Unbelievable

You are not going to believe what happened to me yesterday at Barnes and Noble. I was sitting at a table reading; when this lady walked up to me and asked whether the seat across from me was taken. I replied yes it is. She gave me this smurky smile and said now it is. You know what I wanted to say? I couldn't believe it. She sat right across from me and started reading. What! She didn't hear me, or was she that obtuse. In the meantime, Jennifer came back with no where to sit. So here we are texting back and forth to each other trying not to laugh. I am telling you they are out there.

WHILE OBAMA ATTACKS AMERICANS WHO OWN FIREARMS, HIS OWN CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL WITH ELEVEN ARMED GUARDS...SO WHY DO OBAMA'S CHILDREN NEED TO BE PROTECTED WITH GUNS, BUT YOUR CHILDREN DO NOT?


In a passionate speech just days after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPete made what many saw as a bold, outside the box suggestion for keeping schools safer moving forward. Put trained, armed guards in them as a way to prevent future attacks by well armed lunatics and crazies who are doped up on psychotropic drugs.How do we protect or children right now, starting today, in a way that we know works? Face up to the truth! Guns, Guns, Guns.

We had a wonderful Christmas. David and I are very thankful for our family and friends. Merry Christmas to everyone in blog land.

Obama Is Coming After Your Private Pension Funds. 

Fewer Americans are paying income taxes as a proportion of the population than at any time in recent history, and those who are will likely soon be paying even more of their income to the federal government. But that still won't be enough to satisfy Washington's insatiable appetite for the people's money; the Obama administration, unions, Congress and the Treasury Department are looking to findamentally change the way you plan and save for retirement as well. Led by statists who use the federal budget to buy votes to remain in power, as well as those wed to the notion that Americans don't deserve to keep their own wealth, a major movement that began a few years ago to redistribute $3.5 trillion in private investment funds is gaining ground. The idea is to seize traditional 401k and IRA accounts and fold them into a government run Guanantee Retirement Account. The legislation was authored in 2010. The government wants everything and is coming for everything.

The World Ends In Just Four Days

The world will come to an end in just four days, and that's a hugh relief, because it means we can all finally stop flossing. I doubt your dental health is going to dramatically change before 12/21/12. You can also stop taking out the trash and paying all your bills. Over the next four days, we can pig out like kings, paying no heed to the mountains of junk food, pies and donuts we consume, since it won't really matter after the Mayan calendar comes to an end on December 21st. We can stop returning rented DVDs...Tell people what we really think, right to their face... Ask out the pretty girl or cute boy you have always admired off chance that they might have liked you too. What's to be afraid of? We are all dead in four days anyway. Your clock is ticking, even if its' not the Mayan calendar driving it. Each day that passes is one less day you have available to practice love, forgiveness, compassion , ethics and morality.

Peace Not Perfection
And the big day comes whether we are ready or not. Though the thought may strike fear in some, this, too is God's grace. His blessings are not held captive by busy schedules. Peace is not a reward for those who wrap up everything by December 24. There can be no mad rush, no frantic preparations for the real spirit of Christmas; it simply fills our hearts as we are where we are. Much the same, Christ did not need us to finish our work before He could save us. God's salvation has always found us in the most unlikely of places and conditions even kneeling at a manger in a stable.

The Dead Sea Scroll Exhibit

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of 972 texts discovered between 1946 and 1956. Discovered 13 miles east of Jerusalem. Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures of these scrolls. The scrolls were found in caves along with the pottery and everyday items used by the Bedouins. The scrolls that were found include 19 copies of the book of Isaiah, 25 copies of Deuteronomy and 30 copies of the Psalms. We attended this exhibit at The Museum Center in Cincinnati over the weekend. What a thrill! They are touring only five U.S. cities.

How Long Will Fresh Chicken Eggs Keep In The Refrigerator

Farmers have 30 days from the day an egg is laid to get it to stores, Then, the stores have another 30 days to sell the eggs. The USDA recommends a maximum of 5 weeks in your refrigerator before you discard your eggs. What does this all boil down to? On April 1, you could be eating an egg that was laid on Christmas. Unbelievable! You see now why I have chickens.
Never put the eggs in water, you wash away the bloom from the egg, a protective layering that prevents bacteria from entering the egg.

Pinterest: What is it, Anyway?

My daughter and daughter-in-law have been talking about Pinterest. Not that I need anything else on my plate, but really it is amazing. How to describe Pinterest. Well, you know how you drive to the store, buy an expensive design magazine for 7dollars, come home, start reading it and if you are lucky you find a picture or two worth keeping. All for 7 dollars. Yikes!
On this site you will find the kitchen of your dreams. Recipes, gardening ideas,cleaning solutions etc. etc. And guess what it is FREE! I love it. Join me on Pinterest.  

Lemons peels have an enormous amount of health benefits, including the ability to boost your immune system; lower cholesterol and even help prevent cancer. Often overlooked lemon peels offer protection against bacteral and fungal infections helping the body to eliminate internal parasites and worms. Yes, Virginia we all have parasites in our intestines. It is gross, but believe me they are there.I start my day with lemon water to eliminate the toxins from the body. A great way to add lemon peels to your diet is to freeze a lemon and use a grater to get some of that lemon zest on to your food. It is delicious to add to salads. Try it! 

What Is This All About?

I went out to the hen house yesterday to gather eggs and among my eggs was this teeny tiny egg. What is this I say? My chickens have been laying since July. I have no idea what is going on. If anyone in blog land knows the answer to this, pass it my way. It is stll raining in South Central Kentucky. My chicken yard is more like a swamp. At least they have a dry hen house where there is plenty of food and a light to keep them snug as a bug in a rug. Stay dry!   

Lentil Soup

Bowls of hot soup seem to be the order of the day as we creep towards winter. Now soup is often thought of as healthy, but in reality all too many soups are high in fat and very high in sodium. I like homemade soups. They are easy to make and much more satisfying. And you can put them in a crockpot while you are at work , or if you have a busy day, and when you come home, you are ready for a delicious treat. A cup or bowl of this warming and filling lentil soup makes a great dinner. Serve with some crusty bread and a side salad and there is your meal. Recipe as follows:
 
2 cups lentils
container of mushrooms
box of organic vegetable broth
1- 15oz can tomatoes
optional (1 onion, 1/2 cup celery,3/4 cup diced carrots).

Place all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low 6 hours

When To Do Yoga

While an early morning practice has many things to recommend it, including a compatibility with doing yoga on an empty stomach and the virtue of getting your day off to a good start, it may not be practical for the busy, working folks of the world. Just because you don't want to get up before the crack of dawn doesn't mean you should write off yoga. You've probably noticed that yoga studios offer classes throughout the day; a 6:oo am class to catch the early risers, a quick lunch hour class, a 6:oo pm class that caters to the after work crowd. Let yoga fit into your schedule, not vice versa. For kicks, try noticing how poses do feel different at different times of day. You may be stiffer in the morning, but more weary in the evening. Find the time that works best for you. I know for me mornings are best. The later it gets the more tired I become.   

Supermarkets warned of winter vegetable shortage

Difficult growing conditions have led agriculture industry experts to warn that consumers should expect shortages of winter veggies in the days leading up to Christmas. Crop production has been hampered by poor weather and devastating floods. In addition, the amount of cauliflower is unpredictable, and store managers will most likely have to also import red cabbage. Potatoes have suffered from both the summer drought. The bad news is, food production and the cost of buying food isn't going to improve anytime soon. That is why I have been stressing, grow your own food. Its not hard people, and the benefits are great. Your own food without preservatives or added pesticides.You can do this! 

The Perfect Christmas

Songs on the radio, television specials, holiday advertising, our culture's message is clear as the glass on a snow globe. The ideal celebration can, and should, be yours. But reality is often different. For many people, the weeks leading up to Jesus' birthday are fraught with tension and difficulty, and the pressure to have a picture perfect holiday lingers in the back of our minds. What we need is a different mindset. I can remember as a child I would go into Woolworth's dime store and sitting outside was a man with no legs sitting on the concrete selling pencils; and I heard him whisper shyly, Merry Christmas, His body was broken, but He radiated peace. I was reminded that Christmas is about God's peace coming to dwell in the midst of our imperfections. I was only 10 at the time, but it made such an impression on me. How can this man be happy with no legs I said to myself? You see its not about how we feel, or how we look, its about Jesus.  

More Friends=More Stress

Spending time on Facebook ranks among the 10 worst activities in terms of unpleasantness and engagement. It was ranked as the least meaninful activity and the one that made people the most unhappy, surpassed only by recovering from illness. That should tell you something!
"Facebook used to be like a great party for all your friends where you can dance, drink and flirt." But now with your mom and dad and boss there the party becomes an anxious event full of potential social landmines. Although Facebook's privacy settings allow users to restrict who viewes their posts, only one third of us take advantage of this feature. I personally like blogging. No Facebook for me!

SUSAN

Hot Chocolate-Food of the gods

From happy childish squeals of delight during a snow storm to a cozy winter corner wrapped in the seductive lusciousness of sweet warmth, nothing touches the heart or belly like a cup of delicious hot chocolate.If you are addicted to chocolate, it's because your body knows a good thing. The healthy benefits from chocolate are derived from high levels of antioxidants that increase nitric oxide levels in the blood vessels, enhancing circulation. Additionally, chocolate reduces blood pressure, heart disease and protects the retina. Enhances moods, stops coughing, increases blood flow to the brain and protects skin against UV damage.Remember, unsweetened organic chocolate is the key.And because earth is the only place you can get chocolate, you may as well stay healthy and stick around to drink more. 

What's Going On?

I went out to the chicken yard yesterday to gather eggs and what do I find? My rooster has a bloody comb. How did this happen I say? Well to explain a roosters comb;the red, fleshy, decoration on a roosters head, his comb, is filled with tiny bood vessels. Any injury can cause bleeding. He may have been fighting with another rooster, since he is one and only afraid not. Or a particularly bossy hen may have not been in the mood for his advances. Now that is more like it. I have 2 hens that are quite aggresive and talk nearly all day. It would be fun to know just exactly what they are saying. In a clean and reasonably dry environment this should heal quickly and other than a bit of scarring, he should be as good as new. Benjamin, I would stay away from those two girls. They are lethal!  You have 18 others that I am sure will accomodate you. Too funny
Bear with me. I have no more room for pictures, and I have to read up on how to accuire more space for pictures

Holidays

It's that time of year again. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Over eating and over indulging. During the six weeks of back to back holidays it's esy to pack on the pounds with all the parties, celebrations and just eating your favorite foods.
Be realistic! This is not the time to begin a new diet. Try to pass up that wonderful pumpkin pie, and assorted cookies, and fruit cake. I always try to bring a healthy dish to the party. Try not to drink your calories. Sugary drinks and forms of alcohol will really put on the pounds. Last but not least, don't skip out on exercise. Between all the celebration and everyday schedules, life can get extra hectic during the holiday season. Maintaining an exercise routine this time of year is very important. Exercise can not only help burn those extra calories you may be consuming, but it's also great for stress release.
Happy holidays!

New Door

If you look closely on the first picture, you can see a new door. Finally we don't have to go out every night and shut the door, and open the door every morning at 6AM. David put in a new door on the left side so the chickens are able to go in and out at their leisure. The big door is closed all day and night except for feeding and gathering eggs. It is working out great for chickens and humans.
The chickens are loving this weather. Humans too!

Dedication To A Life Of Virtue

How much time is necessary to prepare your soul for the reality beyond this one? The short answer is your entire lifetime. There is no point, in other words, where it is okay to stop acting with love, compassion, humility and service to others. Such a personal philosophy of behavior should become a permanent feature of our day to day living if we truly seek redemption. Because to depart from that dedication is to invite evil into your life and your soul. No matter where you are on the spectrum of redemption, it is wise to start now moving in the right direction, because you honestly, can't know how many days you even have remaining in your life on earth. Prepare your physical body to survive the physical world; and prepare your soul to survive the spiritual world. Judgment day will be here before you know it!

Thanksgiving

I love THANKSGIVING. It has everything a great holiday should have. Food food and more FOOD! Thanksgiving, of course, gives us all the opportunity to gather with friends and family to actually reflect on the bounty of our lives. Gratitude is truly one of the most important ingredients for happiness, and Thanksgiving offers just the forum to express those feelings. My late mother always said that without health you have nothing. I fully agree. Every day that I wake up feeling great is another day that I thank God for the blessing of good health. I found a wonderful partner. My life has definately improved substantially. I love you David. My children. What would I do without them. I have been blessed with two of the most kindest and caring people in the world. Jennifer calls me every day and checks in, to which all I can say is thanks. She has 3 boys of her own, that I love dearly, but I am never forgotten. Brad is a great guy. Married now and has a familly of his own. I know that if anything were to happen, the two of them would be here. I love you both!    
Let me just list a few of my things that I am thankful for: Born in the USA,Friends, Love, Music, Blogs, Laughter, Sunshine, Books, Smiles, Hope, Fun, Films, Knowledge,Kindness etc, etc.You see where I am going with this. There is no end to my blessings!

Sometimes I feel like this on a treadmill. It can be boring. I noticed a friend of mine who belongs to the same gym, got to run together. The time just flew by. And one great thing about treadmill running with friends is that you don't have to be the same pace, so you can run with friends who you wouldn't normally run with. Rather than running at a constant pace, I mix up my run with hard and easy segments. It can be as simple as a five minute warm up followed by three sets of four minute intervals. Two minutes of hard running. Two minutes of easy running. Repeat as often as you like. I like to get 4 miles in. So running on a treadmill gives you a chance to lose yourself in the rhythem of your breathing feet or your pounding feet. Try blocking out everything around you and enter a peaceful, relaxing state.  

Susan

How To Take Propolis Chunks 

For those of you wondering what propolis chunks are, let me explain. Propolis chunks are simply raw pieces of bee propolis. Unprocessed, raw and 100% pure, these are the real deal. You simply chew or swallow them whole. One word of caution, propolis is a dark brown substance that can stain your teeth so be careful if chewing the chunks. For general health, I take 2 chunks of raw propolis every day.
Propolis eliminates bacteria. Reseach shows that Propolis kills cold germs and flu. So get started before you feel that cold, or scratchy throat coming on!

Honey Bees

Honey bees are preparing for the winter months by storing as much nectar as possible and evaporaping the moisture within the nectar. They will rearrange the honey stores so the queen will move down to the bottom super. With the bees diligently working to arrange the hive for winter, what do beekeepers need to be aware of within the hive?
When working a beehive, you always tend to notice how many bees are present. The number of bees determines if it is a strong or weak colony. Weaker colonies going into winter will have fewer bees to raise out brood and regulate the temperature within the hive than a strounger colony. Hives typically have thousands of bees within it, so how do you know if it is strong or weak? When looking down into the hive, you can see bees between the frames. For a strong colony going into winter, you want to see 10 or more spaces full of bees. If your hive has fewer than 6 or 7 spaces with bees, combine with another hive to strenthen the colony.With a strong colony and a queen laying in your bottom super, your hive is prepared to battle the winter months.