I have chosen you as my "Master of All Seasons" in my Changes RAOK
I will be sending you a small flat rate box of stockpile items and coupons, if you would plmk a few things you could use it would better help me assemble a box for you. I may not have EVERYTHING you are looking for, but a general idea will help me
lso send me your addy so I can get it out ASAP
Thanks for all the ideas and for playing!
________________________________
RAOK = Random Act of Kindness
plmk = please let me know
addy = address
________________________________
I can't believe I won. You had to write a post for each of the four seasons and some ideas were given like a finger play, a recipe, etc. I can't remember them all, but apparently I did good. I spent an hour trying to find my entry, so I could just copy the posts, but alas I'm must admit I have much to learn yet over there. So here's a somewhat pale rendition...
These were my winning ideas:
Spring - A finger play about Easter Eggs.
Five Little Easter Eggs
Five little Easter eggs, lovely colors wore;
(hold up five fingers)
Mother ate the blue one, then there were four.
(bend down one finger)
Four little Easter eggs, two and two, you see;
Daddy ate the red one, then there were three.
(bend down next finger)
Three little Easter eggs, before I knew,
Sister ate the yellow one, then there were two.
(bend down next finger)
Two little Easter eggs; oh, what fun,
Brother ate the purple one, then there was one.
(bend down next finger)
One little Easter egg; see me run!
I ate the very last one, and then there were none.
(bend down last finger)
Summer - Freezing little objects in a chunk of ice and playing archaeologist to stay cool. I gave ideas for an all nature iceberg, like a rock, a pine cone, an acorn, a sea shell etc. I also gave suggests for one with small toys, like a Lego, a plastic insect, and so on. A short explanation on freezing the ice blobs and safe tools to chisel away.
Fall - A recipe for making roasted pumpkin seeds.
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Ingredients:
One medium sized pumpkin
Salt
Olive oil
Method
1 Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut open the pumpkin and use a strong metal spoon to scoop out the insides. Separate the seeds from the stringy core. Rinse the seeds.
2 In a small saucepan, add the seeds to water, about 2 cups of water to every half cup of seeds. Add a half tablespoon of salt for every cup of water (more if you like your seeds saltier). Bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
3 Spread about a tablespoon of olive oil over the bottom of a roasting pan. Spread the seeds out over the roasting pan, all in one layer. Bake on the top rack until the seeds begin to brown, 10-20 minutes. When browned to your satisfaction, remove from the oven and let the pan cool on a rack. Let the seeds cool all the way down before eating. Either crack to remove the inner seed (a lot of work and in my opinion, unnecessary) or eat whole.
Winter - Making snow angels and then decorating them for the birds.
We did this with the girl scouts at the nature center with Audra's troop many years ago. I gave ideas of different kinds of seeds to use, including a string of millet for a crown. Princesses are so in demand these days. Also cranberries for necklaces or lips, orange sections, popcorn; you name it, there are tons of ideas. Be sure to create it near a window, so you can watch the birds come and eat it.
I was so surprised to win, most everyone gave terrific ideas too.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pictures from New Mexico - Thanks Audra!
Pictures & words from Audra's recent email.
These pictures are of our trip to the White Sands National Monument. We went with our neighbors, Chasity, Brian and their son, Caden who live across the street. We had a BBQ and went sledding down the dunes, it was amazing!!! I've never seen anything like it; I feel really blessed I had a chance to experience something so cool!!
I wish the pictures would have display larger. I'll ask her if she can send them to me in a larger format and recopy them again to my blog.
These pictures are of our trip to the White Sands National Monument. We went with our neighbors, Chasity, Brian and their son, Caden who live across the street. We had a BBQ and went sledding down the dunes, it was amazing!!! I've never seen anything like it; I feel really blessed I had a chance to experience something so cool!!
I wish the pictures would have display larger. I'll ask her if she can send them to me in a larger format and recopy them again to my blog.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Remind you of Anyone?
I run across this ad constantly. Remind you of anyone?
Have you run across this ad yourself, before today and thought the same thing? Leave me a comment. For those of you that don't know all of my daughters this is a look-a-like of one of them.
Have you run across this ad yourself, before today and thought the same thing? Leave me a comment. For those of you that don't know all of my daughters this is a look-a-like of one of them.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What Do I Record and Watch Later?
My all time favorite show to watch is "Deliver Me". It's a story about three OB/GYN doctors and their professional and personal lives.
It's on the Discovery Health Channel on Tuesday nights at 10:00 pm.
Also it shows at 11:00 am, Monday - Friday.
Dr. Bohn, Dr. Hill and Dr. Park, they are all so awesome I can't seem to choose a favorite. Do you have one?
Congrats Dr. Yvonne Bohn - Her baby girl was born 3/1/09.
The baby's name is Kylie Marie. You can read all about it, just click on Deliver Me.
I didn't realize the baby had been born yet, until I checked out this website myself. On the episode of the show I watched today on TV, she didn't even know the sex of the baby yet. Sorry, if I let the cat out of the bag for you. I couldn't resist.
I also record "Adoption Stories" and "Oprah". My husband records "NCIS". What do you record and watch later? I'm dying to know, leave me a comment.
Just walkin the Dog
ON A WINDY DAY!
It's been crazy windy around here lately. It's not fun to walk the dog when it's so windy you can't see her ears. She doesn't like it either. Her long face hair that normally hangs down is blown every which way.
That's much better. She's getting a little shaggy, starting to look like a sheep dog.
There's a scheduled outage later today, so just wanted to get a quick post in and may post again later, depending on how long the site is down.
It's been crazy windy around here lately. It's not fun to walk the dog when it's so windy you can't see her ears. She doesn't like it either. Her long face hair that normally hangs down is blown every which way.
That's much better. She's getting a little shaggy, starting to look like a sheep dog.
There's a scheduled outage later today, so just wanted to get a quick post in and may post again later, depending on how long the site is down.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Praying for Stellan
I'm praying for Stellan, the MckMiracle Baby, also known as MckMuffin. He had heart problems in utero and his family was told he wouldn't live. There was a massive prayer campaign and this little miracle was born, astonishing everyone. No heart problems, no need for medications, healthy, happy, adorable baby.
A recent illness apparently triggered the heart problem again and it's touch and go for this little guy. If you click on his picture above (Praying for Stellan) it will take you to MckMama's blog where you can read about his struggle to live. Please pray for Stellan and his family.
Stellan is around 5 months old and this is what he looks like on a good day.
Have you ever seen a cuter baby? Here's a snippet copied from his Mom's blog (from last month), just to give you a little background. ***MckMuffin is our cuddly 4 month old son S! In the womb, he was diagnosed with heart failure: premature atrial contractions at 20 weeks; supraventricular tachycardia, hydrops, and intermittent advanced secondary heart block at 23 weeks; and enlargement of the heart at 32 weeks. When the doctors told us at 24 weeks that our very ill baby would surely die, we chose to give our son completely to God, for He alone knows best. We have not stopped praising our Lord since then, for MckMuffin was healed and was born a well and whole full-term baby...with dimples!***If you've ever heard me talk about the three things I'd like to have if I was stranded on a desert island, you know the answer would be a coke, popcorn and a muffin.
I'll take this one to go please!
It would make my day to be able to rock and snuggle h-i-m.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Found a new Coupon Site
Coupons are great! Coupons save you $$$! Yep, I'm up to the triple digits, saved $109 last week. Yippeee! Did you see all my free stuff? If you missed that, click here. Okay, so now that I'm buying double newspapers to get more coupons, I also have more I can't use, because I don't need that product or buy those types of items. What do I do with all those coupons? I hate to see them go to waste, so I started looking for somewhere to trade them. It took a few days, but then I found this website. It's called Hot Coupon World. Just click on the words and it will take you there.
Let me warn you, it's not something you are going to pick up and know the ropes in 20 minutes. I found it very time consuming, but was determined to stick to it. There is a bunch of reading to do (rules, rules, rules) and things I am new to like posting in forums. I started by buying some coupons, very similar to buying them on Ebay, paying with Pay Pal, but some people use unused postage stamps like money. I'm now on my third deal, which is a potluck trade. This is how it works: The person posting the trade is sending out 15 envelopes with 25 coupons in each one. The envie, envelope (That's HCW lingo) will also contain a number from 1 - 15. The moderators of the site will pick a number and all 15 people participating will send an envelope of 25 coupons to the lucky jackpot person. Jackpot person will receive a total of 400 coupons. All others will receive 25. Sound like fun?
HCW has a coupon database and you can list all your coupons in it.
My wish list name is Dorsey Desires.
My have list (which is the ones I want to trade/sell) is Dorsey Doubles
My keep list - I haven't posted yet.
You can trade coupons for coupons, which I haven't tried yet, but that is my next venture. The system can match you up with everyone looking for the coupons that you have and then you can look at their lists and see if they have anything you want and then you can initiate a trade.
This is only a skimming the surface view of the website, there's much, much more to it. So check it out (HOT COUPON WORLD) if you're brave enough or if you have lots of spare time on your hands. Ha! Ha! I'm having fun with it and look forward to using those coupons to save more and more money at the grocery store.
Let me warn you, it's not something you are going to pick up and know the ropes in 20 minutes. I found it very time consuming, but was determined to stick to it. There is a bunch of reading to do (rules, rules, rules) and things I am new to like posting in forums. I started by buying some coupons, very similar to buying them on Ebay, paying with Pay Pal, but some people use unused postage stamps like money. I'm now on my third deal, which is a potluck trade. This is how it works: The person posting the trade is sending out 15 envelopes with 25 coupons in each one. The envie, envelope (That's HCW lingo) will also contain a number from 1 - 15. The moderators of the site will pick a number and all 15 people participating will send an envelope of 25 coupons to the lucky jackpot person. Jackpot person will receive a total of 400 coupons. All others will receive 25. Sound like fun?
HCW has a coupon database and you can list all your coupons in it.
My wish list name is Dorsey Desires.
My have list (which is the ones I want to trade/sell) is Dorsey Doubles
My keep list - I haven't posted yet.
You can trade coupons for coupons, which I haven't tried yet, but that is my next venture. The system can match you up with everyone looking for the coupons that you have and then you can look at their lists and see if they have anything you want and then you can initiate a trade.
This is only a skimming the surface view of the website, there's much, much more to it. So check it out (HOT COUPON WORLD) if you're brave enough or if you have lots of spare time on your hands. Ha! Ha! I'm having fun with it and look forward to using those coupons to save more and more money at the grocery store.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
April is Autism Awareness Month
This is why we need to educate everyone about autism. Please click on this link to see what's happening out there in the jungle, we call our everyday life. It infuriates me to know that situations like this happen, probably more than have come to light. A 5 year old, made to stand in front of his classroom, while each student tells him why they don't like him and then vote him out (of the classroom) survivor style. And the reaction of the school district. The teacher was reassigned. She should have lost her license in my opinion.
You can expect a few more autism articles than usual during the month of April on my blog, because I want to do my part to educate and make others more aware. You might think, why do I need to know about autism? I don't work with kids, or know anyone autistic. But, every time you leave your house and go out into the public realm you come in contact with people on the autism spectrum.
Ever try to stand in line at a fast food restaurant with a non-verbal autistic child? I have, and it isn't easy believe me. Most of the time I order from my car in the drive through and then pick the food up inside, so I can just grab it and go sit down. Give those poor parents cuts in line in front of you. You can help by not staring at them and not ignoring them, be friendly. If the child grabs a fry off your tray as they walk by, don't overreact and cringe or act like you've just been exposed to some kind of plague.
Last year I was out to lunch at McDonald's with my grandson, Michael (he has Asperger's Syndrome) and he stood up on the booth seat and yelled, "Please be quiet, we are trying to eat our lunch over here!". He caught me by surprise and I did my best to get him to sit down and told him the other people weren't really being that loud. We got some looks, and a few laughs. At least he was polite about it. But to Michael, (who has super sensitive hearing), I'm sure it was driving him crazy hearing not only all the people talking, but also noises from the kitchen and the traffic outside the building and lots of other sounds we just filter out and don't even notice. Just knowing about his extra sensitive hearing, I was able to be more understanding and deal with the situation appropriately. Everyone can benefit from being made more aware.
I'd also like to bring your attention to the Autism Speaks web page regarding Autism awareness and fundraising initiatives with various partners, the web page is here. I like to know who supports this "dear to my heart" cause. Toys-R-Us and TJ Max for example. I haven't been to TJ Max in a while, but looks like I will be giving them more business in the future. We gave Toy-R-Us our business at Christmas time last year.
You can expect a few more autism articles than usual during the month of April on my blog, because I want to do my part to educate and make others more aware. You might think, why do I need to know about autism? I don't work with kids, or know anyone autistic. But, every time you leave your house and go out into the public realm you come in contact with people on the autism spectrum.
Ever try to stand in line at a fast food restaurant with a non-verbal autistic child? I have, and it isn't easy believe me. Most of the time I order from my car in the drive through and then pick the food up inside, so I can just grab it and go sit down. Give those poor parents cuts in line in front of you. You can help by not staring at them and not ignoring them, be friendly. If the child grabs a fry off your tray as they walk by, don't overreact and cringe or act like you've just been exposed to some kind of plague.
Last year I was out to lunch at McDonald's with my grandson, Michael (he has Asperger's Syndrome) and he stood up on the booth seat and yelled, "Please be quiet, we are trying to eat our lunch over here!". He caught me by surprise and I did my best to get him to sit down and told him the other people weren't really being that loud. We got some looks, and a few laughs. At least he was polite about it. But to Michael, (who has super sensitive hearing), I'm sure it was driving him crazy hearing not only all the people talking, but also noises from the kitchen and the traffic outside the building and lots of other sounds we just filter out and don't even notice. Just knowing about his extra sensitive hearing, I was able to be more understanding and deal with the situation appropriately. Everyone can benefit from being made more aware.
I'd also like to bring your attention to the Autism Speaks web page regarding Autism awareness and fundraising initiatives with various partners, the web page is here. I like to know who supports this "dear to my heart" cause. Toys-R-Us and TJ Max for example. I haven't been to TJ Max in a while, but looks like I will be giving them more business in the future. We gave Toy-R-Us our business at Christmas time last year.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
More of Mom's Recipes
My last two daughters have moved away, and I believe they miss my home cooking, because now they seem to be calling almost weekly to request my recipes.
Here's the most recent two requested:
Pretzel Salad
Crust:
2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup oleo
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
Mix and spread in 9 X 13 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
Middle Layer:
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
9 oz. cool whip
Mix cream cheese and sugar, fold in cool whip. Spread mixture over cooled pretzel crust, being careful to seal filling securely to the edges of pan.
Top Layer:
6 oz. strawberry jello.
1 lbs. frozen strawberries
2 cups boiling water
Dissolve jello in boiling water and stir in frozen strawberries. Chill slightly until it begins to thicken. Poor over middle layer and refrigerate until set.
I've made this recipe so often that my recipe book falls open to this page.
Banana Muffins
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oleo
2 eggs (beaten)
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 tsp soda
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp sour milk
Cream oleo, add sugar gradually, add beaten eggs and mashed bananas.
In separate bowl sift flour, soda and salt together, add flour mixture to first mixture alternating with sour milk. Bake at 350 degrees.
To make 1/4 cup sour milk - add 1 tsp. vinegar or 1 tsp lemon juice plus milk to make 1/4 cup.
Large muffins - bake 20 minutes.
Mini muffins - bake 10 - 15 minutes
**Both of these recipes originally came from my big sister. She's a good cook and a better baker than I am.
Here's the most recent two requested:
Pretzel Salad
Crust:
2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup oleo
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
Mix and spread in 9 X 13 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
Middle Layer:
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup sugar
9 oz. cool whip
Mix cream cheese and sugar, fold in cool whip. Spread mixture over cooled pretzel crust, being careful to seal filling securely to the edges of pan.
Top Layer:
6 oz. strawberry jello.
1 lbs. frozen strawberries
2 cups boiling water
Dissolve jello in boiling water and stir in frozen strawberries. Chill slightly until it begins to thicken. Poor over middle layer and refrigerate until set.
I've made this recipe so often that my recipe book falls open to this page.
Banana Muffins
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup oleo
2 eggs (beaten)
3 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 tsp soda
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp sour milk
Cream oleo, add sugar gradually, add beaten eggs and mashed bananas.
In separate bowl sift flour, soda and salt together, add flour mixture to first mixture alternating with sour milk. Bake at 350 degrees.
To make 1/4 cup sour milk - add 1 tsp. vinegar or 1 tsp lemon juice plus milk to make 1/4 cup.
Large muffins - bake 20 minutes.
Mini muffins - bake 10 - 15 minutes
**Both of these recipes originally came from my big sister. She's a good cook and a better baker than I am.
Friday, March 20, 2009
New Family Video in Town
We have a new video store in town. It has free kids movies, free educational movies, free sports & fitness movies. They have a section that is 2 for $1.00 movies, and midweek specials. They also have Rent 3 Get 1 Free. We turned in our old Entertainment Tonite card and they gave us a free movie for that too. On top of all these great deals.....all your movies are 1/2 price for the first 30 days after you join. Corky, my hubby loves movies, so I do believe we'll be doing our share of watching for awhile. That means crochet time for me. I have crocheted 65 bookmarks so far and have another 35 to go.
I rented this 2 disc set (educational - movie I think or 2 for $1.00). I was intrigued to see what really happened to the people who experienced the tsunami and survived that awful event and the aftermath. It didn't take long before I was caught up in the lives of the families involved. I had to stop the movie several times and couldn't wait to go back to it and find out what happened next. The rating for the movie on their online store is 5 stars, and I agree.
Tsunami - The Aftermath 2-Disc Set DVD: "Description
This mini-series from HBO is based on the devastating tsunami that wreaked havoc on Thailand in December 2004. The drama unfolds as a number of different stories of survival and loss are told, while the thoughts of scientists whose warnings were ignored are also included in the narrative. TSUNAMI - THE AFTERMATH is a touching and deeply thoughtful meditation on this tragic event, and is full of high-quality performances and production values."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.
For those of you that have asked how Ryder is doing I have posted a link to his Caring Bridge Site here. There's also a permanent link on the right side of my home page in the blog roll, so you can always check on him from my blog.
Ryder is Meghan & Bill's grandson, who was born last year a few days before Thanksgiving. Bill's daughter Laura, had a normal pregnancy and they didn't expect anything like what happened after his birth. Read his story below of the first few days of his life and view the picture of Ryder on the ECMO machine. Then go ahead and jump to the bottom to see how God has answered all of our prayers in healing this little guy.
CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.
**This portion is copied from his welcome page on the Caring Bridge website.
**Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about our loved one.
My Story is the introduction to our CaringBridge site.
Be sure to read the latest in the journal, view the photo gallery, and drop us a line in the guestbook.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We can't thank everybody enough for all of the prayers made on behalf of Ryder and our family. We are truly humbled by your support. As everyone can imagine it has been a whirlwind of a last couple of days. When Ryder was born we were filled with joy and humbled by the miracle of creation once again. However, it wasn't long after that Ryder was showing signs of being very sick and having difficulties breathing. Since that time, even with all the highs and lows, God has been staying one step ahead of the story and leading Ryder to where we are today. From MGH to Lutheran and now Riley, Ryder has been sheltered in the wings of the Father (Truly).
At one point from Lutheran to Riley we received news that there may be a chance that Ryder would not make the trip. However, God sent His angels to carry our baby through the night and receive the ecmo treatment (A heart-lung bypass which allows his blood to be re oxygenated, while his body can rest and recover) he so desperately needed.
Since he has been on ecmo, the plan by the doctor's is to slowly pull back the work of the ecmo machine (along with all of the medication he has been under and let his body begin to slowly reclaim control). Because of the battle, Ryder has endured a lot and there were times where his oxygen levels got very low. With his vitals remaining relatively stable, the focus has turned to responsive activity. The doctor's want Ryder to begin active responses to stimulus. While he has endured a lot, little signs are encouraging.
Which leads me to the wonderful news we received this morning. As one of the ecmo nurses were moving him and trying to stimulate his body HE OPENED HIS EYES & SUCKLED HIS LIPS!!! Again, praise GOD for His awesome wonders. He is truly Mighty to Save, and reminds us that in a world of chaos and uncertainty, He is still in control. There is no one like our God, and we just continue to ask for prayers to be offered up for Ryder and our family, and for all the families who are in need of a healing touch.
Today, let us pray for continued responses from baby Ryder and for a full healthy recovery. We dedicate this baby to our Lord and Savior, and we also dedicate him to the body of Christ. It is amazing how God brings together His people, and reminds all that He is the great I AM.
Thank you again, and have a Happy Thanksgiving, for we have much to be thankful for! We love you very much and will keep you posted of any news.
Ryder is growing and thriving. They are doing a great job of follow-up visits and tests to make sure he's growing & developing properly.
Ryder is Meghan & Bill's grandson, who was born last year a few days before Thanksgiving. Bill's daughter Laura, had a normal pregnancy and they didn't expect anything like what happened after his birth. Read his story below of the first few days of his life and view the picture of Ryder on the ECMO machine. Then go ahead and jump to the bottom to see how God has answered all of our prayers in healing this little guy.
CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.
**This portion is copied from his welcome page on the Caring Bridge website.
**Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about our loved one.
My Story is the introduction to our CaringBridge site.
Be sure to read the latest in the journal, view the photo gallery, and drop us a line in the guestbook.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! We can't thank everybody enough for all of the prayers made on behalf of Ryder and our family. We are truly humbled by your support. As everyone can imagine it has been a whirlwind of a last couple of days. When Ryder was born we were filled with joy and humbled by the miracle of creation once again. However, it wasn't long after that Ryder was showing signs of being very sick and having difficulties breathing. Since that time, even with all the highs and lows, God has been staying one step ahead of the story and leading Ryder to where we are today. From MGH to Lutheran and now Riley, Ryder has been sheltered in the wings of the Father (Truly).
At one point from Lutheran to Riley we received news that there may be a chance that Ryder would not make the trip. However, God sent His angels to carry our baby through the night and receive the ecmo treatment (A heart-lung bypass which allows his blood to be re oxygenated, while his body can rest and recover) he so desperately needed.
Since he has been on ecmo, the plan by the doctor's is to slowly pull back the work of the ecmo machine (along with all of the medication he has been under and let his body begin to slowly reclaim control). Because of the battle, Ryder has endured a lot and there were times where his oxygen levels got very low. With his vitals remaining relatively stable, the focus has turned to responsive activity. The doctor's want Ryder to begin active responses to stimulus. While he has endured a lot, little signs are encouraging.
Which leads me to the wonderful news we received this morning. As one of the ecmo nurses were moving him and trying to stimulate his body HE OPENED HIS EYES & SUCKLED HIS LIPS!!! Again, praise GOD for His awesome wonders. He is truly Mighty to Save, and reminds us that in a world of chaos and uncertainty, He is still in control. There is no one like our God, and we just continue to ask for prayers to be offered up for Ryder and our family, and for all the families who are in need of a healing touch.
Today, let us pray for continued responses from baby Ryder and for a full healthy recovery. We dedicate this baby to our Lord and Savior, and we also dedicate him to the body of Christ. It is amazing how God brings together His people, and reminds all that He is the great I AM.
Thank you again, and have a Happy Thanksgiving, for we have much to be thankful for! We love you very much and will keep you posted of any news.
Ryder is growing and thriving. They are doing a great job of follow-up visits and tests to make sure he's growing & developing properly.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Todays Grocery Freebies
I know I could just list everything I took home without paying a red cent for today, but somehow having a visual is much more impressive.
Item/Normal Price
Gum $1.15
Toothpaste (2) $5.56
Floss Pics $2.79
4 BC Warm Delights $8.00
BC Potatoes $1.99
Manwich $1.00
Hunts Ketchup $1.39
Total $21.88
Three of these purchases were buy 10/$10 and the 11th item was free. Meijers had some great 10 for $10 deals this week. The other freebies were on sale, plus I had a coupon for them, which was doubled.
I also scored these great deals:
Lysol All Purspose Pourable Cleaner $2.99 regular price, and I paid 49 cents.
Lysol 4-In-1 Spray Cleaner $2.99 regular price, and I paid 49 cents.
Non Coupon Savings $52.28
Coupon Savings $30.95
Total Savings $83.23
I paid $129.93
The more I stock up the better the stories I should have to tell. Why's that? Because there will come a point in time when I will never have to pay full price for things that I need, that aren't on sale or I don't have a coupon for. Right now I'm still stockpiling the groceries I use pretty regularly, but once I have that established - I can really reduce my bill, by never having to pay full price. Who want's to pay $2.99 for Lysol when I can get it for .49 cents?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Recipe for Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Ashley requested this recipe, it's a family favorite.
Fiesta Chicken Casserole
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup picante sauce
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
12 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter), cut in 1-inch strips
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
In a bowl, combine the soups, tomatoes, picante sauce, green pepper, onion and chili powder. In a greased 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, chicken, soup mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly.
We top ours with some salsa and sour cream.
Fiesta Chicken Casserole
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup picante sauce
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
12 corn tortillas (6-inch diameter), cut in 1-inch strips
3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
In a bowl, combine the soups, tomatoes, picante sauce, green pepper, onion and chili powder. In a greased 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, chicken, soup mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bubbly.
We top ours with some salsa and sour cream.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Appalachian Trail - Here Comes Deb
Today my friend Debbie, leaves Michigan for Georgia where she begins her journey on the Appalachian Trail. This is a picture of Deb taken on 2/1/09, while training at a local nature center. If you'd like to follow along on her journey, check out Deb's trail journal link here.
The trail is 2178 miles long, begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. The trail touches 14 states and takes approximately 5 million footsteps to traverse. It will take roughly six months to travel the length of it. It is an incredible undertaking. Deb has done many totally awesome things, like climb Mt. Annapurna,(10th highest mountain in the world) in Nepal, so there's no doubt in my mind, she's going to do well on this journey of a lifetime.
My oldest daughter, Amanda was in Deb's Explorer group when she was still in high school and she went on a few back packing trips with the co-ed teen group under Debbie's leadership. It would be so neat if she could join her and walk the last few miles of the trail with her. The trail ends in Maine, right near where Amanda lives. How convenient!
Good Luck Deb! I can't wait to see the photographs you take and hear the many stories you'll have to tell.
Map of the Appalachian Trail here.
"Not me!" Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
As for me, what happened today? Well I'm glad you asked. I want to let you know that after work today, I did not walk to the driver's side of my car and put everything (well almost) in the passenger seat and then go around and get in the car and drove off, only to hear a loud bang.... What the heck was that? I did not check the passenger seat to see if my purse was there, check. My lunch bag, check. My package for the post office, check. My can of diet coke, uh, uh, uh. I want you to know that I work at a Nature Center and I did not just drive away, because I was not too embarrassed to go back and pick it up.
Not me, Monday. The perfect day to not make four attempts to get out of the bathroom at work. No one has threatened to put an Alzheimer's Unit sign on the door to my office. Nor am thinking it has anything to do with menopause. Not Me! Maybe you can blame everything little thing on menopause these days, but Not Me!
Movies & More
Here we are at the movies. Isn't he just the cutest little guy? He's small for his age and as light as a feather, he had to sit on the edge of his seat in order to keep it from folding up. Halfway through the movie, I asked him if he wanted to sit on my lap, because he was about to fall into the vee of theatre seat. And you know me, I didn't mind it a bit. We had a great day together.
After the movies, Bryce came back to my house and we played with some of Rick's miniature army toys that he left here. Bryce says to me "I come in Peace!". I crack up at the irony of the statement, and he gives me a funny look and says "They say that in the movies".
_____________________________________________________________
She's going to ring my neck for posting this picture, but it's the only one I took. Guess who joined us for the movies? My surprise guest.
Scroll down.
Scroll down.
A little bit further.
Home so soon, you say. Yes, she really misses friends, Kali & Bryce, and us. But from the conversations we've had I can tell she's adjusting to her new home and settling into her new life there in New Mexico. It won't be so easy to come home after she finds a job and she's going to be looking for one when she goes back. Right now she works out at the gym every day, and has made a few friends among the army wives.
After the movies, Bryce came back to my house and we played with some of Rick's miniature army toys that he left here. Bryce says to me "I come in Peace!". I crack up at the irony of the statement, and he gives me a funny look and says "They say that in the movies".
_____________________________________________________________
She's going to ring my neck for posting this picture, but it's the only one I took. Guess who joined us for the movies? My surprise guest.
Scroll down.
Scroll down.
A little bit further.
Home so soon, you say. Yes, she really misses friends, Kali & Bryce, and us. But from the conversations we've had I can tell she's adjusting to her new home and settling into her new life there in New Mexico. It won't be so easy to come home after she finds a job and she's going to be looking for one when she goes back. Right now she works out at the gym every day, and has made a few friends among the army wives.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
No Interest No Update
Am I the only person who likes surprises? I didn't bother to enter an update, because no one seemed interested. Instead I entered a contest over on Mck Mama's blog. The actual blog is My Charming Kids and believe me she's modest, they are beyond adorable or charming or any other ordinary descriptive word you can come up with. Mck Mama does an awesome job photographing them.
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Surprise and a Busy Weekend
Today a surprise should be arriving at my house. How do I know? Well someone is not very good at keeping surprises. So let me see if I can surprise you.... If you think you know what the surprise is leave a comment. I'll update you this evening.
On Saturday, I will be spending the day with this young man. This picture was taken at one of his favorite parks. I wish it was warm enough to start taking him to outdoor parks now, but it is to be in the 40's and he wouldn't last long with his sensitive hands on cold metal. We always go out to lunch at McDonald's, so he can at least enjoy a indoor play center and get some exercise.
And on Sunday, I have a movie date with this little guy. I'm so looking forward to my first rent-a-kid adventure. We are going to the children's film festival movie, which is free for him and $1.00 for me. Don't worry they get your pocketbook on the concession items. We HAVE to have POPCORN!
I hope you have a great weekend too.
On Saturday, I will be spending the day with this young man. This picture was taken at one of his favorite parks. I wish it was warm enough to start taking him to outdoor parks now, but it is to be in the 40's and he wouldn't last long with his sensitive hands on cold metal. We always go out to lunch at McDonald's, so he can at least enjoy a indoor play center and get some exercise.
And on Sunday, I have a movie date with this little guy. I'm so looking forward to my first rent-a-kid adventure. We are going to the children's film festival movie, which is free for him and $1.00 for me. Don't worry they get your pocketbook on the concession items. We HAVE to have POPCORN!
I hope you have a great weekend too.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Meet Etsy
Etsy is not a person, Etsy is a website business; a unique global marketplace of individuals selling their weirs. Check it out here.
I joined Etsy a year ago, and since then I have made seven purchases. It all started with a pattern for a mouse for my granddaughter, Ava. (Shame on me, I still haven't made the mouse). Then I bought window clings, clippies (for Sydney & Ava's hair), a buddy bag pattern, four monkey tails and a unique toy. I've been very happy with the service and the people I've had transactions with every time. Today I'm returning to purchase more monkey tails. Here is one of them I picked out for Ella Rose, whom I just saw for the first time on Tuesday. Ella is one totally precious little baby girl, a co-worker's daughter. I'd love to post a picture of the new baby, but I don't have any yet. Isn't it just the cutest little binky holder you've ever seen? Her name will go on one of them and a cute phrase " Lil Sis " or " Angel Baby " on the other one.
Check out this awesome toy/game I bought last year for the car trip to Boston with my grand kids, Michael & Ava. It's called the I Spy Travel Toy. It held their attention for an extended period of time looking for all the items printed right there on the border of the game. Ava's favorite to look for...the baby bottle and Michael's....the carrot.
Here's the buddy bags of which I've knitted two so far, but haven't put the animals on them yet. I've been sidetracked for a while crocheting 100 bookmarks for my niece's wedding, but hope to get back to the buddy bags in June or before the wedding if I finish ahead of time. Those are finger puppets, tucked into the pockets.
Check out Etsy for yourself and let me know how you like it. Hint! Hint! Leave a comment.
I joined Etsy a year ago, and since then I have made seven purchases. It all started with a pattern for a mouse for my granddaughter, Ava. (Shame on me, I still haven't made the mouse). Then I bought window clings, clippies (for Sydney & Ava's hair), a buddy bag pattern, four monkey tails and a unique toy. I've been very happy with the service and the people I've had transactions with every time. Today I'm returning to purchase more monkey tails. Here is one of them I picked out for Ella Rose, whom I just saw for the first time on Tuesday. Ella is one totally precious little baby girl, a co-worker's daughter. I'd love to post a picture of the new baby, but I don't have any yet. Isn't it just the cutest little binky holder you've ever seen? Her name will go on one of them and a cute phrase " Lil Sis " or " Angel Baby " on the other one.
Check out this awesome toy/game I bought last year for the car trip to Boston with my grand kids, Michael & Ava. It's called the I Spy Travel Toy. It held their attention for an extended period of time looking for all the items printed right there on the border of the game. Ava's favorite to look for...the baby bottle and Michael's....the carrot.
Here's the buddy bags of which I've knitted two so far, but haven't put the animals on them yet. I've been sidetracked for a while crocheting 100 bookmarks for my niece's wedding, but hope to get back to the buddy bags in June or before the wedding if I finish ahead of time. Those are finger puppets, tucked into the pockets.
Check out Etsy for yourself and let me know how you like it. Hint! Hint! Leave a comment.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blog terms - Beware this is an meta-blogging post
If you have no interest in the world of blogging skip this post. If you do then read on, because I'm about to share the meaning of the some words used in the world of blogging.
BLOG Shortened form of weblog. A personal website that lists posts in reverse chronological order, with the newest post displayed at the top of the blog. Blogs usually contain a column or sidebar of links to other blogs, and a link (called a permalink) to each post. Also used as a verb, as in "Did you blog about your sister's slutty prom dress? You should."
**Uh, this is their glossary not mine.
BLOGGER An individual who writes for a blog, either personally or as part of a group blog.
BLOG ROLL A list of links to other blogs that appears in the sidebar of a blog (also seen as blogroll).
COMMENTER A reader who post comments on others' blogs, usually trying to deposit their opinion on something. Commenter's are often more educated on a topic than the blogger.
EDU-BLOG A blog designed and written to teach you something, such as how to play a guitar of knit (also seen as edublog).
FLAME A verb that implies a heated verbal exchange. To flame someone is to attack someone personally by email or in blog comments.
MOBLOG Blogging performed on the road or away from what most consider a normal blogging experience (sitting behind a desk). Posting to a moblog usually involves a cell phone or a wireless Internet connection and a cell phone camera or a PDA. The term also applies to bloggers who post while on vacation or on a road trip.
TROLL An individual who posts comments to your blog designed solely to incite other readers, either for the pure pleasure of reading their hateful posts or to increase traffic to the troller's site. This is both a noun ("Chris is the most obvious troll in the world. So unoriginal!") and a verb ("Amy trolled Mary's blog again with her typical .....
WORD VERIFICATION A technology designed to thwart comment spambots that scour the Net looking for comments sections on blogs. Forces a reader/commenter to enter a string of characters that cannot be read by computers (yet).
Okay, this is just a sampling of the very basic terms from the glossary of the "Best of Blogs" by Peter Kuhns & Adrienne Crew. I have a feeling, I'm going to be keeping this book.
This is my blog. I am a blogger. I also leave comments on other peoples blogs. I have never been flamed, nor do I want to be. And at this point in time, I do not moblog, it is way too complicated for me. I have a cell phone that takes pics, but have never used it for that purpose, much less figure how to upload onto my blog. I haven't seen any trolls, since my garage sale (little plastic doll type)and never hope to see one, or be one. Hee Hee! And a pet peeve of mine, I HATE word verification; half the time I end up having to repeat the process several times to get it to go through. Sooo f-r-u-s-t-r-a-t-ing!!
If you've stuck through to the end of this post you are a real trooper. See you around the blogosphere.
BLOG Shortened form of weblog. A personal website that lists posts in reverse chronological order, with the newest post displayed at the top of the blog. Blogs usually contain a column or sidebar of links to other blogs, and a link (called a permalink) to each post. Also used as a verb, as in "Did you blog about your sister's slutty prom dress? You should."
**Uh, this is their glossary not mine.
BLOGGER An individual who writes for a blog, either personally or as part of a group blog.
BLOG ROLL A list of links to other blogs that appears in the sidebar of a blog (also seen as blogroll).
COMMENTER A reader who post comments on others' blogs, usually trying to deposit their opinion on something. Commenter's are often more educated on a topic than the blogger.
EDU-BLOG A blog designed and written to teach you something, such as how to play a guitar of knit (also seen as edublog).
FLAME A verb that implies a heated verbal exchange. To flame someone is to attack someone personally by email or in blog comments.
MOBLOG Blogging performed on the road or away from what most consider a normal blogging experience (sitting behind a desk). Posting to a moblog usually involves a cell phone or a wireless Internet connection and a cell phone camera or a PDA. The term also applies to bloggers who post while on vacation or on a road trip.
TROLL An individual who posts comments to your blog designed solely to incite other readers, either for the pure pleasure of reading their hateful posts or to increase traffic to the troller's site. This is both a noun ("Chris is the most obvious troll in the world. So unoriginal!") and a verb ("Amy trolled Mary's blog again with her typical .....
WORD VERIFICATION A technology designed to thwart comment spambots that scour the Net looking for comments sections on blogs. Forces a reader/commenter to enter a string of characters that cannot be read by computers (yet).
Okay, this is just a sampling of the very basic terms from the glossary of the "Best of Blogs" by Peter Kuhns & Adrienne Crew. I have a feeling, I'm going to be keeping this book.
This is my blog. I am a blogger. I also leave comments on other peoples blogs. I have never been flamed, nor do I want to be. And at this point in time, I do not moblog, it is way too complicated for me. I have a cell phone that takes pics, but have never used it for that purpose, much less figure how to upload onto my blog. I haven't seen any trolls, since my garage sale (little plastic doll type)and never hope to see one, or be one. Hee Hee! And a pet peeve of mine, I HATE word verification; half the time I end up having to repeat the process several times to get it to go through. Sooo f-r-u-s-t-r-a-t-ing!!
If you've stuck through to the end of this post you are a real trooper. See you around the blogosphere.
Monday, March 9, 2009
365/48 The Rock
Hey! Girls do you remember this? I know at least one of you painted it while in high school. If any of the rest of you did, I expect you to fess up.
This huge rock was moved from the old high school to the new one, so the students could continue to paint it. Over the years, it's been painted for all kinds of reasons. A rival school coming to play ball... someones in love with someone else... wishing someone good luck or the opposite. I'm sure over the years a few bad things have been painted on it as well. I can't begin to guess how many layers of paint this old stone has on it. If this old rock could talk, the stories it could tell.
Now it bears a plate that says the "SPIRIT ROCK" has been donated by the class of 2008 in memory of .... (two girls who died while attending high school).
If you could write something on it today, what would it be????
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
A recipe post, for my daughter, Audra. I found this new website $5.00 dinners.com You can't beat the price and the recipes look pretty yummy. Oprah had the most frugal family in the US on her show a few weeks back and one of their claims to fame was their $5.00 dinners, so I don't think you can get much cheaper than that. I love Mexican food and the ingredients are healthy, so that's a win win situation.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas and from there you can click on the guacamole recipe. I think I'll try this one myself.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas and from there you can click on the guacamole recipe. I think I'll try this one myself.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
365/48 Shooting in Khaki
You've heard of color photos, black & white, sepia, well meet khaki. That's what I feel like these days, everything outside is shades of beige. The khaki was followed by rain, rain, and more rain, so guess I shouldn't have complained.
This one is a little better, at least there's some whiteness or even a subtle bluish-white.
If you look hard enough you can find life, and even a hint of green in the bare dead lawn from last year. Oh spring, were are you?
My computer is acting up today, but I had this already composed in a rough draft, so I was able to post it. Let's hope I'm able to correct the problem and get something more productive done tomorrow.
This one is a little better, at least there's some whiteness or even a subtle bluish-white.
If you look hard enough you can find life, and even a hint of green in the bare dead lawn from last year. Oh spring, were are you?
My computer is acting up today, but I had this already composed in a rough draft, so I was able to post it. Let's hope I'm able to correct the problem and get something more productive done tomorrow.
Sleigh pictures
Those sleigh pictures I eluded to in this post have been sent to me. Aren't they so awesome? There's nothing so scenically appealing as a covered bridge and those horses are magnificent. I wish I was able to print them larger, but after several attempts I've given up.
Unfortunately, I found out at the camera shop that Amanda's camera is already discontinued. It was in the 2009 Buyers Guide, you'd think they keep it around for at least half of 2009, this is only the beginning of March. She took the sleigh photos with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. The XS and the XSi are still available.
After visiting the camera shop, I'm pretty well settled on a Canon or a Nikon, the other manufacturers just do not have the variety of lenses, filters and other accessories like Canon & Nikon.
Now my quandary is this... buy the beginning level less expensive camera, so I can try some lenses sooner, or go with the more advanced level since I'll probably have this camera forever and wait longer to venture into other lenses and equipment? I think I'll ask some other photographers what they think I should do. If you have experience with Digital SLR cameras feel free to give me some advice.
Unfortunately, I found out at the camera shop that Amanda's camera is already discontinued. It was in the 2009 Buyers Guide, you'd think they keep it around for at least half of 2009, this is only the beginning of March. She took the sleigh photos with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. The XS and the XSi are still available.
After visiting the camera shop, I'm pretty well settled on a Canon or a Nikon, the other manufacturers just do not have the variety of lenses, filters and other accessories like Canon & Nikon.
Now my quandary is this... buy the beginning level less expensive camera, so I can try some lenses sooner, or go with the more advanced level since I'll probably have this camera forever and wait longer to venture into other lenses and equipment? I think I'll ask some other photographers what they think I should do. If you have experience with Digital SLR cameras feel free to give me some advice.
Challenge 2 - Finding the Details
Hallie is back and I'm so glad she is! Although I continued to follow her blog, I truly missed her photo assignments. I attempted to take pictures for Challenge 1, but the results were less than satisfactory, so I chose not to post them.
Here's what Hallie had to say about Challenge 2 - Finding the Details. I don’t know about you, but at times, especially in winter, I have a very hard time finding subjects to shoot. It becomes such a struggle and a frustration, but I don’t think it has to be. Do you find yourself searching for the big scene, or the larger picture, while forgetting about the details? I know I do.
The challenge today, is to find not the larger picture, but the smaller one. Look for the details in that photo you are about to take and let the details tell the story. You know sometimes the smaller things convey a much larger message than the bigger picture ever can.
Practice this challenge with different aperture settings and post the one, (or more,) that you like the best. Then come back and link your post to the Mr. Linky box below.
Happy shooting!
Go here to see her picture for the post and links to other photographer's entries.
It's suppose to rain all weekend where I live, so my detail picture is indoors. I chose my hobby box, which currently contains bookmarks I'm crocheting for my niece's wedding favors. I'm more than halfway done with the 100 I need to make. I'll be using this rainy, drizzling, foggy, dripping, pouring, wet day to crochet....
Here's what Hallie had to say about Challenge 2 - Finding the Details. I don’t know about you, but at times, especially in winter, I have a very hard time finding subjects to shoot. It becomes such a struggle and a frustration, but I don’t think it has to be. Do you find yourself searching for the big scene, or the larger picture, while forgetting about the details? I know I do.
The challenge today, is to find not the larger picture, but the smaller one. Look for the details in that photo you are about to take and let the details tell the story. You know sometimes the smaller things convey a much larger message than the bigger picture ever can.
Practice this challenge with different aperture settings and post the one, (or more,) that you like the best. Then come back and link your post to the Mr. Linky box below.
Happy shooting!
Go here to see her picture for the post and links to other photographer's entries.
It's suppose to rain all weekend where I live, so my detail picture is indoors. I chose my hobby box, which currently contains bookmarks I'm crocheting for my niece's wedding favors. I'm more than halfway done with the 100 I need to make. I'll be using this rainy, drizzling, foggy, dripping, pouring, wet day to crochet....
Friday, March 6, 2009
Using all my credits
Paperbackswap.com is just the greatest! As reinventing dorsey goes into full swing I've ordered some new books. These three should be arriving this week.
Arriba! comunicacion y cultura with CD-ROM, Brief Edition
I don't know why it's called brief edition, it's 464 pages!!!!
Book Description:
This book introduces beginning Spanish speakers to the language within its cultural context. It contains twelve lecciones, topically organized and designed to encourage communication and offer insight into the language and culture of over 300 million people. A Streamlined coverage of vocabulary and grammar includes cognates in exercises and activities useful for comprehension or communication. Each lesson is structured around a high-interest theme or topic that will appeal to readers, as well as a cultural place or issue. These lessons are set within a culturally authentic framework, with references to the highlighted country throughout the chapter. For individuals interested in learning about the Spanish culture along with the language.
I hope I'm able to pick up some more blogging tips, to do new and interesting things on my blog. Stay tuned....
Book Description:
You probably have your favorite blogs to visit each day, but there are countless other blogs that you could never find on your own and that could potentially be added to the top of your favorites! Blogosphere: Best of Blogs is a collection of the blogs you’ve heard about and the ones still waiting to be discovered. Organized into sections based on interests and moods, you’ll find a listing of the best blogs out there, along with the reasons why they’ve made the list. Complete with searching tips and strategies, Blogosphere will help you find the greatest voices in the blogging universe.
Just what I needed, another photography book.
It's the bestselling, most complete digital guide available-and now it's thoroughly updated to reflect the state of the art. Featuring the latest operating systems and software versions, plus a new section on traveling with your gear, this fully illustrated, total approach to digital will lead you into an exciting new world of image making. An essential round-up of available cameras, computers, scanners, software, and printers-including current online printing services such as photobox and fotango, and the Epson 2000 series of archive printers-offers a plethora of technical possibilities. Detailed text and more than 300 color photographs show exactly how to take and make great portraits, landscapes, action shots, and more. Take advantage of the heightened ability to enhance images; change backgrounds or colors; add reflections; and create artistic effects with collaging, filters, and lighting techniques. Includes easy-to-follow projects for making calendars, business cards, websites, and more.
Besides ordering these great books for myself, I've also recently sent: Audra two true crime books, Michael a book on volcanoes, Sydney a book on waiting for baby and a Christmas book and Ava a Look & Find Little Mermaid book. The books are sent directly to them, so I don't have to pay shipping twice.
Arriba! comunicacion y cultura with CD-ROM, Brief Edition
I don't know why it's called brief edition, it's 464 pages!!!!
Book Description:
This book introduces beginning Spanish speakers to the language within its cultural context. It contains twelve lecciones, topically organized and designed to encourage communication and offer insight into the language and culture of over 300 million people. A Streamlined coverage of vocabulary and grammar includes cognates in exercises and activities useful for comprehension or communication. Each lesson is structured around a high-interest theme or topic that will appeal to readers, as well as a cultural place or issue. These lessons are set within a culturally authentic framework, with references to the highlighted country throughout the chapter. For individuals interested in learning about the Spanish culture along with the language.
I hope I'm able to pick up some more blogging tips, to do new and interesting things on my blog. Stay tuned....
Book Description:
You probably have your favorite blogs to visit each day, but there are countless other blogs that you could never find on your own and that could potentially be added to the top of your favorites! Blogosphere: Best of Blogs is a collection of the blogs you’ve heard about and the ones still waiting to be discovered. Organized into sections based on interests and moods, you’ll find a listing of the best blogs out there, along with the reasons why they’ve made the list. Complete with searching tips and strategies, Blogosphere will help you find the greatest voices in the blogging universe.
Just what I needed, another photography book.
It's the bestselling, most complete digital guide available-and now it's thoroughly updated to reflect the state of the art. Featuring the latest operating systems and software versions, plus a new section on traveling with your gear, this fully illustrated, total approach to digital will lead you into an exciting new world of image making. An essential round-up of available cameras, computers, scanners, software, and printers-including current online printing services such as photobox and fotango, and the Epson 2000 series of archive printers-offers a plethora of technical possibilities. Detailed text and more than 300 color photographs show exactly how to take and make great portraits, landscapes, action shots, and more. Take advantage of the heightened ability to enhance images; change backgrounds or colors; add reflections; and create artistic effects with collaging, filters, and lighting techniques. Includes easy-to-follow projects for making calendars, business cards, websites, and more.
Besides ordering these great books for myself, I've also recently sent: Audra two true crime books, Michael a book on volcanoes, Sydney a book on waiting for baby and a Christmas book and Ava a Look & Find Little Mermaid book. The books are sent directly to them, so I don't have to pay shipping twice.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Camera - Window Shopping Today
Today I'm going to a camera store to actually handle and ask questions about the cameras I'm interested in. I'm not buying today, just looking...gathering more information. You know like: how big, how heavy, how it feels to hold it in my hands etc. It may be cheapest to buy it online, but it's difficult to ascertain if you're going to be happy with some features without ever handling the camera prior to purchasing it.
I plan to purchase a DSLR that's under $1,000, after I've saved that much. Right now I have over $300 stashed away, which is Christmas and Birthday monies I've been hoarding.
These are some of the ones I'm interested in:
Canon EOS Rebel XS Price - $699 10.1 Megapixels
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Price - $749 12.2 Megapixels
Canon EOS Rebel XTi Price - $569 10.1 Megapixels
* Amanda recently purchased a new Canon Rebel XIi and she loves it! I wish I could post a couple of her pictures they took recently of a sleigh ride the whole family went on.
Nikon D90 Price - $990 12.3 Megapixels
Nikon D60 Price - $679 10.2 Megapixels
Nikon D40 Price - $475 6.1 Megapixels
These are some of the blogs that I follow, which have the quality (the richness & sharpness)of the pictures that I want to produce. Of course, once I checked out which cameras they are using no wonder. They are all in the $1,000 - $2,000 range, not those listed above. I should of known.
Amy likes kid photography like me, check out these pictures of Matty here. She shoots with a Nikon D200. Check out this blog, A Gift of God, and pray for Matt. There are three contributors to this blog, but I believe Amy does most of the photography.
Julie uses a Nikon D200 also. Nature, her son (who happens to be autistic), all kinds of photos imaginable, very inspiring. I've tried to link directly to some great pictures on her site, but I couldn't get it to work correctly, so you'll just have to browse through her blog a bit. It's well worth the time spent, I guarantee it. And here's the link to her blog, A Celebration of our Journey.
Hallie's blog, Confession from the Rubber Room, is what initially sparked my interest in going deeper into the world of photography. She takes, amazing pics of her daughters and grand kids, scenery, people, buildings, you name it. She freely offers lessons and tips for taking great photos. There is a side bar on her blog, which will get you to "Through the Lens", and also "365 Pics", don't forget to check those out as well as the main site. Her blog and her photography both have a very professional quality to them.
And last but not least, here's a lady with four small children who is also a professional photographer (she does weddings etc.) She goes by the name of Mck Mama, her blog is worth checking out even if you have no interest in photography at all. At last count she has mere 2,963 people following her blog, and if I'm not mistaken she's been asked to speak at an up coming blogging conference in Chicago. Oh! almost forgot to tell you, her main camera is a Canon EOS 40D and her back-up camera is a Canon Rebel XTi.
Okay, so that wasn't the last, but I didn't want to leave the men out. A male co-worker also shoots with a Canon 40D and has been giving me great advice on different cameras and lenses etc. Where to find them, what to look for, different sites he uses.
Wish me luck, in narrowing it down a bit more.
I plan to purchase a DSLR that's under $1,000, after I've saved that much. Right now I have over $300 stashed away, which is Christmas and Birthday monies I've been hoarding.
These are some of the ones I'm interested in:
Canon EOS Rebel XS Price - $699 10.1 Megapixels
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Price - $749 12.2 Megapixels
Canon EOS Rebel XTi Price - $569 10.1 Megapixels
* Amanda recently purchased a new Canon Rebel XIi and she loves it! I wish I could post a couple of her pictures they took recently of a sleigh ride the whole family went on.
Nikon D90 Price - $990 12.3 Megapixels
Nikon D60 Price - $679 10.2 Megapixels
Nikon D40 Price - $475 6.1 Megapixels
These are some of the blogs that I follow, which have the quality (the richness & sharpness)of the pictures that I want to produce. Of course, once I checked out which cameras they are using no wonder. They are all in the $1,000 - $2,000 range, not those listed above. I should of known.
Amy likes kid photography like me, check out these pictures of Matty here. She shoots with a Nikon D200. Check out this blog, A Gift of God, and pray for Matt. There are three contributors to this blog, but I believe Amy does most of the photography.
Julie uses a Nikon D200 also. Nature, her son (who happens to be autistic), all kinds of photos imaginable, very inspiring. I've tried to link directly to some great pictures on her site, but I couldn't get it to work correctly, so you'll just have to browse through her blog a bit. It's well worth the time spent, I guarantee it. And here's the link to her blog, A Celebration of our Journey.
Hallie's blog, Confession from the Rubber Room, is what initially sparked my interest in going deeper into the world of photography. She takes, amazing pics of her daughters and grand kids, scenery, people, buildings, you name it. She freely offers lessons and tips for taking great photos. There is a side bar on her blog, which will get you to "Through the Lens", and also "365 Pics", don't forget to check those out as well as the main site. Her blog and her photography both have a very professional quality to them.
And last but not least, here's a lady with four small children who is also a professional photographer (she does weddings etc.) She goes by the name of Mck Mama, her blog is worth checking out even if you have no interest in photography at all. At last count she has mere 2,963 people following her blog, and if I'm not mistaken she's been asked to speak at an up coming blogging conference in Chicago. Oh! almost forgot to tell you, her main camera is a Canon EOS 40D and her back-up camera is a Canon Rebel XTi.
Okay, so that wasn't the last, but I didn't want to leave the men out. A male co-worker also shoots with a Canon 40D and has been giving me great advice on different cameras and lenses etc. Where to find them, what to look for, different sites he uses.
Wish me luck, in narrowing it down a bit more.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
365/47 Random Kid Pics
I love taking pictures of babies, toddlers, young kids & sometimes older kids. Here's a few... Give me a camera and a kid and I'm all set for hours of fun.
This little Indian is my sister's grandson, Carson.
Sydney looking for that last bite of yogurt.
Rhianna, a cousins grandchild from Florida that was visiting.
Random shots at a public fountain at a shopping mall in Ohio.
Good Grief Gramie, enough with the camera already!
Sydney trying to look through the fence.
I love this one. Isn't he adorable!!
These were taken at a park in North Carolina.
This little Indian is my sister's grandson, Carson.
Sydney looking for that last bite of yogurt.
Rhianna, a cousins grandchild from Florida that was visiting.
Random shots at a public fountain at a shopping mall in Ohio.
Good Grief Gramie, enough with the camera already!
Sydney trying to look through the fence.
I love this one. Isn't he adorable!!
These were taken at a park in North Carolina.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Day Trips
My nephew wanted to know what there is to do as far as day trips from around this part of Michigan. I decided instead of just emailing him back, to blog it; because it can be used as a reference later when Grand kids are visiting and I can use the practice making links. So here goes. From 1-12 in no particular order.
1. Crossroads Village in Flint. Take a 35 minute scenic ride the Huckleberry Railroad. Or a 45 minute ride on the Genesee Belle Steamboat. It is a replica of a paddle-wheel river boat from the era of Mark Twain. You can also spend a day in the Crossroads Village and experience pioneer life. Kids can see, touch and taste history.
2. Detroit Zoo. Fun for all ages. Adult tickets are $11.00, Kids $7.00 and under 2 are Free. Parking is $5.00. Check out their calendar of events!
3. Castaway Cafe, Michigan's largest indoor play structure. Four giant slide, a suspension bridge, room with jumbo sized balls to play with and so much more. There is a special room for toddlers with pint sized equipment. Food and drinks available and a cafeteria style dining area.
4. Kensington Metro's Splash N Blast water play center. This link takes you to a Detroit News article talking about the opening of the Splash N Blast water park.
5. Exhibit Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor. This seems more appropriate for older children, but check out the web site for yourself. They also have a planetarium.
6. East Lansing Family Aquatic Center. Open May 29th to September 7th. Great family oriented fun. Water slide, diving board, water play area, large pool.
7. Bounce University. Located in Brighton, Michigan. Check out this web site for Open Bounce times. They have preschool play dates, family bounce nights, and Open Bounce for all ages.
8. Impression 5 science center in Lansing. A great hands on learning environment for kids. Children 5 & up $5.00. Adults $5.00 and children under 5 pay their age. If you want a preview before you go, their website has a video of things you can see and do.
9. Howell Nature Center No admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $4.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Take a walk along a woodchipped path and see all the beautiful animal exibits, many have ponds, murals, waterfalls etc. See an eagle, hawks, owls, cranes and other interesting birds like the turkey vulture. Mammals abound as well, see fox, deer, bobcats and beaver. Don't forget to look for Woody, Michigan's famous goundhog and the if you howl at the coyotes, they'll howl back at you.
10. Bronners in Frankenmuth - The World's largest Christmas store. This is a year around attraction. Eat a traditional chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn or Zehenders. Take a walk downtown and don't miss the candy store, the kids will love it.
11. Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. This place has tons of things to offer young families. Thomas the tank engine is making an appearance, check out the website for dates.
12. Henry Ford Museum So much to see and do, I'm not even going to try to list them.
If you know of other places of interest in this area, please leave me a comment and I'll add it to the blog.
1. Crossroads Village in Flint. Take a 35 minute scenic ride the Huckleberry Railroad. Or a 45 minute ride on the Genesee Belle Steamboat. It is a replica of a paddle-wheel river boat from the era of Mark Twain. You can also spend a day in the Crossroads Village and experience pioneer life. Kids can see, touch and taste history.
2. Detroit Zoo. Fun for all ages. Adult tickets are $11.00, Kids $7.00 and under 2 are Free. Parking is $5.00. Check out their calendar of events!
3. Castaway Cafe, Michigan's largest indoor play structure. Four giant slide, a suspension bridge, room with jumbo sized balls to play with and so much more. There is a special room for toddlers with pint sized equipment. Food and drinks available and a cafeteria style dining area.
4. Kensington Metro's Splash N Blast water play center. This link takes you to a Detroit News article talking about the opening of the Splash N Blast water park.
5. Exhibit Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor. This seems more appropriate for older children, but check out the web site for yourself. They also have a planetarium.
6. East Lansing Family Aquatic Center. Open May 29th to September 7th. Great family oriented fun. Water slide, diving board, water play area, large pool.
7. Bounce University. Located in Brighton, Michigan. Check out this web site for Open Bounce times. They have preschool play dates, family bounce nights, and Open Bounce for all ages.
8. Impression 5 science center in Lansing. A great hands on learning environment for kids. Children 5 & up $5.00. Adults $5.00 and children under 5 pay their age. If you want a preview before you go, their website has a video of things you can see and do.
9. Howell Nature Center No admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $4.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Take a walk along a woodchipped path and see all the beautiful animal exibits, many have ponds, murals, waterfalls etc. See an eagle, hawks, owls, cranes and other interesting birds like the turkey vulture. Mammals abound as well, see fox, deer, bobcats and beaver. Don't forget to look for Woody, Michigan's famous goundhog and the if you howl at the coyotes, they'll howl back at you.
10. Bronners in Frankenmuth - The World's largest Christmas store. This is a year around attraction. Eat a traditional chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn or Zehenders. Take a walk downtown and don't miss the candy store, the kids will love it.
11. Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. This place has tons of things to offer young families. Thomas the tank engine is making an appearance, check out the website for dates.
12. Henry Ford Museum So much to see and do, I'm not even going to try to list them.
If you know of other places of interest in this area, please leave me a comment and I'll add it to the blog.
Making the Call
Do you speak Spanish?
I wish I had someone to give me a few lessons. I've called Mexico four or five times so far. Those are the times the calls went through. Countless times I reached an Operator and I have no idea what she is trying to tell me.... Is the line busy, a non-working number, all circuits overloaded... what? It can be very frustrating.
When I have managed to get through.... I've spoken to Miguel's Dad, Mom, two cousins, and Miguel. Miguel speaks very good English - no problem there and his Dad and I did fine with my limited Spanish & his limited English. With his Mom and the cousin I just kept repeating in English, "May I speak to Ashley?" and then "Ashley's Madre" (mother).
Then I decided to ask Ashley to give me some key phrases to use:
May I speak to Ashley? Podria hablar con Ashley?
When will she be back? A que hora va a regresar a casa?
Where did she go? A donde fue?
Tell her to call me please? Por favor digale que me habla.
I will call back. Later today. Voy a llamar de nuevo mas tarde.
I will call back tomorrow. Voy a llamar de nuevo mañana
Some of these words I know quite well from taking my Spanish class, others I'm afraid I will really screw up the pronunciation and say something other than what I'm trying to say.
Wish me Luck for the next time I'm "Making the Call".
Buena Suerte! (bweh-nah swair-teh)
I wish I had someone to give me a few lessons. I've called Mexico four or five times so far. Those are the times the calls went through. Countless times I reached an Operator and I have no idea what she is trying to tell me.... Is the line busy, a non-working number, all circuits overloaded... what? It can be very frustrating.
When I have managed to get through.... I've spoken to Miguel's Dad, Mom, two cousins, and Miguel. Miguel speaks very good English - no problem there and his Dad and I did fine with my limited Spanish & his limited English. With his Mom and the cousin I just kept repeating in English, "May I speak to Ashley?" and then "Ashley's Madre" (mother).
Then I decided to ask Ashley to give me some key phrases to use:
May I speak to Ashley? Podria hablar con Ashley?
When will she be back? A que hora va a regresar a casa?
Where did she go? A donde fue?
Tell her to call me please? Por favor digale que me habla.
I will call back. Later today. Voy a llamar de nuevo mas tarde.
I will call back tomorrow. Voy a llamar de nuevo mañana
Some of these words I know quite well from taking my Spanish class, others I'm afraid I will really screw up the pronunciation and say something other than what I'm trying to say.
Wish me Luck for the next time I'm "Making the Call".
Buena Suerte! (bweh-nah swair-teh)
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