short time later the United States mint was created in 1792. The first coins created by this mint were known as Chain cents because of the 13 links of chain that formed a circle representing the 13 colonies. The flip side of the coin showed an image of a woman with flowing hair to illustrate Lady Liberty. While this one cent piece replaced the original coin with Ben Franklin it would not remain long either

The next one cent piece would show up in 1859 and would be known as the Indian Head cent. This coin would remain in circulation for decades. It was replaced in 1909 with the new Abe Lincoln penny that is made up of both copper and zinc. Between the years of 1959 to 2008 the coin featured the Lincoln Memorial. Starting in 2009 the penny honored the 200th birthday of President Lincoln by featuring various scenes from his lifetime and on the flip side the Union Shield

Fun Facts about pennies:

• In 1943 the united States was at war and needed copper for war materials. Pennies were made out of zinc coated steel. The color of the coin was silvery and was hard to distinguish from a dime. The following year the coins were once again made from copper
• America's first one cent coin was called a "large cent" and was first created at the mint in 1793. It was a large coin that was hard to use and nearly as big as a half-dollar coin. The coin was not changed in size for nearly a half-century in 1857.
• The Lincoln penny in circulation from 1959 to 2007 featured the president on both sides of the coin. One side his face in profile and the other Abe is seated at the Lincoln Memorial. The coin also has 2 sets of initials for each engraver

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Wonderful wednesday

It's Crayon Day

National Crayon Day is a day to celebrate the creation of crayons and the joy of coloring. Crayons were noted back in the 17th century when crayons were not made of wax and were limited in not only lasting power but durability as well. It was not until the 1900s that wax crayons were invented. Thus entered the Crayola phase

In 1902 Crayola brand crayons entered the scene and the world of crayons was changed. Since the first day Crayola was on scene til today there has been over 100 colors designed. However, while there have been many crayons that have come on scene there has been around 50 that were retired as well

what is your favorite color

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Blog and social media ct --- April 2

Pommes Anna ----- Easy Potato Recipe

Pommes Anna

 All you need is
Potatoes
butter
Optional: seasonings.

You need an ovenproof pan. Here is what you do:

You slice the potatoes chip thin (a mandolin might be your friend here). You melt the butter in a saucepan. You lay a single layer of potatoes on the bottom of the pan, then pour enough melted butter to cover. Repeat (at least 3 times, depending on your potatoes, and the pan size). Cook on stove top on medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until the bottom is nice and crisp. Invert on the pan with a spatula, cover and put on a 375 over for 15 minutes covered. Uncover and bake until the top is nice and crisp.

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Tater Day

Each year on the first Monday in April Benton Kentucky is filled with vendors, people celebrating the day, a parade and much more. Tater Day is taking place and has for the past many years. Tater Day in Benton Kentucky has happened for nearly 2 centuries.

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The Tater Festival in Benton Kentucky started in 1843 as a way to celebrate spring. The townsfolk would come together and trade in sweet potato slips that they would use  to grow plants for their own food and profit. The day was simply a trader day in the beginning but as life changes so do festivals. While the trading continues the day also host carnival rides, games, eating contest, mule pulls and other contest. The festival is completed with a large parade

IF you are not able to go perhaps you would love to try a few potato biscuits and look for other potato recipes here on annies home

1 cup mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Stir butter into potatoes. Dissolve soda in buttermilk, add honey. Mix baking powder, sugar, flour, adding in mix as you go. Press into 1/4 inch pad, cut biscuits. Bake at 400 degrees.

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Sharpen Up

Hymen Lipman is the individual who holds the first patent for placing an eraser on the end of the pencil. The year was 1858 Lipman was an immigrant to the United states from Kingston Jamaica. He worked as the lead stationer in Philadelphia and also started the first envelope company in the United States. While he held the patent for the first pencil with an eraser he would not have it long. 
Lipman would sell his patent to Reckendorfer for $100,000. A suit against Faber teh pencil manufacturer but the suit would be lost according to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

So why are pencils yellow in color ?? The yellow pencil occured in 1890 when the L&C Hardmuth Company of Austria Hungary introduced their Koh-I-Noor brand of pencil. The pencil was meant to be the world's best and most expensive pencil. Because other pencil companies desired to be associated with the high quality they also painted their pencils yellow. 

I have often heard the statement
Pencils are for those that intend to make mistakes
However, there are many greats that have been noted to use pencil These individuals include:

• Thomas Edison had his own pencils personally made. The company Eagle pencil made Edison's pencil made 3 inches long an a bit thicker than standard pencils. These pencils had softer graphite than other pencils as well. 
• Vladimir Nabokov rewrote everything he had ever published, usually several times, by pencil.
• John Steinbeck used pencil obsessively , sometimes using up to 60 a day. 
• Vincen van Gogh used only pencils made by Faber. These pencils are also selected by Carpenters over others
• If you are Johnny Carson fan then you should know that he often played with pencils while on the show. Did you also know that these pencils had erasers on both ends?? 
• Roald Dahl the great children book author also had an issue with pencils. These pencils all had yellow casings. There were 6 pencils when he would start the day and only when all 6 needed sharpening would he resharpen the pencils

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