TGIF...

Oh Thank God….it is FRIDAY!!!

Today, and this weekend, are perfect examples why it is so great to live in the wonderful state of Michigan—Peak Leaf Color Viewing is here and Apple Orchards are in full swing. Just about everywhere you go there are glorious burst of Red, Yellow, Gold, and Orange to be seen—like some painter just came by with their brush of many colors and did his best work of art for all to see. And lets not forget the smell of apple pie, apple fritters, carmel apples, apple butter, and just 'bout everything else that Apples can be made into!

This weekend I will be heading north to immerse myself into the wild…well at least I’m going to pretend I’m on a vacation and explore the new and unknown—it kind of is! You don’t always have to go somewhere far to find some peace and serenity; sometimes the short jaunts are just as inspiring to the mind and body. And there’s no better time than the present; and of course I have my camera ready, batteries charged, and hiking boots unpacked and ready to conquer the trails. Oh yeah, might want to pack a lunch and some H2O, too.

Last weekend I was out at our Apple Orchard, “Apple Charlie’s”, and was able to secure about 30 pounds (no joke) of my favorite apple for baking; Winesap Apples, my cuz got me hooked on these a year or two ago—best apple pie I made with these apple (I’m sure the bottle of wine, I drank myself, had a big part in that vote). I’m not big into tart pies, so these apples are just the right sweetness—without being too sweet, and tartness—without making my lips pucker up in some weird deformity, perfection! And in my opinion, the apples make the best juice/sauce in my pies…just the right amount of thickness and gooiness, no need to add a thickening agent! Mmmmm…my mouth is watering; better get to bakin’ those pies!

I’m so excited about this season, it seems it is all I can think about and talk about! So happy trails to you and I’ll loving think of each one of you when I’m eating my Homemade, Sweet Apple Pie. Oh so good!

Ciao~k

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (http://sosnewsktsebj.blogspot.com) All rights reserved. Kathryn Frank has granted blogger.com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

And the winner is....

Drum Roll please....

Le Pittbull Ladybug is our 1st Place winner in our SOS Halloween Pet Contest.

Congrats to Tee and Zee!!

2nd Place was a tie for "Chicken in Space" and "Chicken's Revenge"

BUT...Everyone is a Winner! And I hope everyone had fun doing this project.

Cheers~K

SOS Halloween Pet Contest

You've submitted your best Pet Halloween Photo and now it's time to vote.

Please send me your 1st place and 2nd place pick and result will be posted once all the votes have been counted!

Picture are in no particular order and no personal names are given.

(Sorry "S" I actually lost a file and your pictures are not included, but everyone can see them through the Newsletter. xoxK)

The Tiger that Ate My Buddy


Chicken's Revenge

Chicken in Space


Yellow Belly Chicken


Bird's Revenge


May the Force be with You


Le Pittbull Ladybug


Meeshka - Russian Peasant

Spider Dog from the Black Lagoon


Bumble Bee Horse

I have a very strong LOVE and hate relationship with the season of fall. I love the meaning of fall, it's my favorite time of year, but I know that it leads to winter—which is too long for me in the state of Michigan. I wish we could go from spring, to summer, into fall, a few days of snow for Christmas day, and then rinse and repeat. Wouldn’t that be the best! For as much as I love to have the down time during the winter months, and safe haven for adding on a few extra pounds without apologizing, I really hate how long our winters tend to be. But there is nothing like watching the four seasons, sometimes gently and sometimes in great force, roll in and out each year.

What’s not to like about the fall? Halloween is in it, my favorite. I can hike and ride my horse through the most picturesque pop of colors that nature gives to us for free and there are no bugs that are trying to suck the last drop of blood from my body. Sounds like Heaven on Earth to me! If I haven’t convinced you yet, well what about…

Apple Orchards? You know the place where you take your kids to go hunting for the Next Great Pumpkin, to get buzzed on unlimited amount apple cider and hot donuts, and to allow your children to pet every last lama in the pen, chicken in the coop, and pig in the mug trough because it’s much easier to clean off the dirt they acquire than it is to quiet a screaming kid from not getting slimmed by the usual barn mates housed at the farm.

And don’t let me forget about the apples…you know the ones that help keep the doctor away! Can I tell him I’ve eaten one everyday and yet I’m still sitting in his office with a red nose like Rudolph? I guess not, but it’s all apart of the season of fun, beauty, eeriness, and unlimited amounts of adventures that can take place in such a short period of time.

So I’m off to find the Winesap apples for the apple pie I need to make and to see if I can scare any of those kids that are in my way of the perfect pumpkin to carve this Spooktacular All Hollow’s Eve!

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (aka Kathryn Katz/Tigerblossom) (tigerblossom@yahoo.com or tigerblossom31@gmail.com or Kathryn_katz31@yahoo.com) Kathryn Frank has granted Blogger.com, its afflitiates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Carrot Cupcakes Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Carrot Cupcakes Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

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VOTE for My Photo

Please go to the link below to vote for my picture that I've entered into the National Geographic Magazine Photo Contest. I have so many photo's I'd like to enter, but this is my most current shots for the season. "Share the Nectar" by Kathryn Frank

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/myshot/gallery/66691

MyShot - National Geographic Magazine

MyShot - National Geographic Magazine

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Healthy Kitchen Essentials | Healthy Foods | Reader\'s Digest

Healthy Kitchen Essentials | Healthy Foods | Reader's Digest

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Building Our Brain Trust - TIME

Building Our Brain Trust - TIME

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First Day of Fall/Autumn

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank

This is one of the glorious sights I get to see on my way into work every morning, during the Fall Season. The Ford Motor Company Headquarters grounds have two fields filled with these beautiful sunflowers you see here.

I have been trying to go over there, at different times of the day, to get pictures. It a little more difficult this year, as last year they had an addition field where you could just drive into and snap away! This year, I have to park on the side of the road (scary if you see the Southfield Service Drive during peak time) and run out to the side of the field to get any close up shots.

Here are some of my pictures I have been able to get and I hope it brings a little sunshine to your life. I'm heading out today, as lunch, to see if I can get deeper into the field. Wish me luck.

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank

SOS Mascot and New Recruit - Miss. Chicken (AKA Chick-a-Dee)

hahaha Just couldn't resist!

Can Your State Give You Breast Cancer? - Breast Cancer - Health.com

Can Your State Give You Breast Cancer? - Breast Cancer - Health.com

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SNL Paline and Clinton

Very Funny

Rain, Rain...Dance in the Rain

There’s nothing like falling asleep to a light rain coming down from the heavens. Last night, into this morning, and throughout the day the rain is spilling from the sky to wash away the last part of my summer days! I love the rain, maybe not everyday, but the rain gives me peace of knowing I don’t have to rush to get outside, wasting a sunny day away. Rain…it is the water that gives life.

The rain breaths new life into the spring and washes away the dust of a hot summer day. Even in the winter, rain can clean the dreary dirt that clings to the snow and allow it to look pristine again. Think of one of those winter days when you know it’s not safe to be out on the roads, but the rain has put a frozen shell on every surface and make the trees and ground look like a Winter Wonderland.

There is nothing like dancing in the rain. Do you remember when you were little, it didn’t matter if it was raining, you wanted to be outside. Well…why not now? So what if you are no longer a kid without demands of everyday life, go out and cleanse your soul. It will be good for you. Just go out and stand in the rain. Feel the rain drench your clothes, you hair, your body and then put your arms out and spin! Guaranteed you have a smile on your face soon after that. Just allow yourself to be in the moment.

I love the rain. It makes me want to curl up with a book, hot cup of tea or coffee next to me, and to get swept away into another world. It makes me want to stay in my pj’s all day and just curl up with someone I love. No demands, no worries, just a day to relax and clear some mental space.

So the next time it rains, go out and dance in it. Allow your spirit to be cleansed and feel the gift the Lord is giving to you. Don’t forget that the past was a gift and don’t take for granted the present, because another day is never guaranteed. Live, Love, Laugh...and dance in the rain!

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (aka Kathryn Katz) (UN: KKatz/KFrank at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Remember where you were on September 11, 2001?

I do! I was sitting at my desk, in a downtown Detroit high-rise office building, working on tally sheets for my boss. I had the radio on, unusual for me because most the time I couldn’t get a station to come in clear inside the building, but this day I found one. Just around 10am the radio DJ came on with breaking news of a plane crashing into the North Tower—my first thought was ‘scary’ because I was in a building that was 40 stories tall!

At the time, no one knew it was due to terrorists, but we found out shortly after when a second plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center. As soon as that happened, I just wanted to leave, but I knew I had to stay calm and find the nearest TV. I ran down to our Broadcast Studio (I work in Advertising) and their manager already had the newscast with the reports going on. After that…it was like rolling thunder…and then a plane hit the Pentagon and a final one went down in a field in Pennsylvania.

Within an hour of all this happening in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania; our office building managers decided it was better for us to close and get out of the city; to our safe home. A wave of nauseous relief came over me, as I knew I wanted to be as far away from my work as possible, yet sick with the knowledge that we were under attack.

Even more frightening was the fact that I had to walk about five blocks to the parking structure where my car was parked. Waking out of the building was like something out of the movies; people came spilling out of the surrounding building and went scattering towards their own safe haven and far from the concrete sweatboxes. The drive home was white knuckled and in slow motion. Once home, I just remember being glued to the horrors of the newscast for the remaining days and nights, for the next few weeks and months that passed.

Today is Remembrance Day—Seven Years have passed. I only bring this up because as time moves along and the pain eases, the memories of these types of events never leave my mind. Because of this, I feel that I need to give myself a little pinch to stop and give thanks for the life I have, the life around me, and to remember the ones that were lost to us ALL.

2, 975 hero’s were burgeon wings that day, I might not know their names, but I think of them with admiration and new hope for life in the future. Just a small count so I will remember how many were lost to us this day: 2,604 from North and South World Trade Towers, plus the 24 remains that were never found among the ashes; 341 FDNY firefighters and 2 FDNY paramedics; 37 Port Authorities, 23 Police officers, 1 K-9 dog named Sirius, and the 8 Private EMTS that all became angels on September 11, 2001.

Do you remember now!

As I struggle with the everyday natural (and unnatural) happening around my life, I sometimes have to remember to stop and smell the roses. Or in this case, the smell of the falls crisp air that is creeping in.

Peace to you and for us.

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (aka Kathryn Katz) (UN: KKatz/KFrank at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Offshore Oil - Oi Industry Influence Included Sex, Cocaine and Perks for Federal Regulators - thedailygreen.com

Offshore Oil - Oi Industry Influence Included Sex, Cocaine and Perks for Federal Regulators - thedailygreen.com

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The Whole Wheat Tollhouse Cookie

Here's a version of a cookie classic from 1937, made a bit more nutritious with whole wheat.

Excerpted from Bob's Red Mill Baking Book by John Ettinger and Bob's Red Mill Family, © 2007, published by Running Press. All rights reserved.

SERVINGS
Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

PREPARATION
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or cover with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream the butter with the brown sugar until light in color, about 4 minutes. Beat in the egg until well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend well. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and nuts.

3. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Find this article at: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/480

SOS Newsletter Assignments

Hello SOSister's

It's that time again! I have put forth a few assignments, with dates I need them back, so they will go into the up and coming SOS Oct/Nov Newsletter(s).

I have a few more for you...simple questions for the New Year (Jan 2009) issue, but I thought I give you a break and let you brew over these for a while.

Love ya all and please enjoy...

Due Sept 19^th (Friday) Halloween

Pick one and finish it off! Or make up your own ghoulish short story (and if you feel this is too much...then think of something to replace it with...if you must):

1) Tap. Tap. Tap. The sound came from inside the closet. Quietly, I crept toward the door ...

Or...

2) Everybody said the old Featherworth Castle was haunted ...

Due Sept 30^th (Tuesday) Thanksgiving/Christmas

1. Write a letter to God...

2. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

3. Give me anything you want, but it has to be something for the Thanksgiving Holiday or Fall Season—as this will be entered into the November Issue. Real or made up story, poems, recipes, etc....
   

Due Oct 17^th (Friday) Thanksgiving/Christmas

1. 2009 Goals (Sealed in an envelop and ready to give to me on the 15^th of Nov or beforehand—you can even email me them, I’ll print them off and put them in an envelop) These will be opened during the 2009 SOS Christmas Gathering.

2. You are 20 years in the future. Write a letter to your today self.

3. You are 20 years in the future…open a letter you wrote yourself 20 years before…what does it say? (Reversed from above)

4. Give me anything you want, but it has to be something for the Christmas Holiday/Season. Story, Poem, Recipes, whatever you like—this will go into the Christmas Newsletter.

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (aka Kathryn Katz) (UN: KKatz/KFrank at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Readers rally to injured blogger mom - TODAY: People - MSNBC.com

Readers rally to injured blogger mom - TODAY: People - MSNBC.com

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2 Little Steps to Less Stress - Healthy Living - Health.com

2 Little Steps to Less Stress - Healthy Living - Health.com

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FDA Finds Lead in Vitamins - thedailygreen.com

FDA Finds Lead in Vitamins - thedailygreen.com

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WHERE TO BUY AMERICAN GASOLINE - Wall Street Survivor

WHERE TO BUY AMERICAN GASOLINE - Wall Street Survivor

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Crosby Family Slates (Picture Only-No Text)

Choking Suburbs to Stop Global Warming - thedailygreen.com

Choking Suburbs to Stop Global Warming - thedailygreen.com

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How to Buy American Made Products | eHow.com

How to Buy American Made Products | eHow.com

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What You Need to Know About The Beef You Eat

What You Need to Know About The Beef You Eat

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Matilda Ledger\'s Guardian Angels - Goddess: celebrity moms - omg! on Yahoo

Matilda Ledger's Guardian Angels - Goddess: celebrity moms - omg! on Yahoo

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What You Must Know if You Find a Lump in Your Breast - Healthy Living - Health.com

What You Must Know if You Find a Lump in Your Breast - Healthy Living - Health.com

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2008 CROSBY FAMILY REUNION

The Crosby Family Reunion; look at the adorable faces of our Brothers, Sisters, Uncles, Aunts, Fathers, Mothers, Family, and Friends! If you missed the reunion, what a bummer, it was a blast! Dale and Helen came in from Texas, staying at Bunny's house. Kenny and Barb came in from up north, for the day, to spend time at the reunion. And a big surprise was having Lissa and Judy at the reunion this year; they followed Ron up from Florida. The whole gang, minus a dearly loved and missed Uncle Jim, were all in attendances.


The Psychedelic 60's was the happening place to be and our groovy family didn't let us down: Lisa, Sandy, Terri, John, Yvonne, Elaine, and Bunny all came dressed to the tee and Sandy won First Prize for her duds. Elaine in second and John bringin up the rear with 3rd.

The food fare was, without a doubt, the best we've had in past few years. Of course we had the usual (hot dogs and ham/cheeseburgers), but the pot luck dishes that arrived were plentiful and scrumptious! It was the first time, in years, where I went back for seconds because there was so many goodies. Great Job to everyone...this years spread was a hit.

Our 50/25/25 raffle was a success, with Jimmy winning the first drawing and Dena the runner-up. The house took the 50 cut and we were very happy with the outcome.

The auction was a HUGE winner of the day, bringing in enough to feed us all at Christmas and next years Family Reunion...with a little to spare! A special thanks to Holly for creating and bringing the 'Crosby' slates--as they were the hit at the auction. Jimmy and Patti, thank you for opening your home to us again and just dealing with the family as a whole. It is so nice to be out by the water and the weather held up for us, up until the end. But again, a little rain can't hurt us.


The next day, at Bunny's, the Brothers and Sisters gathered for a more intimate lunch. It was nice to finally sit down and have a chat with them all, as the Family Reunion is always so busy. Walt, of course, had us cracking up all day and by the end my sides were very sore. Laughter really is GREAT medicine.

I loved having Uncle Dale and Aunt Helen in for the weekend. We spent every night staying up late and talking. Throw in a few Mojito's and we had our own fun over the weekend. Uncle Dale was always cruisin' for a bruisin', but he managed to stay dear in my heart. Aunt Helen, you and I will be swapping so many recipes...I'm not sure I'll keep up. But it was a great weekend and I loved spending the time with them and was sad to see them go. It would've been great if Teri and Jacki could have made it up, but maybe we will just have to bring the party down to them!! At least the Crazy SOS Girls!!!

I realized that no matter how far everyone might be, or how long it has been since we have seen each other...We ARE Family and Time can leave us, but we still will always have each other.

© Copyright 2008 Kathryn Frank (aka Kathryn Katz) (UN: KKatz/KFrank at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Getting to the Bottom of Your Headaches: The Top Migraine Triggers - Chronic Pain - Health.com

Getting to the Bottom of Your Headaches: The Top Migraine Triggers - Chronic Pain - Health.com

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65 Ways To Simplify Your Life

65 Ways To Simplify Your Life

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Print 22 Live-Long Tricks

Print 22 Live-Long Tricks

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Walk Your Way to Better Health : RealSimple.com

Walk Your Way to Better Health : RealSimple.com

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Air Quality and Outdoor Exercise: Should You Worry? - Healthy Living - Health.com

Air Quality and Outdoor Exercise: Should You Worry? - Healthy Living - Health.com

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Buy Recycled Paper, Save a Bird - thedailygreen.com

Buy Recycled Paper, Save a Bird - thedailygreen.com

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Learn to let go... Sarah Jio

If the past is holding you back, use this advice to make peace and move on...

When something ends unexpectedly-relationship, a job-it's natural to crave an explanation, and with it, closure. I know this from experience: A few years ago, a very good friend cut me off completely. I was devastated, but worse, years later, I was still obsessing over whether I could have mended the rift. "Woman want to tie up loose ends because we have an irrational fear that letting something go means losing control," says Larina Kase, Psy.D., a life coach in Philadelphia. I tried Kase's tips to free me from thoughts about my ex-pal. Use this advice whenever you need to come to terms with uncertainty.

STEAL A PEARL OF WISDOM "Often we can't move on because we haven't yet learned what we're supposed to from a difficult situation," Kase says. After contemplating whether I'd actually gained some insight from my suffering, I realized I now have a clearer sense of what I need (support) and don't need (capriciousness) from my inner circle.

TAKE YOURSELF OUT OF IT Jot down all the reasons you should stop brooding, then circle the most convincing one, Kase suggests. The best argument on my list: "I need to invest this energy in people who are truly there for me." Repeat your statement to yourself if you start to stew.

DO A SLOW FADE When painful feelings inevitably arise, "think of the emotions as a song on the radio and turn the volume down low," Kase says. It's not about forcing the feelings away but acknowledging them, then shifting your focus to something more productive.

WRITE ON Express yourself on paper, then destroy the evidence. "You will send yourself the message that you've accepted the situation," Kays say. So I wrote a note telling my friend she'd hurt me. But before I shredded it, I realized I'd penned something shocking: "I forgive you." Knowing I had that capacity freed me, finally, to do just that.

Can she be anymore FULL of herself???!!!

Mariah Carey: "Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can't help but cry. I mean I'd love to be skinny like that but not with all those flies and death and stuff."

Dumbest Celebrity Quotes - Pictures - The Insider at The Insider

Dumbest Celebrity Quotes - Pictures - The Insider at The Insider

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Phthalates, Lead to Be Banned in Toys and Children\'s Products - thedailygreen.com

Phthalates, Lead to Be Banned in Toys and Children's Products - thedailygreen.com

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Detroit 3 face huge gap in fuel economy | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Detroit 3 face huge gap in fuel economy | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

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Ford shuffles Mercury brand

Ford shuffles Mercury brand

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Adam Bender | Heraldleaderphoto.com

Adam Bender | Heraldleaderphoto.com

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Safe Fruits And Vegetables- Produce Lower in Pesticides - thedailygreen.com

Safe Fruits And Vegetables- Produce Lower in Pesticides - thedailygreen.com

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Halloween ALREADY!!!

I've just had the most disturbing sight today walking into my local Michael's Craft store and Walgreen's!!! They already had FALL/Halloween decorations up on the shelves!!!!

It's July...maybe the end, but still the middle of summer. There is no reason to push the limit anymore...they have reached it!

Grant you I'm all for the Fall/Halloween season, it is my favorite time of year, but really this is ridiculous. I'm just getting myself all toasty and warm. Enjoying a few weekend getaways, working on my fake bake, and shedding a few of the pounds I acquired since last Fall/Winter.

I'm not going to complain, but gosh...can we get anymore crazy with rollin' out the holiday sooooo soon!

My 2cent!

10 Astonishing Landscapes - ForbesTraveler.com

10 Astonishing Landscapes - ForbesTraveler.com

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Viewer\'s Guide: Aug. 1 Solar Eclipse - Yahoo! News

Viewer's Guide: Aug. 1 Solar Eclipse - Yahoo! News

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Red yeast rice, fish oil fight high cholesterol on Yahoo! Health

Red yeast rice, fish oil fight high cholesterol on Yahoo! Health

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Great Spangled Fritillary Photo - Butterfly Photo - thedailygreen.com

Great Spangled Fritillary Photo - Butterfly Photo - thedailygreen.com

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Top 10 Weird Uses for Vodka - Save Money and Reduce Chemicals with Alcohol - thedailygreen.com

Top 10 Weird Uses for Vodka - Save Money and Reduce Chemicals with Alcohol - thedailygreen.com

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Superfoods - Recipes for Healthy Foods - thedailygreen.com

Superfoods - Recipes for Healthy Foods - thedailygreen.com

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Air Fresheners and Dryer Sheets May Make You Sick - VOCs - thedailygreen.com

Air Fresheners and Dryer Sheets May Make You Sick - VOCs - thedailygreen.com

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Oh Boy...IT'S A GIRL....

Retraction: Seem my Sunny Boy is a Sunny GIRL. So I think I'm gonna name her Bella Mia 'ShineShine' which is close to "My Beautiful SunShine!" Go figure...the BIG Boy...is My BIG Girl.

Me and SunnyBoy...

Well I’m writing this with my new ‘Feathered Friend’, a cute lutino Cockatiel, sitting on my shoulder. I’ve had him just over 24 hours and he is a very friendly bird. I’ve named him Sunny Boy, Sunny for Short, as he came with no name.

I don’t know much about his past life, but he must have had some loving parent at one time, because he not very shy or skittish around me. He’s not ready to get on my finger just yet, but he will fly somewhere, allow me to pick him up, and then he wants to be on my shoulder. He wanted to be on my shoulder so bad, he flew from the top of his cage to my bed, just because he couldn’t stand seeing me lying down. Ha Ha Guess if I can’t pick him up yet, I just need to ignore him and he will come flying like some bat out of ‘H E Double Hockey Sticks’ straight for me. That’s pretty good for just 24 hours.

I’ve wanted a bird for a bit, but the real bug didn’t come until a few weeks ago when I saw this traditional cockatiel in the pet store. He whistled, I whistled, and he mimicked me back—this went on for a bit and I was hooked. I feel in love, but I waited too long and I didn’t get him. So, my mission began. I wanted a bird and I need to do a little searching. I overheard one of the cashiers talk about her bird and how she got it from a rescue center. A kernel was planted and I was online that night looking for my feathery friend.

Now, I have to say it wasn’t as easy as I thought! You would think typing in the search field for ‘Michigan Bird Rescue’ there would have come up with at least 1 entry, but I was getting really off the wall links. I finally found a huge rescue center in Maryland. I email the gentlemen there and he recommended I call Mary at Aviary Rescue in Waterford, Michigan. I contacted her, went over to her house, and viewed four birds. Sunny was the fourth bird I saw that day, but he wasn’t my first choice. I really liked the little female Cinnamon Pearl, but decided to think about it more.

There was some hesitation on getting a bird, especially with an unknown history, but after a few weeks of searching breeders…my internal heartbeat was telling me I needed to rescue a bird. I’ve been trying to do some volunteering work and it just made more sense for me to adopt. Mary was great and informed me that I could foster and see how I and my feathered friend got along. Bright light went on…and that sounded like the perfect plan. I could help a bird and hopefully we would get along and I could adopt him later.

Less than 24 hours and he’s shown that he’s a little lover boy…or I’m hoping he’s a boy, since I’ve named him Sunnyboy. Of course Sunny can be for a boy or girl, but if I had waited a bit, Romeo would have been the perfect name. Either way, my first real experience with the feathered kind is great.

Mojito Dance

Summer, summer, summer time fun!

Let me start off by saying I had the most wonderful Summer-Time drink this past weekend—‘Mojito’s.!’ The cool, crisp scent of mint, the sweet/tart limes, and a bit of sugar, topped off with rum and club soda really hit the best spot!

What a cool and refreshing drink these are, but believe me when I say you can get so wrapped up in the freshness of these drinks that it will sneak up on you and take a bite. Make sure you prepare for a stationary place or sober person to drive you while dancing the Mojito! They absolutely go down smooth and are the right touch of goodness to put a smile on your face.

I researched a few recipes and I’ve included one on this posting, but if anyone has a different one, please pass it along. I’m also very curious about the new pre-mixed varieties: Bacardi’s Mojito ready-made and Smirnoff Vodka Mojito’s (ready-made). I did not use vodka in my recipe, simply Bacardi Rum, but I’m curious in seeing how the ready-made varieties stand up to the recipe.

Personally, I think the joy of muddling the mint, lime, and sugar is much more fun. And after the second drink you start to feel the rhythm and dancing the Mojito hip sway…caution as you might throw a joint out of place.

Bacardi Rum Mojito’s (need muddle or wooden spoon is fine)

In large tumbler glass-

6 to 12 fresh mint leaves (6 large are fine)

½ lime (quartered)

½ shot glass of sugar

Muddle with muddler or wooden spoon to crush mint and lime up

Once you have that done, then add 1 shot of Bacardi Clear/Light Rum and 3 Shots of Club Soda (you can use just carbon water if you don’t want the extra sweetness and you can increase you Rum content to desired level, but 1 to 3 parts seems to be the ideal combo).

Stir all together, add ice, and garnish with mint and slice of lime…or in my case, skip the garnish and just drink.

Mojito Hip Sway soon to follow.

Enjoy and let me know how you like them.

Cheers~

The 2008 CROSBY 60’s Theme Family Reunion

Can You Dig It!

Saturday, August 9^th 12:00pm

Check out the Scene, it’ll be happenin’!

The Pad:

3858 Lakeshore Drive

Newport, MI 48166

The Digits:

734-289-2992

Pig out at Bill’s Smokin' Shack, featuring the Gutt Waddin' Burger and Dogs. Chow time starts at 3pm. ~ Don’t Bogart the fixins' man, bring your chow to share with the groupies.

All you Flower Children, come tied dyed, barefoot and the bras ready to burn...it'll be groovy.

Bring your homemade goods and worthy duds for the auction. It’s sure to be a blast. And don’t forget to grab some bread as the 50/50 raffle will be trip’.

Make Love, NOT War, PEACE!

First Day of Summer 2008...

Today is the first day of Summer and what a beautiful way to start the season off. The sun is shining, with a warm whiffing breeze that just reminds me of lazy days soaking up the rays (with SPF applications, of course) and sitting pool side with a Margarita drink in one hand and a good book in the other. “Oh pool boy, could you rub this sunscreen on my thigh…hehehe” Oh, a girl can dream.

So, before you head out on your summer vacation or if you’re just hitting the nearest lake/beach, check out the list of Hot Summer Reads:

• A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose (Oprah’s Book Club) by Eckhart Tolle (Self-Help) **
• Sunday at Tiffany’s by James Patterson (Romance)
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (Dog/Pet Lover’s)
• Good In Bed by Lauren Weisberg (Chick Lit) **
• Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger (Chick Lit)
• The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston (Real Mystery/Murder)
• Twilight (Book 1) by Stephanie Meyer (Adult Fit/Lit Vampires) **
• New Moon (Book 2) by Stephanie Meyer (SAB) **
• Eclipse (Book 3) by Stephanie Meyer (SAB) **
• Breaking Dawn (Book 4) by Stephanie Meyer (SAB)
• The Host: A Novel by Stephanie Meyer (New Fiction)
• The Beach House by Jane Green (Fic/Finding Your Way) *Getting

**I have read and I recommend the book with the ** at the end for your summer reads. For more details and summary of the stories, check them out at Amazon.com. If you have any that you want to tell us about, please reply to this blog or email me your list.

So, get out there and have some fun, enjoy a peaceful day in the sun reading something new and out of your norm, and tell us all about it.

Now I’m out of here…off to play in the Warm Summery Day! Ciao Bella~

Change

by Kathryn Frank

You never know when your time on earth will be up. You can be the healthiest person, and then wham, you are floating towards the bright light. I don’t want this to be the doom and gloom wake up call for anyone, but I have to make a little noise. Rattle some cages. Make you think about, even if that’s all you do.

I am looking at my life so differently of late, knowing that I have neglected and abused my mind, body, and soul for way too long. Why? Because I thought I had the right? Because I think I’m too young for anything to happen to me? NO Way, not anymore!

I guess the real reason why I haven’t thought about it much was because I just thought I have plenty of time. But how wrong I have been! I’ve fought through depression for the majority of my life. Not to the point of having to use medications for it, but enough to know that it has stopped me dead in my tracks and choked the life from me at times. I don’t want to give my body anymore reasons to rebuke and tell me how unhappy it is with me.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can begin to change things, a little at a time that will benefit and prolong your life. It’s a mental game. You have to use ‘Positive’ words and thoughts to move yourself in the right directions. You have to tell yourself over and over these positive thoughts until you know longer have repeat them; they become so ingrained that it just becomes natural for you to act on them.

Positive draws positive and negative draws negative. And EXERCISE…the biggest action you can do to improve your life, is just another thing that will help promote Positive in your life. You don’t have to spend hours upon hours exercising, but you do have to make the conscience effort to achieve it.

Did you know that with just 30 minutes a day of heart-pumping exercise, the kind that makes you sweat, will improve so many things in your life? Right now, today, if you started, within 1 week you will feel and see a difference.

Isn’t 30 minutes a small amount of time to make your body, mind, and soul stronger! If you think you don’t have the time—think again. It’s your life, but how’s the quality of your life now? What will it be like in 5 years? 10 years? Want to improve it? Find something that makes you fight—like seeing your children grow into adults or your grandchildren go to college. There are not guarantees with anything in life, but you do have a choice, right here, right now, on how you live it.

Here are just a few benefits for exercising and what it will do for your mind, body, and soul:

1. Makes strong bones and muscles.
2. Burns calories and increases Metabolisms
3. Helps you sleep better
4. Increases your Energy level
5. Improves Mood; prevents mental illnesses and depression when endorphins are released into your brain and body.
6. Reduces the risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and colon cancer.
7. Give you better Focus so you can improve your life.
8. Improves Sex Life

With just 30 minutes a day your can make your life better now and cure almost every physical, mental, and emotional disease you have. I’m making the commitment to make my life better, starting today, how about you?

Where the heck...

Hello there-

It has been a while. After months of working to the bone on what you might call a 'live or die' type of project...I've finally landed back on solid ground. Now mind you that it really wasn't brain surgery we were doing, but they sure do make it feel that way. The intense drama that was at hand, you'd think that we went barreling into the skull, with no pain killers, to do vital damage. But now it is pass me and I'm back in full throttle mode.

The weather in the Northeast is turning for the good, which I can tell you after months of hibernation and vats of fat on my midsection, I'm very happy to see. What's not to like about stripping myself of the layer after layer of clothing to see my largely transformed body after months of eating and sleeping! It just inspires me to get out and run each morning and I have a million dollar island for sale in the South Pacific you would believe that one. (ahhaa) Really, in all sincerity, I'm so happy to just be able to open the windows and air the house out. It's a wonderful time! Go out and enjoy the weather.

I won’t keep you too long this time, but wanted to say hi and to tell you I’m back. If you received the Newsletter, hope you enjoy it. If you did not, please let me know.

Ciao~