MY MOST PERFECT CHRISTMAS

My first year married was the best Christmas ever. My husband was able to come home from Russia for a week and we were trully able to share the essence and love of the holiday.

FOR MY BABY!

I love you baby!

THANKSGIVING.......

THANKSGIVING

I have always felt like Thanksgiving was a stumbling block to the big holiday, "Christmas". So although I do celebrate it, I don't go overboard for it. Since it will just be me and the girls. I am roasting 2 Cornish game hens with lemon, butter and rosemary. I will roast potato wedges and carrots with the same herb blend. With the left overs I always use them to make a Moroccan stew which is just fantastic.

I baked a spice cake with cream cheese frosting topped with walnuts for one friend and I just finished the orders I got for 2 large loafs of pumpkin Spice bread topped with lots of walnuts.

My Sweet Husband is back out at sea, but we have gotten to talk more often this past trip. Which is great. Its harder when he is gone and the communication is limited. He seems to be very happy on the boat he is on, so I am happy for him. I mailed him a Thanksgiving card and a Christmas Card hopefully, he will receive them before the holiday. He says I don't have to do it, but I always want him to know I love him and I think about him, and even though we are always apart on every holiday, he is in my heart.

If the new movies are out on Thursday ,then my plan is to go and see the new "Transporter" movie and the comedy "4 Christmases".

Hopefully next week I will be hired for a new job. I scored a 96 on the entrance exam , which was pretty good for taking an exam and not knowing what would be on it at all. I have excellent references so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I have bible study tonight, which I really enjoy. I have made some very good friends in the group. I have been doing this study religiously...lol for 14 months.

Things I am Thankful for......

My husband, My Girls, My Boys, Good Neighbors, My Bible Study Family, The gift of creativity.

I am praying for:

The Pinnette Family who's Father who had Alzheimer's wondered off from just down the road a week ago and it was not a happy ending. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

for the health issues of two of my friends.

that my husband will continue to be happy in his work and achieve his goals.

That I will get the job I need so badly, and I will excel in it.

I thank God for my Girls, they make me so happy and I love them more than anything.

AMEN.

This is so true.....

THE JOB - URINE TEST
(Whoever wrote this one deserves a HUGE pat on the back!)
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test.
Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their BEHIND doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.
Pass this along if you agree or simply delete if you don't. Hope you all will pass it along, though. . Some thing has to change in this country -- and soon!!!!!!!

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF A STROKE

It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke... totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough. Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR.
Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) ( i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your TongueNOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue..If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke. A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

FERRY TO ALGIERS--POETRY

The Ferry from Algiers
Sitting on the ferry from Algiers , I watch the people making their commute. Most off to work dressed in cooks gear. Tourists off to see the sights, a rough one or two looking to steal or fight.
Landing on the New Orleans Bank. We all depart in quiet unison. Thru the ferry station to the streets and the trolley. All going our anonymous separate ways, different people, different lives, but just another Day.
Bella
Nov. 20 , 2008

CAFE DU MONDE--POETRY

Café du Monde
I ordered my café au lait
and beignets
and people watched.
There was the old guy
in the floppy French hat,
goatee and gold
wire rimmed glasses
watching me as
I watched him.
The extreme tourists,
men in safari vests
and panama hats
better suited for the jungle
than the streets of New Orleans.
The guitar player ,
playing songs for your loose change
although dollar bills much appreciated
Couples, single men, single women.
Gay lovers looking like an Abercrombie and Fitch ad.
An old lady with henna dyed hair in Gypsy regalia.
The waitresses in white paper hats
and black bowties
with matching black aprons.
Serving patrons
seated on pea green
upholstered seats.
Reminiscent of the 1940’s.
Ivy covered walls,
And tiled terraces
Surrounded by ornate
wrought iron encasements
I depart for my next grand adventure,
with powdered sugar,
I’ll be wearing
on my black jeans
all day as a pleasant souvenir .
Bella
Nov 20,2008

Bride on the Beach

I saw a faceless picture of a bride on the beach.
She was running in the sand
and her gaze was on the lonely sea.

A tear in my eye, feeling sorry for her.

Even sorrier when I realized it as me.

Always waiting, always alone,
by myself sleeping in our beautiful home.
All the lonely holidays,
all the things I wished I could say.

Words get lost and then forgotten.

Waiting for letters, waiting for calls,
no one really knows the loneliness of it all.

Then when he is home.
He is never mine.
There is always something between us
and I don’t know why.

I am isolated in my own soul.
Always to be the bride on the beach ,
older and still alone.

Bella

Nov 20,2008

LIFE'S SOUNDTRACKS

I got an email today about the reunion tour for The Police. It was a blast fom the past. When I was in Junior High and all thru High School and then some , I ate, breathed and lived The Police. I had every album , and knew every song by heart. They would definitey be star players in my lifes soundtrack.


Ofcourse there was Duran Duran .

In my late twenties which was a time of enlightenment, self awareness and re-creation it was all Morphine. The drooning of the bass, was something all new for me and I understood the poeticness of the lyrics.


When Greg and I met and fell in love the soundtracks for our romance were definitely
3 Doors Down and Nickelback.



There are not many things in life I can look back on and say I am still passionate about. but those Soundtacks define those moments in my life.

Hints From A Friend

*During a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils.
Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutesyou can 'taste' it.

Some of us have used Vicks vapor rub for years for everything from chapped
lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I've never heard of
this. And don't laugh, it works 100% of the time, although the scientists
who discovered it aren't sure why.

To stop night time coughing in a child
(or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks vapor rub generously on the
bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks.
Even persistent,heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes
and stay stopped for many,many hours of relief.

Works 100% of the time and is more effective in
children than even very strong prescription cough medicines.
In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

Just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why
cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good, due to the chemical
makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was a surprise finding and
found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at
bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children
who then went on to sleep soundly.

My wife tried it on herself
when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks
ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had
enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me,
this was a deep, ( incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable
cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it.

If you have grandchildren, pass this on. If you end up sick, try it yourself
and you will be absolutely amazed at how it works.

DON'T SHUN THIS ONE.. TRY IT THE NEXT TIME YOU GET A BAD COLD.** *

Making Lemonade out of life's Lemons

Things seem to be looking up. I had a dinner party last night. Just a light Supper. I made a Cheesy Chicken Enchillada Soup, with Cracklin cornbread muffins and for desssert a spiced Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Pecan Butter. It must have been good cause they took home all the left overs.

After the storm our neighborhood really bonded together, eversince several of us have gotten really close and we all do dinner or have Our Desparate House Wives Wine Party atleast once a week. My neighbor being hispanic immediately gets pegged as Eva, me I am more a cross between Nicolette Sheridan and Marcia Cross. Because I love my frilly retro aprons.

My neighbor told me about a really good job where he retired from and even took me there to drop off my application and introduce me to everyone. I sit for my entrance exam this Wednesday. So I am excited and a bit nervous, why couldn't they just give me a Cosmo Quiz I am really good at those..lol He seems to think with my smarts and experience and list of certifications I am a shoe in for the job. I hope so.

I also got a call to do another divorce for a lady. This will be the 6th uncontested divorce I have done for people. I used to do legal documents for people at my old job all the time, and I am a notary public so its a good little sideline. I used to do it for free but I will be charging from now on.

Here's my Lemonade Recipe
4c. water
1c. lemom juice ( freshly squeezed)
1/4c. honey

stir well, chill and serve with a spring of mint.

The Penny in the Parking lot

That Little Penny In The Parking Lot

Remember this every time you pass that little penny in the parking lot.
I always thought that it was for good luck, but I love this version better.

I found a penny today Laying on the ground. But it's not just a penny,
This little coin I've found.

Found pennies come from heaven, that's what my Grandpa told me.
He said Angels toss them down. Oh, how I loved that story.

He said when an Angel misses you, They toss a penny down;
Sometimes just to cheer you up, To make a smile out of your frown.

So, don't pass by that penny When you're feeling blue.
It may be a penny from heaven That an Angel's tossed to you.

An Angel is now watching over you. Have A Great Day!

Nigella Lawson

I can hardy wait for my new Nigella Lawson Christmas Book to come. I have it on pre-order from amazon.com

Incredible Shrinking Newspaper

11x23inches

Monday Morning I get my newspaper and start looking thru it like I do every morning. It seemed different but I couldn't put my finger on it. I thought it seemed smaller but I thought No! there are some things in life are constant, that can be counted on and the standard size of a newspaper had to be on that list. Since hurricane Ike I haven't been myself. It has affected me deeply. Seeing the destruction of the place I was born and raised and had lived in most of my life I am distraught, losing the job I loved where I worked for the last 10 years because the building was destroyed and there is no insurance to rebuild,being broke and unemployed, having the home where my prized possessions were housed broken into and looted. Yes I am under a tremendous amount of stress or PTSD what ever you want to call it, So my focus has been fuzzy for awhile now. So yes I indeed thought it was just another bit of my mind being lost when I called into question the newspaper. Then I saw the article that follows, this post. So I did in fact feel validated. I do want to give credit where credit is due, after the hurricane when we were not allowed for weeks to return to the island and see what had become of it. The Galveston Daily News was still being printed and delivered. It was something I held dear like a life line and I thank them for being there.

Change in format coming Monday

From staff reports The Daily News
Published November 2, 2008Readers are going to see a slimmer Daily News on Monday.The change will be in the width of each page. It’s going to get slimmer by about 2 inches. If the newspaper were a person, it would be getting skinnier, not shorter. It’s almost as if The Daily News were going on a diet — and that gets to the reason behind the change.We’re trying to keep the paper affordable to readers.The cost of newsprint is a major expense for us and for other newspapers. Many papers have already switched to the narrower page. We think it’ll be the standard within a couple of years.Incidentally, this isn’t the first time that the standard size of a newspaper page has changed. You might recall the last change eight years ago.The only change you’ll see Monday will be in the package, not the content. We’ll work hard to keep bringing you the local news. If you have any concerns or comments, contact Editor Heber Taylor at 409-683-5245 or heber.taylor(at)galvnews.com.

VOTE!!!!!!!!

It's Fall Ya'll

I put out a few decorations to decorate the house for fall. I am not much of a Thanksgiving person, I have always felt it was just a stumbling block on the way to Christmas which is my favorite hoilday. I do like the first crisp days of fall as it always puts me in the mood to bake. Unfortunately we don't have that many crisp fall days here on the Gulf Coast. Its an old Wive's Tale( Old Wive's do know a thing or two) but I have always heard that after a big Hurricane like Hurricane Ike we just experienced that a frigidly cold winter follows.

I have a jar of Butternut squash soup and several pumpkin butters and pumpkin muffin mix, and cranberry relish in the pantry from my last raid of Williams Sonoma. I love Williams Sonoma especially the catalog and recipes.

I sure hope I get the job I applied for, Then I will have folks to share all the baked goods with.

A Chef I worked wth on a ship in Alaska once told me that "a Baker made a good cook, but a cook made a terrible baker". I happen to mention this to my husband one night while I was baking homemade peanut butter cookies. I then added how lucky he was I was a baker. Mind you I was out of flour and used bisquick, and I had no shortening so I used butter. Well they looked beautiful til I put them in the oven and they all spread out into square flat pancakes. They tasted great mind you. Well wouldn't you know he had to start in with oh my what a little baker you are.

He stayed up late that night and came to bed moaning and groaning that he ate to many cookies and milk. The next morning when I got up the platter of cookies was almost gone, so I coquettishly smile and say you little cookie monster you and gave him a kiss. He looked at me like I was crazy. I thought what a jack ass!

Well when he comes in the kitchen he looks at the platter and says I didnt eat all those. I said "Well who did? the dog?", about that time we both looked at Sally our Golden Retriever and indeed the guilty party. Sally is so long legged there is no place aside from the top of the refrigerator she can not reach. She has eaten pies and an entire pizza before but that was when she was younger. Needless to say my cookies became doggie treats after that.

At a party we had last spring a Judge friend of ours brought us an orchid plant . His wife raises them. It was in full bloom when he gave it to me and the blooms stayed beautiful for a very long time. Once they were spent I followed his directions and trimmed it back. Well its in bloom again. Its gorgeous.

Everybody say a prayer for me that I get this job. I am out of money and I need to get back to work bad.

Red Beans and Rice

I have never been one that cared for beans as a main entree. But as it was the acclaimed food of New Orleans and I did buy a post card with the recipe on it, I figured I would give it a shot. Ofcourse I never follow a recipe explicitly. So I added a few of my own touches. It came out very well and I brought some over to my neighbor. Looks like I will be having left overs all week since its just me and the puppies at home.