Read All About It....

The Wall Street Journal announced this week Townsend Press is donating $1 million to Donors Choose!!  Donors Choose is an online charity which helps teachers raise funds for classroom projects.  Many of my teacher friends know about Donors Choose and have submitted project ideas over the past several years.  Townsend Press made this awesome donation to spur literacy projects and get books of interest into the hands of students.  So now's the time to get those literacy projects submitted!!  Parents can also help by letting their child's teacher know about Donors Choose or by making a donation (as little as $1 to a project).  Townsend Press will then double the donation!!  This is a great way to get books into the hands of children and promote literacy!!  If you want to know more about Donors Choose, go to www.donorschoose.org. 
To read the article about Townsend Press, go to:   http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703529004576160752239757540.html?mod=dist_smartbrief&mod=WSJ_latestheadlines#articleTabs%3Darticle

I also found out, by way of this article, about a new online site for teachers: BetterLesson.  This is a fairly new site which offers lesson plans and materials for free to teachers.  All you need to do is submit your email address and you have access to lesson plans.  Now what makes this site so interesting is everything is organized for easy access to units with complete lessons and materials.  It also provides educators an opportunity to network with other educators, share lessons, etc.  So check it out: www.betterlesson.org.

Did You Know???

I was reading some articles the other day and one captured my attention.  The article was about Guilford Technical Community College.  They have a Culinary Technology Program!!  According to the description:

"The Culinary Technology curriculum provides specific training required to prepare students to assume positions as trained culinary professionals in a variety of food service settings including full service restaurants, hotels, resorts, clubs, catering operations, contract food service and health care facilities.
 Course offerings emphasize practical application, a strong theoretical knowledge base, and professionalism and provides critical competencies to successfully meet industry demands. Courses also include sanitation, food/beverage service and control, baking, garde manager, American/international cuisines, food production, and hospitality supervision.
 Graduates should qualify for entry-level positions such as line cook, station chef and assistant pastry chef. American Culinary Federation certification assistance is available to graduates. With experience, graduates may advance to positions such as sous-chef, executive chef or food service manager."

Now I am not considering the program but I did learn the public is invited to dine at the Guilford Technical Community College culinary program dining room.  Lunch ($7.00) is served on Wednesdays and Thursdays; dinner ($9.00) is served on Thursdays.  Since there are new students each semester they are open 9-10 times during each fall and spring semester for lunch and dinner.  I think this is a great idea and I had no idea they offered this opportunity to the public!!  Of course, reservations are required.  So, I've put this on my "to experience list" for the future.

If you're interested in reading about this, I've included a link with more information:

http://culinary.gtcc.edu/Default.aspx



On The Side...

I don't know about you....but for me... finding new recipes for side dishes is a task at times!  Seems I always revert back to the ones that are tried and true.  Well, I've found two side dish recipes this week that I want to try.  Both these recipes come from North Carolina church cookbooks.  So... I know they'll be good!!  Maybe I'll take these to the Potluck Dinner this weekend! 



German Potato Salad

Ingredients:
5-6 potatoes, cooked
3 eggs, boiled
1/2 cup celery, diced

2 onions, finely chopped                                                
8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup vinegar
4 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Slice potatoes.  Add sliced eggs, celery and onion.  Cook bacon until crisp; reserve drippings.  Mix mustard, sugar, flour, vinegar and bacon drippings in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Pour over potatoes.  Add crumbled bacon, parsley; salt and pepper to taste.  Mix lightly to coat potatoes.


Corn Pudding

Ingredients:
4 cups corn, drained
3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons sugar                                    
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine

Directions:
Mix corn, flour, sugar, seasonings and green pepper.  Beat eggs until light.  Add to corn mixture.  Add milk.  Melt butter in 2 quart casserole as you preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Tilt casserole dish to coat sides with butter.  Stir in corn mixture.  Bake 1 hour or until firm in center.


Bon Appétit!!

Let's Dance!!!

I love to dance!!  So today I took the plunge and joined my friend, Lita, for a "Line Dance" class.  I had so much fun!!  In just over 1 1/2 hours, I learned 5 line dances!!  Most people know the "Electric Slide" but there are more...  "Dancing Yet?", "Stray Cat Strut", "Little White Church", "Ah Si", and "Little Red Book"... at least for a start!  Now I have to practice because we'll be learning more dances next week and reviewing the ones we learned this week!

The classes are on Fridays at the Presbyterian Church beginning at 12:30 PM.  The cost is $3.00 each week and it's for all levels of dancers.  Dora Kale is the instructor and she is an excellent teacher!  No stress at all; just lots of fun!!

Can't wait to learn more dances in the weeks to come.  Here's to a new adventure!!  Maybe I'll see you there...you'd love it!

Grab Your Hat...

Okay, I know it's coming...Read Across America Day on March 2nd!!  I've done some research and wanted to share a few sites that will get your creative juices flowing!  Most people associate Read Across America Day with schools but it can also be celebrated in your homes with your children or even in your work place.  So...share your love of reading with someone and help build a "Nation of Readers"!  Grab your hat and Read with the Cat!

http://www.nea.org/readacross/
*Upcoming Target Store Event*: http://reading.target.com/read-across-america/ 
http://www.thevirtualvine.com/drseuss.html
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/dr-seuss-birthday/
http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/readacross

http://www.facebook.com/neareadacrossamerica#!/neareadacrossamerica?sk=wall

http://teach.fcps.net/trt4/Dr.Seuss.htm

http://www.education.com/seasonal/read-across-america/

Yum...A New Recipe

Wow, the weather this week is just beautiful!  Hard to believe we had snow just a few weeks ago.  I am sure some folks are just "itching" to get their grill out of hibernation!!  Of course, the wind hasn't cooperated much the past few days so grilling may need to wait a tad bit longer.  No need to worry, I have just the answer...oven baked BBQ ribs!! (no grill needed for these)  :)

The recipe I am sharing this week is another one given to me by "Chef Bree".  She made these ribs to enjoy while watching the Superbowl and says she had zero leftovers!!  Not only that, the meat was "fork tender"; can't get any better than that!  So if you are wanting something delicious, give this recipe a try and let me know if you had "zero leftovers" at your house!! :)

Should Be Illegal Oven BBQ Ribs - Beverly Carson via Foodnetwork.com

Ingredients:
3 lbs pork back ribs
1 (8 ounce) jar honey
1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 medium onion grated or finely chopped
12 ounces barbecue sauce (she used Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce)
1/4 cup white sugar

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together except ribs.  Cut ribs apart and place in bottom of roasting dish/pan.  Coat with sauce.  Cover dish/pan with foil and bake on 375 for one hour.  After the hour, take out and turn over the ribs.  Put back in oven with foil on dish/pan for 2 hours @ 250 degrees.

Bon Appétit!!

Valentine's Party...H.O.G. Style

Each year our H.O.G. Club (Harley Owners Group) tries to do something special for Valentine's Day.  This year was no exception...we had a Valentine's Party (yep.. a theme party) on Saturday evening.  There was lots of food, fun and fellowship as we gathered together to celebrate.  No motorcycles though...we all had to carry food items and gifts so... cars were the mode of travel for this night.

We have some very creative people in our club and that creativity was evident Saturday night.  Teams participated in  "Valentine Feud- Internet Survey" which showed their knowledge (somewhat...lol) of Valentine's Day; played "Left/Right Love Story" and exchanged Valentine gifts in "Dirty Cupid" ( a game where you can steal gifts)!!  Oh, did I mention the food....it was delicious!  Plus... there was chocolate candy everywhere!!! :)

Yep....lots of fun, food and fellowship for all!  Happy Valentine's Day H.O.G. family!!  Let's do it again next year!

Random Act Of Kindness

Do you know next week is "Random Acts of Kindness Week"?  Yep, it is and there's even a website which encourages people to take the Extreme Kindness Challenges they'll suggest next week.  Just go to: http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ if you're interested in reading about it!  It's amazing what a small act of kindness can do for someone!

I know this to be true because yesterday I was touched with a "Random Act of Kindness" by a teacher friend.  Let me tell you, it was so unexpected!!.  I was at home working when the doorbell rang.  There at the door was a local florist.  In her hands she held a vase full of beautiful "spring" flowers.  Talk about shocked...

Anyway, I took the flowers and proceeded to the kitchen.  A card was attached, so I anxiously opened it to see who was so thoughtful to send me flowers.  Now please understand, my daughters send me flowers at various times and I am always touched at their thoughtfulness and kindness...so, of course, I was pretty sure the flowers were from them.  Nope..not this particular day.

As I opened the card, I read the note written by my teacher friend and it brought tears to my eyes.  She sent me flowers to congratulate me on my new phase of life.  This was such an unexpected gesture and I was so touched she would take time to send me flowers!!  She is not only a wonderful teacher but also a wonderful friend.  It was such an amazing "random act of kindness"!!!

So...thank you "Ms. Judy" for the wonderful "random act of kindness" you bestowed upon me!

Hidden Treasures!

This week while organizing one of the bedrooms in my house, I came across some boxes of old photos.  I have always loved taking photographs of family, special events...you name it.  As I sat looking through the old photos, memories of what was going on at the time those photos were taken flooded my thoughts.  It's hard to believe how quickly time goes by and those photos were a concrete reminder!!

For years, I've kept saying I was going to get those photos into albums but there never seemed to be enough time to get it done.  I have 4 albums I did get completed but still have many photos not in an album.  Of course, these are photos done with old style cameras...not like today when everything can be put digitally onto a cd or thumbdrive.  So this week I purchased some photo albums to begin getting those old photos organized.

I scanned some of them and sent them to my daughters via Facebook!!  Who'd have thought years ago that would even be a possibility!!  What fun we had discussing when they were taken and what was going on!!  I laughed over and over at their reactions.  I even found some of my class photos taken when I was teaching.  Oh my...how time does fly by and how I've changed and my former students have changed!!  lol  Most of my former students are now married with children of their own. (Yep...it's true!!)  :)

Once the albums are finished, I can't wait to share them with my daughters.  I know we'll all enjoy recapturing the memories of those "good ole days"!!  Oh by the way, I even found some tapes my daughters recorded when they were young!!  What a hoot it was to listen to a 4 year old and an 8 year old as they recorded what they thought was important at the time.  But that's another story for another day!!

So here's to old photos and the fun they still bring!! 

Monsters In My House

No...there really aren't monsters in my house; instead my hubby is involved with Monster Truck shows.  Yep, that's right!!  For the past twenty something years he has traveled to various parts of the USA and Canada participating in Monster Truck shows.  He's a tech official and each year in January, February and March he hits the road to do his thing.  So far this year he's been to Greensboro, NC; Washington, DC; Hampton, VA and Miami, FL. 

I don't travel with him but several years ago I did help with a show.  Let me tell you...it was hard work!!  I was amazed at everything that goes on behind the scenes.  I admire him for the work he does with these shows and I know it's something he enjoys doing.  This isn't his full time job, just something he does on the side each year.

So here's wishing him lots of great shows!! 

Recipe Sharing..It's A Family Thing Too!

I love sharing recipes and I am so fortunate my daughter, Bree, is willing to share some of her recipes with me.  Now... it wasn't too many years ago when I was the one giving away all my recipes to her!!  Since that time, she's become a wonderful cook and really gets into all the food channels watching how to prepare some pretty fancy stuff!!

Since I've started this blog, she and I have weekly conversations about recipes we'll be trying and recommendations.  Oh... you better believe, she reads this blog to make sure I'm not holding out on her!! lol  Anyway, Bree sent me some recipes and I'd like to share those with you today.  Thanks for sharing with me Bree!!

Quick Rice

Ingredients:
1 pkg sliced mushrooms
1 10.5 oz can French Onion Soup
10.5 oz beef broth (low sodium helps it not taste so salty)
Garlic powder
Butter
Uncle Ben's instant brown rice - 1 cup


Directions:
Saute mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender.  (I cut mine up so they'd be bite size but you could cook them sliced right out of the pkg).  
Add the can of soup and beef broth to the mushrooms.
Add garlic powder to taste and add rice.  
Bring to a boil; then cover and reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes.  Depends on the rice you buy... basically just keep taking the lid off and stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.  



Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops
Bree recommends doubling this sauce recipe for best results!!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Submitted By: Teresa King Cook Time: 1 Hour Servings: 6

Ingredients:

6 pork loin or rib chops, 3/4-inch thick                                                           
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider recommended)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup hot water


Directions:
Place chops in a heavy cast-iron skillet. Combine all remaining ingredients; pour over chops. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 1 hour. Can make using chicken breasts as substitute for pork chops.


Bon Appétit!!

Walk That Talk

Just wanted to share this little video with you today!    It reminds me of how important it is for me to "Walk my Talk" each and every day.  Hope you enjoy it and wishing you many chances to "Walk your Talk"!!




Video: http://www.doyouwalkthetalk.com/?cm_mmc=CheetahMail-_-Corp-_-02.04.11-_-WKTKMovie&utm_source=CheetahMail&utm_campaign=WKTKmovieCorp

100 Days

Each year classrooms love to celebrate 100 days of school.  Teaching the concept of 100 to young children in a concrete way is a challenge at times!  As I was reading a teacher's blog this week, I was reminded of this fun celebration.  She had such a variety of creative ideas to teach 100 to her students (First Graders)!!

I know around here it is close to the 100th day mark...not sure if it's passed just yet due to the winter weather we've had.  If not, then I hope my teacher friends find something they can use.  If 100 days have already come and gone, these ideas can be tucked away for next year.  So here's to 100 days of school!! 

(Oh by the way...if you have young children at home you can celebrate 100 days of the year; just mark off the 100th day on your calendar and enjoy some of these activities at home with your child!)

 

• Make a list of 100 words that the child could read, spell and write.
• Share a treat shaped like 100 (a Twinkie and two mini-donuts!)
• Make a 100 day hat requiring children to connect a train together counting by 10's to 100.
• Count to a music video from 1 to 100.
• Hide 100 chocolate Kisses around the room. Each Kiss had a number on the bottom. Students take turns finding the numbered Kisses and then match the numbers on a one hundreds chart. 
• Problem solve with your students to figure out how many Kisses each child could get so that every child had the same number.
• Cut and glue sequins to a pair of 100 shaped opera glasses!  (just add a straw so they can hold the glasses).     http://teachers.eusd.k12.ca.us/bbuchel/TeacherIdeas/100thDay/glasses.htm
• Dress up as if you were 100 years old. Students can also dress up!
• Watch a video of people from 1 year old to 100; children draw pictures of how they would look when they get to be 100! The gray hair, the glasses, the canes, and lots of speech bubbles -they may get old but they will still have lots to say!
• Investigate how many quarters, dimes and nickels it would take to make a dollar.
• Predict how many times they can write their names in 100 seconds and then write to see if they were correct.
• Hop for 100 seconds; jump for 100 seconds; and put heads down quietly for 100 seconds!
• Predict if they can lick a Tootsie Pop 100 times and get to the center of the lollipop. Of course they'll need to test their prediction to see if it's correct!
• Create a class list of 100 books you've read this year. 

What's Cooking This Week

Okay, I know I've already shared some recipes this week for the upcoming Super Bowl so forgive me for doing another recipe post in one week.  Just had to share this one.  I've made lasagna before but wanted to try a different recipe for my "food critic" to enjoy.  Let me tell you, this is one easy recipe to make and it was delicious.  I will warn you, this makes lots of lasagna for two people!!  lol   I had so much left over I asked my youngest daughter if she'd like some...the answer was "Yes, Please!!"

The food critic enjoyed it...guess two helpings was needed for the taste test.  When he finished he decided I needed to find another lasagna recipe to try!!  I think the thought here is...the more the better for taste testing.  So... I have a favor to ask...if you have a really good lasagna recipe that uses Italian sausage, would you please share your recipe with me?  (That was the "food critic's" request for lasagna 2!!)  I'll even post your recipe and give you all the credit!!!  :)

Oh...this recipe is even better the next day and that's saying something since I usually don't do leftovers!!   Well, best get back to searching for that Italian sausage lasagna recipe.  Ciao!!


Bon Appétit!!

Mama Gene’s Lasagna                        

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salad oil
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 (1-pound) package Mueller’s lasagna noodles
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
In a large heavy pan, lightly brown beef and onion in oil. Add tomatoes, paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook lasagna as directed on package, drain. In 9 x 13-inch baking pan, spread about 1 cup of sauce. Begin alternating layers of lasagna, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, ending with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly browned and bubbling. Allow to stand for 15 minutes; cut into squares to serve. Makes 8 servings.
— Genie Williams

From The Closet

One of the things I promised myself I would do upon retiring is organize my house.  Now let me tell you, it's not an easy task by any means and far from exciting!!  I don't know about you but for me the closet is a nightmare at times.  Seems there is never enough room for everything...don't know why closets have to be so small! LOL

Anyway, I've started tackling the closets in my house this week and at times I've regretted even starting!!  I was and am a "suit woman".  Yep, I love suits and my closet shows that!!  Up until recently, my daily wardrobe consisted of a suit. Of course lately I've been wearing jeans a lot.  Now I haven't worn jeans except on weekends for years so this is a new phase for me.  Haven't quite figured out how to wear my suits around the house or to visit Wal-Mart!!  LOL

I'm not finished with the closets yet because I am determined to organize everything properly and to my satisfaction.  In the past I've done the closets but within a certain time frame so it hasn't really been as productive as I've wanted.  Now with no time frame needed, I can finally get it done to my perfectionist satisfaction!!  It's driving my husband crazy!!

Guess when spring gets here, I'll be ready to have a yard sale.  Now that will make my husband extremely happy!  Until then, you'll probably find me in the closet!!  (just kidding)

It's All In Your Attitude

Mid-morning at Wal-Mart is sooooo different than mid-afternoon!!!  No long lines, no large crowds...makes shopping fairly easy.  So here I am at Wal-Mart getting a few groceries when I decide to check out the music and video section. I've decided to learn some line dance and hip-hop exercies.  Yep, a new adventure on the horizon!!

Anyway, I get my items and head toward the checkout line.  To my surprise...here are 5 cashiers standing at the entrances of their lines...a first for me to observe at Wal-Mart.  So as I go by, I smile and  laughingly say " Looks like you ladies don't have anything to do?"  Now, I wasn't being smart...just making an observation (guess my surprise just took over my brain for a moment)!!  I knew as soon as I said it, it was a no-no.  If looks could have done injury to me...I'd be in the hospital!!  Never mind not a single one said, "I'll be glad to check you out if you're ready."  But...that's okay, I'm still smiling.

So I walk down towards the end of the checkout lines and a cashier is actually at her register so I push my cart down.  I smile (she hadn't heard my earlier comment) and say "How are you today?".  Never have I seen such a frown or had such an icy response (no response, nope not one word)...so I think, "Okay, not a good day for her!" as I unload my shopping cart.  I'm prepared for a silent checkout!!  But...that's okay, I'm still smiling. 

Now I'm not sure what happened (maybe the fact I'm still smiling) but all of a sudden she begins to ask me about the weather, looks at my cd's (Lady Gaga) and even questions my music choice.  So I explain I need something to listen to while on the treadmill and she smiles (yep) and says that sounds like a good idea.

I'm ready to pay..having put all the bags in my cart except one bag which I'm leaving until the payment process is complete.  She looks to see if any bags are left, smiles again and tells me "Now don't forget this bag with your exercise goodies".  Smiling, I say "Thank you" as I place the bag in my cart.  As I turn to leave I wish her a good day and she smiles and wishes me one as well.  I am quite amazed at this point!!

Walking away I think..."You know Deb..it's all in your attitude, isn't it?"  Amazing how one's attitude has the power to help another person's attitude.  Not rocket science...just a good reminder!!!

Guess I'll keep smiling...especially at Wal-Mart but I'll leave my observations about some things in my brain! 



"A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."Anonymous