Frontier Fancies

Healthy Fourth of July

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:21:20 GMT

Independence Day is almost here ... and with it comes picnics, parades and all sorts of gooey delights to celebrate the day.

If you want to have a healthy 4th of July, try these tempting recipes to surprise and delight your palate:

Grilled Chicken with Cherry-Chipotle Barbeque Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted and chopped
½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
⅓ cup cherry preserves
⅓ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons minced canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or more to taste 1 ¼ teaspoons dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground allspice
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat

Preparation:

Stir cherries, broth, preserves, ketchup, vinegar, chipotle peppers, thyme and allspice in a small deep bowl. Transfer to a shallow non-reactive dish large enough to hold chicken. Add the chicken and turn to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat grill to high. Oil the grill rack. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Transfer the marinade to a medium skillet.

Reduce the grill heat to medium and grill the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 7 to 9 minutes per side. Meanwhile, bring the marinade to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce is reduced by about half, 12 to 15 minutes. Let the chicken cool slightly; serve with the sauce

Yields: 8 servings

Nutritional Information: 180 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 63 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 1 g fiber; 179 mg sodium; 272 mg potassium

Waldorf Coleslaw

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded cabbage
3 cups diced Granny Smith apple
6 tablespoons raisins
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine yogurt and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Pour over cabbage mixture; toss well. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Nutritional Information: 69 calories; 1.8g fat; 0.5mg iron; 1 mg cholesterol; 27mg calcium; 14.1g carbohydrate; 91 mg sodium; 1.3g protein; 1.9g fiber

Low Sodium Potato Salad

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes, cooked and cut into cubes
2 hard boiled eggs, diced
1/4 cup scallions (green onions)
2 T Pickle Relish
3 T Fat free sour cream
4 T Fat free mayonnaise
1 T Dijon Mustard

Preparation:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook potatoes until tender. Drain and allow to cool. Add chopped eggs, relish and green onions to potatoes. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard together. Pour over potatoes and combine well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information: 213 calories; 2.4g fat; 0.9mg iron; 71.8mg cholesterol; 42g carbohydrate; 180.6mg sodium; 6.9g protein; 5.1g fiber

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn, unhusked

Preparation:

Preheat grill. Carefully peel back husks but do not detach. Remove as much silk as possible. Pull the husks back over the corn and secure the end by tying with a strip of husk. Soak the corn in cold water for 20 minutes. Remove from the water, shaking off excess.

Grill the ears of corn, periodically rolling them for even cooking, until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the husks before serving

Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information: 77 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 14 mg sodium; 243 mg potassium

Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

Shortcakes
2 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup white whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat pastry flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
4 tablespoons (2 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)
¼ cup canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons nonfat buttermilk

Filling
4 cups sliced hulled strawberries (about 1 ¼ pounds whole berries)
3 tablespoons sugar
½ cup whipping cream
½ cup reduced-fat sour cream

Preparation:

To prepare shortcakes: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Whisk cake flour, white whole-wheat (or whole-wheat pastry) flour, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Cut in butter using two knives or a pastry cutter until the pieces are about the size of peas. Cut in cream cheese until it's the size of peas. Drizzle oil over the mixture; stir with a fork until just combined (the mixture will be crumbly). Make a well in the center and add egg and buttermilk. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a fork until the mixture is evenly moist. Knead the mixture in the bowl two or three times until it holds together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Dust with flour and roll into an 8-by-10-inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the edges square using a butter knife. Cut the dough into 12 equal shortcakes. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Bake the shortcakes until puffed and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.

To prepare filling: Toss strawberries with sugar in a medium bowl. Beat whipping cream in a medium bowl until it's thick and holds its shape, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in sour cream until combined.

To serve, split shortcakes horizontally. Spoon berries and juice onto the bottoms, top with the cream mixture and replace the shortcake tops

Yield: 12 Servings

Nutritional Information: 303 calories; 14 g fat; 48 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber; 137 mg sodium; 157 mg potassium

Citrus Iced Tea

Ingredients:

½ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup sugar, or to taste
3 ½ cups strong brewed tea

Preparation:

Stir together lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Stir in tea; chill.

Yield: 4 servings (1 serving is one cup)

Nutritional Information: 72 calories; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 0 mg sodium; 78 mg potassium

Have a safe and healthy fourth of July!

10,000

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:16:10 GMT

I've been doing my best to try to get strong and healthy ... working on getting those 10,000 steps in. When I go for "scenic" walks, I will try to bring my camera so you can see what I've been doing.

Last weekend, Moriah and I walked the Indian River trail. According to various signs ... we either walked 4.2 or 5 miles one way. It was quite easy ... until we got to the avalanche ... then I guessed wrong (and didn't look carefully for the trail on the other side) and Moriah and I ended up in the scrubby (AND THICK) bushes with long spikes. I ended up with quite a few scratches on my left leg even though I was trying hard to step ON the devil's club and salmon berry branches that were threatening. I got caught a couple of times ... and wondered if we were EVER going to make it to the other side. Of course, we did! Moriah ducked under a tree and then got stuck. Her zipper on her backpack got caught in the branches and she grunted, "I'm stuck." I had to laugh 'cause when she would try to pull free it would jerk her back. I walked back to assist her and then got to laugh some more as she tried to crawl over a log that was past her waist. It was raining lightly ... so I kept tucking my camera back under my EMS coat -- it may be weather-proof -- but WHY take chances? When we got to the waterfall I went down to take pictures ... then we had to crawl up a dirt embankment (about 12 feet). I was almost to the top when a dog came out of the bushes to come running down where I was. I jerked back and so did he! THEN the scoundrel tried to push past me. I told him, "No." His owner thought I was afraid that I was going to get bit. No sirree!! I thought the big "moose" was going to take Moriah and I out!!! After his owner got him under control, Moriah and I crawled to the top and I took more photos. Then I noticed the time. Eek! We had 1 hour and 15 minutes to get back into town to pick up the kids. And ... can you believe it ... we made it in one hour and ten minutes (running and walking). Whoop, whoop!!!

This weekend, Moriah and I walked Beaver Lake trail. It is supposed to be 2.9 miles round trip. I took photos of the whole walk. I'll try to get them all posted. Now, mind you, I know you can't see like in an omnitheater ... you can't look up or around ... you can't hear all the various birds or smell the musky marsh or cedar trees ... but imagine real hard ... and you'll get an idea of what this trail was like. I literally took pictures of the ENTIRE trail. Hope you enjoy it.

Oh -- and for all you patriots who love this great country of ours -- I hope you have a splendiforous and beautiful 4th of July!!!!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Help Wanted

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:15:37 GMT

The Sewing Team for Soldiers Angels announced the 2008 holiday drive for our deployed heroes, which is called BLANKETS OF BELIEF. The goal is to provide 180,000 of our service members spending another holiday in the war zones with a with a homemade blanket as part of our Wrapped in Holiday Spirit holiday packs.

Do you sew? If you do... terrific! If you don't... no problem! The SA web site has directions for sewing a blanket/quilt, as well as for making a blanket without any sewing at all.

Will you please make just ONE BLANKET for a brave member of our military?

For instructions and directions, please visit http://www.soldiersangels.org , then link to Blankets of Belief. Should you have questions or comments, please contact us at blanketsofbelief@gmail.com.

Just thought I would share a request for those of you who might want to make someone's holidays warmer.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae :o)

Them

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:58:24 GMT

This is another bit from: MountainWings

THEM!
=====

Them!

It’s a word that I hear so often in counseling.

The other person, the spouse, the boss, the co-worker, the parent, the relative, the company, the government, the system, the President, even God.

It’s always them.

Here’s a quick newsflash: you won’t have much luck changing them, but there is one person who I can absolutely guarantee that you can change who will have a bigger impact on your life than even the President or the government.

It doesn’t matter whether this person is a Republican, Democrat, hypocrite, or even all three, you can change them.

It doesn’t matter what denomination they belong to or even if they have been inside of a church this decade, you can change them.

It doesn’t matter what race or nationality they are, you can change them.

This person has more power and influence over your life than anyone alive or dead, all you have to do is to change them.

When THEY start changing, amazingly you will notice that it will affect people around you; and even if people around you don’t change, it will sure seem like they've changed.

Where can you find this all powerful person in your life?

I can tell you exactly.

Go to the mirror and there THEY will stand.

You need to get to work on THEM right away.

Have a wonderful day!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae :o)

A Little Something to Think On

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:34:34 GMT

I received the following in my email -- and it got my head to thinking. I'll share it with you; you may have read it before, but it is worth thinking about.

Carrots, Eggs & Coffee Beans

A certain daughter complained to her father about her life and how things have been so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and she wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that just as one problem was solved another arose.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen, filled three pots with water and placed the fire on high. Soon the three pots came to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the other he placed eggs, and in the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

The daughter sucked her teeth and impatiently wondered what he was trying to do. She had problems, and he was making this strange concoction. In half an hour he walked over to the oven and turned down the fire. He pulled the carrots out and placed them in the bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in the bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her he asked. "Darling what do you see?"
Smartly, she replied. "Carrots, eggs, and coffee."

He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Her face frowned from the strength of the coffee.

Humbly, she asked. "What does it mean Father?"
He explained. "Each of them faced the same adversity, 212 degrees of boiling water. However each reacted differently."
"The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. But after going through boiling water, it softened and became weak."

"The egg was fragile. A thin outer shell protected a liquid center. But after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened."
"The coffee beans are unique however. After they were in the boiling water, it became stronger and richer."

"Which are you," he asked his daughter. When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with the smallest amount of pain, adversity, heat you wilt and become soft with no strength?
Are you the egg, which starts off with a malleable heart? A fluid spirit. But after a death, a breakup, a divorce, a layoff you became hardened and stiff. Your shell looks the same, but you are so bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and heart, internally.

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean does not get its peak flavor and robust until it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets the hottest, it just tastes better. When things are there worst, you get better. When people talk the most, your praises increase. When the hour is the darkest, trials are their greatest, your worship elevates to another level. How do you handle adversity?
Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
II Corinthians 4:8-9

"Prayer Changes Things!"

I have been trying to find out why people GRIND the coffee bean. If you throw the coffee bean into the water, will you get the same delectable taste (I'm guessing since I don't partake) as the coffee grounds? And ... if you put an entire carrot into the water ... will the whole thing become soft? I'm guessing it will, but I'm thinking that I may need to experiment to satisfy my curiousity.

Anyway, after reading this ... I have been questioning myself ... am I the carrot or the bean? And, if I am the bean, do we flavor things only if we get ground up before being boiled? One would like to believe that they change the world around them, but I'm afraid I may be the carrot I become soft and spineless. I don't know. I know I back off of many arguments ... which is crazy 'cause I didn't as a teenager or young adult. Still I've learned to fear confrontation even more than I did as a child ... so does that make me the carrot? I don't know. This is a question worth pondering, because I'd rather be the coffee ean who changes the world.

Yesterday, while walking, Moriah and I came across a banana slug.

I've noticed them for years ... but really didn't notice them. I had a friend who was a Naturalist on cruise ships, and she told me that her favorite "animal" is the banana slug ... because no one really cares for them. She asked me how much I knew about the banana slug, and I had to admit that I knew very little. Cindy shared quite a bit about them, and I thought I would share with you!

Banana slugs are usually bright yellow (the color of a banana) although they may also be green, brown, or white. Some slugs have black spots which may be so extensive as to make the animal look almost solid black.

The Pacific banana slug is the second-largest species slugs, growing up to 9.8" long.

Slugs use two pairs of tentacles to sense their environment. The larger, upper pair, termed "eyestalks," is used to detect light or movement. The second, lower pair is used to detect chemicals. The tentacles can retract and extend themselves to avoid damage -- they retract when they are scared -- like when you get too close to them.

Banana slugs have a single lung which opens externally via a pneumostome (the hole in the side of it's upper part of the body). The pneumostome lung cavity is heavily vascularized to allow gas exchange. Banana slugs excrete a thick coating of slime (mucus) around their bodies. Dehydration is a major problem. To prevent themselves from drying out, slugs can also secrete a protective layer of mucus, and insulate themselves with a layer of soil and leaves. They remain inactive in this state until the environment is moist again.

The coating offers other protections as well. It allows slugs to travel unharmed across the sharp edge of a razor blade or piece of glass, and can thwart predators; the slug excretes thick mucus and humps its body up, making itself appear larger. When the slime comes into contact with a moist surface, it produces an anesthetic which causes the membranes to go numb.

The slime of the banana slug also lubricates the terrain over which they move, so they can travel more easily. When climbing a tree, a slug can drop back down quickly using a string of slime. Researchers have made unsuccessful attempts to reproduce slug slime, since it is one of the best natural glues, and has potential uses medicinally.

The slime also contains pheromones for attracting other slugs for mating. Slugs are hermaphrodites, and reproduce by exchanging sperm with their mate. They produce up to 75 translucent eggs, which are laid in a log or on leaves. Slugs mate and lay eggs throughout the year. The adults provide no further care for their eggs beyond finding a suitable hiding spot, and the eggs are abandoned as soon as the clutch is laid.

Anyway, there is your thought for the day and an Alaskan Naturalist science lesson to boot!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Loving America and the Military

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:26:19 GMT

I have a very good friend who called me yesterday crying over her son possibly joining the Army. I understood her fears and I talked to her about the various branches and how they are trained. I also shared with her the positives I found in the military. Afterwards I wrote her this letter which I share for all the other mothers who are worried about their children joining the military and being put in harm's way.

Dear Mothers ~

I want you to know that I completely understand your fear of sending your son off to joining the military where he might be killed.

I used to worry about Eiric joining the Marines (‘cause that was what he wanted to do – fly helicopters for them), but he is color deficient (red/green) and he can NEVER fly for the military. Well, they’d still take him, so long as he didn’t have to do anything that had to do with colors. But … God made that impossible by having Eiric diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. As you know … it can kill him anyday. He could have an aneurysm or his heart valves could get weak and rip out … or later … his kidneys will just stop functioning. I spent a lot of time crying over the PKD.

When Eiric decided he wanted to be a firefighter (in a REAL fire department), I realized he’ll be putting his life on the line every day. He might not get shot or have his legs blown off, but he could be slowly burned to death or have something fall on him and paralyze him. I decided to let it go, ‘cause honestly, he could also be killed crossing the street. I know, as an EMT, people die in accidents every day.

Peter wants to join the military … and, at this point, later join the FBI. I encouraged him to join the Marines, because the FBI recruits from the Marines. This is much more tricky, but I have chosen to trust the Lord (and the Marines who do a VERY good job of training their men to go in and come out alive). If this is what Peter ends up doing, then I want him to know that I trust his decisions and that I trust God with HIS child (that was lent to me).

I do have two daughters, and if they chose to go in the military, I would encourage them also. Why? Because good does happen in the military if a person knows what they want from it, especially training and education. Come to think of it ... good comes of it to those who don't know what they want to do also.

Regardless … I have chosen to believe that when it is my child’s time … it is their time … no matter how they go. It gives me peace … because I can’t control everything about their life. Which is important … because the older Eiric gets the more he strains against any show of control over him, and I must honor his feelings (which is hard!).

I was in the Navy … and just missed out on Operation Desert Shield because I became pregnant with Rosella and got out instead of re-upping. I probably would have been willing to go had I not gotten pregnant with number three. There are many positive things about the military; you just have to make the system work for you.

I’m sending you the following 'cause it arrived today ... and it touched my heart. And ... I believe in the spirit of what it says:

LOVING AMERICA

When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return was enough to bury those that did not return."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?"

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly, "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, "whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English." He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A group of Americans, retired teachers, recently went to France on a tour. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. "You have been to France before, monsieur? " the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. "Then you should know enough to have your passport ready." The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it." "Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !"

            The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, "Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find any Frenchmen to show it to."

                     You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Is a Veteran?

A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including his life." That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact.

God bless America and our Military...

You and your son … and his decision (ultimately) are in my prayers. I know this hurts, and I know you are afraid. I’ll pray for peace and comfort … and wisdom to make a wise decision.

God bless the men and women who choose to serve our country, and have to put up with the abuse of people who don't encourage them. They are all my heros.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Apache Earns Purple Heart

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:08:16 GMT

Found in Gazette.net by by Connor Adams Sheets

Adamstown resident Bryan Callan, 42, wanted to be a pilot since he was 10 years old, and for 22 years he flew helicopters and planes in the U.S. Army.

But that dream was cut short on Sept. 11, 2007, when Callan, currently a chief warrant officer in the Army Reserve, was injured on the ground in Iraq. He received the Purple Heart award May 30, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he is still treated several days a week.

‘‘It’s an honor to be recognized but, honestly, this is an award no one wants,” he said, explaining the bittersweet feeling of receiving an award for being harmed.

A Purple Heart is awarded to every service member who is wounded or killed by an enemy during combat.

The day he was injured is still clear in Callan’s mind, though the incident caused permanent damage to his short-term memory capacity and hearing.

He was walking down a street in Baghdad when he heard in the distance the soft, distinctive sonic boom ‘‘poof” of a rocket being launched. Seconds later a 240-millimeter rocket landed directly behind him.

‘‘It was pretty intense. It pretty much blew me across the street. It killed one guy and injured 11 troops, blew out all the windows within 400 feet, and left a 9-foot crater in the street. I was actually lucky to be alive because of the blast radius,” Callan recounted. ‘‘After that, I lost consciousness for a few seconds. I tore the rotator cuff in my shoulder and I got my TBI – traumatic brain injury – from the blast wave ripping through my body. It’s kind of like a really bad concussion.”

He was flown to a hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, where he was treated for two weeks, then came to Washington, D.C., where he has received care from Walter Reed Army Medical Center doctors ever since.

His treatment regimen there should conclude in November, after which he will return to his civilian position in Washington, D.C., doing computer security work for the government. He has been in combat zones for much of the last five years, serving two tours in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2005, and one tour in Baghdad from May 2007 until his injury in September.

Since he knew he would be abroad for many months, Callan posted a message on www.adoptaplatoon.org in 2002 looking for a pen pal. Karen Lockery, 47, of Windsor Locks, Conn., replied to his posting and the two became friends. They now e-mail almost daily and chat on the phone, though they have never met face-to-face.

Lockery says she is proud of Callan and his humble bravery. After the tragic attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Lockery felt that she should find a way to serve her country. So she started baking cookies, writing letters and being there for troops. ‘‘With what they see and do every day, I think the letters bring a sense of normalcy to their lives. For a few moments they can go back home or recall a similar time in their lives,” Lockery said. Callan said his friendship and correspondence with Lockery helped him through rough times at war.

‘‘She has always been there for me, especially during those early years when the going was rough and staples were very lean,” he said.

Callan, who is formally trained in lifesaving, also received three Joint Service Commendation Medals for bravely saving three men’s lives in the aftermath of yet another rocket explosion, this time inside the walls of a Baghdad base. A 107-mm rocket was fired into the base, hitting the back tire of a small pickup truck 30 feet away from him.

‘‘I ran over, grabbed my medic bag, gave IVs, tourniquets, and pressure bandages to stem the blood flow because the guys were bleeding out pretty bad,” he said. ‘‘And then the ambulances came and we loaded them on.”

A self-proclaimed outdoorsman, Callan says he is looking forward to going hiking, biking, golfing, snowboarding and maybe even taking a safari trip once he is fully healed.

But right now he is living a laid-back life, enjoying the opportunity to just relax at home and be with his 9-year-old daughter, Brianna.

‘‘I just like working in my yard, going to work, and coming back, but I’m glad I got to help people in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. ‘‘And I try to be the best dad I can and to raise my daughter with the best values and an appreciation for the stuff we take for granted.”

Though he considers himself a ‘‘realist” who does not identify as either a Democrat or a Republican, Callan readily reveals his patriotism. A large American flag flies in both his front yard and his back yard, and he takes great pride in his military service.

‘‘I’m a patriotic person. I’ve always been patriotic – I’m from a military family,” he said. ‘‘I feel very privileged and honored to have been able to participate in both conflicts and to have a footprint in history.”

Summer Came on a Tuesday

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:08:03 GMT

Last year, summer came on a Wednesday ... and I think it was a bit later in the year.

Okay ... let's see ... a few more details:

We got up early on the 8th to get things done, but as you know ... we had to rush Moriah in to see the doctor when her ear got all gooey. Then we rushed home and I finished ironing the Navy whites ... and remembered ... and promptly forgot my moccasins needed to be packed. Sigh! As I finished up the last minute packing the boys stuffed the van full of luggage, regalia and food. We rushed to pick up Athena ... who had one tiny bag ... then ran and got the "elixir of life" (Diet Coke) to start the journey. I also had a cooler full of fourteen 16-oz bottled waters and 100% juice packs.

The trip over on the fast ferry was interesting ... and fast. There is only one deck to sit on, and one deck for the cars. The ferry (from a distance) looks like a catamaran ... this having two screws to move it through the water quicker. I was surprised to find a small galley on board ... you could buy food to microwave, soda, snacks and souveniers. We spent some time working on signing the new song ... only Moriah had it down really well.

We got to Juneau in a timely manner ... and we checked quickly into the hotel ... ran and ate pizza ... then ran to the store to find flat black shoes (or approximation of moccasins) for me to wear the next morning. When we got back to the hotel ... I noticed it reeked of smoke. I went down to the front desk, but there was nothing they could do - -they were PACKED. So ... I had to "suck it up" (literally). Sigh.

The next morning we did the Grand Entrance. That's where you see me carrying the very HEAVY dance staff. I couldn't carry it properly because it was so long ... so "Uncle" Ray took it from me and carried it in the parade. Generally, in past parades, the lead group begins a song that everyone was told we would sing ... and it is sung all the way in. This time ... the lead group (from Yakutat ... in FULLY beaded regalia) sang all sorts of songs ... and all the groups behind them were stunned. What to do? Some of the groups began singing their own songs; and, eventually, so did Kaagwaantaan. We were third in line ... so once we got into Centennial Hall and danced across the stage ... we were done. Yay!

I worked at a health promotion table from 1 - 3 pm trying to get people's opinions on a tobacco cessation campaign that we created ... and it was kind of fun. I think many of you would have liked the artist's market (and I would have taken pictures ... but figured I WOULD get in trouble). They sold seal skins, wooden masks, robes, beaded designs, moccasins, raven's tail bags, pictures, bookmarks, dollies, etc.

Later that evening we performed at Centennial Hall and Uncle Nels asked me to carry the Veteran's staff because I was in the Navy; he also told me that other men would swap out with me if I got tired. So I carried it in ... and it was heavy ... and cumbersome ... and I couldn't figure out how to dance with it. Meanwhile, the man carrying the other staff was told his was heavier and "No, you can't carry her staff." I want you to know, I have it on good authority, his was MUCH lighter. He carried his staff, hopped it here and there, moved it with one arm. I wish you could have seen it ... it was amazing and impressive ... and he had very nice arms! Meanwhile, on my side of the stage, I sweated ... I strained ... I tryed to copy his moves. I rested the staff against my upper thighs ... and it hurt bad. I switched to the other thigh. Finally, a woman's song came ... and I thought I would be relieved ... but I wasn't. I wanted to cry ... but Kaagwaantaan women never faint, cry or throw up in public. So I didn't. I wanted to. When we finished the exit song ... I was exhausted ... I wanted to bawl ... and I carried the HUGE staff back into the dressing room ... put it where it belonged and walked to the car. When I got to the hotel ... I checked ... and I was already developing red marks on my upper thighs from my instrument of torture. My back hurt from the middle of my back all the way to the lower back. My arms and legs were exhausted and sore too! So, we went back to the hotel, got Dominos, (I also took 800 mg of ibuprofen) and watched Stephen King's "Misery." Okay ... I didn't watch the whole thing ... I fell asleep after 9 pm.

The next day I was up at 6 am to be at work at 8 am - 10 am; and, yes, I had quite the bruises ... but wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. It was quiet, so I rearranged our booth so people could see both displays. Then ... I rushed back to the hotel ... changed into regalia ... and rushed back into town to perform at Marine Park. After that we ate and went shopping at WalMart (where we bought Peter too small of a shirt ... and had to return it). Back to the ANB hall in town to perform ... where we got people on their feet singing with us. We did our regalia change ... the hats with the ear loops ... and did it with style! Our performance got over late because it started 90 minutes later than scheduled -- I think we finished around 10:15 pm. I must say I was delighted when I overheard some woman tell her husband, "There's the woman I said was a good dancer." This was HUGE to me ... 'cause I have less practice than even the kids at dancing ... and have been told I have poor rhythm. Poor Peter was exhausted, thirsty and tired. We stopped by Fred Meyer's and bought water and ran back to the hotel to sleep.

Up again at 5:30 to get ready for the parade which began at 8 am (or the lineup anyway). That's when we wore the white sailor outfits with our RED shoes and red lipstick. That was fun ... and I finally figured out HOW to wear that red so it doesn't crack and fall off! Rosella, sweet pale thing that she is, looked BEAUTIFUL in red lipstick ... and both girls attracted the attention of men everywhere. Oddly ... we got more attention than the people in regalia. Isn't that funny? Okay ... and I think I told you why we wore the sailor uniforms in the last blog. Oh ... and there was this cute, young, REAL, baby sailor who wanted to check out the girls. Unfortunately, he could only move his eyes ... but I think he thought the girls were cuties. Many a men stated, "If I knew that the girls looked like that, I would join the Navy." One young fella told his mom, "Look, sailors, I'll be back!" His Mom told me! :o) It was so cold before the parade began that we crawled into other's regalia to keep warm. Moriah was under Mom's, I was under my niece's (Chatham), and Rosella was under Eiric's. Once we started dancing, we warmed right up. Back to the hotel to change. Back to town to work ... and the kids checked out what was happening in town. Back to the hotel to change and a bite to eat ... then we hiked Glacier trail (which took almost two hours ... and we ran some) ... ran to adopt our new kitty, Meeko (isn't she cute) ... dropped the kids off to see Kung Fu Panda, to the hotel to eat ... and back to Centennial Hall for Grand Exit (which went on until 1:30 am). I really wish you could have seen the regalia. The different groups gathered around each other ... and would play songs and dance in place while waiting to enter the building. I can't describe the different drum sounds to you ... not without audio ... but it was awesome. There were even people who played each others' drums. They'd hit their drum ... then hit the other person's drum ... their drum ... you get the picture. Beyond cool!

We had to be at the ferry terminal the next morning at 6 am ... got home at 1:30 ... and took naps!!!!!

Since then ... we've been enjoying the new baby ... it took a week to name her. She was on the streets, but she has quickly adapted to living with us. The other kitties took a while to adapt. I think Haida would have adopted her quickly ... but she scared him with her hissing when we first got her home. The hissing has stopped ... but she still growls if you try to hold her when she isn't tired ... she prefers to run and play.

I hope that you are all well.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Celebration 2008

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:08:14 GMT

We had an exhausting, but wonderful, long weekend in Juneau. Our family (all of the "Jones Girls" -- which includes the original 4 daughters of Peter and Daisy Jones: Jo, Betty, Irene and Midge, Irene's two daughters - Vienna and I, and our seven kids).

The boys danced hard. The most exciting male dancers are the ones who can get down LOW and keep moving around the stage or on the floor ... and they challenge one another to dance harder and lower! Loads of fun!! Peter is very good at getting down low, and when we come off the stage at the end of our 1/2 hour ... he is sweating hard.

Rosella and Moriah are getting healthier. As you know, the day before we left, Rosella was diagnosed with "walking" pneumonia. Thankfully, the antibiotics actually began to improve her health by Friday. Moriah's ear ended up possibly perfing the night before we left. We ran into the doctor so she could get meds before we left for the ferry. Poor baby had to dance with WHITE cotton in her ear the entire time we were over there.

"Speaking" of white -- we dressed in white crackerjacks (the white dress uniform of the enlisted sailor) for the parade on Saturday to honor wan waa shaa. Kaagwaantaan women are known as wan waa shaa (won wah shaw) because when the Navy came to Sitka, the Kaagwaantaan women saw the eagles on their patches and adopted them as our brothers. Thereafter we were known as wan waa shaa (Navy women). All the women who wore Navy uniforms or white satin similies of the uniform garnered a LOT of attention. I was amazed that we had more pictures taken than the dancers in their beautiful regalia.

Yes, I will share more and post LOTS of photos, but for now I need to get some rest. My health is slipping again from burning the candles on both ends. I want to be healthy so I can go to work tomorrow.

I hope that you are all well and finding magic in curious places!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Out of Town

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:51:12 GMT

The kids and I are heading over to Juneau tomorrow to participate in Celebration 2008. Over 5,000 Alaska Natives and American Indians will perform song and dance for one another for three days. Black seaweed and soapberry contests will be held; no, I will not participate. Also there will be a canoe race; and, no, I won't get to participate in that either. I will however participate in the Grand Entrace, sing and dance at three separate performances and the Grand Exit. This will take place Thursday thru Saturday. We will catch the fast ferry to Juneau tomorrow (it takes 4.5 hours versus nine), and return on the same ferry on Sunday.

This is my grandmother attending Celebration -- probably about 4 or 6 years ago!

I have a pray request for those of you who are believers. Please pray that Rosella and Moriah will heal. I took them to the doctor today. Rosella has walking pneumonia. Moriah is sick too -- eustacian tube dysfunction. I appreciate your prayer efforts on our behalf; thank you very much!!

Have a FABULOUS weekend.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

What Does it Take to Lose Weight???

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:21:55 GMT

To be honest, you have to be motivated and willing to work hard.

There is no easy way to lose weight. All the promises of losing weight quick and easy are ways to get your hard earned cash; please stay away from the slick promises and touched-up photos!

Now ... you need to decide where you are on the continuum for the next leg of your life. Are you ready to have a healthy lifestyle? Are you just ready to think about it? Have you been planning to begin, and need to set a start date?

If you are ready to begin, remember that everything you hear on the television or radio is not true. Some is. Most isn't! You can lose weight, but not just for your wedding, class reunion or cruise. If you want to lose weight and be healthier, then you need to find a way that allows you to live it for the rest of your life. As we get older, our bodies change, and we find we no longer have the same metabolism, which for many of us, means we need to work harder to maintain what we have ... or work harder to lose what we gained when we forgot to take care of ourselves.

Okay ... now for data ... the National Weight Control Registry began studying the behaviors of people who successfully lost weight and kept it off (since 1993). If a person wanted to be on the registry they had to maintain a weight loss of at least 30 pounds for lone year. Apparently, the average person on the Registry actually lost 67 pounds and kept it off for six years.

What does it mean for you? Well, don't let others tell you about whether or not you can or cannot lose weight. Yes, genetics do factor in ... but it doesn't mean that you can't be lighter or healthier. You may never look like a model or even look like you did in high school, but the goal is to be healthy for the rest of our life. You may be bigger than your sister, best friend or co-workers even when you are your healthiest, and that is okay. The point is, you have a good deal of control over your weight, but you need to be realistic over your goals.

According to the Registry, successful people adopted the following four changes to their lifestyles to lose weight and maintain that loss.

1) Learn from the Asians and people of the Mediterranean who eat a diet high in complex carbohydrates and little protein. Try whole grain breads, beans and vegetables. Avoid too many processed flours and sugars -- moderation in everything, but try to eat the proper portion and eat it sparingly. The people who were successful in maintaining their new weight and lifestyle adopted a low-fat, high complex carb diet.

2) Our bodies were meant to move. There are 1,440 minutes in each day, and you need to move your body for at least 30 of those minutes. Exercise is key to maintaining your weight loss and it's probably more important than diet. On average, people in the Registry exercise between an hour and an hour and a half a day.

For those of you who are worried about walking thirty minutes for a day ... take it in small bites. Walk for ten minutes 3-times a day. That is completely doable. Slowly add time to it ... then you can either do two or three 30-minute walks or six 15-minute exercise breaks. Whatever you do, begin slowly and add a little bit more each day!

3) Eat breakfast. Be careful of what you choose to eat. Eat a balanced breakfast (1/4 - 1/3 of your daily required calories). If you are like alot people, you may not feel hungry when you wake up. Several hours later you are snarfing down some calorie laden drink and danish. Discipline yourself to eat a healthy breakfast and be surprised when you find you aren't famished at the end of the day!

4) Keep track of what you eat ... and what you weigh (perhaps weekly). Now, you can keep track of your weight by how your clothes fit, but people on the Registry use the scale as an early warning sign to get back on track with your healthy lifestyle changes.

Remember, losing weight is going to be hard and it will be hard to keep the weight off for the rest of your life. People on the Registry agree, but they also say that the extra effort is worth it.

Good luck if you are ready to implement healthy changes in your lifestyle!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae :o)

Nuts, Glorious Nuts

Wed, 28 May 2008 19:23:34 GMT

I love nuts. My mother loved nuts. I snacked on nuts when I was smaller. Imagine how devastated I was to learn that nuts are "fattening." Thankfully, research now suggests that nuts can, in fact, help with maintaining your health (and weight).

To be perfectly honest, nuts DO contain a lot of calories—160 to 200 an ounce, but to be fair most of those calories are from healthy unsaturated fats. However, studies show that people who eat nuts generally weigh less than those who don't. At the very least, they do not weigh more that nut-avoiders.

What if you don't eat nuts regularly? Well, studies have shown that when people add nuts to their usual diets, they don't seem to gain weight. Women who participate in a small study from Purdue University last year, without cutting out their normal calories or exercising more, did not gain weight after 10 weeks. Similar findings have been reported with walnuts and peanuts. There aren't many studies that prove whether nuts can help you lose weight, but one found that a low-calorie diet that included almonds led to more weight loss than a same-calorie, nut-free diet.

Nuts have both fiber and protein, and those help make you feel full longer. Also some research has found that not all the fat in whole nuts is absorbed—from 4% to 17% passes out of the body undigested.

Nuts are also linked with a demonstrated reduced risk of heart disease, largely because they have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol. If you consume 2 to 3 ounces of nuts, especially almonds, pecans, peanuts, and walnuts, they may significantly lower your total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In some cases nuts have been shown to increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. Recent studies have shown walnuts can improve blood vessel health, while pistachio and macadamia nuts demonstrated benefits for the heart also.

Remember - too much of a good thing is bad. Nuts may be good for your health, but eat them in moderation (1 - 2 ounces per day). One small handful is about an ounce.

Almond, cashew, and, peanut nut butters, have the same nutritional advantages as the nuts themselves and are a healthier sandwich filling than cheese and most meats.

Choose unsalted nuts if you buy packaged nuts; they can be high in sodium otherwise.

Nuts are an excellent source of protein. The USDA counts nuts in the "meat and bean" group of its food pyramid.

All nuts have healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but there are differences in the other benefits depending on the nut of your choosing.

Almonds are richest in vitamin E and calcium.

Brazil nuts are the best dietary source of selenium. If you eat 2 or 3 a day; it provides the recommended amount of selenium to lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Cashews are richest in copper and zinc.

Macadamia nuts have the most calories and most fat, while chestnuts have the least (read the labels).

Peanuts are contain resveratrol, a phytochemical also found in grapes and red wine that may have health benefits, are richest in arginine, and have the most protein.

Walnuts are richest in alpha-linolenic acid, a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid.

Like all nuts, hazelnuts (filberts), pecans, and pistachios provide some iron, magnesium, thiamin, and other nutrients. An ounce of hazelnuts provides almost a day's worth of manganese.

Try these recipes to get your nut fix in -- without overdoing it!

Persian Poached Pears

Ingredients
4 large Bosc pears
1 cup water
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons honey
4 dried apricots
2 (3 x 1/2-inch) lemon rind strips
1 (3-inch) piece vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 whole clove
4 reduced-calorie vanilla wafers, crushed
5 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios, toasted and divided

Preparation
Peel and core pears, leaving stems intact. Slice about 1/4 inch from base of each pear so it will sit flat.

Combine water and next 7 ingredients (water through clove) in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add pears; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Remove pears and apricots from cooking liquid using a slotted spoon; chill pears and apricots. Bring cooking liquid to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 15 minutes). Strain cooking liquid through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Chill.

Chop apricots. Combine apricots, wafer crumbs, and 1 tablespoon pistachios. Stuff about 2 tablespoons apricot mixture into each pear cavity. Place pears in each of 4 bowls. Spoon 1/4 cup syrup over each pear; sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon pistachios.

Note: Use a melon baller to core pears.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information: Calories 251; Fat 6g; Protein 3.4g; Cholesterol 0.0mg; Calcium 41mg; Sodium 24mg; Fiber 6g; Iron 1.7mg; Carbohydrate 51.5g

Chicken Tetrazzini with Almonds

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
2 cups presliced mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup sherry
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked spaghetti (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, broth, and sherry; stir with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 8 minutes; stir constantly. Stir in chicken and 1/2 cup cheese; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; add pasta, nuts, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spoon into a 3-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings (about 1 1/4 cups)

Nutritional Information: Calories 380; Fat 12.1g; Protein 26.3g; Cholesterol 43mg; Calcium 259mg; Sodium 384mg; Fiber 3g; Iron 2.9mg; Carbohydrate 40.9g

Fruit and Nut Granola

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
2 cups presliced mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup sherry
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups hot cooked spaghetti (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, broth, and sherry; stir with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 8 minutes; stir constantly. Stir in chicken and 1/2 cup cheese; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; add pasta, nuts, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spoon into a 3-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings (about 1 1/4 cups)

Nutritional Information: Calories 380; Fat 12.1g; Protein 26.3g; Cholesterol 43mg; Calcium 259mg; Sodium 384mg; Fiber 3g; Iron 2.9mg; Carbohydrate 40.9g

Four Lovers

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:21:36 GMT

'The Four Lovers'

Once upon a time there was a Queen who had four lovers.

She loved the 4th lover the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the Best.

She also loved the 3rd lover very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd lover. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever the Queen faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The Queen's 1st lover was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first lover. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him.

One day, the Queen fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four lovers with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.

Thus, she asked the 4th lover, 'I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No way!' replied the 4th lover, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad Queen then asked the 3rd lover, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'No!' replied the 3rd lover. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to love someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd lover, 'I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?'

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!' replied the 2nd lover. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the Queen was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The Queen looked up, and there was her first lover. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the Queen said, 'I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'

In truth, you have 4 lovers in your life:

Your 4th lover is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die .....

Your 3rd lover is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your 2nd lover is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the Grave.

And your 1st lover is your Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you wherever you go. Cultivate and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you are in the perfect position to pray.

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

Matthew 6:21

Garbage Trucks

Thu, 22 May 2008 16:19:24 GMT

This is another little story that I received in my email -- but it spoke to my heart so I thought I would share.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly.

So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home , or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..... "Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't."

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments on "controversial" topics. Other people's thought processes are a wonderful way to learn, to stretch our boundaries in a healthy way, and to determine who we are (attitudes, values, beliefs). I'm so glad that everyone feels comfortable to share, and that we all do it respectfully ... makes my little heart want to sing!!

Personally, I'm still trying to get rid of the nasty cold ... it always takes me a bit more time than others, but thanks to all of you who wished me well and sent a prayer my way!

God bless you and keep you,

Nae :o)

Old Fashioned and Proud of It

Fri, 16 May 2008 03:44:38 GMT

I'm sick again. I wish I could say it is from all the nonsense in the news, but I think my children did a very good job of spreading the "love." Both of my ears have fluid behind them; I have an "ulcer" on my throat (which may or may not be strep), and my lungs sound crusty. When I went to Urgent Care on Monday I was given Erythromyacin oinment for my eyes and Flunisolide for my nose. I was told by the pharmacist to put the pointy part up my nostril, pinch the other side closed, and sniff. Three days later I am MISERABLE. Apparently, you are supposed to bend over squirt the Flunisolide up your nose and then let it run out. It supposedly lowers your immune system, and ... ta-dah!

I read today, online, that both Obama and Clinton have had to apologize for calling women, "Sweetie." I don't believe that I have ever been offended when I was called "Sweetie," "Sweetheart," "Hun," "Lass," or any other term of affection by someone who does or does not know me. I will admit that I used to be annoyed when people would ask if I was "Eskimo" until I figured out that people just didn't know about all of Alaska's indigenous people and they weren't trying to offend me. As I grow older, I have to ask myself, "When someone calls someone else a "term of endearment," are they deliberately trying to put the other person down? Somehow, I think not. I think probably 99.9% of the time it isn't meant as an insult either.

I have also never been offended when a man holds the door (car or building) open for me. I have never been offended when a man offers to help me when I look like I need assistance. Do I think that when they assist me they are telling me that I am not capable of taking care of myself? I don't think so. I think that ther person was raised with manners -- and I like them. I appreciate the fact that they are being kind and considerate.

I find it funny that in a country where more and more people say that they are concerned with other people, we are always taking offense and mad at other people. We are being wronged. Where does it end? Where does the love begin?

Perhaps with the people we live with, our family, our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our communities. Let's try honestly being nice to one person at a time, and try not be offended unless we know for a certainty that we are being wronged. Perhaps then, we can change the world.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Turn Off the TV and Be Happy

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:09:20 GMT

This is from another email that I received from MountainWings, but it says a lot of what I believe. I know this thought process isn't very popular in today's age. I just think that Americans tend to not take responsibility for what they do or don't do ... and we tend to complain a great deal without trying to change the world around ourselves. The words that hurt me the most are, "I hate being an American. This is the worst country in the world."

From MountainWings:

In my years of pastoral counseling, not one counseling session has been because of the President of the United States. Not one. All of them have been the result of stuff the President had nothing to do with. Personal stuff. This has much merit.

We will always have problems, issues, corruption, favoritism and downright dishonesty. We will also always have solutions, blessings, fairness, honesty and integrity. Yes, things need to change, and yes, we need to be thankful for the things that are the same.

The statement below is often credited to Jay Leno. But it wasn't said or written by Jay, it was written by Craig R. Smith. Only the closing paragraph of this MountainWings is by Jay Leno.

Here it goes:

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69% of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, two-thirds of the citizenry just ain't happy and wants a change.

So being the knuckle dragger that I am, I started thinking, "What're we so unhappy about?"

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24/7? Is our unhappiness the result of having A/C in the summer and heating in the winter?

Could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it's the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it's the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we'd find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our cars, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that's what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we're the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the USA, yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are: the most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President who cut taxes to bring an economy out of a recession? Could this be the same guy who's been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The Commander-in-Chief of an all-volunteer army that's out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or on a talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy, that you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it. Are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the media told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There's currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They're able to refuse to go and end up with either a "general" discharge, an "other than honorable" discharge or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontent in the minds of 69% of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this, and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by justifying them in one way or another.

Stop buying the negativism you're fed every day by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We're among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?
~Craig R. Smith and Jay Leno~

I know that it is easy to point fingers and complain about what our leaders do, but if you are unhappy with them -- just vote someone who you think will honestly represent your interests (as much as possible) wherever you think a change is needed. Along those lines, try to remember that we are all human ... and ALL of us (and all administrations) have made big mistakes. We can't help but make mistakes. To error is human, to forgive is divine. If you really don't like who is available, then change the world by going out and volunteering, running for office, or implementing what you believe needs to be done. Now is the time for every concerned Americanto step up to the plate ... and change their piece of the world ... and make it a better place for the next generation.

God bless you and keep you,

Nae

Frontier Fancies

Healthy Fourth of July

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded cabbage 3 cups diced Granny Smith apple 6 tablespoons raisins 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts 3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine yogurt and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Pour over cabbage mixture; toss well. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Nutritional Information: 69 calories; 1.8g fat; 0.5mg iron; 1 mg cholesterol; 27mg calcium; 14.1g carbohydrate; 91 mg sodium; 1.3g protein; 1.9g fiber

Low Sodium Potato Salad

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook potatoes until tender. Drain and allow to cool. Add chopped eggs, relish and green onions to potatoes. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard together. Pour over potatoes and combine well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information: 213 calories; 2.4g fat; 0.9mg iron; 71.8mg cholesterol; 42g carbohydrate; 180.6mg sodium; 6.9g protein; 5.1g fiber

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn, unhusked

Preparation:

Grill the ears of corn, periodically rolling them for even cooking, until the kernels are tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the husks before serving

Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information: 77 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 17 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 14 mg sodium; 243 mg potassium

Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

Preparation:

To prepare shortcakes: Preheat oven to 400°F.

To prepare filling: Toss strawberries with sugar in a medium bowl. Beat whipping cream in a medium bowl until it's thick and holds its shape, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in sour cream until combined.

To serve, split shortcakes horizontally. Spoon berries and juice onto the bottoms, top with the cream mixture and replace the shortcake tops

Yield: 12 Servings

Nutritional Information: 303 calories; 14 g fat; 48 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber; 137 mg sodium; 157 mg potassium

Citrus Iced Tea

Ingredients:

½ cup lemon juice⅓ cup sugar, or to taste3 ½ cups strong brewed tea

Preparation:

Stir together lemon juice and sugar in a pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Stir in tea; chill.

Yield: 4 servings (1 serving is one cup)

Nutritional Information: 72 calories; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 0 mg sodium; 78 mg potassium

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3 cups shredded cabbage
3 cups diced Granny Smith apple
6 tablespoons raisins
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

½ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup sugar, or to taste
3 ½ cups strong brewed tea