Are You an Effective Communicator

Being able to make individuals want to hear or read what you have to say demands a bit of attention. Effective communication is critical to get readers and listeners to want more. Leaders and bloggers should desire getting their followers to desire more. In this post I will share a few ways to get and keep your audiences attention:

First whether you are speaking or writing you need to have enthusiasm and demonstrate it to the audience. 

Open ended questions that allows the audience to be involved, ask questions, leave comment are important. 

Body language when speaking says more than your words may ever say. Also the words that are used with in a paper or post are important to convey what you are feeling and what your readers to feel.

So you shared a problem dont leave it there share suggestions and tips on how the issue can be corrected

Using these tips may just be what you need.

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Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort cheese is a classic blue cheese. It comes from the south of France and is one of the oldest cheeses. Many consider it one of the greatest cheeses of France. Only those cheeses from the Roquefort - sur - Soulzon region. 

The legend behind this cheese was that a monk first made Roquefort cheese in 1070. While working in he left his lunch in a cave near Roquefort France. He simply forgot it and left it there and a few days later, on June 4th, he returned to the cave. In his lunch he had cheese made from sheep's milk. Roquefort cheese is still made from sheep's milk that is cured in the caves near Roquefort France. Roquefort cheese still has a strong taste with streaks of blue in it. The streaks that are in the cheese is mold. Most molds make food uneatable but the blue streaks in Roquefort are a special kind of mold that gives the cheese its flavor. 

Roquefort breaks easily into little pieces and is pressed into big wheels. The cheese ripens 5 months April to October and aged in limestone caves. The cheese is wrapped in foil and labelled with sign of red sheep

Green Ways to Fight the Filthy Fly

June is fight the filthy fly month. This simply puts a long ago thought into my head of my husbands grand-mother in her red neck ability sitting on the couch with a flyswatter ready to do battle. 

Flies have no redeeming qualities. Frogs consider them a delicious taste treat. Flycatchers, birds and the bug zapper are others that contest on catching flies. Other sources to control flies include:

Fly swatters that are often made with holes to minimize the air current that warns the fly. The reduced air resistance and increase the speed of the swat Killing flies may not seem the thing to do for some but consider that flies have been known typhoid, cholera, salmonella, bacillary dysentery, tuberculosis, anthrax, opthalmai and parasitic worms. 

Basil in flower pots inside the home works as a natural repellent. Planting mint and basil around the house The plants do the opposite of attracting 

Filling a saucer with white wine and dish detergent will poison the flies when they drink  the mixture killing them.

Installing screens on windows and doors of your home will help keep the filthy fly out of your home. Trashcans will attract flies with the odor they give off as well. keeping tight covers on these will deny the fly access to a breeding sight. Pet owners should also be aware of cleaning up their animals area as well. Flies do not just bother humans but our animals as well.

Our family also enjoys picnics in the summer time. Often their are unwanted guest that show up as well. One tip to keep the filthy fly from attending is to add a piece of sponge saturated with lavender oil in a small tin. allow this to cover and sit for 24 hours take off the lid and place on table. After each use this process needs to be repeated.

Cloves some how have the ability to repel flies as well. They can also look so super cute and decorative when inserted into a piece of fruit. Simply use about 20 to 30 cloves inserted into fruit and place on table.

Flies may not live long approximately about 25 days in length from egg to death but their descendents continue the life cycle. If these tips do not work for you then I say go out adopt a mess of frogs and they most likely will put the filthy flies promptly on the menu.

Protect our Children

This day brings awareness and acknowledges the pain of children who suffer world wide. Victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse have rights that are violated.

I am a self advocate of no spanking. I do not spank my grand-children nor did I ever spank my own children. Now that my children have their own children they often discuss that they may spank their children. Perhaps, it is not the spanking of a pat on the behind that does bad rather it is the parent who does not know how far to take the punishment and ends up going to far.

The day was established in 1982. It is to help draw awareness to children in abusive or potentially abusive situations. When a parent spanks in anger they are very close to a moment with lots of danger.

Ambrosia Pie

One of my husbands favorite dishes that I always make during the holidays and often through out the year is Ambrosia. Ambrosia is considered a southern tradition that contains whipped cream, pineapple, oranges and coconut. Chopped nuts are often in the mixture as well.

Ambrosia is also the nectar of the Gods. Many consider this salad to be heaven sent The recipe i share today in this post is for Ambrosia Pie just like the salad it is easy to make and takes less than 20 minutes to make up.

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups finely ground windmill cookies or speculoos
3 Tbsp sugar
7 Tbsp melted butter
For the filling:
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
5 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 cups whipped topping (a.k.a. Cool Whip)

To make the crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Stir together the cookie crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers. Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9" pie plate. Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
To make filling:
Stir together the coconut, pineapple, mandarin oranges, pecans, condensed milk, lemon juice, and lime juice. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Pour filling into cooled crust. Chill pie for at least 2 hours, or until set.

National Cancer Survivor Month

While cancer survivors lives are celebrated all year long the month of June is one that draws the most lime light. The brave individuals who battle cancer and have continued the battle are spotlighted.

I saw a saying the other day that shared a thought that made lots of sense. Do not let the yesterdays take up to much space of your tomorrows. As a cancer survivors your yesterdays may be filled with memories of cancer but it does not have to rule your life. Allow yourself to continue on life
 allow yourself to celebrate life

Pentecost

Pentecost is a Christian holy day commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ. The story is shared in the New Testament of the bible. 

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. – Acts 2:1-4 

Asparagus Egg and Cheese Casserole

10 large eggs
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 asparagus spears, bottoms trimmed, sliced 1/8-inch thin
2 cups grated or shredded cheese (I use Sargento reduced-fat shredded Cheddar, from the supermarket, or any leftover shredded cheese from my freezer.)
2 Tbsp skim milk
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaf
2 tsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
Cooking spray (canola or olive oil)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying with cooking spray. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. In a small frying pan, heat the oil, and add the onions and asparagus. Sauté until onions are translucent, 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool for 2 minutes. Then, mix the onions and asparagus into the eggs along with all of the remaining ingredients. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Bake at 375F for 35 minutes, until the casserole is lightly browned and a bit puffy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before eating. 

(Can be made up to one day ahead. Cool, cover and refrigerate. To reheat, uncover and place in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes.)

Old Maid

As a child of the '70s and early 80s I can recall a time before home video games, VCR's or any real home electronics that so many kids play now days. What we did in these early years was to sit and play board and card games together. I played a lot of games with my sister who was 4 years older than me. Another great player I recall back in the day was my cousin who when he grew up went to work in the large gaming Casino's of Las Vegas. Monopoly was his favorite board game and we spent lots of time playing. 

It was the games in these early years that helped build a never give up win or lose attitude in me. The competitive ability was real because every one wanted to win and the only one you give a chance to win is your younger siblings. With everyone else you are out to win and show every one what you have. You simply suck it up and play with all you have. One of the easiest games we played was that of old maid. No one and I mean no one wanted to be the old maid.

A victorian card game where between 2 and 8 players contested to gamble to see who would be the old maid in the end. History shows this game was once a gambling game where the loser would have to pay for a round of drinks for all players.

A deck of cards specifically for playing the game of old maid is commonly used but a deck of 52 cards may be substituted and played. When using a regular deck of cards remove a card so that there will not be a match or throw in a joker to stand in for the old maid.

Celibacy a decision to go forward or not

There are many terms used that can define the Celibrated life. Whether you consider your self a chaste, virgin, abstinent or asexual you are living the Celibrated life. There are many reasons that people wait and I believe should wait. Those who say they are waiting for marriage, living a life of celibacy or simple choose to say celibrate life. It is a style of life without sex and enjoying life regardless. Sex is not a needed event that must take place in life to be happy.



Young people wanting to abstain from sex will often take a vow of virginity. With the risk of sexually transmitted diseases increasing and birth control not being reliable more and more teens are deciding to go with out sex. Nothing about premarital sex, frequent casual sex, or sexting should be considered "healthy" or "normal".

Today's society and the culture we live in has little to no trust in our young people. Offering a view at honesty, empowerment and great dignity offers a chance for them to be responsible and feel incredible. In the end it is a decision that should be left up to those that regardless of religion, beliefs, parent involvement or anything else to make the decision

Cleaning Your Fish's Home

Just like our homes need cleaning the home our fish lives in does as well. Cleaning the aquarium will also keep your fish happy and healthy. A good cleaning and fresh water once a week will do the job. The skill needed to complete this project are minimal and can be done easily if algae and residue is not allowed to build up 

If you do not remember to clean the fish aquarium it has a way to tell on you. A green tinted murky water in the tank will indicate that an overdue cleaning is needed. The first thing you will want to do is to know about your fish and what they need. Instructions should have been given to you when you purchased your fish. This information will help you know how to clean the aquarium. 


Items you will need to perform the cleaning include:

•  Algae scraper or scrubbing pad

•  Plastic razor blade (use plastic on acrylic tanks)

•  Water siphon

•  Bucket

•  Bleach

•  Aquarium glass cleaner

•  Filter media

•  Filter brush

•  Paper towels

•  Old bath towels

You'll find cleaning easiest if you do it in the following order:

1. Inside of glass

2. Decorations

3. Gravel

4. Outside of glass and hood

5. Filter

To start cleaning the tank you first must remove a bit of water. Between 15 to 25 % water depending on how well your fish is and how often you clean your tank must be removed. 

Use the algae pad to clean the sides of the aquarium. Run it along the glass, scrubbing a little as necessary to remove algae that is sticking to the aquarium. A razor blade may be needed to scrape it off the glass. 

note: if you us rubber gloves to complete this job make sure that they have not been treated with chemicals. While it may be tempting to use the sponge or scrubber from the kitchen sink do not so this they may have detergent or cleaning chemical on it. 

A siphon will need to be used to clean the gravel inside the tank. The siphon will help to remove any old food particles or bacteria that can make your fish sick. Soak decorations in a solution of 9 part bleach and 1 part water. Before returning to the tank make sure to rinse the decorations with hot water. 

To finish the job clean the outside of the aquarium with a damp cloth and dry. This will allow you to enjoy watching your fish. 

Clubfoot Awareness

Today here on annies home we are helping to bring awareness to Clubfoot. Clubfoot occurs when an abnormality happens normally at birth. The baby's foot may be twisted out of shape or position when born. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone or tendon are shorter than usual creating a birth defect known as clubfoot.

Clubfoot can vary in degree from mild to severe. Nearly half children born with clubfoot have it in both feet. Club foot makes walking harder to do if not corrected. Doctors nearly always start treating it directly after birth. Surgery is normally not needed but sometimes follow up surgery may be needed later.

Clubfoot can be I.D'd in a few different ways

• The top of the foot is usually twisted downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward.
• The foot may be turned so severely that it actually looks as if it's upside down.
• The calf muscles in the affected leg are usually underdeveloped.
• The affected foot may be up to 1/2 inch (about 1 centimeter) shorter than the other foot.

.Like many other diseases and health issues their are risk factors for developing. Risk factors for clubfoot include family history, congenital conditions, environment, little or not enough amniotic fluid. Children born with spina bifida or other skeleton issue may also have club foot. Smoking during pregnancy adds risk to developing club foot. 

Children with clubfoot may find issues with walking whether corrected or not. Arthritis may develop later in life as well. 

National egg Day

June 3rd is National egg day. Eggs are a terrific source of protein and vitamin D. Many times eggs are served at breakfast and is one of the top healthiest breakfast foods. Eggs are not just for breakfast though considering that there are more than 100 ways to cook an egg. Some of the most popular include scrambled, fried, poached, hard boiled, sunny side up and over easy.

When Americans think of eggs we often think of the chicken egg. These are not the only type of egg since there are also ducks, geese, and quail to name a few birds that lay eggs that we can dine on. There are also a great variety of ways that eggs can be used

A fellow blogger gathered many egg recipes together you can find that page here

We are sharing a great recipe that requires the use of eggs as a binding and is perfect for grilling season.

Meatloaf burgers

3 lb hamburger
1 1/2 c oats
4 eggs
2 t garlic
1 c salsa

Mix all Pat into patties grill or fry.

Chocolate Macaroons

Makes about 24 macaroons
Ingredients (using cocoa butter)

2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut
3/4 cup/60 grams of cocoa butter (cocoa butter chips work well)
1/4 cup of cocoa powder, unsweetened
4 tablespoons of maple syrup
1/3 cup of blanched almonds, finely ground
about 1/4 teaspoon of coarse salt for sprinkling a few grains for each cluster (optional)

Ingredients (using coconut oil)

2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut
3/4 cup (about 8 ounces) of coconut oil
1/4 cup of cocoa powder, unsweetened
4 tablespoons of maple syrup
1/3 cup of blanched almonds, finely ground
about 1/4 teaspoon of coarse salt for sprinkling a few grains for each cluster (optional

Ingredients (using semi-sweet chocolate)

2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut
1 cup (about 8 ounces) of semisweet chocolate
1/3 cup of blanched almonds, finely ground
about 1/4 teaspoon of coarse salt for sprinkling a few grains for each cluster  (optional)

Spread the shredded coconut across a baking sheet. Bake at 300 °F/10° C for about 8 minutes, or until the coconut is lightly browned.
Cool the shredded coconut and set it aside.
Over simmering water in a saucepan, set a bowl and add the cocoa butter, oil, or chocolate to slowly and completely melt. If you’re using semi-sweet chocolate, skip to step 6.
Turn the heat off and whisk in the cocoa powder.
Next add the maple syrup and whisk until well blended.
Add the shredded coconut and finely ground blanched almonds to the chocolate mixture and blend with a fork or spoon.
Drop a tablespoon or so of the mixture onto a non-stick surface, using a fork or spoon to tidy them up a bit. If you’re using your fingers, lick them at the end.
Optionally, sprinkle a tiny bit of course salt over the macaroons. About 3 or 4 grains of salt for each macaroon is enough.
Place them in the refrigerator to solidify faster. Store in the fridge, or at room temperature.
Enjoy!

recipe resource here

They Fought for State Rights Should They be Memorialized

Confederate Memorial Day is a public holiday that has been observed in southern states of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana and Texas since the end of the American Civil War. This holiday is to honor the 258,000 Confederate States Army, Navy, Marines and militia who died in combat fighting in the battle. 

The Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia in the spring of 1866 decided that a day should be set aside to memorialize the Confederate war dead. Ladies in former Confederate states were invited to join them in the observation. While the civil war today has stigmatic attached to it. I believe that the American men who fought for their belief of state rights should be memorialized. With the removal of so many statues and other items of memory the future may never recall the battle of the U.S. When history is not recalled it is doomed to repeat in one form or another. 

It is heritage that I fear losing. The battle of state rights was more important than the battle over slavery to many that fought in the great war. There are many that will disagree with this post and I am sorry for that. Please leave a comment and leave your thoughts with me

Protect Your Self and Others from The Sun

June brings a time to enjoy the warmer days outside. It is also a time to be aware that the sun can help cause cancer. When you go outside are you sure to protect yourself and your family from the sun?? I ask this question as my 27 year old daughter moans and tends to the sunburn she received from being in the sun today. She asks me why I did not burn she should all ready know the answer. The truth is that when she was younger I applied sunscreen on her small body as I did my own. Now that she is older it seems as if I must remind her of the dangers of the sun. 

The sun is a needed source of heat and yet we must be careful. The sun shares with us several types of UV radiation. One type offers our skin a tan or redness in color but it will not penetrate deeply the other however will not burn the surface of the skin but will penetrate deeper. Both can increase the risk of skin cancer and speed up the aging process. The sun rays can cause melanoma which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. 

To better protect our skins their are products on the market that can help us. What ones do we need to use?? First the SPF or sun protection factor must be determined. The SPF is how long you can stay in the sun without burning with sunscreen versus without. Sun protection fabrics will help protect our skin as well. Zinc oxide is very useful as well. 

Sunscreen should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 to 3 hours. Apply the sunscreen on very generous and make sure to thoroughly cover all skin that is not covered. Be careful between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm as these are the hours the sun is most intense. 

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Trail Month

June is a great time to get out and enjoy one of many of our national trails. Any time is a great time to get out there and a great way to exercise as well. While June may be the month that honors our many trails any month that allows you to get out there is a great time to take a hike on a trail of your choice. 

Our family is lucky to enjoy life near the Shawnee national Forest. Look in your area and do a bit of research to see what great trails are located near you. For this post I will be sharing some of the great sites located around our area. 

Tunnel Hill is a great trail that many take the challenge of a bike ride on. The beauty no matter the season located here is breath taking. The trail covers 4 southern Illinois counties and reaches over 50 mils. This trail is concreted and covered with crushed stone covering. This trail previously was a railroad track that was removed many years ago. As I said biking along with hiking are activities that take place here. The trail is wheelchair accessible and also offers cross country skiing when the weather is right. 

The Shawnee trails are quite breath taking. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods be sure to stop for a bit and enjoy a hike through nature We personally love to get out there nearly all year with consideration to a few months. My grand-daughter calls the months of January, February and March long cold winter. This is when the weather is often not right to get out in. 

Where will your trail take you?? 

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

I have always been a cat lover. I am not a cat collector. There are many cats that need a good home. June is adopt a shelter cat month?? As bloggers and those that share on social media we have the opportunity to help this campaign.

Many shelters may be overloaded with cats. The warm weather often means that kittens will be born as well. Homeless cats and kittens are waiting for a forever home but sometimes the message needs a bit of help.

Facebook and twitter are great places to get started. We can share messages with friends about the need for adopting shelter cats. Be sure to mention that adopting a cat will help save a life. Sharing the message on our blogs, websites and social network sites will help as well.

Other things we can do to help spread the word and fight the good battle to save the lives of shelter cats include:

Volunteer:
Local shelters or rescue groups in your area may be in need of volunteers. The care of these animals is only part of it. Other choices for volunteers are sharing pictures and post showing adoptable cats and kitten to help draw attention.

Donate:
Donations are always needed by shelters and rescue groups. Both large and small donations are accepted in the form of money, cat food, kitty litter, litter boxes, toys, towels, carriers, and other items that may be needed.