M.K. Clinton's Blog: M. K. Clinton's Barking from the Bayou, page 177
November 7, 2013
Fun Friday Trivia
Everyone seemed to enjoy the fun facts I featured a while back. I thought it would be fun to give you another dose of trivia to end the workweek. Some are silly, a few amazing, and all of them fairly useless. Unless you can work them into a conversation or win a trivia contest at your local watering hole. I hope you learn something interesting.
1.A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
2.Coca-Cola was originally green.
3.A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
4.Al Capone’s business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
5.Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
6.No words in the English language rhyme with month, orange, silver, or purple.
7.There are more chickens in the world than there are people.
8.A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
9.The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans.
10.111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
11.“I am.” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
12.Kermit the frog is left-handed.
13.There were no squirrels on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts until 1989.
14.Gilligan, of Gilligan’s Island had a first name that was only used once on the never-aired pilot show. His first name was Willie.
15.All of the clocks in the movie “Pulp Fiction” are stuck at 4:20.
16.If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
17.Those San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
18.The average person’s left hand does 56% of the typing.
19.Peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite.
20.An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.
Now, don’t you feel smarter? I was tempted to add some sarcastic remarks after some of these facts but I decided to let you make up your own. I still can’t resist saying that if a shark winks at you, they are obviously flirting and if you are going to commit a crime, bring a koala bear with you to confuse the police. I hope you have a great weekend and if you manage to weave some of these facts into a dinner conversation…way to be awesome!
**Recipe of the Day**
https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.key.12 via my sister-in-law, C. Bryant’s Facebook page
Butterfinger Pie
Ingredients
6 (2 1/8 oz.) Butterfinger candy cars ~ crushed
1 (8 oz.) Cream Cheese
1 (12oz.) Cool Whip
1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust
Directions
Mix the first three ingredients. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate until well chilled.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
Dental Hygiene for Your DOG
I know not everyone has a dog like my Basset Hound Bentley, he LOVES getting his teeth brushed. I can hold up his toothbrush and he runs to me excited for the brushing ritual. Most dogs are not big fans of having their teeth brushed, but it is a very important part of the grooming process. It not only keeps their breath fresh but it is vital to their health care.
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM PETFINDER.COM’S THE ADOPTED DOG BIBLE
The good news is that cavities are rare in dogs. The really bad news is that more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three have gum disease, and among dogs adopted from shelters and rescue groups the percentage is closer to one hundred.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is done under general anesthesia to give your vet free access to your dog’s mouth. Your vet, or her assistant, will remove tartar and plaque, and then polish your dog’s teeth. She will check for loose or damaged teeth, which may need to be removed or repaired, and for other signs of trouble. Different dogs need their teeth cleaned with varying frequencies, so be sure to talk to your vet about this.
Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth at Home
There’s more to doggy dental care than vet visits. Between professional cleanings, bacteria cluster along your dog’s gum line. The bacteria form plaque, which hardens into tartar (calculus) if it’s not removed.
Tartar irritates the gums, causing gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease characterized by abscesses, infections, and tooth and bone loss. To prevent or slow this destructive process, you need to brush your dog’s teeth.
Keep an eye out for signs of oral problems, including red, puffy gums; sudden or prolonged and copious drooling; swelling or lumps; ulcers and sores on the lips, gums, tongue, or other oral tissues; tenderness around the mouth; damaged teeth or tissues; inability to eat, or obvious discomfort when doing so; and foul breath. The sooner you catch a problem and bring it to your vet’s attention, the better for your dog and, probably, your wallet.
In addition to a good dental care regimen, you can help keep your dog’s mouth and teeth healthy by feeding him high-quality food, and by providing him with safe chew toys that help clean his teeth and gums.
The more you can do to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth between veterinary visits, the less frequently your dog will need to undergo a veterinary dental treatment. Since the procedure involves anesthesia — which is never without some risk — and can be costly, it’s in your and your dog’s best interests to follow a regular dental health regime at home.
1.A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
2.Coca-Cola was originally green.
3.A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
4.Al Capone’s business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
5.Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
6.No words in the English language rhyme with month, orange, silver, or purple.
7.There are more chickens in the world than there are people.8.A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
9.The fingerprints of koala bears are virtually indistinguishable from those of humans.
10.111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
11.“I am.” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
12.Kermit the frog is left-handed.
13.There were no squirrels on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts until 1989.
14.Gilligan, of Gilligan’s Island had a first name that was only used once on the never-aired pilot show. His first name was Willie.
15.All of the clocks in the movie “Pulp Fiction” are stuck at 4:20.
16.If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
17.Those San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
18.The average person’s left hand does 56% of the typing.
19.Peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite.
20.An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.
Now, don’t you feel smarter? I was tempted to add some sarcastic remarks after some of these facts but I decided to let you make up your own. I still can’t resist saying that if a shark winks at you, they are obviously flirting and if you are going to commit a crime, bring a koala bear with you to confuse the police. I hope you have a great weekend and if you manage to weave some of these facts into a dinner conversation…way to be awesome!
**Recipe of the Day**
https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.key.12 via my sister-in-law, C. Bryant’s Facebook page
Butterfinger Pie
Ingredients
6 (2 1/8 oz.) Butterfinger candy cars ~ crushed
1 (8 oz.) Cream Cheese1 (12oz.) Cool Whip
1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust
Directions
Mix the first three ingredients. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate until well chilled.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
Dental Hygiene for Your DOG
I know not everyone has a dog like my Basset Hound Bentley, he LOVES getting his teeth brushed. I can hold up his toothbrush and he runs to me excited for the brushing ritual. Most dogs are not big fans of having their teeth brushed, but it is a very important part of the grooming process. It not only keeps their breath fresh but it is vital to their health care.THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM PETFINDER.COM’S THE ADOPTED DOG BIBLE
The good news is that cavities are rare in dogs. The really bad news is that more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three have gum disease, and among dogs adopted from shelters and rescue groups the percentage is closer to one hundred.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is done under general anesthesia to give your vet free access to your dog’s mouth. Your vet, or her assistant, will remove tartar and plaque, and then polish your dog’s teeth. She will check for loose or damaged teeth, which may need to be removed or repaired, and for other signs of trouble. Different dogs need their teeth cleaned with varying frequencies, so be sure to talk to your vet about this.
Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth at Home
There’s more to doggy dental care than vet visits. Between professional cleanings, bacteria cluster along your dog’s gum line. The bacteria form plaque, which hardens into tartar (calculus) if it’s not removed.
Tartar irritates the gums, causing gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease characterized by abscesses, infections, and tooth and bone loss. To prevent or slow this destructive process, you need to brush your dog’s teeth.
Keep an eye out for signs of oral problems, including red, puffy gums; sudden or prolonged and copious drooling; swelling or lumps; ulcers and sores on the lips, gums, tongue, or other oral tissues; tenderness around the mouth; damaged teeth or tissues; inability to eat, or obvious discomfort when doing so; and foul breath. The sooner you catch a problem and bring it to your vet’s attention, the better for your dog and, probably, your wallet.
In addition to a good dental care regimen, you can help keep your dog’s mouth and teeth healthy by feeding him high-quality food, and by providing him with safe chew toys that help clean his teeth and gums.
The more you can do to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth between veterinary visits, the less frequently your dog will need to undergo a veterinary dental treatment. Since the procedure involves anesthesia — which is never without some risk — and can be costly, it’s in your and your dog’s best interests to follow a regular dental health regime at home.
November 5, 2013
Showstoppers
Showstoppers, the second book in my series of The Returns is set to debut in a few days. It is the continuing story of four men who were killed before their time. They are ‘returned’ to Earth in the bodies of dogs. The dogs are not reincarnated per say, the men maintain their human abilities and personalities. They drink coffee, eat junk food, and solve crimes with the help of an FBI Agent and their rookie Guardian Angel. It’s a story that asks you to let your imagination take you for a fun ride. I think the majority of pet lovers give their dogs and cats our human attributes. Most people speak for their pets in various situations, saying what they feel the animal is saying. I just take mine a little further up the human ladder. In the new book, the gang goes undercover at a dog show to catch the villains who are stealing the top dogs. I hope my readers enjoy this storyline as much as I did writing about it.
When I began writing, I certainly didn’t set out to become the next Shakespeare. (Not a worry) I just wanted to make people smile and forget some of their troubles for a while. Besides, Shakespeare doesn’t make me laugh and I love a book that tickles my funny bone. I also wasn’t going out of my way to pen a book without profanity or sex. These characters just don’t have the personalities that would do either. In a world where many books are inundated with graphic sex scenes and harsh language, I wondered if people would accept a feel-good family story. Luckily, I’ve had some wonderfully positive reviews from readers. I am certainly not condemning or demeaning any books that contain sex or profanity. I’ll admit to having more than my share of them and thoroughly enjoy them. I tried my hand at writing that type of book but it just didn’t work for me. It felt awkward and I kept thinking, “What will my mom think when she reads this?” I still cringe to think of her opening some of the titles on my Kindle. I will just stick to the excuse “It’s for research.” That’s sound convincing...doesn’t it?
The animal characters in The Returns books are based on my own pets. Many have sadly passed away but it is fun to be able to bring them back to life so I can enjoy and play with them once again. All of the characters from The Returns are back and just as silly as ever! You'll also meet a redneck Australian Shepherd, two mixed breed New Yorkers, and a beautiful female German Shepherd. I think you'll fall in love with them as well.
Both books, The Returns and Showstoppers are simple funny fictional stories promoting the value of friendship, treating everyone with kindness, accepting our differences, and loving one another. I am not making any political statements nor am I trying to convince readers about any religious beliefs. My purpose in writing these two books is to entertain, make you laugh, cry just a couple of tears, and forget about all of the daily worries in our world. My intention is not to change the world, only to make you smile and share a few laughs while the gang goes about the business of solving crimes. If I can accomplish that, then I have done what I set out to do.
I am supposed to have a target audience in mind when I write. While I don’t have a specific age group, my books are aimed at anyone from 12 to 112 years old with a great imagination, sense of humor, and a love for dogs or cats. So get ready to welcome The Returns 2 – Showstoppers!! Book cover and release date coming tomorrow!
**Recipe of the Day**
Sweet Potato Pie
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/
Ingredients
50 NILLA Wafers, divided
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted, divided
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1-1/4 lb. cooked sweet potatoes (about 2), peeled, mashed
1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup dark corn syrup
2 eggs
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
Directions
HEAT oven to 325°F.
CRUSH 40 wafers to form fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.
Add 1/4 cup butter and 2 Tbsp. sugar; mix well.
Press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate.
Coarsely crush remaining wafers; mix with remaining butter. Reserve for later use.
BEAT all remaining ingredients except marshmallows with mixer until well blended; pour into crust.
BAKE 50 to 55 min. or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Top with crumb mixture and marshmallows; bake 5 min. or until marshmallows are puffed.
Cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Substitute
Prepare using 1 can (40 oz.) sweet potatoes, drained and mashed.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
Here's an easy way to make your own. For each 1 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice needed, just combine 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, 1/8 tsp. ground allspice and 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
I am usually skeptical of pet products claiming to do miraculous things. While waiting in the vet’s office one day, we watched a video on the tiny television of an infomercial on the FURminator. A hair remover resembles a small brush and claims to reduce shedding up to 90%. As the owners of a Golden Retriever and a Basset Hound, both heavy shedders, we shook our heads and laughed. We continued to watch as the actor brushed tons of hair from the dog (Golden Retriever) on the tiny screen. By the time the vet called us back to the exam room, we were intrigued at the prospect of the miracle FURminator. When we checked out, I took the plunge and forked over $35 for the gizmo. When we got home, I took the dogs outdoors with a plastic bag and began to brush their coats. WOW!! Not only did it do exactly what it claimed, the boys didn’t seem to mind the grooming at all. I use my FURminator on Bentley the Basset every day and it really has cut down on his shedding. If you have a dog that is making your house a hair haven, I strongly urge you to invest in one of these grooming aids. The product comes in a variety of sizes and is available for cats too. It is an investment that I am thrilled I made and I give the FURminator FIVE STARS!!! Here is the website so you can check it out: http://www.furminator.com/
When I began writing, I certainly didn’t set out to become the next Shakespeare. (Not a worry) I just wanted to make people smile and forget some of their troubles for a while. Besides, Shakespeare doesn’t make me laugh and I love a book that tickles my funny bone. I also wasn’t going out of my way to pen a book without profanity or sex. These characters just don’t have the personalities that would do either. In a world where many books are inundated with graphic sex scenes and harsh language, I wondered if people would accept a feel-good family story. Luckily, I’ve had some wonderfully positive reviews from readers. I am certainly not condemning or demeaning any books that contain sex or profanity. I’ll admit to having more than my share of them and thoroughly enjoy them. I tried my hand at writing that type of book but it just didn’t work for me. It felt awkward and I kept thinking, “What will my mom think when she reads this?” I still cringe to think of her opening some of the titles on my Kindle. I will just stick to the excuse “It’s for research.” That’s sound convincing...doesn’t it?
The animal characters in The Returns books are based on my own pets. Many have sadly passed away but it is fun to be able to bring them back to life so I can enjoy and play with them once again. All of the characters from The Returns are back and just as silly as ever! You'll also meet a redneck Australian Shepherd, two mixed breed New Yorkers, and a beautiful female German Shepherd. I think you'll fall in love with them as well.
Both books, The Returns and Showstoppers are simple funny fictional stories promoting the value of friendship, treating everyone with kindness, accepting our differences, and loving one another. I am not making any political statements nor am I trying to convince readers about any religious beliefs. My purpose in writing these two books is to entertain, make you laugh, cry just a couple of tears, and forget about all of the daily worries in our world. My intention is not to change the world, only to make you smile and share a few laughs while the gang goes about the business of solving crimes. If I can accomplish that, then I have done what I set out to do.
I am supposed to have a target audience in mind when I write. While I don’t have a specific age group, my books are aimed at anyone from 12 to 112 years old with a great imagination, sense of humor, and a love for dogs or cats. So get ready to welcome The Returns 2 – Showstoppers!! Book cover and release date coming tomorrow!
**Recipe of the Day**
Sweet Potato Pie
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/
Ingredients
50 NILLA Wafers, divided
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted, divided
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1-1/4 lb. cooked sweet potatoes (about 2), peeled, mashed1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup dark corn syrup
2 eggs
1 tsp. Pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
Directions
HEAT oven to 325°F.
CRUSH 40 wafers to form fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.
Add 1/4 cup butter and 2 Tbsp. sugar; mix well.
Press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate.
Coarsely crush remaining wafers; mix with remaining butter. Reserve for later use.
BEAT all remaining ingredients except marshmallows with mixer until well blended; pour into crust.
BAKE 50 to 55 min. or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Top with crumb mixture and marshmallows; bake 5 min. or until marshmallows are puffed.
Cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Substitute
Prepare using 1 can (40 oz.) sweet potatoes, drained and mashed.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute
Here's an easy way to make your own. For each 1 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice needed, just combine 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, 1/8 tsp. ground allspice and 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
I am usually skeptical of pet products claiming to do miraculous things. While waiting in the vet’s office one day, we watched a video on the tiny television of an infomercial on the FURminator. A hair remover resembles a small brush and claims to reduce shedding up to 90%. As the owners of a Golden Retriever and a Basset Hound, both heavy shedders, we shook our heads and laughed. We continued to watch as the actor brushed tons of hair from the dog (Golden Retriever) on the tiny screen. By the time the vet called us back to the exam room, we were intrigued at the prospect of the miracle FURminator. When we checked out, I took the plunge and forked over $35 for the gizmo. When we got home, I took the dogs outdoors with a plastic bag and began to brush their coats. WOW!! Not only did it do exactly what it claimed, the boys didn’t seem to mind the grooming at all. I use my FURminator on Bentley the Basset every day and it really has cut down on his shedding. If you have a dog that is making your house a hair haven, I strongly urge you to invest in one of these grooming aids. The product comes in a variety of sizes and is available for cats too. It is an investment that I am thrilled I made and I give the FURminator FIVE STARS!!! Here is the website so you can check it out: http://www.furminator.com/
November 4, 2013
A Rainbow of Hope
I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I spent mine going back through my two books, The Returns and the soon to be released, The Returns 2 – Showstoppers. It is such a nerve-wracking time but also one filled with anxious anticipation and excitement. I will have a book cover reveal later this week. I love my new cover art for Showstoppers. The talented artist that designed it also designed a new cover for The Returns so they look like a series. I can hardly wait to show them off to everyone!
******************************************************************************************
Since it is the beginning of a new week, I try to give my readers something to laugh or think about. This week I decided to list some great inspirational quotes from one of my favorite books titled “A Rainbow of Hope” by Billy & Janice Hughey. I ordered it years ago from an educational fundraiser but found a link on Amazon for used copies. http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Hope-In... I’m sure you can still buy copies through other markets. If you enjoy these today, it would be worth checking your local bookstore for a copy. My personal copy has many of its pages marked for times when I just need some feel-good thoughts.
“What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” – George Eastman
“A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.” – Herb Caen
“Success comes before work only in the dictionary.” - Anonymous
“Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.” – Arnold H. Glasow
“Sympathy is your pain in my heart.” – Halford E. Luccock
“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” – Corrie ten Boom
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke
“When you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil.” - Max Lerner
“The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” – Heda Bejar
Those are just a few of the gems in this book and I will bring more for you to enjoy another day. I’ll leave you with this last prayer to start your week with a smile. There are many variations and I am not sure who receives credit for the original version so I’ll list it as Anonymous. Have a great week.
Dear Lord,
So far today, I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, complained, cursed, or even eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card. But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think that I will really need your help then. Amen
**Recipe of the Day**
Funfetti Cheesecake Pudding Cookies
http://therecipecritic.com/2013/08/fu...
Pinned from Pinterest ~ Author: Alyssa
Serves: 24 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
•1 cup unsalted butter, softened
•¾ cup brown sugar
•¼ cup granulated sugar
•3.4 oz package cheesecake pudding mix (vanilla will also work as a substitute)
•2 large eggs
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2¼ cups flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•½ teaspoon salt
•2 cups white chocolate chips
•½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
1.Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
2.In a large bowl mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and cheesecake pudding mix. Set aside.
3.In your mixer cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and mix together. Add your bowl of dry ingredients. Add rainbow sprinkles and mix together. Lastly add the white chocolate chips.
4.Scoop out the cookie dough into about 1 inch balls.
5.Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden. Let cool and enjoy!
***Pet Tip of the Day**
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/autumn-...
**Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas.
**Many people choose fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren't completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.
******************************************************************************************
Since it is the beginning of a new week, I try to give my readers something to laugh or think about. This week I decided to list some great inspirational quotes from one of my favorite books titled “A Rainbow of Hope” by Billy & Janice Hughey. I ordered it years ago from an educational fundraiser but found a link on Amazon for used copies. http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Hope-In... I’m sure you can still buy copies through other markets. If you enjoy these today, it would be worth checking your local bookstore for a copy. My personal copy has many of its pages marked for times when I just need some feel-good thoughts.
“What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” – George Eastman
“A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.” – Herb Caen
“Success comes before work only in the dictionary.” - Anonymous
“Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.” – Arnold H. Glasow
“Sympathy is your pain in my heart.” – Halford E. Luccock
“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” – Corrie ten Boom
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke
“When you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil.” - Max Lerner
“The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” – Heda Bejar
Those are just a few of the gems in this book and I will bring more for you to enjoy another day. I’ll leave you with this last prayer to start your week with a smile. There are many variations and I am not sure who receives credit for the original version so I’ll list it as Anonymous. Have a great week.
Dear Lord,
So far today, I am doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or self-indulgent. I have not whined, complained, cursed, or even eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card. But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think that I will really need your help then. Amen
**Recipe of the Day**
Funfetti Cheesecake Pudding Cookies
http://therecipecritic.com/2013/08/fu...
Pinned from Pinterest ~ Author: AlyssaServes: 24 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
•1 cup unsalted butter, softened
•¾ cup brown sugar
•¼ cup granulated sugar
•3.4 oz package cheesecake pudding mix (vanilla will also work as a substitute)
•2 large eggs
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2¼ cups flour
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•½ teaspoon salt
•2 cups white chocolate chips
•½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
1.Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
2.In a large bowl mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and cheesecake pudding mix. Set aside.
3.In your mixer cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and mix together. Add your bowl of dry ingredients. Add rainbow sprinkles and mix together. Lastly add the white chocolate chips.
4.Scoop out the cookie dough into about 1 inch balls.
5.Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden. Let cool and enjoy!
***Pet Tip of the Day**
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/autumn-...
**Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas.
**Many people choose fall as the time to change their car's engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren't completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants.
November 1, 2013
Pet Food Safety
I know there are two things we’ve been taught never to discuss…religion and politics. I try very hard to stay away from both subjects. However, in light of recent events I feel the need to discuss one of them. Politics. Now before you sigh and click off my page, please hear me out. There are many things our government does that makes me wonder what in the world they are thinking. I don’t pretend to have the answers to most of the problems facing our great nation. A current situation really is a no-brainer. The problem is pet food safety.
I must admit that I was shocked to realize the pet food manufacturers in the U.S. have no rules or regulations regarding cleanliness, food safety, or procedures in place to prevent contamination. At this time, the government does little to ensure the companies are trying to prevent food safety problems and only respond after an outbreak occurs. I’d say "after" is a little too late for the families grieving the loss of their beloved cat or dog. The most recent problem with the jerky treats (imported from China) has been going on for six years! The hesitation to act on the situation has resulted in the needless death of over 600 dogs.
The FDA has proposed rules that would require companies selling pet food or animal feed in the U.S. (including importers) to follow certain sanitation practices and establish food safety plans. The manufacturers would each have procedures in place to prevent their food from being contaminated. This ruling would also benefit human health and safety by preventing foodborne illnesses from pet food being transferred to them. People have become sick by handling contaminated pet food and animal feed.
This proposed ruling is called: Preventive Controls for Food for Animals. I am including a portion of an article from the FDA website below with a list of public meetings/hearings on the subject. A ruling is still several months away, in the meantime every time we feed our pets; we are putting our trust in an unregulated company when it comes to safety and cleanliness.
These regulations will cost the pet food/animal feed industry approximately $130 million yearly to comply. Since the pet food and animal feed is a multi-billion dollar industry, I think they should be able to afford the price. I am sure they will have their lobbyists out wining and dining our officials in an attempt to sway them against passing these regulations. Profit and the bottom line cannot be the influencing factor here! It is past time to hold these companies responsible for common sense safety and sanitation laws.
Please speak up for the voiceless animals! Write or contact the FDA at the site below. If you live near one of these public meetings, make plans to attend. We must take a stand on the health and safety of our pets. The death of any animal due to the careless contamination of their food is intolerable. Let your congress representative know you want the Preventative Controls for Food for Animals to become mandatory.
How to Contact/Information for FDA
*copied from the website: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/N...
The proposed rule for preventive controls for food for animals will publish in the Federal Register on October 29, 2013. Comments on this proposed rule are due by 120 days from the publication date.
The FDA will hold three public meetings on the Proposed Rule for Preventive Controls for Animal Food Facilities. The first meeting will be held on November 21, 2013 at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, MD. The second meeting will be on November 25, 2013 at the Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building in Chicago. The third meeting will be held on December 6 at the John E. Moss Federal Building in Sacramento, CA. For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegul....
**Recipe of the Day**
https://www.facebook.com/BigDaddysKit... via my sister-in-law C. Bryant’s page
Disappearing Fiesta Bread
Ingredients
½ cup Butter, melted
1 ½ cup Mexican Blend Cheese – Shredded
¼ cup Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded
10 – 12 oz. can Big Daddy’s Sweet/Sour Jalapenos – drained
1 Tblsp. Dried Cilantro
2 12-16 oz. refrigerated rolls – cut into quarters
Directions
In a large bowl, combine butter, cheeses, sweet/hot jalapenos, and cilantro; add biscuits and toss to coat. Transfer to an ungreased Bundt pan. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Invert on plate and serve warm.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
Make your voice be heard concerning the proposed ruling for the Preventive Controls for Food for Animals.
I must admit that I was shocked to realize the pet food manufacturers in the U.S. have no rules or regulations regarding cleanliness, food safety, or procedures in place to prevent contamination. At this time, the government does little to ensure the companies are trying to prevent food safety problems and only respond after an outbreak occurs. I’d say "after" is a little too late for the families grieving the loss of their beloved cat or dog. The most recent problem with the jerky treats (imported from China) has been going on for six years! The hesitation to act on the situation has resulted in the needless death of over 600 dogs.The FDA has proposed rules that would require companies selling pet food or animal feed in the U.S. (including importers) to follow certain sanitation practices and establish food safety plans. The manufacturers would each have procedures in place to prevent their food from being contaminated. This ruling would also benefit human health and safety by preventing foodborne illnesses from pet food being transferred to them. People have become sick by handling contaminated pet food and animal feed.
This proposed ruling is called: Preventive Controls for Food for Animals. I am including a portion of an article from the FDA website below with a list of public meetings/hearings on the subject. A ruling is still several months away, in the meantime every time we feed our pets; we are putting our trust in an unregulated company when it comes to safety and cleanliness.
These regulations will cost the pet food/animal feed industry approximately $130 million yearly to comply. Since the pet food and animal feed is a multi-billion dollar industry, I think they should be able to afford the price. I am sure they will have their lobbyists out wining and dining our officials in an attempt to sway them against passing these regulations. Profit and the bottom line cannot be the influencing factor here! It is past time to hold these companies responsible for common sense safety and sanitation laws.
Please speak up for the voiceless animals! Write or contact the FDA at the site below. If you live near one of these public meetings, make plans to attend. We must take a stand on the health and safety of our pets. The death of any animal due to the careless contamination of their food is intolerable. Let your congress representative know you want the Preventative Controls for Food for Animals to become mandatory.
How to Contact/Information for FDA
*copied from the website: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/N...
The proposed rule for preventive controls for food for animals will publish in the Federal Register on October 29, 2013. Comments on this proposed rule are due by 120 days from the publication date.
The FDA will hold three public meetings on the Proposed Rule for Preventive Controls for Animal Food Facilities. The first meeting will be held on November 21, 2013 at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, MD. The second meeting will be on November 25, 2013 at the Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building in Chicago. The third meeting will be held on December 6 at the John E. Moss Federal Building in Sacramento, CA. For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegul....
**Recipe of the Day**
https://www.facebook.com/BigDaddysKit... via my sister-in-law C. Bryant’s page
Disappearing Fiesta Bread
Ingredients½ cup Butter, melted
1 ½ cup Mexican Blend Cheese – Shredded
¼ cup Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded
10 – 12 oz. can Big Daddy’s Sweet/Sour Jalapenos – drained
1 Tblsp. Dried Cilantro
2 12-16 oz. refrigerated rolls – cut into quarters
Directions
In a large bowl, combine butter, cheeses, sweet/hot jalapenos, and cilantro; add biscuits and toss to coat. Transfer to an ungreased Bundt pan. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Invert on plate and serve warm.
**Pet Tip of the Day**
Make your voice be heard concerning the proposed ruling for the Preventive Controls for Food for Animals.
October 30, 2013
Are You Too Old For Trick or Treating?
The question that arises every year at Halloween is when is someone too old to go trick-or-treating? If it is a tween or older
person responsible for tagging along to make sure their younger siblings are safe, then I say it’s okay. They should be rewarded for having to pull guard duty. It’s a personal decision but here are some funny ways to help you make the call.
You may be too old to go Trick-or-Treating if...
10.You can’t go until you get your college paper done.
9. You stop by the bar for happy hour before you hit the neighborhoods.
8. You can remember back in the day when Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles costumes were first introduced.
7. You wish more houses gave out raisins because they keep you “regular.”
6. You have to get home early because you have work in the morning.
5. You drive from house to house.
4. The younger kids say, “Excuse me, Sir or Ma’am” when they walk past you.
3. Your hand cramps and you are winded carrying your pumpkin up to a house.
2. Everyone looks so much younger than you do except the homeowners.
1. Your water breaks and you go into labor.
Halloween is a wonderful night full of fun and excitement for children. Let’s face it, there comes a time when you are simply too old to go out begging door to door for candy handouts. The bottom line is if you ask yourself if you are too old to go, then you probably are. That’s the time to go to a party or help hand out candy at your own house. At least that way you can have the kind of candy that you like best! No matter what you decide to do this Halloween, have a great time, stay safe, and watch out for those little goblins roaming the streets!
**Recipe of the Day**
http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/
This recipe was pinned from Pinterest
person responsible for tagging along to make sure their younger siblings are safe, then I say it’s okay. They should be rewarded for having to pull guard duty. It’s a personal decision but here are some funny ways to help you make the call.You may be too old to go Trick-or-Treating if...
10.You can’t go until you get your college paper done.
9. You stop by the bar for happy hour before you hit the neighborhoods.
8. You can remember back in the day when Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles costumes were first introduced.
7. You wish more houses gave out raisins because they keep you “regular.”
6. You have to get home early because you have work in the morning.
5. You drive from house to house.
4. The younger kids say, “Excuse me, Sir or Ma’am” when they walk past you.
3. Your hand cramps and you are winded carrying your pumpkin up to a house.
2. Everyone looks so much younger than you do except the homeowners.
1. Your water breaks and you go into labor.
Halloween is a wonderful night full of fun and excitement for children. Let’s face it, there comes a time when you are simply too old to go out begging door to door for candy handouts. The bottom line is if you ask yourself if you are too old to go, then you probably are. That’s the time to go to a party or help hand out candy at your own house. At least that way you can have the kind of candy that you like best! No matter what you decide to do this Halloween, have a great time, stay safe, and watch out for those little goblins roaming the streets!
**Recipe of the Day**
http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/
This recipe was pinned from Pinterest
October 28, 2013
40 Websites for KDP Select Free Promo Days
One of the programs available when you publish your book through Amazon is KDP Select. This allows you to earn a higher percentage of your sales, receive payment when your book is “borrowed” or “loaned.” Every ninety days you can schedule up to five days to offer your book as a free download. I have mentioned before there are authors on both sides of the fence concerning the giveaway program. It has been a benefit to me by getting my first book, The Returns, into the hands of many readers I would have never reached. Every writer must research the different options and make the choice that is best for them. Today’s blog is aimed at those who have chosen KDP Select and are scheduling FREE days.
The first thing you want to do is go to your KDP account and click on the book you are scheduling. Go down to manage promotions and follow the on screen directions to input the days you’d like to have your free event. Make certain that your days don’t coincide with days that families gather such as the major holidays. People aren’t as likely to sit down at their computers to browse through lists of books on these days or on major shopping days.
I like to keep an Excel spreadsheet of my days by the hour so I can keep track of the peak downloading trends. I also list my rankings on Amazon’s Top 100 Free list. Don’t forget to list the various countries your title is available. In the past, Sunday afternoons have been the time of my heaviest traffic.
As soon as you have scheduled your days, you need to get the word out to as many outlets as possible. The earlier you submit, the better chance you have of being listed. If you have the money to spend on advertising, you can purchase space on most every website offering free books. However, if your budget is tight, don’t despair. There are still many sites willing to help authors by listing your book at no charge. Some require a certain number of reviews, a two-week notice, or have some other stipulations. Be sure you read and understand the instructions before submitting your listing. Most of the free sites will not guarantee that your book will be listed but you should still submit it to as many sites as possible. Keep a list of the sites where you sent the information and check to see if you made their list on your designated days.
** I’d like to offer credit for many of these sites to J. C. Mells, the wonderful author of the “Pierced” series and awesome blog http://www.jcmells.com/ . If you haven’t read her books or her blog, I highly recommend you do both!
All of the following websites were accepting submissions in August during my last free promotion. If any have changed their policies since then, I am not aware of it. Good luck!
Websites for KDP Promotional Listings
1. 100 Free Books @ http://onehundredfreebooks.com/
2. Addicted to eBooks @ http://addictedtoebooks.com/http://as...
3. Authors Marketing Club @ http://authormarketingclub.com/member...
4. Awesome Gang @ http://awesomegang.com/
5. Bargain eBook Hunter @ http://bargainebookhunter.com/
7. Book Goodies @ http://bookgoodies.com/
8. Digital Books Today @ http://digitalbooktoday.com/12-top-10...
9. eBook Deal of the Day @ http://ebookdealofday.com/
10.eBook Habit @ http://ebookshabit.com/
11.eBook Lister @ http://www.ebooklister.net/submit.php
12.e Reader Café @ http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/autho...
13.E Reader Eutopia @ http://www.ereaderutopia.com/index.ph...
14.E Reader Girl @ http://ereadergirl.com/
15.E Reader News Today @ http://ereadernewstoday.com/ent-free-...
16.E Reader Perks @ http://www.ereaderperks.com/authors/
17.E Reader Eutopia @ http://www.ereaderutopia.com
18.Free & Discounted Books @ http://freediscountedbooks.com/
19.Free Book Hub @ http://www.freebookshub.com/
20.Free Booksie @ http://freebooksy.com/editorial-submi...
21.Free Book Dude @ http://www.freebookdude.com/p/list-yo...
22.Free e Books Daily @ http://www.freeebooksdaily.com/p/contact.
23.Frugal Freebie @ http://www.frugal-freebies.com/
24.Great Books Great Deals @ http://www.greatbooksgreatdeals.com/
25.Hunt 4 Freebies @ http://hunt4freebies.com/
26.Indie Book Bargains @ http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/...
27.Indie Book Promo @ http://indiebookpromo.com/
28.Indie Book of the Day @ http://indiebookoftheday.com/authors/...
29.It’s Write Now @ http://www.itswritenow.com/submit-you...
30.Kindle Book Promos @ http://kindlebookpromos.luckycinda.com/
31.Kindle Book Review @ http://form.jotformpro.com/form/21078...
32.Kindle Books & Tips @ http://www.fkbooksandtips.com/
33.Mama Says Read @ http://www.mommasaysread.com/author-r...
34.More Than a Review @ http://www.morethanareview.com/
35.Orangeberry Tours @ http://blog.orangeberrypromo.com/2012...
36.Pixel of Ink @ http://www.pixelofink.com/
37.Snicklist @ http://snickslist.com
38.That Book Place @ http://www.thatbookplace.com/free-pro...
39.World Literary Café @ http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/
On the day of your giveaway, hit the following Facebook pages!
• eBooks Free
• Solid Series Facebook Page
• Only Romance Facebook page
• Ebooks of Horror Facebook page
• Share FREE eBooks
• GalleyCats New Books Page
• Free Today on Amazon
• Free books are Us Group
• Free Books for Kindle
• Ebook Deal of the Day US
• Ebook Deal of the Day UK
• Free Book Deal
• Free Kindle and Nook Books for Readers
• Kindle Korner
• Free Kindle Books & Tips
• Reading Kindle
• Indie Kindle
• Kindle Finds
• iAuthor
• Ereader1US
**Recipe of the Day**
Avocado Chicken Salad
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Health... via my sister-in-law C. Bryant’s Facebook page.
Ingredients
2 or 3 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Avocado
¼ chopped Onion
Juice of ½ Lime
2 Tbsp. Cilantro
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions
Cook chicken breast until done, let cool and then shred. Mix with all other ingredients.
Enjoy!
**Pet Tip of the Day**
http://topfoodpics.com/
Frosty Paws Frozen Treats for Dogs
Ingredients
32 oz. plain yogurt
1 mashed ripe banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
Blend until mixed well. Freeze in ice cube tray or egg carton lined with waxed paper.
The first thing you want to do is go to your KDP account and click on the book you are scheduling. Go down to manage promotions and follow the on screen directions to input the days you’d like to have your free event. Make certain that your days don’t coincide with days that families gather such as the major holidays. People aren’t as likely to sit down at their computers to browse through lists of books on these days or on major shopping days.
I like to keep an Excel spreadsheet of my days by the hour so I can keep track of the peak downloading trends. I also list my rankings on Amazon’s Top 100 Free list. Don’t forget to list the various countries your title is available. In the past, Sunday afternoons have been the time of my heaviest traffic.
As soon as you have scheduled your days, you need to get the word out to as many outlets as possible. The earlier you submit, the better chance you have of being listed. If you have the money to spend on advertising, you can purchase space on most every website offering free books. However, if your budget is tight, don’t despair. There are still many sites willing to help authors by listing your book at no charge. Some require a certain number of reviews, a two-week notice, or have some other stipulations. Be sure you read and understand the instructions before submitting your listing. Most of the free sites will not guarantee that your book will be listed but you should still submit it to as many sites as possible. Keep a list of the sites where you sent the information and check to see if you made their list on your designated days.
** I’d like to offer credit for many of these sites to J. C. Mells, the wonderful author of the “Pierced” series and awesome blog http://www.jcmells.com/ . If you haven’t read her books or her blog, I highly recommend you do both!
All of the following websites were accepting submissions in August during my last free promotion. If any have changed their policies since then, I am not aware of it. Good luck!
Websites for KDP Promotional Listings
1. 100 Free Books @ http://onehundredfreebooks.com/
2. Addicted to eBooks @ http://addictedtoebooks.com/http://as...
3. Authors Marketing Club @ http://authormarketingclub.com/member...
4. Awesome Gang @ http://awesomegang.com/
5. Bargain eBook Hunter @ http://bargainebookhunter.com/
7. Book Goodies @ http://bookgoodies.com/
8. Digital Books Today @ http://digitalbooktoday.com/12-top-10...
9. eBook Deal of the Day @ http://ebookdealofday.com/
10.eBook Habit @ http://ebookshabit.com/
11.eBook Lister @ http://www.ebooklister.net/submit.php
12.e Reader Café @ http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/autho...
13.E Reader Eutopia @ http://www.ereaderutopia.com/index.ph...
14.E Reader Girl @ http://ereadergirl.com/
15.E Reader News Today @ http://ereadernewstoday.com/ent-free-...
16.E Reader Perks @ http://www.ereaderperks.com/authors/
17.E Reader Eutopia @ http://www.ereaderutopia.com
18.Free & Discounted Books @ http://freediscountedbooks.com/
19.Free Book Hub @ http://www.freebookshub.com/
20.Free Booksie @ http://freebooksy.com/editorial-submi...
21.Free Book Dude @ http://www.freebookdude.com/p/list-yo...
22.Free e Books Daily @ http://www.freeebooksdaily.com/p/contact.
23.Frugal Freebie @ http://www.frugal-freebies.com/
24.Great Books Great Deals @ http://www.greatbooksgreatdeals.com/
25.Hunt 4 Freebies @ http://hunt4freebies.com/
26.Indie Book Bargains @ http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/...
27.Indie Book Promo @ http://indiebookpromo.com/
28.Indie Book of the Day @ http://indiebookoftheday.com/authors/...
29.It’s Write Now @ http://www.itswritenow.com/submit-you...
30.Kindle Book Promos @ http://kindlebookpromos.luckycinda.com/
31.Kindle Book Review @ http://form.jotformpro.com/form/21078...
32.Kindle Books & Tips @ http://www.fkbooksandtips.com/
33.Mama Says Read @ http://www.mommasaysread.com/author-r...
34.More Than a Review @ http://www.morethanareview.com/
35.Orangeberry Tours @ http://blog.orangeberrypromo.com/2012...
36.Pixel of Ink @ http://www.pixelofink.com/
37.Snicklist @ http://snickslist.com
38.That Book Place @ http://www.thatbookplace.com/free-pro...
39.World Literary Café @ http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/
On the day of your giveaway, hit the following Facebook pages!
• eBooks Free
• Solid Series Facebook Page
• Only Romance Facebook page
• Ebooks of Horror Facebook page
• Share FREE eBooks
• GalleyCats New Books Page
• Free Today on Amazon
• Free books are Us Group
• Free Books for Kindle
• Ebook Deal of the Day US
• Ebook Deal of the Day UK
• Free Book Deal
• Free Kindle and Nook Books for Readers
• Kindle Korner
• Free Kindle Books & Tips
• Reading Kindle
• Indie Kindle
• Kindle Finds
• iAuthor
• Ereader1US
**Recipe of the Day**
Avocado Chicken Salad
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Health... via my sister-in-law C. Bryant’s Facebook page.
Ingredients
2 or 3 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Avocado¼ chopped Onion
Juice of ½ Lime
2 Tbsp. Cilantro
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions
Cook chicken breast until done, let cool and then shred. Mix with all other ingredients.
Enjoy!
**Pet Tip of the Day**
http://topfoodpics.com/
Frosty Paws Frozen Treats for Dogs
Ingredients
32 oz. plain yogurt
1 mashed ripe banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
Blend until mixed well. Freeze in ice cube tray or egg carton lined with waxed paper.
October 26, 2013
Life's Lessons
Over the past week I have noticed quite a few people are blogging or tweeting about feeling depressed or angry. Researchers have labeled the emotions felt at this time of the year as SAD or “seasonal affective disorder.” Apparently, the shortened daylight hours are at the root of these feelings. I don’t suffer from the disorder; I just don’t like it getting dark at 5:30p.m. Of course, the stores pushing Christmas shopping a month before Halloween probably doesn’t help those that are financially stressed. The truth is that everyone has problems to deal with in their lives. No human is exempt from the pain of losing a loved one, being hurt by a friend, being let down by someone they trusted, experiencing failure, or suffering from an illness. It doesn’t matter what our status in life is, whether we are rich and famous or poor and anonymous. Life has a way of handing out joy and suffering on a fairly equal basis. Although, when it is our turn to suffer, it certainly feels like we are given more than our share of grief. The most important thing to remember when life is getting you down is that it will get better. There ARE people who care about you and want you to be okay. The ones that don't care about you are probably the toxic people you should expel from your life before they poison you. Sometimes it's the kindness and caring from strangers that can make all of the difference in someone’s life. Just remember to be nice to others because you have no idea of the struggles they are going through.I have collected these inspirational words of wisdom from various places over the years. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to locate or verify an author to credit most of the works although they have appeared on many sites.
Imagine
“Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank, its name is time. Every morning, it credits you 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off at a lost, whatever of this you failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow.” You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and health. The clock is running. Make the most of today.”
― Marc Levy, If Only It Were True
The Value of Time
To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute:
Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when you share it with someone special.
-Author Unknown
Ten Commandments for Worriers
I. Thou shalt not worry...for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
II. Thou shalt not be fearful...for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
III. Thou shalt not cross bridges before you come to them...for no one has ever succeeded in accomplishing this feat.
IV. Thou shalt face each problem as it comes...for you can only handle one problem at a time anyway.
V. Thou shalt not take problems to bed with you...for they make very poor bedfellows.
VI. Thou shalt not borrow other people's problems...for they can better care for them than you can.
VII. Thou shalt not try to re-live yesterday for good or ill...it is gone forever.
VIII. Thou shalt be a good listener...for only then do you hear ideas different from your own.
IX. Though shalt not become bogged down with frustration...for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity, which interferes with positive action.
X. Thou shall count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones...for many small ones add up to one big one.
-Author Unknown
Life’s Lessons
I've learned –
that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
I've learned-
that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned-
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned-
that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned-
that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned-
that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
I've learned-
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned-
that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned-
that you can keep going long after you can't.
I've learned-
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned-
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned-
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned-
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned-
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned-
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned-
that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.
I've learned-
that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, how people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't always biological.
I've learned-
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned-
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned-
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned-
that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned-
that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned-
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned-
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned-
that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned-
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned-
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned-
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned-
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned-
that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
-Author Unknown
**Recipe of the Day**
Georgia Pralines
http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desse...
Ingredients
• 1 cup Chopped Pecans • 1 cup Brown Sugar • 1/3 cups Whipping Cream • 1/4 cups Butter • 1 cup Powdered Sugar • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
Directions
Preheat oven to 350˚
Chop pecans and place on baking sheet or shallow pan.
Bake pecans for 8-10 minutes or until pecans are toasted and fragrant.
In a medium saucepan, bring brown sugar, whipping cream and butter to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for about 1 minute. Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Gently stir in toasted pecans allowing mixture to thicken and cool slightly.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Drop heaping spoonfuls of mixture onto paper and allow to harden/cool for at least 30 minutes.
Preparation time: 10 minutes * Cook Time: 20 minutes * Servings: 24
**Pet Tip of the Day**
http://www.helpguide.org/life/pets.htm
Pets Are Good For YouHow pets can affect mood and health
While most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend. It’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. Studies have found that:
• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
• People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.
• Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
• Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
• A pet doesn’t have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and pulse rate.
One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that most pets fulfill the basic human need to touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, holding, cuddling, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and some pets are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost mood.
How pets can help to make healthy lifestyle changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes can play an important role in easing symptoms of depression, stress, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety. Caring for a pet can help with those healthy lifestyle changes by:
• Increasing exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to involve boring repetition at a gym. Taking a dog for a walk, riding a horse, or simply chasing a kitten around are fun ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.
• Providing companionship. Isolation and loneliness can make disorders such as depression even worse. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems. Most pet owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.
• Helping meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.
• Reducing anxiety. The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world.
• Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. This could involve petting a cat or taking a dog for a walk.
Pets and older adults
The key to aging well is to effectively handle life’s major changes, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, and the physical changes of aging. Pets can play an important role in healthy aging by:
• Helping you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, you’ll lose things that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. You may retire from your career or your children may move far away. Caring for a pet can bring pleasure and help boost your morale and optimism. Taking care of an animal can also provide a sense of self-worth.
• Staying connected. Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older. Retirement, illness, death, and moves can take away close friends and family members. And making new friends can get harder. Dogs especially are a great way for seniors to spark up conversations and meet new people.
• Boosting vitality. You can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with aging by taking good care of yourself. Pets encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which can help boost your immune system and increase your energy.
Visit your local animal shelter to adopt your new best friend and improve both of your lives!!
October 24, 2013
Let's Cook Up Some Halloween Party Food
It’s almost time for your Halloween party! Your RSVPs are coming in, your decorations are piling up, waiting to transform your home into a House of Horrors, and you are itching to get into your costume. What’s left to do before the big night? The menu has to be planned, a grocery list written, and tons of food brought in to satisfy the masses. The best plan is to have more food than you think you will need. Nothing will cause an abrupt stop to a party quicker than running out of food or drinks. When we hosted parties, we always cooked a turkey and a ham for sandwiches. It’s easy to set up an area with condiments, rolls/bread, and the sliced meats. Of course, you’ll want to have plenty of chips, dips, nuts, and salty snacks. Desserts and sweets are a must but it’s Halloween so be sure you have the traditional Trick-or-Treat style candy set out. Remember, your guests will all be in costumes and their mobility may be limited so finger foods will be the easiest. You can revisit my blogs for the recipes for the Cajun Crackers from Sept. 26th and Candy Corn Poke Cake from Oct. 10th. The recipes I am listing below are easy to follow and quick to prepare. Remember the less stress is always best! I hope your party is a “spirited” affair!
Be sure to save the seeds from your pumpkins when you carve them, they are delicious roasted!
**Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds (Pull all the strings and goo off of them)
2 teaspoons melted butter (olive oil or vegetable oil work well)
~These Spices are added to your individual taste & may be omitted (I use a few shakes of each)
Salt
Garlic Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Seasoning Salt
Cajun Seasoning
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and seasonings of your choice.
Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on baking sheet.
Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
**Guacamole
Ingredients
3 Avocados (peeled, seeded & mashed)
1 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
1/8 tsp. Tabasco Sauce
1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
2 med. Tomatoes (peeled, seeded & chopped) *Hint: drop tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute then plunge in cold water for easy peeling.
Mix ingredients & serve chilled.
**Hot & Spicy Peanuts
Ingredients
2 tsp. Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Peanuts
2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning or Chili Powder
¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp. Garlic Salt
Directions
Heat oil; add peanuts, Cajun spice, and red pepper. Stir approx. 2 minutes or until peanuts are warm. Transfer immediately to paper towel to drain. Allow to cool and store in airtight container.
**Cowboy Caviar Dip
www.Tasty Kitchen.com
Ingredients
2 cans Mexicorn
1 can Ro*Tel (reg. or hot)
2 cups shredded cheddar
6 green onions (sliced)
1-Cup mayo
1 Cup Sour Cream
Mix well and serve chilled.
**Halloween Trash
Ingredients
16 oz. jar of Dry Roasted Peanuts
12 oz. Bag of Halloween colored M & M’s
21 oz. Bag of Candy Corn
Mix ingredients and enjoy!
**Pickapeppa Cream Cheese
Ingredients
1 5oz. Bottle Pickapeppa
1 8oz. Cream Cheese
Shake Pickapeppa and pour over cream cheese. Serve with crackers.
**Halloweenies
Ingredients
2 Pkg. Lil Smokies Sausages
2 Pkgs. Crescent Rolls (Cut into thin strips)
Sesame seeds
Directions
Wrap each sausage with crescent roll strip. Wrap in “Mummy” fashion. Bake according to crescent roll directions. When golden brown remove and add sesame seeds for eyes. (You can also use food coloring and a toothpick to make “dot” eyes)
Pet Tip for Your Halloween Party
It is best if you can kennel your pet during party time. A house full of strangers in costumes is going to upset your four-legged friends. If you don’t want to board them overnight, then put them in their own kennel or in the fenced back yard. Under no circumstances, allow them to roam among your guests. They risk being stepped on, accidentally escaping, and some guests may be allergic or not like animals. Not to mention all of the yummy treats that will tempt them. Your Halloween party is no place for your pet. They will thank you later.
Be sure to save the seeds from your pumpkins when you carve them, they are delicious roasted!
**Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds (Pull all the strings and goo off of them)
2 teaspoons melted butter (olive oil or vegetable oil work well)
~These Spices are added to your individual taste & may be omitted (I use a few shakes of each)
Salt
Garlic Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Seasoning Salt
Cajun Seasoning
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and seasonings of your choice.
Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on baking sheet.
Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
**Guacamole
Ingredients
3 Avocados (peeled, seeded & mashed)
1 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
1/8 tsp. Tabasco Sauce
1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
2 med. Tomatoes (peeled, seeded & chopped) *Hint: drop tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute then plunge in cold water for easy peeling.
Mix ingredients & serve chilled.
**Hot & Spicy Peanuts
Ingredients
2 tsp. Vegetable Oil
2 Cups Peanuts
2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning or Chili Powder
¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp. Garlic Salt
Directions
Heat oil; add peanuts, Cajun spice, and red pepper. Stir approx. 2 minutes or until peanuts are warm. Transfer immediately to paper towel to drain. Allow to cool and store in airtight container.
**Cowboy Caviar Dip
www.Tasty Kitchen.com
Ingredients
2 cans Mexicorn
1 can Ro*Tel (reg. or hot)
2 cups shredded cheddar
6 green onions (sliced)
1-Cup mayo
1 Cup Sour Cream
Mix well and serve chilled.
**Halloween Trash
Ingredients
16 oz. jar of Dry Roasted Peanuts
12 oz. Bag of Halloween colored M & M’s
21 oz. Bag of Candy Corn
Mix ingredients and enjoy!
**Pickapeppa Cream Cheese
Ingredients
1 5oz. Bottle Pickapeppa
1 8oz. Cream Cheese
Shake Pickapeppa and pour over cream cheese. Serve with crackers.
**Halloweenies
Ingredients
2 Pkg. Lil Smokies Sausages
2 Pkgs. Crescent Rolls (Cut into thin strips)
Sesame seeds
Directions
Wrap each sausage with crescent roll strip. Wrap in “Mummy” fashion. Bake according to crescent roll directions. When golden brown remove and add sesame seeds for eyes. (You can also use food coloring and a toothpick to make “dot” eyes)
Pet Tip for Your Halloween PartyIt is best if you can kennel your pet during party time. A house full of strangers in costumes is going to upset your four-legged friends. If you don’t want to board them overnight, then put them in their own kennel or in the fenced back yard. Under no circumstances, allow them to roam among your guests. They risk being stepped on, accidentally escaping, and some guests may be allergic or not like animals. Not to mention all of the yummy treats that will tempt them. Your Halloween party is no place for your pet. They will thank you later.
October 22, 2013
Social Media Button Madness
I know what you are thinking…WOW! Look at the new Social Media buttons M. K. has added to her blog! Okay, that’s probably not what you are thinking but if you had any idea how long it has taken me to figure out how to add them, you would at least notice them. Hahaha! As I have previously mentioned, my computer skills peaked at the time of the floppy disk. I am learning through trial and error, admittedly, there are more errors than successes. I am determined to build and maintain my blog without asking anyone (my kids) to come over and do something for me. It’s a matter of pride and the need to overcome my fear of technology. When I first decided to start a blog, I looked at all different kinds of blog pages. There are fancy, cutesy, high-tech, bookish, themed, and funny ones. The thing in common with almost every single one of them was the Social Media Icons. They all had them and they were really cool looking. Thus began my quest for the ultimate icon. If you haven’t ever looked into the vast collections, take it from me, the selection is staggering. You can choose from plain buttons to coffee cups and anything else you can imagine. I spent several days just perusing through my choices. I finally decided on a free set and followed the instructions to download them. Easy as pie, right? So it seemed until I couldn’t find where they downloaded. Yes, that’s right…I lost my free icons. Defeated, I gave up for the day.After a good night’s sleep and several cups of coffee, I was ready to go in search of my new elusive free icons. I found them and discovered they were in a zip file. Uh-oh! Well, I may be overcoming my fear of technology but I haven’t actually succeeded so no, I wasn’t doing a zip file yet. I just deleted that little booger and searched some more. This led me to good old Google “how to” with every combination of installing Social Media buttons/icons I could think of to learn. Some made the process sound simple so off I go on my search for another set of buttons. This process of going between button search and Google instructions went on for several weeks. I did have other things going on so it’s not like I actually devoted days on end to the task. I’m still getting everything pulled together for the launch of my second book “Showstoppers,” working to improve my blog, while trying to gain followers, as well as everyday life things.
Finally, I decided that this was the week. I was going to figure out how to replace my tiny generic icons. I found a person’s site and it looked promising. As usual, he started out reassuring me I could do this in a few easy steps. Three steps later, and he wanted me to start replacing codes. The part of my brain that should comprehend the knowledge began receiving “white noise.” The snarky part of my brain was saying something about all of the brain cells I so frivolously fried in my youth and how helpful they would be now. The logical part of my brain just told me to click off the page and go get more coffee. I’m a very logical person. After a couple of cups of coffee, I returned determined to win this battle. I can’t tell you what I did that was different from the hundreds of other times I typed “How to” in the search bar but the Google Gods smiled down on me. I discovered Pam’s DIY Design Fanatic Blog http://www.diydesignfanatic.com/2013/... and she had obviously experienced the same problems as I had. Bless her heart and I thank her so much! She posted a video from Emily at Blogoholic Designs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hI5.... Emily makes the process so simple it is amazing! I don’t know either of these women but I am forever in their debt! I wish that I had found them a month ago. If you are in a similar situation, I hope that this blog can help pay it forward! I’m sure that as with all new things, I will be changing these icons until I find the perfect ones but before you leave, go ahead, and click on one of my buttons, they really work!
**Recipe of the Day**
Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread
http://sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot...
***Makes 2 loaves***Ingredients
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 c. sugar
2 large eggs
3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
1 cup roughly chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in bananas, pecans, and vanilla. Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 8x4 inch loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan, shielding with aluminum foil last 15 minutes to prevent browning, if necessary. (I found that after one hour, my banana bread wasn't cooked completely through. I ended up baking it for an extra 10-15 minutes.) Cool bread in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool 30 minutes on wire racks before slicing.
Source: Southern Living magazine
Pet Health Tips
WARNING: BEWARE OF CHICKEN, DUCK, SWEET POTATO JERKY TREATS FROM CHINA
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/pet-jer...
Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in an ongoing, mysterious outbreak of illnesses tied to jerky treats made in China, federal animal health officials said Tuesday.
Most of the cases have been in dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes — although 10 cats have been sickened, too — after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. The pace of the reported illnesses appears to have slowed, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking extra help from veterinarians and pet owners in solving the ongoing puzzle. “To date, testing for contaminants in jerky treats has not revealed a cause for the illnesses,” Martine Hartogensis, a deputy director for the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, said in the new report. “Despite these warnings, we have continued to receive reports of illnesses in both cats and dogs.”
The new numbers are up from some 500 deaths and 3,200 illnesses tallied in January, but the rate of reports has fallen sharply since then, mostly because two of the largest sellers of pet jerky treats announced recalls tied to the presence of unapproved antibiotic residue detected in the products.
FDA officials don’t think that antibiotic residue is the big problem that has stumped the agency since 2007, when pet owners started reporting their animals were suffering gastrointestinal and kidney problems after eating the popular jerky treats. Instead, it’s likely that the recall of Nestle Purina PetCare Co.’s Waggin Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats, plus Del Monte Corp.’s Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats simply resulted in fewer treats being available. Three other smaller retailers also recalled the treats because of the problem.
In fact, FDA officials remain as uncertain as ever about the source of the problem that has led to reports of illnesses and warnings about the possibility of Fanconi syndrome and other kidney problems in animals that ate jerky treats. “We still are extensively testing treats for a number of things,” Hartogensis told NBC News. “We do seem to be getting some leads, but we still have a little bit of a ways to go.”
Kendal Harr, a veterinary clinical pathologist who has been tracking the problem, says that the specific compound responsible for the illnesses continues to elude experts.
"I think that what it tells us is that the intoxicant is something that we're not used to dealing with as a toxin in North America," she said.
Now, in an open letter to US veterinarians, FDA officials are asking the vets to track and send detailed information about any animals sickened by jerky treats, including results of blood and urine tests. In addition, the agency is asking vets to send urine samples from suspect pets for analysis.
“This testing will allow FDA to get a better idea of how many of the suspected cases involve Fanconi syndrome, whether or not the pets display symptoms of kidney or urinary disease,” the report said.
About 60 percent of reports cite gastrointestinal illness in the animals, and about 30 percent flag kidney or urinary troubles, the report said. About 135 cases of Fanconi syndrome, a specific kind of kidney disease, have been reported.
At the same time that they’re seeking help from vets, FDA officials are putting out a fact sheet for owners that can be posted at veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores and other sites.
The agency has repeatedly cautioned that the treats are not necessary for a balanced diet, but the warnings stop short of a recall, Hartogensis said. The agency is still validating tests to detect the same kind of antibiotic residue that New York officials found earlier this year.
“If we do find an adulterated product, we will recall them,” Hartogensis said. “In terms of doing a blanket recall, at this point we don’t have enough evidence to do a blanket recall within the authority that we have.”
Because there's no formal recall, it's not possible to list affected brands, although a previous FDA analysis indicated that three of the top-selling brands of jerky treats sold in the U.S. were mentioned in connection with pet illnesses.
That doesn't sit well with pet owners like Robin Pierre of Pine Bush, N.Y., who contends that Waggin' Train chicken jerky treats were responsible for the sudden death in 2011 of her previously healthy 2-year-old pug, Bella, who developed kidney failure. She has long called for FDA to crack down on treat makers — and manufacturers.
"I am disgusted that our government continues to protect corporate American and China," she told NBC News. "They need to start protecting the American consumer so that this does not happen again. As soon as a product is in doubt, a warning label should be placed at the point of sale so that consumers can make an educated choice."
If a pet does become ill after eating the treats, FDA is asking owners to provide detailed information — up to and including results of a necropsy to test an animal’s tissues after death.
In the meantime, officials are trying to reach pet owners who might still have treats on hand to make sure they know about the potential problems.
“Right now, the focus for us is to make the public aware that these cases are still coming in,” she said.
Pet owners can report problems with jerky treats at the FDA's consumer safety portal.
October 21, 2013
Truly Trivial Stuff
It’s the beginning of another week. You probably have a new pile of work on your desk, new projects to tackle, and new uninteresting knowledge to cram into your overcrowded brain. Wouldn’t it be great if someone gave you some fun useless knowledge to give your brain a chance to relax? Well, look no further! Just sit back, relax, and absorb a little truly trivial trivia.
Did you know…?
*People can be fined, arrested, or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog in Oklahoma.
*In Texas, it is illegal to put graffiti on someone else’s cow.
*Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
*Mark Twain was the firstperson to use typewriter when writing a published novel.
*It is impossible to lick your elbow.(If you tried this, you probably do not have an over abundance of zinc or copper in your hair.)
*The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
*Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil.
*Women invented bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers.
*Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots.
*The dial tone of a normal telephone and a housefly’s hum are both in the key of “F.”
*A pregnant goldfish is called a “twit.”
*40% of people at a party will look in the host's medicine cabinet.
*There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
*Maine is the only state that is just one syllable.
*Rubber bands last longer if they are refrigerated.
*Almonds are part of the peach family.
*A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways.
*The sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog,” uses every letter of the alphabet.
*The airplane Buddy Holly died in was “The American Pie.” (That’s the reason for the title of Don McLean’s hit song)
*A goldfish has a memory span of about 3 seconds.
Now, if you remember any of this longer than a goldfish does, congratulations! Of course, if you retain it long enough to win a million dollar random trivia contest, you’re welcome. One more thing before you get back to work…October 21, 2013 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day so I’ve included the recipe below.
**Recipe of the Day**
Pumpkin Cheesecake
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pa...
Ingredients
Crust: • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick melted salted butter
Filling:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
• 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For crust: In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
For filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.
Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Dog & Cat Trivia
*Adult cats have 30 teeth while adult dogs have 42.
*Cats can jump seven times their height.
*Almost every dog has a pink tongue except the Chow whose tongue is black.
*A cat has four rows of whiskers. They use them to determine if a space is too small to squeeze through. The whiskers act as feelers to help it judge the precise width of any passage.
*The dog on the Cracker Jacks box name is Bingo.
*Cats spend nearly 30% of their lives grooming.
*Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds while dogs have only around 10.
*A recent poll showed that 33% of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on an answering machine when they are away from home.
*The most popular name for a dog is "Max."
*Over 1 million dogs in the U.S. are left as the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.
*And the best reason of all to own a cat or dog is this...96% of ALL pet owners say their pet makes them smile every single day!
*Remember October is National Dog Adoption Month so visit a shelter near you.
Did you know…?
*People can be fined, arrested, or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog in Oklahoma.
*In Texas, it is illegal to put graffiti on someone else’s cow.*Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
*Mark Twain was the firstperson to use typewriter when writing a published novel.
*It is impossible to lick your elbow.(If you tried this, you probably do not have an over abundance of zinc or copper in your hair.)
*The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
*Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil.
*Women invented bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers.
*Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots.
*The dial tone of a normal telephone and a housefly’s hum are both in the key of “F.”
*A pregnant goldfish is called a “twit.”
*40% of people at a party will look in the host's medicine cabinet.
*There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
*Maine is the only state that is just one syllable.
*Rubber bands last longer if they are refrigerated.
*Almonds are part of the peach family.
*A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways.
*The sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog,” uses every letter of the alphabet.
*The airplane Buddy Holly died in was “The American Pie.” (That’s the reason for the title of Don McLean’s hit song)
*A goldfish has a memory span of about 3 seconds.
Now, if you remember any of this longer than a goldfish does, congratulations! Of course, if you retain it long enough to win a million dollar random trivia contest, you’re welcome. One more thing before you get back to work…October 21, 2013 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day so I’ve included the recipe below.
**Recipe of the Day** Pumpkin Cheesecake
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pa...
Ingredients
Crust: • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick melted salted butter
Filling:
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
• 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For crust: In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
For filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.
Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Dog & Cat Trivia
*Adult cats have 30 teeth while adult dogs have 42.
*Cats can jump seven times their height.
*Almost every dog has a pink tongue except the Chow whose tongue is black.
*A cat has four rows of whiskers. They use them to determine if a space is too small to squeeze through. The whiskers act as feelers to help it judge the precise width of any passage.
*The dog on the Cracker Jacks box name is Bingo.*Cats spend nearly 30% of their lives grooming.
*Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds while dogs have only around 10.
*A recent poll showed that 33% of dog owners admit that they talk to their dogs on the phone or leave messages on an answering machine when they are away from home.
*The most popular name for a dog is "Max."
*Over 1 million dogs in the U.S. are left as the primary beneficiary in their owner's will.
*And the best reason of all to own a cat or dog is this...96% of ALL pet owners say their pet makes them smile every single day!
*Remember October is National Dog Adoption Month so visit a shelter near you.
M. K. Clinton's Barking from the Bayou
Stories, health tips, homemade treats, rescues, and product reviews from the world of dogs!
- M.K. Clinton's profile
- 32 followers
