tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56712520473817471712024-03-14T04:46:48.589-04:00Daisy Soap GirlThoughts and happenings in the world of a retired artisan soap maker and lover of nature!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-84430751271660352352018-08-16T18:26:00.000-04:002018-08-16T18:26:25.842-04:00The Face Lift Fund<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOOBVAmCqw/Wcq0B6sb5LI/AAAAAAAAAto/gLtS24-3Y-w5Cjt_pG2GKVg97Cyi7ZvTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBOOBVAmCqw/Wcq0B6sb5LI/AAAAAAAAAto/gLtS24-3Y-w5Cjt_pG2GKVg97Cyi7ZvTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5252.JPG" width="320" /></a>About 10 years ago I was gifted a little blue jar with the words "Face Lift Fund" written on the front of it. I thought it was a cute gag gift and placed it on a shelf in the powder room as a conversation piece. From time to time I would find coins in it and a few times there were even dollars bills folded inside. I always left the money there and laughed at the humor of my visiting relatives and friends. Hopefully, it was just humor and not their belief that I actually needed a face lift. Nonetheless I left the money there and thought little about it.<br />
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A few years ago I was doing some packing to move to our new house and decided to bring my face lift jar with me. To my surprise upon opening the jar I found close to $50.00! Fifty dollars! I didn't know what to think! Well, it <i>was perfectly good</i> money and I was going to spend it on<i> me</i> and me alone! After all, it had been left for me to get a face lift! There was never any specification or stipulation of the definition of a face lift but it sure had lifted my face into a great big smile! I was going to spend that fifty dollars to make myself happy!<br />
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These days I still have my face lift jar but instead of displaying it in the powder room its placed on a shelf in my private bathroom. Nowadays the only one putting money in the jar is me. When I go shopping I throw the change the cashier gives me back into my purse. Occasionally I empty the coins from my purse and put them in my face lift jar. If there are any one dollar bills I put them in there too. You'd be surprised how it all adds up! When I'm having an impossibly bad day I go into my face lift jar and buy myself a little treat! What a great gag gift <i>that</i> turned out to be and it sure lifts my face!DaisySoapGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823839307036152623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-71934807481682952872016-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:002016-12-10T20:28:07.832-05:00There Are No Tears In Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had never seen my sister cry. I had never seen her shed a single tear until that day in the hospital when I think she knew she was going to die. I'm not even sure the tears she was crying were for herself. I think they were for me, for all of us, her family.When I came to see her that day I was pacing back and forth in her hospital room. I walked from her bed to the window silently praying and petitioning to God to please let her live. I could see by the way her eyes had lost their luster, by the blank stare she had when she looked at me. Her eyes followed my every move without even blanking. It happened all of a sudden and I was scared. I asked her if she was ok. She nodded yes, I then asked her if she knew who I was and again she nodded yes. It was heartbreaking the way she just lay there helpless, hopeless, waiting. Waiting for the next nurse to come in and stick her arm with a needle. Waiting for her next dose of medicine that gave a tiny flicker of hope that the cancer cells in her brain would shrink. Waiting for someone, anyone to say she could go home.<br />
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That was all she wanted. She was tired and wanted to go home. She told me once, quietly while she lay hurting, that she wanted to go home. I asked her where home was and she told me Aiken. It hurt my heart to know that her husband would not allow her last dying wish to go home to Aiken, to be with family just one last time, to be buried next to our mom. To feel that she was loved. To know that there was more family to be with her in Aiken. To know that she would not have to endure empty hours in the hospital alone with strangers. What harm would it have done to make her happy one last time?<br />
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I think she knew that I was on my way back home to Aiken and this would probably be the last time I saw her alive. So here she lay, in a cold, sterile hospital room, crying for me, for her family that she knew would be in so much pain after she had gone.<br />
<br />DaisySoapGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823839307036152623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-61144861137353708262016-12-01T17:52:00.000-05:002016-12-01T17:52:18.182-05:00I Miss My Time With You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We would meet every morning at the same time and place. We had our own little bench near the holly bush. I'd pour out my heart to You, tell You all my plans for the day, seek Your guidance, advice and direction for the things I hoped to accomplish. Waiting patiently for You to respond I'd quietly listen to the birds singing their songs and going about their business. While sipping my coffee I'd gaze at all the beauty surrounding me and feel the warmth of the morning sun on my face. When I finally got that "aha moment" of understanding, realizing the message You were conveying to me, I'd be on my way, feeling joy beyond belief.<br />
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Recently, I haven't been spending that time with You. I've been so busy trying to get my life together. I've been going my own way, not inviting You to join me. I have put you on the back burner and I can see that our relationship is suffering. Trying to do things on my own without Your advice is just not working. Sleep eludes me and my eating habits are out of control. I've been tired, out of sorts and totally unorganized. It seems as if all the bad and negative things are happening all at once. Life seems to be an uphill battle. I advance one step forward but fall two steps behind. Things have fallen into disarray since I left You out of my life. I think I need Your precious advice & guidance.<br />
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Maybe its time I seek you out and make plans to meet You in our old familiar place. So I call out to You and apologize. I ask Your forgiveness, bow my head in prayer and grab my Bible. Lord God, I am so sorry that I have left You out of my life. I'm sorry that I haven't been spending that much need time with You. Now I know that life is much better when I do things Your way, instead of going on my own with no direction. So from now on You will never hear me say, I'm missing my time with You.DaisySoapGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823839307036152623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-10219406135481763362016-11-25T17:36:00.000-05:002016-11-27T15:36:33.183-05:00Going Back Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been said that you can never go home again. For years I believed that, especially after my mom passed away. I was so overwhelmed with grief when I went down South for her funeral that I thought there was nothing left for me there. The feeling of home was mom and since she was no longer living I may as well make a home where I was up North. After a while the years and age crept up on me and I longed for some meaning in my life. I needed to reconnect with my relatives, needed family reunions, school graduations, wedding invitations and baby showers. All the things that let you know that you're a part of something real. When we retired from our jobs, my husband and I took one brave step, packed up our things and moved back to my home town.<br />
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The first thing I did to feel connected was to join a local church. In the South the church is the best place and quite frankly, the only place for social networking and making new friends. Everything revolves around the church so I visited several different ones to find one that was a right fit for me. Eventually, I found one that a few of my relatives attended as well as one of my classmates from elementary school. From the beginning I jumped right in, helping in the soup kitchen and singing in the Senior Choir. I made new friends, reconnected with old ones, met relatives I hadn't seen since I was a child and was introduced to folk that went to school with my mom and dad. I even met some people that knew my grandparents. This is the kind of thing that makes me feel as if I am really home.<br />
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As we sat at my cousin's dinner table this Thanksgiving I felt so much joy in my heart. It was such a blessing to talk with family members who knew me when I was a baby. People who loved me and was as glad to see me as I was to see them. It was fun to reminisce about the days and times long past, to share laughs and sorrows, to catch up on what's happening in everybody's life and talk about future plans. When I left to go back to my own house, my belly full, a "to go" container of food in my hand and a lightness in my step and in my heart, I knew I had come home again. Now I know that adage about never being able to go home again is not necessarily true. Home was always there! It was just waiting for me to find it!DaisySoapGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05823839307036152623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-42328912976714391462013-11-12T16:57:00.000-05:002018-08-16T18:27:45.920-04:00Blessings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sitting in the backyard, on the patio, counting my many blessings. I'm not talking about the material blessings, although they are there. The blessings I'm thanking God for is the sunshine warming my body in the middle of November. The wind chimes making a delightful symphony of music, as the wind gently rocks them. The sound of a plane's twin engine at a far off distance in the background. A butterfly that nature has painted a beautiful shade of burnt orange, with tiny black specks, dashing from flower to flower. Fluffy white clouds floating against a peaceful blue sky. Me, enjoying the sweet fragrance of lavender as it prepares it's bed for winter.<br />
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My blessings are the fact that I have the ability to see these things, to hear, to smell, to feel and to know that God is still in control so all is right with the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-90953002157172492952010-04-18T18:02:00.004-04:002010-04-18T18:27:40.806-04:00Rising To The Top<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S8uG831XrVI/AAAAAAAABhU/87lVLNt8zIw/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S8uG831XrVI/AAAAAAAABhU/87lVLNt8zIw/s320/IMG_1926.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461607353454931282" /></a><br />None of us are born knowing everything. We had to learn everything we know, little by little. As a baby we had to learn how to crawl before we could walk. We had to learn how to use a spoon to eat. We had to learn how to tie our shoe laces, ride a bicycle and so forth. Our first attempts at doing all of these things may have led to frustration but we didn't give up. We fell down but we got up. Over and over we tried at tying those laces and finally we figured it out. We kept trying and when we succeeded we were somewhat astonished but very proud of our triumphs.<br /><br />Now as adults, some of us have lost that ability to see things through to the end. The first time we attempt something that we've always wanted to do and have a problem with it we give up. We look at the people around us who had success with the same thing we tried and think they are smarter or have more talent. We think we will never be like them. When in reality, most of those people were not born with that talent. They had to learn and it took hard work, patience and perseverance. You will never hear them utter the words "I can't".<br /><br />If you should ever find yourself giving up on your dreams, think again, one last time. Take a deep breath. Remember that old inspirational story of <span style="font-style:italic;">The Little Engine That Could</span>. Try one last time with a different approach. Find out if there is another avenue you can use. Research and read all you can on the subject. You may find something that will give you a better understanding. Take baby steps. Climb the ladder one rung at a time and don't look down. Eventually, you will realize how far you'll come. You will find that you have reached the top. You will be a star!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-29227011458498515982010-04-11T20:15:00.006-04:002010-04-11T20:49:13.324-04:00The Party Is Over<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S8JtvVGxG7I/AAAAAAAABhE/FQ42x-HB584/s1600/cupcakes.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S8JtvVGxG7I/AAAAAAAABhE/FQ42x-HB584/s320/cupcakes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459046358213270450" /></a><br />A year has passed, I had a birthday a couple of months ago and a new decade is staring me in the face. True reflections and changes I need to make in my life don't start in January. I've found that if I'm honest with myself and want to make a serious impact; the new year starts with my birthday.<br /><br />The truth of the matter is that I don't celebrate for just one day. I celebrate the whole month. Don't get me wrong, I'm not whopping it up going from party to party, toasting myself nor am I eating cake. Most of that time is spent looking back over the past year. Looking at what's been happening in my life and seeing what changes I need to make. I like to think of think of it as a business plan for my life. Things that didn't work for me, I let go and put my focus on the things that add value.<br /><br />When I revamp and make these positive changes I feel energized. Then its time to put that new energy to work. To celebrate me. To try new things. To do stuff I've always wanted to do. Go places. Meet new people. And, in the process hope that I've become a better person and learned a thing or two.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-25279170371875202782010-04-03T14:22:00.005-04:002010-04-03T14:50:52.080-04:00My New Garden Restaurant<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S7eNSxxVHJI/AAAAAAAABg0/bNiHuN9vpVM/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S7eNSxxVHJI/AAAAAAAABg0/bNiHuN9vpVM/s320/IMG_1337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455984827320048786" /></a><br />This Spring I think I'll open a restaurant. It will not be like any restaurant you've ever seen. I'll serve up the finest of foods. All plant based of course, with such delightful dishes that even the most finicky eater will relish with pure joy. There will never be a dish left unfinished. This will be a restaurant that appeals to only a select few and only that select few will be allowed entry. Dinner will be refused to those who don't meet certain requirements. It's a restaurant for snails and slugs, you see.<br /><br />It has occurred to me that all the flowers and some of the vegetables & fruits I have growing in my garden are the favorite foods of snails and slugs. They seem to share my taste in horticulture choices. I know they must be thanking me profusely for planting such a wide variety of treats. And, a nice place for them to come dine each night.<br /><br />The first course that I'll be serving early in the season is a wonderful little appetizer that I call Lettuce. The next delightful dish will be the juicy and sweet Strawberry. Then I'll provide them with the succulent foliage of the Hostas and the tender purple flower of the Iris. Later in the year I pamper them with delicate dishes of Daylily, Dahlias, and Marigold. Maybe I'll add a side dish of Cabbage and Gerber Daisy for dessert. I have been told that whatever I do, I should not decorate the restaurant with any type of copper, crushed "eggshell art" or coffee grinds. Nor under under circumstances should I serve them beer. They are especially attracted to that drink and have been known to get drunk and drown in it. And, we wouldn't want that to happen, would we?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-20366266276550155222010-01-14T16:48:00.004-05:002015-09-13T18:43:13.345-04:00Surviving Starbucks<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S0-c3wOsjqI/AAAAAAAABfo/blz5dWWdg-k/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426728557658017442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S0-c3wOsjqI/AAAAAAAABfo/blz5dWWdg-k/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
If you've never been to Starbucks I have a few tips for you before you go. You don't want to get on line and not know what you're doing. There is a special language that Starbucks customers use and the cashiers expect you to use this language in order to keep the line moving. There is a rack in the store with pamphlets explaining the different drinks and how to order but who has time to read this while you're standing in line. I guess they expect you to take it home to study and then come back when you've decided on your drink. It's so much easier if someone explains it to you before hand.<br />
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My first order at Starbucks was just a coffee because I didn't know what else to order. The people in front of me were ordering things like Caramel Macchiato, Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte and Green Tea Frappuccino-hold the cream. What the heck were those and what do they taste like anyway? When my turn came, I timidly asked for a small coffee with cream and sugar. The cashier (barista, as I've since learned) promptly informed me that the small was referred to as "tall". When my coffee came it was black, no sugar, I complained and was told that the cream & sugar were at the "fixings" bar near the door. Oh, what an embarrassing moment. Everybody now knew I was a Starbucks virgin and didn't really belong. What a smug look I got from the next person who loudly ordered the Venti Vanilla Latte. I thought to myself, "latte to you too", and walked on over to the fixings bar. The coffee was actually really good and I knew I'd be coming back for one of the more fancier drinks eventually. Then I'd order myself a Venti Chai Latte just like a Starbucks pro, but will refuse to look down my nose at the novice.<br />
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Okay, so here are those basic tips to get you started. First there are three cup sizes. The "tall" which is 12 fl oz, the "grande" holds 16 fl. oz and the "venti" hot drinks are 20 fl. oz while the venti cold drinks are 24 fl oz. You tell them what size you want. Then there is the matter of which coffee, tea or other drink you want. You can always order coffee but the fancier coffee drinks are macchiato, expresso, cappuccino, lattes, and various teas, tea lattes and hot chocolate. The cold drinks are the frappuccino coffee and non- coffee drinks, frappuccino non coffee drinks are blended with cream, fruits, vanilla or green tea. You can then customize your drink by having it made with soy or skim milk, having them add protein or fiber powder and flavored syrup. They can add a double shot of expresso, hold the cream or make it "skinny" by using sugar-free syrup. These are a few things that will help with your ordering but please, please remember there is that fixings bar that has the sugar, cream, milk, cinnamon, stirrers, napkins and sometimes powdered vanilla. So get out there and treat yourself to a fancy drink. If I happen to see you there, I'll treat you to one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-61324464650212634072010-01-07T14:45:00.004-05:002010-01-07T15:10:57.277-05:00Baby, I'm Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S0Y_GDQeteI/AAAAAAAABeo/-LOMoakmm9Q/s1600-h/Poets+Woods.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/S0Y_GDQeteI/AAAAAAAABeo/-LOMoakmm9Q/s320/Poets+Woods.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424092174400533986" /></a><br /><br />Okay, enough is enough! I'm back! For the past few weeks I have been in a constant work mode. First it was the Thanksgiving festivities, then Christmas, Kwanzaa and the backlog of soap orders from regular customers. The work just kept coming and coming. Then the horror of all horrors, not a thought in my head to write about. Not even one tiny Christmas story came to mind, even though I was drowning in Christmas preparations for weeks. Well, that's the way it goes sometimes.<br /><br />What did I do about it? I just took time out to regroup and connect with my poetic side. And how did I do that? Well wonder of all wonders I went visiting in the Poets Woods! Yes, my good people, there is such a place. We actually found this place while traveling and site seeing in Cape May New Jersey. It's located across the road from a small residential community and is a successful attempt to keep the area free for birds, butterflies and small animals to take refuge. While walking in this natural habitat I almost forgot there was a busy highway only a mile or so away. The only noise I could hear was the joyful song of a few birds who refused to move South for the Winter and the crunch of dead leaves and small tree branches as I walked. It was peaceful and a great place to unwind.<br /><br />You won't find it on any map nor can you Google it. And I'm sure that's the way the neighbors want it. For now, I think it's enough for them to be able to cross the road and take a leisurely stroll. And just maybe share it with an unsuspecting traveler like me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-77159130940718594622009-12-16T17:14:00.003-05:002009-12-16T17:21:08.177-05:00The Beauty of Math<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SylctEJ2kYI/AAAAAAAABeA/pwoWIm89SQw/s1600-h/IMG_1955.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SylctEJ2kYI/AAAAAAAABeA/pwoWIm89SQw/s320/IMG_1955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415961956168667522" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />A friend sent me this and it's too good not to share it with you, think about it.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />The Beauty of Mathematics <br />and the Love of God!<br /><br />The math part is good,but the end is even better. <br /><br /><br />Beauty of Mathematics!!!!!!! <br /><br />1 x 8 + 1= 9 <br />12 x 8 + 2= 98 <br />123 x 8 + 3= 987 <br />1234 x 8 + 4= 9876 <br />12345 x 8 + 5= 98765 <br />123456 x 8 + 6= 987654 <br />1234567 x 8 + 7= 9876543 <br />12345678 x 8 + 8= 98765432 <br />123456789 x 8 + 9= 987654321 <br /><br />1 x 9 + 2 = 11<br />12 x 9 + 3 = 111<br />123 x 9 + 4 = 1111 <br />1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111<br />12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111 <br />123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111<br />1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111 <br />12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111 <br />123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111 <br /><br />9 x 9 + 7 = 88<br />98 x 9 + 6 = 888 <br />987 x 9 + 5 = 8888 <br />9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888 <br />98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888 <br />987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888 <br />9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888<br />98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888<br /><br />Brilliant, isn't it? <br /><br />And look at this symmetry: <br /><br />1 x 1 = 1<br />11 x 11 = 121 <br />111 x 111 = 12321<br />1111 x 1111 = 1234321 <br />11111 x 11111 = 123454321 <br />111111 x 111111 = 12345654321<br />1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321 <br />11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321 <br />111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321 <br /><br />Mind Boggling... <br /><br />Now, take a look at this... <br /><br />101% <br /><br />From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: <br /><br />What Equals 100%? <br /><br />What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?<br /><br />Ever wonder about those people who say they <br />are giving more than 100%?<br /><br />We have all been in situations where someone wants you to<br /><br />GIVE OVER 100%... <br /><br />How about ACHIEVING 101%? <br /><br />What equals 100%in life? <br /><br />Here's a little mathematical formula that might help <br />answer these questions: <br /><br />If: <br /><br />A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z <br /><br />Is represented as: <br /><br />1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. <br /><br />Then: <br /><br />H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K <br /><br />8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% <br /><br />And: <br /><br />K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E <br /><br />11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96% <br /><br />But: <br /><br />A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E <br /><br />1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100% <br /><br />THEN, look how far the love of God will take you: <br /><br />L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D <br />12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101% <br /><br />Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: <br /><br />While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will <br />get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top! <br /><br />If you find this interesting share it with your friends & loved ones. <br /><br />Have a nice day & God bless you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-6879139152662558022009-12-09T17:27:00.006-05:002009-12-12T13:47:03.804-05:00Who's Watching Who?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SyArOYY2UyI/AAAAAAAABdw/2d6HfiEgHT0/s1600-h/IMG_1851.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SyArOYY2UyI/AAAAAAAABdw/2d6HfiEgHT0/s320/IMG_1851.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413374278164173602" /></a><br />My husband gave me a fifty five gallon aquarium for my birthday about three years ago. We read all about setting it up, how to adjust the water for the right pH levels, how to take care of the tank and choosing the right fish to go in it. We decided that a fresh water tank would be more practical for our needs, even though the salt water aquarium was prettier. It has turned out to be great fun with only a few blunders.<br /><br />One of the blunders was that in our excitement to chose fish, we put too many of the wrong types in the tank. The smaller ones were disappearing fast. We kept looking for them, thinking they were hiding somewhere, only to discover that the catfish were eating them one by one. Our brightly colored school of Neon Tetras disappeared in the course of two weeks. Another bad decision was leaving the heating element on in the middle of summer, with the house tightly sealed while we went gallivanting on vacation for a week. Upon our return we found that only three fish had survived. One was an Algae Eater and the other two were Goldfish. We agreed to give ourselves a little time before buying more fish and that agreement has lasted at least two years now.<br /><br />It has been exciting watching our three little babies grow up. We got them when they were no more than 3 inches long. Now they've grown to well over 8 inches in length. The Algae Eater's head and eyes are gigantic. I've recently moved my computer near the fish tank so that I can enjoy them better. I now find they are the ones watching me, especially the gigantic Algae Eater. He is constantly staring at me with those creepy eyes. I'm beginning to wander if he's curious about my activities or if he's considering me as a source of food.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-50739542138802774462009-12-02T14:24:00.005-05:002009-12-02T15:22:58.974-05:00A Season For Everything<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SxbL3o74hII/AAAAAAAABdg/PyBuxc1W_Bg/s1600-h/IMG_1810.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SxbL3o74hII/AAAAAAAABdg/PyBuxc1W_Bg/s320/IMG_1810.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410736159074059394" /></a><br />Things have been quite busy and hectic around me lately. There are soaps, lotions and lip balms to make, label, package and ship. All these things to do, plus writing two blogs, keeping my home fresh, husband smiling and learning the duties of my new assignment to The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Board of Directors has me checking my To Do List quite often. In the midst of all this, preparing for our annual Thanksgiving trek to our family's home in Virginia didn't seem to be the treat it usually is. There is so much unfinished work to do and I guess I feel a little guilty about it. All in all, we had a great time and it was a wonderful break from work.<br /><br />So why do I now find myself sitting at my window looking out at the changing colors of the big oak tree in front of my house? There are so many different and brilliant hues of red, orange, yellow and green. It's really pretty but too bad it will soon be bare of all those beautiful leaves. I again look at the beauty of it and then realize that it's actually shedding the old, resting for a season and then reviving itself again for yet another glorious season. And it keeps doing this year after year while at the same time making itself stronger.<br /><br />Life is like that also. We have our busy times, our quiet times, our sorrowful times, our joyful times and times for renewal. We have to be like that oak tree and change gracefully with each season & time in our lives. We need to embrace each change as a way of gaining strength and endurance for the season ahead. Going with the flow and making a difference when we can, will go a long way in leaving that stress and burnout behind. There is a time for everything under the sun and we have to recognize that. Now that I've had my season of rest and a great lesson from looking at the big oak tree, I may as well get back to work.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-49657947103566294982009-11-24T11:00:00.000-05:002009-11-24T11:00:05.424-05:00Happy Thanksgiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SwdpNeqbzBI/AAAAAAAABc4/LRBaDNuGrq0/s1600/Image.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SwdpNeqbzBI/AAAAAAAABc4/LRBaDNuGrq0/s320/Image.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406405557971831826" /></a><br />This is my absolute favorite holiday. We're surrounded by people we love, we're counting our blessings and thanking God for His grace and peace. I wish my blog family a Happy Thanksgiving and for you all to have a nice day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-83367167751207575402009-11-20T21:27:00.005-05:002009-11-20T22:50:56.930-05:00Brown Bag Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Swdi8tauxJI/AAAAAAAABcw/O8iVVgltomE/s1600/foodbag.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 174px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Swdi8tauxJI/AAAAAAAABcw/O8iVVgltomE/s320/foodbag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406398672804955282" /></a><br />Bloggers Unite is an online group created to have Bloggers join in a single voice, by writing about things that will make the world a better place. I have chosen the November 21 event Brown Bag Project. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of world hunger. We are asking everyone to hold a food drive, donate food, money or time to your local food bank, or pack and deliver a meal, fruit basket, etc. to a family in need.<br /><br />I started my project today, a day earlier, because I will not be available tomorrow. I'd like to share my experience with others so they may be able to avoid the problem I encountered.<br /><br />There is a food bank several blocks from me that serves hot meals to homeless or hungry people. I thought it would be a great idea to deliver the makings for a salad to the bank. To my surprise, shock and hurt they refused the donation. When I asked the reason, the manager explained that it is their policy to accept food from authorized agencies only. They couldn't be responsible for tainted food. This was hard for me to understand because my donation was clearly factory sealed and not tampered with. She did however, direct me to The Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger, where my donation was gladly accepted. I'm wondering how many other people have had experiences trying to give away perfectly good food and have it refused. And how many people have given up trying to do good things because of red tape and gatekeepers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-29507215018893653242009-11-18T14:57:00.002-05:002016-11-25T18:14:47.305-05:00The Joy of Making Liquid Soap<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gChPQQ3k0s/WDjEoh7-bAI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Hxwe0GYZKikJxVuncLcICEg2vCUAr0hUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gChPQQ3k0s/WDjEoh7-bAI/AAAAAAAAAq4/Hxwe0GYZKikJxVuncLcICEg2vCUAr0hUgCLcB/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
The process of making liquid soap is a bit more complicated than making bar soap but it is far more fun and interesting.<br />
The big difference is that bar soap is made using sodium hydroxide and to make liquid soap you must use potassium hydroxide. There are also more steps involved in making liquid soap but it is totally worth it. I would suggest that you first learn to make bar soap before attempting liquid soaps.<br />
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The most interesting thing about making liquid soap is watching it evolve from one stage of cooking to the next. To get things started you must mix your oils and potassium hydroxide as you would for bar soap but in a heated crock pot. You bring it to a creamy consistency (called trace) using a stick blender. After it has traced, you put the top on the crock pot and watch the show begin. Within a 3 to 4 hour period, your soap will change from an applesauce looking appearance to what can only be described as a Vaseline looking appearance. The soap is translucent and ready to be diluted and tested for neutrality. If you get a clear reading on your test results it is now time for the fun part of fragrances.<br />
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I like making it because I control the ingredients that goes into it and it has a richer and creamier texture than store bought liquid soaps. It also leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean & smooth. I can also control the thickness and divide it into several portions that I can fragrance and color all from a single batch. The formula and ingredients I use for household and body care are different. I always use high quality oils for my body gels and shampoo but for cleaning products I use whatever is on sale at my local supermarket. Once you get the hang of making liquid soap you'll find that the possibilities for ingredients are endless. You can add botanicals, clays, herbs or anything else you desire to your portion. I find that making your own liquid soap is yet another way to make your lifestyle greener.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-20215060956841137232009-11-10T17:58:00.006-05:002009-11-10T19:31:21.696-05:00Remembering Our Veterans<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Svn2LZKf8RI/AAAAAAAABao/SO6pSTv3XuU/s1600-h/Our+Veterans.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 197px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Svn2LZKf8RI/AAAAAAAABao/SO6pSTv3XuU/s320/Our+Veterans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402619903601537298" /></a><br />Tomorrow is Veterans Day, an annual American holiday honoring military Veterans. It is also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in many parts of the world, commemorating the cease fire agreement between the Allies of World War I and Germany, at Rethondes in France. This took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.<br /><br />In my younger years I didn't pay much attention to Veterans Day except as a legal reason to be excused from school and dreaded history lessons. Later, I began to think more about Veterans Day when some of my friends returned from The Vietnam war and others did not. Those who returned often had physical injuries or post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. I remember in particular, a close friend who couldn't watch television programs like Mash or Combat, that were popular in those days. Each time he'd hear machine gun fire, he would shake uncontrollably and stare blankly at the television screen. We learned never to watch such programs in his presence. It still saddens me that those Veterans were never properly honored upon their return home.<br /><br />It's more heartbreaking today to think that our soldiers who are fighting in Iraq may be going through the same types of situations. War is horrible and we're continually asking ourselves is it necessary. Looking back in history, war has been a fact of life since Biblical times. I guess only God can answer that question. The greatest thing that we as a people can possibly do is support the women & men who support our way of life. And, by giving our heroes & heroines the recognition, honor and respect they deserve. <br /><br />You can contact the US Department of Veterans Affairs to help do your part at http://www.va.gov and please, pray for peace in the world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-61102531171075156662009-11-03T16:11:00.005-05:002009-11-03T16:55:57.791-05:00We've Come A Long Way, Baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SvCl9IlZ_NI/AAAAAAAABaY/FB8o_N9uSYc/s1600-h/IMG_1683.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SvCl9IlZ_NI/AAAAAAAABaY/FB8o_N9uSYc/s320/IMG_1683.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399998422912203986" /></a><br />Last month I attended a craft festival where I saw an old fashioned, black & white television set on display. It's so amazing to realize how far we've come. Television was first introduced in April of 1939 at the NY World's Fair held here in Flushing Meadow, Queens, NY. Ten years after that more than one million homes in America had t.v. sets in them. My grandparents were one of those fortunate million.<br /><br />What good times we had sitting around that little black & white screen watching shows with family and friends who didn't have one. It seemed that the house was always filled with visitors until one by one people bought their own. The grownups liked to watch the Evening News, Jack Benny, Ed Sullivan and the controversial Amos & Andy Show. We children watched Howdy Doody, The Mickey Mouse Club, Capt. Kangaroo and all the westerns, especially Gunsmoke. It never occurred to us that Miss Kitty and her girls were not so reputable; after all, Marshall Matt Dillon loved her and we did too. During the day my grandmother had to catch her soap operas. Her favorites were The Guiding Light, The Secret Storm, As The World Turns, Search For Tomorrow and the mysterious, The-Edge-Of-Night. I liked the way the announcer always paused between each word and the graphics that turned from daylight to dusk were so cool. I thought it incredible how Grandma always managed to do her housework and still keep up with all the people in her shows.<br /><br />Those were the good old days. There were no remote controls, except us children, who were often called from our play just to change the channel. Funny, how we all liked watching the same shows with no arguments. There wasn't much variety like today's programming and we only had three major stations...ABC, CBS and NBC. Now, some seventy years later, not only is there a t.v. in every home but more than ever a t.v. in every room. The closest we ever came to seeing a reality show was when we heard those famous words...Smile, you're on Candid Camera. My, how things have changed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-87037504368216197352009-10-27T16:51:00.004-04:002009-10-27T17:22:23.493-04:00Pumpkins And Squash Are Gourds, Oh My!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Sudjr6RKvgI/AAAAAAAABYo/oL1bjK4fUrc/s1600-h/IMG_1607.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Sudjr6RKvgI/AAAAAAAABYo/oL1bjK4fUrc/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397392284453617154" /></a><br />When people think of Halloween the things that come to mind are ghosts, goblins, witches and yes, pumpkins. To me the pumpkin is the ultimate Halloween symbol. Personally, I no longer celebrate Halloween but I do love to carve myself a cute Jack-o-lantern, so off I went to get a pumpkin.<br /><br />While at The Farmers Market choosing my pumpkin, I noticed that they were next to the gourds. I casually mentioned this to the grower/seller and we had a nice conversation about gourds. He told me that the pumpkin is a member of the gourd family which also includes squash, melons, cucumbers and of all things loofah. Well, being a soapmaker who uses loofah in my soaps, that got my attention. I couldn't wait to get home to look it up.<br /><br />I found out that the loofah is indeed from the cucurbitaceae family. All this time I thought it was some sort of sea sponge. In actuality it is a plant seed pod and grown in the ground. Imagine that! After it has been harvested and dried, the outer shell is soaked and peeled away, leaving a cylindrical sponge that houses hundreds of seeds. These sponges are durable and have a multitude of purpose. They are use as packing material, padding for pillows, mattresses and to scrub everything from dishes to delicate skin. In fact, they are mostly known for their exfoliating action in keeping our skin clean and smooth. And all this I learned from just going to the market to buy a pumpkin for carving!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-75012058573288862252009-10-15T01:24:00.001-04:002009-10-15T01:24:00.719-04:00Climate Change<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/StOdL5dt2LI/AAAAAAAABX4/MM-EcDUjCqg/s1600-h/Climate+Change.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/StOdL5dt2LI/AAAAAAAABX4/MM-EcDUjCqg/s320/Climate+Change.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391826006622197938" /></a><br />I've noticed that our winters here in New york are becoming less and less severe. We don't get nearly as much snow as we once did. The spring flowers are starting to show their heads earlier and have began to appear in February instead of mid March. My Morning Glories, which are supposed to be annual flowers in our area are now returning as perennials. At first all of this seemed very nice. We didn't have to shovel snow as much. And, who can resist the flowers blooming as a suggestion that spring is on the way, but I have come to realize that this is not a good thing. It is all due to Global warming.<br /><br />Global warming is a term that's been in the news lately and for good reason. The climate is changing rapidly and it's having an impact on all of us. Global surface temperatures were first measured in 1850 and have been increasing ever since. Twelve of the last 14 years have been the hottest on record. According to scientist, the global average temperature is expected to increase by 0.2 degrees Centigrade per decade over the next two decades. It has been observed that glaciers are melting in many places across the world. This is putting people at risk of floods, which could reduce our crop yields, thereby jeopardizing our food production. We Humans caused this by the Greenhouse Gases we produce in our daily living habits and by the amount of fossil fuel that's used. If we don't take some action to stop it or try to control it, our way of life will be dramatically changed. Our children's lives and that of the earth will be in grave danger.<br /><br />There are ways we as individuals can make a difference. We have all started to recycle and that's good but if we go a step further by turning off lights when we leave a room, using energy efficient appliances, compact fluorescent bulbs, collecting and using rainwater for our plants or to wash the car. Speaking of cars, we should car pool, take public transportation or get healthier by walking or riding bicycles. We should consider vacationing in our own country or closer to home, reducing the amount of red meat and dairy that we eat. Lowering our heating bill in the winter by wearing sweaters, and washing our clothes in cold water would save us money as well as conserve fuel. Give a small native tree as a gift to be planted in someones yard. Trees use carbon monoxide and puts oxygen back into the air. These are just small things to do but every little bit helps. It is our responsibility to do our part in saving our planet. So would everyone please jump on board and do a little something for our earth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-8126119949311852712009-10-13T01:21:00.003-04:002009-10-13T01:21:00.108-04:00Deer On A Brooklyn Street?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/StOmF8QArII/AAAAAAAABYA/TvqjCOMPag4/s1600-h/deer+garden.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/StOmF8QArII/AAAAAAAABYA/TvqjCOMPag4/s320/deer+garden.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391835799895452802" /></a><br />Atlantic Avenue is one of the busiest streets in Brooklyn, stretching from one end of town to the other, yet in a corner garden on the corner of Hoyt Street, there is a community garden with deer living in it. Yes deer, but these are no ordinary deer they are sculptures and this is no ordinary garden with vegetables growing in it. It is a shade garden, a sanctuary that's a welcome site in the middle of Downtown Brooklyn's Boerum Hill section of the Borough.<br /><br />The garden established in 1975 is one of the oldest community gardens in Brooklyn. It's 25' by 50' space was developed by The Hoyt Street Association, a group of neighbors and merchants who live and work in this quaint, well cared for community. It is maintained by a team of local volunteers called The Green Team, who plants, waters the flowers and makes sure that it's kept clean.<br /><br />When you walk into the gated garden and look to the left, you'll see a large mural painted on a wall of a building that shelters the garden on one side. It's a painting of a large tree and adds a bit of coziness to the area. There are two large trees in the garden, one is an oak and the other is reported to be a species of meta sequoia. The ground is not covered with grass but has lovely cobblestones, designed in a sort of circular pattern of paths leading to several park benches. The center of the cobblestone circle is an area that's used for activities such as storytelling. There is an annual plant sale whose proceeds are used to help fund projects for the Boerum Hill community.<br /><br />The park is not normally open to the general public but when it is, you can go in have a seat or admire the deer and the scenery. Most people get pleasure from walking by and looking in for a few minutes. It is certainly a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the traffic on Atlantic Avenue.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-986201342940559012009-10-06T17:58:00.004-04:002009-10-06T18:50:35.793-04:00Red, Uhh Purple, Hot Chili Peppers<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SsvJFMaOLHI/AAAAAAAABWU/AzT4vXKd3fg/s1600-h/Pretty+pepper.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SsvJFMaOLHI/AAAAAAAABWU/AzT4vXKd3fg/s320/Pretty+pepper.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389622470146665586" /></a><br />It was raining cats and dogs but we were determined to be at the hottest Fall event of the year in Brooklyn. What could be hotter than The Annual Chili Pepper Festival at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden? Nothing I tell you, and nothing could keep a hot pepper aficionado away their beloved treat, especially me. I love peppers, but not too hot, medium spicy is good enough for me and this years event didn't disappoint.<br /><br />They had hot smoking bands with names like Paprika, Red Baraat, Pistolera, Lost Bayou Ramblers and Nepo Soteri & Asante performing on The Cherry Esplanade Stage. Yes, we were dancing in the rain. There were vendors under canopies handing out samples of hot sauce, pickles, chutney and one vendor handing out sugar concoctions, some of which were in the shape of a chili pepper and I"ll call incredible edible art. You could watch chefs prepare fabulous dishes, some cooking in clay pots and you could get yourself inked at The Chili Pepper Tattoo Parlor. At the gift shops they had T shirts, pepper plants, posters, books and other "chili" items for sale. Needless to say my shopping bag was full of "hot" stuff.<br /><br />I enjoyed every wet rainy bit of it but the best part was when I got to ask the real live Chili Pepper Lady some questions about the purple pot of peppers I purchased. Whew! say that fast five times. Yes it is ornamental but contrary to popular belief it is not poisonous, pungent but quite edible. Yes, it is rather hot. But if I must have a bite of it and find my tongue is on fire, my eyes popping out and sweat pouring from my face, there is a remedy. No, not fanning my mouth, or drinking something sweet, or eating bread or drinking tomato juice. We all know that drinking water seems to make it worse, so enough now, what can I do? Well, scientific research points to drinking milk, yes milk. They say that milk and milk based products contains the protein casein which unbinds the capsaicin (pepper) from the nerve receptors on the taste buds. So, go much away but make sure you have a glass of "hot" chocolate milk to cool down the fire. On second thought, I think I'll have a glass of regular milk or two on hand just to be on the safe side.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-41914974950907120212009-10-01T19:09:00.003-04:002009-10-01T20:48:27.182-04:00Light At The End Of The Tunnel<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SsVMD_IaO1I/AAAAAAAABU8/89icWqywZ14/s1600-h/IMG_0661.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SsVMD_IaO1I/AAAAAAAABU8/89icWqywZ14/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387796160588692306" /></a><br />Last week we took a much needed trip to the country for a break. It was good to have nothing more to do than look at the grass grow. And that we did! You may think this is nuts but we actually watched as a wasp dragged a dead spider across the patio floor and to his nest on the ground. We watched a flock of geese that was headed south for the winter, land in an open field to rest for the night. The night before our trip back home, my sister in law pointed out four deer that were standing at the edge of the woods. It was such a lovely trip.<br /><br />The drive home was equally nice. That is, until we approached the Holland Tunnel coming into New York. Horns were honking, people cussing and cutting each other off to get to the Easy Pass Line and the never ending traffic. When we reached the expressway leading to the Tunnel, I noticed the glorious New York Skyline and skyscraper buildings in the background. But, I also noticed the horrible gray smog that enveloped the city. The sun was shining but it still looked gloomy. And oh my goodness, we were driving right into it!<br /><br />By the time we drove into our driveway my spirits had drastically change. I don't know if I had vacation lag or if the air was affecting me but all of a sudden I felt so tired. It was only four o'clock in the afternoon but I had to take a nap. The next day was no better, I slept late and couldn't seem to muster enough energy to do much of anything. This morning I decided to sleep late again but the sun was shining in my window and the birds were chirping to merrily for me to stay in bed. I think they were trying to tell me something. After finishing my daily chores, I thought it would be the perfect time to go to the park and commune with nature. As I was enjoying my walk in Central Park, my mind went back to the birds outside my window and how they were having a wonderful day in spite of the smog. It was nice how they managed to discover a little bit of country in the midst of a large city and be joyous about it. And I just realized the same thing for myself. Everybody can't be a country bird we need some birds in the city too. Next time I'm feeling gloomy about the smog I'll just think about the birds and remember that Central Park is my own little light at the end of the tunnel.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-8580903966136991152009-09-22T22:37:00.006-04:002009-09-25T12:19:16.765-04:00Sweet Basil's Song<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SrztCvVNOCI/AAAAAAAABTk/pqquBeXCjRk/s1600-h/Sweet+Basils+Song.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/SrztCvVNOCI/AAAAAAAABTk/pqquBeXCjRk/s320/Sweet+Basils+Song.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385439885749205026" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now that Fall is here my mind has turned to harvesting the bounty from my garden. I grow basil every year but this is the first year that it has grown really well. It was so bountiful that I had enough to share with neighbors and also to experiment with some new recipes. Usually, I don't post recipes, but I found the following dessert recipes to be a refreshing change from the standard basil pesto or basil tomato sauce. Enjoy them, using this basic syrup recipe. The syrup can be used to add flavor to tea, fruit salad, mojitos and adds incredible taste to ice cream.<br /><br />BASIL SYRUP<br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups granulated sugar<br />1 cup water<br />1 cup (well packed) basil, chopped<br />Instructions:<br />In a saucepan combine the sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add the chopped basil leaves. Cover and let sit for at least an hour. Strain the syrup thru a mesh sieve, discard the leaves and place syrup in an air tight container. Will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.<br /><br /><br />BASIL LEMON GREEN TEA<br />Ingredients:<br />4 cups boiling water<br />3 green tea bags<br />1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />1/2 cup basil syrup <br />the zest of 1 lemon<br />Instructions:<br />Place tea bags in boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes. Take tea bags out, add sugar and stir until well blended. Add basil syrup, lemon zest and serve over ice cubes when cooled.<br /><br /><br />FRESH FRUIT SALAD<br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced<br />1 cup fresh blueberries<br />1 cup kiwi, sliced<br />1 cup basil syrup<br />basil leaves for garnish<br />Instructions:<br />Place peeled and sliced peaches, blueberries and 1/2 cup kiwi in a large bowl. Pulse 1 cup basil syrup and 1/2 cup sliced kiwi in a blender until kiwi is blended. Pour mixture over fruit in bowl and toss gently to coat. Serve with basil leaves as garnish.<br /><br />BASIL MINT MOJITO<br />Ingredients:<br />8 fresh basil leaves<br />8 fresh peppermint<br />8 tsp. natural raw cane sugar<br />1 tbsp lime juice<br />4 tbsp basil syrup<br />1 cup light rum<br />1 cup sparkling carbonated water<br />4 peppermint sticks<br />4 to 6 cups small ice cubes <br />Instructions:<br />Crush basil leaves, peppermint leaves, into sugar & lime juice using a mortar & pestle. Pour rum, basil syrup, 2 cups ice cubes and contents from mortar into a shaker. Shake vigorously for 3 seconds then pour equal amounts into 4 tall (12 oz) glasses half filled with ice. Fill each glass with 2 oz sparkling water. Place a peppermint stick in each glass.<br /><br /><br />For basil Ice Cream, you can simply pour basil syrup over vanilla ice cream but if you're in an adventurous mood, the following recipe is a great taste experience.<br /><br />BASIL ICE CREAM<br />Ingredients:<br />1 cup heavy whipping cream<br />2 cups half & half<br />1 tbsp honey<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 cup fresh basil<br />2 tsp. lemon juice<br /><br />Blend basil leaves and sugar in blender until sugar turns green and basil leaves are chopped into tiny pieces. Add remaining ingredients and blend well until mixture is light green in color. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions. Take mixture out of machine and freeze for about 30 minutes. Enjoy an incredible taste experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671252047381747171.post-19093945582183614672009-09-14T18:19:00.006-04:002009-09-15T15:53:34.880-04:00A Cool Cat<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Sq7KVYIfzFI/AAAAAAAABR0/mMtYL64OEq8/s1600-h/Cat+Pictures+001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_piX0y4l_9ZM/Sq7KVYIfzFI/AAAAAAAABR0/mMtYL64OEq8/s320/Cat+Pictures+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381461073358474322" /></a>
<br />Someone who was to become one of my very best friends, was rescued from the subway train tracks by a Transit Police Officer friend of mine, and his partner. They couldn't find a proper home for her so they phoned me to ask if I could watch her overnight until they found someplace suitable. My first thought was that I didn't feel like being bothered but they assured me it would be okay, so I relented. The overnight stay turned into a permanent one and Elizabeth, the kitten became a loyal friend.
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<br />She grew into a lovely cat and provided me with moments of joy, laughter and sometimes anguish. I made the horrible mistake of buying Fancy Feast gourmet cat food as a special treat and that was all she would ever eat. She would leave the other cat food in her bowl all day, choosing to starve instead of eating it. And then when I did stock up on her favorite Fancy Feast flavor of ocean whitefish she suddenly refused to eat that, insisting that her new favorite was now the turkey flavor. She would however, eat the white part of boiled eggs when I chopped them up for her. One of the most hilarious things was to see her racing to be by my side whenever she heard me in the kitchen operating the can opener. She loved to drink the water that I drained from the tuna. She liked to sit in front of the TV watching Michael Jordan and trying to grab him from the screen as he played basketball. Okay yeah, I definitely understood that and kind of cheered her on! She proved her loyalty and sensitivity when she found me sobbing on the couch after a breakup with a boyfriend. She jumped on the couch and snuggled close to me, which made me cry even harder. It proved to be very healing. The next day I rewarded both of us by sharing a slice of the famous Junior's Strawberry Cheesecake with her.
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<br />Elizabeth was with me for about four years and left as dramatically as she had come to me. I lived in an apartment complex that did not allow pets. When my apartment came up for the required three year inspection for repairs, I made arrangements for a friend to keep her for a couple of hours. My friend thought it was a good idea to take her out of her carrier box while transporting her in the car. Elizabeth became even more frightened and jumped out the car window. We searched everywhere but was never able to find her. I am hopeful that some nice family is taking care of her because she is a very cool cat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13