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Saturday, July 29, 2017

Sandwich Generation



As I get older my world seems to change. As a young mother, my children have all grown and left the nest. A few of them have returned for one reason or another and brought with them husbands, wives and children . We have been every present as my husbands mothers health went down and stayed by her side as she left this world for what I hope is a city of gold to see her heavenly father. Now my mother, is getting on in age and while she is still very much independent I worry about her lots. So , you may ask yourself why am I sharing all this here today?? Well, there may be many of you who relate to my story.

As we get older it seems more of us are becoming members of the "sandwich generation" We are the generation that will take care of both our parents and our children and if you are like me your grand-children. In fact, there are times that many tell me that my family reminds them of old t.v. shows where the entire family lived together. 

All of this can and often does become over whelming. There are things you can do. Start with a talk with your parents before the going gets hard. Discuss their wishes and how you can help. Living arrangements, financial resources, fears and concerns should all be discussed early on. It will not always be easy, will it be worth it?? I can say that I loved having the extra time with my mother in law and helping her in and through her final stage of life. It will not be easy and your story may be different than mine. 



About 1/2 of all adulst are currently providing some sort of financial support to their grown children. About 1/2 of those adults are also financially supporting their parents as well. Roughly about 1 in every 8 adults are taking care of both. This can make us feel good and often does but it is also very stressful. An estimated cost of $10,000 goes toward taking parents and grown children. There are thousands of volunteer jobs as well. Between running errands, dr. appointments, house cleaning chores, and more will make us feel tired as well. 

We are not superhuman. There are many that depend upon us but we must take care of ourselves or we will not be able to take care of anyone. Our husband, siblings, children, and other individuals are often willing to help. Our problem is that we often do not want to let go of controll. Many of us still have to work, take care of our family and then the additional chores that we have taken on. The goal must be to find some "me time" to have some time to relax, quiet time, time to chat on phone, spend time with your mate whatever makes you happy. 




How Do You Like Your Hotdog


How do you eat your hotdog?? There are several different ways to eat a hotdog. Here are a few ideas 



Special Day for Lasagna


National Lasagna Day in America falls on July 29th, Like many I love Lasagna So super yummy 





16 pieces (about 16 oz.) lasagna noodles, uncooked
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (about 28 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup water 16 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
2 teaspoons chopped oregano
2 teaspoons chopped basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

In large skillet, brown meat; drain.
Stir in spaghetti sauce and water; simmer 10 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Lay flat on foil to cool.
Heat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.
Spread about 1/3 cup meat sauce on bottom of 13 x 9 glass baking dish. Arrange 4 pasta pieces lengthwise over sauce, overlapping edges. Spread one-third cheese mixture over pasta; spread with about 3/4 cup meat sauce.
Repeat layers, beginning and ending with pasta. Top with remaining meat sauce; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil; bake about 10 minutes longer, or until lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

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Angie The Freckled Rose

Cola Barbq WIngs



    For the wings:
  • 2-3 lbs. chicken wings or wingettes
  • salt
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 can Cola (12-oz.)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 medium vidalia onion, chopped into small pcs.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
    For the wings:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boiling on the stovetop, and season it with salt as if you were cooking pasta. Add the chicken wings to the boiling water, and parboil for 7-8 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken wings from the water and place them on a wire cooling rack to drip dry. Pat them completely dry with some paper towels, and place the wire rack with the wings on top of a baking sheet.
  4. Bake the wings for 25 minutes at 450 degrees. Baste the wings with the Cola sauce, and place them back in the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Place the wings on a platter and pour the rest of the sauce over top. Serve warm.
  6. For the sauce:
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine the Cola, brown sugar, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and chipotle powder, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  8. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, and simmer until the sauce thickens.

Cola Barbq WIngs



    For the wings:
  • 2-3 lbs. chicken wings or wingettes
  • salt
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 can Cola (12-oz.)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 medium vidalia onion, chopped into small pcs.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
    For the wings:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boiling on the stovetop, and season it with salt as if you were cooking pasta. Add the chicken wings to the boiling water, and parboil for 7-8 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken wings from the water and place them on a wire cooling rack to drip dry. Pat them completely dry with some paper towels, and place the wire rack with the wings on top of a baking sheet.
  4. Bake the wings for 25 minutes at 450 degrees. Baste the wings with the Cola sauce, and place them back in the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Place the wings on a platter and pour the rest of the sauce over top. Serve warm.
  6. For the sauce:
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine the Cola, brown sugar, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and chipotle powder, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  8. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, and simmer until the sauce thickens.

Nacho Dogs

Nacho Dogs Recipe

4 all beef hot dogs
4 hot dogs buns
1 (9 ounce) container nacho cheese dip
1/4 cup onion (chopped)
Pickled jalapeno slices
Chunky Salsa
Ingredients for Guacamole-
2 ripe avocados (flesh scooped out and pitted)
1/4 cup cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 garlic clove (minced)
Salt (to taste)
1. For the guacamole- using a large bowl add avocados. Add lime juice, and mash together with a fork. Stir in garlic, cilantro, and salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Heat an outdoor grill or over a camp fire (or in indoor grill pan) cook hot dogs until they are slightly charred on the outside.
3.  Heat nacho cheese dip according to package directions.
Step 3: Place hot dog buns onto the grill and grill until lightly toasted. Place grilled hot dogs onto the buns. Top with nacho cheese, guacamole, onion, salsa, and jalapeno slices.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Tips for using cell phone in public




If you have to use your cellphone in public then try to keep your speaking volum in check. No one wants to know your personal business. While the person on the other end may not be able to hear you be considerate and step away from the loud noise so they can hear better and you do not interrupt anyone else.




When out with others such as at a party, dinner or other social gathering, you don't want to be rude to your peers. Limit time on your cellphone so that you ar not rude. You may seem as if you do not want to be at the gathering if you put to much attention into using your phone.


By all means if walking and talking on your cellphone dont walk into others. Texting and walking can be dangerous as well.


Make sure your phone has a subtle ringtone or vibrate. Songs with curse words, loud obnoxious sounds etc... may suit your personality but may make you look bad in public

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sundays best 

Banana Split Bites




12 1" pieces pineapple
1 banana cut into bite-sized pieces (make sure your bananas aren't too ripe)
6 medium sized strawberries, cut in half
2.5oz dark chocolate
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Chopped nuts or coconut (optional)

Cut fruit and assemble into stacks.
Press a popsicle stick through the fruit and freeze until solid.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the chocolate along with the coconut oil on the stove-top or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once completely melted, remove the frozen fruit from the freezer.
Dip the fruit in the chocolate, let the excess drip off and then place on the sheet to harden.
If desired, dip the chocolate covered side immediately in chopped nuts or coconut before placing them on the sheet to harden.
Once the chocolate is completely hardened, remove from the sheet and place in an airtight container to store in the freezer until ready to serve.

recipe source here 
summer vegetable soup


This soup can be easily adapted to suit the season and the vegetables you have on hand - try replacing some or all of the zucchini with a few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves, or a cup of trimmed green beans and chopped ripe tomato. Also, tender young fennel bulbs are in the markets now (and I prefer its delicate flavor to celery), but feel free to use 2 chopped celery stalks instead.

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white part only, quartered lengthwise and sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb (fronds reserved for garnish), tough outer leaves removed, finely chopped
3 carrots, sliced into thin coins
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans
Kosher salt
2 small zucchini (preferably 1-inch diameter) quartered lengthwise and sliced
1 cup ditalini pasta
1/2 cup Italian parsley leaves
Parmigiano or grana padano cheese
instructions

Pour the oil in a large saucepan or pot and place over medium heat.
Add the leeks, onion, fennel and carrot and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so they don't brown.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cannellini beans, 6 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a simmer. Adjust the heat and continue to cook at a gently simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a separate pot of boiling water until al dente - drain and reserve.
Stir the zucchini into the pot and cook until crisp-tender. Add the pasta and parsley.
Taste and season with more salt as need. Serve the soup garnished with chopped fresh fennel fronds and grated Parmigiano cheese.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday? Is that typical? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?

I was working as it was another 12 hour shift for me going in at 6 a.m. and off at 6 p.m It is not typical but does happen a couple times a week. Wow, after 2 days in a row with 12 hour shifts I am a bit wore out. Normally it is pretty good

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.

I threw a frisbee in the yard 2 days ago , a towel may have been thrown at me today at work as I was helping behavioral patients with daily care, a party it has truly been a while and I hope the last 2 are never thrown at me.

3. What are three things that would help you right now. Tell us how or why.

good night sleep because I need it.... a personal shopper so I would not have to as tommorow is payday and I do not feel like doing it myself there are so many other things I could be doing.... a hug because one is always a good thing

4. Do you think you're strong? Why or why not? What makes you strong?

I would like to think so there is a lot of lifting in my line of work so I know I am muscular strong but there are times it becomes to much of a load for me where I have to get help. This same scenario plays out in life

5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What's your favorite book set sometime in the past?

I truly do like historical fiction and it is what I read most often. I can not think about a book title right now but anything set in the great depresion or civil war times

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Looking for an easy summer time craft to do here is one for butterfly made from coffee filter 




Being A Lumberjack Builds Up Appetite

One great contest that has been around for the past 50+ years is the Lumberjack World Championships. The contest recognizes a history of logging industry across the United States. Skills that would be perfected in the nations great forest and later to become a past time event that grew into an exciting and growing sports event. Held in Wisconsin the Lumberjack races has grown in popularity and has many loyal fans. 




Hayward, Wisconsin was blessed with both history and natural beauty. The contest was held this past weekend located where previously a lumber company was. Men and women both compete for prize money. Strength and skill helps determine winners in the various chopping and sawing events. Agility, grace, endurance and exhilaration will determine winners.





Working up an appetite would be easy to do. Perhaps that is why they say you have the appetite of a lumberjack for a lumberjack breakfast












When They Send A Note Home From School



1968 –  Singer Jeannie C. Riley recorded “Harper Valley P.T.A.” The Tom. T. Hall song skyrocketed to #1 and became the country music Single of the Year.

If you ever need to save your reprutation and need a disguise to do so here is an edible one that can do all you need it to do


Yes, I did say facepaint and not cookie decorating. Try it and have a bit of fun

Coffee Milkshake



Coffee lovers rejoice!!! It is time to celebrate the great flavor of coffee in a milkshake. While milkshakes have been around since the 1880s when the drinks were made and spiked with whiskey. The milkshake soon became non alcoholic treat that could be enjoyed by all. The coffee milkshake allows the coffee lover to enjoy a cold treat with the great flavor and caffeine of coffee. 






1½ cup brewed coffee
3 cups vanilla ice cream
2 tbsp caramel ice cream syrup
whipped cream (optional)

Add coffee, vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth.
If you want it thicker, add more ice cream until you reach your desired thickness.
Pour into individual glasses and top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

recipe resource here 

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DIY party

Milestone In History



Mass protest, civil disobedience and furious campaigning all were part of the background of a movement that was and is created for Americans with disabilities. The American with Disabilitis Act or ADA was signed by George H.W. Bush who was president of the United States at the time twenty seven years ago. This movement helped to bring disability civil rights into national law. 



National Bagelfest How Do You Eat Your Bagel


Bagels may have been first made to honor a king, King John III of Poland. It was shortly after he protected Austria's people from an attack by Turkish invaders. The local baker in Austria may have created the bagel in the shape of a stirrup to honor the king who was a horseman.

One fact about bagels that I did not know is that they are boiled before baked. First shaping the dough into a circle then dipping in boiling water 3-5 minutes per side. Drain and bake for 10 minutes. I have to tell the truth here and say while I have ate bagels that have been made at home I have never made them from scratch. My bagels are normally found in the bread or freezer aisle. The most popular flavor of bagel ever sold is plain.

There are many ways to eat bagels including but not limited to:

  • warmed or toasted with just a bit of butter
  • use them to make sandwiches
  • dress up cream cheese with a bit of flavor and enjoy
  • pizza bagels



While these are all great ideas and there are many more that I can think of check out this treat of a strawberry spread. 




1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup strawberries, hulled

In a blender or food processor, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberries.  Pulse until smooth and well blended.  Use immediately or refrigerate until needed.















Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month


Disparities in mental health care for people in diverse communities continue to struggle to receive the treatment that they need. The poorer quality of care comes at a high cost to our communities. Mental illness affects one in four American families. Minorities according to the U.S. Surgeon General are :

  • less likely to be diagnosed and treated correctly for mental illness
  • have less access to and availabilty of mental health services
  • often receive poorer quality of mental health care
  • are not equally represented in mental health research





Take a look at the statistics showing how Multicultural Mental Health is touchin the U.S.






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happiness is homemade

Easy Hot Fudge Sundae Cake



You can not talk about ice cream without mentioning a few of the favorite ice cream treats. You can not talk about ice cream treats without talking about sundaes. When the subject of sundaes come up you most likely will come to the thought of hot fudge. Did you know that the first hot fudge sundae was made in Los Angeles, California in 1906. The famous C.C. Brown's Ice Cream Shop owned by Clarence Clifton Brown was the creater of such a trat.



The dessert was sold in a stylish fluted glass some call a sundae glass back in the day. This allowed the ice cream and the hot fudge to run down the side. Let me take a moment and remind you of how the sundae received its name. The famous Sunday Blue Laws common in the 19th and early 20th century. It was against the law to sell soda water on Sunday's and that meant there would be ice cream sodas. But when a need arises an answer can be found and the ice cream sundae was invented

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake



1 cup all-purpose flour (see post above for gluten-free)
⅔ cup sugar
2 tablespoons + ¼ cup cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
½ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon salt, divided
½ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage (I use So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage)
2 tablespoons rice bran, grapeseed or avocado oil (or you favorite baking oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1½ cups hot water
1 to 2 pints dairy-free ice cream (I use So Delicious Vanilla or Creamy Cashew Frozen Dessert)
Chopped nuts, for topping (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Add the flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso (if using), and ½ teaspoon salt to a mixing bowl. Stir or whisk until combined and any clumps of cocoa are broken up.
Make a well in the flour mixture and add the milk beverage, oil and vanilla. Stir to combine. The batter will be a bit thick.
Scrape all of the batter into a 9x9-inch ungreased baking pan, and spread to even out.
Add the brown sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder and ⅛ teaspoon salt to your mixing bowl. Add the hot water and whisk to combine. Slowly pour the chocolate liquid all over the batter in your pan.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into just the top cake layer comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes.
Serve the cake topped with 1 to 2 scoops of the dairy-free ice cream. You can optionally top with nuts and whisk water or coconut oil into any remaining sauce in the pan (it is thick, with a pudding like texture) to drizzle it over the top, too.

Notes
Slow Cooker Option:  Follow the preparation instructions, but add the cake and sauce ingredient layers to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours or until a toothpick inserted in the cake center comes out clean. Turn the crockpot off and let the cake stand uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes before serving.

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what's crockin
friendship friday

Easy Blueberry Cheesecake Bars



  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 6 whole graham crackers)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package fat free cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (8 ounce package) reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar blueberry fruit spread
  • 1 cup blueberries
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix butter and graham cracker crumbs in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan creating a thin even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheeses with an electric mixer on medium high until creamy. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat until creamy and well blended.
  3. Stir the fruit spread around in the jar until it is spreadable and then spread it evenly over the crust. Sprinkle blueberries over the jam. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the blueberries.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes, until set and slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before covering with plastic wrap and placing in the refrigerator to chill completely. Cut into 32 bars
recipe resource here 

Monday, July 24, 2017

Drive Thru Deals for Drive Thru Day




There are many drive thru's from fast food to dry cleaning to prayer. It seems these days whatever you are looking for in a hurry you will be able to find. A few of the great deals you can find include :


When you go through Taco Bell drive thru try the dollar cravings menu. Food that is delicious and affordable which also includes a craving deal that includes a pile of food for $5. Soft tacos, cheesy gordita crunch, burrito supremme, chips and cheese along with medium soda will fill anyone up fast. 

$5 will go along way at Panda Express as well. A full entree and a side. You can also get a fortune cookie free

We have a few new restraunts in our area includinga few dunkin' donuts. So if you head thru their drive thru keep in mind their delicious breakfast sandwiches, donuts, and coffee. If you head there for lunch try the Texas Toast grilled cheese with bacon. Get the sandwich and a drink for around $5. 


Arby's drive thru offers a Jr. Bacon Cheddar Melt. For around $5 you can get some curly fries, sandwich and a Jr. Jamocha shake. 


At KFC drive thru you can get a $5 Fill Up. Get the original two piec with a drumstick and thigh or get a chicken breast instead. The deal comes with a side of your choice, biscuit and a 20 oz. drink. 

McDonalds dollar menu allows you to choose from a grand choice of items. All day breakfast is now available as well. Whether it be breakfast or not you can still get a Sausage McMuffin and a four piece mcnugget, a McFlurry and a small coke for around the same $5. 

Sonic is a favorite of ours as they offer quite a few great deals offering us a chance to head out to eat with the family at a reasonable price. Take that given $5 limit and you can get anything from fancy frozen drinks, hotdogs or burgers. You can get a Jr. Double cheeseburger and a mini cheesecake shake. 

Get your favorite foot long at subway for $5. My favorite the Italian B.M.T. and a bag of chips can be had for around $5. I often say at Subway you can get a sandwich with a salad on top as you can get all the fixings you want. 

Our Burger King offers a great drive thru as well as a play area if you choose to dine inside to get out of the heat. You wil find a great deal of 10 nuggets for $1.49 or a two sandwich for $5 deal. Value fries can be purchased on the dollar menu along with a BK bacon burger or a double cheeseburger, 

Last but not least Fazoli's has a new Daily Deals menu. You can get lunch for $5 til 2:30 pm Monday thru Friday. Also on Monday you can take out a cheese or pepperoni pizza for $6.99 



Our Children and those that we may know




There are things that our children will face and look for help from us. They are new to the world and are not sure what direction to go We should pray for them, for the potential friends that they will make for all that goes on in their young lives. Even at the tender age that they are they will face bullying and other worldly morals that we would love to protect them from but keep in mind the bible verse of Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me 






I believe we are placed in line so that we are able to touch others. We may not be aware of it at the time and the person we help may not either but it has been planned so that our paths in life cross. We can not reach everyone but if we try we can help those that we can reach.



Great sandwich for Picnics


'We all love to picnic but sometimes when it is hot outside, I mean really really hot outside, the desire seems to fade. Along with that if we are not careful it could be dangerous as well. We want to be super careful when dealing with food that could lead to food poisining. Here are some great tips to make your summer picnic experience one to remember for the good reasons



While many picnics occur around lunch time, think about changing that., Late morning and early afternoon 10 am to 1 pm or early evening 5 pm to 8 pm or 6 pm to 9 pm are better times to have a good time and to avoid the hottest times of the day

The more shade the better. If possible rent or purchase a tent for eating under, relaxing under and participating in activities. Some places may have a place to rent a tent.




1 large ciabatta loaf, cut in half lengthwise
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 large can of quality tuna in oil, drained
1/4 cup sliced pitted olives
8 anchovies, chopped
1 tablespoon salted capers, rinsed
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
1 small bunch washed spinach
Place oil, mustard and vinegar in a screw top jar and shake vigorously until emulsified. Spread liberally on both sides of your bread. Layer the rest of your ingredients onto your bread but remember this trick start and finish with spinach; this will ensure that the other ingredients like the oily tuna or squishy tomato won’t completely soak through the bread.
Wrap the bread tightly in foil and then place something heavy on top, a couple of bricks, a large atlas, a chopping board topped with cans – anything that will over time be heavy enough to squash the bread down. Leave sit for two to three hours, and then unwrap and slice. Not only is it delicious, it’s pretty too.

Make It a Relaxing Summer


Have you taken some time to enjoy this summer?? Have you been able to sit out in the yard and relax?? Perhaps you may have even taken time to sit or lay in a hammock. I believe that we may be busier in a fast paced world and don't always take the time to relax. Yesterdays world was much slower paced it seemed to be a simpler time. Does every generation think this or has the world just sped up for one reason or another?? 
I can recall a time when we purchased my dad a hammock that he would relax on. Normally on Sunday's after church. I can also recall making home-made ice cream, playing card games with friends and family and the list goes on. While the busy world will continue I have no doubt in that perhaps takinga break is what is needed and best for the heat of the summer. 
Did you know::

A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting. It is connected and suspenede by two points such as trees or posts.  used for swinging, sleeping or simply resting. The hammock is made up of cloth panels, twine or thin rope. 
Natives of central and south america were the first to use hammocks. Sailors adopted the use due to comfort and space. In the 1920s hammocks were used to care for babies who were learning to crawl. Today, they are popular around the world for relaxation, as a bed and on camping trips. 
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