Remembering and Preparing for Dangerous Spring Weather

Five years ago in the small Illinois town I live in right about dawn a tornado hit. This Tornado was remembered yesterday February 28th as the tornado occurred on leap day 2012. The EF-4 tornado destroyed land, property, houses and took lives along the way.

When the skies turned dark grey yet again last night I was terrified that it was going to happen yet again. Tornadoes would occur but it would not be our town this time. Lives would be lost and houses and property would be destroyed yet again.

If this would happen in your area would you know what to do??

To start with do you know the difference between a watch and a warning??

Creating an emergency plan and preparing ahead of time for the what if will help you and your family be ready. Everyone should know what to do if a tornado occurs. Have first aid kits, crowbars, fire extinguishers as well as any special equipment in your home where everyone can find them.

The most important thing is to get some where safe and protect your head. I can remember those that would head to the basement when they had them. But not everyone has one so what do they do??

If the building or house has no basement then head to the central area of the house a room with no windows. A closet or bathroom works well.

For those that live in mobile homes your best bet is to get out before the tornado reaches you. There is little to no protection available for you in this place.

If you are outside go to a low lying area such as a ditch and lay down flat Stay away from any power lines.

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Rare Disease Day

The last day of February has been designated as Rare Disease Day. It is mean to call attention to the public health issues associated with rare diseases. Nearly 30 million Americans and countless others around the world suffer with rare diseases. 

Rare diseases are often complex. Those suffering with rare disease often have limited treatment and services available to them. Family members are often the source of support, solidarity, and care for the loved one suffering. Patients should never be afraid to voice their needs. Knowing what is needed by the patients own voice will hopefully change the improves their lives and the lives of their families and caregivers. 

A rare disease or disorder affects fewer than 1 in 2000 in Europe or affects fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time. Around 80% of rare diseases have identified genetic origins whilst others are the result of infections (bacterial or viral) allergies and environmental causes or are degenerative and pro-life. About 50% of rare diseases affect children. 

Rare diseases are characterized by a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms that vary not only from disease to disease but patient to patient suffering from the same disease. Common symptoms can mask rare diseases leading to misdiagnosis and delaying treatment. When this happens the patients quality of life is affected by the lack or loss of autonomy due to chronic, progressive, degenrative and frequently life  threatening aspects of the disease. 

Rare diseases has the adversity of scientist not having a lot of knowledge or quality information on the disease. Delays of diagnosis are often present with heavy social and financial burdens on patients. 

Rare disease patients and their families face many challenges, enormous progress is being made every day. Rare diseases have helped lead to better public health policies. Rare Disease Day is a great example of how progress continues to be made, with events being held worldwide each year. The first year of Rare Disease Day was in 2008. In 2008 only 18 countries were involved since that time more then 75 countries have become involved. There is much progress still to be made

Sleep In Public Day

It is a well known fact that I have been known to take power naps in the break room at work. It takes about 10 minutes of my 30 minute lunch break. So when I saw this list I had to share. I am not sure who wrote it but you will see that it is mighty funny. 

The Top Ten Things To Say When Caught Sleeping At Your Desk

10. “They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen..”

9. “This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about
in the time management course you sent me to!”

8. “Whew! Guess I left the top off the Whiteout. You
probably got here just in time.”

7. “I wasn’t sleeping! I was meditating on the mission
statement and envisioning a new business strategy.”

6. “I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance.”

5. “I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to
relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory
toward people who practice Yoga?”

4. “Darn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured
out how to handle that big accounting problem.”

3. “Did you ever notice sound coming out of these
keyboards when you put your ear down real close?”

2. “Who put decaf in the wrong pot?!?”

AND THE NUMBER ONE best thing to say if you get caught
sleeping at your desk……..

1. Raise your head slowly and say, “… Amen.”

Happy Spay Day

World Spay Day is an international day of action to promote the sterilization of pets, community cats and street dogs. This is all in an attempt to save others animals lives. This event takes place each year on the last Tuesday of February. The Doris Day Animal League created the event in 1995. World Spay Day is now a program of The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International and Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. 

Spay Day many vets, animal welfare professionals, business owners and concerned individuals join forces to shine a spotlight on spaying and neutering pets. The number of homeless animals being put down in shelters or living on the streets has been increasing Spay Day is a means to bring that number down. All over the world animals are suffering on the streets. The government deals with this overpopulation through cruel means, such as poisoning, electrocution or shooting. 

You can help with the issue of overpopulating the world with animals. You can help spread the word about Spay Day and other information to decrease the number of unwanted animals. Sharing information on the importance of spaying and neutering to control pet and street animal populations. At the same time share what pets need to be healthy and happy. Host a spay/neuter clinic for owned or street dogs and / or cats. 

Floral Design day occurs each year and this year is on the 28th of February. The day is dedicated to floral design as an art form. I would love to share a few that I found while searching the internet.

To celebrate why not try to create your own floral art. If you need help finding flowers to work with call your local florist many times they will sell individual stems of flowers. They may even be able to give some tips and help you choose what flowers you will work with.

Many times flowers are placed in a vase and they look great that way but like the two flower arrangements I shared above vases are not the only way to create a design. You can use many different items to create flower arrangements. Antique watering can or glass milk bottle can help make your design even more unique. Find a flower design instructions here

Today take a few moments and enjoy life and smell the flower arrangements among you.

Chocolate Souffle Day

Lava cake is a popular dessert that combines a flour less chocolate cake and a souffle. It gained its name from the dessert's liquid chocolate center. This type of cake has also been called chocolate fondant and molten chocolate cake.

A United States based chef claims to have invented molten chocolate cake in New York City in 1987 but this was disputed by a French chef who said a similar dish was all ready being served in France. The cake was discovered when a chocolate sponge cake from the oven before it was done and found that the center was still runny, warm and had both a good taste and good texture. Whoever the inventor of this scrumptious cake was Vongerichten from the U.S. has been credited with popularizing it in the U.S. This type of cake has been served in both high class and low take out restaurants.

1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup white butter unsalted
1 cup condensed milk
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 cup plain flour (maida)
1/4 cup chocolate sauce (hershley's syrup)
butter for greasing

Pre-heat the oven to 180 °C.
Place the choco chips in double boiler till it melts.
Add the butter and mix it well.Add the condensed milk and mix well.
Add the vanilla essence and mix well.
Add the maida and the chocolate syrup/sauce to the mixture
Again whisk till it becomes smooth
Grease cupcake moulds with butter
Pour the mixture in individual cups
Bake for 15-20 mins
Take it out and cool for few minutes
Invert it slowly on a serving dish.
When cut, the molten chocolate comes out from cake (like lava)

recipe source here

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is a guilt free day of excess. It occurs before the Lenten season and begins today on February 28th. There will be lots of fun for everyone. Colors of green, gold and purple will be the fair of the day as these are the color of the day. Purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. Tonight at supper use green napkins and a purple tablecloth, drinks of gold and purple will go great with supper as well. The best breakfast or supper of the day would be the food of the day that of pancakes of course.

It would be so fun to dress up like kings and queens and have a bit of a Mardi Gras feast of your own. Crowns, glass slippers, pirate hats and puffy shirts would all fit into the supper theme nicely. Colorful beads that you can find at the local dollar store will make the night even more fun. Along with the beads mask will go great with the party. You can create your own mask by cutting a paper plate in half and attaching a paper dowel, cut eye holes, use lots of glitter, glue and feathers and wah la you have one of the stylish masks of all.

Go a bit farther and help you child create a parade. Line up a train of chairs, decorate them with ribbon, stream, construction paper rings what ever you have that is colorful, decorative and fun. Remember the important 3 colors while doing so green, gold and purple. The dolls and stuffed animals will love being in the parade simply place them atop the chair floats

Make up a Mardi Gras treat. Do a quick search here and you should be able to find a delicious dish to fix up just for the day. Whatever you do just remember the day is to be met with love, laughter and fun.

Sausage and Pepper Pasta

Sausage and Pepper Pasta

1 medium sweet onion
2 Peppers (I like to use for example 1 red and 1 yellow)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 sausage, sliced and halved. (I used a Hillshire Farms Smoked Beef Sausage)
1 can petite diced tomatoes
4 mushrooms, sliced
1 can spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 lb pasta cooked and drained.

Pour the olive oil in to a saute pan.  Add the garlic. Slice onions, peppers and put them in the pan.

Saute over medium heat until they start to get tender (about 5 minutes)

Add sliced sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and spaghetti sauce.

Stir and let simmer until heated through.

Stir in your cooked pasta and sprinkle with a bit of Parmesan Cheese.
*If you like a little heat add some red pepper flakes.

Dinner is Ready!

Cake Batter Truffles

In our family there are many birthdays in February from my brother to my soon to be daughter in law, a grandchild, son in law and a daughter as well we love to celebrate their special day. If you had a birthday in February or March this recipe is for you

1 ½ cups flour
1 cup yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
3-4 Tablespoons milk
2 Tablespoons sprinkles
Truffle Coating:
16 ounces (8 squares) almond bark (or white candy melts)
4 Tablespoons yellow cake mix
sprinkles

Beat together butter and sugar using an electric mixer until combined. Add cake mix, flour, salt, and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add 3 Tablespoons of milk or more if needed to make a dough consistency. Mix in sprinkles by hand. Roll dough into one inch balls and place on a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
While dough balls are chilling, melt almond bark in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir between intervals. Once melted, quickly stir in cake mix until incorporated completely. Using a fork, dip truffles into almond bark and shake of excess bark by tapping the bottom of the fork on the side of your bowl. Place truffle back on the cookie sheet and top with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining balls until finished.
Chill cake batter truffles in the refrigerator until serving. Makes around 24-30 truffles.

Protecting our Birds This Spring

You can help save birds in one of the easiest but deadliest ways. Each year bird collisions cause deaths. You can simply help avoid this by putting up window decals or window feeders to alert birds that there is glass and it is not a clear space.

Our pets also are a big problem for birds. The other day our own cat brought a present dead bird to the doorstop. There are things that we can do if we choose such as pens, leashes etc... so that each the birds and pet has their room

Ensuring that bird feeders are clean is very important. Dirty feeders can spread disease. The old seed from feeders should be cleaned out frequently making sure fresh water is present in the bird bath is important as well.

While beautiful we should not capture wild birds. God made wild birds to be in nature and not in our homes. Selling birds caught in nature to be kept as pets is illegal

Believe it or not what you put in your trash and what you don't  can help protect the birds as well. Plastic trash bags present dangers to birds as they mistakenly eat them which can cause them to become ill or even die.

Birds are in need of places to live as many natural habitats are disappearing. You can create a bird refuge in your yard for the wild birds. Check with your local nursery to see what trees, shrubs, and other items are best to create a refuge.

Admire birds from a distance. Birds require their own space and we should all realize this. If you go up to a group of birds the first thing they will do is fly away. Watching from afar will allow you to watch the birds feeding, nesting and doing their other daily activities.

With beautiful spring coming one thing that you can do is to get outside enjoy nature where the birds live

Another danger to birds are chemicals that are used as pesticides and herbicides. These can be poison to the birds. Using these products can make your local birds sick or even kill them. They may even danger the future embryos

Take into mind all these tips that I shared as you enjoy spring and that special tune that the birds will be singing

Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is traditionally the day that Christians gave up meat, fish, eggs and milk for Lent. Lent is a time set aside to remember the Lord Jesus and his own fasting and praying in the wilderness before he was crucified. There are many that do not give up all that they did in past history but there are many that still choose to give up something in the hopes to help them focus more on God.

Eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday arose out of the fact that wasting is a sin, and all those foods being given up for Lent would need to be eaten before the season began. Pancakes use up lots of eggs and milk and so Shrove Tuesday also became known as Pancake Tuesday.

As a little girl I recall churches hosting pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday. I would love to say that the tradition of pancakes for shrove Tuesday has been observed every year for years but there have been a few different times for one reason or another that the tradition was not followed. Pancakes are not hard to make at home. The mix for the pancakes is easy to make, store in fridge and cook when ready.

Pancake recipe:

1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt (I use about half a teaspoon)
3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (I use half fat créme fraîche)
1 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Add all at once to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Cook on a hot, lightly greased griddle or in a frying pan. 

Serve with maple syrup.

Serving Better Meals To Children

Healthy Meal Choices for Children
Children often need a bit of help when choosing the right foods to eat. I should say that I know several adults that could use a bit of help preparing a nutritious diet. Thanks to Chicken of The Sea for sharing a few tips on nutritional diets.

Fruits and vegetables:

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, children should eat five fruits and vegetables a day. Leave a bowl of fruit or carrot sticks on the kitchen table to help ensure your child is getting the recommend daily amount.  I create dips and spreads to go with veggies at our house and also make fruit salads often or serve them with a dip as well.

Small, whole vegetables and florets, and fruits are almost always appealing to children. Now and again, encourage your child to try a new fruit or vegetable by arranging a platter in fun shapes or pictures. I am always suprised to see a new fruit or veggie at the market and bring it home to try. Yesterday I saw what they called a plumo it is like a plum but quite bigger in size so of course I brought it home for me and the kids to try

Serve vegetables on, in or with something your child really likes (as part of a pizza topping or stirred into macaroni and cheese). We have been known to hide veggies in the meatloaf or prepare shepherd pie including a vegetable

Healthy choices to reduce fat and sugar:

Rather than using whole milk switch to low or non fat milk, yogurt and cheese

Use tuna and salmon in dishes that call for other protein sources, such as chicken.

Bake or grill instead of fry.

Substitute olive or vegetable oil for butter.

Substitute water or low-fat milk for sodas or sweetened beverages.

Switch desserts like ice cream and cake for fruit-based desserts.

Spinach Cheese Phyllo Squares

6 sheets phyllo dough (14 inches x9 inches)
1 package( 10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
2-1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
4 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 egg whites
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk

Layer three phyllo sheets in a 13-in x 9-in x2- in baking dish coated with cooking spray; lightly spraying the top of each sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, 2 eggs, parsley flakes and salt; spread over phyllo dough. Top with remaining phyllo sheets. Lightly spraying the top of each sheet with cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 squares. Cover and chill for an hour. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, milk and remaining eggs until blended, pour over casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until a knife is inserted near the center comes out clean and top is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Yield: 12 servings.

Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches

 

 

    
love finger foods?? One of our favorite foods is grilled cheese This recipe seems to please everyone. I may have to omit the tomato in some because of those picky more conservative individuals but for the most part I am hoping these tiny sandwiches will be a top hit

Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwiches


1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (each tomato will yield about 5-6 slices)
Kraft Singles Cheese, 1 slice per sandwich, cut or folded into sixths
butter, about 1 tablespoon per sandwich

Prepare a large non-stick skillet by spraying it with cooking spray. Butter one side of bread and lay it buttered-side-down into the pan. Top with the cheese squares by staggering them slightly when placing them onto the bread rather than stacking all the squares exactly on top of each other (this will create height to the finished sandwich). Top with one tomato slice.  Butter another piece of bread and place it on top of the tomato slice, buttered-side-up. Repeat for as many sandwiches and you wish to make.
When all your sandwiches are in the pan, turn the stove to medium or medium-high heat and cook sandwiches for about 3 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on second side, or cook until both sides are browned to desired level. Serve immediately.
Consider serving with ketchup, ketchup + hot sauce, salsa, three cheese ranch salad dressing (shown in photos), mustard, mayo, or any desired dip.
Tip: To encourage cheese melting, use a pan with a lid as the trapped heat and steam will help encourage the cheese to melt. Otherwise you run the risk of the bread browning too fast before the cheese has melted.

Snickerdoodles

1 cup (16 tablespoons/1 stick) shortening or unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2-3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

CINNAMON SUGAR MIXTURE
4 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400° F. In the bowl of the stand mixer, cream together the shortening, sugar, and eggs.  In the small bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add to the shortening mixture and stir on low until combined.  In the small plate, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. Shape dough into balls about the size of a walnut and roll around in the cinnamon sugar until coated all the way around. Place on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.  Bake about 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are lightly browned but still soft. They should puff up then flatten 

Remember We Must Help Each Other

 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrew 13:16

sharing is easy but can I ask what it is you have done good for someone?? I am sure that many of you could answer and every answer be different. This is because there is so much we can do to share with each other , to help each other, to love each other

Jambalaya

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (I highly recommend wild gulf shrimp)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, each 4 to 6 oz., cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (try fire roasted)
1 cup long-grain rice, cooked per package directions (for extra flavor, try adding a small pinch of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to the rice while cooking)
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of cayenne pepper, or more, to taste (depending upon the spiciness of the andouille sausage)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced

In a large fry pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the andouille sausage until lightly browned, turning occasionally. Remove and place on a paper towel line plate to drain.
Add the shrimp to the same pan and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Add the chicken to the pan and sauté until browned adding additional 1 tablespoon olive oil is too dry, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the shrimp.
In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onion, bell pepper and celery, and sauté until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Transfer the onion mixture to a large Dutch oven. Stir in the tomatoes, rice, stock and a pinch of salt. Add the sausage, shrimp, chicken, paprika, thyme, cayenne, and parsley. Stir well, cover and let stand until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Spoon the jambalaya into warmed bowls and serve immediately.

The Pistachio Nut Good for You and Great Tasting as well ===== Pistachio Fudge

Pistachio are actually kernels obtained from the Anacardiaceae fruit. This plant is a medium sized broad, bushy, deciduous tree. The tree originated in the mountain ranges of West Asia and Turkey region. The dry summer heat and cool winters help the pistachios grow. Pistachios are cultivated in the United States, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and China. The plant will normally bear fruit 8 - 10 years after being planted.

Like all nuts Pistachio Nuts are rich in protein A mere 49 pistachio kernels or 1 oz of pistachio nuts contains 6 grams of protein. The body uses the protein by breaking it down into amino acids. Amino acids are used to repair tissues or to create new molecules. Eating protein rich foods helps you feel satisfied, reduces your cravings for unhealthy foods later on.

Along with protein Pistachio nuts also have beneficial fatty acids These nuts are considered to be high fat but that is not bad. The truth is that pistachios contain 13 total grams of fat. Of these 13 there are 2 grams that are saturated fats which are unhealthy that leaves 11 grams of fat that are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that helps protect the heart.

Pistachios also contain beneficial antioxidants. Our cells age and create oxidative damage. Pistachios can help turn this around. Pistachio possess beta-carotene that helps reap oxidative damage fighting effects. Pistachios in diet have proven to have a lower levels of harmful cholesterol.


Pistachio helps us out by offering B6. Our body requires B6 and without it the possibility of cardiovascular disease , some cancers and some cognitive functions can have bad effects. Vitamin B6 helps keep brain sharp and aids in cardiovascular health.

1 lb white baking chocolate
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 c confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/8 tsp green food coloring
1/2 c chopped pistachios

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, allowing foil to extend over sides of pan.
Spray with no stick cooking spray.
Melt chocolate as directed on package.
Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar on low speed until well blended.
Add melted chocolate, extracts and food color; mix well.
Stir in chopped pistachios.
Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Garnish with additional pistachios, if desired.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
Use foil to lift out of pan onto cutting board.
Cut into 25 (1 1/2-inch) squares.
Store in refrigerator.
Substitute: One bag (12 ounces) white chocolate chips can be substituted for the white chocolate squares.

recipe source McCormick

Pistol Patent Day

Samuel Colt invented the revolver. A revolver is a pistol with multiple chambers for bullets. In 1835 Colt would patent the pistol in 1835 and then in 1836 he would patent it in the United States.  

 The pistol had been invented by Samuel Colt  He also was awarded a patent #138 for it on February 25th 1836. The patent was for a Colt Revolver with a rotating chamber containing 6 bullets. 

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International Tongue Twister Day

When I was a kid we often ran around saying tongue twister. No my tongue was not twisted and I did not twist anyone else's tongue. A tongue twister if you did not know is a phrase that is very hard for people to articulate, especially when spoken in a sequence really fast. 

One thing that I did not know but found out while researching for this post is that most langues including sign language have their own versions of tongue twisters. Sign language finds it own twister also known as finger fumbles when the words of a tongue twister get repeated time and time again getting faster. This can often make the fingers fumble. 

Tongue twisters often are created with the similar sounding words that aliterate That means that the first letters or sounds in the words are the same. Take a look at a few of these tongue twisters:

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